Kenwood DMX8020DABS - No AM (MW) Reception

[Ayjay]

I had a Kenwood DMX8020DABS fitted back in August but left a couple of weeks later for a european road trip. Now that we're home again, it's time to address an issue that's annoying me (albeit it's irritating rather than major show stopper at the moment). I know it's a bit retro but I quite like having AM as a back up to listen to Radio 5 Live (Medium Wave 693 or 909) on the odd occasion that DAB reception drops out. However, I'm told by the people who fitted it that it's not possible because the T6

"...has twin diversity aerials, where all aftermarket head units have just one so it cannot pick up the best signal"
and
"The issue is not just Kenwood, all aftermarket units only have 1 aerial input, we already use a powered fackra fm adapter, without that you will not get a signal at all"

(both direct quotes from their emails).

I know of at least one other member (@Saffa365) here on T6F with the same problem with AM but was wondering about any others with the same or similar units installed and, more importantly, if any solutions have been found.

 

[Ayjay]

Sorry to bump but I’d like to to get somewhere with this, or at least know that I can’t get anywhere. I should therefore be grateful if anybody with an 8020 or similar could just try to tune into a MW (ie. AM) station the next time that they’re in the van and post the result. Cheers.

 

[dubber36]

I find that BBC Sounds or other radio apps through Android Auto can often be more stable than DAB in poor areas.

 

[Spaghetti]

Works perfectly well on my 8019. When I fitted it, it had an adaptor that plugged into both aerials, and that went into the standard socket that the Kenwood took.

 

[Ayjay]

@Spaghetti. Thanks for that. Was the adapter one of these (or similar) by any chance: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07439J...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

I ask as after doing a bit of reading on diversity aerial systems which seem to be widely used by VW and Audi, it was suggested that it was the answer to the problem but the firm that supplied and fitted my 8020 seemed to think otherwise.

All in all, I'm a bit peed off by this issue. It wouldn't have been so bad if it had been flagged up to me before I paid out £1K to buy the the thing and get it installed. It's a shame really as it takes a bit of the shine off what's an otherwise good unit.

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[Spaghetti]

@Spaghetti. Thanks for that. Was the adapter one of these (or similar) by any chance: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07439J...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

I ask as after doing a bit of reading on diversity aerial systems which seem to be widely used by VW and Audi, it was suggested that it was the answer to the problem but the firm that supplied and fitted my 8020 seemed to think otherwise.

All in all, I'm a bit peed off by this issue. It wouldn't have been so bad if it had been flagged up to me before I paid out £1K to buy the the thing and get it installed. It's a shame really as it takes a bit of the shine off what's an otherwise good unit.

Thanks again for the reply.

It looks similar to that. The power feed was already installed in the harness on mine but obviously that’s just the aerial adaptor on the Amazon link.

It was this kit:

T6 Kenwood OPC Fitting Kit, T6 wiring kit

CanBus wiring kit with VW OPC parking display retention, Fakra aerial adaptor, VW DAB aerial retention adaptor, VW factory USB retention adaptor, facia panel.

www.revswest.com

 

[Ayjay]

Further to the above, does anybody else know whether this adapter might work to give me both FM and AM reception?https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07439J...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
If any responses are encouraging I'll probably order one as it's not a lot of money. If I do, I'll also be asking for advice on how to get the head unit out of the dash (I'm assuming that at least some of it has got to come off before the stereo can be popped out).

 

[Bluesman]

Sorry but I have only just seen these posts as I've been busy and not logged in to the forum for a while. I'm amazed neither @Absolut5 or @Dav-Tec have chipped in to help as they are both usually on top of any audio related questions. I've got the Kenwood 8019 which I understand is an older model but very similar to the 8020. I can't check it now as I haven't got access to the van and will not have for another week or so but not long after the 8019 was installed (by a then work colleague), I tried MW for the first time and all I could get was mush. I don't really use MW so at the time I didn't think much of it except to make a mental note to try again at some point and then promptly forgot about it. I did however look at the back of the VW Composition that came out of the van and it seems to have a double aerial socket in the back rather than two singles. I reckon therefore that the answer is a no to your post above but this one might work: Twin Double Fakra-Din Aerial Adaptor For Audi Citroen Fiat Peugeot Seat Skoda VW 5055193380816 | eBay or Fakra Twin DIN Antenna Adaptor Kit - CT27AA76 | Halfords UK
I'm only suggesting these based upon their physical appearance rather than technical knowledge but hope it helps. With the number of others using Kenwood stereos, I also surprised that nobody else has come forward to at least say whether or not things are working as they should. I might not use MW but like you, I would be a bit peeved if it didnt work as they advertise it as having AM and nobody ever says that AM reception might not be possible.
PS. I will try MW again when I get my van back next week.

 

[Dav-Tec]

Hi. As I wasn't tagged in the post originally I hadn't seen it hence me not responding. I do try to help where I can but some post do drop through the net. Especially if I'm in the middle of an install etc.

The twin fakra @Bluesman suggested should sort your issue providing the factory aerial is in good working order.

Cheers.
Chris

 

[Spaghetti]

Further to the above, does anybody else know whether this adapter might work to give me both FM and AM reception?https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07439J...pY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
If any responses are encouraging I'll probably order one as it's not a lot of money. If I do, I'll also be asking for advice on how to get the head unit out of the dash (I'm assuming that at least some of it has got to come off before the stereo can be popped out).

Certainly looks like what I fitted IIRC.

 

[Ayjay]

Cheers to all for your contributions. I've bought one and just need to get around to fitting it now.

 

[Ayjay]

I read a post by @Bluesman earlier today which prompted me have a go at using another adapter to sort out the MW reception issues mentioned above. If anyone's interested, I've cracked it using one of these:

Fakra Twin DIN Antenna Adaptor Kit - CT27AA76 | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Fakra Twin DIN Antenna Adaptor Kit - CT27AA66 at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

It was more or less straight swap for the one originally fitted but when I first connected it, reception was the same as before (ie. FM but no AM(MW). However, I disconnected it and switched the two aerial wires around in the blue connector, plugged it all back in and hey presto good reception on both FM and MW. Just in case, I also tried the original adapter with the wires reversed and it still didn't receive MW. I've no idea what the technical differences are between the two adapters and don't really care so long as everything works as it should. All in all, I'm quite chuffed with myself as I usual stay well away from this electrickery stuff.