TMC Traffic Alerts

[aussiegtidude]

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the 510 pick up on the TMC broadcasts? It just doesn't display them.

In Adelaide, they use 102.3 and on my little button it has a TP (or TA) symbol next to it. It knows it is there, it just doesn't want to use it!!!

What about people in other states, does anyone know?

[kamold]

It can detect but can't decrypt them as it needs a license key from intellimatics aka suna

[Gigitt]

Zombie Mode - Lights on Nobodies Home!


Well it looks like the only Traffic RDS support is by Suna Traffic SUNA

and their FAQ states: (SUNATraffic.com.au)

[b]I have an in-car navigation system - can I connect to SUNA GPS Traffic Updates?[b/]

SUNA GPS Traffic Updates is currently standard on all factory fitted navigation-equipped Ford Falcon G-Series vehicles.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1178852836471&pagename=Page&c=DFYPage&site=FOA

SUNA GPS Traffic Updates is also available as standard on some Nissan X-Trail vehicles - Ti and TL models fitted with 7" Colour Display Satellite Navigation (available since 1 December 2009).

Toyota also offers SUNA GPS Traffic Updates as part of the FollowMe™ Sound and Navigation System as an aftermarket accessory. Toyota FollowMe Sound and Navigation System: Audio & Navigation Accessories

Many recent-model European vehicles are potentially software-upgradeable, and SUNA GPS Traffic Updates is in discussion with vehicle importers and manufacturers regarding licensing arrangements that my enable certain models to be upgraded. Contact your auto manufacturer or dealer for more information.

and

Can I subscribe using my in-car navigation system?

Unfortunately this is not possible at this stage. The SUNA Traffic Channel is currently only available through certain products manufactured by companies which we have a commercial agreement with. At this stage, a separate subscription cannot be purchased by the general public. We are in negotiation with various companies within the automotive, navigation and mobile phone industry with a view to make live traffic updates through SUNA accessible through as many mediums as possible.

So bsically unless VWA get involved and pay for the license then VW can add it into the code of the firmware to make it work.

More Info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_Message_Channel#Australia

Australia

Intelematics Australia[11] broadcasts a national encrypted RDS-TMC service focused initially on urban Australia, under the consumer brand 'SUNA Traffic Channel'. The service, which reaches around 85% of urban Australia is transmitted by commercial FM broadcasters in seven cities, as well as via XML for online and smartphone applications. The service is available on GPS systems including Navman, Garmin, Mio, Uniden, iPhone (Navigon & Sygic), Eclipse, Pioneer, Alpine and Clarion navigation systems. SUNA Traffic Channel is also available in Ford, Holden, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, & Mercedes Benz navigation systems. SUNA is currently the only source of comprehensive, metropolitan congestion monitoring content in Australia - this is achieved using proprietary technology interfacing to traffic light control systems. The SUNA broadcast service is fully compliant with both the RDS and TMC standard however the broadcast is encrypted and therefore will not work on all in-car GPS navigation systems that do not have a commercial arrangement with SUNA.

[jameshero]

SUNA is completely useless, consistently fails to alert me to bad traffic, and when it does, the traffic has usually cleared before the message is broadcasted, TomTom HD is both more accurate and comprehensive, but requires TomTom, access to SUNA is provided on the CD_7703 map disc though...

[Jase]

Recently read that SUNA acknowledge delays & miscommunication. SUNA v2 or something similar was due to roll out soon if not already. I don't think SUNA is going away anytime soon & in Australia we'll have to continue to pay in some form or another to access the broadcasts.

It's disappointing VW haven't paid for access. For non-VW GPS units, access to SUNA TMC costs $100-150 (either in the form of an up-spec'd unit or for a TMC specific cradle). I think for a $2000 RRP unit, with TMC button that currently does sweet FA, it'd be worth an extra $100 for seemless integration. The fact my Columbus (RNS510) shows TMC is present across several FM broadcasts in Melbourne is an added tease.

This upcoming 7703 version map, is SUNA TMC meant to work? I'd imagine a firmware update might be required though?

[kamold]

In theory all that is needed is for the map data to contain the TMC=yes flag as well as the license information which is required to decrypt the TMC broadcast. No firmware update/change is required.
As you mentioned, if you turn TMC on in the RNS510 menu it detects the FM broadcast, just can't decrypt the data from the signal in order to make use of it.

[readerr0r]

In theory all that is needed is for the map data to contain the TMC=yes flag as well as the license information which is required to decrypt the TMC broadcast. No firmware update/change is required.
As you mentioned, if you turn TMC on in the RNS510 menu it detects the FM broadcast, just can't decrypt the data from the signal in order to make use of it.

I always wondered if you could extract the key from another manufactures map disc if they also use Sensis maps but they're hard to get a hold of

[kamold]

Would be worth a try I guess. I know BMW use Sensis maps as well, anyone know if they support TMC in Aus?

Edit: I just took a look at a BMW map disk from a guy at work here it has TMC: no. Old map disk though v14 Sensis maps.

[GippsCC]

SUNA and TomTom HD not worth it, so don't feel like you are missing out. I've used both, and found them practically useless. Both are late to recognise problems, and remain on long after the problem has cleared. I understand European services better than what we get here, but with Australia it's just a waste of time and money.

[jameshero]

SUNA and TomTom HD not worth it, so don't feel like you are missing out.

RACV have a map of the SUNA data for Melbourne...

Traffic Incidents - RACV Travel

It only shows incidents, rather than general traffic conditions and is therefore rarely useful. I've only seen the website line up with reality once, but the website failed to show that the closure of another street was the cause, so would have led you down that street anyway.

SUNA also provides a Google Maps like traffic service (it may even be the same data) but I believe the way TMC works does not allow this type of traffic data to be transmitted, I assume it would require an internet enabled device.

The guy I bought my satnav (from Continental) does have a copy of CD_7703, which definitely does have TMC for Australia as I've seen it working =P, but unfortunately it can not be distributed, I assume it's still in testing. This was a few months ago so not sure we may ever get it.