Sony nav-u NV-U53 Sat Nav Review

November 9th, 2007 · by Dean · 635 Comments

sony nv-u53 dashboard mount

This article reviews the recently released Sony NV-U53 satellite navigation system. Sony is a name you might not immediately associate with sat nav systems but the NV-U53 performed very well.

The NV-U53 is at the budget end of the Sony nav-u range but still packs a good punch. There are a few minor niggles but overall this is an impressive looking device.

This is what you get in the box.

sony uv53 box contents

Sony NV-U53
Vehicle suction cup mount
Vehicle power cable
USB computer cable
Quick start guide
CD-ROM containing application software

Detailed Specifications

Pre-loaded NAVTEQ 2007 UK and Ireland maps
Full 7 digit UK postcode entry
4.3” widescreen touch screen display
512Mb resident flash memory and Memory Stick Duo support
Dynamic Route Information displaying what’s coming next on your route
Points of Interest (POI)
Gesture command allows you to trace figures on screen to be taken to frequent destinations
Multi-language support
SiRF III GPS receiver
Intel PXA270 300Mhz processor
USB 2.0
Dimensions (mm) 133W x 79H x 20D
Weight approx 210g
Cradle with gel layer suction support
Battery Capacity 890mAH

sony uv53 back

First Thoughts

The NV-U53 is an impressive looking device. The widescreen looks fantastic and the whole device has a nice sturdy feel to it. The Sony is slim and compact, fitting easily in a coat pocket.

The NV-U53 comes with a quick start guide covering over 20 pages which is sufficient to get you started. If you require any further information then the CD-ROM contains a PDF manual covering over 100 pages. The Sony is so easy to use though that you probably won’t refer to the manual much anyway.

When you first switch on the device you are guided through the startup configuration wizard. This wizard will allow you to setup the language, distance unit (miles or km), brightness (day, night or automatic), time format (12 or 24hr clock), and home address.

The only disappointment was the lack of a wall socket AC charger in the box. This means you can only charge the Sony by plugging the USB cable into a computer, or by plugging it into the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle. You could always buy an AC charger separately but Sony should have really included one for the price.

sony uv53 side

GPS Signal

The NV-U53 comes with a built-in SiRF III GPS receiver. I’ve found these GPS receivers to be very good on other sat nav systems and the Sony performed just as well. You can establish a GPS signal even inside buildings provided you are situated close to a window.

The very first time you use this device it does take longer to establish a satellite signal, but thereafter a satellite signal is established quicker.

Maps

The NV-U53 comes with pre-installed NAVTEQ 2007 maps of UK and Ireland. I found the mapping software extremely accurate, in fact on a couple of tests it performed better than Garmin and TomTom. Some sat nav systems I find can miscalculate the number of exit points from a roundabout but the Sony worked perfectly each time.

There is also partial map coverage for France and Belgium, but you’ll need to purchase separate maps if you want to seriously use the Sony around Europe.

Screen

The wide screen display is one of the best features of the Sony. It makes using the device so much easier. All the touch screen controls are well laid out and easy to use.

Some sat nav systems require you to enter navigation details with a stylus using an on-screen keyboard. I’m not a big fan of those systems. I find them fiddly to use and I often end up pressing the wrong button.

The Sony on the other hand is a joy to use. All the on-screen buttons are large enough to operate without a stylus. It is much more intuitive that way too. You can enter navigation details much faster with your finger than with a stylus.

A larger screen also means there is room to display more detailed map information, such as Point of Interest (POI) and other useful navigation data.

sony uv53 poi

My only complaint is that sometimes I found myself having to press the on-screen buttons more than once before being accepted. I tried recalibrating the screen but this problem persisted. This may have been a specific problem to the system I tested but it happened a sufficient number of times that it was worth including in this review.

Navigation

You can navigate to a destination by either entering an address, selecting from a list of recent destinations, or searching for a Point of Interest (POI) either locally or nationwide.

Full 7 digit UK postcode entry is supported. The only snag is that you cannot enter a house number when navigating to a postcode. I could only enter a house number when entering the address details manually by typing the city and street name. This is only a minor niggle but it would be nice to see this supported in a future release.

If you want to navigate to a particular Point of Interest (POI) such as a car park or restaurant then you can do that too. You can also search for a POI by name or by category.

One of the features I like is the auto zoom feature. Once you’ve planned a route it zooms out to show the entire route on the map, then once you start driving it zooms into street level. This is quite nice if you want to see a quick overview of your route before driving.

Another nice feature is road names included in the voice directions, for example “take the 3rd exit from the roundabout onto the A4”. That feature is not available on some more expensive sat nav systems so the Sony manages to outscore them in this department.

The manual states that the Sony supports a simulation mode but I was unable to get this feature to work, despite configuring the appropriate option in the settings screen. My guess is that this feature is only available on the more expensive sat nav systems in the Sony nav-u range.

The Sony also supports a Route Planning feature which enables you to add interim points to your journey. If there are several destinations you need to travel to in a single day then you will find this feature useful.

If you take a detour or wrong turn whilst travelling then the Sony will recalculate the route and get you back on track. The Sony will advise you to take a U turn at first but will quickly recalculate the route if you continue driving in the same direction.

sony uv53 keyboard

One of the great features of a widescreen sat nav system are large maps which are clear and easy to read. The map display is bright and easy to read in all light conditions. My only niggle is that the Points of Interest (POI) icons displayed on the map are a bit small. They could be made a bit larger so they are easier to identify whilst driving.

sony nv-u53 dashboard mount At the top of each map is a status bar which displays the current time, GPS signal and battery indicator. The Sony should get the correct time from the GPS signal, but in my tests it never showed the correct time, even with a valid GPS signal. I tried doing a factory reset but this problem persisted. I’m not sure if this was just a fault with my system or a more general problem on all devices.

Directly below the status bar is a box showing the distance to your destination and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). Below this are two boxes on the left hand side of the screen which show the next turn instruction plus the next instruction after that. This can be quite useful to see at a glance what direction you need to take after the current turn.

sony uv53 navigation

At the bottom of the screen is a status bar showing the current street name and next street name. This status bar also includes an Option menu where you can customise various settings on the Sony. There is also a cross-hair button. If you press that button you can then scroll the map by dragging your finger across the screen. This is a nice feature if you want to scroll beyond what is currently displayed on the screen.

On the right-hand side of the screen is a volume button where you can quickly adjust the volume. This saves the hassle of navigating through the various menu options to access the same feature.

On the left hand side of the screen is a View button which enables you to toggle between 3 views:

Map view. This is the default map view like you get on other sat nav systems.
Map view with upcoming Points of Interest (POI). With this view a list of upcoming POI like petrol stations or restaurants is displayed on the right hand side of the screen. This can be useful for seeing at a glance how far you need to travel before reaching a POI on your route.

sony uv53 poi

Dynamic route information. No map is displayed in this view. This screen will show all Points of Interest (POI) along your route. You could use this view to figure out the best place to stop for petrol or how many miles until the next restaurant. It also shows the distance to your destination and ETA.

sony uv53 dynamic route information

If you want to view the entire route you can do that too from the Options menu. There is also a Voice button on the left hand side of the screen which when pressed will repeat the current turn instruction.

I gave the Sony a good workout, both in rural and urban areas. It performed excellently on all occasions, navigating me correctly to each destination. I found the navigation capabilities of the Sony as good as Garmin and TomTom.

Suction Cup and Cradle

The Sony NV-U53 suction cup can be placed either on the dashboard or windscreen. I liked the ability to place the Sony on the dashboard rather than stick it on the windscreen. I found the gel suction cup worked very well on the dashboard.

I had no problems with the suction cup becoming unstuck whilst driving. The suction cup is also easy to remove afterwards and doesn’t leave any marks on your dashboard.

sony uv53 suction cup

I also liked the power cable that connects the Sony to the cigarette lighter socket. The cable is around 7 feet long when completely unwound which allows you room to place the Sony wherever you like in your car. If you want to tuck the cable away somewhere then you have plenty of room to do that.

Some GPS systems use a thick coiled wire for the power cable which I don’t find long enough (like what you get on a telephone for example). I find these a bit restrictive and cumbersome to use since you’re limited in where you can position the GPS device. The Sony uses an uncoiled and much narrower cable and as a result doesn’t get in the way when driving.

Volume

The volume can easily be adjusted from the main screen. Unlike some sat nav systems, it does not support automatic volume adjustment depending on the speed you are travelling, but I didn’t find this a problem. The Sony has a decent built-in speaker which produces loud and crisp voice instructions. You can leave the volume at the default settings and that should be sufficient.

Gesture Commands

Gesture commands are a quick way to access commonly used functions rather than having to trawl through multiple menu systems to access a function. You simply draw a pre-designated shape on the screen to access a particular function.

For example, if you draw a line from left to right on the screen then a list of nearby petrol stations is displayed. Drawing a line from right to left lists nearby car parks. Drawing a vertical line displays nearby food and drink outlets. Drawing a point sign will direct you to your home destination.

Quite a neat idea this which I haven’t seen on other sat nav systems. It worked fine in testing.

System Settings

There are many settings which can be customized. The main ones are as follows:

sony uv53 settings

Points of Interest (POI) Settings
This screen allows you to set which POI are displayed on the map. If you’re only interested in certain POI being displayed on the map like petrol stations or restaurants then you’ll find this feature useful. You can also define which quick links you want associated with each gesture command.

Route Profile
The following profiles are supported – fast car, standard car, slow car, motorcycle, lorry, bicycle, pedestrian. For example, if you select pedestrian mode then the Sony will ignore one-way street restrictions.

Although there is a motorcycle mode, the Sony is only designed for interior car use. It does not have a waterproof or dustproof protective coating for outside use.

Fast route, optimum route, short route and nice route profiles are supported. The default setting is fast route and I found this option worked fine.

Optimum route will use the quickest route if a detour corresponds to a reasonable time saving. Nice route will favour routes that are pleasant to drive, although I haven’t had a chance to try out this feature yet.

If you want to allow, avoid or forbid use of motorways, toll roads and ferries, then these options can be set too.

General Settings
There are a host of settings available here, the main items being listed below:

volume
navigation view 2D or 3D
auto zoom yes or no
show street names yes or no
show speed and orientation yes or no
show distance and ETA yes or no
show signposts yes or no
distance unit in kilometres or miles
time format in AM/PM or 24hr clock
language
map style – day, night or automatic
brightness day
brightness night
activate advanced warnings
speed monitoring
factory reset
screen calibration

The activate advanced warnings and speed monitoring features refer to safety cameras. You need to register the product with Sony before these features are activated.

Safety Cameras

The Sony comes with a free 12 month safety camera subscription but you need to register the product first before this feature is available to use. Once registered you receive an activation code which enables the safety camera feature. If you want access to safety camera updates after the first year then you will need to pay a subscription.

I would have preferred speed camera warnings out of the box without the need to register at the Sony web site. I don’t like being forced to divulge personal data just to activate certain product features, but this is just a minor niggle on my part.

Further information for European customers can be found here:
http://www.navu.sony-europe.com/consumer/selectCountry.do

A comprehensive FAQ for the NV-U53 safety camera function and other features can be found here:
http://support.sony-europe.com/faq/faq.asp?l=en&c=eve&f=nav_u3&m=NV-U53

Points of Interest (POI)

The Sony NV-U53 has a decent size points of interest (POI) database installed. Using this feature it will show POI, such as hotels, petrol stations and restaurants that are nearby your current location. You can also search POI for a particular town or nationwide if required.

sony uv53 poi category

Once a POI has been selected you can view additional details, such as the phone number for that amenity. You can also navigate to your chosen POI.

I had no problems using the POI features. Although not as comprehensive as the Garmin Nuvi 250W it provided a good selection of POI in my local area.

It is also worth mentioning that you cannot download external POI onto the Sony. If you like editing or adding POI to your sat nav system then you might find this a problem.

Summary

sony uv53 summary There are a couple of funny quirks with this device, such as not being able to enter a house number when navigating to a postcode, button presses sometimes being ignored, and not displaying the correct time, but overall this is a very nice sat nav system that performed very well.

The wide screen is excellent. This combined with the slimline looks makes this an attractive looking piece of hardware. The large touch screen controls are well laid out and easy to use.

The Sony NV-U53 doesn’t do enough to topple the Garmin Nuvi 250W. The Nuvi is still the better device overall with more features, a better POI database and speed camera warnings out of the box with no activation required. The Sony does manage to outscore the Nuvi in a couple of departments though, such as road names included in the voice directions.

When you consider the price tag, which is under £150, the Sony represents excellent value for money for a widescreen sat nav system. The only problem is that Sony will no longer be supporting these units beyond 2010. If you decide to buy the U53 then expect limited support in the future in terms of map and safety camera updates. The flipside is that you may find retailers selling these units cheaper so there are opportunies to pick up this system for a bargain price.

Pros

Large screen
Strong GPS signal
Accurate up-to-date mapping software
Voice directions include road names
Easy to use on screen controls

Cons

No wall socket AC power charger – need to buy one separately
Buttons sometimes need pressing more than once
Unable to enter house numbers when navigating by postcode
Incorrect time displayed in status bar despite good GPS signal
Speed cameras only activated once product registered with Sony

Update

Sony are recalling NV-U53 sat nav systems that have the time problem, offering a free swap to the more expensive NV-U73T as a goodwill gesture. Phone Sony technical support for details.

If like the look of the NV-U53 but want TMC and European mapping then take a look at the NV-U73 review.

Where to buy

Buy the Sony NV-U53G from Lemon Digital. Quote “Technical Itch” when ordering to receive a special price discount.

Buy the Sony NV-U53G Widescreen Sat Nav from Amazon.

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Tags: "sat nav", gps, nav-u, satellite-navigation, satnav, Sony

635 responses so far ↓

1 Tabitha // Nov 9, 2007 at 9:40 pm

There are so many new GPS models coming out! I can’t wait to see the TomTom ONE XL-S – it looks and sounds awesome!
2 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 10, 2007 at 6:41 pm

Hello,

I’ve just received this sat nav and found the time to be incorrect as well. The GPS time is correct but onscreen display is not.

Also find when you it shows the time to the destination the time is incorrect. In my case showing trips of 30 mins taking 6 hrs!!

Overall happy with the SATNAV however if Sony can’t resolve the time issue it will need to be returned. I really need to know the correct time of arrival.
3 Dean // Nov 11, 2007 at 8:56 am

Thanks for the message Darrel. The time problem is not just on the system I tested then.

Hopefully these issues can be fixed in a future firmware release because overall it is a nice device.
4 Mark // Nov 11, 2007 at 4:03 pm

I recently purchased the same sat nav I was very impressed overal but just like you said the time is correct on the sat nav but not showing on the display I did however find that if you reset the unit at dead on 12 pm or 00.00 it would solve the problem of displaying the proper time but this must be done at midnight for it to work properly
5 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 11, 2007 at 6:38 pm

Mark,

Thanks for the information. Will wait up this evening to try. Do you mean to reset to factor default? Also does it keep the time correct forever or only a certain amount of days?

