JDM Spec Kenwood X505 and Z505

jschrauwen · 12-31-2006, 11:13 AM

I recently imported a RHD JDM spec car (90 300ZX TT 2+2 5sp) which also came with 2 JDM Spec Kenwood units. The AM/FM/CD Reciever (and TV reciever also I believe) unit is calibrated for Japanese frequency bandwiths which is not compatable with North America. I've been told that there may be a way to recalibrate it's frequency bandwidth selection but would like to know before hand if it's possible and perhaps even if it's something simple enough for a DIY'r. The Equalizer amplifier (and folding front for cassette) has only been powered up once when I got the car and hasn't worked since. I'm thinking that perhaps there's a lockout code required since the car battery had been replaced just last week. No matter what which buttons I push on this unit, nothing fires up the front panel except the cassette will play if cassette funtion is selected on the am/fm/cd reciever.
The Reciever is the Kenwood Z505 and the Equalizer/Amp is a Kenwood X505.
Pics here;
http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f49153722

Depending if I can sort this out, I'd like to see if these units would be suitable to be integrated into my PC.
Any help would be appreciated.

digger · 02-10-2008, 01:24 AM

Hello,
Not sure if I break the rules here. Here goes. I have here in New Zealand a Nissan 4x4 that had a "Kenwood Z505 CD Player installed in it before I imported it from Japan. It works fine but I can not work the all the functions on the thing! I Googled it and see on your thread, a picture of a user manual. (I cant find one any where here) I wondered if you might be able to email me a copy of that user manual??? My Addy is "luigi2@xtra.co.nz": Ive no idea where you are ,guess in the USA ? Anyway would be interested to get a reply from you.Many thanks Digger.

jschrauwen · 02-10-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by digger

Hello,
Not sure if I break the rules here. Here goes. I have here in New Zealand a Nissan 4x4 that had a "Kenwood Z505 CD Player installed in it before I imported it from Japan. It works fine but I can not work the all the functions on the thing! I Googled it and see on your thread, a picture of a user manual. (I cant find one any where here) I wondered if you might be able to email me a copy of that user manual??? My Addy is "luigi2@xtra.co.nz": Ive no idea where you are ,guess in the USA ? Anyway would be interested to get a reply from you.Many thanks Digger.

Digger, sorry mate, I don't have any manuals whatsoever. That pic I believe is contained in the link I included. I too cannot figure out all of the functions and will be removing it sometime soon for a new head unit. The tuning bandwidths in Japan are not compatable with Canada or North America.
Hmmm, I thought my home location was in my profile. Sorry Digger,
cheers,
John

AzizJB · 03-15-2008, 11:55 AM

Hello,
this is first time posting for MP3Car forum. Jschrauwen, there is no lockout code for the x505 cassette deck. The reason there is no display is same reason my z505 blanks out 4 years ago. On the front panel of display there is an eject button on top right side which flips the face forward (flip the face forward). You will notice a black thin cable in the center of the back panel leading into the main unit. Take a close look, if you see small gold lines or hairpin marks on the black strip then that means the cable is damaged and needs replacement. (Cable reference number is J84-0067-22). To replace is very easy, but if you have no experience in electronic boards i advice you to let someone with more knowledge on how to open and take apart the x505 (unless you want to take a risk, just let me know and i will post on how to open the unit if there is no violation with the forum). If this is not the issue check to see if the kenwood data cable is not damage (The one which connects the backend of the x505 to the z505, blue cable with female head)

For the Japanese frequency bandwidths, you can do what i did by adding a booster which connects to the antenna of the car and then to the antenna of the z505. The frequencies can be found at different positions.

For Mr digger, there is no English manual for the z505 or x505, I Had a friend translate my manual from Japanese to Greek (Not all functions where described correctly) The good thing is that its not that difficult to operate, let me know if you need anything described on the panel face

Lovecraft · 03-15-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jschrauwen

Depending if I can sort this out, I'd like to see if these units would be suitable to be integrated into my PC.

Just replace them.

You can get radio again if you buy a band expander. But that would make more sense for people wanting to keep the OEM radio working. Don't bother when you can buy a new iPod compatible CD/mp3 for $100 these days.

Nice car by the way. I drive an imported JDM Mitsubishi Pajero turbo diesel.

jschrauwen · 03-16-2008, 05:52 PM

Cyprus????
Sheesh, I was just in Paphos last month for a week.