TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver (as sold on ebay)

**AnonyUser** · 01-01-10, 04:35 PM

Hi,

Just wondering, does anyone actually use this?
And is it useful in Australia?

Thanks

**Downunder35m** · 01-01-10, 04:42 PM

Works only in a few of the major cities and from my experience the traffic warnings are always too late.
That is for the SUNA service.
For the free to air service ,if using an European TMC receiver ,it is hard to find a station that gives you the signals and to make it worse for the last few map versions the free frequencies are no longer supported by the map ,so only SUNA would work.

**hollowman** · 01-01-10, 04:45 PM

anotherwords, they are usless....

**tetrion** · 02-01-10, 11:41 AM

Well I can only tell you of my experiences. I purchased my receiver from Johnny Appleseed. I'm currently in Adelaide have a TT730 with all the current updates and maps, and manually tuned to the Adelaide Suna channel. This is due to the fact that the receiver doesn't find a station when Auto tuning. I receive a signal (green dot), but it only lasts for 20 mins max, before the signal goes completely (gray dot), requiring a restart to gain the signal again.

Not once have I received a traffic update at all, even when I constantly drive past major road works in the middle of the city, that have been there for the past few months. Also most of the icons have been grayed out, and unaccessible, bar the browse map and settings option.

Either I'm doing something wrong, or this expensive receiver is useless. If anyone has had any success in Adelaide, please reply. I would like to know. Otherwise, I really wouldn't bother.

**Downunder35m** · 02-01-10, 12:35 PM

If your receiver is not from SUNA or certified for the use with SUNA it won't work.
The SUNA service is encrypted and at first start with the SUNA TMC module a code is generated on your Tomtom ,a normal TMC receiver generates a standard code that is not compatible to the SUNA service.

**tetrion** · 02-01-10, 06:53 PM

Aww crudd. Thanks Downunder, it would have been nice if SUNA actually told me this when I inquired with them. This is the tmc receiver I purchased. . I suggest anyone steer clear of it.

**Downunder35m** · 02-01-10, 08:37 PM

From the text it is the areas covered ba SUNA ,but they did not mention SUNA anywhere.
It is totally overpriced if it is without the actual SUNA subscription!
You get the same model on Ebay for less than half the price.
I would contact the dealer and aks about the SUNA subscription and demand a refund or working receiver.
Before you do that you should try with the official Navcore for your device!
Check the version number on the receiver - as far as I know the v13 is current and the v14 is only for the US

**hollowman** · 03-01-10, 02:00 AM

SH!T, $235 ??!?!?! what a rip off .....
there is a johnny appleased next to my house....

you want me to go there and sort them out ? lol

**tetrion** · 03-01-10, 05:35 PM

Thanks Downunder. I have been in constant contact with Johnny Appleseed, and according to them, the receiver is working. I guess working to them means that it's on, and that's sufficient even if I'm not receiving anything.

I am currently awaiting their response about the SUNA subscription, if that doesn't resolve it. I will demand an exchange to a working one.

I guess my next course of action after that is contacting the ACCC and AIO.

**hollowman** · 03-01-10, 06:06 PM

or department of fair traiding

**Downunder35m** · 03-01-10, 07:30 PM

Have you checked the version number of the receiver?
And keep in mind that if you are not using the official Navcore version for your device you might have trouble with the TMC reception!

**tetrion** · 03-01-10, 11:26 PM

Official navcore v13, receiver - EU (Europe) : Part No: 5V00.112.2.

**hollowman** · 03-01-10, 11:40 PM

maybe its for europe ??

just a guess lol

**Downunder35m** · 04-01-10, 12:07 AM

That sounds for me like the normal receiver for Europe - I don't think it will support the SUNA service ,only free TMS receiving.
Maybe you should contact SUNA tell them that you bought this device from a reseller that claims it works for SUNA.
See what they say.....

**tetrion** · 04-01-10, 03:18 PM

@hollowman: The thing about it was that JA ensured me that the receiver would work in Adelaide, and that it is working sufficiently. I purchased the receiver before it was available in Australia, because of the service other Australians were getting with the European receiver in Australia. Not once was I told that ONLY the Australian receiver tuned to the encrypted Australian SUNA channel would be capable of picking up the information. I only got this information from Downunder35m, as BOTH SUNA AND TomTom never said anything about it. Had I know this before, I wouldn't have purchased this expensive and useless wire.

This is my response from SUNA, after telling them that I purchased from Johnny Appleseed:

"Thank you for your enquiry regarding SUNA Traffic Channel.