Cheers

D.
6 Brendan // Nov 11, 2007 at 9:43 pm

I bought this system yesterday, and agree with most of the comments. The time display is a real annoyance. I don’t think Sony should make people stay up until midnight to start using the system! Otherwise this is a nifty piece of tech. And have been simulating several journeys on the screen without difficulty – so it doesn’t seem to be just for higher speced models.
7 Garth // Nov 12, 2007 at 4:51 pm

Great in depth review. I know in the past Sony SatNavs had a reputation for being a little flaky. Hopefully the time problem with this model will be resolved via a firmware update or something?
8 Dean // Nov 12, 2007 at 8:45 pm

I’m currently road testing the Sony NV-U51and will write up a review on this site in a few weeks time. It doesn’t appear to suffer with the time problem as it displayed the correct time the first time I switched it on.

So it sounds like the time problem doesn’t affect all systems across the nav-u range. Maybe it is just the NV-U53 with the problem?
9 Matt // Nov 13, 2007 at 2:45 pm

Hi

I sell Sony products and our stock has been recalled due a problem with the earlier released units (to do with the time issue that you all have mentioned), however we have just got the new ones in and they seem fine, you could possibly try and contact sony or your place of purchase to see what could be done. Hope you all get it sorted.

Great job on the review though. Thanks again.
10 Dean // Nov 13, 2007 at 6:54 pm

Thanks for the message Matt. I thought it must have been a faulty batch of stock. I can see this system selling well in the run up to Christmas. Glad you liked the review.
11 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 14, 2007 at 12:39 pm

hi all,

Can anyone check out the following for me?

Used the SATNAV for a trip to Cambridge and was booked into a hotel, the SATNAV would not find post codes in Cambridge!!

The post code Was CB23 8EU for a example the hotel.

Can someone else check this out because my satnav has no idea on cambridge post codes with that address.

Also on a long trip the arrival time changed to the early hours and was incorrect!!

I’ve also reset the Time at midnight and it reflects the correct time, as posted above it seems there was a problem batch and I’m going to return.

Very interested in other peoples finding on Cambridge.

Cheers,

Darrel
12 Dean // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:09 pm

I’m seeing the same issue on the Sony NV-U51.

It looks like a problem with the postcode numbering system.

I went to the Royal Mail postcode finder web site, entered CB23 8EU, and it displayed a map of that location. I then picked a nearby street, for example Acorn Avenue.

If you navigate to that street manually on the Sony by entering the town and street name, rather than by postcode, the Sony thinks Acorn Avenue is in postcode CB3 8.

It looks like the Sony is missing the number 2 from the postcode.

I then tried entering a postcode of CB3 8EU (without the 2) into the Sony and it seemed to navigate to the same destination as that hotel.

Give that a go on your Sony and let me know if it works.

Strange eh!
13 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:33 pm

Dean,

Yea you spot on if I miss out the 2, I get there. It’s a little worrying to be honest. I had to go back into work to find the hotel..lol

Have you seen the problem were your ETA Time changes? It’s happening to me a lot!!!

Using it again tomorrow on a trip to Manchester.

To be honest as I said before I find the mapping, the directions spot on. I like that it calls out road names, much better than the TOMTOM XL I was using (borrowed). What it’s lacking is the full post code with number, and now this little GEM with Cambridge.

I’m sure all these could be fixed with a FLASH, but hope Sony sort it soon.

D.
14 Dean // Nov 16, 2007 at 7:35 pm

I’m not seeing the ETA time problem, but that is probably because I’m currently road testing the NV-U51 which hasn’t suffered any of the problems seen with the NV-U53.

Hopefully there will be a firmware release for that date problem. Have you tried phoning Sony?
15 Brendan // Nov 18, 2007 at 6:37 pm

Having contacted Sony, I have been told that they are arranging a swap for anyone with the NV-U53G which has that clock problem (to the NVU73). I suggest an e-mail to Sony customer support for anyone with this issue.
16 Dean // Nov 18, 2007 at 7:02 pm

Brendan – thanks for letting us know. It’s nice to see Sony offering a swap for the NV-U73. I’ll look into that.
17 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 20, 2007 at 5:21 pm

All for information I too contact Sony and getting a replacement and upgrade to NV-u73.

Was told on the phone that the product is being recalled!

At least some good from it all
18 Darrel Halfyard // Nov 21, 2007 at 3:05 pm

All,

Thought I would let you know got my NV-U73T upgrade today, all the same but it now has TMC on it. However Sony do not provide this yet for this model!! lol What next!

Oh yes it still has problems with Cambridge post codes CB23 8EU for example again..

Dam shame really
19 Dean // Nov 22, 2007 at 1:07 pm

My replacement NV-U73T arrived today. Looks like a nice system with full European maps too which is a bonus. Hopefully Sony will provide the TMC soon.

I’ve already activated the speed cameras which include traffic light cams and average speed cams. It also has speed warnings by the looks of it.

I plan to write up a full review once I’ve road tested it for a few weeks.
20 Nigel // Nov 24, 2007 at 8:39 am

I’ve just bought the NV U53. I’ve tried to register product on the sony website but I can’t access the Device ID. As a consequence I can’t access the codes for Speed Camera sites. I’ve followed the help instructions but my system won’t let me access the TMC Info screen.
Where do I go now?
21 Dean // Nov 24, 2007 at 3:25 pm

Nigel – Can you confirm if you’ve read the help instructions at the following link

If you have, let me know and I’ll try and help further.
22 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 1, 2007 at 11:42 am

Sony are now providing the NV-73T with TMC

Cost £20 for lifetime, which I think is really really good.
23 Dean // Dec 1, 2007 at 7:08 pm

Thanks for letting me know. I’ve gone ahead and paid the £20 and activated TMC. I will be taking the Sony down to London in a couple of weeks so I will see how the TMC performs.

I’ve got TMC already on a Sony NV-U51 but never managed to get any reception where I live. I hope the TMC reception is better in other areas?

Let me know how you get on.
24 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 2, 2007 at 12:21 pm

No worries, I’m going to set it up this evening, I’m off to London for two days from tomorrow. So will be able to test it heading down the M4

Will keep you updated.
25 Paul/C. // Dec 3, 2007 at 11:17 am

Seriously think of buying this but other review states that it is not Vista compatible! Anyone confirm for me please?
26 Dean // Dec 3, 2007 at 7:17 pm

I haven’t tried the Sony on Vista. I did read a review posted on Amazon saying it was not Vista compatible.

The Sony support web site says that all devices are Vista compatible or under investigation, and if there are problems to contact them.

Not sure what to make of that statement.

Maybe someone else knows more?
27 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 5:19 pm

hi all

I have now bought the u-82 with the huge 4.8 screen after returning my u-53 and it works just brilliantly well impressed best device I have owned by a long shot (and I have owned most of the others ie tom tom and garmin) value for money 10-10
28 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 7, 2007 at 7:47 pm

Mark,

Does the U-82 have the post code problem?
29 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 9:04 pm

hi
30 mark // Dec 7, 2007 at 9:07 pm

hi

Darrel

I have had no problems with it and I have had it over two weeks and I use it about 40 times a day is there any postcode in particular you want me to check out

mark
31 Mike // Dec 7, 2007 at 11:11 pm

I bought this from Halfords 1 week ago for £150 it’s so far proved excellent and my device doesn’t suffer from the incorrect time problem.
32 Dean // Dec 8, 2007 at 2:01 pm

Mark – The problem with postcodes was in Cambridge. An example is CB23 8EU. Are you able to enter that postcode into your NV-U82 ?
33 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 8, 2007 at 3:09 pm

Mark,

Also does it allow you to select a house number when using a post code or have the same problem
34 bill // Dec 9, 2007 at 11:31 am

Cambridge postcodes changed in September 2006 (54000 of them) so presumably the new ones still haven’t made it into these models! See

ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/16Sep_PU43_double_quote.txt

Has anyone tried TMC on NV-U73 yet?
35 colin // Dec 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm

sonys website says that “Dynamic Re-Routing via TMC (Traffic Message Channel)” is optional on the u53, but i thought that it doesnt have this function.
Or can you buy an accessory aerial and use the TMC function?
36 Dean // Dec 9, 2007 at 7:24 pm

Colin – That looks like a mistake on the Sony website, since their FAQ and Troubleshooting page states that the NV-U53 does not support TMC. If you want TMC I suggest the NV-U73.

Bill – I haven’t tested TMC on the NV-U73 yet. I will driving along the M4 to London on Tuesday and will try it out then. I’ll post back with how I get on.
37 Murray Gallacher // Dec 10, 2007 at 6:07 pm

Can I confirm that TMC isn’t available on the U53? What is the main difference between the U53 and the U82? I am currently undecided as to what sat nav to choose, would you recommend the sony system over the TomTom One?
38 Dean // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:10 pm

Murray – The U53 does not have TMC.

The main difference between the U53 and the U82 is that the U82 has an ultra widescreen, 4.8” compared to the 4.3” on the U53. The U82 also supports TMC.

The U82 also apparently has better GPS positioning, especially in areas where a signal can be interrupted temporarily, such as in tunnels.

The only advantage for the U53 is slightly more up-to-date maps (2007), the U82 maps (mid 2006) are about 6 months older than the U53.

I don’t have any experience of the TomTom One but it seems to have good reviews on Amazon.

I like the Sony, it’s a great device. It has some nice touches like a gel suction cup that leaves no marks on the windscreen. Quite useful in deterring potential thieves.

A good test for any sat nav system is how well it is supported by the manufacturer, in terms of maps and firmware updates.

Since the Sony are fairly new devices we will have to wait and see how good the support is. But so far I have been impressed.
39 Murray Gallacher // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:52 pm

Thanks for your reply, i might wait a little for the U73T, which hasn’t arrived yet on amazon, it’s the 53 with traffic as far as I can tell. Although I do question the necessity for the traffic, it’s coverage is less than amazing up in Scotland!
40 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 11, 2007 at 9:20 am

Murray,

I currently have the Sony U-73T, however before receiving this I used a friend’s TOMTOM XL.

In regards to directions I find the Sony much better it seems much more spot on in regard to telling you when to turn etc. It also tell’s you the road name to use! The TOMTOM does not.

The screen I feel is much better than the TOMTOM and much more slimmer easier to fit into a coat when away from car, the screen also switched between daylight and nightmode. On the TOMTOM you need to manual switch.

The traffice camera warning is not as good as the TOMTOM I feel some times my Sony alerts me of speed camera that maybe on another road a little futher down.

Another downside to the Sony the the PostCode search it allows you to enter the post code but not the house number. Which can cause problems if your dest is a long street! The TOMTOM allows you to enter numbers which is a plus+

However if I had to choose between the two and the post code feature was not a problem with you I would pick the SONY. Due to the mapping and direction + it has.
41 nick workman // Dec 11, 2007 at 12:34 pm

I too have this problem with the clock, but there is no mention on the sony nav u site about it, nor is there any sensible contact details for sony. Can anyone provide a direct telephone number to contact them, with regards swapping the unit?
Thanks in advance.
Nick
42 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 11, 2007 at 1:14 pm

Nick,

The telephone number I used was: 08705 111 999

They should provide you with a NV-U73 as a replacement and a show of good will.

Good luck!!
43 nick workman // Dec 11, 2007 at 6:06 pm

darrell
thanks for that, however the number appears unavailable.
tried ringing off my mobile this afternoon and it seems to be dead.
any idea’s?
Nick
44 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 12, 2007 at 9:53 am

Nick,

Works for just dialed it this morning, this number is charges 7.5p minute are you allowed to dial these numbers?

It’s the one I used and was not on the phone long and seeing you will get an upgrade worth it
45 Dean // Dec 12, 2007 at 7:07 pm

I didn’t drive up to London on Tuesday so didn’t get a chance to test out the TMC. I will be testing out TMC over the next 3 weeks so will let everyone know how I get on.

I would be interested to hear how other people get on with TMC. Anyone had any luck getting a signal?
46 nick workman // Dec 13, 2007 at 5:47 am

got it darell
was my mobile not able to dial out
there is also a direct line which is 01932 816000.
They did arrange for a technician to ring me back but he didnt, so i’ll be ringing again at 9am
grr
and agreed, anyone rate the TMC as any good?
Nick
47 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 18, 2007 at 5:03 pm

Dean/Nick,

I enabled TMC on the sony NV-73 used it for a 3 hr car trip yesterday. Got a signal from Classic FM and a few other regional radio stations that broadcast TMC. It alerted me on incidients on the road, however I had a number of false alarms were it reported traffic lane/s closed and there was none.

It pop’s up the warnings and asked you if you want to reroute but I had the feeling if I listened to everything it told me I would increase my travel time by hours!

D.
48 colin // Dec 20, 2007 at 9:52 am

I have now had a u53 u73 and u83 and taken them all back because when they have been fully charged (for about 7 hours) they do not show as fully charged,so i dont know how much charge is left when using it.
The only way to show a full charge is to reset the unit and for £200 i dont want to do this all the time.
I have phoned sony about this and they say they will look into it.
Has anybody else had this problem.I am charging from a usb and they were bought from 3 different shops in a 25 mile radius.
Sounds like a software problem.
49 Dean // Dec 20, 2007 at 12:45 pm

Hi Colin. I don’t see this problem on my U73T. I charged it via the USB cable connected to my PC this morning, after about 2 hours the charge light changed from red to green, indicating the unit was fully charged.

Does the charge light stay red for you?

Also have you tried charging using another PC? Maybe there is not enough USB power to fully charge the unit.
50 colin // Dec 20, 2007 at 3:27 pm

Hi Dean. The charge light goes green after about 1.5 hours but no matter how long it is on charge, at switch on it displays the orange half battery charge symbol until it is reset.
Once reset it shows full battery(white battery symbol)and lasts for about two hours.So it is being charged but only shows when reset.
Is your u73 on or off when charging?
51 Dean // Dec 20, 2007 at 5:34 pm

I’ve tried charging my U73 with the unit both on and off. I get the green charge light and the full battery symbol (white battery) when I return to the main screen.

It seems strange you’ve had this problem on 3 different models unless there is some bad stock in your local area?

Have you asked Sony to ship you a replacement?
52 Chas // Dec 22, 2007 at 4:09 pm

Hi All
I am thinking about buying a nvu53 unit. There appears to be a compass on the screen but I can’t find any reference to it on the net. Also I want to look at a manual before purchase, any idea where I can download one from? Thanks for the brilliant review. Chas
53 Dean // Dec 22, 2007 at 6:20 pm

Hi Chas.

Glad you liked the review.

There is a small North point indicator displayed at the bottom of the screen. That is the only compass like feature I am aware of.

You can download the manuals here if you want to lookup any more information.
54 Chas // Dec 22, 2007 at 11:26 pm

Hi Dean
Re postcode issue item 12. If you type cb23 8eu into autoroute it won’t find it, cb3 8eu is at the position needed so I would suggest an incorrect postcode is being used. Chas
55 Dean // Dec 23, 2007 at 8:41 am

The Cambridge postcodes were changed in September 2006 (see comment 34). CB23 8EU is now the correct postcode.

