Rand McNally Real Time Traffic Receiver

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by rjparker, Mar 10, 2012.

  1. rjparker

    rjparker Light Load Member

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    After looking and searching through the different Rand McNally threads, I haven't found a specific answer.

    Does anyone currently use the Rand McNally "Real-Time Traffic Receiver". I am thinking about purchasing one for my TND500 but there are only 2 reviews on the Rand McNally website.

    Do you like it?

    Is it worth the $89.99 price?

    Is it any better than the traffic channels on SiruisXM?

    I run the east coast. I95 from Maine to Virginia, and not much further west than I81. (Hope this makes sense :biggrin_2552:)
     
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  3. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    google maps on your phone. it does traffic and it's free
     
  4. Eaton18

    Eaton18 Road Train Member

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    Except for those, like me that have phones that do not...:biggrin_25512:
     
  5. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    The 510 and 710 are the only ones set up for traffic.

    Thanks,
    Mark
     
  6. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    so get with the times. cuz those dumb phones are obsolete now.

    the company that makes the software to run those phones shut that department down. and the carriers are pushing EVERYONE into smart phones.
     
  7. Dieselboss

    Dieselboss Technology Contributor

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    Here's the real-time scoop for you.

    1. RTT is provided via FM radio signals by NavTeq Traffic for Rand, Garmin and others.

    2. It is applicable to about 98 cities in North America currently.

    3. For an excellent breakdown of where the traffic coverage applies, CLICK here.

    4. GPS makers have to pay to add this service to their units. The main thing that I like about what Rand has done is that I like is that the one-time receiver cost includes lifetime traffic with no ADS. The Garmin "free" traffic comes with models that have the "LT" and "LMT" designation but you get ads for various products on the screen when you use it which makes me insane personally.

    5. The bottom line on real-time traffic revolves around whether the driver spends any significant time in and around the 98 cities in the link above. If a driver reading this says "Yes, I do find myself stuck in traffic in these urban regions where the was an alternate route that I could have taken - the yes, it is a good add-on. If the driver says "No, I do lots of rural America or rural Canadian driving and don't usually lose a lot of time stuck in traffic - then NO, it would not be a significant advantage.

    Hope that helps.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2012
    Everett, double_r and Marmon man Thank this.
  8. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I use the built-in 'maps' app on my Windows phone with traffic enabled. It helps a lot when deciding to go through or around and is very accurate and reliable and is visual and easy to make sense of. I'm sure it uses the same data any other phone app or traffic enabled device uses.

    I find the XM traffic to be generally useless as you have to be a "long-time local" to understand where all the problems are being verbally described, as well as be very patient. They never use mile-markers or exit numbers in their reporting.
     
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Light Load Member

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    Sorry it has taken so long in responding and to say thank you. I do have a smart phone and I will try the traffic option on Google Maps. I find Sirius traffic to be ok, but like STexan stated, unless you run a specific area all the time it really isn't useful. I am "fortunate" enough to do most of my driving through the NYC/Tri-State area. I was hoping for more of the smaller cities, and the routes between them. I looked at the link that DieselBoss provided and that doesn't look like a good purchase. Thank You all for your help
     
    Mark Kling Thanks this.
  10. Marmon man

    Marmon man Light Load Member

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    i just bought one along with a 720 from RM to take advantage of the price discount this week. I run Chicago to grand rapids and Detroit...looks like I'll be covered for about 90% of my route..ill let everybody know how its working out for me once i get it in the truck..just got home today and it was waiting for me. gotta say, for free shipping that was quick!
     
  11. Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Did you send in the registration card for Life Time Maps?

    Thanks,
    mark
     
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