Garmin DriveSmart 66 with traffic

[@sat103]

*_Like this video? Subscribe here_* kzbin.info Check North America FM traffic coverage map here coverage.here.com/rds-coverage.html

[@RR-vf2bd]

I used cell phone for navigation, but recently I lost cell phone connection in Connecticut and missed exit. I decided to get back to regular navigation. We had an old outdated garmin before, but it had lagging issues. Thank you for reviewing

[@edwinmiller912]

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one!

[@drq3098]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I compared the resolution of the screens -and the 66 was one of the best (sharp images).

[@mtempo380]

Thank you. I do not understand why Garmin was not very open on traffic capability of this model. It never said if Smartdrive 66 had built-in traffic receiver like it did on model 55. It doesn't provide an option to purchase a traffic receiver power cable like model 52. All it talks about is live traffic with a phone app, which defeats the purpose of me buying a standalone GPS just so I do not have to depend on the cell signal. I read a comment in Amazon stating that the traffic feature for Smartdrive 66 is available with subscription. So confusing! I always heard the saying that "beware of the salesman who does not tell the whole story." That fits Garmin perfectly. Shame on Garmin!

[@JimWitherspoon]

also i wonder if the power cable also carries the device audio to that 3.5mm jack on the plug that goes into the car 12V receptacle?

[@TMF-8400]

Hello, I just bought this model and I couldn't get a definitive answer from Garmin automotive support if it's free US maps and traffic. Would you happen to know? Thank you and great informative videos.

[@sarahcomps7553]

thank you really good review

[@basiltippette6015]

Thanks for your informative videos...Are you aware that some 2022 & 2023 Chevrolet Silverado trucks are not equipped with a cigarette socket so that I can connect my DriveSmart 66. There are two USB ports available, one in the dash and one in the console but they will not charge the gps...any suggestions.

[@JimWitherspoon]

That rectangular object in the middle of the power cable, is that a traffic antenna, a traffic receiver, or something else?

[@emyytchannel763]

Yes

[@KR-xf3cg]

Right now it's $259.99CAD where I am. Should I go for it? 😁

[@TXH1138]

Is the only difference between the DS55 w/traffic and DS66 w/traffic the screen size?

[@Brian-mp2mv]

Interested in this item for a limousine service... Couple questions 1) Can I hand this unit to a rear coach passenger and let them add the address? 2) Can they text an address to my iPhone and I can then push it to the Garmin 66 from my iPhone? (This keeps me from having to input the address while driving)

[@allabouthim03]

Will the 65 do traffic without a phone?

[@TXH1138]

Does the 66 have the "Explore" feature that the Zumo has?

[@sat103]

No.

[@TXH1138]

@@sat103 thank you. Been looking all over for that answer.

[@tommy2129]

Does it also have live traffic control through smartphone or just only through cable antenna?

[@Ammar23217]

need extra cable for traffic?

[@mbelar2618]

No you don't. The power cable inludes the digital traffic receiver. You receive the traffic signal only when the power cable is conneted to the cigarette lighter socket.

[@spiderkidLarry]

Hey just saw this, I have bought the 86 ex model, now on the 66 ex I was able to reroute from a road that no longer is passable. But this one has the option but wont go around the road. also do you know how I can tell garmin about a road that is no longer passable over a railroad crossing? I've tried looking .

[@johnmcclue6419]

Does it pick up speed cameras

[@CamaroWarrior]

Does this one need that traffic cable like the older 61 and 65 needed? Or is it literally built in and nothing else is needed to take advantage of the traffic feature?

[@sat103]

If it is *_not_* the 66 "EX" version, the traffic receiver is built in and will work as long as you use the supplied charge block and cable. Free traffic reporting works in areas with traffic coverage. You can see the coverage map here coverage.here.com/rds-coverage.html

[@mariannelanger7423]

@@sat103Unfortunately, didn’t know that when I purchased one. Definitely would like traffic. Wondering if a converter to change the micro end of a GTM model to a usb C would work.

