This document describes the Kenwood KDC-262U, KDC-162U, KDC-122U, KDC-MP262U, KDC-MP162U, and KDC-220U CD-receivers, providing instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Kenwood CD-receiver is a car audio system designed to play CDs, connect to USB devices, iPods, iPhones, and Android devices, and receive AM/FM radio broadcasts. It offers various audio control settings, display customization options, and connectivity to popular streaming services like Pandora and iHeartRadio. The unit functions as an amplifier-tuner with a CD player, capable of playing both music CDs and audio files stored on discs or USB devices.
Usage Features
Basic Operation:
The unit is turned on by pressing the SRC button and turned off by pressing and holding SRC. Volume is adjusted using the volume knob. Sources can be selected by repeatedly pressing SRC, cycling through options like Tuner, CD, USB, iPod, Android, and AUX. Display information can be changed by pressing DISP SCRL repeatedly, with an option to scroll current information by pressing and holding the button.
Initial Setup:
Upon first power-on or after a reset, a demonstration mode is displayed. This can be canceled by pressing the volume knob twice. The clock can be set by entering the FUNCTION menu, selecting CLOCK, then CLOCK ADJUST, and using the volume knob to set the time and format (12H/24H). For some models, the clock adjustment mode can be entered directly by pressing and holding DISP SCRL from the clock display screen.
Audio Control:
The FUNCTION menu provides access to AUDIO CONTROL settings. Users can select preset equalizers (e.g., DRIVE EQ, TOP40, POWERFUL, ROCK, POPS, EASY, JAZZ, NATURAL, USER) or customize settings. BASS BOOST and LOUDNESS levels can be adjusted. Subwoofer settings (SUBWOOFER SET, LPF SUBWOOFER, SUB-W PHASE, SUB-W LEVEL) are available if a subwoofer is connected. FADER and BALANCE controls allow adjustment of speaker output. VOLUME OFFSET can be set for different sources to equalize playback levels. SOUND RECNSTR (Sound reconstruction) can be turned on to enhance compressed audio files.
Display Settings:
The DISPLAY menu allows customization of the unit's appearance. COLOR SELECT offers VARIABLE SCAN, CUSTOM R/G/B, or preset colors for key and display illumination. Users can create custom colors by adjusting R/G/B levels. DIMMER dims the display and button illumination, while BRIGHTNESS adjusts the illumination level. TEXT SCROLL can be set to AUTO for automatic scrolling or ONCE for single-scroll display information.
Radio Features:
The unit supports FM1, FM2, FM3, and AM bands. Stations can be searched manually using ◄◄/►► buttons or automatically by pressing SEEK. Stations can be stored by pressing and holding number buttons (1 to 6) and recalled by a single press. Direct Access Tuning via the RC-406 remote allows entering a frequency directly. Other tuner settings include AUTO MEMORY (for automatic station memorization), MONO SET (for improved FM reception), NEWS SET, REGIONAL, AF SET, TI (Traffic Information), PTY SEARCH (Program Type search), and TIME SYNC (synchronizes time with Radio Data System).
CD/USB/iPod/Android Playback:
The unit automatically detects and plays media from CDs, USB devices, iPods, iPhones, and Android devices when connected. Playback controls include PLAY/PAUSE, REVERSE/FAST-FORWARD, and TRACK/FILE SKIP. Repeat play (TRACK REPEAT, FILE REPEAT, FOLDER REPEAT) and random play (DISC RANDOM, FOLDER RANDOM, ALL RANDOM) options are available. Files can be selected from folders or lists using the volume knob. Quick Search features allow searching for files by preset skip ratios (for USB) or by character (for iPod). For Android devices, BROWSE MODE (control from the unit via KENWOOD MUSIC PLAY app) or HAND MODE (control from the Android device) can be selected.
Pandora and iHeartRadio Integration:
The unit supports Pandora and iHeartRadio streaming services when an iPhone/iPod touch is connected via USB and the respective application is running on the device. Users can create and save new stations based on the current track or artist, search for registered stations, and bookmark songs or artists. Thumbs up/down functionality is available for Pandora and iHeartRadio custom stations.
AUX Input:
A portable audio player can be connected to the auxiliary input jack. The AUX source can be selected via SRC. The AUX input name can be customized in the SYSTEM menu under AUX NAME SET.
Muting for Phone Calls:
The unit can be connected to a telephone accessory via the MUTE wire. When a call comes in, "CALL" appears, and the audio system pauses. Pressing SRC during a call resumes audio playback.
Maintenance Features
Cleaning the Unit:
The faceplate should be wiped with a dry silicone or soft cloth to remove dirt.
Cleaning the Connector:
The faceplate can be detached to clean the connector gently with a cotton swab, taking care not to damage it.
Handling Discs:
To ensure proper playback and longevity of discs, users should avoid touching the recording surface, sticking tape on discs, or using accessories not designed for discs. Discs should be cleaned from the center outward with a dry silicone or soft cloth, avoiding solvents. When removing discs, pull them out horizontally. Burrs on the center hole and disc edge should be removed before insertion.
Firmware Update:
The unit supports firmware updates. Users can check the current firmware version and initiate updates through the F/W UPDATE menu. Details on how to update firmware are available on the Kenwood website.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as no sound, display errors, poor radio reception, disc ejection problems, and issues with USB/iPod/Android playback or streaming services. Solutions range from checking connections and resetting the unit to consulting a service center.