Signal in Downtown SF, CA.

[gcane93]

Anybody in the forum had experience driving with TT Go 720 in the downtown SF? I'm planning to go vacation this summer. I hope the 720 could get good reception. Thanks.

 

[Smokiewolf]

Anybody in the forum had experience driving with TT Go 720 in the downtown SF? I'm planning to go vacation this summer. I hope the 720 could get good reception. Thanks.

I have read that other people have had difficulty with it. The external antenna might help, if it's so important you'd be willing to buy one.

 

[gcane93]

I have read that other people have had difficulty with it. The external antenna might help, if it's so important you'd be willing to buy one.

Thanks for the quick reply. I might try to external antenna, then...

 

[Pedro2NR]

the external antenna is what u need when driving through any downtown cities.

 

[gcane93]

the external antenna is what u need when driving through any downtown cities.

Thanks Pedro, I already ordered the external antenna. Now, can I just set the receiver on the dashboard? since I'm going to drive a rental car I hate to spend time on how to figure out where the cable goes.

 

[Smokiewolf]

Thanks Pedro, I already ordered the external antenna. Now, can I just set the receiver on the dashboard? since I'm going to drive a rental car I hate to spend time on how to figure out where the cable goes.

The end of the antenna is a small square the size of a matchbook. It should be magnetic. That sticks on your hood. Put it in the middle near the windshield, then run the cord in through an open door and plug it in. Don't run it through the window, that will cause problems when you open the door!

 

[gcane93]

The end of the antenna is a small square the size of a matchbook. It should be magnetic. That sticks on your hood. Put it in the middle near the windshield, then run the cord in through an open door and plug it in. Don't run it through the window, that will cause problems when you open the door!

Great tip! Thanks Smokiewolf, I'll try that.

 

[Smokiewolf]

Great tip! Thanks Smokiewolf, I'll try that.

Good luck! I left my heart...... in San.Fran.cisco... Beautiful city

 

[gcane93]

Good luck! I left my heart...... in San.Fran.cisco... Beautiful city

Ha..ha... good one.

 

[Pedro2NR]

Just as smokie said. Don't worry if it rains also because it is water proof.

 

[gcane93]

Just as smokie said. Don't worry if it rains also because it is water proof.

Got the external receiver last night. I tested on the hood of my car first and it won't stick there, strange . But, it will stick on the roof, though. I'm glad the external antenna has a long cord, which means I could place it anywhere with plenty of cord to play with.

 

[RandyR]

Got the external receiver last night. I tested on the hood of my car first and it won't stick there, strange . But, it will stick on the roof, though. I'm glad the external antenna has a long cord, which means I could place it anywhere with plenty of cord to play with.

qcane93,

Hello. I had the same conserns as you last year. We tooks a weeks vacation to San Diego, LA and Hollywood, the beach, over the mountians and thru the desert. I thought that I would need an antenna and purchased one.

Did not need it a single time. My 510 had good reception the entire trip. We rented a van and even had the the 510 sitting in the ashtray in the bottom of the dash. The signal had a few dips in downtown LA and SD, but never lost a single completly and it did not effect the routing at all.

Have a good trip.

Randy R.

 

[Smokiewolf]

I have read from other users that SF is a particular problem, buildings, hills, etc.

 

[gcane93]

qcane93,

Hello. I had the same conserns as you last year. We tooks a weeks vacation to San Diego, LA and Hollywood, the beach, over the mountians and thru the desert. I thought that I would need an antenna and purchased one.

Did not need it a single time. My 510 had good reception the entire trip. We rented a van and even had the the 510 sitting in the ashtray in the bottom of the dash. The signal had a few dips in downtown LA and SD, but never lost a single completly and it did not effect the routing at all.

Have a good trip.

Randy R.

RandyR,

Thanks for sharing your experienced with me and the forum. Good to know that external antenna not required. I will try without the external antenna, if I'm having trouble with the signal then I would use the external antenna. I know I will be driving alot in the downtown SF. I'll post an update after my trip this May.

 

[gcane93]

Just an update:

The external antenna work flawlessly in downtown SF. I rented a van and attached the antenna on the rear of the van. Attached is an image where I was at the time. Union Square on my right. I'm on Stockton and Geary headed to 4th street. They have plenty of Starbucks in every corners

 

[cputrdoc]

Grab my 49-mile Drive route through Tom Tom Home to really see the sights in SF. The route is well-marked throughout town, except for a few turns here & there. I honestly haven't had a chance to try it; copied it from a book.

 

[Pedro2NR]

Just an update:

The external antenna work flawlessly in downtown SF. I rented a van and attached the antenna on the rear of the van. Attached is an image where I was at the time. Union Square on my right. I'm on Stockton and Geary headed to 4th street. They have plenty of Starbucks in every corners

Wow that is great. Thanks for the update. I am sure this will help other users out there who wonder about the external antenna.

 

[GAW]

I have used a 910 for some time in SF. Have had minimal problems with signal reception. It is mounted on a NavMat on the dash under a sloping windshield.

I have on the other hand been given some odd directions involving streets that have not changed in years in the City, so be on you toes.

I have 710 maps, and overall it works pretty good in the City - enjoy your visit