Devices on which the SUNA service is available to those companies with which we have a commercial arrangement, in order to be capable of decoding the encrypted transmission. We are pleased to confirm that TomTom is one of the brands with which we have a commercial arrangement.

In addition to the hardware, however you need to also ensure that you have the correct version on mapping in your device for your location. The SUNA service is available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth & Adelaide, however you will need to confirm with TomTom as to whether they have made the service available to their customers in Adelaide, and we would encourage you to contact TomTom directly for more information regarding their product plans.

We hope that this provides you with the information you are seeking. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know."

...so in other words, ONLY TomTom direct is the place to purchase the receiver, and ALL other places are dodgy. That's nice to know now, AFTER I've wasted my money...

**hollowman** · 04-01-10, 03:59 PM

i think u should still take it back to johnny - being a store he should have known this

**Downunder35m** · 04-01-10, 06:48 PM

I agree ,and even according to the Australian consumer rights you can bring it back.
It was sold with misleading information and is not working as advertised.

They have to take it back.
Other option (only if they refuse) is to sell it on Ebay ,but before that it would be nice to check if it works in Melbourne - I know it is a long way ,but maybe you would like a holliday trip

Check the price in this official ask them to check it at the store!!!
Same here in a road test in Sydney : - JA ripped you off big time!
The exuses from SUNA why the system is not working are bu---it ! It works fine in Europe and the US - so clearly SUNA and the Australian system is to blame.
Iti s a shame that we have to pay big bucks for a non working service that is free and working fine in other countries.

**tetrion** · 04-01-10, 07:07 PM

I wish it was sold for $150, checking the TomTom site, it's being sold for $250. .

Thanks Hollowman and downunder35m, I intend to return it as Johnny SnakeOil are nothing more than a complete scam. I'm currently awaiting a response from a 'please explain' email I sent to them over the weekend. I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

**Downunder35m** · 04-01-10, 10:12 PM

In the link it is just the normal receiver ,not the SUNA model - but still overpriced.
I opened an older model after a dog had a play with it and tried to fix it...
The materials are worth about $30 - if you buy them at your local Jaycar shop.

One other thig that annoys me : Garmin can offer the service for free ,why not TT ?

**rob2160** · 04-01-10, 11:42 PM

Hey, Just registered to reply to this thread..

My experience in Perth..

I have an XXL540 TomTom with an RDS-TMC receiver purchased recently through TomTom... it arrived a week ago from the Netherlands.. (Tracked via UPS)

The GPS device sees the receiver, it shows the traffic bar on the right of the screen, it auto tunes the traffic and after 30-40 seconds says "Traffic us up to date" and shows the solid green circle...

So it all 'seems' to work... HOWEVER...

It has NEVER shown me any traffic... It always says, Traffic is up to date, but there is NEVER any traffic, either enroute or when I browse the traffic map...

Now, here is the catch... I also have a Garmin 1390T with the traffic receiver and I operate them side by side...

It finds traffic all the time, road works, delays, accidents and plots them all, enroute or otherwise....

Before I start contacting Tomtom and Suna to get to the bottom of it.. can someone suggest why this might be happening??

Does TomTom filter traffic incidents differently? Both devices have the latest up to date firmware and the latest maps...

Cheers

Rob

01-01-10, 04:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
AnonyUser Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 38 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 1	TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver (as sold on ebay) Hi, Just wondering, does anyone actually use this? And is it useful in Australia? Thanks

01-01-10, 04:42 PM	#2
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	Works only in a few of the major cities and from my experience the traffic warnings are always too late. That is for the SUNA service. For the free to air service ,if using an European TMC receiver ,it is hard to find a station that gives you the signals and to make it worse for the last few map versions the free frequencies are no longer supported by the map ,so only SUNA would work. __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif Last edited by Downunder35m; 01-01-10 at 04:50 PM.

