Updates w/o Nuvi on?

No, the cable is JUST a cable.

Sounds to me like you need to call MSN Direct or Garmin. Getting them to "update" after your subscription expires can be tricky; that is, it may require some manual intervention.

Also, it might be worthwhile to check the Garmin website for a software update for the receiver. When i purchased the MSN receiver for nu new Nuvi 255, I had to download some new software before the receiver started working.

The short answer is yes. Details... The 12volt receiver cable has an internal battery. I found it stays charged for about 3 days if unplugged. As long as it receives the MSN FM signal from your "parked" location (office garage or home garage), then it will continue to receive MSN data until the internal battery runs out. The GPS does not have to be attached.

So, you can keep the cable in the glove compartment out-of-sight. I'm in AZ, so it gets a bit hot on summy summer days. Batteries in general don't do well. So, one can take it into the office, assuming desk is near a window and can get MSN FM connection, the cable will continue get data while sitting in briefcase/desk drawer. However, the irritating problem is that once the internal battery runs down, you have to wait 4-24 hours to get the entire MSN db to complete its down load of gas/movie/etc data again.

Hope this helps

If this is true, then the so-called "cable" is really a traffic data RECEIVER and would need a processor and memory to accomplish what you claim.

That certainly could be true but if it were, why would they call it a "cable" ??

So, let's take it one step farther: If the cable really is intelligent, in that it can receive traffic data while unplugged, do you also think that it has enough processor and memory to receive feature or program updates and store them for future use? I think this is HIGHLY unlikely.

For the original poster: If you really don't have something like an owner's manual, you need to call Garmin for the REAL story. If the "cable" has the capability claimed here, then there HAS to be some documentation for that somewhere.

RTFM ??

The MSN cable is a receiver... It has a battery, processor and memory. It will receive traffic/weather/etc updates with or without the GPS attached. It can still receive updates for a few days even if it is not plugged into your cig lighter as it is powered by a battery. It does NOT receive firmware updates 'over the air' (see below on how to do that). I did read the fine manual, and you can too at garmin.com (click on support, downloads and manuals, look for Nuvi 780 and it will show the MSN supplemental manual along with other info in the Nuvi manual).

There was a recently introduced firmware update for the MSN receiver that improves connect time. Go to the webupdater with your GPS attached to your computer, after it searches for updates to your unit there will be optional updates for voices, etc. There you will see the MSN update. After it loads it to your GPS, connect it to your MSN receiver and it will update it. Takes about 5 minutes to finish the update.

Larry

edited to mention... I keep mine it the car as it looks like a standard power cable, unlikely anyone would steal it. It has no external markings and looks like my other chargers for my phone, PDA, etc...

My understanding is that even if it ios not plugged in the charger unit which is the reciever is supposed to recieve the signal and keep it updated. In practice it doesn't seem to work that well.

ka1167 - do you even own a Garmin? Your signature shows you own a Magellan, yet you are always answering Garmin questions. Usually incorrectly.

Remove the battery from your Garmin 880 for about a few minutes and then plug it back into your cigarette lighter

We can't all be perfect. Sorry.

Most people can only strive to be like me. LOL

Does the MSN Direct receiver need to be plugged in to my Garmin device to download data? What about a power source?

The receiver is fully contained in the vehicle power cord, and houses its own radio receiver, antenna, processor, RAM, flash memory, and battery. It can operate completely independently for 2-3 days without being connected to external power or to the Garmin GPS device. When the internal battery is fully charged it downloads data at full strength, and when the battery level is low it will preserve power by downloading only traffic information at full strength, and all other types of information more slowly. When the receiver is attached to the Garmin device, it uploads all the fresh data that it has cached.

http://www.msndirect.com/NavigationFAQ.aspx

Just to add onto what jefferbob quoted from the MSN Direct site. Note what I've highlighted in bold text