Sounds like your autoroute is out of date, just like the Sony
56 Chas // Dec 24, 2007 at 11:01 am

Hi Dean

have borrowed a sony nvu52 and am havung prolems when entering letters on the rh side of the keyboard. Lh side ok but fault gets worse the further right you go, till at the extreme right you have to enter the letter to the left of the one you want!!! Have gone into the screen alignment screen and you can align the centre and left side, but when on the right the unit will not accept alignment. All other buttons to the rh side of all menu pages seem to suffer this. Unit returned to Argos but replacement is still the same. Perhaps you could check this out on your unit. Chas
57 Dean // Dec 24, 2007 at 2:21 pm

Hi Chas,

I haven’t heard of this problem before. I’ve tested the NV-U51, U53 and U73 and the keyboards all worked fine.

Have you tried a factory reset before aligning the screen?

If that doesn’t work I would suggest getting Sony to ship you a replacement in case your local Argos has some bad stock. Sony may upgrade you to the next model up if problems persist.
58 colin // Dec 24, 2007 at 10:11 pm

Number 4 Sony sat nav. Another U53.
This one also wont show full charge when charged by usb.
Sony have now escalated the problem and will call back soon.
Strangely enough when charged in car,it shows as full charge and no need for a reset.
And no sign of a replacement or free upgrade.
59 Dean // Dec 25, 2007 at 9:53 am

Colin – have you tried charging it by USB using another computer?

I’m wondering if your computer is not producing enough power to charge it via USB, since it fully charges when plugged in your car. Hope you get the problem fixed soon.
60 colin // Dec 25, 2007 at 2:27 pm

Ill try that tonight.
But my own pc must be charging it if it shows a full charge and works perfectly after reset and lasts for the full usual time on a charge.
Also the green charge light comes on after about 1.5 hours.
61 colin // Dec 25, 2007 at 11:53 pm

Nope.
Still does it with a different PC
Just have to see what Sony come up with,but i aint holding my breath for a return phonecall.
62 Paul // Dec 26, 2007 at 9:43 am

Hi all

I’m new to SatNav and am looking to get my first one for £120-£140. I’ve narrowed my choice down to the Sony NV U53 and the TomTom One GB XL. Anybody got any opinions either way?

Thanks
63 tim // Dec 26, 2007 at 11:38 am

Just had a NV U53 for XMas – where/how can one get maps to cover europe?
64 Darrel Halfyard // Dec 26, 2007 at 7:27 pm

Paul,

Due to problems I’ve had with the NV-u53 and used to TomTom XL for a little while. I would go with the TOMTOM.

D.
65 Dave // Dec 26, 2007 at 11:24 pm

A couple of quick points I’ve discovered after using the u53 for a while:-

1) Vista users – you’ll need to download the Windows Mobile Device Center. I think it’s mentioned in the FAQs on their website, but it stumped me for a little bit. If you have it installed, don’t forget to enable USB connections.

2) This time issue. I don’t know whether I’ve got it or not. Whenever I turn it on, the GPS time resets to 12.00am and the system time goes to about 2am. However, after a while when it has a satellite lock, the time appears to be correct. Is it worth giving Sony a ring over it?

Cheers,

David.
66 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 8:36 pm

Tim – I’m not sure if you can install full European maps for the NV-U53. I think you get whatever maps are preinstalled on the device, which only covers down to Paris. But it is definitely worth contacting Sony to check. Can you post a message back letting us know what they say. I would be interested to know, and I’m sure other readers would too. Update: see comment number 68 below.

Dave – Thanks for the Vista information. As for the time issue, the problem was that some Sony devices could not pick up the correct time, even when a GPS signal was available.

When I switch on my NV-U73 it shows the correct time straight away, even without a GPS signal. It doesn’t sound right that the time resets every time you switch it on. I’d give Sony a ring.
67 Gerry // Dec 28, 2007 at 9:24 pm

Can you get a different voice downloaded to the sony nav-u 53. this one wont charge off usb and the time is away of its track.
68 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 10:04 pm

Tim – Regarding my earlier comment. I’ve done some further research and have found a map package on the Sony FAQ page called NVD-U11E which covers Europe. I couldn’t find a download link for it but it says the NV-U53 supports it.
69 Dean // Dec 28, 2007 at 10:19 pm

Gerry – Only the preset voice can be used. You cannot download additional voices to the NV-U53.

Regarding the USB issue. Another reader reported a problem where it won’t charge fully off the USB (see comment 58). I’ve never seen this problem but it is worth contacting Sony about it.

If your NV-U53 never shows the correct time then I would contact Sony about that too. Several readers, including myself, saw this problem due to a faulty batch of U53s which Sony recalled. They should either replace it or upgrade you to the next model as a goodwill gesture.
70 Dave // Dec 29, 2007 at 12:36 am

Spoke to Sony yesterday about the time problem, and they’ve put an NV-U73 in the post, so I’m not complaining.

Should arrive Monday with any luck
71 Arminder // Dec 30, 2007 at 5:02 pm

Got NV-U53G for xmasGPS time when set to 12am, sets t self to 2am, also GPS signal not able to pick up it takes 20 to half an hour, can any one tell me if this sat nav is faulty or am i just not doing any right with it please help
Arminder
72 Dean // Dec 30, 2007 at 9:38 pm

Hi Arminder,

The very first time it is switched on it can take a long time to pick up a signal. Thereafter it should be much quicker, typically less than a minute. If you stand out in the open, does it pick up a signal quicker than when switched on inside your car?

Once a signal has been established it should show the correct time. If it does not show the correct time, even with a GPS signal, then you have one of the faulty units that Sony recalled. Give Sony a ring and they will either replace it or upgrade you to the next model.
73 Dean // Dec 30, 2007 at 9:45 pm

Nick/Darrel,

I’ve started testing TMC on the NV-U73. I got a signal from Classic FM. TMC reception is non-existent in my area due to interference from another radio station which broadcasts almost on the same frequency as Classic FM.

Once I drive about 30 miles away I can pick up a signal. I haven’t had a chance to test the accuracy of the traffic reports yet but what Darrel reported seems accurate to me.
74 Mick // Jan 1, 2008 at 4:04 pm

Dean

I’ve just got the NV-U82G for Christmas, and seems very good. This is my first time with SAT-NAV. Whilst driving back home from Christmas holidays (6HR journey) I used my in-car charger whilst trying out the SAT-NAV.
On arrival at home I switched off the SAT-NAV and found I was unable to operate my car’s remote locking system using my keypad. Checked all doors/windows were closed but still no joy. But next day the remote locking/unlocking worked ok. Also noted the same tbing happened whilst just using in-car charger for short period whilst car parked in garage. When left overnight the remote locking worked as usual. Car is a Mazda 6 and only 10 months old. Am I doing something wrong or has anyone else had this problem? Should I only use the SAT-NAV in battery mode ?
75 Dean // Jan 1, 2008 at 9:55 pm

Hi Mick,

I haven’t heard of that problem before. Are you leaving the sat nav charger plugged into the cigarette lighter socket when you leave/lock the car?

I would advise unplugging the charger from the cigarette lighter socket when the sat nav is not in use, if you’re not doing that already, in case it continues to drain power from your car battery.

Also I wouldn’t operate the sat nav in battery mode. I would always recommend it is plugged in when using the sat nav out on the road.
76 Ric // Jan 2, 2008 at 12:59 am

Hi,I bought a NV-U53 just before Christmas and was investigating buying a home charger for it,and I found one on Ebay for £26 and noticed it was exactly the same as a PSP charger my Son had spare,same voltage (5v) and amps (2000ma) so tried it and it worked a treat,obviously if you want to try this make sure yours is the same spec
77 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 11:46 am

My NV-U53 seems to prefer to take a longer route to some destinations even where there is a perfectly obvious shorter route. I tried it using the various options but it still persists.
Also I have so far failed to source the europe map update NVD-U11E on an english speaking website (plenty czech and polish ones which I can’t understand) Sony shops and the sony websites can’t give me details either. Anyone out there manage to get hold of one and where?.
Tony
78 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 11:52 am

Forgot to mention, My NV-U53 touch screen also needs several presses before it reacts even though it beeps instantly first time. Have found that a longer contact time (2 seconds plus) works.
Tony
79 Dean // Jan 2, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Whilst testing the NV-U51 I found the default routing profile tended to favour motorways too much, when there was a shorter route via a fast A road.

I found the ‘Optimum’ route profile worked well in fixing these issues. Sounds like you’ve already tried that option though.
80 Tony // Jan 2, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Re Comment no. 68.
It seems the NV-U53 should be upgradeable. The spec sheet on the Sony Support site says so. (Try comparing specs )The NV- U73 seems to be identical in every way except for memory space and the pre-installed pan-european maps.
Some confusion about whether the NV-U53 needs NVD-U11E or NVD-DU11E upgrade. It looks like it may mean removing the UK maps and installing Pan-Europe (and Vice versa) so that only one or the other can be used at any one time. The U73 has about 4 times the memory space of the U53.
So far I have failed to locate an upgrade. Anybody out there have any luck yet.??
81 Jim // Jan 3, 2008 at 10:47 am

Have experienced problems with my Sony U73T model where you have to press the onscreen buttons several times before registering, even though I get an audible acknowledgemetn at the first press. This happens all the time and is really annoying. Has anyone found a solution as I see it mentioned severl times in the preceeding comments.

Great review thanks!
82 Brett // Jan 3, 2008 at 11:01 am

Hi,

Just got mine yesterday, seems like a good unit, however I was dissappointed to find a couple of addresses which are a couple of years old aren’t in the map.

I’m reluctant to pay £42 for the update to update maps, which is a bit of a cheek from Sony, I would expect that with a new machine (NV-U53) you should be entitled to the latest maps.
83 colin // Jan 3, 2008 at 3:47 pm

Just like a previous post,my central locking isnt working right.The boot unlocks while driving.
I just hope it is a coincidence and not another anomoly with the newer series of Sony sat-navs.
But I wont charge my UV53 in the car anymore.
84 Dean // Jan 3, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Jim – I haven’t found a solution to the button press problem. Maybe a future firmware release will fix it?

Brett – According to the Sony web site the NV-U53 maps are dated 2007 which I hope are the latest maps. There is no sign of an update yet. Check this link. Do you want to send me one of the postcodes you were trying to navigate to and I’ll see if I get the same problem on my NV-U73.

Colin – I hope the central locking is just a coincidence. Not seen any issues with my Civic so far. Keep us posted.
85 Bob // Jan 3, 2008 at 11:40 pm

Hi,
Does the Sony NVU53 recalculate & reroute should you miss a turning etc?
86 Dean // Jan 4, 2008 at 8:18 am

Yes it will recalculate the route should you miss a turn, although it doesn’t seem to provide any audible or visual warning that you’ve taken a wrong turn. It just recalculates the route for you silently.
87 Dean // Jan 4, 2008 at 9:59 pm

More information on the central locking issue reported by a couple of readers. It could be caused by not charging the sat nav prior to use.

One reader (Mick) has said the problem went away once the sat nav was charged via the USB cable connected to a computer.

Worth giving this a go if you run into this problem.

Please feel free to post back any more comments if you have any updates on this.
88 paul // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:08 pm

can you update for free i lost the cd
89 TREVOR // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Hi Dean – I’ve just bought the NV-U53 and can’t register for the 1 year free safety camera update because the touch screen TMC information box is not responsive., and I can’t input.
I notice Nigel had this problem above, and you kindly offered to help him . Can you also help me please?
90 Dave // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:29 pm

Hi Trevor,

Go to the general settings screen, and keep tapping the down arrow until a button called “Product information” (or something similar) appears. It’s right at the bottom of the list.

Tap on that, and you’ll find all the details on your device.
91 TREVOR // Jan 8, 2008 at 10:46 pm

Hi Dave
Thanks for your immediate reply which was very impressive.
I’m delighted to say I’ve now found the details required after following your advice.
Thanks again – I’m sincerely very grateful.
92 Dean // Jan 9, 2008 at 8:18 am

Hi Paul,
Which CD have you lost? Is it the orange one containing the nav-u application software?
93 Chris Powell // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:16 am

How can I get rid of the “POI” boxes on the right hand side of the screen? These only show when following a programed route and not when simply set to Map- I’ve pressed most buttons to no avail!
Also I can’t open the Manual on the CD Rom- is this because I’m only running Windows “ME”?

Chris
94 Dean // Jan 9, 2008 at 6:59 pm

Have you tried pressing the View button on the far left side of the screen? That should toggle through the various map views.

Try downloading the manual from this link. Providing you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your PC you should be able to read the manual.
95 Adam Fletcher // Jan 9, 2008 at 10:31 pm

About the time not being correct. Is there an emal address available to contact sony about the problem, or will i have to ring up. if so what is the email/phone number as the time on my nv-u53g is showing that it is 2:30pm when it is 10:30pm.
96 Dean // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:09 am

Your best bet is to phone up: 08705 111 999
97 Graham // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Hi
I have bought the sonyNVU 53, can you get maps of europe ? ie Spain for the sat nav.
Thanks Graham
98 Darrel Halfyard // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Used the SAT-NAV again today on a long trip.

The TMC worked really well this time down the M4 and M40
99 Wullie // Jan 10, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Help, Can any tell me where to find my device id, i have NVU 52 g
100 Dean // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:11 am

Graham – Take a look at comment number 80 above. So far no one has been able to figure it out. It probably involves removing the UK and Ireland maps and replacing them with the European maps like you get on the U73. You could try contacting Sony.

If you find out anything could you post a comment back here. Thanks.

Wullie – From the main screen tap the More button, then Settings, then General Settings, then keep tapping the down arrow to scroll through all the pages, you will then come to an option called Product Information. Tap that button and it will show you the device id.
101 Sony nav-u NV-U73 Sat Nav Review // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:38 am

[...] Sony NV-U53 Widescreen Sat Nav [...]
102 GH057 // Jan 11, 2008 at 8:46 am

Hi,
I kinda mucked up when I bought the Nv-u73T and got the one with the EuropeA mapset (Western europe+Skandinavia) instead of the one with the EuropeD mapset (Western+Eastern Europe). Is anyone willing to do a dvd-swap with me or does anyone know how I can get my hands on Eastern-Europe maps? I need the maps of Greece.
103 Nick Stammers // Jan 11, 2008 at 6:29 pm

Hi Dean,
I have just purchesed theNV-U53 I have registerd it with Sony for the camras will I receive a code to enter or will Sony update the unit I was having trouble with the time but after a reset it seems to be OK . Regards Nick
104 Dean // Jan 11, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Hi Nick,
If the NV-U53 has a GPS signal and doesn’t show the correct time then I would contact Sony for a replacement.

