TT Home to 930 communication

[go930user]

Hi 9xx users,

First post from new member, with a new 930 (actually a refurbished one - might that be a problem?). Previously used a 910, but the mount got worn and sooner or later that HDD will give up the ghost - and I wanted updated maps - a new unit seemed to be the cheapest out, especially as it came with the maps indicated in the next paragraph - and we travel a bit to those places..

Unit came with NA, Western Europe, Oz and NZ maps and I can quite happily switch between them via the touch screen. Firmware is ver 8.351. The vendor claims the maps are the latest available.

Connected to TT Home ver 2.7 and the the 930 will not communicate with Home. It is telling me that the loaded maps (all of them) are not compatible with the device. Have e-mailed TT with a question and thus far no response.

Has anyone had a similar problem? And is there a simple fix that is known?

And a question. Will the unit work if all of the operating system and maps are loaded onto an inserted SD card with the internal storage wiped clean? If it does I'm thinking about getting two SD cards and loading them with the OS and maps and putting mp3 files on the internal storage, It then will not matter if these get corrupted, but if the SD card gets corrupted (which will happen at the most awkward time) a fix is 5 seconds away by inserting the other SD card - which I'm carrying with the unit - am I not? Fixing the corrupted card can then be done when more time is available.

Good/Bad idea?

Cheers

Alan

 

[dhn]

To answer your second question first, yes you can run everything..including the application and maps from a sdhc card. The faster class (at least class 4) the better. The latest applications allow for up to a 32-gig sdhc card (might be a bit of overkill) but make sure the cards are a reliable brand and NOT one you see on ebay. They often turn out to be frauds from countries like China.


Now to the first problem...........

While Australia's TomTom site doesn't show a 930, it does show a 950 and the 950 does NOT come with a map of New Zealand. While the 930, when it was available might have come with it, some with the issue you are experiencing have found out the maps installed are hacked.

While I'm not necessarily saying that is the situation in your case, I do have to ask where you got the unit from? A reputable location?

You could try a pin reset on the unit and see if that helps. If not, download and run the clear flash tool found here: tomtom.com/6211

Finally, tap the satellite bars to see the application version number installed (you did say 8.351, which is the latest) Now, tap the version number to see the maps installed and their version numbers.

 

[go930user]

Hi,

And thank you for the quick response.

Yes the 930 seemed to disappear when the 950 was released, but I had been researching a purchase for some time and in Oz the maps quoted were provided preloaded with the unit, according to the Tomtom Oz site. In other countries like the UK the Oz/NZ maps were missing.

I acquired it via eBay, here is an item number (200417473414) plugging that into eBay Australia - Buy or sell practically anything on eBay, the world's online marketplace will show a listing like the one I responded to.

I do not believe that the vendor is doing anything illegal. The supposition is that these units are retail surplus to requirement units that Tomtom has refurbished and then released at low cost, in quantity, to people like the vendor for the item number to sell on at a profit. It arrived in a sealed carton with Tomtom labelling.

The Oz map (v840.2562) agrees with the advertised version in the listing. I would have to switch maps to get the other numbers, not done yet, as I wanted to provide some immediate feedback.

I will be contacting the vendor to indicate the problem and the reason why it might be so, as you have indicated, to get an assurance that things are legitimate. Lack of a response will result in a claim on eBay and possibly a request of the police in NSW where the unit was sent from.

Is there an easy way to check on hacked maps?

I've just previewed this post and it appears eBay manages to get in everywhere. I typed in the URL - apologies if this pushes the forum rule set - I'm not trying to promote eBay at all.

Oh, I previously forgot to mention that I can "see" the two memory arrays in the TT via Explorer. Can the transfer I'm contemplating be done with a move command? And TT Home let me do a back up, so it is recognising the unit.

Cheers

Alan

 

[dhn]

Well, the Oz map is the latest (840). All of them should show that. You may (after the Explorer backup of your unit's contents) wish to delete all the loose files in the root of the unit using Explorer, NO folders or their files.

Then connect the unit to Home, and accept the application it'll offer. After installing, see whether your maps are recognized.

Also, try the other things I suggested (the Clear Flash and the unit reset).

Just use Explorer to copy (then delete) any map folders from internal to the sdhc card. Make sure they ARE copied first!

 

[Arno]

When I saw that the vendor had a rating of 4 eBay transactions I said Oh, oh, to myself.
When I then read that the device could be picked up in person in the Parramatta area it boosted the confidence.
I gather you are not in NSW but, do you know somebody who could drop by there, if needed.

