Garmin Digital Traffic service will end June 2021

Kremmen · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:43 am Post subject:

Be aware that many dashcams need at least 1.5A, some 2A, and many fag lighter USB plugs don't supply that amperage.

Plus the USB cable AWG rating needs to be suitable.

One poster on Dashcamtalk had a freezing dashcam until he changed his USB cable from 22 to 26 AWG.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

PaulWH · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2021 6:27 am Post subject:

Thanks again for that info.

My Dashcam is a Vantrue N4 and has a USB "C" connection so hopefully I won't have an issue using a small 12v to USB "C" converter along with a quality cable.

MichaelCahill · Regular Visitor Joined: May 23, 2008 Posts: 132

I notice that there is a software update available, TrafficProvider.xml. Release notes state "Performance improvement for some locations"

Perhaps Garmin have increased the number of providers on Smartlink to compensate for the loss of Digital Traffic reception in the UK?

pcaouolte · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2021 7:39 pm Post subject:

Kremmen · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 4:42 am Post subject:

I did a quick test yesterday and my phone connected to both the car, for STA, and the Garmin for traffic.

See how it goes but there is no other solution as TT are phasing out their units with the SIM and the latest 2021 units all need a smartphone for traffic.

Roll on a car change later this year with Android Auto.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

Kremmen · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 7:13 am Post subject:

Well, so far so good .....

I tested Smartlink, or Smartphone Link as they now call it, on my 2599 a few months ago and it wasn't up to par.

However, having used it in anger this morning it correctly showed the M4 roadworks almost identical to what Inrix via the TA cable did.

It wouldn't surprise me if Garmin still use Inrix but now via your phone.

The only difference I noted was that I had an almost permanent "On Fastest Route" display that only previously appeared briefly.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

Kremmen · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 5:21 pm Post subject:

Snag, Smartphone link is eating the battery.

I've changed 'Location' permission from allow all the time to only when the app is active and the traffic still comes in OK.

I'll see how that reduces the drain.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

Kremmen · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2021 7:34 am Post subject:

Yes, battery drain solved by changing Location Permission from Always to Only when Active.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

PhilHornby · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2021 3:48 pm Post subject:

Kremmen · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2021 4:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks P

There is a dedicated area on Dashcamtalk where Nextbase support operate. All the latest series 2 dashcams still have lithium batteries that Nextbase are receiving support posts about as they seem to have a short lifespan compared to caps.

It seems from the posts that their dashcams, especially the 522 for some reason , eat batteries in about 18 months for a lot of owners.

I also read regular posts where usb sockets and/or usb cables are replaced after advice and getting better quality with a higher max amperage solves problems, especially freezing.

It's like here where by regular visits you pick up useful info and tips and problems and solutions from others.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

walkerx · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2021 9:09 pm Post subject:

Yeh the batteries are rubbish in my 522GW has to be permanently connected to power even if wish to transfer a couple of files.

As for Garmin I no longer use mine and just use the TomTom app via Android Auto (found way to enable feature on my car and it works a dream). I also take my Go6200 as backup just incase

Kremmen · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 5:41 am Post subject:

I'm hoping to change my car in the next few months and it will have Android Auto.

That will give me another method to test to see if I can avoid wiring in my DS61.
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DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

INTRANET · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 01, 2021 Posts: 19

I did read whole thread and still not clear what is diff between SmartLink and Drive app? I'm using Drive app with DS65 MT-D.

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