To activate the safety cameras take a look at this link. You need to make sure you have registered your NV-U53 on the Sony web site and downloaded the safety camera file first.
105 Chris // Jan 12, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Hey ladies and gents,
Just purchased the NV-U53G and it has the time problem. Tried to phone Sony but office hours apply. Does anyone know what the sketch is with the replacement? Do i send the unit to Sony direct? or do i replace in store. If anyone has gone through the process then i’d really appreciate some info on what they’re going to want me to do. Cheers. Chris.
106 Dean // Jan 12, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Hi Chris,
Give Sony a ring during work hours. When I phoned Sony they sent me a replacement by courier. The courier took away the faulty one in exchange.
107 Chris // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:12 am

Thanks Dean,
The review is really in depth and accurate. Helped me decide on which model to buy. Didn’t think they’d still be putting out the ones with time faults though. Still. I’ll see what they say. Thanks again.
Chris.
108 alan // Jan 13, 2008 at 1:50 pm

Great in depth review – thanks
stupid question i hope – will the nav-u 53, when set up for “safety cameras” warn of speed camera’s if no destination is set. ie just driving to the local shops and passing that speed camera that you know is there but just forgot!
109 Nick Stammers // Jan 13, 2008 at 6:43 pm

Hi Dean,
I have tried registering my device but it asks me for a Device ID and when i follow the on screen instructions and i get to the point where i have to press TMC Infromation there is a button there but it cannot be pressed and is not lit up! Could someone please help me.
110 Dean // Jan 13, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Alan – Good question. I haven’t tried that but I would expect it not to warn of speed cameras unless a destination is set, but I may be wrong.

Nick – Are you trying to enable TMC on the U53 or U73? The U53 does not support TMC.
111 Nick Stammers // Jan 14, 2008 at 5:28 pm

Hi Dean,
All i’m trying to do is register myNV-U53 Sat Nav But I can’t The ID Code the instructions tells you toChoose safty camra for your product then follow the instructions but I can’t find any instructions. I know ther is no TMC on th unit so why is it telling me to tap the TMC window I’m totally lost please help if you can I’m 73 years old and shouldnt be messing wih things like this Kindest regards Nick
112 Dave // Jan 14, 2008 at 6:18 pm

Hi Nick,

Go to the general settings screen, and keep tapping the down arrow until a button called “Product information” (or something similar) appears. It’s right at the bottom of the list.

Tap on that, and you’ll find all the details on your device. I’m astonished that Sony hasn’t had anyone even proof-read their website as the instructions are completely indecipherable!
113 ALBERT AND TEMPIE // Jan 15, 2008 at 12:07 pm

HI THERE:

AT THIS MOMENT, I AM AWAITNG THE NV-U53 FROM LITTLEWOODS, AND WHILE WAING, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE MODEL.

IT IS MY FIRST SATNAV THAT I WIL BE OWNING, SO I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE PRIDENT OF ME TO READ WHAT MORE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS LIKE YOUR SELF WOULD HAVE TO SAY.

OUT OF ALL THE MODLES THAT WERE ON DISPLAY IN THE CATALOGUE, CHOSE THIS ONE BECAUSE I FAVOUR A LARGE SREEN AND I FANCY A MULTI FACIT DISPLAY OF INFO.
I AM COMCERENED THAT SONY DOES NOT INCLUDE AAN AC CHARGER WITH THE PURCHASE AS MY GRANDE PUNTO DOES NOT HAVE A CIGGERETTE LIGHTER INSTALLED,: IT HAS A POWER OUR LET.

CAN YOU RECCOMEND WHERE I COULD PURCHASE AN AC ADAPTER.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARNING TO USE THIS GADGET, AS MUCH AS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO DRIVING MY FIRST CAR.
SINCERELY
ALBERT
114 Flann Howard // Jan 16, 2008 at 12:35 am

Sony Sat Nav NV-U53G
Can anyone advise where the NVD-U11E dvd of European Maps can be obtained.

I have been around the Sony website so many times now I’m now at the end of my wits. I have sent numerous emails to Sony about the U53G Maps but not one reply.

If I do manage to get the DVD can these maps be copied directly to a memory stick Pro Duo from the DVD and then this memory stick inserted into the memory slot on the U53G to work.

I am running Windows Vista on my PC and have downloaded Windows Mobile Device Center installed and also Active Sync. I’m not sure if they are working correctly.

Anyone else out there found the Sony website very user unfriendly? I just seem to be sent from pillar to post regarding my queries.
115 Chris Powell // Jan 16, 2008 at 7:41 am

Got to agree with the comments re the Website- I find it absolutely rubbish. The handbook with the U53 is not much better and the supplied CD Rom doesn’t load. As for telephone “Customer Service”, this adds a new definition to the words! Also no reply to Emails. All in all Sony is an example of how NOT to conduct business.Good unit- Shite backup.
116 Hugh // Jan 16, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Hi Dean
I am trying to activate the Safety Camera on my U53. I eventually got my unit registered and received an activation code but when I try to enter this code into the unit it does not take. Any advice would be helpful
117 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:01 pm

Albert,
Amazon sell an AC charger which is suitable for all Sony sat nav devices. Does this link help?

Sony sat nav AC charger
118 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:10 pm

Hi Hugh,

These are the speed camera activation instructions I found on the Sony web site:

How to activate speed cameras

When you get to step number 8 does it not show a green tick next to United Kingdom?
119 Dean // Jan 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Hi Flann,
Information on the NVD-U11E is limited as you say. I haven’t had any luck locating it either.

According to this FAQ page on the Sony web site the maps go on the memory stick.

Click on the ‘General’ link and this will expand a further set of links. Click on the last link about memory stick support.

The web site doesn’t sound that convincing I must admit. It says it doesn’t guarantee that all memory stick duo media will work.

It also goes on to say the NVD-U11E is not compatible with Windows Vista.

I hope Sony can improve their web site and improve Vista support. It’s a shame really.
120 Hugh // Jan 16, 2008 at 11:15 pm

Hi Dean

Many thanks, I got there at last with your help
121 stuart // Jan 18, 2008 at 9:22 pm

im a delivery driver and have always used maps to find farms out of the way houses got stressed out til wifey bought me the sony nv-u53g.
now totally chilled it never fails to deliver.
my only issues are that the touch screen is not as sensetive as a tom tom i used. the main issues i have are regarding the advanced warnings the menu states i have three. speed monitoring, traffic light monitoring, distance traps. the only only function regarding this is it shows me where the speed cameras are so what are the other two for and how do i get them to work.
i was hoping that this would give me the ability to see what speed i am doing whilst in navigation mode and it would inform me if for example i was speeding in a say a 30 mile per hour zone.
traffic light monitoring is a mystery please help
122 Flann Howard // Jan 18, 2008 at 9:37 pm

At last I have sourced the Pan European Map Package DVD-Rom NVD-DU11E for the NU-53 here in Ireland at a cost of Euro 129. It will take about 5 days for delivery. So all I need now is a memory stick to upload these maps onto.

I had contacted the Sonystyle website with my query and this was the reply received: – “We do not currently have this information on this navigation system, I would therefore suggest that you contact Sony Car Navigation on 08702 408060″. One one have thought the Sonystyle website would have been able to help but as I have stated previously the Sony Website is a complete disaster which only send you around in circles and they have not the common courtesy of replying to your emails.

I kept trawling the internet and eventually found the site in Ireland where I live and they are to get me the DVD.

I will keep you informed how I get on when it arrives.
123 Dean // Jan 18, 2008 at 10:21 pm

Stuart – Distance traps will detect speed cameras which measure your average speed over a set distance. I’ve seen these cameras placed in motorway roadworks before.

Traffic light monitoring detects cameras mounted on traffic lights which catch people trying to jump a red light.

Flann – Thanks for the update. Look forward to seeing how you get on.
124 stuart // Jan 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm

dean thanks it makes sense now
125 simon // Jan 19, 2008 at 8:08 am

i have a nv-u52 and cant not manage to get my device id so that i can register my system on the web site can anyone help me please?
i know ther is no TMC on th unit so why is it telling me to tap the TMC window and i can not see the id in Product information.
126 Flann Howard // Jan 19, 2008 at 9:10 am

Simon if you mean NV-U53 do the following: –
Turn on Sat Nav.
Press More.
Settings.
Genernal Settings. In the general settings scroll down until Product Information and select arrow this will open with your Device ID, Software Version and Platofrm.

Hope you can follow this.

Flann
127 Colin // Jan 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Hi
I have the NAV- U73TW and it works just fine, But on the tmc signal indicator it shows a full white signal ( its picking up Real radio here in south wales)but have yet to see any traffic information, On the sony website (which is total crap) it points to a £20.00 lifetime subscription which is very confusing because the FAQ page points out that it should work with out subscription .as the unit got to be enabled like speed camera info ,or should it just work ? any ideas please.
128 Anna Power // Jan 19, 2008 at 7:17 pm

I have bought the Sony NV-U53 thanks to the review on this page, which is very accurate. I find that the screen has a superb design and the indications arrows that appear on the bottom left are extremely helpful – with a quick glance one can check the next turn and if there is another one soon after it. The voice indications are very good. Although it doesn’t have the ‘speech to text’ feature, when a roundabout deals with important routes the indication voice will say “take the second exit to the N81” as an example. The map has some flaws in Ireland. I went to a place called Shroughaun, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, Ireland, it didn’t recognize Shroughaun when one writes the name of the place, but when one selects the point in the map the word Shroughaun appears and later out of the blue also adds the word Naas – being Naas a town in County Kildare- anyway the indications and the place in the map are accurate. I think that Sony should at least allow one update of these maps free of charge. I was able to use the ‘Simulation’ facility: >Navigate >Address Input >Calculate Route >Options >Simulation. The only way to get this facility is when the GPS signal reception is totally dead (the instructions are not clear regarding this issue). If this pop-up message appears after selecting ‘Calculate Route’: “GPS reception is currently not sufficient…” although the GPS icon is red, there is a minimal reception and one cannot follow the subsequent steps in order to arrive to the ‘Simulation’. I have found that if I charge the sat nav using the USB charger connected to the computer the programs in the sat nav are altered and I get the wrong time, then I need to reset it and the problem is solved. When one charges it using the computer, the Sat Nav must be switched off and the computer shouldn’t go into Stand-by mode, but anyway I get the time problem. I will buy a ‘universal USB – mains plug converter’ and I hope that in this way the programs will not be altered in the Sat Nav. I think that Sony should include one of these, as the wholesale price is only 4 euro. I would appreciate if someone would tell me how much cost to update the Great Britain and Ireland maps – I have used it only once. Thanks Anna
129 Anna Power // Jan 19, 2008 at 10:02 pm

To Chris Powell who has Windows ME and cannot read the manual in the CD. In order to read the Manual in the CD in Windows ME or 98 environments, you should follow these steps:
Double click ‘My Computer’ icon – then click ‘View’ in the menu bar (top) – from the pop-up options select the last one ‘Folder Options…’ – you will see three tabs (General – View – File Types), click the ‘View’ one – once there, in ‘Advance Settings:’ you will see ‘Hidden files’, here select the radio button ‘Show all files’ and click OK (remember to click OK). Then put the CD in the CD drive – double click ‘My Computer’ icon and you will see displayed the black Sony icon nav-u in the CD drive – click this Sony icon with the right button of the mouse, from the options, click (a normal left click) ‘Explore’ – now you will see the folder ‘manuals’, double click this folder and you will see all the manuals, select ‘English UK manual’. Now you can read it.
As the CD supplies the drives for Windows XP and I think Windows Vista, I will find out which activesyn file one needs for Windows 98 and Windows ME in the Microsoft site – really Sony should have included it in the CD as many of us use those operating systems – and I will give details in another post.
130 stuart // Jan 19, 2008 at 10:32 pm

having spoken to friends who are sat nav users it is quiet cleaer that the nv-u53g is a winner however can anyone tell me why when i disconnect my unit from the charger and go on battery the battery says im not charged im taking this information from the battery icon in the top left corner of the screen.
131 Trevor B // Jan 19, 2008 at 11:21 pm

Hi All,

I’m trying to connect my sony nv-u3g to my laptop with no joy, the sony unit just displays a connecting screen.

I’ve installed active synch and now at a loss.

Cheers

Trevor
132 Chris Powell // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:37 am

To Anna Power re 129.

Many thanks for your help- I’ve followed the instructions and can get the page up which says “view manual” instal Activlink etc. Problem is when I click on anything it doesn’t actually do anything. I don’t know if its a duff disc or if the disc won’t activate because I’m running ME. Perhaps I need a new computer running XP or Vista! Guese what- It most definately won’t be a SONY……..
133 JOHN // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:47 am

BOUGHT ANEW NV-U53 FROM HALFORDS YESTERDAY 19/01 WISH I HAD READ THE REVIEWS ON HEAR FIRST GOT ALL THE PROBS WRONG TIME ,CANT REG ON LAPTOP, AND HAV TO TAP SCREEN MANY TIMES,QUITE ANOYING ,TAKING BACK TO SHOP TODAY SUNDAY TO GET MONEY BCK,ANY IDEARS ON A GOOD SAT NAV CHEERS JOHN.
134 C J // Jan 20, 2008 at 10:01 am

To John
I had an NV-U53 and theres a fault with the time display,it cant be repaired wiyh a firmware upgrade . So before you return it, contact Sony .
They should replace it with the NV-73tw as a good will gesture( better model) ,mine was replaced by courier the following day.
135 C J // Jan 20, 2008 at 10:14 am

To John
In regards to NV-U53 exchange for NV-73TW
Try this number ( not certain about it, but worth a try) > 0800 1695 263
“its a free phone number to sony customer services helpline”
Hope this helps
CJ
136 JOHN // Jan 20, 2008 at 10:19 am

TO CJ

THANKS FOR THE PHONE NUMBER,
WILL GIVE THEM A CALL,
137 Dean // Jan 20, 2008 at 11:20 am

Colin – re: comment 127. As far as I know, there is only a commercial TMC service available in the UK.

What I think is happening is that your U73 is receiving the TMC signal (hence the white traffic icon), but it won’t be able to decode the traffic messages sent by TMC until you enable the TMC feature on the U73. I think you’ll need to pay the £20 subscription.

Try this test. From the main screen tap the ‘More’ button and then ‘TMC Information’. Tap the ‘Change Message Display’ button and tap ‘Not on Route: All’, then tap the green tick button. That should display all traffic problems nationwide, not just on your route. If you don’t see any traffic problems listed then my guess is you need the £20 subscription to decode the TMC messages.
138 C J // Jan 20, 2008 at 11:35 am

Thanks Dean.
Looks like your right,
tried your test and the display stays blank.
Don’t know if its worth £20.00 for the amount of times it would be used ?.
( I notice on Sony website that older sat navs have a free lifetime subscription)
139 Dean // Jan 20, 2008 at 11:36 am

Stuart – Can you confirm. When the U53 is plugged into either your cigarette lighter socket or computer, does it eventually display a white battery icon, indicating the unit is fully charged? Then when you disconnect it, the battery indicator changes to an orange icon.

Also have a look at comment 50. Another reader mentions a problem where the unit never shows itself as fully charged (white battery icon) until a reset is performed. Perhaps it is the same problem you’re seeing?

