Tomtom NEW rds-tmc traffic reciever

[andy-c1]

having used both ,give me hd traffic anytime ,it is so much better than the wired stuff
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TomTom 5001

[Kremmen]

My Honda built in unit uses RDS TMC via local radio stations. These are collected by the unit and you can, via a hidden menu, view the number of 'providers' the unit has detected.

However, I can zoom out and see traffic conditions for Tm covered roads for the whole country - so what's different ?
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

[DennisN]

TomTom don't make Hondas (I think).
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Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

[granite-silver]

[Kremmen]

The Honda unit does have some limitations when compared to the portable ranges but overall it's quite good:

7" screen
There when you need it with ignition turn on and with no trailing wires
Voice control option
Zoom levels from 50yds to 120 miles per inch

downsides:

2D only (although maybe considered better when your used to it)
No user POI's

What it is good at though is the TMC traffic. It shows any traffic hotspots with a leading warning triangle (up to 3 symbols depending on severity) followed by a red bar alongside the road for the length of the problem and it's directional.

Even though I am in London I can move the centre of focus to say Glasgow with the 'joystick' and zoom in and get these traffic warnings.

I assumed that the traffic for the whole country gets fed into Tm central office and distributed en-mass to all UK radio stations.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

[dorsetwurzel]

Morning all,

So now we have got the HD vs RDS out of the way, has anybody used this reciever yet and if so is it any good? Does it get a signal reasonably quickly and hold it without drop outs? I have the XL IQ and with no option of HD traffic it is (sometimes) better than nothing. I have found when I have used the TMC reciever in Europe the standard of the information is often much better than the UK TMC channel.

I have the mini USB version with the square box of tricks on the wire however I am too lazy to plug the charger into the TMC and then put suckers all round the windscreen. The USB version also stops working when the 12v cigar lighter looses power in some cars - does this do the same.

Any comments, pointers on this one will be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Tim

[mikealder]

[dorsetwurzel]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the info. I have ordered one to play with. My next device will have live connectivity though!!

I do find rds quite good in France where it is provided by Michellin. Thats one advantage of living 7 minutes from the Chunnel.

Tim

[DennisN]

[Montala]

This new device does look quite interesting for, as they say, there is no need for extra wires and cables on the windscreen.... and I usually have mine 'plugged in' anyway!

However, most TomTom accessories are usually available from on-line outlets such as Amazon at a lower price than that quoted by TomTom on their own website.

Has anyone seen this product being sold elsewhere, and do we even know whether TomTom themselves are actually shipping it yet?

P.S. I take it that there is no on-going 'subscription' charge, or anything like that... or is there?

[JoolsTwo]

[dorsetwurzel]

Dennis,
I meant when I am in France too heading away from the M2, M20 and the rest of this overcrowded country! ;)

It is nice to be able to escape so easily to roads with a smooth surface!
Tim

[Andy_P]

[Montala]

Thanks for clarifying that Andy!

Going back to my earlier post, do you, or anyone else for that matter, know of an alternative, and hopefully cheaper, source for these?

[dorsetwurzel]

I have ordered mine from Power-on.co.uk although its not turned up yet so I cant say whether its any good or not.

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