Installation questions: DNX8120 and camera

NCC1701 · 04-10-2009, 09:54 PM

I wanted to avoid starting a new thread for this. But, questions attached to old relevant threads seem to go unnoticed.

I've got an appointment on Tuesday 4/14 to have my cruise control and Kenwood 8120 with rear view camera installed.

Question 1: I've got everything in hand ... except tonight I discovered I need an antenna adapter! Is this an item a professional installer would have in stock, or could it be purchased locally? Radio Shack maybe? I hardly ever listen to radio but obviously it would be better to have the antenna hooked up while the head unit is being installed.

Question 2: running the camera's lead from the rear of the car to the HU? What's the best route? Mine is a cabriolet.

Question 3: placement of the GPS antenna/receiver? Inside the dash, perhaps? Inside the bonnet? What's good?

Question 4: The 8120 has two USB ports. I see one on the back. I'm guessing the 2nd is on the front panel but hidden without power to the unit. If the back end port accepts input from a USB device, I'd like to have the USB port extended to the glove box. Long ago, I saw a post along these lines but I can't locate it now. I'd like to be able to connect a device which I can house in the glove box. Help?

I am leaving my car with the installer all day and I'd sure like to have everything go smoothly. It's too late to order the antenna adapter and have it delivered in time for my appointment.

I'm also having him install my cruise control and Optima battery (since the battery has to be disconnected anyway).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

**Wdhitch** · 04-11-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I wanted to avoid starting a new thread for this. But, questions attached to old relevant threads seem to go unnoticed.

I've got an appointment on Tuesday 4/14 to have my cruise control and Kenwood 8120 with rear view camera installed.

Question 1: I've got everything in hand ... except tonight I discovered I need an antenna adapter! Is this an item a professional installer would have in stock, or could it be purchased locally? Radio Shack maybe? I hardly ever listen to radio but obviously it would be better to have the antenna hooked up while the head unit is being installed.

Question 2: running the camera's lead from the rear of the car to the HU? What's the best route? Mine is a cabriolet.

Question 3: placement of the GPS antenna/receiver? Inside the dash, perhaps? Inside the bonnet? What's good?

Question 4: The 8120 has two USB ports. I see one on the back. I'm guessing the 2nd is on the front panel but hidden without power to the unit. If the back end port accepts input from a USB device, I'd like to have the USB port extended to the glove box. Long ago, I saw a post along these lines but I can't locate it now. I'd like to be able to connect a device which I can house in the glove box. Help?

I am leaving my car with the installer all day and I'd sure like to have everything go smoothly. It's too late to order the antenna adapter and have it delivered in time for my appointment.

I'm also having him install my cruise control and Optima battery (since the battery has to be disconnected anyway).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Question 1 - You may be able to find it locally... your installer might have it... it's a VW antenna adapter.

Question 2 - The wiring from the rear tailgate exits on the left side fo the car. My suggestion would be to run it along the side under the carpet on the left side of the car. I have 2 wires run there now and there's no issue... especially with it being done by a pro... they know how to hide stuff.

Question 3 - I can't remember if you have the tack and clock pods or not... if you do, the antenna fits nicely right between the two... if not it can fit inside the A/C cover piece... people have run it under the bonnett but it works just fine on the dash... it's a personal choice.

Question 4 - You can get an adapter for the rear USB port depending on what you are wanting to use. Your installer probably has this but if not a Best Buy or somewhere like that should have it.

**jwight** · 04-11-2009, 04:03 AM

This thread from Cube may be what you want: DIY USB and 110V

He connected one of the USB ports to one on the back of his radio.

NCC1701 · 04-11-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

This thread from Cube may be what you want: DIY USB and 110V

He connected one of the USB ports to one on the back of his radio.

Yep, that is exactly the thread I couldn't find. Dayum, you're good.
But, after reviewing the post ... it may be a bit much to ask of the installer. I will provide him with the info and see what he thinks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wdhitch

Question 1 - You may be able to find it locally... your installer might have it... it's a VW antenna adapter.

Question 2 - The wiring from the rear tailgate exits on the left side fo the car. My suggestion would be to run it along the side under the carpet on the left side of the car. I have 2 wires run there now and there's no issue... especially with it being done by a pro... they know how to hide stuff.

Question 3 - I can't remember if you have the tack and clock pods or not... if you do, the antenna fits nicely right between the two... if not it can fit inside the A/C cover piece... people have run it under the bonnett but it works just fine on the dash... it's a personal choice.

Question 4 - You can get an adapter for the rear USB port depending on what you are wanting to use. Your installer probably has this but if not a Best Buy or somewhere like that should have it.

1. Great to hear it is just a VW adapter, makes it a lot more likely to be available locally. Thanks.

2. I'll pass that along to him.

3. I have the pods. When you say it fits between the two pods, do you mean surface mount on top of the dash? I would prefer to have the antenna hidden, so long as reception isn't a problem. About the A/C cover, is exposure to heat/cold/condensation a problem there? Or could the antenna just be attached to the inside surface of the dash?

4. I'm thinking of a compact external USB SSD or HDD to playback mp3s. Something like this Transcend StoreJet 25f. or Transcend solid-state drive.
I know the Kenwood has iPod control, but I'd rather try an alternative first.

Thanks

**Dunerunner** · 04-11-2009, 09:55 AM

NCC - Mine is under the ventilation cover atop the dash, it's not visible and no problems!! I'm in full agreement with everything else mentioned..you're going to love that system!!

NCC1701 · 04-11-2009, 09:59 AM

Thanks Dunerunner. A question for you, if I may? About the two USB ports ...
is one of them on the front panel behind the display? I don't see it on my unpowered, uninstalled unit. Also, are both of them available for connection to a usb device, such as an external hd? Thanks.

**Dunerunner** · 04-11-2009, 10:07 AM

My unit is a 7120, similar, but not the same. USB's on mine are on the back side of the unit and I think you can utilize one for external connection to an HD but not sure the unit is set up to recognize two. Again, it is best to check with Kenwood Technical on questions like this. They were very helpful when the shop was installing my 7120!!