Do I have a VIA or GO Device??

[The Rebel]

Thanks, that's my plan.

If none of these work I'm buying a Garmin

 

[Willy875]

Personally, I find that the traffic information given via radio stations is not reliable.

 

[The Rebel]

Personally, I find that the traffic information given via radio stations is not reliable.

Then how was the RDS-TMC info sent?

 

[Willy875]

Then how was the RDS-TMC info sent?

Tomtom does not provide traffic information to your GPS via RDS TMC.
Traffic information comes from
official sources of the State, local authorities (town halls, regions) or even motorway companies.

Most of the time, you will have information on the main roads.

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks. I get that but if that's the case and these stations on the list are broadcasting the TMC info, then why doesn't my unit automatically connect to them.

I'm getting the status bar on the right, so I know I'm connected to some channel. But perhaps the one I'm connected to doesn't broadcast the TMC info.

I'm assuming Garmin is using the same system.

I think I've probably spent way too much time on this, and will buy the Garmin, which is too bad as my unit is still good.

 

[Willy875]

I'm assuming Garmin is using the same system.

No, no RDS-TMC for Garmin
Garmin via the app receives traffic data from HERE

Traffic Service Differences for North American Automotive Devices | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks a million, l truly appreciate it!

 

[canderson]

RDS-TMC is limited by the size of the messages transmitted. The original TMC spec didn't consider the idea of covering any but major roads. RDS-TMC can't cover nearly as many roads nor at the level of detail as technologies that came along later. For that reason, where more recent technology solutions for traffic are available, they are definitely to be preferred.

 

[The Rebel]

Today l plugged it in and was not able to connect to the RDS-TMC channel like l was able to all week to test the 6 radio channels freq.

I officially gave up and bought the Garmin 53 with Traffic, l'm done with Tomtom.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[canderson]

Today l plugged it in and was not able to connect to the RDS-TMC channel like l was able to all week to test the 6 radio channels freq.

I officially gave up and bought the Garmin 53 with Traffic, l'm done with Tomtom.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Were you sure to include the traffic subscription? It adds some up front cost ($70?), but it's worth it. What was your all-in price for a 53 w/traffic?

Out of curiosity, why not the DriveSmart 55? I think they're going for only $10 more than the Drive 53 right now.

 

[The Rebel]

Were you sure to include the traffic subscription? It adds some up front cost ($70?), but it's worth it. What was your all-in price for a 53 w/traffic?

The 53 doesn't need a subscription but all in was just shy of $200.

 

[canderson]

The 53 doesn't need a subscription but all in was just shy of $200.

The difference between a Drive 53 (about $100) and a Drive 53 with lifetime traffic subscription is about $70. You can buy a Drive 53 either way.

At the price you paid, you will have received the version with traffic (I hope!) which is good.

For NAM users, I've been recommending this for 5"

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DriveSmart-Traffic-Hands-Free-Information/dp/B07M98Z8DD

or the Drivesmart 66, 76 or 86 if a bigger screen is needed.

 

[The Rebel]

The difference between a Drive 53 (about $100) and a Drive 53 with lifetime traffic subscription is about $70. You can buy a Drive 53 either way.

At the price you paid, you will have received the version with traffic (I hope!) which is good.

For NAM users, I've been recommending this for 5"

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DriveSmart-Traffic-Hands-Free-Information/dp/B07M98Z8DD

or the Drivesmart 66, 76 or 86 if a bigger screen is needed.

Sorry yes l got the 53 with Traffic version.

I bought it directly from Garmin's website with overnight delivery.

It shipped today so I should it arrive tomorrow.