Rand McNally 520GPS requiring SD card for Map update - Question about SD

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by waveform, Nov 28, 2015.

  1. waveform

    waveform Light Load Member

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    I have a (stability) question specifically to those who have been using SD cards with their GPS units.

    I just went to do an update on my Rand McNally 520 GPS and for the first time it's telling me that I need an additional SD card for the new Map update. Note that my GPS has worked very well with the built in memory and am a believer in the old rule (if it's not broke don't fix it). But I would like the Map update because there are some new roads where I work. But adding an SD card seems like it could introduce issues down the road from dust for example.

    Have any of you had success adding an SD card, are they reliable? I've read some posts from people who say it can sometimes introduce issues because the contacts can get dirty and cause the map data to get corrupted.

    I'm seeing a lot of good reviews on the Samsung EVO SD cards. I just need an 8 or 16 GB card.
    Should I do it? Or have any of you had negative experiences?
     
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  3. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    go ahead and go for it(cant confirm on the evo sd cards tho) after map update should keep on serving you well
     
  4. Dakota1358

    Dakota1358 Medium Load Member

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    Updated mine months ago.Working fine.Get a good SD card and you should be worry free.
     
  5. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Get a good brand name high speed/class 10 micro SD card.
    Have not had any problems.
     
  6. waveform

    waveform Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the positive feedback everyone. I'll give it a go.
     
  7. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Do not use an Ultra or Ultra Plus. A simple 8gb or 16gb sd card will work. No need for a 32gb or 64gb card. You can get a ScanDisk 16gb for about $10-$15. Kingston or Transcend work well also.

    The way the Ultra cards write the data to the card is a different format than a regular SD Card. The TND will have some issues with the file structure.

    I have not had any issues with the SD Cards once I tested the Ultra/Ultra Plus cards and went back to a simple SD card. Dust should not be a factor.

    Mark
     
  8. waveform

    waveform Light Load Member

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    Hi Mark,
    I had picked up an SD card today before I read this.

    I picked up the Samsung-16GB microSD Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Card which had good reviews. will that card work? Also, there is a smaller micro SD adapter included in the box that seems to fit into the side of the larger SD card. What is that mini card for? Should I leave it out?
     
  9. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    The larger piece is the adapter. You would slide the Micro SD Card into the adapter to place into the side of your computer. The Micro SD Card is what you will use.

    I have not tested this card, but it being a Ultra High Speed it might write differently than a regular Micro SD Card. IF so, you will find it cannot find locations, it will not route, etc. It does it enough to cause headaches.

    http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/memory-storage-accessories/MB-MP16DA/AM

    https://www.sdcard.org/developers/overview/speed_class/

    Card-Specific Data (CSD) register

    http://www.manualslib.com/manual/58...sk-2gb-Micro-Secure-Digital-Card.html?page=18

    <<>>

    I ran 3-4 days of testing different methods on the Ultra/Ultra Plus and in all tests the MD5 showed differently on the Ultra/Ultra Plus.

    MD5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MD5

    Mark
     
  10. waveform

    waveform Light Load Member

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    I've been searching the net for 30 mins now and can't find anything that talks about what cards are supported by them. I tried keyword searches like:

    Rand McNally supported SD cards
    Samsung EVO Rand McNally
    ...Nothing comes up.
    Now I'm really lost. I don't understand how to match this up, and if there's a chance of it not routing, I'll just leave the old map in there. The manual for this GPS has only one section that says, "SD Card Slot For future use, as needed." But says nothing else as far as what type of card to buy. You the consumer should NOT have to test Mark, Rand Mcnally don't deserve our business since their too lazy to specify it. This is so typical, they add the slot because it's a great selling point, one that ends up being impractical for the trucker who doesn't have the time to go searching for a specific card.

    You would think that Rand Mcnally would be more specific with regard to their prompt that comes up when you try to do an update. (Specific as to what kind of card their consumer should buy). All their site talks about is the size compatibility, They expect people to spend days searching their site for some hidden technical data sheet on this. It's a joke. I'm so sick of the lack of hospitality with manufactures these days pushing their products out in mass production, ...with little regard for long longevity or consumer satisfaction. We're in a new world today, that's for sure.

    I'm really surprised that a GPS in this class would even need more memory for a map update when it's only about 2 or 3 years old. And I don't even have routes saved or any personal data in there. I do propane (my new job) so I can't even use the truck features. I keep it in car mode since all my driving is in residential neighborhoods.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2015
  11. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Most of the older GPS are set in the amount of available memory, usually 4gb. The map updates for this year were bigger than prior years due to many factors added in by HERE (Navteq). If everyone could see the future, then hardware would be correct.

    As with anything all internal hardware is part of the buying process. Memory has dropped drastically so when the x30's were procured they were up'd to 8gb internal.

    The "new" maps are about 4.5gb and that is the maps only, not the operating software.

    I work PT for RM, and I do have a support thread under Electronic Connection in regards to the TND's.

    The "Ultra/Ultra Plus" was not found out till about 6-8 weeks ago when some users had issues and I started to test on my units with the Ultra/Ultra Plus. RM was in the loop on my testing.

    I suggested it be listed as an FAQ, but that is RM's court as if they wish to or not.

    A class 4 Micro SD will work, but a class 10 has a faster read/write for data transfer.

    I know a 8gb or 16gb, class 10 (not ultra) works fine. Most of the 32gb are in the Ultra class.

    I tested with a 16gb Ultra and a 32 Ultra Plus. Both returned incorrect MD5's on the data files.

    So a simple 8/16gb Micro SD Card will work fine.

    Mark
     
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