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 We had an old outdated garmin before, but it had lagging issues.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
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.
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)
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 .
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?
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
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!
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?
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
@@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.
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
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.
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
@@sat103 Other then the screen size difference between the 65 and 66, would you recommend the 66 over the 65? The 65 is on sale right now for 199 at best buy.
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.
@@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
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.
How is the routing on this device? Is the routing wonky. I don't like the routing on my drive smart 55. My older nuvi 2589 would take side streets to avoid traffic, how does this model do? Is it worth upgrading the drive smart 55?
I personally find the routing good. For others, it depends on what hardware is used to receive traffic data, what traffic settings are used and where you are. I have the 2599, used it with both the GTM36 and GTM60, and when compared to the 66, the info I receive and the routing provided is about the same for both models in the DFW Texas area where I am. I also have both units set to "Automatic" from Settings > Traffic > Optimize Route, and both set to avoid U-Turns from Settings > Navigation > Avoidances (which I find helps calculate/recalculate routes quicker.)
@@sat103 I do a lot of city driving, I am curious how the 66 would stack up in the city. Texas is more of highway and long roads. Is the unit faster a recalculating? I am debating if I should upgrade my drivesmart 55.
Yes. I have the TA10, TA20, GTM36, GTM60 and many Garmin traffic-capable models from many generations. The FM traffic works fine on all of them. The FM traffic on my DriveSmart 66 works well, I have it configured to automatically route around traffic (which it does,) and I have encountered no problems with it.
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.
![A Day To Remember: Feedback [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/iXVnysmQ4e0/mqdefault.jpg)
*_Like this video? Subscribe here_* ruclips.net/user/sat103
Check North America FM traffic coverage map here coverage.here.com/rds-coverage.html
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
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one!
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. I compared the resolution of the screens -and the 66 was one of the best (sharp images).
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.
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)
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 .
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?
Type C ....... FINALLY !!!
Thanks for the video!
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?
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
Right now it's $259.99CAD where I am. Should I go for it? 😁
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!
Is the only difference between the DS55 w/traffic and DS66 w/traffic the screen size?
Does it also have live traffic control through smartphone or just only through cable antenna?
My Garmin is on my desktop as u speak, and mine is responding too lol
Does it pick up speed cameras
That rectangular object in the middle of the power cable, is that a traffic antenna, a traffic receiver, or something else?
Yes
Thank you! Can one pinch to zoom? Can one drug a finger to move maps?
Yes and yes.
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?
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
@@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.
* mini
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
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.
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.
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
Does the 66 have the "Explore" feature that the Zumo has?
No.
@@sat103 thank you. Been looking all over for that answer.
When are you posting your review of the 66?
Soon
@@sat103 Other then the screen size difference between the 65 and 66, would you recommend the 66 over the 65? The 65 is on sale right now for 199 at best buy.
@@jp0213x 6:49 is the reason I don't own a 65.
Can you add proximity poi’s to it that are mileage based and not road based?
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.
@@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
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.
@@sat103 perfect thinks! I’ll try this!
How is the routing on this device? Is the routing wonky. I don't like the routing on my drive smart 55. My older nuvi 2589 would take side streets to avoid traffic, how does this model do? Is it worth upgrading the drive smart 55?
I personally find the routing good. For others, it depends on what hardware is used to receive traffic data, what traffic settings are used and where you are. I have the 2599, used it with both the GTM36 and GTM60, and when compared to the 66, the info I receive and the routing provided is about the same for both models in the DFW Texas area where I am. I also have both units set to "Automatic" from Settings > Traffic > Optimize Route, and both set to avoid U-Turns from Settings > Navigation > Avoidances (which I find helps calculate/recalculate routes quicker.)
@@sat103 I do a lot of city driving, I am curious how the 66 would stack up in the city. Texas is more of highway and long roads. Is the unit faster a recalculating? I am debating if I should upgrade my drivesmart 55.
My 66 calculates/recalculates quickly and performs well in city areas.
@@sat103 Have you compared Garmin's, on how they route around traffic?
Yes. I have the TA10, TA20, GTM36, GTM60 and many Garmin traffic-capable models from many generations. The FM traffic works fine on all of them. The FM traffic on my DriveSmart 66 works well, I have it configured to automatically route around traffic (which it does,) and I have encountered no problems with it.
need extra cable for traffic?
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.
Is the screen 66 plastic not glass like 2599?
The screen on the DS66 is glass
Will the 65 do traffic without a phone?
No.
Can this used for trucking?
Found one on fb market for $60!
Wow, so much extra from smart 50
$164 now at Walmart
Only for the 66 EX version that does not come with the FM traffic cord
That Gaylord street?