Problems with TT RDS/TMC solved?

The first TomTom devices which were capable of receiving RDS/TMC information were the GO 510, 710 and 910, which were introduced in March 2006. However, it took until September 2006 before the first TMC modules could be supplied. But almost immediately after the release of the modules, it became apparent that they didn't function up to spec. The result was a tsunami of complaints to TomTom headquarters in Amsterdam, and also on our forums.

RDS/TMC turned out to be a real pain for TomTom. So much so, that this year in March, TomTom announced a trade-in program: users who were not satisfied with the performance of their TMC antenna, would be able to trade it in for a new and improved version. However, at this moment in time, the trade-in has either not taken place, or has proven to be unsuccessful.

When TomTom released more and more TMC capable devices, the problems just increased. New range after range was introduced: like the ONE XL last March, the GO x20 series last June and a couple of weeks ago the ONE third edition, and still there were no guarantees that the TMC function would perform properly. But… there's light at the end of the tunnel!

New receiver

A couple of days ago, we paid TomTom headquarters in Amsterdam another visit, where we received a brand new version of the TomTom TMC receiver (version number: 4V00.013). And even if that itself doesn't say much, we have to admit that the first tests are very promising.

We drove to Amsterdam using the old antenna, and it took no less than 20 minutes before the first fix was found with an RDS/TMC transmitting radio station. But even then, that little green dot on the screen didn't stick around for too long: five minutes later it had gone, and we never saw it again during our entire trip. This was not exceptional; during the last couple of months, we've learnt that good reception is very rare, whether we used a ONE XL, a GO 910 or a GO 720T.

However, on our way back home, we attached the new receiver to the windscreen, and the difference could be seen as soon as we drove out of the underground parking lot. Within the first ten seconds we had a steady connection, and that connection stuck with us for the entire route, with the exception of a few radio station changes. Since then, we have made a few other test-drives, and almost every time, we have been greeted with a nice full green dot.

Trade-in

Because TomTom's trade-in offer is still valid; we believe the end of the TMC misery is now finally in sight. The company has already told us that they expect to have enough supplies of the new 4V00.013-version in a few weeks, and that they will finally start replacing the badly functioning antennas then. The accessory will also become available in the shops.