Kenwood DNX8120? GEN 6

[Wizrd23]

Quick question:

I have a 2007 Camry LE. Factory radio and factory speakers. I'm finally ready to pull it and put in a GPS / AV head unit.

After some research, it appears the Kenwood DNX8120 is the badboy I'm going to order.

My question is, what all do I need to order? This will be my first head unit install, but I'm a TV Engineer by day... I play with crazy electronics all the time. Just need to make sure I have all my basis covered:

I'm guessing I need:

1) the head unit
2) Double DIN harness
3) speaker harness?
4) dash kit to replace stock (suggestions?)

And I understand this unit has 4 switches that can be used to control external devices. If anyone knows, what do I need to make this feature work with my garage door opener?

For everyone's benefit, I have the PDF of the install manual...
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/113/113DNX8120.PDF
I'm still reading through it, but thought I would ask the other forum vets for some help. Thanks in advance!

[Luna2]

Originally Posted by Wizrd23

Quick question:

I have a 2007 Camry LE. Factory radio and factory speakers. I'm finally ready to pull it and put in a GPS / AV head unit.

After some research, it appears the Kenwood DNX8120 is the badboy I'm going to order.

My question is, what all do I need to order? This will be my first head unit install, but I'm a TV Engineer by day... I play with crazy electronics all the time. Just need to make sure I have all my basis covered:

I'm guessing I need:

1) the head unit
2) Double DIN harness
3) speaker harness?
4) dash kit to replace stock (suggestions?)

And I understand this unit has 4 switches that can be used to control external devices. If anyone knows, what do I need to make this feature work with my garage door opener?

For everyone's benefit, I have the PDF of the install manual...
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/113/113DNX8120.PDF
I'm still reading through it, but thought I would ask the other forum vets for some help. Thanks in advance!

Pg 91 of the manual sets pulse/steady "pull down" on ext control. Pg 104 sets limit to 500ma. Isolation would be prudent, a 12v (micro) relay will work. I found this in the NX8120 manual. Impressive setup!!!! Keep us updated......

[2k4CamThrilla]

I would try out Crutchfield cuz you get everything you need to install for "free"

[ebumdude]

yup....

Crutchfield FTW!!

[DrewsCam]

yea crutchfiled gives you everything you need for free, i got my dash kit from them

[Wizrd23]

Thanks again everyone for the help! I used Crutchfield as a resource for what I needed. However, there prices are not nearly as good as what I found elsewhere. (piece-meal from ebay and others)

Plus I am doing the installation myself and saving money. Why spend $1600 for a kit, when I just spent under $1200 and got more!

Here is what I ordered:

1) Kenwood DNX8120 headunit
2) Metra Silver/Black factory look double din dash kit
3) Kenwood KCA-IP500 Ipod (Iphone compatible) adapter for headunit
4) PAC SWI Jack interface for steering wheel controls

Let me know if I have forgotten anything! Otherwise as things come in, I will take pictures and probably build a DIY guide with photos on my installation.

[krouchchocolate]

did you also get the harness to plug into the factory harness?

[Wizrd23]

Originally Posted by krouchchocolate

did you also get the harness to plug into the factory harness?

which harness are you speaking of? Wiring? What do I need and where do you suggest I get it? This was the one thing I was still thinking I needed but couldn't find it in a search.

[Wizrd23]

scratch that.. I found the wiring harness and ordered it from Ebay. I bet I could make these from parts I have in my engineering shop at work, but it saves me 45 minutes...

Thanks! any other needs I'm missing?

[ebumdude]

Originally Posted by Wizrd23

Thanks again everyone for the help! I used Crutchfield as a resource for what I needed. However, there prices are not nearly as good as what I found elsewhere. (piece-meal from ebay and others)

Plus I am doing the installation myself and saving money. Why spend $1600 for a kit, when I just spent under $1200 and got more!