01-01-10, 04:45 PM	#3
hollowman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Age: 29 Posts: 1,215 Thanks: 187 Thanked 507 Times in 142 Posts Rep Power: 47	anotherwords, they are usless.... __________________ Chinese Double DIN In Car GPS All-in-One Dopod 838 Pro WM 6.0 HTC TyTN II WM 6.1 Mio169 and 268 iPhone 3G 16GB (JB) The Only Thread You'll Ever Need Dead links are as useless as tits on a bull If I have helped you, please press the thanks button

02-01-10, 11:41 AM	#4
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	My experiences. Well I can only tell you of my experiences. I purchased my receiver from Johnny Appleseed. I'm currently in Adelaide have a TT730 with all the current updates and maps, and manually tuned to the Adelaide Suna channel. This is due to the fact that the receiver doesn't find a station when Auto tuning. I receive a signal (green dot), but it only lasts for 20 mins max, before the signal goes completely (gray dot), requiring a restart to gain the signal again. Not once have I received a traffic update at all, even when I constantly drive past major road works in the middle of the city, that have been there for the past few months. Also most of the icons have been grayed out, and unaccessible, bar the browse map and settings option. Either I'm doing something wrong, or this expensive receiver is useless. If anyone has had any success in Adelaide, please reply. I would like to know. Otherwise, I really wouldn't bother.

02-01-10, 12:35 PM	#5
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	If your receiver is not from SUNA or certified for the use with SUNA it won't work. The SUNA service is encrypted and at first start with the SUNA TMC module a code is generated on your Tomtom ,a normal TMC receiver generates a standard code that is not compatible to the SUNA service. __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

02-01-10, 06:53 PM	#6
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Aww crudd. Thanks Downunder, it would have been nice if SUNA actually told me this when I inquired with them. This is the tmc receiver I purchased. . I suggest anyone steer clear of it.

02-01-10, 08:37 PM	#7
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	From the text it is the areas covered ba SUNA ,but they did not mention SUNA anywhere. It is totally overpriced if it is without the actual SUNA subscription! You get the same model on Ebay for less than half the price. I would contact the dealer and aks about the SUNA subscription and demand a refund or working receiver. Before you do that you should try with the official Navcore for your device! Check the version number on the receiver - as far as I know the v13 is current and the v14 is only for the US __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

03-01-10, 02:00 AM	#8
hollowman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Age: 29 Posts: 1,215 Thanks: 187 Thanked 507 Times in 142 Posts Rep Power: 47	SH!T, $235 ??!?!?! what a rip off ..... there is a johnny appleased next to my house.... you want me to go there and sort them out ? lol __________________ Chinese Double DIN In Car GPS All-in-One Dopod 838 Pro WM 6.0 HTC TyTN II WM 6.1 Mio169 and 268 iPhone 3G 16GB (JB) The Only Thread You'll Ever Need Dead links are as useless as tits on a bull If I have helped you, please press the thanks button Last edited by hollowman; 03-01-10 at 02:01 AM.

03-01-10, 05:35 PM	#9
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Thanks Downunder. I have been in constant contact with Johnny Appleseed, and according to them, the receiver is working. I guess working to them means that it's on, and that's sufficient even if I'm not receiving anything. I am currently awaiting their response about the SUNA subscription, if that doesn't resolve it. I will demand an exchange to a working one. I guess my next course of action after that is contacting the ACCC and AIO.

03-01-10, 06:06 PM	#10
hollowman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Age: 29 Posts: 1,215 Thanks: 187 Thanked 507 Times in 142 Posts Rep Power: 47	or department of fair traiding __________________ Chinese Double DIN In Car GPS All-in-One Dopod 838 Pro WM 6.0 HTC TyTN II WM 6.1 Mio169 and 268 iPhone 3G 16GB (JB) The Only Thread You'll Ever Need Dead links are as useless as tits on a bull If I have helped you, please press the thanks button

03-01-10, 07:30 PM	#11
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	Have you checked the version number of the receiver? And keep in mind that if you are not using the official Navcore version for your device you might have trouble with the TMC reception! __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

03-01-10, 11:26 PM	#12
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Official navcore v13, receiver - EU (Europe) : Part No: 5V00.112.2.

03-01-10, 11:40 PM	#13
hollowman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Age: 29 Posts: 1,215 Thanks: 187 Thanked 507 Times in 142 Posts Rep Power: 47	maybe its for europe ?? just a guess lol __________________ Chinese Double DIN In Car GPS All-in-One Dopod 838 Pro WM 6.0 HTC TyTN II WM 6.1 Mio169 and 268 iPhone 3G 16GB (JB) The Only Thread You'll Ever Need Dead links are as useless as tits on a bull If I have helped you, please press the thanks button

04-01-10, 12:07 AM	#14
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	That sounds for me like the normal receiver for Europe - I don't think it will support the SUNA service ,only free TMS receiving. Maybe you should contact SUNA tell them that you bought this device from a reseller that claims it works for SUNA. See what they say..... __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

