BOSS Audio Systems BCPA9 User's Manual
This manual provides comprehensive information for the BOSS Audio Systems BCPA9 Digital Media AM/FM Receiver. It features a 9" (229 mm) capacitive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 compatibility, 340 Watts of power, and multicolor illumination options. The unit is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. IMPORTANT! Fill Out And Keep For Your Records. IMPORTANT Record the serial number of the product: The serial number is located on the top part of the chassis. To fully understand how to operate your new BOSS product, it is recommended to read this entire user's manual and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Always follow all instructions provided. Important Notes: California Residents (Proposition 65): This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. WARNING: This symbol indicates critical instructions. Failure to observe these can result in injury, death, or damage to the product/property. CAUTION: This symbol indicates important instructions. Failure to observe these can result in injury or damage to the product/property. Images and Video: Watching video while driving is against Federal, State, and Local laws. Drive safely, obey traffic rules, and check surroundings for safety. Do not use features that cannot be operated safely and legally in your location. Read safety instructions for smartphone apps before use. Before Installing: To avoid electrical shorts, disconnect the (-) battery cable before installation. Use only with a 12-volt battery and negative grounding. Failure to do so may result in fire or malfunction. Product Safety: This video product is intended for use with the parking brake safety feature. Video cannot be seen without the proper parking brake connection. Tampering or disabling this feature will void the warranty. Consult a professional installer. Important Note: Due to ongoing enhancements, example images on screens may slightly differ from the actual product. Hardware: Connections: Accessories: The unit features several control buttons on the front: The rear panel includes various input and output connectors: The unit is designed with a sliding metal housing for anti-theft purposes. Ensure all power, speaker, and antenna connections are made according to the manual before installing the housing into the car. A metal strap can be used to enhance anti-jamming capability by fixing it to the car's bottom bracket. Keys are used to draw the chassis out of the sliding metal housing. The display screen can be adjusted for optimal viewing: To remove the display screen: This head unit utilizes a Capacitive Touchscreen, similar to high-end mobile devices. For best performance, ensure your fingers are clean and dry, as moisture or sweat can affect functionality. Avoid contact with sharp objects. To clean the screen, use a dry microfiber cloth. Do not use ammonia, window cleaner, household chemicals, or abrasives. Setup Option A: CarPlay Method Connect your Apple device using a Lightning cable (not included) to the CarPlay USB port. This will automatically set the time and date. The Time Zone must be set manually (default is Pacific Time Zone). Setup Option B: Date and Time Navigate through the menus: General > Date & Time to manually set the time and date. Additional Setup: Access other settings via General > Language, Audio > EQ, Other Audio Settings, and Display > Illumination, Brightness. The system offers intuitive navigation through various functions: Using CarPlay: CarPlay usage is limited while driving. Functions and usability depend on the app provider. Connect your compatible Apple device via a Lightning cable to the designated USB port. The CarPlay interface will illuminate green on the display; touch it to enter the CarPlay menu. To return to the Home menu, touch the BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS logo. Note that Bluetooth will turn OFF automatically when CarPlay is active, and hands-free calling will function through CarPlay. Other Bluetooth devices will disconnect during CarPlay use. WARNING: Familiarize yourself with local and state laws regarding mobile devices. Park the vehicle and engage the parking brake before using CarPlay functions. CarPlay Display Setup: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay. You can touch and hold app icons to move them or touch to remove them. Only apps with specific icons can be removed or added. How to Disable Apps: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > App to Disable. Using Android Auto: Android Auto usage is limited while driving. Functions and usability depend on the app provider. Connect your compatible Android device via a USB cable. The Android device will load