[@mariannelanger7423]

* mini

[@harveykortman]

My Garmin is on my desktop as u speak, and mine is responding too lol

[@drof2th]

Thank you! Can one pinch to zoom? Can one drug a finger to move maps?

[@sat103]

Yes and yes.

[@serpentrae]

did your garmin 66 come with a power cord with the rectangular shape plastic unit built into the power cable like the 36 and 60 traffic receiver, i have the ex version and my power cable does not have it and the only way i can get traffic is to pair it with my phone and that's not what i want to do. thank you in advanced

[@sat103]

The cost-reduced EX version does not have a built-in FM traffic receiver and you will need to use your phone to receive traffic reports.

[@mariannelanger7423]

I’m going to test if adding a mini usb female to usb c male adapter ( for both data and charging) will provide traffic on a 66 ex attached to a GTM 36 and or 60 traffic cable. Just waiting on adapters.

[@mariannelanger7423]

Ok, tested a power and data Quianlink mini female to male usb c adapter. Believe it’s 5 pin. Used it on both GTM 60 and GTM 36 traffic cables and both gave the error message “ the connected power cable is not compatible with traffic for this device. Connect to the Garmin Drive app, or connect a traffic-compatible power cable.”. Ok, on the Garnin web site I don’t see ANY traffic compatible cable for the Garmin 66 ex. So don’t know why it says that message when the manufacturer doesn’t have one. Testing notes- - Updated the software on the GTM 36 prior to test - The 66 ex had a message along the lines of “connect to computer” when connected to GTM 60 to which I clicked no or cancel. - The 66 ex was NOT updated to latest software before the test

[@RamandeepSingh-nj5zt]

Wonderful video, thanks for sharing! I think there's a small difference in price for the device with traffic cable so it should be worth it. I am in EU and wanted to know if traffic cable would be of any use in EU as well?

[@sat103]

Yes, but for Europe it specifically has to be a DriveSmart 66 MT-D model. Go here and click on "In The Box" and Garmin states "traffic receiver only available with MT-D models" www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/721098/pn/010-02469-12

[@tuanho87]

Can this used for trucking?

[@tuanho87]

Found one on fb market for $60!

[@californiaman8885]

Is the screen 66 plastic not glass like 2599?

[@sat103]

The screen on the DS66 is glass

[@edwinmiller912]

Can you add proximity poi’s to it that are mileage based and not road based?

[@sat103]

If you mean, "Will the DS66 accept a custom POI list with proximity alert points set to alert when within X distance to the POI?", the answer is yes if you configure a list in such a manner with Garmin POI Loader. I've not tried GPSBabel yet (it can do the same) with the DS66 but Garmin POI Loader still works.

[@edwinmiller912]

@@sat103 my DS65, when using Garmin POI loader only has the custom list set to by roads. So I have to be on a road within its proximity. Some Garmins allow for it to be true proximity alerts like Tour guides. I’m wondering if it works on the DS66. My understanding it only works on units that play MP3s

[@sat103]

If I do this in POI Loader specifically: imgur.com/a/tweJFKu ...any nuvi or DriveSmart including the 66 will give an alert based on distance radius to the POI. Even if the waypoint is in the middle of the woods and not on a road at all, if I set the alert distance to 2640 feet (1/2 mile,) when I get within 2640 feet of the waypoint, the alert happens regardless of whether I am traveling on a road or not, regardless if address info is present within the waypoint and regardless of where the waypoint is because it's all based on coordinates and not roads nor street addresses.

[@edwinmiller912]

@@sat103 perfect thinks! I’ll try this!

[@elfakirabsoluto]

Type C ....... FINALLY !!! Thanks for the video!

[@IPULCOLUMBIA]

$164 now at Walmart

[@sat103]

Only for the 66 EX version that does not come with the FM traffic cord

[@Dmwntkp99]

Wow, so much extra from smart 50