Rand-McNally Intelliroute TND 500

[layoutshooter]

I would like to see Rand-McNally put out the Truckers Atlas in software form. Then I could use it on my laptop. I did email them on the subject but they never got back to me.

[ConfusedMuse]

Well, we bit the dust,and purchased the Rand-McNally GPS unit. It is now listed at 399.99 at Pilot. The only thing we know for sure is that there is zip return policy, an exchange for a similar product but, no cash, no in-store credit. According to Rand-McNally's multi-layered web site, they are the manufacturers of the unit. You need to connect to a laptop, pc and download all 27 ( the number of updates as of 01/08/10), supposedly will fix all the glitches mentioned, but alas everything mechanical comes with risks. But, we are masters of being on time even when the odds are against us, so what's one more!

[SunnyJoe]

I could use a little advice on updating my routing method. I'm a tractor-trailer driver who travels the Southern Michigan, Northern Ohio and Northern Indiana region. I'm home everyday, but my pick-ups and deliveries can take me to various small towns, many of which are on a one-time basis. I make 4 to 5 stops per day, before returning home everyday. My current method for routing involves checking my Rand-McNally Truckers Atlas along with the paper "map only" print-out that my company dispatcher supplies me with and any directions that I may call and ask for from the consignee, and then writing out the route on a small legal pad sheet and attaching that to a suction cup silver clip on the dash. This method actually works pretty well, as my notes are concise, ie.,

S on 23
exit W on 50 - 1/2 mi
N on Commerce Dr
last bld on left.

However, I find myself in small towns, making multiple turns, and then needing to get to another big or small town, and sometimes "You can't get there from here", If you know what I mean. I carry HAZMAT material sometimes, and definitely want to stay on the roads that make the most sense for truckers in general.

Now, my company gives a generic Verizon cell phone everyday in order to stay in contact with me, and that phone is always with me.
What I'm wondering is this: Should I get a smartphone, such as the Droid by Verizon? Does the Droid have the Rand-McNally, Google Maps Navigation, or even just Yahoo Maps application? I'm looking to eliminate the paper and pen, not be so reliant on making phone calls for directions, and maybe have my Verizon phone serve a dual purpose. It would be great to have the Google Earth application available, so that I could actually "see" the business front from the street view, including entrances, etc. I could use the Droid as a phone, but it could also sit in a cradle on my dash with the line by line directions. Or, could it be set to give audio voice commands, where I wouldn't even have to read the directions?

Am I on the right track here? Would the Droid offer the opportunity to surf the web during downtime, or should I consider a netbook for even more options? I could figure out a way to attach the netbook to the dash, right; A sandbag, or OEM cradle? The wireless netbook would work the same as a smartphone, right? What about the overall costs of a Droid smartphone versus a netbook versus a Garmin?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Wolfie62]

Using your phone for GPS may help in certain short run cases. Do you want to be tying up your phone line for hours, though, and have to depend on the reliability of your cell phone link? I wouldn't want to rely on a shaky cell connection, ESPECIALLY in the small, remote towns. Trucks are hard on computer hard-drives, also. My wife and I have used a laptop GPS and bumps would cause the software to shutdown. I have heard of drivers going through 3 laptops in one year on the road.

We found it is better to have a dedicated device for navigation help. Don't have to rely on a cell tower being there, the satellite GPS signal is more forgiving of obstacles and is basically always there, and the GPS device has no hard drive to crash, or an operating system (Windows) to suddenly stop working. Also, no charge for internet use or data receipt. And, the GPS is always on and there to help.

[layoutshooter]

We use a laptop and the first one lasted almost 4 years, no problems. Bumps have never caused ours to crash. When I do decide to upgrade in a year or so, I might look at one with a solid state drive. The prices are just now starting to come down. The computer we have now is only a year old so with any luck we have a while before we have to do anything.

