Cellnet Traffic Line gadget

[Stuart Dalby]

I've just acquired one of these Cellnet Traffic Line gadgets. This is
the little device which you stick in your car's windscreen and it
beeps and flashes LEDs to inform you of the direction of traffic
problems in the vicinity. You can, if you like phone your network
provider's traffic line to find out more info about the traffic
congestion where you are but I don't plan to do this, firstly because
I don't want to spend the money and secondly, I choose not to make
calls whilst driving.

But anyway, I've being trying out this gadget and I've found it to be
very easy to use and quite useful. I know this is probably very old
technology but considering it's free and not a subscription-based
service, I'm impressed. This afternoon it warned me of two seperate
areas of congestion on the ring road around York.

Is anyone else still using one? What are their experiences with it?
Can anyone tell me how it works? The TrafficMaster website doesn't
appear to mention it.

Thanks,
Stuart
http://www.radox.freeserve.co.uk/driving.htm

[Shaiboy_UK]

Post by Stuart Dalby
Is anyone else still using one? What are their experiences with it?
Can anyone tell me how it works? The TrafficMaster website doesn't
appear to mention it.
Thanks,
Stuart

Yep I still use mine. Work with the small blue beacon that you see on bridges pointing down on the road,
and masted at the side of major roads on blue polls. When passing these, the TrafficMaster receives data
from them, and normally get one or a few lights lighting to confirm its received data, then lets you know the
data if Traffic jams near by.

[Stuart Dalby]

Post by Shaiboy_UK
Yep I still use mine. Work with the small blue beacon that you see

on bridges pointing down on the road,

Post by Shaiboy_UK
and masted at the side of major roads on blue polls. When passing

these, the TrafficMaster receives data

Post by Shaiboy_UK
from them, and normally get one or a few lights lighting to confirm

its received data, then lets you know the

Post by Shaiboy_UK
data if Traffic jams near by.

Do you have the same unit as me? The non-subscription basic one with
just 4 red LEDs and a single green LED?

Where have people got these units mounted? I think they recommend
sticking it to the inside of the windscreen. I originally positioned
mine with a bit of velcro onto a part of my car's centre console,
quite low down. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it picked up all the
signals. I've now moved it up to the top of the driver's door pillar
and it seems a bit better. Is it directionable? Does rear facing
forward ensure the best reception?

Stuart
http://www.radox.freeserve.co.uk

[h***@despammed.com]

On Sat, 15 Nov 2003 15:32:27 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
I originally positioned
mine with a bit of velcro onto a part of my car's centre console,
quite low down. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it picked up all the
signals. I've now moved it up to the top of the driver's door pillar
and it seems a bit better. Is it directionable? Does rear facing
forward ensure the best reception?

It certainly ought to be on the windscreen to get signals and be in
your field of vision. The transmitters are very low power, and down on
the centre console I'd be amazed if it picked much up.

[Shaiboy_UK]

Post by Stuart Dalby
Do you have the same unit as me? The non-subscription basic one with
just 4 red LEDs and a single green LED?

Sounds like a simlar one, no subscription paid :)

Post by Stuart Dalby
Where have people got these units mounted? I think they recommend
sticking it to the inside of the windscreen. I originally positioned
mine with a bit of velcro onto a part of my car's centre console,
quite low down. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it picked up all the
signals. I've now moved it up to the top of the driver's door pillar
and it seems a bit better. Is it directionable? Does rear facing
forward ensure the best reception?

Mounted at the top right corner of windscreen, on velcro pad. Tried a
few different locations mounted on the screen, and this seems to be the
best for my unit.

Post by Stuart Dalby
Stuart

[h***@despammed.com]

On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 17:17:47 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
I've just acquired one of these Cellnet Traffic Line gadgets.
Is anyone else still using one? What are their experiences with it?
Can anyone tell me how it works? The TrafficMaster website doesn't
appear to mention it.

