TMC - Traffic Message Channel
TMC is an unfairly unknown newly developed device invented to enhance the (active safety) of a car and its driver's ability to be constantly informed about road conditions.
TMC is a special feature of the latest generation of satellite navigators. Thanks to the digital radio channel, traffic information (regarding motorways and major ring roads) and road conditions, such as: queues, accidents, fog, etc., are continuously transmitted over the air.
The TMC satellite navigator receives this (silent) information; thus, the information is shown on the display of the navigator in the form of short messages (visual and audible) in Italian (Fig. 1).
If the autopilot function is active (i.e. if we have set a target to reach), the navigator computer (reads) this TMC information and checks if any problematic road is included in our route. In this case, a voice and an icon on the display warn us of a problem; In addition to the opportunity to see the problem of interest to us (Fig. 2), the navigator independently (bypassing) recalculates the route of the critical section with the option (if it is available and convenient - Fig. 3).
IN SHORT WORDS
TMC is the digital equivalent of Onda Verde (Traffic Alert). Being digital, these messages are recognized and processed by the navigator's computer, which tries to avoid the inconvenience of which it is aware.
Compared to the classics (Green Wave), there is no need to fearlessly wait for a radio report (which we often do not forget to listen to only when we are already in a traffic jam) and which clears 20 highways in 15 seconds.
In addition, in addition to being aware of the inconveniences of the trip from the very beginning, the TMC navigator takes care of constantly checking that there are no new problems even during the trip (on average, 20 to 30 warnings about problems are issued). ...
UTILITY'
The usefulness is obvious… Knowing from the outset through clear messages on the display that: (Length A1 - 2 km due to the emergency height of the A14 junction towards Bologna), which is on (Luke A22 due to fog height at Mantua South Junction) or ( A13 in the direction of Padua, the traffic is very heavy) or (height A1, Pian del I want visibility reduced due to fog) is priceless, and more importantly, to have a device that, in addition to being able to avoid the worry that speakers, for hours on the track, can extrapolate an alternative to the problem in less than 10 seconds...
MODELS
Now (TMC satellite navigators) are forcibly entering our lives as motorists. Almost all car manufacturers include (albeit at a high price) in all their models (including small cars) a navigator as an option that replaces the conventional radio. Upon request, Fiat is also installing the Travel Pilot – Blaupunkt on the Punto.
Apart from cars that come with (expensive) navigators already installed, there are many models on the market that can be inserted after purchasing a car.
Installation is simple (2 antennas need to be installed compared to one of the common car radios), however it is best to be installed and (calibrated) by qualified personnel to avoid any problem.
The use is also simple.
34 years ago, navigators were really complicated, now thanks to extremely logical software (like in mobile phones) with a few buttons, you can control an infinite number of functions; to such an extent that even the most neglected electronics will not be difficult to use the navigator.
There are 2 families of TMC navigators: with and without a monitor.
The only difference is the presence or absence of an 810-inch (cinema) monitor (often color), everything else is exactly the same, except for the price, since with monitors they cost 5001000 euros more…
The synthesized voice with which the navigator communicates is important. The monitor is nice to see your friends, but don't dream of looking at it while traveling!
However, navigators without monitors are very functional, discreet, very compact (because they have the same dimensions as a car radio - see Fig. 1 - 2 - 3) and perform their graphical functions with simple icons displayed on a normal car radio display. .
In TMC models without monitors (mentioned in this article), the lion's share belongs to the German company Beker, which, in addition to its model (TRAFFIC PRO), produces a wide range (clones) for other brands.
As such, Beker's Traffic Pro has several siblings: JVC KX-1r, Pioneer Anh p9r, and Sony.
In addition to this family, there are competing products from VDO Dayton (with ms 4200) - Blaupunkt (with Travel Pilot) and Alpine (ina-no33), but there are many other models of the same number of brands.
PRICES
This is the sore point of this system: you never go below 1000 €, passing 1400 Becker and his family to get to more than 2000 Alpine ...
However, the first time you dodge the column of kilometers, you will be surprised by your TMC navigator, and the first time you arrive in thick fog, with an accident, knowing in advance, you will be moved by your companion ... I assure you!
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Endless benefits! And we are not just talking about those that are already listed.
Defects: besides the price there is a problem; in Germany, Holland, Switzerland, TMC digital radio channels work with (Teutonic accuracy), in Italy (as usual) the service sometimes cries. Sometimes it happens to read a laconic letter: TMC is not available.
The service edits Radio Rai, but it certainly cannot be optimized because, like ABS, EDS, AIRBAG, the TMC navigator can save your life and in the most modest case will save you time by avoiding queues and suggesting the right solutions. variations without wasting time or distractions to catch a glimpse of the map ... maybe when you're still driving!
Visitor David Bavutti, whom we thank for writing this article.
