Truckers beware! Before you buy a gps

From what I gather and she has not given me any info yet so I can check Customer support records.

It will charge on AC, but not on DC. AC/DC use the same pin-outs on the TND USB connector. The AC converts in DC at the end that plugs into the TND.

So, if working on AC, it should work on DC unless -

bad cable
bad power out of Truck DC socket. - should be 12vdc.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Yep rand equipment is budget quality at best! Have had 2 of the 700 and won't own another !!! There hardware is junk period!! However the software is cool therein lies the quandary ?? I have had it apart to fix the charging connection well it's "................... Just bad if the software was available to install on a iPad or smartphone I would probably buy !!

 

yankeerose - I have been in electronics for over 30 years. Started out with tubes. I am not trying to discredit anyone. I am trying to get to the source of the issue. I am a technical type person. In what you are basically stating it works on AC, but not DC. I would tend to rule out the TND as the source. Both AC and DC provide 5Vdc 2A to the USB connector. I would steer more towards the DC source or cables from what you have shown.

I have worked with TTY, FM, SSB, AM, power supplies, Cisco routers, Frame relay switches, Cascade switches, Designing antenna's, repairing antenna's, microwaves - so I do know how to troubleshoot.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Ya'll can't just bash the RM700.

What about the Garmin 465T? With it's useless out of date truck route info. And missing streets that are over 3 years old...... And routing through hairpin turns that require 2 backups in a little ole dump truck. (I'm talking about county roads not goat trails)

Stupid thing will route you miles out of the way ignoring State routes and local delivery options. (Maybe a failure to remove very old construction data?) And when you alter your route it keeps trying to send you back on it's original path even when you are mere blocks from your destination.

It's good on the freeway but once you get on to the surface streets you better be smarter than the GPS!

*RECALCULATING*

 

Stepping into this thread uninvited.

AC/DC connections are NOT all the same. I too owned a product that flat refused to charge in the truck. But always performed flawlessly at home.

I currently own 2 chargers for my phone. One works 100% of the time. The other is frustrating beyond belief. The constant beep, beep, as it connects/disconnects repeatedly.

I suspect the originating poster of this thread, is having "socket" issues. Combined with road vibration. IE the #### thing vibrates so much, the connection won't hold. The vibration can/will cause the fittings to loosen over time.

However, it is possible the cord/plug has been damaged (through misuse or carelessness) which makes this an even more frustrating issue to address. For the customer and the manufacturer.

Beefing up the plug (male and female) would address this issue. But then that would require a redesign, and possible admission from the manufacturer of a flaw.

Over the years, I've seen this issue addressed by dozens of manufacturers. It cost more in the long run to cut .25 from the cost per unit. Than it would to actually get it right the first time.

Cost cuts = Lost customers.

 

The 5vdc is the same at the connector for both the AC and DC.

The AC does not provide AC to the TND. It converts it to 5vdc.

We could talk about this all day, but until I physically have the AC/DC cables and the 710 in question I can only go by what is written.

I want Yankeerose to be happy with her purchase/gift, but I can do only so much in words.

An offer has been extended.

Thanks,
Mark

 

The way I see it is Rand McNally is the master of making PAPER maps. The electronics game is all new to them.

I've had them all. If you want a real good GPS that has truck route software available, Buy yourself the Lowrance Iway 600C powered by NAVAID software. This company has been around forever building ship navagation and have moved into the GPS market many years ago with handhelds and now for highway GPS navigation.

They started putting these factory into Peterbilt dashes in 2009. That says something right there. I had the pleasure of using one two years and none of the rest come even close.
They cost about $600 and are worth every penny. They are the best on the market.

Need to find a truck stop? Just touch the truck stop chain icon and they all pop up. It plays across the stereo system and has a built in MP3 player. You can even load pictures on it as it has a picture viewer. It has google earth built in and you can zoom in and see the parking lot and guard shack you are going too. You can see what the customers building looks like. That's just a few of it's many features.