Garmin C510D Problems

grn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 11, 2006 Posts: 4

Another software update from Garmin this week, when I plugged my recently purchased C510D. Latest revs seem to be:

C510 unit 3.10
GTM software 3.70
GPS software 2.70
Audio 2.10

I think I have seen greater GTM signal levels and quicker searching for RAC LIVE (seen throught the diagnostics page).

Will test-drive later today.

swing · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:47 pm Post subject:

I think the latest GTM update restricts the range of frequencies that the units search through for a signal, which may improve things.

Gradlag · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 04, 2006 Posts: 1

I've had a similar problem with a GTM21 using a Nuvi660. For ages the light just stayed yellow - even when driving around the M42 and M40. Finally got it working inside the house, but still no joy in the car. I've now attached two Ferrite rings from Maplins (ref HEM3019/N96AB). One at the base by the lighter and one at the top between the receiver and the base connector. Seems to have done the trick - or at least I'm getting a consistant signal. Got the idea from a similar thread concerning the GTM12, something to do with electrical noise. :D

JoshT · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:20 am Post subject: Re: Add some Ferrite rings

malc77 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 11, 2006 Posts: 27

Hi- wondered if anyone alse had success with ferrite rings- or indeed any other tips to improve TMC reception? I get reasonable reception but not 100% as it is now.
Thanks, Margaret

CreaTz · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:29 am Post subject:

inspiredron · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:17 am Post subject:

I have exactly the same problems with the GTM21 as most users have. Traffic reception is extremely unreliable and only works in areas of very high signal strength. I have tried three different vehicles, horizontal aerial, vertical aerial etc with no improvement. I have complained to Garmin and also tried to get info from TrafficMaster about what I should expect. They passed my question on to Garmin who said I must have a faulty unit and replaced the whole of my C510D with GTM21. No improvement! The sales manager of Garmin told me that they have had no other complaints and that the units work well in Romsey. On a journey to Scotland and back from Surrey I had no traffic info at all after Cheshire going North and until turning onto M6 Toll on th eway back. Also big blank areas on M40
I reckon it's time to talk misleading advertising, Trades Description Act etc. The unit does not do what it is supposed to do.

kelvin66 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 02, 2006 Posts: 31

inspiredron, take a look at this link. It shows what I did to improve reception;

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=48188&start=45

It's made a BIG difference to the reception. Also check on the signal strengh when tuned to Clasic FM, on the radio, as that's where the traffic signal comes from... If it's bad then you will never receive TMC signals...

PS. you can pull of the black end and strip the wire by 1/4" of the GTM21. If it doesn't waork you can re-trim the cable and super glue the black end back...

swing · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 6:00 pm Post subject:

perussell · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 12, 2006 Posts: 292

Question for Swing - there have been many comments in these forums about weak TMC traffic signals along the M4 in recent weeks, particularly around Reading to Maidenhead. Last week when I drove up to Heathrow I set my destination and then instead of viewing the map (I could drive the route blind by now - I just use it for diversions etc when I meet problems) I remained on the home screen. Throughout the entire journey the traffic icon remained bright blue so I am assuming that I was receiving a valid signal throughout the journey and never lost it which makes its' failure to pick up a jam around Reading a week or two back all the more puzzling. When I returned the unit correctly forecast a 6 mile congestion between J8/9 & J10 so it all seems to be working Ok. I have a 310D with the most recent power cable
My question therefore.... if the traffic icon is live are we continuously receiving a traffic signal or is this misleading and we are perhaps passing though 'dead' areas without realising it and looking at 'old' i.e. previously received traffic information?

kelvin66 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 02, 2006 Posts: 31

From my experince the blue icon stays lit even when the signals gone as shown on the GMT21 green led. So I think the icon has a delay and uses what's in the memory for (my guess) up to 5 mins...

swing · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

Firstly, if the unit loses signal, it will continue to list the traffic data until it timesouts, which happens roughly around 15 minutes, at which point the unit will start to delete the traffic from its list.

However, roadworks have a much longer timeout, so one thing that can happen is that although all the traffic data has been deleted, it still has a list of 3 to 5 items of long term roadworks, which will result in the blue icon staying on.

Given this caching of data, you can easily pass through short dead spots without even knowing about it, but obviously longer dead spots will show up.

I also feel it can be very directional - eg I seem to get more time with traffic travelling Eastbound on the M4 than Westbound - whether this is the caching of the traffic data, or whether it's about the unit being able to pick up the new signals I don't know (nor, when travelling at 69.9mph do I have the ability to sit there playing to work out what's going on Laughing

)

perussell · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 12, 2006 Posts: 292

[I also feel it can be very directional - eg I seem to get more time with traffic travelling Eastbound on the M4 than Westbound - whether this is the caching of the traffic data, or whether it's about the unit being able to pick up the new signals I don't know (nor, when travelling at 69.9mph do I have the ability to sit there playing to work out what's going on )]
So, you are the slow one holding everybody up around Reading!!!! :D
but seriously I can't remember the last time I could manage 70 mph around that section of the M4 for any length of time (other than in the middle of the night.
Thanks for the answer

inspiredron · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 12:48 am Post subject:

I agree that the icon stays on even once the led has gone amber. However, if you switch the unit off momentarily then it will lose the downloaded traffic info. However, on one journey up the M40 I lost traffic info as shown by amber led. I switched unit off for about 4 minutes and on switching on it found traffic again. I have a hunch that theunit is not very good at surrendering a poor signal to switch to a stronger more local station. Switching it off forces a new seek.

I contend that the units have insufficient sensitivity for UK use.

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