HD Radio install

Post by **mrreilly** » 04 Apr 2010, 17:32

This past week I received a free HD Radio kit. I just installed it today and got everything hooked up properly. Everything plugs in where it should and it turns on just fine. The only problem is that when I turn the unit on it doesn't do anything. If I have the unit off and my radio is on, my radio will play music fine. When I switch the unit on everything goes fuzzy. Does anyone know anything about these thing s or anything that could help my getting it working??
Here's the unit: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_60744000/Directed-Car-Connect.html?tp=134&tab=essential_info

RSM-GA · Post by **RSM-GA** » 04 Apr 2010, 18:04

contact Crutchfield's tech support. They should be able to help you. It sounds like the connections are reversed though.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 04 Apr 2010, 18:54

There could be a good news/bad news aspect to your HD add on,
but first, we're gonna need some details.

First off, didja go RCA or antenna connection to the stock radio?
Which stock radio? Model number?
Do you have an amp?

Post by **mrreilly** » 04 Apr 2010, 20:48

actually i ended up randomly figuring it out lol I set the hd radio unit and my radio to the same station and it synced up. Everything is good now!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 05 Apr 2010, 00:06

So, it sounds like you're using the FM modulator option to feed the HD to your existing radio.
The bummer is...It ain't HD. It'll never sound any better than the FM that came with the car.
BUT - If you've got an amp...

Possibilities, my friend! Great possibilities!

cbessant · Post by **cbessant** » 01 Jul 2010, 16:55

I have a 1998 V70 T5 with the OEM AM/FM/CD/Cassette radio. I want to add HD radio to improve Am fidelity. I tried to replace the OEM unit with a Kenwood KDC-HD545U unit at a good car audio shop. The AM reception was horrific, much worse/less reception than the OEM unit. HD Digital rarely kicked in. The shop was concerned about Volvo's diversity antennae that might prevent the AM signal from working properly as the OEM unit is tuned to the V70's antennae. We tried using a power antennae to replace/bypass the V70's antennae, and no good.

I had the OEM unit put back in.

Can anyone suggest how I can do this?

Thank you.

Chuck

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 01 Jul 2010, 22:33

Did they know that V70's have built in antenna amplifiers?
They 'll need to connect that Blue wire marked Power Antenna from the wiring adapter
to the Blue/White " P.(ower) Cont.(ontrol) " output from your new KDC-HD545U .
( Usually, one would match Blue to Blue, but your KDC-HD545U owners manual says use the Blue/White.)
Otherwise, the Volvo's antenna amp won't power up. No Antenna Amp? No Signal from the antenna...

cbessant · Post by **cbessant** » 02 Jul 2010, 07:32

Thank you for the advice. I'll ask them.

Chuck