newbie Qs - backup, cameras

[arjay]

Hi all. Bought my first satnav today - it's an XL IQ. A few questions, sorry if they are very common. Did search forum first but no joy. Perhaps I don't know the right questions to ask yet!

1. Where is a good source of documentary help (the manual is fine but doesn't give much info). Is there a better source?

2. People seem to recommend an explorer backup rather than tomtom's one. How do I do this? Unfortunately, I have not used windows for 5-6 years as all my PCs have linux on them now. So I had to install an old version of win 2000 to get tomtom HOME etc. I am pretty shaky in Windows!

3. I planned a route as an experiment but now can't cancel it! How do I do this? I tapped the map and got the main menu but no sign of anything relevant. I did check that I have all menus showing.

4. I bought and paid for the safety cameras package. It then offered me about 20 files most of which I don't need - like Poland and places East of me (Spain). Anyway, I selected yes. It went to download then threw an error message for every file. It asked me if it could send a report to whoever which I did. I then restarted tomtom HOME and switched the device off and back on again. But when I go to the relevant menus for the cameras it says nothing is available for my unit. Does that mean it DID download or just thinks it has? How do I check if I have the latest camera data?

Thnx to anyone who helps out.

RJ

 

[mikealder]

Tap the screen bottom center and one of the options that appears is "Clear Route" - why this has been "hidden" is beyond me! - Mike

 

[dhn]

Welcome to TTF!

1. Well, besides the manual itself, forums such as this can often provide answers to questions you may have.

2. See here:
https://www.tomtomforums.com/genera...4-how-backup-contents-your-unit-computer.html

3. Different models have different menu icons but you are looking for 'Clear Route' and it may be found on the second page of the main menu.

4. Can't help with the speed camera issue but be advised that Tom Tom's speed camera data has been referred to by those who have used it as 'junk' (and that is one of the nicer terms). Many European based members get a speed camera subscription from pocketgpsworld.com which is UK based. More information can be found here: Pocket GPS World - SatNavs | GPS | Speed Cameras. Mainly, because it is up-to-date and ACCURATE (plus much more).

 

[arjay]

Tap the screen bottom center and one of the options that appears is "Clear Route" - why this has been "hidden" is beyond me! - Mike

Thanks Mike for such a prompt reply. Well, I have now downloaded and installed the latest app software and other bits and pieces. Rebooted the device and "voila" the Clear Route dialogue is right there. Who knows why?

RJ

 

[arjay]

4. Can't help with the speed camera issue but be advised that Tom Tom's speed camera data has been referred to by those who have used it as 'junk' (and that is one of the nicer terms). Many European based members get a speed camera subscription from pocketgpsworld.com which is UK based. More information can be found here: Pocket GPS World - SatNavs | GPS | Speed Cameras. Mainly, because it is up-to-date and ACCURATE (plus much more).

dhn - thanks for the reply. Well it seems this newbie has been suckered into buying something that ain't much good and probably can't use anyway. I bought and paid for the tomtom safety camera download (just got the confirmation). But I see a note in tom tom HOME that worries me slightly:

Note: You receive the latest positions of fixed cameras through TomTom HOME. In order to receive the latest positions for active mobile cameras, you need a wireless data connection (GPRS, EDGE, UMTS or CDMA) as the positions of mobile cameras are sent directly to your device.

It seems I get the static maps anyway as part of the maps package, and that I need something else to get the updates on mobile cameras etc.

Can you explain the second part of the Note?

 

[dhn]

You need a bluetooth enabled phone, I believe ... with a data plan.

If SuperMod, Mikealder, doesn't reply here today (or somebody else doesn't provide more detailed info) then pm Mike; he'll set you straight.

 

[mikealder]

You probably won't like this answer very much but I can't find a better way to post the truth, the XL IQ doesn't have any Bluetooth capability at all so forget trying to use a GPRS connection from your phone. The only way to get mobile cameras OTA to an XL IQ is if it's connected to a HD Traffic receiver, these type of receivers were only ever sold in Holland and worse still they won't work outside of Holland AFAIK.
David mentioned the PGPSW database, if I were you I would look in to that as it's a far better set up and doesn't need to use the pathetic Home software.
What country are you in as I am posting from my phone so trying to work this out isn't easy! - Mike

 

[arjay]

Mike - I am posting from Spain actually. I suppose I will have to try and get my money back from Tom Tom. If the phone is not GPRS enabled, IMO it should not offer you the safety camera updates?

Thanks to all those who help me. What a great forum. Fast and helpful.. Who could ask for more...

RJ