RDS-TMC traffic in Portugal?

[Felix1010]

I am going on holiday to Portugal and I was wondering if my RDS-TMC traffic receiver will work there?

 

[Arno]

Your best bet is to make a Google search for it.

 

[Felix1010]

I have already done this but can't seem to find any list made officially by tomtom as I only found a list for the old style RDS-TMc receiver however I have the new one.

 

[Arno]

If I remember correctly, all TomTom did enable the RDS-TMC signal received from the radio broadcasters to display the result of the signals on screen. If there is no signal nothing can be done.
Here in North America they started to dismantle the system years ago and the last hold outs in heavily populated areas stopped over two years ago. I believe they pulled the plug in Australia a year ago too.

Don't know what you mean about the "new one" unless you are referring to the antenna egg about 8" from the microUSB plug.

 

[Felix1010]

Ok so if I'm understanding this correctly anywhere that there is an RDS-TMC signal the traffic receiver will work?

 

[Arno]

Yes, that is how it used to be. The signal is put out by local FM stations (or repeaters) and the only cost to the user was to have that special car charging cable with the antenna 'egg'.

 

[Felix1010]

Thanks for your help!

 

[Arno]

When you come back from Portugal let us know if it still worked, at least in Lisboa and other major areas.

 

[Felix1010]

Ok I am not going until summer of next year I only posted this early just because I was curious so I will reply when I eventually go!

 

[Arno]

OK, thanks. Be aware that time may work against you. In the States, Canada and Australia it was dismantled bit for bit until they finally pulled out of the metropolitan areas too.

 

[canderson]

RDS in general is still popular in Europe since they broadcast a lot of the data for their regular FM programming that way as well.
I'd guess that Europe will be the last to discard RDS-TMC.

 

[Felix1010]

I live in the UK and it works ok over here even on some small roads (by that I mean not big motorway roads). I believe you can still get it in some places in the USA Canada and other places according to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_message_channel#Operation_worldwide). There is an option to tune in manually on my start 25 so maybe if you find the details you could try connecting. I am going to Portugal soon so I will post an update if it works over there.
Felix.

 

[Felix1010]

Sorry for the late reply. I did not end up taking the TomTom on holiday but I think it should work as Wikipedia says the RDS-TMC traffic still operates in Portugal and many other countries.
Felix.

 

[canderson]

Thanks for coming back with a reply. Agree, RDS still operational in much of Europe. Not as granular as the Live traffic, but usable.