I use one, which came free from Norwich Union when I had insurance
from them. It has a green LED in the middle, and three LEDs is each
direction. These show the direction, distance and severity of delays
in each direction as you approach a "covered" road, then it only looks
ahead as you travel along.

It mostly works very well, though sometimes it fails to warn of delays
ahead. It's of most benefit when it shows one or two ambers when you
stop in a queue: you know it's not a "three red" delay.

I just bought a Cellnet unit that is square(ish) and has only one LED
in each direction. I've not tried it yet, but I doubt it'll prove as
useful. This was a fiver brand new from ebay, but the better ones (I
think they're called Traffic Line 1200) sell for £25 or so
second-hand.

They work on the Trafficmaster (blue poles) network, just like the
ones with a paid-for subscription. I think they are no longer
generally available because TrafficMaster want you to buy subscription
service units!

If you have a smiooth-riding car, the units can fall asleep unless
they get regular signals from passing blue poles. That's the only
snag, apart from the fact that they use AAA batteries, rather than AA
ones. I've never phoned for details of the holdup, so I don't know how
useful that service is, or if it is still available.

[Hugh]

Post by h***@despammed.com
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 17:17:47 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
I've just acquired one of these Cellnet Traffic Line gadgets.
Is anyone else still using one? What are their experiences with it?
Can anyone tell me how it works? The TrafficMaster website doesn't
appear to mention it.

I use one, which came free from Norwich Union when I had insurance
from them. It has a green LED in the middle, and three LEDs is each
direction. These show the direction, distance and severity of delays
in each direction as you approach a "covered" road, then it only looks
ahead as you travel along.
It mostly works very well, though sometimes it fails to warn of delays
ahead. It's of most benefit when it shows one or two ambers when you
stop in a queue: you know it's not a "three red" delay.
I just bought a Cellnet unit that is square(ish) and has only one LED
in each direction. I've not tried it yet, but I doubt it'll prove as
useful. This was a fiver brand new from ebay, but the better ones (I
think they're called Traffic Line 1200) sell for £25 or so
second-hand.
They work on the Trafficmaster (blue poles) network, just like the
ones with a paid-for subscription. I think they are no longer
generally available because TrafficMaster want you to buy subscription
service units!
If you have a smiooth-riding car, the units can fall asleep unless
they get regular signals from passing blue poles. That's the only
snag, apart from the fact that they use AAA batteries, rather than AA
ones. I've never phoned for details of the holdup, so I don't know how
useful that service is, or if it is still available.
--
Iain
the out-of-date hairydog guide to mobile phones
http://www.hairydog.co.uk/cell1.html
Browse now while stocks last!

I use an old Vodafone/AA branded one with a matrix display that shows
direction & severity. It seems quite well-sync'd with the Orange traffic
news service on 240 (also Trafficmaster-based, so that's probably why).
Saved me a long time sitting on the m25 quite a few times, and although not
perfect is a lot better than nothing. The reporting network seems to be
expanding slowly, too.

Agree about the smooth-riding car, though. Have to give it a prod from time
to time.

Not only does mine use AAAs, it uses *3* of the little buggers, which is a
really awkward number to buy.


Hugh

[smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to reply)]

Post by Hugh

Post by h***@despammed.com
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 17:17:47 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
I've just acquired one of these Cellnet Traffic Line gadgets.
Is anyone else still using one? What are their experiences with it?
Can anyone tell me how it works? The TrafficMaster website doesn't
appear to mention it.

