Newbit to TT, XL 350-TM ?'s

[bellknap]

Good Day,
I saw a good deal on the XL350 at Best Buy (thanks to Father's Day) and grabbed it. I have had a Nextar for a few years that worked well, but they now want $79 to update the map and I thought that was a poor investment.
I really have been researching this item on your forms and on TT webiste, but do have one thing I am lost on.....the Traffic.
I see by the TT website they have a LIVE Traffic version and understand that, however what exactly do you get on the 350 when they say Lifetime TRAFFIC & Maps version? I was in an area today that has major construction going on and didn't see any icons or info. Am I missing something?
Thanks for posting information on how to back up, most helpful. I have also been able to customize the opening and closing screen, colors, voices, etc. so am learning a great deal.
Just so you know on this unit. When I updated maps it simply added the new map it did not over ride it as it was supposed to, support had to help me through that. Also the proo code wouldn't and I was instructed to fax it and a letter to support to get that added to my account. The rep stated that they "have been having problems with the promo code on the new 350's"
I have found many things I like better on the TomTom, but must admit I miss having a compass on the unit. Anywho thanks for any info. you might share with me...or any other basic stuff. Thanks, Lydia

 

[dhn]

Welcome to TTF.

When you plugged the antenna/charger into the unit, did you see a message that rds-tmc antenna was installed, or something close? Did you see a vertical bar on the right side of the screen with a little ball on the top that is supposed to turn green when the signal is obtained?

If none of that, call support (again, I guess) at 866-486-6866 and have them step through the traffic activation process.

(You have registered an email address account at TomTom have you not? Needed for activation, etc.)

All the above is predicated on the fact you did indeed get a model with the 'TM' options. If you got the straight 350 model, then that does NOT include lifetime maps (M) or traffic (T).

 

[bellknap]

I have the little green dot. Yes I have registered with TT. Perhaps I am expecting to much, can you give me an example of what I should be seeing or hearing about traffic?
Also to toss in another quick question...what is the purpose of TomTom Route Planner online? Is there a way to sync this with your computer? Or is it kind of like Mapquest with traffic?
Finally...gee I go on...is there a way via Tom Tom Home to enter a bunch of your frequent address and download them into the unti when attached to your computer? Thanks for all of the help, Lydia

 

[dhn]

I have the little green dot. Yes I have registered with TT. Perhaps I am expecting to much, can you give me an example of what I should be seeing or hearing about traffic?

Well, it sounds as if you are ok then. If it picks up a delay in traffic, you'll see an icon on the vertical bar somewhere with the distance from you showing.

Also to toss in another quick question...what is the purpose of TomTom Route Planner online? Is there a way to sync this with your computer? Or is it kind of like Mapquest with traffic?

I think your model has itinerary planning.... so look here:
Using Google Maps For Itinerary Planning

Finally...gee I go on...is there a way via Tom Tom Home to enter a bunch of your frequent address and download them into the unti when attached to your computer? Thanks for all of the help, Lydia

You can create Favourites, yes, but there is a better way. See here:
Pocket GPS World - SatNavs | GPS | Speed Cameras Forums-viewtopic-Converting "MapSettings.cfg" file

 

[mvl]

I see by the TT website they have a LIVE Traffic version and understand that, however what exactly do you get on the 350 when they say Lifetime TRAFFIC & Maps version? I was in an area today that has major construction going on and didn't see any icons or info. Am I missing something?

Tomtom has classes of traffic. The LIVE traffic is their highest class of traffic, where a built in cellular modem connects direct to Tomtom's servers, and Tomtom's servers provide traffic aggregated from a number of vendors.

The antenna traffic in the 350TM is still realtime traffic, it uses just one vendor (ClearChannel). So it may not pick up as many incidents as the LIVE traffic does, depending on your neighborhood.

 

[bellknap]

thank you everyone for the 411. I have had the TomTom for awhile now and am seeing some information about traffic. I seem to be very happy with this new model and becoming more used to it. I love some of the features and miss a few on my oldie, but goodie Nextar. Thanks again, Lydia
P.S. I have found that I seem to be able to get better info. on this forum than with the TomTom support. I suppose it is due to the fact that my unit is a new model, but it is a bit frustrating. For instance on the Rounte Planner online feature, I was told there was no way to transfer the route to your TomTom which is wrong you certainly can if you are hooked up to your computer. But on the website they don't make it all that easy to realize that! Thanks again, Lydia of Ohio

 

[smegs]

RDMS Traffic Antenna

Where can I get a traffic antenna for my 355s. I live in Los Angeles area. Im curious.

 

[mvl]

Where can I get a traffic antenna for my 355s. I live in Los Angeles area. Im curious.

Tomtom hasn't released a 355s. Can you confirm the model number? Different antennas are compatible with different models.