garmin gtm 21 problem

rickwiggans · Lifetime Member Joined: Feb 09, 2006 Posts: 77

There is a stated intention to fix it, but hey, who are we to question such things - customers???

marksnsparks · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject:

Does a lifetime subscription to a service relate to the lifetime of the device you've bought, or that of the transmitted service? Do you think trafficmaster agree? Confused

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Garmin Nuvi 310 - Version 4.70 Firmware.
V9 Maps
Audio version 2.30
GTM12 - Version 4.80 Firmware
GPS v3.00
bluetooth software version 3.10

Hamie · Regular Visitor Joined: Dec 30, 2003 Posts: 177

I wish they'd come clean and admit the GTM-21 & TMC is a gigantic cock up, and that it doesn't actually work as advertised.. Then perhaps we could get down to having a system that actually provides what we (The customers) have already paid for.

FWIW I've modified my GTM-21 and BMW 528 to take a split from the radio feed and give the amplified signal to the GTM-21 wet string excuse for an aerial. It now receives TMC broadcasts alsmot everywhere that I couldn't receive them before.

However while sitting on the A404(M) this morning which USED to be a blackspot for TMC, enjoying full TMC coverage from whatever channel it was locked to (Possibly 187 == 106.2FM), I couldn't help but think it was a pity that the A404(M) obviously isn't a major or even minor road deserving of TMC coverage as I took 45 minutes to crawl the 3km from J9B to J8/9 of the M4 where complete

(Mostly in Vauxhalls & Mercs) were parked across the round-about stopping traffic from moving.

In fact there were no traffic alerts for anywhere around the Thames valley... Strange since it's one of the worst places I know of for traffic...

Anyone know why the A404(M) isn't on TrafficMasters list of monitored roads? Nor the road-works from J10-J11 of the M4 either...

swing · Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

perussell · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 12, 2006 Posts: 292

I have used a TM Freeway for about 5 years now and have kept it alongside my Nuvi 310D since it tends to be more reliable. It works off the blue/green cameras seen at the side of most major roads and doesn't appear to rely on radio stations to broadcast the details (I think). Having used the A404 between the M40 and M4 many times I can confirm that the road is covered by Trafficmaster.
Interestingly Question

the speed settings on the Freeway definitely differ from Swing's explanation above. In summary; 'traffic is flowing freely' provided it is moving at above 30 mph even on the motorways, 'slow traffic' is moving at something in the region of 15-30 mph and 'very slow' traffic below 15 mph all the way down to 'stationary'. The unit also measures traffic jams from about 10 miles / 2 M-way junctions in advance and in 2 mile 'units' so when it says there is 'slow traffic ahead for 2 miles' this can be anything from 2-4 miles. You are also advised of the expected delay. Consequently anything less than 2 miles is often missed but at least you have the comfort of arriving at the back of the jam in knowing it's not that long. I have found the unit to be more reliable than anything else - sometimes it will state 'slow traffic for 2 miles expect 5 mins delay' but by the time you get there there's nothing but it's never failed me yet on the Biggies! And all for £30 a year or just over 50p/week. Worth considering if you don't like sitting in traffic and don't trust your satnav TMC receiver.

swing · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

You are correct that the Freeway doesn't use the radio signals.

TM have been refining their speed ranges for a while, and in fact, most units nowadays don't ever quote a speed, but rather the amount of delay, which is more important to most people (except those who were used to the old method of actual speed readings).

I'd agree with your speeds for an urban road, but TM certainly used to draw the first motorway speed line at 50mph - I have a unit here which will alert me as soon as the motorway speed drops below 50mph, so maybe they actually have 4 (or including stationary, 5) bands...

However, I'd certainly agree a portable TM unit is worth it's cost (and subscription) - I have a TM unit in both the cars I regularly drive.
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JoshT · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 3:35 pm Post subject:

perussell · Frequent Visitor Joined: May 12, 2006 Posts: 292

swing · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 6:25 pm Post subject:

philpugh · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 7:12 pm Post subject:

I think it uses UHF frequencies similar to mobile phone transmitted by the sensor in a manner similar to SMS.
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swing · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:26 pm Post subject:

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