Yes, but based on experience using past models, I never do that. Can the 66 be used straight out of the box? The FM traffic mainly has reporting for highways, interstates and major streets. If you are "on the fringe" of a coverage area, then the FM traffic probably won't work that well for you. Yes, the 66 can automatically route you around traffic if you configure the 66 to do so (Settings > Traffic > Optimize Route > Automatic). If you are in an area where coverage exists, the 66 will automatically pick up the signal. It is required to use the provided cable for FM traffic to work. You do not need to sign up for anything to use this, but whether this will work for you or not depends on where you are. The 66 can receive freely available traffic reporting via TMC (Traffic Message Channel) that is broadcast over FM, similar to your car radio. I'll note first you can get traffic reporting by connecting a smartphone to the 66 using the Garmin Drive app, but if you don't want to do that, how does it work? How does the traffic reporting work without a smartphone? If you drive a semi truck, see Garmin Dezl Over-The-Road series that's specifically made for truck driving. If you drive an RV, see Garmin's RV series which has RV-specific stuff in it the DriveSmart doesn't have. Again, the 66 is just slightly larger physically than an older 5" case size but with larger screen. However, if you like the older 5" case size, get the 66. Yes, I know, a little confusing, but 61 and 65 have a 6.95" screen, and so does the 76. Important note if you currently own a Garmin DriveSmart 61 or DriveSmart 65: The newer model with the same size screen as those is the 76. See the DriveSmart 76 (7" screen) and DriveSmart 86 (8" screen). This basically means you're getting the older 5" case size but now with a 6" screen.ĭoes Garmin make something bigger? Yes. The screen is 6" in this generation because it has been stretched out to the edges. The screen size is 5.7 inches wide by 3.2 inches tall, resulting in a 6 inch diagonal display.įor those of you that have used a 5-inch Garmin navigator before, the 66 is actually only physically slightly larger than older 5" models. The physical size is 6 inches wide by 3.4 inches tall by 0.7 inches deep, however bear in mind that the power cord in the back does add a little depth because it sticks out slightly. No, but this depends on where you are in the country. If you update the maps via Wi-Fi, that is the only time the 66 actually requires an internet connection to download maps.ĭoes the DriveSmart 66 need a smartphone connected to get traffic reports? The 66 can be updated with the included cable or from its built-in Wi-Fi. And yes, this does mean you have to update it (once a year is fine). The map data is stored locally to the device itself. Where does the DriveSmart 66 get its map data from? You do not have to pay for GPS service because it is a system owned by the United States government and funded by taxpayer dollars. The 66 can function all on its own without an internet or a data connection. Is the internet required for the DriveSmart 66 to work? You can wirelessly connect your smartphone to the 66 for additional things like Alexa, weather reports and so on, but it is not required to do so. The unit operates by literally communicating with GPS satellites in space. The DriveSmart 66 is one of Garmin's latest offerings.ĭue to the fact most people are used to infotainment and phones, here are some common questions with answers.ĭoes the DriveSmart 66 need a smartphone to work?Ī phone is not required for the DriveSmart 66 to work. Was it worth it?Īt the time I write this, I've been using Garmin GPS navigators for 17 years (since 2005) and have used many of their automotive models. Fixing a noise problem by taking the low road on purpose
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