Rand-McNally Intelliroute TND 500

[cc194217]

Some great questions and comments coming on this thread!

Yes, out of the box one only gets the suction-cup windshield mount. That is one quibble I do have--that mount puts the GPS out of my reach and is blurry with my current non-bifocal glasses. So, yes, I did have to go to Wal-Mart for a mount that allows me to "hard-mount" the GPS holder near the steering wheel on my right side.

I will have to investigate who the actual manufacturer of this GPS is.

Like cell phones, smart phones, and the like, GPS units made for commercial transportation will be an ever-evolving thing. I think what will make a big difference is in HOW FAST the makers will be able to incorporate changes into the units--AFTER PURCHASE. So far, Rand McNally seems to be up to the task. I reported on their website that they needed to update their map for the Charlotte, NC area. I actually got an email reply saying that I would be notified by email as soon as it is ready, and others--in the next couple of weeks--and was given a link whereby I could DOWNLOAD new map data for free. (In addition to new construction updates.) I was afraid I would be ignored. Not so!

I guess I don't mind buying something new with a few bugs---AS LONG AS THE MANUFACTURERS LIVE UP TO THEIR PROMISE TO RAPIDLY IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCT!

So far, so good.

When you connect to the TND Dock, you will have access to construction updates as shown on (in a route) map screen,, look to the right and above the "+" is your turn-by-turn list. Your road construction will be shown there.

POI's and Global POI ratings are also downloaded to your TND.

Their is no set pattern right now, but if you connect at least once a week you should be fine.

Mapping updates are not via any link. The map database is over 2.5gb. I will be available the 2nd qtr of this year.

for reviews on this unit as well as other GPS, Google Dieselboss in OR.

Thanks,
Mark

[cheri1122]

Mark: thank you for taking the time to respond to questions and clarify issues - it's appreciated.
I'm a satisfied user of Garmin, but someday, it'll need replaced, and you make a very good impression for 'your' product.

[cc194217]

Thanks, I was trying to get the posts replied to before my UPS died. Lost power. But, now back on.

A new version is due out very shortly. You will see improvements, but atlas we are still fighting a issue or two.

Some of the know issues -

setting avoid in route settings

putting a route in and getting the mileage, but as you start to move the mileage will change sometimes.

If you buy a new unit and find mileage in the truck tools\timers and logs, that was done during the software burn. You do not have a used unit. Just delete them and you will be fine.

The current version is 10.2.1443.xxxx, so if you are not on that version you will need to update via the TND Dock.

Also on 12/31/09, some TND's displayed a expired license message. Connect to the TND Dock and update, you will be fine then.

If you have any concerns or questions, I will monitor this thread daily and you can also E-mail me at rmleadbetatester at gmail.


Thanks,
Mark

[cannedmeat27]

I went on ahead and got my 27 updates
i am hoping that will fix my problems
i had all the problems talked about with mine
I wish i could type in a town and touch on a street
to find an adress by type in an adress you cant
always find what you need. My garmin c330
will let me do this by getting me to the town
and then browsing the map and touching the
street i need.

[Wolfie62]

Mark,

Thanks for all the good info.

I re-read my email reply from Rand, and it does not state clearly whether map updates would be available for download, so I was left to conlude that those updates would be available to users.

2.5 gigabytes is small potatoes for a DVD purchased online and mailed. Or, very manageable if UPDATES could be downloaded and incorporated into the current map database of the unit. Why is this (either option) not possible? A new map database could be encrypted on a DVD disc to keep it proprietary, only usable by owners of the serial-numbered TND unit (just as most Windows software is done, and engineering software such as AutoCAD is done).

Hey, THAT would be forward thinking, right? And, the sort of difference I would expect from Rand McNally.

I have to admit; I purchased the TND 500 based on the reputation of Rand--was I wrong?

Larry

[cc194217]

The updates would probably be in the form of an SD Card. Now if you have a T5B it would be a SD Card replacement, but if you have a T5C then you would be given an SD card to insert and the SD Card will do a Flash Update to the TND.

The T5B has the map data on the external SD Card and the T5C has the map data internally.

BTW, if you have an TND and are on a Mac or on a Mac with a DOS shell (but cannot connect to the TND Dock) contact me as Rand has a way to update your TND's via the Flash SD Card method.

