Garmin GDB 50 MSN Direct Receiver

Other products by Garmin

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 2.3 x 3.5 inches ; 10.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MFINWA
• Item model number: 010-00583-00
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 4, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Receive real-time MSN Direct content--including local weather, traffic, movie times, and gas prices--with the MSN Direct Receiver / GDB 50. This integrated receiver and cigarette lighter adapter connects to your compatible Garmin device and conveniently plugs into your vehicle's power outlet (for use in the United States only).

Get MSN Direct
The MSN Direct receiver comes with 1-year of free service and sends traffic reports, weather, movie times, and gas prices to your compatible Garmin navigator via an FM signal. Now you can avoid traffic, save money at the pump, check the forecast, and find out what's playing as you move about town. You can count on your compatible Garmin navigator to route you to the theater, gas station, or destination of your choice with clear prompts while helping you avoid congestion and other traffic delays.

Activate and Navigate
The MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable, making it easy to connect to your unit when on the go. No professional installation required. Simply activate your receiver following the instructions in the manual. After activation, plug the receiver into your compatible Garmin device, connect to your vehicle's power outlet, and you're ready to receive data.

Subscription Information
MSN Direct is available only in select cities where coverage exists. Visit MSN Direct to extend your current service, purchase a service plan for an additional area, or view coverage information.

What's in the Box
MSN Direct Receiver, Owner's manual

Product Description

This GDB 50 MSN Direct receiver is a replacement for the receiver that comes with units such as the Nuvi 680 and the StreetPilot c580. Also functions as a vehicle power cable. The GDB 50 MSN Direct receiver includes a free 1-year service to MSN Direct.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It can be more useful, March 30, 2008

By	Z. Cheng - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had this receiver for almost a month now with my NUVI 760. It somewhat helps me through traffic jams but not very useful many times. Here are my complaints:

1. The FM signal coverage is usualy poor in areas that are not heavily populated. I live in a less populated area. I have to do long commute to work everyday. By the time I get strong enough signal for the traffic update, I can not change my route already. So make sure both your work place and home are covered with GOOD signal strength otherwise you will get nothing either coming out of work or home.
2. The live traffic is usually 20-30 minutes delayed. Unless the traffic jam is a real bad one that will last for more than an hour, otherwise you may get a warning of traffic jam that is not there any more or you may run into traffic jam without any warning.

To be fair with MSN direct, that TMC traffic report is also delayed usually. While MSN direct also have weather report, movie time, and nearby gas prices, TMC traffic only has traffic report, not to mention that TMC traffic cost $60 per year and MSN direct only cost $50 per year to maintain.

So it is useful to some extent, but definitely need more improvement, although I dont know if that is possible!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Problems with support, January 19, 2009

By	Edward Orysiek (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased the GDB50 for my Nuvi 760 and it worked great for three weeks. It suddenly stopped working. I called MSN Direct and they referred me to Garmin. Garmin referred me back to MSN Direct. I still don't know if the issue is hardware or software, and nobody at either end seems to be able to assist me. I'm sorry I purchased this unit and the one year subscription.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Works well - when it works, April 10, 2008

By	D. Malkin "dimamal" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The traffic receiver works as described, but the slow blow fuses started to blow (and finding proper replacement was rather annoying, as Radio Shack fuses would blow one after the other. Also, the cord began to fray after months of use due to rolling it over the cradle when hiding the GPS gear from prying eyes. Eventually, the receiver died after only 6 months of using. Had to call Garmin and obtain and RMA/ send it back for a replacement, which was not too much of a hassle. Otherwise, when it worked was picking up MSN Direct signal signal fairly consistently in NYC Metro area - even while hidden inside the console of my car. Do not recommend rolling the wire as it becomes frayed, and don't know where to get the fuses when the orignial blows. Can't give more than 3 stars because of durability issues though.