Drewbaby88

I recently purchased the Kenwood DDX271 after reviewing the idatalink Maestro system and seeing that the DDX271 would retain all sync functions and steering wheel controls.


After installing, I am having difficulty with the steering wheel controls and voice commands. My phone will constantly drop from the Bluetooth connection and I have no idea how to pull up any sync functions on screen through the Kenwood. I see OEM features and setup but if I touch OEM Bluetooth setup, it goes nowhere. I am more than dissatisfied at this point.


Is the DDX271 so low end that I am having these problems? Programming the SWC from the idatalink flash program is a joke for me. I can change the commands to simple things like answer or hang up on the Phone button or MEDIA button and it might get 1 command of the 4 I entered right. I currently can use Bluetooth but have no voice command or prompts. I have to press MEDIA to end a call and have to touch onscreen or use my phone to answer calls.


Can anyone help? 12V Guy? please!!

Drewbaby88

I am now wondering why not get a higher end HU and just scrap the sync all together? I can get the PAC harness to retain SWC correct?


I don't use voice commands and really only need Bluetooth and a screen for my reverse camera.


Anyone got any recommendations on a HU to fit my bill? (video screen for backup camera, Bluetooth, satellite ready, iphone integration is a plus too)

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

I like my Kenwood DDX470. Has everything you are looking for.

Drewbaby88

do you also use the iDatalink Maestro system? I am about to scrap the sync system and just use integrated Bluetooth and the PAC ms-FRD1 interface instead.

troutspinner

The MS-FRD1 is for retaining Sync. You would be looking to get a PAC-SWI for just retaining your steering wheel controls.

Your HU will do everything you want but did you buy the wrong Maestro interface perhaps? Which one do you have?

Drewbaby88

This is what I ordered from Crutchfield. Its what they recommended based on my having 2010 F150 SCREW no nav, w/sync and SWC.


http://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADSM...r.html?tp=3486

Drewbaby88

According to iDatalink's website, the DDX470 will not retain all the sync functions. I was originally thinking I wanted to keep sync but I am not so sure anymore. What is one benefit that sync has over a H/U that is Bluetooth, xm ready and uses apps(iheart, Pandora)?

troutspinner

We will need 12V Guy to chime in here. I don't believe the Maestro can keep Sync using that HU. You might want to call crutchfield also.

As for your question of benefit......None! The only real benefit is that you can use the existing Mic from Sync keeping the interior clean of after-market add-ons. You will however need a steering wheel controller so you can still use them.

I struggled with keeping Sync myself and swore that when I replaced my radio (again) that I would forego Sync and the MS-FRD1 I had. While the MS-FRD1 did it's job, there were times it would get goofy on me and would not correct until power was cycled on the vehicle.

But....since people were having a good experience with the Maestro I decided to give it a try and I have to say that I am happy with it though I did buy a HU that has datalink.

Drewbaby88

According to the iDatalink website, the DDX271 will retain the sync system. I was initially looking at the DDX370 and 470 but noticed they will not retain sync. That is the sole reason I purchased the 271. I am at a loss.


Did you solder your harness and also connect the pink/red SW2 wire, TroutSpinner? I connected everything, just didn't solder. only spliced and crimped.

troutspinner

This is why I asked 12V Guy to chime in as I am not sure.


I did solder and shrink tube my connections that could be made in the house. Connections like remote power for my amp and camera were done in the vehicle with posi-lock connectors.

Per the instruction for my Maestro and radio (DNX691HD) I did not require the pink/red SW2. I can only assume because my unit has the datalink.