If you do not have a computer or limited access to a computer contact me to get your updates.

Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

Version 1472 has been released. Once you are done updating you can click on the tab to view release notes.

Thanks,
Mark

[Wolfie62]

I have the T5B. It has an SD card slot that is occupied 100% of the time, meaning that it has a card in the slot and it remains there.

I will have to redock my TND and check for updates to see what is up.

More great info! Thanks, Mark!

[cc194217]

Rand has found some bad data that was causing some issues with route settings - shortest, and Tollways - Avoid. The Beta Testers are testing it out.

Thanks,
Mark

[chefdennis]

Ok 1st , Mark, I have read most of the 102 pages on the RM unit over at "Truckers Report"...i can say that you are a well respected poster over there on this issue, so with that, Thank You for taking the time to stop in here at EO and keeping the members here well informed.

Now, I have been kicking around the RM 500 annd the cobra 7000...the cobra because of the size ( i use a laptop now and have for the last 18 months with no operation issues, just that is is a Garmin "Car" unit) BUT, I will say the amount of info that i have gathered from here and over at the Truckers Report from you and the other testers is leading me towards the RM 500. Since i have been looking for a good unit for truck routing for a while and i am in no hurry, how long before one could buy a unit off the shelf that has all of the updates and error issues corrected and not have to go through the updating on a regular basis?

Also i seen the mention of a RM 700 with a 7 inch screen, but i can't find anything online, is this something that will be available in the near future?

Again, thanks for all of the info you have provided her and also over at Truckers report, it is invaluble in making the decision as to what to buy....

[cc194217]

First off,, Let me say Rand cannot confirm nor deny the existence of a 7" TND. Until any Information if it does exist is released by Rand, I am bound by an NDA.

Updates. Rand has made it possible to obtain your POI updates, POI Global updates and construction updates via the web on the TND Dock. You are not updating the actual operating software, but the little things that are always being corrected or added.

The Tnd Dock being nothing more than a Dashboard on your computer for updating.

Currently about every 30-45 days a new version is released. This corrects prior issues and adds new features.

Most updates only take about five or so minutes. All the Beta Testers to include myself hold an CDL. So we know that you may be on the road for 3-6 weeks at a time. By making the updating over the web allows you to stay current on your TND.

This is not a daily thing, but can be done once a week.

New mapping data will be released in a few months and how you will get your updated mapping data is being talked about at Rand.

Rand understands not everyone is part of the "Nerd Herd" and has come up with a way to allow easy and painless updating.

The TND is very robust, with lots of new features in the pipeline. O\O are being looked at for their own section to help in your record keeping.

As stated in other forums, I do not discuss the pros\cons of the TND to other navigation devices. It is not professional.

DieselBoss does have reviews on navigation devices. He is currently reviewing the 7" model of our competitor.

Nothing will ever be perfect, but as in the other forum mentioned Rand welcomes any comments\concerns on the TND.

If you find mapping that is not correct as in ramps being detoured around, roadways showing restricted, etc, etc. Let Rand know so the mapping data can be corrected.

Truckers have long complained that no one listens to them. Rand has given you a voice. Not as a Beta Tester, but as an consumer. Let Rand know your comments\concerns, bad mapping or ideas for features.

Rand has committed to this product and to you the professional driver.

Thanks,
Mark

[cannedmeat27]

Im glad there was an update for the warnings cause mine
was constantly telling me now crossing state border glad
that is fixed

[cc194217]

This must have been in Quebec. 1472 did not have the fix yet for this log issue. Rand is still working on this.

Rand will try to have this fix in it's next version release.

Thanks,
Mark

[cc194217]

In working on features with the TND, Rand has to make sure they are in agreement with IFTA.

I have contacted IFTA and they send me a link to their IFTA Procedures Manual.

http://www.iftach.org/manuals/2008/P...ary%202008.pdf

If you wish to save the PDF then go to the top of the PDF - and click on the computer disk to save. Watch the name it will assign. It puts the link URL as the Name, so you might want to rename before you save.

I called the website to make sure posting of the Link was okay.

Thanks,
Mark

[layoutshooter]

I still wish I could get Rand-McNally's trucking atlas in laptop format.