TCM navigator and POI database?

srk23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 15, 2005 Posts: 3

Hi,

I have just got a flyer from Tchibo with details of their new Pcket PC based navigator that will be available from 20th April. It seems pretty reasonable - pocketPC, Navteq based TCM navigator software and integrated GPS with all accessories for £249.

I have never come across this software before, and was wondering if anyone knows if you can import POI databases to it (such as the PcketGPS speed camera database)? Does anyone know if these devices are any good?

Thanks!
Simon

Pocketgps · Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject:

Is there a web site to see this item.

Darren · Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject:

I can't see it listed on www.tchibo.co.uk and haven't had their latest flyer.

if you have a photo you can scan we might be able to identify the hardware/software?
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Darren Griffin

srk23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 15, 2005 Posts: 3

Looks like this (sorry about the bad quality scan...)

Darren · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject:

That answers the question nicely! that's Navigon or a re-badge of it as it often appears on budget units badged as Medion or similar.

You can use Safety Camera POIs but you need POI-Warner to do so, available to buy from www.navigating.de .
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Darren Griffin

Pocketgps · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:26 pm Post subject:

Hello Simon

This is the unit, but the one from tchibo is using a version of Navigon GPS software which I actually like and use myself.

Good price, it's £350 on the Medion web site.

srk23 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 15, 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks for the help guys - I'll try to get hold of one on Wednesday. :D

awaghorn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 16

But will it come with European maps? Or is this the £100 difference?

rother · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:14 pm Post subject:

just looking at this aswell, it says TCM Navigator 4.3 with preinstalled maps of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
CD-ROM with maps of Western Europe , but it might not be the full maps
the link is
here
i think i might order one at this price as they will probably all go, i can always send it back if it is not satisfactory

Pocketgps · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:44 pm Post subject:

What I find a bit odd is that it says that it use Navteq, but the images on the screen show a version of Navigon gps software and that should be Tele Atlas as far as I know, but may be it has changed since version 4.2 of Navigon.

rother · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:46 pm Post subject:

Yes
it is abit confusing i have ordered one so i will find out when it comes, says up to 2 weeks though

awaghorn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 09, 2005 Posts: 16

Navigon can work with either TeleAtlas or Navteq as one of the other Medion PNA100 threads discusses the Halfords one seems to have gone from using one to the other (although I don't know which way round it went!).

I have read that as coming with full maps of Europe - if it doesn't I'll send it back under the 14 day thing. Also noticed it says it comes with a spare battery!

Anyway, lets wait and see!

Andrew

rother · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:03 am Post subject:

wow i see it is sold out already

Darren · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:05 am Post subject:

snj · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 21, 2005 Posts: 7

Yes it includes European maps. I bought one of these yesterday morning, for your £249 the box contains (deep breath..)

Rebadged Medion ppc, 266 MHz. The InfoViewer says it's a MDPNA100.
64MB RAM
WM 2003
SD/MMC slot
USB Docking station with extra battery charging slot
Spare battery
Window sucker mount arm
Handle-bar mount
12v charging cable
Mains adaptor
Stereo headphones
Outdoor "pouch" with clear plastic cover for those hill-walkers
Rigid fabric carry-case with flip-open cover.
256MB SD memory card - with navigation software installer and UK maps already on it.
Three CD's containing the PC map-munging software and maps for:

Germany
Austria
Switzerland
UK
Finland
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Netherlands
Belgium
Luxembourg
France
Italy
Spain
Portugal

I've never owned either a ppc or a gps device before, and while I realise this is a budget until with probably an old version of software and not the most sensitive NMEA gps receiver, I have to say I'm rather impressed.

The navigation software announces itself as TCM Navigator 4.3 Version 2005, which I'm pretty sure is Navigon Navigator 4.2 with tchibo tweaks. It also explicitly states Navteq Onboard at startup and in the About screen.

I spent yesterday driving back and forth from north to south london on an errand, and was initally disappointed with the frequent loss of signal - jumping from a maximum of about 4 satellites to none, and often finding my position being incorrectly reported - jumping two streets parallel, and generally getting very confusing voice instructions.

It turns out I've got one of those awkward windscreens and today I placed the unit next to the rear-view mirror where there's a patch of windscreen that isn't shielded. In that position I got a fairly steady average of 7 satellites (occasionally 9) while driving back from Kent to north London, it never lost lock once (as far as I noticed).

The voice instructions are very clear, if a little tinny - and there was no distortion and the medium volume level I used.

It also comes with the usual tchibo 14 day no-quibble return policy and a 3 year guarantee.

Oh, it also has a tiny external aerial socket coverred by a rubber lug - it's really tiny and from hunting around I think it's a Minature MCX socket. Now, can someone help me here, I'd like an external antenna for this, one that I can stick to the unshielded part of the windscreen on the inside - any ideas where I can get one...?

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