Is RDS-TMC any good?

[phatmanace]

Folks,

I'm trying to buy another Sat Nav unit - getting slightly bewildered with the range on offer!! [I currently have an aged IPAQ/tomtom bundle]

one thing that I wanted to ask is how do people find the 'free' TMC traffic updates and their integration with the units? I don't use the Sat nav *that* often - so don't really want to pay a monthly subscription: hence the free TMC service looked attractive.

I read this [url]www.lordpercy.com/tomtom_rds_tmc_review.htm[/url] review about the tomtom one and it's not looking that rosy!! it cites difficulties getting a lock on the traffic signal, slow updates etc etc

Basically - if the technology [TMC specifically] at the moment isn't that great - then I'll just buy a cheap unit, if folks have had generally good experiences with it - then I don't mind shelling out!!


Grateful for any experiences that people have had.
-ace

[moreymach]

I dont think its that great. But then depends on how much youre paying for it.

If youre going down the Tomtom route Dixons are doing the Tomtom 510 with the TMC receiver thrown in for £269 www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/390388 . Its normally about £60 just for the receiver and I dont think I'll bother on my 910.

I think some of the Sony units have it built in and they are a bit less.

Have a look on the forums on www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=55 .

[irm]

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=340712&f=153&h=0

[phatmanace]

Thanks for the advice and pointers folks - on balance, people think it isn't that great.

.. so I don't think i'll bother.

-ace

[GW65]

I bought a TomTom 510 with TMC just after Christmas 'cos PC World were doing a special offer. Basically, it was useless - bulky and couldn't find a TMC signal. Apparently a known problem because UK FM transmitters are low power.

So, I took it back and replaced it with a Garmin Nuvi 660 which has built in TMC - much more expensive, but also lighter and more compact. This works really well - locks onto a TMC signal and downloads info before I even leave my driveway. You do find places where it can't lock onto a signal because of poor radio reception, but that's always going to happen. One thing I would say though is that the windscreen mount on the 660 is pathetic, so budget for buying a vent mount or a better windscreen mount as well.

(One final note - if you do buy a 660, DON'T download the latest TMC software 3.90 as it can cause problems in the UK).

[off_again]

I have the AA Navigator with TMC support and had it for some time - they were one of the first to get TMC support and its pretty good. In general I am pretty pleased with the results and it works well. BUT, the big issue is with the TMC data itself. Yes its fairly accurate and prompt, but there is little or no details. So yes, it might say "delay 10 minutes" but there is no supporting information. A 10 minute delay might be fine if all of the surrounding roads are blocked too..... and that is the main problem with these automated traffic systems.

I find that TMC is helpful but I tend to back it up with the old RDS radios broadcasts and then the occassional use of a mobile phone traffic service. That way you can get some decent information so that you can make some educated choices. But its nice to have information though.....

[combemarshal]

Go for tom tom and get the GPRS version of Traffic, and get unlimited data on your mobile, works wonders, even warns you of ice and snow and wind!

[phatmanace]

in the end, I bought a tomtom one - got it in the airport for £150 tax free, and very happy with it!

loads loads better than my old rev1 tomtom on the IPAQ

Thans for all your help!

-ace