Hello from Kenwood UK

[Kenwood UK]

Hi everyone,

Just signed up to answer a few question's (of Kenwood and other stuff - we are quite technical!) and to surf the boards for information and the must have mods for our own vans!

We are an official approved supplier to Volkswagen Group, I'm sure you have all seen us in the press and your local Commercial Vehicle van centre.

It just so happens that Kenwood run VW's in our fleet (coincidence to our contract - we are VW nuts at heart!) and have a demo Scirocco and New Beetle... and a T5!!!

Currently Kenwood have a Sportline Panel Van in Candy white at the moment - if you see us out and about give us a wave! We have a blog on it here; http://kenwoodblog.co.uk/?p=2352

Catch us on all the usual social media - #KenwoodUK - follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest gossip!

Heres a few cools pics;







Here's a snap of our beetle at Ultimate dubs last year;


And a cool rolling shot of our Scirocco;






And a cool shot of our VW Multimedia unit (DNX521DAB) fitted in Garage Midnight's 450bhp 180mph Golf http://kenwoodblog.co.uk/?p=1963 ;



You might of even met some of the Kenwood team at shows or events around the country.. anyways! HI :hello

 

[calikev]

Hi kenwood and welcome good to have your knowledge
Onboard

 

[GrannyJen]

So...

Mr Kenwood uk...

just where were you when I was choosing bits for Albert?

I kept asking loads of techie questions and no one knew the answers to them, I really really wanted one of your ever so nice looking bits of kit in Albert, he deserves it,

instead I have an RNS 510, not bad, but "RNS" sounds more like a nurse giving an enema than "Kenwood" which suggests high quality audio.

Welcome!

 

[Juanage]

Hello Kenwood,

About to orde a brand new California and am more than a little confused about the audio set up. I want a cd/radio/bluetooth/satnav/iPod/iPhone charge and play capability with hands free. Having been through the rather confusing brochure of factory options and dealer fitted options, I have opted for your unit with the MFSW hoping it will do all I need. Unfortunately, I have read a few reviews that infer that the full phone controls are not available when your unit is installed in a California, in particular, an inability to answer or hang up a phone. Also, the dealer wax a little unsure about the type of iPhone lead available and what the process is if Pple change it's connector in terms of future proofing.
it

May be some bone questions, but I would appreciate some feedback prior committing to the final solution.

Cheers

 

[Kenwood UK]

Hello Kenwood,

Hello!

I want a cd/radio/bluetooth/satnav/iPod/iPhone charge and play capability with hands free.

The Kenwood DNX521DAB option through your VW dealer is the one for you – it does all of the above – CD & DVD, DAB and FM Radio, Bluetooth Handsfree, Garmin nav, and iPod/iPhone playback.

I have opted for your unit with the MFSW hoping it will do all I need. Unfortunately, I have read a few reviews that infer that the full phone controls are not available when your unit is installed in a California, in particular, an inability to answer or hang up a phone

Yes it works with the Multi function steering wheel.

The “confusion” comes from 2 things – vehicles that have factory phone prep on and don’t have this disabled when the unit is installed; this means you can pair to both VWBT and Kenwood BT and also see the VW one in the MFD.
The phonebook is all controlled by touchscreen – on the factory kit its all controlled by the right hand joypad on the wheel. You can still answer and end a call on the wheel and control the call volume.

lso, the dealer wax a little unsure about the type of iPhone lead available and what the process is if Pple change it's connector in terms of future proofing.

The iPod cable is the older 30 pin type – if you want iphone 5 or lightning then you need an Apple Lightning adapter which is £25 from Apple.

Hope this helps!

BTW theres a good video somewhere on here showing all how it works on the wheel if you are still confused – i promise it does work – i have it on my van too!!!

 

[Tom Rae]

I have a T5 California 2009 (close out model so up to 2009). I intend to fit a Kenwood DMX 7017 DABS head unit however my previous attempt with a different brand head unit came to nought therefore I am anxious to ensure that a) it is fully compatible with Can Bus and b) I have the correct parts ie DAB aerial, microphone and loom converter. Part numbers would help.

The current VW head unit has a useful sleep feature for use on site which shuts off the head unit after about 30 minutes, is this a head unit feature - if so does the Kenwood have it or can it be configured?

 

[Barryjm]

I have a T5 California 2009 (close out model so up to 2009). I intend to fit a Kenwood DMX 7017 DABS head unit however my previous attempt with a different brand head unit came to nought therefore I am anxious to ensure that a) it is fully compatible with Can Bus and b) I have the correct parts ie DAB aerial, microphone and loom converter. Part numbers would help.

The current VW head unit has a useful sleep feature for use on site which shuts off the head unit after about 30 minutes, is this a head unit feature - if so does the Kenwood have it or can it be configured?

Likewise I have a 2009 Cali with the standard VW radio and have been considering an upgrade for a number of years! DAB, google maps, Spotify and a seamless integration into my van are the essential features for me, so I’ll be watching this thread with some interest!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Sad]

May be waiting a while for a reply from Kenwood UK , they've not been on the forum since 2015...

Having said that, I too would be interested, ended up swapping out our RCD200 for an RCD200 (albeit one that'll play mp3 CDs).

From what I've read, retrofitting DAB is notoriously difficult...

 

[Barryjm]

Lol! Thanks Sad, I didn’t check the dates. For info there is a guy on the T4 forum who seems to specialise in audio for T4 and T5 and builds plug and play cables. Don’t think I can mention names but message me if anyone is interested.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Freeley]

I have a T5 California 2009 (close out model so up to 2009). I intend to fit a Kenwood DMX 7017 DABS head unit however my previous attempt with a different brand head unit came to nought therefore I am anxious to ensure that a) it is fully compatible with Can Bus and b) I have the correct parts ie DAB aerial, microphone and loom converter. Part numbers would help.

The current VW head unit has a useful sleep feature for use on site which shuts off the head unit after about 30 minutes, is this a head unit feature - if so does the Kenwood have it or can it be configured?

I bought this head unit for my Sprinter work van last year from Halfords. On their website it gives you the option of entering your reg number and it tells you if it will fit your vehicle and list any additional components you need (wiring harnesses, fascia adaptors etc).
I've just tried it now but it doesn't know if it'll fit my 2009 Cali or not, so it would require a trip to your nearest Halfords store to find out. This is still the easiest and safest way of buying and making sure it works (it's £349 there at the moment which is £100 less than what I paid last year).
The auto switch off is a feature of the can bus system rather than the head unit.
I found this a bit of a pain when on site so had a local auto electrician wire a switchable connection to the leisure batteries enabling me to keep it on unit I turn it off.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Tom Rae]

Cheers Freeley, helpful stuff thanks.

Tm