the Android Auto function, and Bluetooth will connect automatically upon setup completion. Ensure the parking brake status wire is connected for proper setup. WARNING: For your safety, complete the setup process while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is engaged. Familiarize yourself with local and state laws regarding mobile devices. Android Auto App: For Android 9.0 or earlier, download the Android Auto app from Google Play. For Android 10.0 or later, plug in your phone and follow prompts. Minimum requirement: Android 5.0. Connecting to Android Auto USB Port: Connect your Android device via USB cable. The device loads the function, and Bluetooth connects automatically. Android Auto Permissions: Various features can be allowed or denied for customized usability. Access can be modified in your Android device's Settings. Setup & Connection: Ensure CarPlay or Android Auto are not active. If they are, disconnect the device to start Bluetooth. Compatibility with all mobile devices is not guaranteed. For safety, complete setup while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is engaged. First Time Pairing: Search for "BOSS AUDIO BCPA9" on your mobile device. A passcode will display on both devices for secure pairing. Once paired, the device will automatically connect when powered on and within range. The device list will show available Bluetooth profiles. Phonebook and History: You can download your phonebook and call history. Battery and cellular strength are displayed on the Home menu. Hands-Free Calling: Audio Streaming: To stream audio, pair and connect your mobile device. For best performance, set your mobile device volume to maximum and control overall volume using the product. The unit recalls the last volume setting. Playback supports any format the mobile device can play; only audio is supported, not video. Track Control: Use Play/Pause, Track Fwd/Rev, or swipe gestures. Switching Media: Touch to select available sources like Bluetooth and USB. Display: Track, Album, and Artist information will be displayed. Album art is not supported via Bluetooth. USB Playback: Touch the USB icon to play music automatically. The system prioritizes music files if other file types are present. Video Control: Play/Pause, Track Forward/Backward, Repeat All/One, Setup. Audio Control: Play/Pause, Track Forward/Reverse, Repeat All/One, Random. Photo Control: Play/Pause, Track Forward/Backward, Repeat All/One, Rotate. Navigating Menu: Touch Music, Video, or Image icons. Swipe to browse contents. Touch "Playing" to return to the current file. WARNING: Watching videos or photos while driving is against Federal, State, and Local laws. Operate the product safely and legally. Video and photos can only be viewed when the vehicle is stationary and the parking brake is applied. Note: Review parking brake wire connections for proper integration. AM/FM Tuning: RBDS, AF, TA: RBDS provides station information. AF (Alternative Frequency) automatically finds the strongest signal for the same tuning program. TA (Traffic Announcement) tunes into traffic broadcasts while playing media. Note: Not all stations broadcast RBDS information. RBDS, AF, and TA settings can be managed in the Radio settings. External Source: Media must be controlled from the external device. Track functions are not controlled by the product. Note: For optimal volume, set the external device volume between 50%-75%. Rear View: The rear view camera can be displayed on demand. Touch the Camera icon. When the vehicle is put into reverse gear, the camera will display on the screen. WARNING: Never rely solely on the rear view camera; always check your surroundings before proceeding. Camera Settings: If both front and rear camera functions are enabled in settings, you can choose between REAR CAMERA and FRONT CAMERA. Rear View Delay: Adjust the delay for the rear view camera trigger to best suit the vehicle. Default setting is 0 Sec Delay. Note: The rear view camera functions normally even if the product is in standby mode. Note: EQ can be accessed directly while adjusting volume. CAUTION: Professional installation is recommended. