Is TMC worth it ??

MadPanther · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject: Is TMC worth it ??

I'm looking for a new PDA / GPS.

Currently looking at HP rx5720, but could be changed to another PDA / Bluetooth GPS-TMC Module if it's worth the extra.

Any advice or comments ??

I normally drive 000's mile per month..

mikealder · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:59 am Post subject:

I would say its a handy addition to the Nav unit but I don't rely upon the RDS-TMC for all my information, the motorway gantry signs and radio all play a significant part in decision making - sometimes I will use the RDS-TMC information and let the unit re-route due to a hold up, other times I ignore it.
When the information is valid it is often very useful, unfortunately the data is very often out of date or simply wrong - when they (the providers of the information) get the data right and the radio network coverage issues resolved within the UK then it might be worth considering - Mike

Darren · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:00 am Post subject:

I use it when I can access it but don't rely on it as the data is so often inaccurate. I use it as a 'there may be a jam ahead' warning so I can prepare myself or choose another route if it's not to out of the way.

I wouldn't choose a solution purely based on TMC though.
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Darren Griffin

MadPanther · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks

lundavra · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 17, 2007 Posts: 76

I have only a short experience of TMC but I have found that it is difficult to read and work out the warnings when driving on my own. Also I just don't trust the SatNav to divert me off the obvious route as they do too many stupid things but I am sure that one day it will get me around some major hold-up.

MB

cantgetlost · Frequent Visitor Joined: Nov 14, 2005 Posts: 291

If and when it works on the limited number of roads that it applies to, YES, if you use those roads!
My experience is that in the UK it works about 20% of the time at best Crying or Very sad

MadPanther · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks.
For now I've decided not to worry about TMC. I may get that at a later date.

Just need to decide on what PDA I want
Confused

benlovejoy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2007 Posts: 12

My limited (few weeks) experience (Zumo 550 with GTM21) is very good. There was one occasion when the alert came too late, but it kept me out of a 12-mile tailback on Sunday (that I saw as I crossed over it on my auto-diverted route), so I was pretty happy to have it!

As others have said, you can't rely on it as your only source of info, but it's a very valuable one, especially in a GPS that can auto-divert based on the TMC data.

Ben

gem · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 12:48 am Post subject:

Using my Garmin Nuvi there is no traffic coverage at all on Dumfries to near Paisley. Nor any around Ayr, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Beith.

Although the TrafficMaster website and other sources says they transmit using radio station companies which should mean these areas are covered, e.g. Smooth radio, XFM and I think the 3rd might be Real radio. Not happy. Evil or Very Mad

benlovejoy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2007 Posts: 12

I see lots of people posting about reception problems, whereas I've not yet had any cut-outs. I wonder whether the GTM21 antenna is particularly good (I just have it horizontal across the bottom of the windscreen) or whether it's simply that coverage is good in the South-East where I do most of my driving?

Ben

swing · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 10:17 am Post subject:

benlovejoy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2007 Posts: 12

On the Zumo 550, it's very obvious as the traffic button dims out.

GPS_fan · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:29 am Post subject:

Where and when TMC works properly, it's a great additional feature to have on your GPS...but reception of the RDS/TMC signal is a problem and varies according to which TMC provider your GPS system uses - so it shouldn't be relied upon

However, it's handy to have and use alongside radio traffic bulletins etc.

In addition to signal reception, the two UK providers have slightly different data retrieval and road coverage networks.

Also, whilst iTIS have informed us that they're planning to add more radio stations to their RDS network, TrafficMaster have failed to act on their invitation to join this forum.

As well as asking if TMC is worth it, it might also be worth considering which TMC provider better suits your needs.
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Andy
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swing · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

adrian_anastas · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 27, 2006 Posts: 73

This is not the first time I've seen a Zumo user getting good reception in London:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=57697&highlight=

It makes me think that the issue is either with the Nuvi software or the GTM software that we're using.

I've asked on another thread if people could disclose versions and results for TMC in London. I'd appreciate any replies:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=342186#342186

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