Hi,

Has anybody had a TMC alert for traffic with the new 5.4 software. Apparently it is active and I noticed on the Eurovan site that a guy in Birmingham had received messages based on his current location and in fact a yellow triangle appeared on the map to show where the problem was.

I can only get a TMC symbol on Classic FM, not my preferred station. If you have a dual tuner (from December build I think), you don't have to listen to a specific station to get the messages. I don't think I have a dual tuner though as mine was built in late September for October delivery.

Poggy

Hi Poggy,

I think you are right about the dual tuners; later builds only [isn't that Eurovan site top notch or what, even though I get a massive delay even with broadband].

Still waiting for 5.4 upgrade myself, via Main Dealer. I gave them until end of week to respond, otherwise gonna do it myself!

Classic FM? Not my preferred station either.

Stuart

Yup - Classic FM is the only station broadcasting TMC right now in the UK, and I think you'll find all of us existing forum regulars will have single tuner systems (DAMN!), so if you want to see this in action, you'll either have to get some culture(?) while you drive, or go visit mainland Europe and listen to some funny stuff over there!

Hi,

I haven't actually been able to bear listening to Classic FM for long enough to get a TMC, have you John. I am curious to see if it works, I am going to collect a visitor from Heathrow tomorrow so I will see if I can get anything.

Poggy

Hi,

Even though we have all got single tuners [probably], and Classic FM is tuned, I think if you switch audio source [i.e. to CD/DVD!!!] then TMC doesn't work! This is unlike normal TA. Strange!

Maybe it is worth making the Fiat technician screw up on the 5.4 install and get a new head unit on warranty! Hmmm....

Stuart

Hi,

Check out www.tmcforum.com for more info.

Poggy

Hi,

Good site - one question that it may have answered, and I quote:-

"How does TMC differ from TA (traffic announcements) and TP (traffic programme)?
TMC is a "silent" traffic data system, needing a special decoder in the receiver. The Traffic Announcement (TA) feature of a standard RDS radio allows interruption of a CD or cassette tape when there is a travel report from the radio station that is currently tuned-in. Stations broadcasting traffic announcements are labelled with the TP (Traffic Programme) flag, allowing them to be selected even when listening to another station."

This explains TA. The next question is:

"Will I miss traffic messages if my radio or navigation system is switched off?
No, current messages are re-broadcast continually and a TMC receiver can store messages in its memory."

So, if us lot on here currently have one tuner [dual tuner - we can but dream], if we go to Classic FM once in a while on a trip, all the data should be transferred accordingly! Theory is there. Stops us having to listen to that station ALL the time. As long as set in memory, one quick press of button to change source and not a problem! Then once in memory, change back to CD.

BUT don't you need to Nav Tech disk in all the time for TMC to work. Not a problem for Nav+ users , which means Nav users can only listen to another radio station, not another source!!! My head is about to explode............

Never seen TMC in action btw!

Stuart

Hi,

I have got to the bottom of the TMC system, have a look at http://www.itisholdings-info.co.uk/video.html and you can watch a video demonstrating the system.

It is only sent via Classic FM by a company called ITIS. There are many systems which are enabled, i.e Ford, BMW etc. I am not sure how they generate the revenue to fund it though as I can see no way for any subscription.

I have e-mailed the company to see if it active on the RT3 system fitted to our cars. I have a funny feeling, it is not active on the Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot as they are not mentioned anywhere.

I will keep you up to date. Without a dual tuner though it is a pain in the backside until it is adopted by more broadcasters.

Regards,

Poggy