It should be easy for you to change maps without HOME.
Change preference > Manage maps > Switch map > tap the one you want. Now do the checking via the satellite bar again.

I am still a little surprised that the vendor updated the maps before sale.
The latest map guarantee might not be applicable to you as you did not purchase from an Authorised Distributor (unless he is and your invoice could confirm that).

Let's hope that dhn's suggestion have you come out winning.

 

[go930user]

Yes, and thanks for both responses.

I was, at first, a little reluctant on the basis of the feedback score - but we all have to start somewhere. And the unit arrived in good order within 4 working days of my payment (via Paypal) so I figured that things were reasonably well covered if there was a failure to dispatch

Further research shows the N.American map is not the latest (ver 800...) and the W,Europe map also is an earlier version (Ver 800... too). NZ map checks out

So I have a "please explain" e-mail in the queue for the vendor to make good based on a "not as described" basis. In comparison with my other unit that has maps in the 600 series of numbers I'm guessing that the 800... maps loaded are not too dated.

Is there a database that is accessible, which provides release dates for various map versions?

I'm wondering if in the "refurbishment and map upgrade" , Tomtom - who, I believe do the checking - neglected to update the database so that the unit and the maps do not match when checked.

Funny thing is "Map Share" upgrades and OS patches seem to be working fine as there have been a number of these since I first attached it to the computer.

I'll let you know how it pans out in due course.

Cheers

 

[dhn]

The 800 maps are about 18 months old.

Tell me, when you have Oz selected, do you get any error about not being compatible for the unit? I bet not.

I suspect the other maps may be too old for tha application version you have or maybe the Oz map is 'tainted'.

Anyway, yes, please keep us informed.

 

[go930user]

Hi dhn,

If you mean "Can I switch between maps using the touch screen of the 930?" then the answer is yes I can.
If you are asking if the Aus map gives no error when I attempt to use Tomtom home then the answer is that all loaded maps Aus, N.A., N.Z. and W. Europe give the same error message "Problem with map - You can not use this map with this device: Australia-106" if it happens I'm trying to select that map via the PC Tomtom home window.

All four maps give a similar response, the "Australia-106" bit gets changed to:

North_America-11
Western_and_Central_Europe_2 GB-11
New_Zealand-106

for each of the other three.

I'll be happy to go via the touch screen to navigate since I can get OS updates and Map User updates so far.

However, if I discover the vendor has been doing naughty things so far as loading the items with pirated maps, then my actions will get more robust.

That said however, I think the company tends to bring this on themselves to some extent - The following $AU attach to the four maps that came with the 930 I have (from their Au website):

North America $134
West & Cent Europe $179
Australia $139
New Zealand $139

for a total of $591!!!

So I'm not surprised that there might be a thriving underground market for maps. Is it a strategy by Tomtom to encourage users to buy new hardware rather than upgrade a map every couple of years?

So far no feedback from the vendor - but it's early days yet. They are probably still at work.

Cheers

Alan

 

[go930user]

Update,

Supplier has responded with instructions to open a "repair" folder that contains a "runmeforallautomatic" executable and other files among which are a number of "keygen" executables in a subfolder.

Such a folder and contents do not appear on my 910 --- so I'm getting more suspicious -- Would anyone let me know if such a folder and contents appears on their units?

I still feel that the vendor is legitimate but somewhere in the supply chain things are not quite right.

Thanks

Alan

 

[dhn]

Your maps are almost most definitely hacked. Keygens and such are the work of the map/software hackers/crackers.

I could direct you to sites where this type of activity is active and robust but, if you've read the announcement here (over 11,700 views!) regarding our attitide here to anything related to that kind of activity, you'll understand my hesitation to do so.

I'd try to get my money back, mate.

 

[go930user]

Thanks,

I rather suspected this, but as I have said, since the vendor is supplied from another source (according to the vendor), it may be that both of us are victims of a supplier in the chain who is less than honest.

I'll contact the vendor on eBay and see what happens.

Thanks for the feedback

Alan

 

[Arno]

I rather suspected this, but as I have said, since the vendor is supplied from another source (according to the vendor), it may be that both of us are victims of a supplier in the chain who is less than honest.

If the vendor supplies you with a key generator as a reply to your enquiry it appears to be very doubtful in my mind that s/he might be an innocent victim too.

At least you paid with Paypal and should be able to recover your monies.

