Suppport Thread for the TND 500, TND 700 or future Rand McNally products.

Excellent questions.

Let me try to answer your questions as best as possible.

Yes, you do see a lot of issues being posted here. I started this thread to give you the user a chance to be able to get answers or solutions to your concerns in a short amount of time. I try to monitor the thread hourly, but as I still have other projects with Beta testing I do get a little behind on responses. I post my E-Mail here and that is monitored a little closer. I hate a inbox overflowing.

As with any other support thread, you will see the cons more than the pros. That is what this thread is for. If I or Rand suspect an error in the code that will affect your usability of the TND, I will post that here to give you a "heads up". Think of this thread as your front line of support.

Some of the posts have to do with getting the "System files not found" error. This is mainly due to the internal flash crashing so to speak during the shutdown mode. Rand has addressed this issue and has included "stop-gaps" in the code to overcome the firmware. Is this 100% - not always. Is this being looked at still - Yes, daily. This issue has been given highest priority. Rand usually will do a one for one exchange, but this involves time and effort. I usually will ship out a Flash SD card if so requested. This simply Reflashes the firmware and reinstalls the software. The same firmware is being reflashed. I see very little issue after a Reflash.

Whenever you buy a TND, you should always update ASAP. This is due to the TND sitting from the date of manufacture to the end stop of being placed on a display for sale. In the interim new version(s) may have been released.

POI's, construction updates, and Global POI ratings are updated about every two weeks. So, to answer your question, chances are it may be a version back or needing POI updates. Installing the TND Dock (dashboard) and running the updates will take about 15 minutes or less depending on your internet connection speed.

The route that you travel. Yes, there are a few errors in the mapping database, but those have been addressed and are in the next mapping database. Rand is trying to pin down a date for that release. It is a major mapping update and they want to make sure that any issues are resolved before release. Rand works hand in hand with NavTeq to try to make sure mapping database core issues are resolved. This could be as simple - they moved the freeway over 10 feet or added new lanes. Whatever is reported either here in this thread or across the Tell Rand is looked at and verified.

Rand is constantly improving the performance of the TND. New features are being added daily and being tested by the Beta Team. New core updates to improve routing are always being streamlined to give a better route.

Beta Testers do run all 48 + Canada and they do their best to find any issue, but as with any product things do slip by. But, what you may find in the current version is usually already fixed in the current Beta Version.

I take all issues seriously here. That is why the more information you can give me the better we can duplicate the issue to resolve it.

The TND is a internet driven unit for updates. This was a major factor in that most drivers stay out 4-6 weeks or longer. Thus you have ready access to any update on a daily basis. Do you need to update daily - no. Weekly is fine.

As far as to whom to purchase the TND from, all I can say is there is an authorized list of dealers on the RM website. But, you the user have to determine the support you will get from whom you decide to purchase the TND from, what happens if your TND suffers a major issue and needs to be exchanged, or what future issues you have that need to be addressed.

Rand has a one year warranty. Some dealers offer an extended warranty. So whom you decide to purchase from is a purely individual choice. I have to remain neutral.

DieselBoss does offer a very in-depth review of navigation units.

I hoped I have answered your questions. If you still need clarification then by means let me know.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Details?
Serial number on the back?
Does the TND boot up, but freeze on what screen?
"system files missing" error?

If only the Navi folder is affected then I can send that via the internet compressed. (20mb).

Let me know the details please.

Thanks,
Mark

 

I do not have anything to do with your Refund. I was the "middle man" and I forwarded your information up to Rand Support. I mentioned also that you would need to contact Rand Support in regards to your refund.

So if the TND operates the "Rand Way, then the Garmin must operate the "Garmin Way", the Cobra the "Cobra Way", etc etc... I am sorry that the navigation companies do not build a navigation device to operate the "Kokot Way".

The number to Rand Tech Support is 877-446-4863. Ask to speak to a supervisor. I will let them know they should expect your call 9am CST or later.

Thanks,
Mark

 

That I do not know.... but, would not be able to publish anything if their was unless RM published it first..

Thanks,
Mark

 

I went back and found my E-Mail that was send to Tech Support. I resend again.

If you do not get this resolved as in a RMA by next week, let me know again. I try to stay on top of things, but as with anybody a nudge once in awhile helps..

Thanks,
mark