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before installation to prevent damage or injury. Note: Insulate unused wires with tape, heat shrink, or crimp connectors. Never use wire nuts. Wiring includes: Note: A separate interface may be needed for your vehicle application. Consult a professional installer. Note: When replacing a fuse, use the same type and value (15 A). CAUTION: Do not chassis ground speaker wires. Use only 4-8 Ω speakers. Do not bridge channels; wire in stereo mode only. Note: Insulate unused speaker wires. If speaker outputs are not used, turn off the internal amplifier to reduce noise. Speaker connections (polarity is important): Note: Subwoofer Pre-amp is a non-fading mono output. Run signal wires away from power cables to prevent noise. Note: If pre-amp outputs are used exclusively, turn off the internal amplifier. WARNING: Always check surroundings; do not rely solely on the rear view camera. Note: Images may appear reversed. Do not use features if unsafe or illegal in your location. Connections include Microphone Input, Front Camera Input, Rear Camera Input, USB/Charging (USB1, USB2), and ports for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. WARNING: Improper connection or defeat of the parking brake status wire violates laws and may lead to injury or death. Video/photo viewing while driving is illegal. Note: For Android Auto setup, the parking brake status wire MUST be connected. Review vehicle-specific parking brake connections with a certified installer. The parking brake input needs to be connected to the power side of the parking brake. Placement: Recommended locations for optimal microphone performance are indicated by shaded areas. Avoid air vents, sail panels, and steering column areas. Ensure the mic is not blocked, is firmly attached, and grille openings are not covered. Avoid placement near sunroofs to minimize wind noise. WARNING: Run microphone wire where it will NOT impede safety items like airbags. Space for user notes.Important Information
About This Manual
Important Safety Cautions
Basic Product Operation
What Comes in the Box
Front Detail
Rear Detail
Unit Installation
Operation Instruction
Display Screen Removal
Using and Caring for the Touchscreen
Product Setup (Date & Time)
Navigating the Menus
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Bluetooth®
Media
Radio
AV In/Camera
Settings
General
Audio
Display
Bluetooth
Camera
Radio
Connections
Power/SWC
Speakers
Audio Pre-amp/AV IN/ Radio
Camera/USB/MIC
Parking Brake
Hands-free Mic
Troubleshooting
Issue Cause Solution No Sound Internal amplifier is off, Product is muted, External amplifiers Go to Settings > Audio > Internal Amp ON. Touch the volume. Check external amplifiers. Check remote output wire voltage. Change audio source. Media Not Supported Audio source, Media on USB flash drive Change the media format on the USB device. Change the USB device. Bad Radio Reception Radio area, Antenna Change the station. Turn OFF AF and TA. Turn OFF RBDS. Antenna output wire isn't connected. Connect Antenna to product. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto will not start Bad Lightning®/USB cable, Locked device, Not charged, CarPlay/Android Auto frozen Replace the cable. Unlock the device. Power ON the device and allow it to charge. Unplug the device, close all Apps, and plug it in again. Bluetooth Not connecting to device Not connecting to device Ensure the device is within range. Ensure Bluetooth is turned ON. Pair and connect the device as new. Hands-free call quality Mobile device, Microphone Check cellular strength on the mobile device. End call and redial. Relocate or firmly attach the microphone. Check if the microphone is properly plugged in. Unit is unresponsive Processor has frozen Press the RESET button on the front panel. Specifications
Category Specification General Power Input: 8.5 V-18 V DC, Nominal: 14.4 V DC, Current Consumption: 15A, Fuse Type: 15A, Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.97"x7"x4.9", Head Unit Weight: 3.91 lbs., Operational Temperature: -4-158°F Display Screen Size: 9", Aspect Ratio: 16 x 9, Resolution: 1024x600, Screen Type: TFT-LED Active Matrix Audio Max Power: 85 W x 4 Ch., Acceptable Speaker Load: 4-8 Ω, Preset EQ: JAZZ, HIPHOP, POP, ROCK, R&B, EQ Bands, Adjustable: 32, 63, 125, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1KHz, 2KHz, 4KHz, 8KHz, 16KHz, EQ Boost/Cut: ± 6 dB Audio Cont'd Pre-amp Output: 3 Pairs (Front: 4V Full-Range, Rear: 4V Full-Range), Sub LPF: Sub (Mono) 4V, LPF: 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, Sub Level: ±14dB Radio Tuner Freq. Range: 87.5 MHz-108 MHz (FM), 522 kHz-1710 kHz (AM). Spacing: USA 1 FM (100 kHz), USA 2 FM (200 kHz), Europe FM (50 kHz). RBDS: AF, TA USB USB Spec: USB 2.0 (High-Speed). USB Port 1: CarPlay & Android Auto (1.5A Output). USB Port 2: Media & Charging (1.5A Output). File System: FAT32. Audio Playback: WAV, MP3. Video Playback: AVI, MKV, WMV. Picture Playback: JPG, PNG, BMP. Note: Not all listed compressed files guaranteed to play due to different creation methods or file contents. Bluetooth® Version: v4.2+E.D.R., Audio Codec: S.B.C., Profiles: HFP v1.6, A2DP v1.2, AVRCP v1.5, PBAP v1.1 Apple CarPlay iPhone Support: iPhone 5 or Newer, iOS: iOS 7.1 or Newer Android Auto Supported: Android 5.0 or Newer User's Notes