Speed cam warnings advice plse

[windup]

Hi,
Further to my main thread on the Harmon kardon GPS500, it appears I have to subscribe to get speed cam data reports on the device.
As this is my first Satnav, I don't know how these devices generally work...
i.e.. do u have to be on a specific route to get the warning.. or will u get an update as u pass a cam, even if its just on 'idling'.
I know this may be device specific but any advice would help b4 I purchase an update.

[social_lurker]

I have an LG satnav and used this place for free safety camera data: http://www.gps-data-team.com/
Basically it downloads a file of free POI which then flag up when you drive around (either on a fixed planned route or just when the unit is tracking my normal driving). I realise this might not be as comprehensive or specific as a unit upgrade, but for my purposes it's absolutely fine and it hasnt (in the 2 months or so I've had it on) missed a camera or highlighted an ex-camera.

[windup]

Originally Posted by social_lurker

I have an LG satnav and used this place for free safety camera data: http://www.gps-data-team.com/
Basically it downloads a file of free POI which then flag up when you drive around (either on a fixed planned route or just when the unit is tracking my normal driving). I realise this might not be as comprehensive or specific as a unit upgrade, but for my purposes it's absolutely fine and it hasnt (in the 2 months or so I've had it on) missed a camera or highlighted an ex-camera.

Thanks for the info..
I had a look at the site and there seems to be a miriad of possible downloads.
I have registered to see what becomes avilable for download. It appears the fee is 10 euros.. or was your download free?
How does it flag the camera location.. just map based or will it give audible warning.. my GPS500 has the option to give audible warning or visible.
Many thanks for the info.

[def]

It appears the fee is 10 euros.. or was your download free?

I've noticed the same thing too. If you go here:
http://www.gps-data-team.com/poi/united_kingdom/safety/

it says:

The most updated file overlay with all speed camera locations in UK and about 17000 European speed camera locations can be downloaded from SCDB (Speed Camera DataBase). Here is provided a file with speed camera locations in the United Kingdom. Our POI files can be used by Garmin, Magellan, Navman, TomTom and many other popular GPS brands. This speedcam POI file is free for all. This GPS POI collection and our GPS forum can be used even without registration.

but when you click the link you end up here (eventually)
http://www.scdb.info/en/plugin-tomtom-nav/

which says

Downloading the plug-in is a chargeable item. You can only download the plug-in after registration and payment of the annual fee

social_lurker, how do you get the speed camera data for free?

[windup]

Following another similar thread, someone mentioned they had purchased a camera download for both fixed and mobile cams. .. but they could only see the fixed cams on their map.
Now logically, I don't see how any database can record a MOBILE cam in advance.. can they??
Can anyone advise how other Satnav do it ?

[kandinsky]

Originally Posted by windup

Following another similar thread, someone mentioned they had purchased a camera download for both fixed and mobile cams. .. but they could only see the fixed cams on their map.
Now logically, I don't see how any database can record a MOBILE cam in advance.. can they??
Can anyone advise how other Satnav do it ?

I think they they tell you where they are usually positioned, ie a bridge over a motorway may have a speed camera van in that position 3 or 4 times in a week. It just warns you that it has been sited there before several times and to slow down and look out for it as you approach that position.

[xit2050]

Originally Posted by kandinsky

I think they they tell you where they are usually positioned, ie a bridge over a motorway may have a speed camera van in that position 3 or 4 times in a week. It just warns you that it has been sited there before several times and to slow down and look out for it as you approach that position.

Correct.

[windup]

Fair enuf... thanks for your help.

[social_lurker]

you got me - I'd forgotten I paid to register. Even so, 10euros is pretty cheap (£6?).

As for warnings: As I drive along the unit (assuming I have the sound on) says "Favourites Alert 500 yards" and as the only favourites I have activated are the speed cameras it alerts me to the camera. On the screen, it also flashes up with favourites alert in red writing and has a little speed camera logo on at the point of the camera.

[windup]

Thanks guys,
I decided to get a refund on the 500 after all, cos I found the local street mapping was incorrect so god knows about going anywhere else in UK or Europe.
Very interesting response tho, which will hopefully be useful for whatever I get next.
Many thanks to repliers.