TT in USA

obeone · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:51 pm Post subject: TT in USA

Just returned from holiday in Florida where my TT performed admirably.
At the risk of 'telling my grandmother how to suck eggs' I thought I 'd share a few things I noted.

1. I paid a small amount extra for the whole of USA/Canada instead of just the Florida map. It would appear (due to size?) that the USA/Canada maps are not as detailed. Searches would not alway produce results for roads off the main highways. Eg. where my villa was!
I used Google/maps to pin point my destination then input this to TT manually. Once input, TT would guide visually to destination. (Vocal directions stopping at the last main highway junction.) Interestly, when leaving the villa, vocal directions started immediately.
I think the post/zip code worked (but was reluctant to trust them) not being sure how near this would get me. There were also similar codes in different cities - be careful to note preceeding letters if you use this method.

2. Using pre-installed POI's for the main parks sometimes took you to the administration center rather than the main enterance (eg Universal Studios). As this was usually next door & with correct use of eyes/judgment it wasn't a problem Laughing

3. Watch your speed. Unlike in UK, the speedo for my hire car perfectly matched the speed displayed on TT

Trust this is of interest
Cheers
Steve
_________________
Garmin nuvi 2595LMT
Software version 7.10

Kar98 · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:05 am Post subject:

Hahaha! Yeah, for shits and giggles, I followed the directions (as provided by the latest maps AND mapshare turned on!) to the very obscure attraction of the Niagara Falls. Sure enough, TomTom guided me straight to the admin offices of the sewage treatment plant of the City of Niagara Falls. Good job all around!

MrGumby · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:38 am Post subject: Thanks

Very helpful - thanks Obeone.

meryvn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 31, 2007 Posts: 37

What version of the US map do you have? I just came back from Florida also and my TomTom worked perfectly directing me straight to my villa every time (i am using map version 720).

Not really sure about the POI's as i used my own set that i made up in Google Earth before travelling over, have learnt from the UK not to trust TomTom POI.

obeone · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject:

Meryvn
Map version is V7.10.
Did you have whole USA or just Florida?
I suspect looking at other threads in this forum that the file for the whole of USA/Canada/Alaska is too big, hence only major roads (in search mode)
Don't get me wrong it worked OK, just search would have been better I suspect on the Florida only file. At the time just thought for the extra fiver.....

In 'add favourite' mode, the minor roads were on there but only if Map Browser was used. Not by address/street/intersection
Once I'd located villa as my 'home' using above method it was perfect (or any POI for that matter)
(When returning to villa it showed destination at 5 miles but miles to go at 5.5 miles).

Minor roads were also named/displayed whilst driving

Good point on using Google earth. I did this for the villa key pick up & it was spot on - wish I'd done it for the others

Cheers
Steve
_________________
Garmin nuvi 2595LMT
Software version 7.10

Hoppy · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject:

I used my TT Go 520 with North America 2GB v7.10 for the TT720 and added the POI's from TT920, when I went to Florida in April as I wrote in another forum it worked great. I added alot of my own POI's but found I didn't need them as all the Car parks for the attractions were in the POI's and it took me to the pay points everytime.

Good comment about the speed though, I remember saying to my wife how the hire cars speed and the GPS were spot on all the time comparred to the big difference between my own car and the GPS.
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TomTom Go 950 Live.
App 9.054
Europe v8.50
NA 2GB v8.45

mrfreeze · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject:

Hi Guys,

I live and work in Florida.

I use my TT720 with v720 North America maps.

I use it for making deliveries everyday, i own a flower shop.

Other than new roads, it picks up all minor roads even with the NA map.

I wouldn't use zip codes they are too big to get you where you need.

Most of the villa communities off 192 & Hwy 27 near kissimmee are on there, but a few do have fairly new maps which haven't been added yet.

Can't agree more about theme parks POI's, i would get close then just follow road signs, remember they want you to get there and spend all yer money, so they are pretty good.

mattstachurski · Lifetime Member Joined: Feb 02, 2005 Posts: 82

Kar98 · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:

mrfreeze · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject:

Radar detectors................forget them!

All its going to do is tell you that you have just been caught.

I have a good buddy out here who is a deputy sheriff for Polk county.

He took me out on a civilian ride along. One thing he showed me was the radar gun they use.

Its a hand held thing, a bit like one of thoses powerfull torches you can get, and it has a pull trigger on it. When he pulls the trigger, the reading is instant, and i mean instant.
So what will the radar detector do for you?
It can't pick up radar until he pulls the trigger, and when he pulls the trigger your busted!

He did say that they don't usually enforce it until your 10 over, they may stop you and check your details, which helps them catch uninsured and drivers with suspended licences.

I got stopped by FHP on the I4 doing 72 on a 55mph section. I was keeping up with traffic, but because i'm from the UK i don't drive on the tail of the car infront.
This was my downfall as it allowed the cop to single me out of the pack.

I agree, i have yet to see a car without a tag plate on the back. They don't need them on the front out here in FL.

mattstachurski · Lifetime Member Joined: Feb 02, 2005 Posts: 82

Kar98 · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 6:00 pm Post subject:

, you can't.
Seeing how police can't pull you over just because they feel like it (as is the case in Germany, for instance), missing or fictitious plates are just about the easiest thing to spot for Officer Friendly thus giving him "probable cause" to pull you over.
Maybe you missed the temp plates in the rear window?

Valid temporary license tag!

mattstachurski · Lifetime Member Joined: Feb 02, 2005 Posts: 82

Must have missed them all. Did cover 2500 miles and so guess they just stood out to me as being odd as i was seing so many without the back plate. lots did have the plate but it just had a business advertised on it or the car make (not brand new cars being test driven) again all different types of cars old new knackered etc. Wish i'd looked closer now it will have to remain a mystery to me. unless the temporary one does not have to be clearly displayed then it makes sence.

gatorguy6996 · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

MrFreeze, do say hi next time you're in Winter Haven. I assume you're near Davenport.
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mrfreeze · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:25 am Post subject:

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