I use one, which came free from Norwich Union when I had insurance
from them. It has a green LED in the middle, and three LEDs is each
direction. These show the direction, distance and severity of delays
in each direction as you approach a "covered" road, then it only looks
ahead as you travel along.
It mostly works very well, though sometimes it fails to warn of delays
ahead. It's of most benefit when it shows one or two ambers when you
stop in a queue: you know it's not a "three red" delay.
I just bought a Cellnet unit that is square(ish) and has only one LED
in each direction. I've not tried it yet, but I doubt it'll prove as
useful. This was a fiver brand new from ebay, but the better ones (I
think they're called Traffic Line 1200) sell for £25 or so
second-hand.
They work on the Trafficmaster (blue poles) network, just like the
ones with a paid-for subscription. I think they are no longer
generally available because TrafficMaster want you to buy subscription
service units!
If you have a smiooth-riding car, the units can fall asleep unless
they get regular signals from passing blue poles. That's the only
snag, apart from the fact that they use AAA batteries, rather than AA
ones. I've never phoned for details of the holdup, so I don't know how
useful that service is, or if it is still available.
--
Iain
the out-of-date hairydog guide to mobile phones
http://www.hairydog.co.uk/cell1.html
Browse now while stocks last!

I use an old Vodafone/AA branded one with a matrix display that shows
direction & severity. It seems quite well-sync'd with the Orange traffic
news service on 240 (also Trafficmaster-based, so that's probably why).
Saved me a long time sitting on the m25 quite a few times, and although not
perfect is a lot better than nothing. The reporting network seems to be
expanding slowly, too.
Agree about the smooth-riding car, though. Have to give it a prod from time
to time.
Not only does mine use AAAs, it uses *3* of the little buggers, which is a
really awkward number to buy.
Hugh

they also last about a week if you are lucky driving all day long.
its better than nothing and only a few times in the past 3 years has
it got things wrong. mine has a hole drilled in the plastic battery
cover and one of those sunblind suckers pushed through so it sticks to
the windscreen and is easily removed when left unattended.
-----
sms text addict? www.smstextaddict.co.uk
-----

[Stuart Dalby]

Post by h***@despammed.com
I use one, which came free from Norwich Union when I had insurance
from them. It has a green LED in the middle, and three LEDs is each
direction. These show the direction, distance and severity of delays
in each direction as you approach a "covered" road, then it only looks
ahead as you travel along.

This is obviously the super-dooper version and I have just the basic
version. Do you know whether the basic version reports JUST the major
holdups (i.e. three red LEDs) or any congestion (one amber LED and
above) ? Since you have both units I guess you could do a little test
for us if you were so inclined ;-)

Post by h***@despammed.com
If you have a smiooth-riding car, the units can fall asleep unless
they get regular signals from passing blue poles. That's the only
snag, apart from the fact that they use AAA batteries, rather than AA
ones.

That's interesting. Because the gadget is called Cellnet I assumed it
had some sort of mobile telephone connection. i.e. it detected when
you moved between different mobile phone "cells" in order to detect
that you were moving and I guess I also thought it would know what
direction you were heading in. I realise now I was assuming it was
more fancy than it probably is. I've just done a quick check - it does
appear to turn on by sensing physical movement.

The manual says that 3 AAA alkaline batteries should last about 3
months. Is that about right?

Thanks to all who have replied so far,
Stuart
http://www.radox.freeserve.co.uk

[h***@despammed.com]

On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 20:00:18 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
This is obviously the super-dooper version and I have just the basic
version.

No, I think the super-dooper version in the Vodafone one with arrows
made up of LEDs - I've never seen one of them in the flesh.

Post by Stuart Dalby
Do you know whether the basic version reports JUST the major
holdups (i.e. three red LEDs) or any congestion (one amber LED and
above) ?

No idea, I'm afraid.

Post by Stuart Dalby
Since you have both units I guess you could do a little test
for us if you were so inclined ;-)

Will do, next time I travel along a road that is covered. That may be
a while: I sometimes don't travel by car for weeks on end, and going
on a main road or a motorway is usually at off-peak times when there
are no holdups to report!

[Rick Marks]

Post by h***@despammed.com
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 20:00:18 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
This is obviously the super-dooper version and I have just the basic
version.

No, I think the super-dooper version in the Vodafone one with arrows
made up of LEDs - I've never seen one of them in the flesh.