Trevor B – What version of Windows do you have on your laptop?
140 Trevor B // Jan 20, 2008 at 11:43 am

Hi Dean,

Windows XP
141 Dean // Jan 20, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Hi Trevor – I think it just continues to display ‘Connecting’ until you perform some other action, such as installing safety cameras or updating the maps. I see the same ‘Connecting’ message permanently displayed on my U73T.
142 Anthony // Jan 20, 2008 at 12:29 pm

Hi, can anyone give a definitive answer to query 108 ? Concerning the NV-U53, will the system inform you of speed camera’s if you have NOT set a route. IE can you just leave the unit on as a speed camera detector ?

Also on a minor point, is the default ‘voice’ male or female ?

Thank you
143 colin // Jan 20, 2008 at 1:27 pm

Yes,.
Mine does it. It says ‘watch your speed’.But I dont know if it says anything if you speed is under the limit.
144 Chris Powell // Jan 20, 2008 at 1:28 pm

re query 142.

Yes it does and also alerts you even if you are under the limit (good idea IMO)
145 Anna Power // Jan 20, 2008 at 1:49 pm

To Chris Darrell – No, you don’t need Windows XP; I missed one step. Before putting the CD have the Ctrl+Shift keys pressed with two fingers (the Ctrl key and the key on top of it). While your two fingers from your left hand are pressing these keys, put the disc and continue pressing for a minute or a little more after putting the disc. In this way you will inhibit the auto play installation process. Then release those two keys and double click ‘My Computer’ icon and you will see the black Sony nav-u icon in the CD drive – click with the right button of the mouse this icon (remember right button) – from the pop-up menu select ‘Explore’ (normal left click) – you will see the folder ‘manuals’, (which appears a little bit translucent because was a hidden file before you change to the option ‘show all files’, step that you already did) – double click the folder ‘manuals’ – double click English[UK]_manual. Then you can read the manual freely.
Next weekend I will download from the internet the ‘ActiveSync’ file that we need for Windows 98 and ME, the disc has one for Windows XP. I will post the steps for it. Regards Anna
146 Trevor B // Jan 20, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Hi Dean,

I’ve tried installing the camera update but all I get is device not found.
I’ve also just noticed the time error, looks like I’ll get on the phone tomorrow.

Cheers for your help.

Trevor
147 Chris Powell // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Anna re answer 145

Thank You! There is light at the end of the tunnel at last. I owe you a drink!!

Chris
148 Dean // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Hi Anthony – it uses a female voice.
149 Anthony // Jan 20, 2008 at 4:43 pm

Thank you Colin, Chris and Dean, I am getting very close to purchasing this machine now as it seems to do everything I want at a very good price, I was going to go the TMC route but I don’t want extra aerials all over my screen for the amount of time I will actually us the item. Its more of a gadget for me as I dont travel great distances.

Reading the review can anyone confirm the following:
1) You can definately show your current speed on the unit ? (is this possible with NO predifined route ?)
2) Do the ‘safety camera’ alerts actually advise you of the speed limit on that stretch of road ?
3) Does anyone know which company supplies the ‘safety camera’ details ? (I know NavTeq supply the maps, which is good. Just wondering who supplies the camera info for reliablility and uptodateness !!! )

Unit is for sale at £129 in Halfords January sales.

Thank you for the advice and if I get get these last points assured then I shall be back to Halfords ASAP.

Thanks again
150 Chris Powell // Jan 20, 2008 at 6:00 pm

The unit will show your current speed when there is no route inputted (it doesn’t show the speed when following a pre programed route. It warns you to “watch your speed” when approaching cameras (both in map and route mode) but doesn’t tell you what the limit is. Not sure who provides the Safety camera details. All in all the unit works very well- its just the rubbish handbook; website, and “Customer Service” which lets it down- once you can get into the handbook on the supplied CD Rom it becomes a lot clearer.
151 Jon // Jan 20, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Hi,

just wondering if anyone can help me with the following:-

I have a NV-U53G which I have registered with Sony on my ‘profile’. How long does it normally take before Sony send out an activation code for the free ‘Safety Camera’ update?

Thank you,

Jon
152 C J // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Hi Jon
Down load the speed camera update first and update your sat nav.
after you register your sat nav the activation code is in your “profile page”
hope this helps.
153 Dean // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Hi CJ,
I think they include free TMC on some of the older sat nav systems to try and help them sell, to make way for the newer models.

I’ve yet to decide whether TMC is good or not. Reception is patchy or non-existent in some places, but on a positive note you can receive a signal where you live, which is a good start.

If you’re using the sat nav frequently then by all means consider the £20 subscription.
154 Jon // Jan 20, 2008 at 9:57 pm

CJ

I think download / upload sucessful. I will try out tomorrow.

Many thanks for your help.

Jon
155 Chris Powell // Jan 21, 2008 at 1:00 pm

NVU-53

OK the unit is now working fine and I have Speed Camera warnings working. My Q’s:-

Can I update the Speed Camera data FOC over the next 12 months?

If so, how? (in words of one syllable please!)

thanks in anticipation

Chris
156 jan // Jan 21, 2008 at 3:06 pm

please, what is the tel.number for sony navi costumer service in UK?
157 jan // Jan 21, 2008 at 3:13 pm

sorry i just find it in discusion before. thx jan
158 Jon // Jan 22, 2008 at 10:36 am

Hello,

I have managed to download the safety camera update to my laptop and tried to load it up to the Sat Nav unit, for some reason the laptop come sup with a box saying ‘Could not create a connection to device’ and the Sat Nav unit always has ‘connecting’ showing.

The safety cameras etc do not upload!

I am using windows XP?

If anyone can help then great.

Jon
159 gary // Jan 22, 2008 at 6:58 pm

hi just bought the nv- u 53 and less i’m missin summat (probably ) doesnt seem to be an option to add to the address book …favourites on other sat navs.. when you open the screen for it its blank like its not available pls someone help as i am gutted and £149 quid lighter …one other thing i always buy sony coz just trust them and like there products ,,but is the nuvi 250 w a better buy for the same money ? cheers Gary
160 Dean // Jan 22, 2008 at 8:39 pm

Hi Gary,
The NV-U53 does have an address book.

From the main screen tap the ‘Navigate’ button and then tap ‘Address Input’.

Enter the address details you wish to navigate to. Once you’ve entered the address details you should see a screen with a ‘Calculate Route’ button and a green tick. Don’t press that button but instead look for an ‘Options’ button at the bottom of the screen. Tap that button and then tap the ‘Save’ button.

You will then be prompted to enter a name for the address. Enter a name and the address will be saved to your address book.
161 stuart // Jan 22, 2008 at 8:55 pm

gary re address book the only way i can find to do it is to go to recent destinations after you have navigated to then press options then save it then it
appears in the address book.
162 stuart // Jan 22, 2008 at 9:07 pm

has anybody had this problem with the nv-u53
turned it on it comes up with the navtec screen with an horiontal grey and white bar at the same time it tries to run the navigation software as well causing an unreadable flickering screen as two pieces of software are trying to run.
to eradicate this i tried turning the unit off and then back on this didnt work so i tried the reset button this also didnt work.
this has happened three times in the month i have owned the unit any comments please i will be phoning sony tomorrow as halfords are stumped with the problem.
163 stuart // Jan 22, 2008 at 9:11 pm

ps i forgot to mention the only way i found to reset the unit was when i got home i plugged it into the usb port which then reset it back to normal use
164 Dave // Jan 22, 2008 at 10:30 pm

I have had my nv-u53 a couple of weeks now and I have also encountered the flickering screen as described in comment 162. By pressing the reset button on the underside using a ball point pen the problem seems to have been resolved. I have also noticed a better response when inputting data by giving the screen a gentle tap with the back of my finger nail rather than touching the screen with my finger. Clock also seems to work OK when getting GPS signal. Should the clock maintain time when not receiving a signal?
165 Dean // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:19 am

Dave – Regarding the clock time I have found the following on my U73. When I first switch it on the time is incorrect. Once a GPS signal is received the clock updates to the correct time. I’ve noticed that it can take a couple of minutes from getting a GPS signal before the clock updates to the correct time. If the GPS signal is lost then the clock maintains the correct time, providing you don’t switch it off and back on again.

Thanks for the tip about using the back of your finger nail for button presses. That does seem to work much better.

I haven’t come across the flickering screen problem.
166 Don // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Anyone know how your supposed to register the U53 at the moment? i want to enable the safty camera free year’s subscription thingymagig that came with it but when i goto the links listed in this page (the navu.sony-europe.com ones) their page just says ‘comming soon’? any help would be apreiciated!
167 Nick Stammers // Jan 23, 2008 at 1:48 pm

To Dean And the Gang,
I would like to take this oppertunity to thank all and every one of you for the help offerer, After a few problems with My 53G Sat Nav Sony came to my resque and replaced my unit with a 73T everything works fine and I have subscribed to the TMC but have not had the chance to try it out yet, I am realy impressed with the unit the best I have ever had to date and can recomend this unit to any potential buyer. I was very impressed with the service from Sony and the speed the new upgraded unit was returned to me they even took the old unit away. This service is not so often seen these days. Another Happy customer, And please carry on the good work,
Kindest regards Nick Stammers.
168 Lynn // Jan 23, 2008 at 2:58 pm

I have had my NV-U53 for two weeks & have had the same problems with it that have been mentioned here. Flickering screen, incorrect time, dose not always follow commands instantly. It may be the cheapest model but even so, it is still £150.00 which I originally thought was going to be well spent !!!
169 stuart // Jan 23, 2008 at 4:52 pm

i rang sony this morning regarding the problems i am having .
i can only say that the response was diabolical the only solution they could offer was to send it to them and they would repair it.
sorry sony cant do that as i have taken it back to halfords and bought a garmin the touchscreen is incredible compared to the sony
170 Dean // Jan 23, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Don – That links seems to be working OK now. Can you try again. If it doesn’t work let me know and I’ll help further.

I used the navu.sony-europe.com link you sent me, then I clicked on the ‘Safety Camera’ link, then I selected NV-U53G from the ‘all models’ dropdown list at the top of the screen.
171 Nick Stammers // Jan 24, 2008 at 10:40 am

Jan,
The phone number for Sony is 01932-816000. I spoke to Alan he was most helpfull.
Kindest regards Nick Stammers.
172 Nick Stammers // Jan 24, 2008 at 5:53 pm

To All NV-U53 Owners,
Ther is a fault on all of these units so much so that Sony has recalled most, If you are in any doubt with the 53 not working properly phone Sony on 01932-816000, and they will replace it with the latest 73T. the main problem is the time not keeping to the same time as the sats, other faults are the flickring of the screen or having to tap repeatedly to change functions, if you have any of these faults phone Sony they will help you,
they are a great firm so don’t let these minor faults put you off, to my mind one of the best SAT-NAV’s on the market.
Kindest Regards to All Nick Stammers.
173 Dean // Jan 24, 2008 at 6:47 pm

Sony were good in this respect. They replaced my U53 with a U73 back in November. The problem with the screen having to be tapped repeatedly still occurs on my U73 though.

Comment 164 from Dave came up with a good suggestion. Using the back of your finger nail works well. I’ve found using a ballpoint pen works well too.

And a follow up to comment 48 from Colin. I came across the same charging problem on my U73 yesterday.

If you can put up with these minor faults then it is a good system like Nick says. Hopefully Sony can iron out these issues in the future.
174 Richard // Jan 24, 2008 at 10:22 pm

All I have NAVU 52G 4 weeks old, The suction pad has now stopped working totally – Any thoughts
175 Dean // Jan 25, 2008 at 8:38 am

Hi Richard,
When you remove the suction pad from your car do you put back the round plastic sheet thing on the underneath of the suction pad. That helps to stop it drying out.

Also, try cleaning the suction pad with a damp cloth and then dry thoroughly.
176 Neil // Jan 25, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Dean

Firstly, all credit to you for your excellent & informative reviews. I am still trying to make my mind up between the NV-U53 and the Nuvi 250 (much like Anthony on the Nuvi 250 comments page) – overall I have the feeling that the Garmin comes out on top but (sad as it may sound) I like the look of the screen visuals more on the Sony. I’ll only be an occasional user so the choice is a difficult one. Anyway, thought it might be worth mentioning to people considering this unit that you can currently pick one up for £99.99 at halfords.co.uk, which sounds like a steal. The online price is £111 and they’re also knocking an additional 10% of all web pricess – this applies to ‘collect at store reservations. I’ve reserved one for pick-up tomorrow just in case I make a decision by then…

Thanks again – your reviews really do help the Sat-Nav numpty get an good understanding!

Cheers
Neil.
177 Dean // Jan 25, 2008 at 6:52 pm

Glad you liked the reviews. That’s a good price. Ask for a demo in the store and see if you can play around with it before buying. Might help to make your mind up which one to buy. Good luck!
178 bill // Jan 25, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Richard (comment 174) – I briefly had NV-U52 but after a few weeks use the suction pad split slightly so I took it back and got a refund. I bought NV-U53 and the suction pad on that is a different, more robust design.
179 Frank // Jan 26, 2008 at 12:51 am

Another thanks here, Dean. I also came here after hearing about the Halfords offer and it is great to see such a detailed review.

Regarding TMC, I am in London and have found it useless on the Garmin C510 I recently purchased and am planning to send back for a refund. No signal at all in an old car with a normal windscreen.

I think I’ll give the Sony a miss, but one thing I’m curious about – did you have a way to select a reroute button on this unit by a gesture command so that you could just do a gesture command from the map and it would automatically reroute??

If not do you know of any sat nav that has a function where you don’t have to go into the menu to access the reroute button?
180 Anthony // Jan 26, 2008 at 10:46 am

Neil that is a fantastic price, glad I did not know beforehand as it may have swayed my decision. I am glad it did not as I have now received the Nuvi 250W and so far I love it.

The killing point over the Sony for me was the safety camera alerts (I now know they are supplied by Cyclops) and the fact that they advise me of the speed I should be travelling at, and it does this in plain ‘driving around’ mode as well which is a real licence points saver and one of the main reasons I have the confidence to get rid of my old Road Angel now.

Also on a minor point I have already downloaded loads of free POI to the system with ease, which even lists all my local chip shops, very important to me, Ha ha

Great reviews on both enabled me to make my decision.

Thank you
181 rob // Jan 26, 2008 at 1:30 pm

hi we bought a u53 just before xmas. when putting in postcode other day at work we foundd it would not load . was flahing with ghost effect ot top of main screen any help be grateful thanks rob
182 Dean // Jan 27, 2008 at 10:08 am

Frank – Not sure about the reroute question at the moment. If I find anything out I’ll let you know.

Rob – A couple of readers have complained of flickering screens. You could try a factory reset. If that doesn’t fix it then I would give Sony a ring: 01932 816000
183 Towner // Jan 27, 2008 at 11:31 am

Hi, just bought this beast from Halfords (£99) and cannot for the life of me get it to connect to the PC. Have installed Active sync from the disc and tried several USB ports but the sat nav screen just says “trying to connect”. Also I left it hooked up to the USB port for at least 3 hrs and it did not charge the thing at all. What am I doing wrong!!! Thanks in advance.
184 Dave // Jan 27, 2008 at 12:16 pm

Towner: it’ll always show “Connecting” unless you’re transferring data to it (ie maps / speed cameras etc).

