Mazda Built-in Sat Nav - TMC not found - Advice needed

RobertinHerts · 08-11-2009, 6:54 PM

The Sat Nav built into my Mazda 5 has a page for setting up the TMC extension to Sat Nav but always says 'Searching' or 'No TMC station'. These messages are documented in the manual.

I get different explanations from different Mazda dealers. One says Mazda haven't purchased a licence to use a TMC service. Can I purchase a subscription myself? Another says TMC does not exist on this car.

Clearly the software exists. Is it that there is no radio tuner; there is a tuner but it's not connected; that a subscription is required or more than one reason? Which of the two TMC services would be appropriate?

Thanks in advance.

Robert

lynx · 08-11-2009, 7:06 PM

Can you withdraw the satnav to have a look at the rear of the unit to see if there is a socket to add a tmc antenna?

Most are either mini usb plugs or 3.5mm plugs.

The service is provided free once you have the receiving antenna.

RobertinHerts · 08-11-2009, 7:24 PM

Thanks for the quick resonse Lynx. So you're suggesting the tuner exists but just an aerial is needed? However from the type of socket you mention you might mean a tuner is required?

If the transmission is provided free who is paying for it?

Robert

lynx · 08-11-2009, 8:25 PM

http://www.rds-tmc.co.uk

I suspect there may be a software issue and the easiest way around this may be to purchase a standalone satnav - yes i do realise it defeats the point of factory fit.

richwleach · 19-12-2009, 1:14 PM

I've just purchased a CX-7 with built-in satnav and I'm seeing the same thing.
TMC is transmitted on classicFM in UK but its also available in other countries too.
Looking at RDS - Radio Data System in the UK (scroll down a bit) it looks as if TomTom use this at no charge to the end user, but possibly a licence fee is paid in the initial purchase price of the satnav or the antenna add-on? I dont know.
I did once hire a Rover which had a traffic info screen in the dash (where the clock is) and this gave info about the roads around you. I'm not sure if it was TMC though.
The CX-7 handbook mentions TMC " in countries where it is available". Well, its available in UK, so where is it in my new Mazda? The trouble is, the dealers have enough of a problem dealing with the satnav itself, let alone these nice extras. I would like to add camera locations etc to my satnav but it looks as if it will need a s/w hack. Anyone out there with any ideas?

CasDon · 31-12-2009, 3:04 PM

The dealer that told you Mazda hasn't purchase the license is correct and I suspect the same is true of the CX-7.

Unfortunately you cannot purchase the subscription yourself as the data has to be compiled into the map disc by the navi manufacturer who supplies Mazda

TMC in the UK isn't just transmitted on ClassicFM. ClassicFM transmits data by a company called ITIS.
There is also the TrafficMaster service which transmits on local FM frequencies such as used by VW.

The services in Europe are completely separate to those in the UK and nearly all require a license tho I think there is one national service in France with did used to be totally free.

Most factory fit systems work on the basis that the Car manufacturer pays a licence fee to the TMC service provider for the life of the vehicle so the purchaser (you) never has to pay renewal fees.

The downside to this is that there is no HMI on the system to allow you to individually purchase it afterwards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertinHerts

The Sat Nav built into my Mazda 5 has a page for setting up the TMC extension to Sat Nav but always says 'Searching' or 'No TMC station'. These messages are documented in the manual.

I get different explanations from different Mazda dealers. One says Mazda haven't purchased a licence to use a TMC service. Can I purchase a subscription myself? Another says TMC does not exist on this car.

Clearly the software exists. Is it that there is no radio tuner; there is a tuner but it's not connected; that a subscription is required or more than one reason? Which of the two TMC services would be appropriate?

Thanks in advance.

Robert

AndyMoody · 02-01-2010, 12:58 PM

This is also the case with Alpine's NVE-N099P satnav which is aftermarket unit. Early DVD's had ITIS supplied TMC, later ones use Trafficmaster. The discs are £200ish each update. The NVE-N099P does have a separate aerial connection for this and it sticks to the inside of the windsreen picking up signals from the subcarrier of the local stations, mine picks up from the local HeartFM just like Teletext does on your normal terrestial TV signal.