 

[go930user]

Hi Arno,

The vendor did not send me the files separately they were already loaded onto the 930's internal memory, contained in a "repair" folder. All the vendor did was direct me to that folder with some instructions after my first query. According to the vendor, they are simply the "retailer" using eBay. They don't open the box that they are supplied with from their "distributor".

The vendor responded three times overnight, which causes me to think that they be elsewhere than Oz, but the time taken to deliver the item suggests an Australian location - go figure.

Each of the e-mails suggested we both do not need the hastle, and that a full refund will be honoured.

Which gives me a moral problem, since, other than the ability to operate the device via a PC link it works fine via the unit's touch screen and I will be using a unit in this way when we visit Canada and the USA next year. And it was an excellent buy, partly because of the feedback score I suspect. It scared off potential bidders I suppose. I'll grapple with the moral question over the next day or two, whilst I check out other potential sources.

Thanks to all who have provided information.

Alan

 

[mikealder]

The e-bay link appears to be dead, can you send me a link to the retailers ID on e-bay by postin gin this thread or via the PM system if you feel that more appropriate, I wouold like to have a look at what this chap is selling - Mike

 

[Arno]

The e-bay link appears to be dead,

Mike,

It almost looks as if eBay pulled it. I signed in and set my options to Completed listings only and it comes back with 0 returns.

Alan,

There are 7 newer maps than the ones that came with your 930. With your computer connection problems I hope you will be able to purchase new maps from TomTom someday as they can only be ownloaded through their HOME software.

When I looked at your referenced eBay number yesterday, the current bid was AUD 102 and the text at the bottom said this was a retail AUD 785 unit. I wanted to make sure I had read that correctly before replying but, see my reply to Mike above.

The moral question you will have to resolve by yourself
Have you tried with the NA map active on your device to see if you can update the map through HOME.

 

[go930user]

Hi Mike, Hi Arno,

This link should take you straight to a current "offer". I just checked the link in the preview page - it works!

TOMTOM GO 930 AUSTRALIAN / NZ / CANADA / USA /EURO MAPS - eBay, GPS, Electronics. (end time 19-Dec-09 18:01:27 AEDST)

Since I last posted an update, I have contacted two other vendors of "refurbished" 930s with questions about the legitimacy of loaded maps and the ability of the unit to be operated via the TT Home software. Also whether the "refurbishment" was done by Tomtom and if the retail offer of 30 days newer map guarantee existed for them - The tone was "I am a potential bidder/buyer, but I have heard..." etc etc.

One has replied with a "these units can not be operated via TT home and the 30 day offer does not exist" I think the answer to the question as to whom refurbished them is also answered as is the legitimacy of the maps.

I'm getting a "feel" for what is going on. These units are surplus to requirement USA or UK/ European units which did not have the Aus/NZ maps loaded for retail sale and some of them have been picked up for sale thru an alternative or parallel channel in Oz, ie ebay.au but they will be useless as they stand in either of these countries, so some map "hacking" has occured to make them saleable in Oz and NZ. A further "clue" when you read the fine print in the listing is that warranty claims "have" to be processed thru the vendor, not Tomtom. It would also provide a reason for the USA and W.European maps being somewhat dated, but the Oz/NZ maps are the latest available.

So, there is not much point in my organising a refund and then bidding/buying a unit from another supplier, as on balance I'll be back in the same boat, possibly at greater cost. Nice dilemma this, as the "proper" thing to do is obtain a refund and then buy retail - which has a $400-500 extra cost tag attached.

Caveat Emptor and all of that

Cheers

Alan

 

[go930user]

Hi arno,

I activated the NA map and then attached to TT Home. Device happily updated the OS (with the latest patches, I expect) - allowed updates via mapshare for the NA map.

Told me that my map was 7 issues old and offerred the latest map for SAU67.50 and 4 quarterly updates for the same cost - but they have to be bought together.

So that seems to provide a way of getting the latest NA and I expect W Europe Maps.

I recall that with the Oz map loaded I was told it was the latest, can't remember any quarterly offer though, perhaps they wait until you are 12 months out of date and then offer the joint package to extract more funds

Cheers

Alan

 

[mikealder]

So, there is not much point in my organising a refund and then bidding/buying a unit from another supplier, as on balance I'll be back in the same boat, possibly at greater cost. Nice dilemma this, as the "proper" thing to do is obtain a refund and then buy retail

Thanks for the information on the retailer, I think you might find his e-bay account disapears sooner rather than later.
As for whats loaded to these units, the Navcore will undoubtably been hacked (which is why Home cannot see it) and each of the maps will have been hacked as well - Same really but when you spot something on E-Bay that looks too good to be true then you can assume these days it will have something illegal about it - Sadly E-Bay don't give a stuff about this sort of behaviour and allow sales of illegal software to go ahead on a daily basis - Mike

 

[Arno]

I activated the NA map and then attached to TT Home. Device happily updated the OS (with the latest patches, I expect) - allowed updates via mapshare for the NA map.