Whether it will charge from USB depends on your computer. Some of them can’t provide enough power over USB to effectively charge something up, which might be the case here. Have you tried leaving it switched off (but plugged in), or charging it in the car?
185 Tim // Jan 27, 2008 at 5:25 pm

I just bought my Sony NV U53G. The time uncorrect at first, but once connected to the satellites has got updated. I haven’t had problems after it. It’s pretty soon I guess, hope not…
I’ve found out that when you pressing any of the buttons you need to hold on it for a second. This safes hell lot of problems.
Hope that everything it will be fine in the future. If I experience anything else I’ll write about it.
All the comments are great!
186 Towner // Jan 27, 2008 at 5:37 pm

Hi Dave, Thanks for the reply. When I try to put the speed cameras on to the unit (free from sony) it says “Could not create a connection”. Also when I open the Active sync program it just says trying to connect and never achieves. A few other posts mentioned failure of connection also, have they now resolved this issue?? Will give Sony a call tomorrow anyway!!!
187 Anne H-N // Jan 27, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Sony NV-U53. Problems as Trevor above in connecting to PC. Installed activesync. PC screen says connected. Satnav screen stops at ‘Connecting’. Downloaded camera database without problem, but can’t copy to satnav. All leads etc to PC connected and working correctly.
188 Chris Powell // Jan 27, 2008 at 6:47 pm

Re the problem with having to press the icons more than once- I find that if you go into the “touchscreen” screen under “more” and use a matchstick to set it, then the response using your finger in future is much better.
189 Dave // Jan 27, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Re comments from Chris (188), I have just gone through the procedure that Chris described and can confirm that so far the screen is much more responsive
190 Towner // Jan 27, 2008 at 9:13 pm

Hi Anne H-N, my names Towner not Trevor!!! Just been trying again with no success. Tried through a USB hub and also directly, still no change. Any ideas anyone??
191 Anna Power // Jan 28, 2008 at 12:09 am

To Chris Powell
About the activesync, I didn’t solve the problem yet for windows 98 and ME. I have installed the activesync that comes in the disc following the indications of my previous posts 129 and 145; but instead of going to the folder ‘manuals’ one should go to the folder ‘install’ and double click it. When this folder opens, one will see 4 folders, the first one is ActiveSync, double click it, then from all the files that appear, double click ‘English [UK]_ActiveSync’. I have installed it, as I find out that version 3.8 supports windows 98, ME, 2000, NT 4.0 and XP, but when I connect the sat-nav, it doesn’t recognize that it is connected to the USB port and when I open the sony program in the disc, there were a lot of conflicts. Then I have uninstalled the ActiveSync, then the sony program doesn’t have conflicts, but of course the buttons with the links doesn’t work and a pop up message tell me that I should install ActiveSync 3.8 Then I right click the file ‘English [UK]_ActiveSync (the one in the disc) in order to see the version of it and the version is 4.71.1015.0 – probably it means that it is one of the later versions 4.x. Next weekend I will dedicate sometime to play with it, I will install the ActiveSync 3.8 from one of these sites:
http://support.blackspot.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=152&nav=0
or
http://www.oldversion.com/program.php?n=msasync
And we’ll see what happens. In the meantime I will write to sony in order to ask them a solution to this problem as these gadgets should come with clear instructions and a proper disc that supports windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and Vista. I am very happy with the sat nav that has a perfect design. I have used it twice and worked very well. The software in the disc spoils the pleasure of it. With the instructions in my 129 and 149 posts, one can read the manual and when Sony solves this problem we will be able to use the update facilities. Regards. Anna
192 Bill // Jan 28, 2008 at 5:28 pm

hi, just phoned up sony about the time issue and they are exchanging it with a nv-u73 which is a plus but do i have to wrap brown paper around the broken one to conseal what is in the package when they take it or does it not matter.
thanks
193 Bill // Jan 28, 2008 at 5:56 pm

oh to TOWNER i found that you have to have the computer in normal mode like it cant be in standby mode or it wont charge.
194 Darren // Jan 28, 2008 at 8:44 pm

Hi Everyone
The reviews were very helpful, I got my Sony u53 Saturday(26) and am very pleased with it.
The screen is superb, very clear and bright and I love it when it gets dark and the screen changes to the black and green..very cool!
Shame about no A/C charger (£5.00 on Ebay) and the hassle of connecting to Vista (Mobile device centre 6.1) then to get codes and activating them not too good Sony!
But I would heartly recommend the sony to any one.
I did have the Nuvi 250w and had nothing but problems luckly it fell out of my sunroof(!) one winter evening so I had to try the Sony for £99.99! and I’m glad I did!!
195 Towner // Jan 28, 2008 at 9:32 pm

Hi Bill, The computer was switched on but still no charging. I phoned Sony today and they have said take it back to Halfords and exchange it as it is not connecting to the PC or charging through the USB. Could people please post their Sat Navs Version 2.100 (223B) and Platform 2.900 to see if this is making any difference to the mentioned problems?
196 Brian // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:14 pm

Hi everyone, just bought the U53 today from Halfords for £99.99. Looks superb but would look even more impressive if i could switch the thing on.

I have tried to charge the battery through usb for 1 hour but the light has stayed red. Decided to try the car charger and after 3 hours the light turned green. I flick the on switch and still nothing happens. Hold the on button on and still nothing, blank screen.

Have now brought it back into the house and plugged it into the UBS again and its back to red and still nothing on the screen.

Thinking i have got a lemon.

Any ideas anyone.

Thnx.
197 Towner // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:22 pm

Hi Brian, To turn the unit on you just flick the top on/off switch to the right and then let it spring back. After about 1 sec the U53 will fire up, unless of course it is as you say a lemon. Failing that take it back to Halfords and get them to turn it on. If they can’t ask for an exchange and then make them turn that one on before you leave the shop!!
198 Brian // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:37 pm

Cheers Towner, so the sat nav should fire up straight away without having to charge the battery for a few hours ?

Flicking the on/off switch is what i have been doing but nothing happening. Blank screen only.

Back it goes tomorrow then.

Thnx again Towner.
199 Towner // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Hi Brian, Mine fired up straight out of the box as I connected it directly to the car charger. Just flicked the switch, set the options and off it went. Mines going back as I cannot connect to the computer or charge from the USB. One thing you could try is the “Master Reset” button underneath the unit by the memory card slot. Get a pen a push the button and see if that works. Let me know how you get on.
200 Brian // Jan 29, 2008 at 2:52 am

Sorry Towner for the late reply,

Tried the Master reset button with no joy so going to have to go back tomorrow. Does seem to be charging on the USB thou as the button has turned green from red. Not alot of good thou when the thing won’t fire up at all….lol.

Let’s hope i get it sorted tomorrow.
201 Brian // Jan 29, 2008 at 8:54 pm

OK quick update after getting a lemon yesterday. Went back today and got it swapped and this ones working a treat.

But of course not all is good. I can’t seen to be able to register it. When i go to the site i log in with my details and then click on safety cameras at the top left hand side of the screen. Then i have to register my device. On the 3rd option i have to put in my Device ID but when i try to find this on my unit i cannot get to it. No idea what to do from here.

Also i cannot get the disc to run. It trys to run and brings up blue screen as if its about to open then it cuts out and my sony won’t connect to my computer either. Just sits there saying finding connection but never does.

Im running Windows XP.
202 Towner // Jan 29, 2008 at 10:23 pm

Hi Brian, To find your Device ID do the following: Turn on!! Go to MORE. Go to SETTINGS. Go to GENERAL SETTINGS. Scroll all the way down to the bottom to PRODUCT INFORMATION. There is your Device ID.
I have downloaded Active Sync from the Microsoft website to see if this would remedy my connection problem but still no luck. I am also running XP. Think Sony have a problem here because I have read i a couple of places the same problem.
203 Brian // Jan 30, 2008 at 12:59 am

Great stuff m8. Thnx again for the help much appreciated.
204 Flann Howard // Jan 30, 2008 at 9:19 am

Many thanks for your very helpful information on the NV-U53G. It’s a pity Sony would not take your ideas on board in setting up this model. I’m finally getting the hang of things thanks to you and the many contribitors who experienced problems similar to mine initially. I got the map DVD here in Ireland and now have it up and running after just adding Spanish maps to the Memory Stick and working fine. Its a pity Sony don’t supply a mains charger with this model as when trying to add the full European Maps last night I ran into a low battery warning and it stopped. However I charged the unit during the night and just added the Spanish Maps they approx 350Mb in size and took approx 30 mins to load. One of my problems initially was when I connected my unit to my PC via the USB cable all I used to see was connecting with the running bar (Bar which is normal) it’s a pity Sony does not explain this. I am using Eindows Vista on my PC and working fine once I loaded Windows Device Center and the latest Active Sync. If it was not for your Bulletin Boad I would be still mystified as Sony support were not much help to me and as I said previously their website is the most unfriendly I ever cam across. In fact the supplier I sourced the Map DVD from even had diffuculty getting the info required. Once again many thanks for you help.
205 Nick Stammers // Jan 30, 2008 at 4:33 pm

Hi Brian, With all the problems you are having why don’t you phone Sony at 01932-816000 tel them you have a 53G giving problems with time settings etc they will upgrade the 53 to the 73 at no extra charge with the new unit you will get the extra maps and also the TMC system this if you want to activate will cost you an extra £20 for a lifetime use well worth the extra cost I think this a good deal from Sony in view of the fact that the 73 is worth another £30 more I changed mine and I;m very pleased with it, they will tell you to put the unit back in the box and they will send a curier out with the new one no extra charge Brilliant don’t you think. Kindest Regards Nick Stammers.
206 Steve Hill // Jan 30, 2008 at 6:50 pm

Had the same time problem, called sony on the number, 48 hours later i had the 73!

Can also confirm any PSP charger will charge any of the NV Sat Navs, so for a cheap charger, go to eBay and get a mains psp one!

Im having problems tho with activating the Speed Cam thingy, after i put the licience code in from the website, and then click the green tick, there is no activation date put in and cannot seem to get any further, anyone else had this problem?
207 Nick Stammers // Jan 31, 2008 at 3:51 pm

Steve, After entering your ID code and your licence code you need to tap on more then go down to settings gen settings press the arrowdown to Advanced Warnings tick this then arrow down to UK then tick. you must then tick advanced warnings 3 of 3 and Speed Monitoring. the camras should then be activated. Why Sony can’t put the camras on as standard I do not Know everyone else does, as regards going by the manual forget it Sony must never read what they print as in no way does it relate to the Sat Nav 53 or 73 for that matter. Hope this helps Kindest regards Nick Stammers.
208 Steve Hill // Jan 31, 2008 at 5:25 pm

Cheers Nick, have done that and they seem to now show up, just seems strange you dont get a “validated” message or anything.

Another tip i have too is the PSP slip case fits the 53/73 perfectly, Granted the PSP is 1.5 inches longer than the navu, but its better than paying 14.99 for the official case!

All psp chargers also work, i have a car one which i plugged in and charged too.

My lasttop tip is grab one of them PSP usb chargers, so you can charge it at home and play with it at the same time, as it used the DC input not the mini usb input to charge. You could get the case and cable off ebay for less that a fiver total!
209 Kev // Jan 31, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Hi
Seen a map update (NVU53G – 8383J4W85WEDH)
for £42 has anyone updated yet no version no or date though… free update would be nice considering all the other issues or a voucher code
210 Nick Stammers // Feb 1, 2008 at 11:47 am

Kev, Read my memo to Steve No 207 you’ll get the Euro maps free with the 73 if you have problems with the 53. regards Nick.
211 Nick Stammers // Feb 1, 2008 at 11:52 am

Kev Sorry I ment 205 Nick.
212 Graham // Feb 2, 2008 at 8:47 pm

Hi all, I have spent this morn reading most of the reviews on here and i am grateful to the ones that helped me, I have also got the NVU53G and i also found the glitch with the screen flickering, as for the time on the clock, when plugged in to the acc in the car it showed the correct time altho not in the house. I agree with what most say about the Instruction manual, FORGET IT SONY, must of been a man that wrote it lol overall, its a nice bit of kit altho the speed cam warning only goes off once about 200 yards and thats it, maybe a few more beeps would be nice, are you listening SONY.
Regards.
213 Rob // Feb 2, 2008 at 10:19 pm

Bought the U53,like many of you at the recent £99.99 offer from Halfords,bargain!!
I have one question,is it possible to display the route in text form so it lists road by road,in the same way the Tom Tom and Garmin do?
Many thanks.
214 alex // Feb 3, 2008 at 12:18 pm

Hi, have been reading comments on the u-53. I know this has been mentioned but where exactly is the licence key needed for speed-cam activation on my profile page? Have got device id etc. but no activation code/licence key no? Thanks
215 Dean // Feb 3, 2008 at 2:40 pm

Rob – It is not possible to display the route in text only form.

Alex – Go to your profile page on the Sony web site. You should see a tab labelled ‘My Devices’ and below that your U53 is listed. Do you see a white plus sign on an orange background to the left of where your U53 is listed? If you click on that plus sign it will show a screen with the speed-cam license key. Let me know if that doesn’t work.
216 alex // Feb 3, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Dean-thanks for that but there is no white on orange plus sign to the left of my U53 Listing. All
i ‘ve got is + ‘show all products’ to the right of my profile screen…
217 Dean // Feb 3, 2008 at 9:24 pm

Alex – Have you purchased the speed camera download? The cost is free so you won’t be charged for anything.

Click on the safety camera link on the left hand side of the page. Select NV-U53 from the ‘all models’ dropdown list at the top. Then scroll down to the bottom of the screen and locate the safety cameras for the UK. Then click on the shopping trolley icon. Once purchased you should get an activation code in your profile.

You may have already done this but thought I’d check.
218 Carolina // Feb 4, 2008 at 11:09 am

Hi,

A few months ago I got this SONY GPS for my birthday and have found it a very useful tool, especially for work where I am required to pick up money from places I’ve never been to.

However, carrying the screen, suction device and power plug around is proving to be somewhat of an annoyance, and I am concerned that at some point something will get damaged. I have looked on the internet for a carry case and the most I have found is what looks to be a case only for the screen, which strikes me as useless as the screen with no suction cup to hold it up is just silly.

I have called Sony España to ask whether they sell a case but they have told me they don’t. Does anybody know of any carry cases that will hold all the necessary items safely?

Also, I gather from previous comments that the voice can call out road names. Is this an additional option you have to select? The system was bought in Spain with the Spanish road maps, but I have chosen the English voice, perhaps this is why it does not call them out?

Many thanks for any help provided.
219 Dean // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Hi Carolina,
The cases I have seen only hold the screen. One suggestion would be to visit a camera shop and see if you can buy a camera case that would do the same job.

Not sure about the voices. It’s possible it only calls out road names with the UK and Ireland maps, and not on mainland Europe. But that is just a guess.

