MSN Direct Traffic on Nuvi 760

i did just like you and ordered the msn. so far i also have not gotten any alert even though i saw the route with bumper to bumper traffic. all i see is a yellow triangle on the lower right side with the minutes delay ( if the # is larger than 3, then i look for another way to go)
on the left side of my screen i see a white square with the speed limit of the highway.
i had the same displays when using my tmc.
with msn i get all the other extras ( gas, weather....)
try doing a firm update online and see if your software might be out of date.
best of luck and a happy 4th

I actually traded in my navigon with free traffic for this model and that thing re routed me all the time for traffic. I almost wonder if this was a mistake. Because accourding to Garmin traffic is always ok, but I see construction around me all the time.

Also does anyone know if there is a way to boost the reception on the unit? I always seem to see the unit outof area icon?

Thanks
Mike

I have the TMC on my 760 and it works as expected, with some disclaimers, of course. I live and work within a mile of the expressway and I'm often already on the expressway before the traffic data pops up. Seems to take around 5-10 minutes to download the whole Chicagoland area data at startup before it's ready to make traffic decisions. But after that, I get popups and spoken warnings and the Avoid option really works. Not perfect, but it's a help.

The extra bells and whistles of MSN intrigue me and I wish there was a way to try it without buying it first. I have seen a couple comparisons on review sites, but have not seen any real side by side comparison tests.

Wish I could help more on the traffic. fortunately, I don't have to get into traffic very often, but I enjoy the other uses.

My wife and daughter steal it from me on the weekends. While they are at different places shopping, they always want to go to a movie, so they can check where the closest movie theater is, what movies are showing, and the times.

It's more of a gadget, but it is fun. It does show me where the least expensive gas is (I refuse to say cheapest because gas is no longer cheap!). The sad part is, when even saving 10 cents a gallon, I am saving $1.50 at most if my tank were empty. Sad hahaha.

I always listen to the radio and compare traffic to the radio and MSN Direct has been pretty much in line the radio. Not sure what will happen if I get into traffic, though.

All in all, MSN Direct has been a fun gadget.

Buy the receiver from a place where you can return it.

i bought the Nuvi760 with MSN cable, and later on bought the MSN cable after my 3 month trial with TMC was over. I am so impressed with all the extras that MSN gives that about a week ago i bought the Nuvi 680 (for my wife)
Nuvi 680 comes with MSN for a year

http://www.gpslodge.com/archives/009315.php

That yellow triangle (or any icon in that spot) is the alert that the route you are on has a delay, closed road, etc. If you click that yellow triangle, you have the option to avoid the incident which will re-route you around the incident.

I was looking at the Navigon but everybody always poo-poos it against Garmin's routing algorithms (I have a Garmin 360).

As an actual former a Navigon owner, overall, how good (or bad) is the Navigon compared to your new Garmin? If you had it to do over again, would you buy a top-of-the-line new Navigon or a Garmin?

Thanks in advance!

Larry

I have had MSN traffic for two days. Yesterday, I was in a mall right next to a freeway that would have been my fastest way home. Because there were multiple accidents and police action due to a bank robbery, that freeway showed red in both directions on the "Show by Road" screen. When I asked to route home, I was routed on back roads rather than onto the freeway. It appears that the MSN traffic is working the same as the TMC traffic that I am more familiar with using. I have gotten the yellow triangles for traffic on both also.

It may be a case of coverage or reporting that makes the difference. If you can't receive the information or the information in your area is poorly reported, your experience may vary.

The extra stuff on MSN is kind of fun too,

Bill

That was kind of my point LOL Had I ever seen at least 1 traffic icon (lower rt side)in over 2 months, I would not have needed to start this post Can I assume that the traffic icon would have popped up in the same place as the flood and thunderstorm weather warning icons have??

Here is an image of Nuvi 780 reflecting the traffic icon location: http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3810/nuvi780mo1.jpg

Will the icons only appear if you have your current route programmed or will it pop up as well if you just have your GPSr on? Probably a stupid question, but curious.

You have to have a destination set so that it has a route planned. It only pops up for notices on your route. You can always select tools/traffic to view all the roads in your area.

That's what I figured, but wasn't totally sure. Thanks for the info.

I am just fortunate that I don't have to travel in traffic. I am only 7 miles from work, go against traffic, and don't have to take any major roads.

I do use the tools/traffic to compare it against the radio reports for fun.

I have never found the MSN Traffic useful in Toronto. It simply does not provide any real time useful info. Anyone have a better experience?

.... I have swapped out MSN cable with TMC in my Nuvi 780, and am finding the traffic service a WHOLE LOT better:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/15266

As far as weather and gas prices go, I simply do not care as long as I keep getting UP-TO-DATE information about traffic. Sorry MSN...!!!

Moon

I am still under the free 90 day period of the TMC that came with my Garmin 760. Does anyone know the difference in cost between the two?

