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TomTom
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Released: 2008-05-21 Rating:  More Details: TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver @Amazon TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver @aStore |
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Customer Reviews:
confusion over rds signals
I've recently purchased the RDS receiver - I think people have varying experiences with the RDS receiver because some people are misunderstanding the nature of RDS and the meaning of the symbols on their display - the moving green arrow means that RDS signals can be received not "looking for a signal". Of course with RDS traffic updates are sporadic - if you've ever used the audio version you'll know that you can be tuned to a station carrfying RDS and you can tell this by the RDS symbol - this equates in TMC to the moving green arrow which means that your RDS-TMC receiver is recognising that there are frequencies being received that carry RDS signals.
However, you don't actually receive an announcement until a data signal is transmitted on the RDS system. At that point in the audio version, your audio bursts out over the station you are listening too. Likewise, on RDS-TMC when traffic information is transmitted at sporadic intervals as data this is the first time (after you switch on) that you get the green circle to tell you that your traffic information is up to date. This explains why the green box that people wrongly assume means "signal locked on" pops up at varying intervals.
However, if you only have the moving green arrow, don't worry because if a traffic update were to be transmitted you would receive it - so you'll only lack information until the next traffic update - not until you move to a better signal area (you are already getting a good radio signal. I think, although I've never been able to confirm it (due to the reasonable signals everywhere I have been) that when your receiver is unable to receive a suitable transmission, you get a yellow circle!!! Perhaps someone else can confirm if that is correct as I found that in an alternative guide on-line. The printed guide may be misleading in it's wording. So leave your receiver set to global strongest signal as it is probably picking up a good signal anyway and stop worrying about it - your receiver will most likely help you out when you need it - it is just keeping quiet!
It's ashame that the RDS-TMC receiver has been so misunderstood as in reality it appears to me to be an excellent product if a bit fiddley to fit- otherwise I would have definitely given it a 5 star - and what ashame that I dare not leave it in my car for fear of showing the criminals that I have a lovely Tom Tom - Well done Tom Tom - just get your act together educating people about the meaning of the symbols and then people won't think your receiver is not working properly - perhaps you should employ me??? Simon
TOM TOM Traffic Receiver
The item was purchased for use in UK whilst visiting. Easy to install. Took a while for the receiver to search and lock on to radio stations with traffic data but it works fine and computes what is needed very accurately - It warned of delays involving 3 minutes to a journey time. The sidebar is difficult to read whilst driving and it is better read in detail by a passenger - if you have one!! Good buy all the same.
Makes TomTom XL real time
This RDS-TMC receiver makes my Tom Tom XL IQ-Routes a lot better my giving it live traffic info.
I use it in My Ford Focus with heated screen and it seems to work OK in London / Mid Essex area.
One thing that has happened is if the power lead is left plugged in and on whilst The Tom Tom is off all day, My Tom Tom did need to be downloaded with the latest software again before it would recognise it again.
One thing I must say that the windscreen suckers are rubbish and the wire keeps falling off the windscreen.
Great Item 
was really worried about getting this item after reading some of the reviews
but it works fine with my new TomTom IQ XL Sat Nav - Europe, UK & ROI.
updates in about 3 mins and then every 15 mins at so
I live in the central London and have also tested the device on a recent trip to Cornwall and Belgium!
and I'm pleased to say the device worked fine all the way on both trips!
I was not expecting it to work in France/Belgium but it did!!! although there was no traffic to report!
the only tip I would give is to make sure your tomtom has the most up to date firmware installed and also that the receiver MUST be plugged into the cigarette lighter for power!
traffic 
not bad dont like the wire around the car but it dose want it say
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related blog:
rds-tmc receivers on the cheap
usb version here for £18.43 + p&p http://www.amazon.co.uk/tomtom-9v00-101-rds-tmc-traffic-receiver/dp/b0019jddb4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=utf8&s=electronics&qid=1244362590&sr=8-1 seems ...
http://pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=479720#479720
tomtom rds tmc £17.99!
now back down to £17.99 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/tomtom-9v00-101-rds-tmc-traffic-receiver/dp/b0019jddb4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=utf8&s=electronics&qid=1225532657&sr=8-1.
http://pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=435460#435460
