2699LMT-D. So is it the Smartlink app or Power Lead??

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

Got the new 2699LMT-D. I now know how to do the POI's and the Speed Camera database thanks to answers from more knowledgeable persons here than me. Have tried to get an answer to my latest query I have trawled through pages of QandA's here and I think that I am now brain dead whilst leaving me still unclear on the answer. Having read endless stuff here I think that I need to ask now. So here goes.

On the 2699 I thought that the constantly updated traffic data was issued through the phone app, Smartlink. When that is loaded on my fone it asks for your location to be switched on and you obviously use up some of your phone data allowances every time you make a journey... I think. Somewhere here it was also stated that the in-car power fag lead is some sort of aerial and that also gives you your traffic updates.... I think. So which is it? As I don't have the telephone to my ear as most younger guys appear to do these days, my fone allowances are not all that great (cheaper monthly bill) so to get rid of the Smartlink app appeals to me if not required as I really don't need all that other stuff on it. I just want to get from A to B with reliable traffic info and that's it. In fact I much prefer to have my telephone switched off when driving.

So can I get all my free traffic updates on this 2699, (every one minute duration it tells me !!?) through the fag lighter lead ONLY or do I require the Smartlink app to be switched on? (which becomes 'live' the moment the bluetooth connection is made) Maybe I require both to be working !!. Which of these 2 options is the better? Do I require the Smartlink app at all? Ah' complications, complications. Its all questions and answers on this new Sat Nav. But I shall get these in the end hopefully thanks to you guys. Thanks in advance.

sussamb · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 1:17 pm Post subject:

The lead will give you digital traffic, so no need to use the smart phone app.

Just to clarify this. The receiver is built into the nuvi itself, the 'power' lead as well as providing power acts as the antenna. You won't receive traffic unless the power lead is plugged it and powered.
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Where there's a will ... there's a way.

Kremmen · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 1:38 pm Post subject:

My 2p

If possible use the traffic cable to use the Inrix digital traffic.

Why - the Smartlink traffic comes from viaMichelin and is flooded with out of date roadworks, or at least it is in my area.
The problem is that the roadworks appear to be filling a buffer that stops the latest traffic reports getting through.

Inrix have an app that allows users to report new and cleared problems. viaMichelin have no such facility to report clearances.
_________________
Satnav:
Garmin 2599 LMT-D (Indoor test rig)
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3
Car Average MPG :

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

sussamb · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 11:16 pm Post subject:

There are a couple of reasons why you could be getting that message. Was the cable powered at the time? Also what software is installed?

A recent update created similar messages and a newer update has now corrected it, at least for the 2xx7 and 2xx8 models. I believe that an update is due for the 2xx9 models. More info here

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=96423&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15
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Where there's a will ... there's a way.

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

The software is 8.20 according to the Express, and yes the unit was powered up at the time. In fact when you start the car it powers up auto and likewise when the engine is switched off it shuts itself down auto. You can of coarse also switch on/of as normal. The Power lead, or Traffic Receiver as Garmin prefers to call it, was working fine. Its the lead with a blue light. No bulge. According to the Garmin website, 'if the LED light is on then its connected'. Well my blue LED light was on so no problem there then.

That's the trouble with Sat Nav's. When they go wrong there's nothing you can do is there? Ref my recent TT 1500. These units are certainly life wasters. I think a return to shop is called for. Let them sort it out. I'm getting fed up.

Thank you for the link. Appreciate your time.

sussamb · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 1:11 pm Post subject:

If you've not fully powered it down I'd try that. Those that simply go to sleep, like your model, can exhibit strange behaviour occasionally that is cured by a complete shut down and restart.

Must say I've never found satnavs to be time wasters, and can think of many occasions when without them it would have cost me time. Guess it's a question of balance as in most things in life Wink

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Where there's a will ... there's a way.

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

Kremmen · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:04 pm Post subject:

Have you recently upgraded the firmware to 8.20 ?

From the reports both the 5.20 and 8.20, depending on model, are causing traffic cable issues.
_________________
Satnav:
Garmin 2599 LMT-D (Indoor test rig)
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3
Car Average MPG :

sussamb · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:07 pm Post subject:

sussamb · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:09 pm Post subject:

doodallybloke · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 20, 2013 Posts: 29

I've now changed it. It was the Power lead or, to give it's correct title, the Traffic Receiver lead that was faulty. Had the usual 'discussion' as to whether I had damaged it (so that they could blame me of coarse) but as they could not find a mark on it anywhere, the whole unit was exchanged. It s now working again.

The moral to this tale... be careful that you do not bend or kink this lead as cleanly its just as important as the unit itself.

Thanks to all that tried to help me. Smile

Kremmen · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:05 pm Post subject:

Mine's coiled up under and behind the dash and has been subject to bit of rough handling and is still AOK.
_________________
Satnav:
Garmin 2599 LMT-D (Indoor test rig)
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3
Car Average MPG :

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