If there is anyone else out there who has used the NV-U53 in Europe let us know. Thanks.
220 Dave // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:11 pm

My understanding is that it doesn’t read out road names at all, only road numbers.
221 Dean // Feb 4, 2008 at 7:28 pm

That’s right Dave.

Carolina – can you confirm. Do you mean road names or road numbers? I assumed you meant road numbers when I answered your query.

As Dave rightly points out, it doesn’t read out road names at all.
222 HOLTY // Feb 4, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Can anyone tell me on the U53 ,or any of the other Sony sat nav’s can you can search for ATM’s on the point of interests. Cheers.
223 Graham // Feb 4, 2008 at 11:17 pm

Upon connecting my U73T to my PC (through ActiveSync), the time on the Sat Nav displays exactly 8 hours behind GPS time signal. Resets itself to GPS time when picks up satellite signal again. PC time is correct. Any ideas?
224 Dean // Feb 5, 2008 at 11:14 am

Holty – I don’t see an option for searching ATMs on my U73.

Graham – Have a look at comment 128 from Anna which mentions about the unit being set to the wrong time when connected to a computer. Also comment 165 describes the behaviour I see on my U73. Hope this helps.
225 Carolina // Feb 5, 2008 at 3:23 pm

Hi,

Thanks for the advice, I’ll have a look around camera shops for a nice case.

I only assumed that it called out road names after reading one of the posts here:

Darrel Halfyard // Nov 14, 2007 at 6:33 pm

Dean,

Yea you spot on if I miss out the 2, I get there. It’s a little worrying to be honest. I had to go back into work to find the hotel..lol

Have you seen the problem were your ETA Time changes? It’s happening to me a lot!!!

Using it again tomorrow on a trip to Manchester.

To be honest as I said before I find the mapping, the directions spot on. I like that it calls out road names, much better than the TOMTOM XL I was using (borrowed). What it’s lacking is the full post code with number, and now this little GEM with Cambridge.

I’m sure all these could be fixed with a FLASH, but hope Sony sort it soon.

D.

Anyway, thanks a lot for your help.
226 gary aitken // Feb 5, 2008 at 3:45 pm

does the speed camera warnings tell you of the mobile camara sites, or is it just the fixed ones.also just to check you cant put the house number in for the post code
227 Anna Power // Feb 5, 2008 at 11:24 pm

About activesync 3.8 for windows 98, the file downloaded from the oldversion.com site mentioned before worked perfectly with windows 98 or ME, the file included in the CD although is activesync 3.8 it didn’t work well with 98 or ME as probably sony did some unhappy tweaks to it as they followed Microsoft. But anyway, I realized that the sony program/software in the disc doesn’t support any Windows 9x (being ME the last one of them), it requires windows xp or 2000. So windows 98/ME, Linux and Mac users should download the ‘update’ files from the Internet into their own computers and then go to an Internet cafe with windows xp computers. The sony program is a non-install program (run from the CD), the computer should have the activesync program downloaded. In order to have the settings right in the active sync program: Go to ‘Start’ > ‘Programs’ > ‘Microsoft Active Sync’. Once ActiveSync opens one sees four options in the top menu bar: File – View – Tools – Help . Once selected ‘File’ the submenus are: ‘Mobile device’: forget about it – ‘Explore’ do not touch it as it links to Windows Explorer and sony pointed out in their site that if one tries to use it, the programs in the sat-nav will be damage – ‘Delete partnership’: do not touch it – ‘Get connected’: you will click this one after you finishes with all the settings. The second menu is ‘View’: not need to alter anything here. The third menu is ‘Tools’, once selected, you’ll see the submenu ‘Options…’, select it and you will see three tabs, the first one (which is the one displayed) is ‘Sinc Options’: remove the ticks in every check box – the check boxes should be empty. Then go to the second top tab ‘Sync Mode’, there you have three alternatives, be sure that the first one is selected: ‘Continuously while the device is connected’. Then go to the third tab ‘Rules’ , here be sure that the check box for ‘Open ActiveSync when mobile device connects’ has a tick. Now connect your sat-nav to the computer and switch it on and: >click File >click Get Connected and follow the instructions. If you don’t get connected repeat the last steps until you get connected. Once connected put the Sony CD in the computer. The first Window is ‘Select Installer Language’, click English (UK) or the one you want. AND FROM HERE ON, I am in need of a kind soul that would give me step-by-step instructions of how to download the safetycam update into the Internal Memory!!! Thanks in advance – Anna
228 YURIY // Feb 6, 2008 at 12:55 am

Hello,
Just bought NV-U93CT. all in all a great unit, but the connectivity to the PC is a major problem. Installed active SYNC but then the START.exe file for the CD would never WORK (it would start and disappear quickly)
Also bugging is the ever-CONNECTING messgae. BUT HOW IN THE WORLD CAN I SENT THE SPEED CAMERAS FILES DOWNLOADED FROM THE WEBSITE TO THE UNIT? I HAVE SAVED THEM TO A REGULAR WINDOWS FOLDER ON MY PC BUT TO WHICH FOLDER ON THE UNIT SHALL IT BE SAVED AND HOW? I FAILED TO DO IT FIRST AND ACTIVATED 4 COUNTRIES BY THE ACTIVATION CODE – WILL IT WORK NOW AT ALL? ANY PRE-INSTALLED SPEED CAMERAS DATABASES COME WITH THE UNIT? THANKS REALLY FOR ANY HELP.
229 Dean // Feb 6, 2008 at 8:12 am

Gary – I haven’t had a chance to test whether mobile cameras are detected. But I can confirm you cannot enter a house number when navigating to a postcode.

Safety Camera Help – Here is some help for people asking about the safety cameras….

I’ve assumed you’ve already downloaded the safety camera file to your PC. If anyone needs helps with this first step then let me know and I’ll post further details.

Once you’ve downloaded the safety camera file to your PC you need to do the following:
- Connect your U53 to the computer
- Double-click the safety camera file downloaded to your PC
- The safety camera file will be automatically uploaded onto your NV-U53

Once uploaded, you need to activate the safety camera feature:
- Log into your profile page on Sony web site
- If you get a screen up asking you to select your country then pick whatever country you live in
- Click the Safety Camera link on the top left of the page
- At the top of the screen is a dropdown box labelled ‘all models’, select NV-U53 from the list

You should now see a list of safety camera subscriptions for various countries. Assuming you live in the UK scroll down to the bottom until you find the UK subscription box.

- Click on the ‘How to…’ link
- A dropdown list called ‘Please select what you are looking for…’ is displayed
- Select ‘How to activate speed-cam’ from the list

You should now see a page which guides you through the activation process.

You may also like to see the safety cameras displayed on the map whilst driving. If so do the following:
- Press the back button on your browser so you go back to the previous page with the ‘Please select what you are looking for…’ dropdown list
- Select ‘How to show speed-cam on map’

A page is displayed guiding you through how to show the speed cams on the map.
230 Anna Power // Feb 6, 2008 at 9:58 am

To Dean – Many… many thanks for your help about how to download the safety camera file into the sat-nav and for all the help you are giving.
—————————-
I forgot to add in my previous post 227 that one will know that the sat-nav is connected to the computer when the ActiveSync program displays the word ‘Connected’, while the sat-nav displays ‘Connecting’ – do not mind it, your gadget is connected!
231 YURIY // Feb 6, 2008 at 2:23 pm

Hi everyone. Another problem is with scrolling the map. If I direct with my finger where i want to move the map – after a number of successful operations the system message appears telling me that the memory card has been removed and the system will terminate automatically”. Of course I didn’t remove a card! What I think is happening – the maps are really big in volume and it just jams/cloggs the operating memory so hard it blocks. Question: why is it happening with such a beefy processor?
232 Henry Hitchcox // Feb 6, 2008 at 8:24 pm

Ive got one for christmas and i still cant get it to work. Ive plugged it into all the PC’s in the house and none of them can find it…

Any ideas?

Cheers Henry
233 Anna Power // Feb 6, 2008 at 9:55 pm

To H. Hitchcox – Did you put the CD and click ‘Install ActiveSync’? If not, put the CD, and from the first options click ‘Install ActiveSync’ and then follow the steps in my posts 227 and 230
234 gary aitken // Feb 6, 2008 at 10:12 pm

can we put in the house number when we use address input and not the post code, cheers gaz
235 Anna Power // Feb 6, 2008 at 10:38 pm

To Yuriy that the start.exe disappears after few seconds – perhaps there is a problem with your disc and you need to get a replacement from sony. But try it in your pc, go to: > ‘Start’ > ‘Run…’ and write: R:\start.exe > OK (changing the R: for the letter that represents the CD drive in your pc). There is a chance that it will work in this way.
236 Dean // Feb 7, 2008 at 8:17 am

Gary,
Yes you can enter a house number when using the address input and not the postcode.
237 Dean // Feb 7, 2008 at 2:23 pm

A couple of people have reported problems where the unit does not charge properly using USB. I’ve seen this myself.

One explanation which could explain the problems I was seeing was that I charged the unit via a USB hub. I plugged my Sony into a USB port on the side of my LCD monitor, rather than using a USB port directly on my PC tower. It’s possible my LCD does not provide sufficient power to charge the unit.

My advice woud be to charge the unit using a USB port directly on the computer.
238 Chris // Feb 7, 2008 at 10:11 pm

Doh!!!!! I have only just found this forum….i bought the sony NV-U53 months ago and didnt even realise the problems/recalls!!! Is it too late to return my unit for the improved upgrade????? Its realy comforting to see so many niggles im experiencing, others are voicing their concerns and annoyances!!!!
239 Flann Howard // Feb 8, 2008 at 2:13 am

Could I make a few suggestion on this forum for Sony to note if at all possible: -

1. They re write the instruction manual for the NU53G. This is the model I have and not familar with the others but from the above queries it definely needs to be written in lay mans language.

2. Would it not be better if the European maps were preinstalled on a memory stick and then purchased. Instead of having to but the DVD and then spend hours transferring onto the Memory Stick. I just spent 1 hour transferring 2 maps on to the memory stick.

3. Would they not have the common courtesy of replying to emails as listed on their site. I sent about 6 different emails to links on their site but no replies. Eventually I rang one of the companies only to be told that is not our email address it needs to be changed on the Sony website
240 Dean // Feb 8, 2008 at 8:25 am

Hi Chris,
I would still give Sony a ring. It has a 12 month guarantee so they should offer a replacement.
241 alex // Feb 8, 2008 at 6:23 pm

Dean-Thanks a lot, all working now, would prefer a visual warning for cameras tho…
242 Nick Stammers // Feb 8, 2008 at 6:32 pm

Hi Chris, Read my article No 172, and give Sony a ring on 01932-816000. I think you will be pleasantly surprised they are very helpfull but make sure you tell them straight away you have a 53-g. the early ones were all recalled. Regards Nick Stammers.
243 colin // Feb 9, 2008 at 8:59 pm

I just got a great looking NV-U53 2nd hand and its got the previous owners address installed as “Home”. How do I alter this to my home address? I’ve checked through the Cd but can only find how to input home from start up as new, not how to change it in my case, or even if you move house.
244 Chris Powell // Feb 9, 2008 at 9:37 pm

there is a danger from actually setting the “Home” details. If your car is nicked with the satnav in it, all the thief has to do is touch “Home” and off he goes- with your car and keys! Just a thought.
245 Anna Power // Feb 10, 2008 at 11:53 am

To Colin: In my instructions, when you see >, I mean either ‘click’ or ‘select’. In the first window of your sat-nav you will see ‘Navigate’, ‘Go Home’, ‘Map’ and ‘More’. Select ‘Navigate’ > ‘Address Book’ – you will see the keyboard and on top right you will see a ‘List’ button , click this button – select each address in this list, one by one and delete them > ‘Options’ > ‘Delete’. Then go back to the first Window but this time select ‘More’ > ‘Setting’ > ‘General Settings’ and press the down arrow until you find ‘Start Configuration Wizard’, select this option >Select language and click green tick >Select Distance Unit > Select Brightness > Set Time Format > Home Address [and here you will get the question: ‘Do you wish to specify your Home Address now?].
To Chris Powell: YOU ARE RIGHT!!! I will remove my home address and I will put a near enough intersection as ‘home address’, instead of it.
246 wendy // Feb 10, 2008 at 4:20 pm

My problem is with the speed camera alert. I dont think its working as when I drove through a camera the other day nothing was picked up even though in the settings I have the speed camera alerts highlighted. Does it pick up mobile cameras or just fixed?
Tried to follow Deans instructions but when I plug in the usb to the unit it says its connecting but nothing happens! I have windows vista could this be the problem?Desperate for help, ready to throw it out of the window
247 colin // Feb 10, 2008 at 7:40 pm

Chris/Anna, thanks for replies and help. Certainly valid point about storing home address so Ill not store mine. Anyway I’ve been finding my way around the device today and finding it really accurate, although I’m not the most technical minded but at least making headway. Cheers
248 Andy // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:57 am

Hey everyone – Thanks for your comments and experiences.
It would seem i’m in the same boat and have the same problems as most of you.
Having just called Sony I can confirm that they are aware of the problems and if you report the symptoms as discussed they will arrange an exchange for the next model up.. But Beware!!

When I first called I was treated very badly by a girl that admitted she knew nothing about sat nav units. She claimed that there are no reported problems with the unit (Hello?) and that someone would ring me at some time.. Hmmm Very helpful.. I obviously questioned this explanation and the girl interrupted, shouted and got personal. Seems that Sony have employed a live wire in their London Customer Support team. It’s only 09:30 and she was raging.. I hope none of you get the pleasure of dealing with ‘Karen’.. She hung up on me when I asked if the calls are recorded as I wanted her manager to listen to her ‘customer service skills’

But there is a happy ending.. When I called back a few minutes later I asked to be put through to a different call centre. The attitude and response was a pole apart. Helpful and respectful.. What a breathe of fresh air. The helpful guy I spoke to was ‘Alan’.. Top bloke and couldn’t be more helpful. He made up for the shocking attitude of Karen.. I hope you guys get this guy and his office when ringing up

So persist and don;t put up with any nonsense. There are more than one call centre you can go through to.
249 Marty // Feb 11, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Hi all, I’ve just got a NV-U53 seems ok at the moment apart from one thing. I’ve set it to show speed in the settings but it isn’t shown on the screen when driving. How do I get it to show the speed. Thanks
250 YURIY // Feb 11, 2008 at 4:36 pm

happy owner of NV_U93CT

Marty , you are right – it doesn’t show you the speed when you are going on a pre-determined route (which is very stupid as I see it). It would only show your speed when no destination is targeted – it will then report where and at what speed you move (I amsure this is a software related drawback and would very appreciate if SONY could develop and provide users with a special code, which would enable speed reporting feature on a pre-determined route. Hello SONY! Apart from that it did miracles yesterday when I took it for a walking tour. I was coming back down from a densely populated town on a slope. When switched to the PEDESTRIAN mode it immediately directed me into a tiny sub-street which was turning left and right between the houses and eventually cut me 2/3 of the way (as compared to the way I’d have to go following the winding road). Therefore it is a great unit, but with it’s minor problems. Hopefully these discussions can help us all to figure it out better.
251 Marty // Feb 11, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Thanks YURIY.
At least I know that its not a fault with my unit,I’ll have to use it a few more times to see if any other problems show themselves.
252 Chris // Feb 13, 2008 at 6:12 pm

Hi Dean,

Cheers buddy! I will give sony a ring, my guarrantee still well within its sell by date….lets see what they have to say for themselves!!! Im praying they at least keep up their good name by offering the upgrade!
253 Ann // Feb 14, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Hi Dean,
I have tried registering my device it’s NV-U52G ,I tried the general settings button but that only gives me the version number for the device ,but it asks me for a Device ID and when i follow the on screen instructions and i get to the point where i have to press TMC Infromation there is a button there but it cannot be pressed and is not lit up! Could someone please help me.
I’ve also lost the disc that came with it,can you tell me where I can get another 1.
254 Dean // Feb 14, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Hi Anne,
Do comments 89 and 90 above help at all?

