TT5 - My first, virgin, Trip

topgazza · Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:24 pm Post subject: TT5 - My first, virgin, Trip

Well, went on a journey I know well from Basingstoke to Plymouth to drop my son off at Uni so a good test for the TT 5 and Holux GPSlim 236. Ok most of teh rip is motorway but I was interested to see how it coped with slip road exits where there are a couple of choices and speed cam alerts.

Very impressed and I think I need to learn more about the TT "culture". When it says things like "turn left then right" it actually means "turn left then get ready to turn right when I tell you to"

"Cross roundabout and take 2nd exit " means "Go onto the roundabout and take 2nd exit" as "cross" seems to imply go round the roundabout to the other side then take 2nd exit. "Bear left" usually means follow the road round to the left.

Its only real shortfall IMO is the lack of TTS. It would still be nice for it to say, to avoid ambiguity, "On roundabout take 2nd exit onto M5 southbound" as I tend to listen to the voice and look at the roadsigns and following blindly is sure to give a few mis turnings. or perhaps this is something I'll learn to use ?
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mikealder · Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:57 pm Post subject:

It does take some getting used to, I think the TTN6 is better in built up areas as there is a big improvement in the information that is spoken prior to a turn, this is one of the big plus points for version 6.
If you want TTS and TomTom range then you need to look at the 910 device, someone posted earlier it was available for around £240 with discounts - Mike

topgazza · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 1:48 pm Post subject:

Keeping my options open on which one but I do like TT in general. Because I was familiar with most of the route I used it as these things are meant to be used, as an aid. It didn't try and send me on any wrong routes but sometimes slip road notification is a bit vague especially where there are a couple of options to consider. Saying "take exit then keep right/ left" is not good enough and lead to some late lane changes If I didn't know the local area then I will just trust it. It certainly took me to one address in Plymouth I didn't know and right to the door.

I wish TT would introduce TTS across the range though but I think I will be sticking with TT and looking for an all in one when I have got more used to it
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FrequentFlyer · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:59 pm Post subject:

I'm still not convinced that TTS is reliable enough...to find no hold up on the road when you get there, is frustrating to say the least....nearly as bad as some of the road info put out by the BBC and others...likewise motorway signs not turned off early enough...obviosly nobody in the control rooms...whereever they are, is actually looking at the monitors I guess.
This country needs a really good, one and only, traffic info system INHO.

mikealder · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:05 pm Post subject:

TTS = Text To Speech, are you confusing this with Traffic? - Mike

topgazza · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

Too many acronyms...easily done.

I think in terms of a wish list I wouldn't mind TT5/6 having just a simple text to speech limited to road numbers. So my issue with knowing what slip road to take could be solved by a simple "take exit and bear left onto M5 South" type of instruction. Mind you this is mainly a problem on multiple road merging such as M4/M25 or M4/M5 where there are multiple road loops and possible choices and not much time to change your mind. Of course having a rough Idea where you are going helps but it would be a useful small addition to an excellant product.

They do it on the 910 so it would be great if TT would extend this feature..ah well
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topgazza · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:34 pm Post subject:

Actually reference speed cameras I noticed I got lots of warnings when there were no cameras. I know around Swindon there use to be cameras on the long term road works and they flased up even if they are now gone but I certainly got lots of messages when there was noting more than a speed camera waring sign . Think I'll sub the £2 and get the latest cameras assuminmg they overwrite the old ones
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Robin2 · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

The "turn left then turn right" bug first appeared with TT5 and was corrected in TT6.
TTS is a mixed blessing. I live in Wales and many street names defeat any TTS system. The same is true when used abroad. I tried TTS on CoPilot, but it was so long winded that in town centres I had often passed the junction before the instruction had been completed.
Although I don't advocate staring at the screen when driving, a quick glance before entering a roundabout enables you to see the angle of your desired exit, which helps to avoid confusion when there are 5 or 6
Robin
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mikealder · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject:

topgazza · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject:

I think a planner for Wales would just go " Ah, ***it! Go which ever way you want"

Best bet is just don't go to Wales of course Twisted Evil

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jimbo_hippo · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 444

If you have TTN5 might be worth considering the relatively cheap map upgrad which comes with a free upgrade to TTN6 if the routing is, as mentioned above, improved.

As a tip for the slip road issue, in TTN6 you get spoken navigation but at the top of the screen you see a version of the road sign which will give you the road number and at least one of the destinations seen on the sign. If you use this then it's much easier.

This might seem a bit of a no brainer but I did find at first that i expected the visual information to be enough. But when I started using the sign info it becomes MUCH easier as you follow the gantries as opposed to the screen.
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topgazza · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:47 am Post subject:

OK , I'm guessing that the destination shown on the road sign is the one you should follow. That would make sense. I think part of the problem is that I don't have my PDA in front of me. It sits in the centre console as with Co Pilot I got used to clear TTS instructions and the screen became less important.

I don't like the idea of sucker mounts or the PDA in view because of breakins and already have my mobile kit attached to the middle vent so I will have to have a little think about the problem
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Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

topgazza · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:11 pm Post subject:

Can anyone here confirm if the V6 maps for Tom Tom 5 you cab download from TT's website give the functions above.

Such as the exit road sign or improved turn instructions or is the latter part of the TT6 program only and the new maps just updated roads ?
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Trevor1234 · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:27 pm Post subject:

Hi topgazza
It does take a bit of getting used to but when mastered its just fine. My only ever criticisms of Tomtom have been the voice commands. When one is told to ‘Turn left then Right’ when the turning to the right is ½ mile away is ridiculous.

I must admit that I always keep an eye on the screen and the voice is of secondary importance to me. For instance as I approach a roundabout I can see the roundabout faithfully shown on the screen and I can see exactly where I will be going when I reach it.

And when I am travelling along a Motorway and Jane says ‘Turn Right’ I just smile and tell her to keep her silly trap shut. Yes, its all good fun but TT5 it does work and it will get you to your destination easily.
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topgazza · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:43 pm Post subject:

So far so good in that respect Trevor. Really enjoyed the simple commands....and the silence when there was nothing to say. Unlike Co Pilot which chirps away endlessly telling you to bear left on the A33 when you are on the A33 and the road gently curves to the left. My only real gripe with Co Pilot.

I would even argue, with TT, that when is tells you "turn left then right" I ignore the second part until it actually says..turn right. I really don't want it mounted high up but I may consider it.
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Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

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