One solution if your RDS-TMC receiver isn't working...

iosson

I found this out by accident*:

The 12v power adapter that charges the TomTom emits/interferes with FM transmissions - - only ever so slightly -- but sometimes this is enough to interfere with the TMC receiver picking up the data signal it needs. So it ends up searching endlessly and not downloading data.

If you unplug the power adapter and just let the TomTom run on battery for a few minutes then sometimes the TomTom can get a decent signal and download the data. I can now reliably get TMC data in some areas on my way to work by removing the TomTom adapter but not when it is plugged in.

(Another tip is moving the aerial also can help quite a lot - stretch it out and don't leave it coiled up)

It doesn't work every time - but does quite often overcome the "I can hear Classic FM fine, why can't I get traffic info...?" marginal signal problem

Best wishes,

Neil

*I bought a dual (Sainsburys) 12v/USB adapter - that put out so much interference I could hear it on FM and thought my radio had a fault! Lo and behold the RDS-TMC didn't work at all.

Darren · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:44 pm Post subject:

Good to know but won't work with the later mini-USB receiver whicb requires power.
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Darren Griffin

mikealder · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

One option that works with both types of RDS-TMC though is a trip to Maplins to purchase one of These simply make a couple of turns through the ferrite ring with the power cable and it reduces some of the spikes, ten seconds to fit and won't break the bank.

For best reception using the RDS-TMC I couple the cars aerial to the RDS wire string aerial, this leaves the car devoid of any wires - a much neater solution - Mike

emjaiuk · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:50 pm Post subject:

Just to confirm this interference, and the difference is amazing! Since changing from my 910, I've had reception problems in France. For example, I used to get reception whilst still on the boat/shuttle with my 910 and external aerial, but since I've had the 940, the USB receiver was so bad I sent it back, and with the RDS_TMC mount I've got now, I couldn't get reception until I was about 25mins away from Calais. Last night I forgot to plug the 940 back in when I got back in the van, and as I left the train I had reception!! (FWIW Since their last bonfire, every conceivable piece of portable electrical equipment has to be disconnected as well as switched off when using the freight shuttle)

I tried reconnecting several times and each time almost perfect with the power supply disconnected, and nothing with it powered up.

How can TomTom not be aware of this? They really are unbeleivable. Tomorrow is a trip tp Maplins, and another snotty call to TomTom.

Finally, a question for Mike/ anybody. Does the size/shape of the ferrite core matter, and should it be at a particular end, or both, of the cable?

Malcolm
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Go740L App 9.510 Europe 985.8155
RDS_TMC mount
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mikealder · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject:

Malcolm, I just purchased a large ferrite ring that would take a number of turns of the power chord bearing in mind the connector has to pass through the ring. I fitted the ring cllose to the ciggy plug end of the charger lead and it made quite a difference when we were messing around with the earlier RDS-TMC devices (certainly prior to the .013/ mini USB/ x40 TMC equipped dock) but the same still seems to apply. You get an improvement in reception by doing this - for a couple of quid its well worth a try, the problem you might have is knowing if its working without taking the device to mainland Europe.
If you have Live services then these will be roaming enabled soon so it rather negates the need for the RDS mount, if your Live services have expired then the ferrite is worth a try - Mike

emjaiuk · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike

I've also seen 'split' ferrite cores available, I might buy a couple of variations and try them.

I recently purchased a 12 month Live subsription based on TT's website saying words to the effect that if you hadn't renewed buy a new subsciption and get roaming now. Needless to say you don't, however they agreed the wording was poor, and offered me a refund or extra 3months as compensation. I took the 3 months since I think Live, particually fual, has improved since my trial. They are still saying quarter 4 for roaming.

I go to France on average 3/4 times a month so checking it out shouldn't be a problem.

Whilst off topic I seem to recall you postng a description of how the RDS-TMC indicators work some time ago, eg how long is it between a full green circle and subsequent grey quadrants if you've lost a signal. One of my current issues with TomTom is that they cannot tell me this info. All they can do is refer me to the original yellow/green instructions book which is the only one available according to them!!

Finally could you let me have the continental POI lisy of transmiters please, I can't find the original you sent me.

My apologies to all, like me believe it or not, who hate threads that that go off topic

Malcolm
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Go740L App 9.510 Europe 985.8155
RDS_TMC mount
Home 2.8.3.2499 Win10 Home

mikealder · Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2009 12:27 am Post subject:

emjaiuk · Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2009 7:07 am Post subject:

Thanks very much for our help Mike
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RDS_TMC mount
Home 2.8.3.2499 Win10 Home

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