Options for Live Traffic Updates on PAYG

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

Or maybe PAYG isn't the best route to go down?

I'd really appreciate some advice. I've succumbed and bought an iPhone Rolling Eyes

but of course it doesn't have reliable enough step by step routing soooo I'm still using my trusty TomTom Go 520 (which appears to have lost volume on handsfree all of a sudden - but that's another topic!).

I have live traffic subscription but of course the TT won't pair with the iPhone - unless I'm missing a trick? No problem I thought, I'll get a PAYG Sim and stick it in the Sony Ericsson I used before the iPhone. I went for Tesco who use O2 on the basis that I was O2 previously and it worked well on contract. It doesn't work and neither TT or Tesco can assist with wireless data connection settings.

So, my questions:-

I'm assuming no-one has come up with a way of pairing TT with iPhone?

On the basis that they can't be paired, is there a PAYG tariff that works with the Go 520?

If there is one it needs to be able to charge reasonably for data. I won't ever use it for voice or text.

Is PAYG even the route I should be looking at? I use the live traffic a lot. For instance, next week I'm driving from Dorset to Hertfordshire on Monday, Hertfordshire to Suffolk and then onto Lincoln on Tuesday. Lincoln to Sussex on Wednesday and then back home to Dorset. Thursday, Dorset to Southampton. Friday, I'm only working 20 minutes away, so I think I can manage without Traffic Updates Laughing Out Loud

. I have the traffic set for 10 minute updates - is PAYG going to be hideously expensive?

If I go Contract can I get one that is data based rather than making me pay for calls and texts I won't use?

Finally, is there a TT that doesn't rely on connection to a mobile phone for live updates? Given the dodgy voice connection and crackly speaker on my 520 I might be better getting a new TT.

Sorry this is so long for a first post. I really hope someone can help.

TIA

FF

mikealder · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 12:32 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum, forget using the iFone for a data connection as it simply won't work.

An O2 based PAYG sim card won't work either as O2 bar PAYG users from true the GPRS service which is needed for access to the servers at TomTom. Either Orange or T-Mobile PAYG cards will work for a data connection if you want to consider these, bear in mind the GPRS based traffic service is subscription based so you are paying TomTom to access the data and paying the mobile phone operator for network download traffic.

Have you considered an RDS-TMC receiver accessory for the device? these don't need a mobile phone connection and are subscription free for life. There are two types available, I would get the one with the Mini USB plug as it is the better of the two types in terms of signal reception. These receivers can be purchased for under £30 see Here - reception of a signal can be problematic depending upon signal coverage in parts or the UK, but with no running costs they are the cheaper solution - Mike

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

Thanks Mike,

That looks like a good route to go down.

I'm being a bit 'bear of little brain' this morning though Rolling Eyes

. Does this mean I still have to have my Live Traffic Subscription but don't need a mobile phone? Or can I cancel that too?

I could really do with this before I head off on my travels tomorrow. I feel lost without my live traffic Rolling Eyes

. Shame it's more like £50 in any 'real' shops - I've checked Argos and Halfords

mikealder · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

The purchase price includes the license to use the device for life so you could do away with the subscription charge and the need for a data connection via the phone.

Go and get a £10 T-Mobile sim to use in the SE phone for the next few days while the RDS receiver comes through the post, doing this you will still save £10 - Mike

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

Thanks Mike

Has anyone told you recently how brilliant you are Very Happy

?

Now, can you sort out my lack of Handsfree call volume ?

Laughing

mikealder · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:34 pm Post subject:

Make a call to your house phone via the TomTom, while you are holding conversation tap the lower left corner of the screen and turn the volume up to maximum - the phone handsfree volume can only be adjusted while you are using the device for a call - Mike

MrT · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:37 pm Post subject:

TomTom have an offer on the TMC for £32.99 until the end of March.

http://www.tomtom.com/products/accessories/accessory.php?ID=510&Lid=1
_________________
Drivelux

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

MrT · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject:

The one in the picture on offer is the mini usb version. This does require the TT car charger which plugs into this then this plugs into the TT and powers it.

I have found little difference between the USB and the older type, in my opinion they both take too long to get a signal.
_________________
Drivelux

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

DennisN · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

My RDS-TMC is the older type (not mini USB) and I have no signal problems at all.

However, Radio 5 Live is my constant companion - 693 and 909 MW, traffic updates at 15 and 45 mins past the hour.
_________________
Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

DennisN · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject:

Losing your TomTom speed cameras and getting the pgpsw ones would be called a wise move!
_________________
Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

DennisN · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 6:20 pm Post subject:

ForbiddenFruit · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 27

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