Here is what I ordered:

1) Kenwood DNX8120 headunit
2) Metra Silver/Black factory look double din dash kit
3) Kenwood KCA-IP500 Ipod (Iphone compatible) adapter for headunit
4) PAC SWI Jack interface for steering wheel controls

Let me know if I have forgotten anything! Otherwise as things come in, I will take pictures and probably build a DIY guide with photos on my installation.

I got a slightly different Kenwood headunit than you....other than that we bought the EXACT same thing.

Installation is a snap.

Since you didn't order from Crutchfield, you will need these instructions to help you with your install if you choose to do it yourself.

Radio, Door Panel, Rear Deck & Tweeter removal for CE, LE, SE & XLE DIY; 56k Beware

[08BlackSE]

I just got my DNX8120 installed this weekend. You won't be disappointed. After researching a lot of systems this was the best one.

FYI...not sure if you saw some reviews on the Tundra forums, here is a link:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...nx8120-review/

[07CamrySEV6]

This is a very good head unit. Went to the new Super Autobacs here in Covina, California. Had the Kenwood Rep give me an extensive demo. My only concern at the time was I didn't want to loose my Audio Steering controls, but I heard there is something aftermarket that you can buy so that you do not loose the steering wheel controls. The Kenwood unit uses Garmin GSP Technology. Touch Screen was very responsive as with the buttons. I love the iPod interface. You can watch your Videos that are in your Video iPod and be able to watch the video on the Kenwood unit. Bluetooth capabilities were also impressive. There is a microphone that comes with the unit for bluetooth capabilities. There are controls within the unit to where you can use them to open up your garage door. You can use a USB flash drive to upload up to three images that you can use as your wallpaper. So many features to mention. For you SoCal folks, there is still a Grand Opening Super Sale at the Covina store. There are some Dual-Din units with GPS capabilities for about $399 to $499. These include Eclipse, Panasonic, Pioneer and others. I would check out Autobac's website and look at the ads. I know some of you are looking for an aftermarket unit. Take advantage of the fact that they have a Grand Opening Sale. I will tell you though that some of their units are Refurbished but Autobacs will extend the warranty for up to one year.

By the way, Autobacs Covina is another site where you guys can have a Camry Meet. *winks* at PrincessPeach'ness' :P

[ebumdude]

Originally Posted by 07CamrySEV6

This is a very good head unit. Went to the new Super Autobacs here in Covina, California. Had the Kenwood Rep give me an extensive demo. My only concern at the time was I didn't want to loose my Audio Steering controls, but I heard there is something aftermarket that you can buy so that you do not loose the steering wheel controls.


*winks* at PrincessPeach'ness' :P

1. To keep your steering wheel functions you have to purchase a

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=3405&avf=N

2. I hope you weren't winking at Peach because you think it is a girl. Peach is a dude. So I don't think "Peach'ness" would tickle his fancy. Unless you are into that sort of thing......then, well......you know.

[07CamrySEV6]

Originally Posted by ebumdude

1. To keep your steering wheel functions you have to purchase a

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=3405&avf=N

2. I hope you weren't winking at Peach because you think it is a girl. Peach is a dude. So I don't think "Peach'ness" would tickle his fancy. Unless you are into that sort of thing......then, well......you know.

LOL. I know he's a guy. I've been reading these forums for awhile and have seen pics of his Camry Meets. I said that because he likes to organize Meets... just wanted to give him an idea of a future Meet location. Sorry dude, I'm not into that thing you were getting at. I'm happily married. Exit Only... Do Not Enter!!! LOL!

[ebumdude]

Originally Posted by 07CamrySEV6

LOL. I know he's a guy. I've been reading these forums for awhile and have seen pics of his Camry Meets. I said that because he likes to organize Meets... just wanted to give him an idea of a future Meet location. Sorry dude, I'm not into that thing you were getting at. I'm happily married. Exit Only... Do Not Enter!!! LOL!

LoL....cool man. Just wanted to set the record straight.

Salida' only, no entrada.