Do I have a VIA or GO Device??

[The Rebel]

Hey all, I haven't used my device in a few years and need some info as I'm getting conflicting info, as I've looked at the video to see what I had based on the serial #.

I updated the US map to it's current version as well as the GPS update as well, see attached.

My main issue is the RDS-TMC Receiver/Charger cable sometimes connects to the Freq / Channel, other times it's constantly trying to connect.

When it does connect, I never seem to get any of the Traffic Warning Flags or a verbal notification that a delay has occurred & if I want to take a quicker route.

These all used to work years ago when I bought it new. Are states no longer using this or is it perhaps my Receiver/Charger cable has an issue & I need to get a new one. If I need to get a new one, are they even made anymore? I checked the TomTom website for accessories, but the page does not seem to exist anymore.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Willy875]

Hi
Your GPS is a Via 1400 or 1405
The cables are no longer manufactured
You can only use the RDS-TMC service in the region in which you purchased your device, so if the cable is defective and you cannot find a cable on US retail sites, do not buy.

 

[The Rebel]

Hi
Your GPS is a Via 1400 or 1405
The cables are no longer manufactured
You can only use the RDS-TMC service in the region in which you purchased your device, so if the cable is defective and you cannot find a cable on US retail sites, do not buy.

Thanks so much!

 

[Arno]

As far as I recall, most radio stations in North America have disabled that system.
Last time I was testing it was about 4 years ago and then it only covered some sections of the 401 going through Toronto, nothing on lesser than Interstate roads.

 

[The Rebel]

I was wondering about that as well with all the new technology.

Might have to invest in a new unit as l'm a delivery driver in vans, not CDL.

 

[canderson]

I think, but can't confirm, that Clear Channel is still running RDS-TMC here in the U.S. in 65 or so major markets.

@The Rebel
That said, the number of roads covered and the accuracy of the RDS traffic data on your Via 1400 is nowhere near as good as the "Live" data that TomTom can supply for newer devices.
Are you getting map updates for free for the 1400?

 

[The Rebel]

I think, but can't confirm, that Clear Channel is still running RDS-TMC here in the U.S. in 65 or so major markets.

@The Rebel
That said, the number of roads covered and the accuracy of the RDS traffic data on your Via 1400 is nowhere near as good as the "Live" data that TomTom can supply for newer devices.
Are you getting map updates for free for the 1400?

Yep, still getting map and GPS updates for free.

 

[canderson]

Yep, still getting map and GPS updates for free.

If the traffic data isn't critical where you drive, might as well hang onto it then.

 

[The Rebel]

As a delivery driver I'd like to have that function working again seeing l spend a good amount of time on the road.

 

[canderson]

As a delivery driver I'd like to have that function working again seeing l spend a good amount of time on the road.

Might be time to consider an upgrade, then. "Live" traffic covers even minor roads, and with heavy detail.
If you take a look at the online 'planner', you'll see that there's a whole lot more reported with that system than was possible with RDS data signalling.

Plan.TomTom.com

TomTom Route Planner

plan.tomtom.com

 

[The Rebel]

Today no issues with it connecting as l got the traffic icon and no buffering.

Still no colored flags or orange/red traffic indicators though.

With no buffering issues am l able to tell what frequency it connected to?

Seeing it connected does that mean l might get actually get the traffic reports?

 

[The Rebel]

Was looking at newer tomtom units and discovered that they no longer sell units in the USA anymore, but Garmin does.

lf I buy a new one l'm going Garmin, also tomtoms website is a complete mess with all the 404 error messages, obviously they don't care about it or customer service...

 

[canderson]

Was looking at newer tomtom units and discovered that they no longer sell units in the USA anymore, but Garmin does.

lf I buy a new one l'm going Garmin, also tomtoms website is a complete mess with all the 404 error messages, obviously they don't care about it or customer service...

There are very few new TomTom units to be found anywhere in the distribution chain in the U.S. at this point in time.
Amazon appears to be down to just one of these in stock https://www.amazon.com/TomTom-Supreme-Navigation-Traffic-Handsfree/dp/B081HSWJJN and even that's a refurb from the looks of it.

I just wish any of the other outfits (Garmin and in-dash various) had traffic that was up to the TomTom Live quality. I'm still amazed by it pretty much daily.

As for Garmin, take a long look at the Drive series: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/721063

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks!

I was looking at the 53 & 66 units.

Based on the link you sent me it looks like the 5" version doesn't give you the verbal directions like my old tomtom unit does, but the 6" and larger units do.

If that's the case a BIG THANK YOU to you as l would have assumed that all of the versions do and l may have bought the 5" and been surprised and had to return it.

 

[Willy875]

The 5" version gives verbal instructions

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks! So what's the talk to me feature do?

 

[Willy875]

On the 66 It is the voice command to communicate with your GPS (call a correspondent on your phone or increase the volume, ask for directions) for example.

 

[The Rebel]

Ah, gotcha. Like Hey Google/ Siri.

Thanks again!

 

[The Rebel]

So out of curiosity I wrote to Tomtom about the RDS-TMC issue, below is their response as well as the freq spreadsheet. Has anyone tried manually entering the freq and had success?

Thank you for contacting TomTom Customer Support regarding device not getting traffic updates. TMC transmits traffic information as a radio signal and is available free of charge in many countries. TMC is not a TomTom Service, but is available when using the TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver. Your assesment is correct the Radio stations have stopped the service thus the traffic is not working. We have received reports from other user using TMC traffic. Try to enter the frequency manually on the device and check if that helps. I have attached the pdf file with this email.

 

[canderson]

So out of curiosity I wrote to Tomtom about the RDS-TMC issue, below is their response as well as the freq spreadsheet. Has anyone tried manually entering the freq and had success?

Many (back in 2008?) years ago, yes.
You've got six stations in the New Haven area represented on the list, any of which might work. Try entering those 6 freqs, waiting a bit on each, and seeing if one of them hits? I'd start with any of them that are part of the Clear Channel (iHeart) network. They still support RDS in a large number of markets here in the U.S.