| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
MrGumby
Regular Visitor
Joined: Jan 21, 2006
Posts: 114
Location: West Sussex
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject: Using the Nuvi FM transmitter |
 |
|
Apologies if this has been covered, but I can't find it.
Presumably the transmitter on the Nuvi 670 (and new version of 660) enables me to drive in silence with my radio tuned to the Nuvi, waiting for spoken directions. But I don't want to do that.
Can it play mp3 tracks and interrupt them with directions?
What if I want to listen to a radio station? Can I set the Nuvi to transmit on the same frequency as a radio station, and will I then be able to make out directions from the Nuvi over the radio station?
I suppose, in practice, there is little value in that last option. For national stations, the radio will automatically change the tuned frequency as I drive. And, for local stations, I will have to retune periodically. But I'm interested to know the answer! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
swing
Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: Nov 04, 2003
Posts: 2225
Location: Bedfordshire, UK
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:54 pm Post subject: Re: Using the Nuvi FM transmitter |
|
|
| MrGumby wrote: | | Can it play mp3 tracks and interrupt them with directions? |
Yes, this will work fine. Also, both the mp3 and directions will be interrupted with a phone call if you are using the unit as a Handsfree too.
_________________
Please don't be offended if I do not reply to a PM - please ask questions via the forums. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DaveMatthews
Regular Visitor
Joined: Dec 25, 2004
Posts: 221
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 1:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
Has the FM transmitter now been fitted to (or enabled on) UK models? According to Garmin's UK website ("the UK version does not have the FM transmitter"):
http://www.garmin.com/uk/automotive/nuvi660.htm
--
Cheers,
Dave |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swing
Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: Nov 04, 2003
Posts: 2225
Location: Bedfordshire, UK
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
At CeBIT, Garmin announced a new European model, the 660FM, which will have the FM transmitter included.
I believe the 670 also has the FM transmitter fitted.
_________________
Please don't be offended if I do not reply to a PM - please ask questions via the forums. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
xspartx
Regular Visitor
Joined: Jan 13, 2004
Posts: 83
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The 670 does come with an FM transmitter.
Does anyone know if the unit will interrupt radio stations with directions? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DaveMatthews
Regular Visitor
Joined: Dec 25, 2004
Posts: 221
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 12:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the info, guys.
I've actually been considering buying a Navigon-based unit but as they can't seem to get their act together re TMC and software stability, I'm quite tempted by the Nuvi. However the display aesthetics compare poorly, IMHO, and I understand destinations and/or itineries cannot be saved, which would be a major downer for my personal needs - unless the 670 has addressed that...?
--
Cheers
Dave |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
philpugh
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2005
Posts: 2003
Location: Antrobus, Cheshire
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| DaveMatthews wrote: | Thanks for the info, guys.
I've actually been considering buying a Navigon-based unit but as they can't seem to get their act together re TMC and software stability, I'm quite tempted by the Nuvi. However the display aesthetics compare poorly, IMHO, and I understand destinations and/or itineries cannot be saved, which would be a major downer for my personal needs - unless the 670 has addressed that...?
Dave |
You can save 'personal' destinations in any nuvi - it's called Favourites. You can't save itineries however.
_________________
Phil |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
philpugh
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2005
Posts: 2003
Location: Antrobus, Cheshire
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| xspartx wrote: | The 670 does come with an FM transmitter.
Does anyone know if the unit will interrupt radio stations with directions? |
I don't have an FM enabled unit but I wouldn't expect it to interrupt other FM radio stations However it wouldn't be too difficult for Garmin to arrange to transmit the RDS pilot carrier along with the signal - which would enable it to interrupt the radio as per normal RDS information. It would add to the cost though.
I think the main use GARMIN have for the FM transmitter is the play-back of MP3 music and phone through the car radio system. Otherwise you could be sitting for miles without anything to listen to.
Personally I find the volume of the 660 OK for use up to and above (small amount :D ) motorway speeds. I don't use the MP3 function (my iPod plugs directly into the radio and gives exceptional quality). But I do use the BT phone connectivity extensively and at motorway speeds I don't really have a problem hearing and being heard.
_________________
Phil |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swing
Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: Nov 04, 2003
Posts: 2225
Location: Bedfordshire, UK
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Interrupting a broadcast is not that easy - the RDS signal carries information on which other frequencies can interrupt the current broadcast (eg if you are listening to a BBC national radio station, only BBC local radio stations will interrupt, not commercial ones), so it would be difficult (read pretty much impossible) to setup the RDS signal to work.
_________________
Please don't be offended if I do not reply to a PM - please ask questions via the forums. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Nick_Russell
Lifetime Member
Joined: Jan 16, 2007
Posts: 86
Location: Epsom, Surrey
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:17 am Post subject: Re: Using the Nuvi FM transmitter |
|
|
| MrGumby wrote: | Presumably the transmitter on the Nuvi 670 (and new version of 660) enables me to drive in silence with my radio tuned to the Nuvi, waiting for spoken directions. But I don't want to do that.
Can it play mp3 tracks and interrupt them with directions?
|
I use my 660 with a Belkin FM transmitter. Works very well. You can't play the radio as you have to tune the radio to the FM transmitter frequency (you just find a frequency with no radio transmissions on it - not too easy in London).
MP3 works fine - tracks are interrupted when Garmin wants to talk to you.
_________________
Nick Russell
Garmin nüvi 3590LM
SW v4.60, Audio v1.50, GTM v5.30, GPS v3.00, Bluetooth v3.40
City Navigator Europe NT 2008. GarminPOI Loader 2.5.2 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
![]() Posted: Today Post subject: Pocket GPS Advertising |
|
|
We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?. Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in for private messages
Log in