Told me that my map was 7 issues old and offered the latest map for SAU67.50 and 4 quarterly updates for the same cost - but they have to be bought together.

Have another look at the eBay link you just sent. Your vendor says that ALL maps are dated November 2009.
that would make all of them 840 maps, not 800.
Maybe you should contact him and tell him that you want your unit exchanged for one with the current maps as advertised.

I recall that with the Oz map loaded I was told it was the latest, can't remember any quarterly offer though, perhaps they wait until you are 12 months out of date and then offer the joint package to extract more funds.

They never explained it very well but to get into the quarterly subscription update cycle you first have to update your map to the current one, at regular price, and then the updates start three months down the road charged at the quarterly rate.
This is really a better deal that someone only buying a new map once a year.

Arno

 

[go930user]

Have another look at the eBay link you just sent. Your vendor says that ALL maps are dated November 2009.
that would make all of them 840 maps, not 800.
Maybe you should contact him and tell him that you want your unit exchanged for one with the current maps as advertised.

They never explained it very well but to get into the quarterly subscription update cycle you first have to update your map to the current one, at regular price, and then the updates start three months down the road charged at the quarterly rate.
This is really a better deal that someone only buying a new map once a year.

Arno

Hi Arno,

And hopefully Mike as well, because I think that based on his expectation that my vendor's eBay account is going to disappear, my moral dilemma has been neatly solved!! I can't be sure as to why what Mike tells me is going to happen, but if he is on a crusade to rid the world of the dis-honest, then he has a major job on his hands and is going to be disappointed/frustrated. My position is that all I did was put in a bid on an item advertised on a legitimate auction site for new/refurbished/used goods, which I won at the lower end of the range of bids 930s are selling for. On this basis the item was not "too good to be true" I got lucky with a winning bid. My problem began when I started checking out all the facilities the unit was supposed to have, being the technical "geek" that I am.

However, to your points, and thanks for the feedback.

The unit I bought was advertised as having current maps nominated as 840.2562 in all cases, so I don't have much confidence that other units will be much different, and in any event my vendor may no longer be in business under the original trading name, but I expect they will surface again under a different name. This was my first concern, and when contacted the vendor apologised saying they had no control over the version of the loaded maps, I received the unit as they received the unit. If I can contact the vendor I will point out that, based on my experience, making the claim they are is fraught with danger, but then again, the majority of purchasers will only have need for the Oz or NZ maps, which are ver 840 in my case, even if they are "hacked".

To your second point: Via TT home the upgrade offer was a) map to current version $AU67.50 plus 4 quarterly updates at $AU67.50 paid at once. And we are talking about the North American map here. In comparison a new map purchased as a stand alone product, i.e you do not have this map currently, is SAU134.95. The way I read this is that because your Tomtom already has the NA map which was "paid" for on original purchase, Tomtom is "throwing" in the four quarterly updates as an incentive to purchase the latest map version.

That said, I think that their marketing is questionable, because the pricing structure they have adopted tends to generate buyer resistance, and a degree of cynicism, taking these together with very ordinary after sales service, and I base that on the threads in this forum, and others, they are generating a quite negative public perception. Currently this is counteracted by the fact that the device itself is well thought out and easy to use. I agree that they need to recoup the costs associated with map upgrades, but a lot of this cost is borne by you and me when we upload map corrections to them. Their distribution costs are practically zero, so I thnk that they might be better off if they used a more realistic pricing model, In Oz each of the capital cities gets covered by Street Directories costing about $AU35, so my strategy is to use the Tomtom to work out the best route to the general location (nearest major intersection) and if the particular address is unknown to the TT then haul out the current SD to go the last km or so. If map upgrades were targeted in a similar price area then I would consider an annual upgrade instead of the SD purchase.

And by using the pricing structure they are, they are inviting the dishonest to get involved in 'hacking", then ordinary people get caught out - I'm one of them apparently, but in my defense I can say I didn't go deliberately looking for this result. If I had I'd be torrent downloading, would I not?

Thanks to all for the assistance.

Alan