04-01-10, 03:18 PM	#15
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	@hollowman: The thing about it was that JA ensured me that the receiver would work in Adelaide, and that it is working sufficiently. I purchased the receiver before it was available in Australia, because of the service other Australians were getting with the European receiver in Australia. Not once was I told that ONLY the Australian receiver tuned to the encrypted Australian SUNA channel would be capable of picking up the information. I only got this information from Downunder35m, as BOTH SUNA AND TomTom never said anything about it. Had I know this before, I wouldn't have purchased this expensive and useless wire. This is my response from SUNA, after telling them that I purchased from Johnny Appleseed: "Thank you for your enquiry regarding SUNA Traffic Channel. Devices on which the SUNA service is available to those companies with which we have a commercial arrangement, in order to be capable of decoding the encrypted transmission. We are pleased to confirm that TomTom is one of the brands with which we have a commercial arrangement. In addition to the hardware, however you need to also ensure that you have the correct version on mapping in your device for your location. The SUNA service is available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth & Adelaide, however you will need to confirm with TomTom as to whether they have made the service available to their customers in Adelaide, and we would encourage you to contact TomTom directly for more information regarding their product plans. We hope that this provides you with the information you are seeking. If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know." ...so in other words, ONLY TomTom direct is the place to purchase the receiver, and ALL other places are dodgy. That's nice to know now, AFTER I've wasted my money...

04-01-10, 03:59 PM	#16
hollowman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sydney Age: 29 Posts: 1,215 Thanks: 187 Thanked 507 Times in 142 Posts Rep Power: 47	i think u should still take it back to johnny - being a store he should have known this __________________ Chinese Double DIN In Car GPS All-in-One Dopod 838 Pro WM 6.0 HTC TyTN II WM 6.1 Mio169 and 268 iPhone 3G 16GB (JB) The Only Thread You'll Ever Need Dead links are as useless as tits on a bull If I have helped you, please press the thanks button

04-01-10, 06:48 PM	#17
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	I agree ,and even according to the Australian consumer rights you can bring it back. It was sold with misleading information and is not working as advertised. They have to take it back. Other option (only if they refuse) is to sell it on Ebay ,but before that it would be nice to check if it works in Melbourne - I know it is a long way ,but maybe you would like a holliday trip Check the price in this official ask them to check it at the store!!! Same here in a road test in Sydney : - JA ripped you off big time! The exuses from SUNA why the system is not working are bu---it ! It works fine in Europe and the US - so clearly SUNA and the Australian system is to blame. Iti s a shame that we have to pay big bucks for a non working service that is free and working fine in other countries. __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

04-01-10, 07:07 PM	#18
tetrion Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	I wish it was sold for $150, checking the TomTom site, it's being sold for $250. . Thanks Hollowman and downunder35m, I intend to return it as Johnny SnakeOil are nothing more than a complete scam. I'm currently awaiting a response from a 'please explain' email I sent to them over the weekend. I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

04-01-10, 10:12 PM	#19
Downunder35m Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 29 Thanked 518 Times in 237 Posts Rep Power: 51	In the link it is just the normal receiver ,not the SUNA model - but still overpriced. I opened an older model after a dog had a play with it and tried to fix it... The materials are worth about $30 - if you buy them at your local Jaycar shop. One other thig that annoys me : Garmin can offer the service for free ,why not TT ? __________________ Tomtom GO730 ,Navcore 9.004 ,Bootloader 5.5256 ,Map :Australia 845.2661 ttmaps and Tomplayer on 16GB SDHC class6 http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include...e_flag_017.gif

04-01-10, 11:42 PM	#20
rob2160 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 25 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Rep Power: 1	TomTom vs Garmin Traffic Hey, Just registered to reply to this thread.. My experience in Perth.. I have an XXL540 TomTom with an RDS-TMC receiver purchased recently through TomTom... it arrived a week ago from the Netherlands.. (Tracked via UPS) The GPS device sees the receiver, it shows the traffic bar on the right of the screen, it auto tunes the traffic and after 30-40 seconds says "Traffic us up to date" and shows the solid green circle... So it all 'seems' to work... HOWEVER... It has NEVER shown me any traffic... It always says, Traffic is up to date, but there is NEVER any traffic, either enroute or when I browse the traffic map... Now, here is the catch... I also have a Garmin 1390T with the traffic receiver and I operate them side by side... It finds traffic all the time, road works, delays, accidents and plots them all, enroute or otherwise.... Before I start contacting Tomtom and Suna to get to the bottom of it.. can someone suggest why this might be happening?? Does TomTom filter traffic incidents differently? Both devices have the latest up to date firmware and the latest maps... Cheers Rob

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