PCM1

[Mattyh]

Can't decide if pcm1 is a worthwile option on a 996tt, is it true that it is no longer supported with new discs? i dont want to pay a premium for a car with it in for it to be obsolete/out of date in a few years time.

[Geneve]

Unfortunately, PCM1 is of limited benefit. It is early technology and Porsche have not seen fit to support it with updates.

I certainly wouldn't pay a premium for it.

[drcarrera]

I wouldn't pay a premium for it, but I do think it's worth having.

It may be "old technology", but the sat nav's still pretty good, and the phone module is useful as well. I also think it improves the look of the centre console.

Although official Porsche branded updates are no longer available, you can get them through a third party - it was mentioned on another thread a while back.

[lfr]

I didn't think it was worth getting due to all the negative comments I had heard about it but it's actually pretty good. I've tried PCM2 and the 997 Sat Nav, and except for the somewhat better looking maps the system works just as well and is very easy to use. Just make sure you get the 16bit PCM1 (manufactured after August 01 I think) instead of the 8bit, since you can only get updated disks for the 16bit version.

[cab]

I generally agree;
It improves the look of the centre console - no end....
It works quite well - disks are available via 3rd parties if required
It beats having to plug and unplug portable units
Reception is better than a portable unit

From what i have seen if you are looking at a car with PCM1 i.e. pre 2002 (IMHO) you shouln't be paying too much of a premium.

The downsides include:
No postcode search
Can't load speed camera locations......




>> Edited by cab on Monday 17th April 17:04

[Irish]

PCM 1 got me very lost today....but is still looks great and generally works.

A

[Mattyh]

Did'nt know about 8bit and 16Bit versions. How can you tell the difference?

[Adam B]

cab said:

Can't load speed camera locations......

can this be done on PCM2?

[pikey]

cab said:

The downsides include: No postcode search Can't load speed camera locations......

And the interface/address lookup is awful. I couldn't find "43 High Street, Eltham" on the weekend. Fortunately we had a TomTom in the car which selected it straight away.

Comparing both the PCM and TT on the same route, TT was far more efficient. And its a cheap box to sucker to the window, cheaply.

In my opinion, the PCM is a poor, out of date and expensive SatNav.

[wrn]

Adam B said:

cab said: Can't load speed camera locations...... can this be done on PCM2?

No manufacturers that I am aware of have opened up their nav systems to allow POIs (eg. speed camera locations) to be loaded. FYI the speed camera locations are freely available as text files in the UK to be loaded into third party systems.

Re: the postcode search - even my new 997 didn't support that (I am not sure whether they are PCM2 or a later version).

Essentially aftermarket nav systems are far cheaper and far better than factory fitted versions - however they don't look good, aren't good for resale and aren't integrated with the phone / stereo etc.

Will

[Adam B]

thanks that is what I thought

wrn said:

Re: the postcode search - even my new 997 didn't support that (I am not sure whether they are PCM2 or a later version).

that's a bit crap (997 is later DVD-based version so newer than PCM2 ~I thought)

agree with all your positives to OEM satnav though

[Gulliver911]

By the way which 3rd party do you contact for PCMII map upgrades ?

Here in Ireland, the PCMII tells me I am Off Road most times outside Dublin.

I know the roads are bad, but not that bad...