Thanks

yea, Thanks for getting back. I guess I was taken in with msn's bells and whistles, when all I really wanted was decent traffic data. I've gotten flood and thunderstorm icons, but after 3.5 months not a SINGLE trafffic alert icon to click on. Looks like I wasted my money on msn, will probably have to pay 60 dollars to restart the TMC traffic cable. It's a shame the TMC appeared so lame by comparison.

I'm in the Pittsburgh area, and the traffic alerts so far have been very accurate... I live in a 'fringe' area and cannot pick up the MSN signal at my house, but by the time I get anywhere near Pittsburgh the alerts update quickly. From what I read, if you are in a 'strong signal' area MSN works great.

I made a recent trip to Delaware and can verify that Baltimore had an excellent signal (at least on the southern side). However, on the return trip home I was stuck in traffic with no warning on 70 near the PA/MD border, and even the gas prices were not updating. Hagerstown was probably the closest major city.

There are traffic cameras on the major interstates near Pittsburgh, I assume this is how the data is updated. I did not see the cameras outside Hagerstown, perhaps that is why it didn't work there.

Planning another vacation trip soon, will pass through DC and Richmond, etc heading south... I can post my observations here if anyone is interested.

Larry

--edit-- just a quick thought... Have you updated your Nuvi firmware? When you update the firmware, any MSN updates are passed through to the receiver when you connect it.

after readings from Larry_Larry, I must assume I have either a software-hardware issue somewhere between the 2 devices. IN OVER 3 MONTHS, not a single traffic alert or icon has ever appeared on my map screen whether in a route or not! I am in a high congestive Baltimore area which has daily issues of accidents, traffic, construction, etc. I will let you know what Garmin comes up with, as THEY also don't seem to have a clue as to what to expect from MsnDirect traffic with the nuvi 760..........

I agree with your assessment that there is an issue in there somewhere. In the DFW area I haven't seen a single day that didn't have traffic issues showing up somewhere on the map. Not always on my route, but somewhere in the metroplex. Good luck.

Perhaps you do have a bad receiver... What kind of signal strength do you see on the MSN screen? Do you get the other stuff (gas prices, etc)? Press the 'traffic' button from the MSN menu, see what shows up. There should be green and red roads highlighted. If there is a question of reliability, I would take it back to the dealer and exchange it for a new one before the warranty expires.

I had a slow traffic warning for the Bay Bridge, which was really helpful as I was towing a camper.

The only other suggestion I have is to be sure nothing else is plugged into the charger with the MSN receiver, my cell phone charger seems to interfere with it.

Hope it works out for you,
Larry

You can check information about the traffic receiver function in the diagnostic screens. From the main screen, click View Map, then click the Speed icon on bottom left. Press and hold the speedometer for 8-10 seconds. Then press Next six times, you will be on the GTM Status screen. Look on the bottom left and it should show when the unit received the last traffic message.

Thanks all,,,,,,,,,,,I have good signal strength, and I have large flood and thunderstorm icons that appear on the main screen and they are clickable. Msn's traffic screen does get the changing map with various color situations along with tiny icons. Nothing there is clickable. The text page shows various red/green/yellow clickable info for along my route to click for additional info. My route ALWAYS shows green (no traffic) and the word "AVOID" never shows as it did with TMC cable. Basically I receive "everything" but not real traffic function to click on to avoid etc. The TMC would cause an icon to appear with a number showing the delay time, info about the situation and the option to avoid. At times the traffic info test screen would show " along my route" in yellow or red and even automatically re-route. This MSN direct is clueless, cute icons though for the 8 apps which I could have done without. I paid 700 with tax for the nuvi 760 8 months ago, then 110 for the Msn cable. Now at 810 dollars I am starting to feel like I had made a wasteful stupid purchase.

If I head out on a long trip, and I have MSN Direct,
set up for the Boston area, will it give me traffic for my route as I progress? Or must I change my area as I go?

My MSN Direct is a 90 day trial, and I don't really get concerned about traffic that much. But, I simply cringe at driving through Hartford CT, and that is on my shortest route home to Alabama.

I would Call Garmin to get those issues resolved.

I am on the fence about this purchase also. Although having local gas prices (if they are updated) and movie times are fun to have. I don't really use either much in practical application. The traffic reports for me aren't any better than the TMC receiver that came with the unit which isn't very good.

Try to keep the unit plugged in to a 12 volt power source overnight. Not a car outlet that truns off when you shut off the vehicle. R Shack sells a 12 volt regulated adapter that I plug the MSN receiver and Garmin in so it keeps up with all of the data it needs to show you things.

I travel to DC frequently and use this in the hotel since I have no RCAR or other 12 volt source.
My 760 with MSN works fine in DC, Crystal City and surrounds.

Virgo

Hi guys,

does anyone know what the difference in price is?

My free 3 month TMC subscription is about to expire.