[SunnyJoe]

Thanks.
Yeah, after a little research on GPS units, it looks like buying a Garmin, Tom-Tom, etc. would be the way to go. It looks like, for the money, that a stand alone GPS unit makes the most sense for the near-term. At some point, it may actually make sense to just rely on your smartphone, but not today.

[cc194217]

Hi All,

I just found this Website. I am the Lead Beta Tester for Rand McNally. I will be looking at each post and replying to your concerns\comments. If you wish to contact me directly my E-Mail address is rmleadbetatester at gmail.

My main role as a Beta Tester is to find the issues before the version goes public. But, some things do get missed. I will start to monitor this thread daily to address your concerns\issues.

layoutshooter - if you could E-Mail me I can put you in contact with Rand McNally in addressing your post.

Thanks,
Mark

[ConfusedMuse]

Good to see a product tester here. Correct me if I am wrong the operating system for the maps is NAVTEQ. Here is their web site: NAVTEQ Maps and Traffic

[cc194217]

Yes Rand uses Navteq, but they also overlay STAA and Rand's own Database on the map data. As we find Issues with any of the map data, we verify the correct map data and then update our mapping databases.

For example, NavTeq had I-80 x 6 (IN) tagged as restricted. Rand found out about the main Street was shown with a 14k load limit. Rand verified and found this to be bad mapping data. Rand has corrected the mapping database and it will be corrected on the next released version of mapping data.

Rand is look at 2nd quarter for the next release of the mapping data. Charge or no charge, I do not know.

If you find ramps also that are not allowing you to exit on them Rand would like to know so they can find the reason why.

Mapping data is not 100%, but Rand is working hard to make it such.

I will be reading and answering the prior posts in a few hours.

I thank you for allowing me to join this thread and I hope to be as helpful as possible to all the TND users and drivers with questions.

Thanks,
Mark

[ConfusedMuse]

So there may be an additional cost associated with updates? Why is it that everyone wants a piece of our ever dwindling, seldom increasing pay check. Couldn't there be a 'reward' in the form of a free update, or a trucker-only update. Since we are often the ones alerting you about the errors, and basically improving your product for future sales.

[cc194217]

ConfusedMuse

I try not to get into the business end of the company. I do know a lot of work goes into all mapping database's and corrections. Because it is trucking data, the costs are much higher getting mapping data from Navteq.

As to a cost? truly I do not know at this point in time.

Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

So how does it handle the fake NYCDOT clearances around the city?

eb

What the State of NY submits to Mapping Databases and to Rand is what goes into the unit. I understand NYC likes to shave a foot or so off the actual, but the TND will look at what NYC sends to them.


Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

i also own the rand mcnally and yes it has lots of great features
Wait until you are on a long run the total milage will be wrong
it will tell you to exit where there are no exits my has had fatal errors a couple of times and even froze

Rand is working on the Mileage issue.

If you go to the main screen\preferences\route settings if you are in shortest and have Tollways, Ferry's or U-turns set to avoid, please set to allow. Rand is working on an issue where any\or all of these three will cause freezing, bad exits and some other issues.

We are working hard to find this issue.

Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

Does the Rand McNally have a dash mount? I looked at one at truck stop and it look like only has mount for windshield. I have an old Garmin and when i got it the Garmin web site shows that windshield mount is not legal in California and I think Minnesota too, so I got what they call a friction mount its sort of like a sand bag the top center area has a mount for the gps and the bottom side as a material that prevents it from sliding around and you can still move it from truck to truck and not damage the dash to mount it. Dont know if anyone has actually been given a ticket for the winshield mount but no reason to give cops/dot another way to write a ticket

A major truck stop,,,starting with L and ending in 's does have a bean bag holder. The 5" does fit well with slots on the side for the power cord. If you E-mail me I can give you more details.

Also a big box retailer has the pad that the GPS mount will attach to. I have not bought one yet to test it out though.

Dash mounts - you can go to panavise and they have dash mount brackets.

Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

Another question who actually makes the Rand Mcnally gps?

Rand McNally make the TND 500.

Thanks,
Mark