Kenwood DDX 917WS

[Carz73]

Just an update. It is rather unfortunate that the Kenwood 917WS of mine do not support the 3rd party add-on GPS. Ah Put tried to redo the wiring but it is still not successful. Link Auto accessories was kind enough to refund the money. Too bad, now got to use my phone's Here We Go maps.

 

Oh maybe incompatible rather than don't support because it does have RGB 3rd Party Nav-Interface.

 

For me I see it as a blessing that you can get a refund because once you know how to fully make use of AA voice command, you will not want to go back to frequent pressing of the screen.

 

If data is a concern and your phone support dual sim, subscribe to TPG as it has free trial now.

 

However, if you still prefer traditional way of navigation without data and voice control, I found this company during my research in 2017 so I'm not sure if it's still useful.

 

http://www.vision-sg.com/

 

https://www.facebook.com/explorergps/photos/a.121533754549833/1118581328178399/?type=3&theater

 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1265820590121138

[Luckcent]

Carz73, probably you are right. Also they did tell me it is my set that is the problem. So it maybe the Head unit is problematic. Anyway, thanks for all the info and advises.

[Carz73]

Carz73, probably you are right. Also they did tell me it is my set that is the problem. So it maybe the Head unit is problematic. Anyway, thanks for all the info and advises.

You are welcome.

 

If you haven't given up yet, can try approach other Kenwood dealers from this list.

 

https://www.kenwood.com/sg/car/support/

 

Vision who has the Explorer GPS and also Android box mentioned earlier is listed.

 

Also I understand from Kenwood manager, Wee Heng Auto is one of those preferred one.

 

Or maybe approach Galactio cos since they provide technical support, they will know which is the better add-on models and refer you if they don't sell it themselves.

 

http://www.galactio.com/main/contact.php

 

Also make sure the hu firmware is updated.

 

I would still recommend to use AA instead with Waze or Google Maps instead of dealing with the issues that comes with these add-on.

[Luckcent]

You are welcome.

 

If you haven't given up yet, can try approach other Kenwood dealers from this list.

 

https://www.kenwood.com/sg/car/support/

 

Vision who has the Explorer GPS and also Android box mentioned earlier is listed.

 

Also I understand from Kenwood manager, Wee Heng Auto is one of those preferred one.

 

Or maybe approach Galactio cos since they provide technical support, they will know which is the better add-on models and refer you if they don't sell it themselves.

 

http://www.galactio.com/main/contact.php

 

Also make sure the hu firmware is updated.

 

I would still recommend to use AA instead with Waze or Google Maps instead of dealing with the issues that comes with these add-on.

I think your suggestion is good enough, just need to learn more on AA.

Edited July 29, 2019 by Luckcent

[Carz73]

The latest Android Auto v4.5.5928 ui is capable of supporting both left-hand and right-hand driving position.

 

AA LHD:

AA RHD:

 

 

 

However, due to the absence of driving position setting for AA in 2017 DDX917WS, it defaults to LHD and thus the most important home app drawer button and recent app toggle button are on the extreme left making it hard to reach while the redundant mic icon button (because most steering wheel has one) is closest to us RHD drivers. 

 

I checked both 2018 DDX918WS and 2019 DDX919WS has a driving position setting. Not supporting AA driving position in older models is a major disappointment because firstly AA already reads driving position setting from head unit long ago even though the older ui did not differentiate LHD and RHD. Secondly, since it's a model sold with buttons on the right, at bare minimum, default RHD check value AA is looking for should be present. Last but not least, even Pioneer older models than 2017 already has this setting. 

 

I've suggested to Google to make driving position a selectable option within the app itself or even better make all buttons position customisable so that it does not have to go by driving position but knowing Google, this will take forever or never despite it being a worldwide issue affecting some other head units too.

 

Thus I've also written to [email protected] to request for firmware update to provide driving position option. I would hope you guys do it too. If you know of a better email address than what I could find, kindly share it here.

Edited August 22, 2019 by Carz73

[weekiat572]

Is the 917 able to support wireless android auto ?

[Carz73]

4 minutes ago, weekiat572 said:

Is the 917 able to support wireless android auto ?

I tried unsuccessfully despite knowing without updated firmware there's no chance it'll work.

Read the requirement is 5Ghz Wi-Fi which our DDX917WS support so all that's needed is for Kenwood to make a loyal customers out of us.

[weekiat572]

Wats the latest firmware for the 917 ? From wat i know , there is onli 1 update which was posted here previously. 

[Carz73]

Yeah same. No new ones.

[weekiat572]

Haiz , sian . Hahah.