Need a new Garmin - not sure I want to 'have' to use Smartphone?
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14 years
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Husband and I are looking to buy the DriveSmart 61 LMT-S and I'm not sure I understand about the smartphone issue. Is it that the 'S' in the model name indicates a NEED for a smartphone, or that some properties of the unit are ONLY accessible with use of an app on the smartphone?
It seems this is the only 7" size model that may be what we want. My Nuvi2555LM seems to have shot craps on the mini usb hub being loose. We've had it for quite awhile now, so looking for newer Garmin with 'bells and whistles,' but not a truck or RV driver. We drive from OK to AL to visit family once a year, and that's about it for travel.
As usual, the short blurbs on Amazon or Best Buy don't seem to have enough info. We can try it, of course.
Which brings me to the need to make sure the GTM60 I just ordered (for my Nuvi2555LM) will work with this model. I can certainly return it unused if I don't need it/can't use it.
We were looking at the red light camera options, but don't see anything listed for Oklahoma (OKC area). I see cameras (or SOMETHING) on top of the traffic lights here, but they are much smaller than the ones show in the photos in the Traffic/Speed camera section.
Am I mistaken in thinking those are red light cameras? I can certainly locate those around here.
Thank you for your help.
New
I have a Garmin 2797 which means it has a 7" screen. It does not require anything else to operate. When I bought it I also bought a beanbag to have it sit on the dash and easy stow-ability.
It is out of production now but still available for purchase.
A description from Garmin is here:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-CA/CA/p/112203
For sale at Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-Bluetooth-Certified-R...
BTW: The second number in the model number designates screen size just for info.
I would suggest a camera mounted on or next to a traffic light would be a RED LIGHT camera. There are several models of varying sizes.
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Well ...
As I understand it the Drive model the OP mentions does not necessarily require a smartphone. However some functions aren't available unless one is used. None of those functions appeal to me though, and traffic will work without one provided you use a compatible cable. A quick look at Garmin's website shows the GTM 60 as compatible.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
RLC and speed cameras
There are some state and or city specific "Speed camera" files available for download on POI factory. But the RLC (Red light camera) file is not broken down to individual states or cities. It is quite a small file and if you know how to install it to your GPS it takes VERY little space of the GPS's memory.
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Yes
As I understand it the Drive model the OP mentions does not necessarily require a smartphone. However some functions aren't available unless one is used. None of those functions appeal to me though, and traffic will work without one provided you use a compatible cable. A quick look at Garmin's website shows the GTM 60 as compatible.
Yes. the S in the model name appears to be an indication that traffic will be provided via the Smartphone Link application on your smartphone. That being said, there is no reason why you couldn't use a GTM60 cable instead of a smartphone to get your traffic information.
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.
DriveSmart.
You may want to consider going with the DriveSmart 70 LMT, which is a 2016 model (the DriveSmart 61 is a 2017 model). The 70 gives you the 7 inch screen, and the traffic receiver comes with the unit (SmartPhone Link not required). Although, since you have already purchased the GTM60 receiver, the 61 may be your best choice.
Edit: Both the DriveSmart 70 and the DriveSmart 61 are compatible with the GTM 60 (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/104181#devices)
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
But ...
... the GTM60 wouldn't be needed with the 70 model would it, as it comes with the receiver built in and the antenna in the power cable?
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
Not red light cameras
...I see cameras (or SOMETHING) on top of the traffic lights here, but they are much smaller than the ones show in the photos in the Traffic/Speed camera section...
A quick search of the Red Light Camera file shows none in Oklahoma.
A red light camera is never on top of a traffic light. If your car is stopped at a red light, a red light camera is usually 30 to 40 feet to the rear of the car at the right curb or shoulder.
There is a type of sensor for traffic control that looks like a cylindrical security camera, perhaps 3" diameter by 7" long. It is mounted over the traffic light and is aimed right at your car if you are in front of a red light. This detects your car and sends a signal to the traffic light control to change to green sooner.
You should nevertheless download the red light and speed camera files for that one time you take a trip to an area that has them. Driving in a strange place is hard enough without having to worry about cameras.
dobs108
Only if ...
... the GTM60 wouldn't be needed with the 70 model would it, as it comes with the receiver built in and the antenna in the power cable?
The GTM 60 would be needed only if you want the HD traffic instead of the standard FM traffic that comes on LMT models. Personally, I would just use Smartphone Link and wouldn't care about the traffic receiver, but it is important to some folks.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
Ah ...
... yes, good point
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
I used the 60 traffic cable
I used it on my 61drivesmart lmt s.. works great. I only use the smart phone now as it uses such little data..
Get that unit... it' so awesome
Confused about the red light camera concern
Not wanting to hijack this thread.. but what is with the concern about red light cameras? Do you run red lights if the GPS does not flag it?
Seems that one... as a safe driver... should be going by the traffic lights.. Orange means that the light is about to change.. STOP if you safely can.. it is NOT a warning to speed up.
Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.
OK
Thanks Ralph for the lesson on the function of traffic lights, But that is not the purpose of the Red Light Camera files.
Anyway. Back to the topic of the OP.
I never use the GPS to connect to the phone. Don't need another device in the Blue Tooth loop. When driving I use the car BT to receive phone calls. If I have to make a call, I stop the car and use the phone. And the phone itself will voice activate an outgoing call if necessary, although I don't care for that function and rarely use it.
As far as traffic is concerned, I hardly every find the need to use it. Spotty reception and not timely information in my area makes it useless.
I never get lost, but I do explore new territory every now and then.