Post by Stuart Dalby
Do you know whether the basic version reports JUST the major
holdups (i.e. three red LEDs) or any congestion (one amber LED and
above) ?

No idea, I'm afraid.

The latter I think, so it doesn't discriminate the severity of the
possible delay. They want you to phone for more info....

[snip]

[smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to reply)]

Post by h***@despammed.com
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 20:00:18 -0000, "Stuart Dalby"

Post by Stuart Dalby
This is obviously the super-dooper version and I have just the basic
version.

The super dooper ones are available from traffic master, halfords and
other big stores. you have to buy a subscription to use the service,
where as with these ones they make their money when you call up the
trafficline.
-----
sms text addict? www.smstextaddict.co.uk
-----

[h***@despammed.com]

On Sat, 15 Nov 2003 09:18:21 GMT, ***@hotmail.com
(smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to

Post by smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to reply)
The super dooper ones are available from traffic master, halfords and
other big stores. you have to buy a subscription to use the service,
where as with these ones they make their money when you call up the
trafficline.

If they need a subscription to show the same information that others
give for free, I'd not call them "super dooper".

The one I use gives all the information I need, in exchange for
recharged AAAs every few weeks.

[Rick Marks]

Post by h***@despammed.com
(smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to

Post by smstextaddict.co.uk ) (smstextaddict co uk (remove _fishyknickers_ to reply)
The super dooper ones are available from traffic master, halfords and
other big stores. you have to buy a subscription to use the service,
where as with these ones they make their money when you call up the
trafficline.

If they need a subscription to show the same information that others
give for free, I'd not call them "super dooper".

Subscriptions-level devices give either audible announcement of the
delay location and expected delay duration (like calling one of the
mobile services such as 1800, 1210, 1740, 240 etc) or have a visual
display panel with a map and text/symbols etc.

Hence more info info than a pure tonal alert with a LED or two.

Browser versions are also available on subscription.

[h***@despammed.com]

Post by Rick Marks
Subscriptions-level devices give either audible announcement of the
delay location and expected delay duration (like calling one of the
mobile services such as 1800, 1210, 1740, 240 etc) or have a visual
display panel with a map and text/symbols etc.

And the better free one I have tells me how long the delay is, and how
far away it is. Much the same in actual use. I've never felt the need
to ring for more info, but I could make a lot of calls for £110 per
year.

Post by Rick Marks
Hence more info info than a pure tonal alert with a LED or two.

That's true, but not much more than from a pure tonal alert with 13
leds.

Post by Rick Marks
Browser versions are also available on subscription.

And for free on the Vauxhall web site.

[Rick Marks]

Post by h***@despammed.com

Post by Rick Marks
Browser versions are also available on subscription.

And for free on the Vauxhall web site.

True, but only motorways and a few two major A roads only.
The TM website covers many more A roads and summarises the likely
delay time, making it easier to judge the need for a detour.

[Rick Marks]

On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 17:55:25 +0000, ***@despammed.com wrote:

[snip]

Post by h***@despammed.com
I just bought a Cellnet unit that is square(ish) and has only one LED
in each direction. I've not tried it yet, but I doubt it'll prove as
useful. This was a fiver brand new from ebay, but the better ones (I
think they're called Traffic Line 1200) sell for £25 or so
second-hand.

Mine cost me £19.99 retail from the RAC...

Post by h***@despammed.com
They work on the Trafficmaster (blue poles) network, just like the
ones with a paid-for subscription. I think they are no longer
generally available because TrafficMaster want you to buy subscription
service units!
If you have a smiooth-riding car, the units can fall asleep unless
they get regular signals from passing blue poles. That's the only
snag, apart from the fact that they use AAA batteries, rather than AA
ones. I've never phoned for details of the holdup, so I don't know how
useful that service is, or if it is still available.

The Orange service on 240 is good - especially if you "type ahead" (to
skip the audio prompts) for the road you're on and hangup sharpish, it
isn't that expensive, 40p/min, a typical call is around a minute.