Thanks

Remember that, should you change from your current service to MSN your receiver won't work. You'll have to purchase the proper receiver.

All my firm update fixed were those random storm icons when the sky was clear. I am still not recieving trafic info until it is too late.

The MSN receiver has a battery inside it, so even if you unplug it the receiver keeps updating. The battery lasts for several days per the MSN manual, so I'm sure overnight is OK.

I just noticed while reading the manual that there is a reset button on the MSN cable... Anyone having problems might want to consider resetting the unit, as unplugging it probably does not do a reset until the internal battery drains.

Look here for the manual
http://www8.garmin.com/support/userManual.jsp?market=4&subca...

Larry

Thanks Thrak,

Do you know much per month each service is?

The question would be whether the difference in price (if there is one) is worth it to switch from one to the other.

Thanks

Not sure if this will help, but worth a try.... In another Nuvi group it was suggested that you can use a 12V extension cable from ebay, and place your MSN or TMC receiver higher in the car. The idea is the signal may be stronger near the dash as opposed to on or near the floor.

Try resetting the unit, if you don't have the manual you can get a PDF from Garmin's website that shows the location of the switch.

Larry

Am I supposed to see the same icon with TMC or is this a MSN only icon? I am using TMC service but never seen this icon.

Here's a good comparison of the 2 traffic systems:
http://gpsinformation.info/nuvi/660/760.html

After a bit of searching, I answered my own question, so here we go.

Total Traffic Network from Clear Channel - one year subscription = $60.00

MSN Direct Receiver / GDB 50 - one year subscription = $119.99

The FM Traffic service costs $60.00 per year and works with the receiver you got with the 760.

The MSN Traffic receiver costs $120.00 and comes with a year of service.

The MSN "Lifetime" subscription is $129 I think the term lifetime is highly suspect though.

Thanks Drew,

so far, I am not sure I can justify the additional cost for MSN.

X

i hate that i have to buy an additional expensive antenna and pay for a service to get it.

Over all I can see the Garmin is a far better unit.
But the traffic was better on the navgon.
But that was the only feature I liked better.

Hi. With the 880 Nuvi, my car charger cord has the MSN Direct antenna built into it. I have a 90 day trial subscription, and so far do not think I will continue it. However, after we make a 1500 mile trip in late Sept I will know if it is any help on the road.

Well, I now have some mixed feelings about travel with MSN.... I skirted around DC and Richmond to save time and avoid traffic, but the MSN receiver did not keep up with traffic. I was well outside the metropolitan areas so I really didn't expect perfect reception (35-50 miles), but I did expect something. I'm in a condo on the Outer Banks at the moment, and have not had a signal or traffic/gasoline/movie update for days.

I guess in summary, I like MSN and will still purchase a lifetime subscription but will only have a use for this in major cities or at home. Perhaps reception in other cities will continue to improve. At home I do not get a signal but pick it up within 5 miles of my driveway and the traffic updates within minutes.

Mods, would anyone be interested in a 'stickie' where folks post their signal strength around different areas?

Larry

Will be interested to read your comments Babago when you get back from your trip.

My impression on the TSN receiver while driving from Boston to Philadelphia last month was not that great, especially around NYC.

Oooohhhh yes!!! around NYC......I will not be going anywhere NEAR NYC so traffic conditions there will continue to be in the dark from this traveller.

Last trip, heading north, my hubby decided he did not want to go through CT. (This trip is why I bought the GPS, and now it has made his navigating OBSOLETE!) He came up with some plan of the secondary roads in NY state that would avoid Albany and unite our track with the Mass Turnpike or I-90. Upshot was, we had to go at reduced speeds through a lot of small towns, and added 80 more miles to our distance. As the main driver, I was sort of agitated about this, but rationalized that I was seeing parts of NY state that I'd NEVER see again.
Heading back south, we will go through CT but about 2 a.m. I always have loved to go places in the dark of the night....a family tradition you might say.

I have the 880 with MSN direct as well . I live in VA off I-66 and commute to DC everyday. Traffic idea is great, but you would think garmin would give at least some options, and announcement....!

I am thinking of buying the lifetime membership as well, hoping they will get better!!

Yes, some type of sound would be nice to alert of the icon on the screen. I have the nuvi 760 and after 3 months have finally gotten it to work in the Baltimore area. The other servive "TMC" does have traffic sounds...........

Took a different route home (and Jill complained bitterly, I changed her voice to say 'come on now, pay attention' instead of 'recalculating')....

Norfolk had an excellent signal, even updated the movie times and gas prices. Richmond updated traffic, perhaps since I was in a slowdown about 30 miles away. I was about 50 miles outside of DC, so I didn't expect a signal there.

The dead spots I earlier noted in Cumberland, MD are reflected in the coverage map here http://www.msndirect.com/Coverage/Coverage.aspx so I guess this is normal. Pittsburgh updated quickly upon returning.

Larry