TomTom Go5000 not seen by PC

Hello,

I have a TomTom Go5000 Model: 4FL50 and have read some information on this forum, but I'd just like to check a few things prior to putting it aside.

My understanding is:-

- when hooking this unit up to a pc via usb, the pc cannot see it, correct? I ask as my pc cannot see it but I haven't got MyDrive Connect installed (and don't particularly want to).
- the device is pretty much locked down, cannot have patched Navcores and cannot have patched maps, correct?

I just want to make sure as I read:-

- this thread - navcores-tomtom-devices/newbie-question-t19810.html (bottom 3 posts) and

- this thread - tutorials-f80/important-note-for-new-tomtom-models-like-via-start20-go1xxx-please-read-t8690.html, which doesn't specifically note the Go5000, but I'm surmising it is the same group of devices.

The device has no maps at all (from what I can tell) as it boots and then has a banner that states "No Maps Available. Reinstall a map you already own or go to the TomTom shop to buy a map".

Just wanted to have a play with trying out a Truck map.

Thanks in advance

xylobe

The PC won't recognise it as it's not a Windows file system (TomTom got sued for that)...you have no choice but to install MyDrive connect to do anything with it I'm afraid.

How many devices have you got...lol?

Hello fredderf,

Thanks for the reply.

Does that mean that this unit is able to be patched, etc, if using MyDrive Connect to transfer files, etc? (never used it).


How many - well, long story short. I have a motorcycle which I used a TT XL on (don't want to clip a phone to a motorcycle; if it falls off it doesn't just land in the footwell, it bounces down the road and gets run over! Many hundred quid vs zero to minimal amount).

The XL died, so in the age of many cars having built in systems I put an advert in my local Freecycle for anyone who had an old Satnav that they no longer used. Result was I ended up with 8 units of varying age/degree of working, of TomTom and Garmin. Upgrading them just gets the brain working.

Thanks for the help so far. This Go5000 is the last TomTom, so I will probably be pestering the Garmin forum after this, but usually Garmin seem to be easier as it's normally one map file loaded onto the internal drive or sdscard. But maybe some now are different.

xylobe

xylobe wrote:Does that mean that this unit is able to be patched, etc, if using MyDrive Connect to transfer files, etc? (never used it).
xylobe

Exactly that

Hello biggerdave,

Thanks for the reply.

Ok, looks like I'll be installing MyDrive Connect then. I've purposefully not installed any TomTom software to date, looks like I'm forced to now.

From that I surmise I can see what's on the unit in the same way as using File Explorer, and determine NC, etc. Does FA work on this unit as well, in the same manner as the older units, or is this a new suite of tools?

And having taken a full backup, can this be loaded back on in the same manner if things get screwed?

I'll have a look over the weekend and then check out some info on here, but I suspect I'll be asking some more questions!

Very good forum this, very helpful.

Thanks again.

xylobe

The latest/current/most popular tool to use is TTActivator which can be found here tutorials/how-update-patch-tomtom-nav3-devices-t21959.html (although I am surprised it's not posted under its own sticky thread in the Tools sub-section; fredderf?)

Thanks biggerdave,

I've downloaded the tools and had a look but not actually used them in anger yet, due to the questions below.


Having installed MyDrive Connect (reluctantly), my device:-
- connected,
- stated the Navcore required updating, which it did,
- updated speedcams, which it did,
- gave access to all maps, which I installed UK.
- installed 16GB micro sdcard and formatted.

Now all working.

- now installing full Europe map (can it be any slower and the device keeps powering off after 30mins meaning it then disconnects from pc).



So, before playing with TTActivator, I have some questions please (I have watched the video and seems straight forward).

1. TTActivator finds the device as a NAV4 device, will this work ok with TTActivator as the video makes a point of NAV3 devices? I suspect it will.
2. I was hoping to be able to backup the whole device as with earlier NAV2 models, but there doesn't appear to be a facility for this. Is this correct? Can it be backed up?
3. If patched, can the device no longer be used with MyDrive Connect and install maps that way (if wanted)?
4. Having patched the device, is there no more reliance on My Drive Connect or is it still required to be able to connect the device to the pc in the first place.
5. What is the largest micro sdcard that can be used? I tried 2 different 32GB cards which didn't work (but they both might be flaky). 16GB is working

Interested in playing with this from the perspective of installing Truck maps.

I'd appreciate the clarity before possibly bricking the newest unit I own.

Thanks in advance

xylobe

I'll leave the experts to answer those questions as I still use an old but reliable NAV2 device if I ever need to stray away from my neighbourhood

Fair enough biggerdave, hopefully someone will provide some clarity.

xylobe

xylobe:

Did you see this post by holyhead about your Start...it will be well worth a try:

post195732.html#p195732

Hello fredderf,

No I didn't, thanks for the nod, appreciated, downloading file now.

xylobe

The tomtom g5000 its has lifetime maps and also traffic but think you only get three months of speed cameras unless they had a model with lifetime not sure.

I'd love to be able to transfer the tomtom premium safety cams and activate them but like biggerdave prefer the nav2 devices as they just appear as drives and you can quickly update.

I purchased the go5000 on ebay thinking it will be lifetime everything, I just want UK maps but only option to update is Europe maps and UK with 3d buildings.