If that doesn’t help then the following link may be what you need:

NV-U52 Device ID update file
255 Dean // Feb 14, 2008 at 6:57 pm

The manuals can be downloaded using the following link. Just enter your model name in the search box.

User Manuals
256 Ste // Feb 16, 2008 at 7:03 pm

The screen has cracked on my sat nav NV-U53, I only bought it on28th January 2008 when I took it back they just fobbed me off how can I obtain a new screen replacement if this is possible.
257 gary aitken // Feb 16, 2008 at 10:29 pm

anyone no if it picks up mobile camera sites
258 Dean // Feb 17, 2008 at 9:24 am

Hi Gary,
In my tests it only picked up fixed cameras.

I presume you mean sites where you drive along and you see a speed camera sign, warning of possible speed cameras in the area. The Sony didn’t warn me of these. I drove the same routes using a Garmin Nuvi and it did warn me of these.
259 Dean // Feb 17, 2008 at 9:26 am

Ste,
You could try phoning Sony and see what they say. Their number is 01932-816000.
260 ansoy // Feb 19, 2008 at 9:19 pm

hi dean.
i bought the nvu53 last month.. its a nice gps.. i agree everything u said.. apart from the car cradle.. my one is not stick on dash board and windscreen long anymore… it keeps fall off when i m driving.. do u know everywhere i can replace the suction cup or the whole crale..
as if it keep doing that… my nvu53 will break somehow.. thx
261 Dean // Feb 19, 2008 at 9:55 pm

Hi ansoy,
It sounds like the suction cup has got dirty and lost its suction power. The NV-U53 comes with a protective plastic sheet attached to the suction cup when first purchased.

Do you reattach that plastic sheet to the underside of the suction cup when not in use? If not the suction cup will quickly become dirty and lose suction power.

I assume when you first bought the NV-U53 the suction cup worked OK?

The other thing I recommend is to remove the suction cup from the dashboard or windscreen after every journey. If it is left stuck to a surface too long that can reduce the suction power too.
262 ansoy // Feb 19, 2008 at 10:29 pm

thx for the qucik reply..
i do remove the suction cup from dashboard or windscreen after every journey.. and i reattach the plastic sheet back on it..

when the first time the cradle fell off the dashboard.. i thought it was bcos the gps is too heavy to it.. then i sticked it back on the dashboard.. it started keep falling off since then
..
been looking on the internet to find a suction pad relacement.. but cant find it anywhere at all..

i have the same problem as the others.. need to tap repeatedly to change function and flickering screen…

is it any different between nvu53 and nvu53G?

thx again
263 Dave // Feb 19, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Having being using the NV-U53 for a few weeks now, I now find that after following some of the comments shown above that my device seems to be working fine. I like the fact that the cradle fits on the dashboard and not the windscreen but I do always re-attach the plastic cover on the suction cup when not in use. I am also getting a good response to touch screen after following instructions re matchstick shown on comment 188 and since getting flickering screen once have never had it anymore since pressing reset. Is there any way of updating points of interest, ie location of sporting venues such as Football grounds.
264 Lars // Feb 20, 2008 at 11:46 am

My swedish U53 came with version 2.1.00 (223B) and platform 2.900

Is this similar to yours in UK? I have seen some errors in displayed time and button response. But it realy speaks the road numbers! Sony told me it doesnt… (my comment in U73 rewiev:-)
265 Dean // Feb 21, 2008 at 8:29 am

Ansoy – Someone else was asking the same question about a replacement suction cup on the U73 review on this web site. They phoned Sony who said a replacement would cost £40 which is way too expensive in my opinion.

Dave – You can’t update any of the points of interest which is a shame. I hope they allow this in the future as many other sat nav systems allow this.

Lars – I’ve got the U73, but hopefully someone else with a U53 can post the version number here.
266 Richard // Feb 22, 2008 at 8:46 pm

Dean Re suction Cup – The NVU52 g Does not come with a Suction Cup cover – S o whats the best advice to prevent dirt and drying out – Or Have I missed something in the Box !!
267 Towner // Feb 22, 2008 at 9:22 pm

Richard, When you first open the U53 up, the cradles suction cup has a circular black plastic cover on the gel part. This needs to be removed when using and then replaced when your finished.
268 colin // Feb 25, 2008 at 9:00 pm

hi again, still finding my way around the U53, does anyone know how to run the demo facility? It can be activated at initial configuration from set up at new but not shure how to run it as a tutorial any other time.
thanks.
269 Dean // Feb 26, 2008 at 5:49 pm

Hi Colin,
Try this. From the main screen select More…, then Settings, then General Settings. Keep tapping the down arrow to scroll through the various screens. You will come to an option called Demo Mode which you can toggle on and off.
270 Marja // Feb 27, 2008 at 5:03 pm

Can anyone help me, my Sony sat-nav will not stay stuck to the dashboard, very dangerous, it keeps coming off – I phoned Sony and they were not at all helpful. Any ideas, apart from gluing the thing to the dashboard which really is not an option due to the possibility of theft.
271 colin // Feb 28, 2008 at 6:59 pm

hi Dean, thanks for that…..now I’m getting as far as toggle “demo mode yes” but do you know how to then run the demo as a tutorial?
cheers.
272 Dean // Feb 29, 2008 at 8:29 am

On the same general settings screen where you toggled demo mode, tap the down arrow to scroll to the next screen. Tap ‘Start the Configuration Wizard’. Go through all the wizard steps and at the end you have the option to run the demo.
273 Barty // Feb 29, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Hi All

Received my U53 on Tuesday, had same problem with clock. Contacted sony who arranged for U73 replacement, to arrive Thursda.Waited in all day, no U73. Rang Sony said there had been a email error, would arrive Friday. Arrived midday Friday.Charged for 2 hours, went to turn it on and nothing, would not come on at all.Rang Sony again, cannot replace untill Tuesday. I will be sending this back to supplier. Going for either Navman S70 or Garmin 250w. Any ideas which one is best?.
274 Dean // Mar 1, 2008 at 8:19 am

Hi Barty,
No experience of the Navman S series yet, although I will be reviewing one in the next couple of months so will have a better idea then.

Garmin are a good brand and the 250W has a huge POI database, it’s an excellent sat nav, but doesn’t have features like TMC or Bluetooth.

It depends what features you’re looking for in a sat nav. Perhaps you could let me know more about what you need.

If you’re looking to buy one soon you could try visiting a local store near you and ask for a demo of both models.
275 MARK // Mar 1, 2008 at 11:09 am

Hi iv just brought a wait for it.(yes a u 53) and have the same problems as others have described, such as the clock not being right, the battery not charging properly ect… wish i had seen these reviews first. what should i say to sony when i call them promply on monday morn to get the upgrade that others have recieved and not get palmed off with another 53 thanks.
276 Dean // Mar 1, 2008 at 5:13 pm

Hi Mark,
I think everyone on this forum has received an upgrade to the U73 rather than a replacement U53. They should do the same for you. Hope you get the problem sorted.
277 barty // Mar 1, 2008 at 5:22 pm

Hi Dean

Thanks for the reply, all i need is asat nav with european maps, TMC and bluetooth would be great, but not essential. Do you know what type of accesories come with either the Navman S70, orGarmin 250W

Barty
278 Dave // Mar 1, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Barty, I think you might be being a bit hard on Sony. They shipped you a brand new U73 within 2 days, and even though that has a problem (perhaps you’ve just been unlucky), you seem to expect Sony to arrange couriers to pick up / drop off over the weekend.

Have you tried poking a paperclip into the reset hole on the back? Push it in, hold it for 30 seconds, then try switching it on. Does it charge if you plug it into your car?
279 barty // Mar 1, 2008 at 6:13 pm

Hi Dave

Thanks for the comments. I had informed sony that i had brought the sat nav as i neede d it today. I gues i am just unlucky. Have tried the paperclip, but again nothing. Have tried charging both from PC and the car. Charge light comes on but nothing else. Perhaps it is a dud battery.

Barty
280 MARK // Mar 3, 2008 at 2:12 pm

Hi dave thanks for the info, called sony and am awaiting a call back from them so fingers x.
281 Dean // Mar 3, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Hi Barty,
Hope you get the problem with the Sony fixed.

Regarding the Navman S70 and 250W. The 250W has over 10 times as many Points of Interest as the S70.

The S70 does have bluetooth and Navpix (the ability to navigate to photos you’ve taken) which the 250W does not have. It also includes a USB cable which is missing from the 250W. TMC is an optional extra for the S70. Looks like you need to buy a TMC cradle for £50. There is no TMC option with the 250W.
282 barty // Mar 3, 2008 at 9:05 pm

Hi Dean

Thanks for the comments.

Sony delivering another u73t tomorrow, hopefully this one will work. I have also ordered a Navman S70 incase the sony does not work. I had a look at the garmin and the navman, but preffered the s70. Thanks again for your help.

Barty
283 john // Mar 5, 2008 at 11:34 am

is it a common problem for the NV-U53 to flicker,(it flicker`s so much that you cant see the road maps)
284 john // Mar 5, 2008 at 12:21 pm

dean please please help me, i need my sat nav to get around, as i cant hold a map up while i`m driving.. is my unit nee good, (3 week`s old) nv-u53. should i send it back to sony.. please advise me as to what i should do.
thank you.
285 john // Mar 5, 2008 at 12:26 pm

barty can you help me
286 Dean // Mar 5, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Hi John,

Yes it sounds like you have a faulty unit. Several people have complained about this problem. I suggest you phone Sony on 01932-816000. With any luck they should upgrade you to the nav u-73 as a goodwill gesture.
287 barty // Mar 5, 2008 at 2:10 pm

Hi Dean

2nd nav u73 arrived yesterday from sony. Still got problems. Will not hold signal, and have screen flicker. Have sent back to supplier.Awaiting Navman S70. Hope i have better luck with that one.

Regards

Barty
288 john // Mar 5, 2008 at 2:23 pm

thank you dean
289 MARK // Mar 5, 2008 at 3:57 pm

hi new u73 arrived today must say sony dont mess around they are promp. but i dont know if this unit is ok or not. can somebody tell me when you have it plugged in via USB is it ment to constantly keep saying connecting on screen?? or am i having troubles again.
290 barty // Mar 5, 2008 at 4:59 pm

Hi Mark

It will say this all the time it is switched on, even though no data is being transfereed. That is normal

Barty
291 MARK // Mar 5, 2008 at 5:08 pm

thanks barty but does this mean you have to go by the red charge indicator to tell when it is charged and not the actual battery indicater on screen.
292 barty // Mar 5, 2008 at 5:17 pm

*Hi Mark

The red battery charge indicator will turn green when battery is fully charged. Normally takes about 2 hours from USB. Also the unit does not have to be switched on when charging it.

Barty
293 MARK // Mar 5, 2008 at 6:12 pm

thanks mate. sorry for bombarding you with questions this is a bit more complex the my old navman 520 lol. has this thing got favorites cos i have not got a clue at the mo and the book ain thelping cheers.
294 barty // Mar 5, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Hi Mark

Sorry i don’t know the answer to that one. Have just sent my U73 back to supplier. After a faulty U53, and 2 faulty U73 i am getting a Navman.Hope somelbody call help you out.

Barty.
295 MARK // Mar 5, 2008 at 6:49 pm

thanks anyway mate think i should have gone with my first choice tomtom one xl but still cant win em all. cheers. what was wrong with yours
296 barty // Mar 5, 2008 at 8:29 pm

Hi mark

First U73 would not turn on at all (poss duff battery) second one kept losing GPS lock,screen flickered,and would not hold charge.

Ref: Tom Tom i have been told they are not much cop, thats why i went with the Navman.

Barty
297 Dean // Mar 5, 2008 at 10:06 pm

Hi Mark,
You can save destinations as a favourite on the Sony sat navs. They get added to your address book which you can then navigate to later.
298 MARK // Mar 6, 2008 at 3:37 pm

thanks dean and barty for your responce will give it a go
299 Richard // Mar 7, 2008 at 7:26 pm

All – I have a NVU52G How can I tell which Map Version I have and if a new version is available
300 Dean // Mar 8, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Hi Richard,
Not sure where the map version is displayed. If you tap the ‘More…’ button from the main screen you could try looking under ‘Route Planning’ or ‘Settings’.

I no longer have my review model to help out further. Does anyone else know?
301 Trevor // Mar 10, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Hi…….I think my unit has just gone t***s up.
Purchased in January and all working OK until yesterday. Now when I switch on as soon as I get the “agree” page, the whole screen continually flashes and I get random bits of messages all over the screen ….Any ideas would be appreciated
302 Dave // Mar 10, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Trevor (301) Try pressing the reset button, that seemed to work for me when the screen started flashing.
303 Trevor // Mar 11, 2008 at 9:44 am

Thanks Dave…………..It worked !!
304 Adam // Mar 11, 2008 at 2:13 pm

I purchased a NAV-U53 last week. Sadly it still had the issues with the incorrect time and she also goes nuts whenever you get close to a speed camera. She contimually repeats “beware, watch your speed” until you pass the camera. Very annoying but now for the good news. I called Sony todl them about the issues, they apologised profusely and I will have a shiney new NAV-U73 arriving on Thursday I’m sure somebody else has posted this before but thought I’d let you know that Sony are offering a NAV-U73 as a replacement to anybody experiencing these problems. Happy traffic free driving
305 ansoy // Mar 13, 2008 at 11:44 pm

is sony recalling u53???
306 Dean // Mar 14, 2008 at 8:08 am

Ansoy,
Sony are recalling U53 if it is faulty. If your U53 does not show the correct time, even when a satellite signal has been established, or you keep getting a flickering screen, then phone Sony and they will replace it with a higher spec U73.

Phone Sony on 01932-816000.
307 Andyrew // Mar 14, 2008 at 11:16 am

HI guys what a fantastic site and great info. I seen the u53 offered at halfords for 99.99 and after reading these comments decided i wouldn’t get a wide screen satnav for this price anywhere else plus if i got a lemon i would get a free upgrade, so i took a chance and bought one, i spoke to the guy at the shop about known issues and he told me they had just put them on sale in January when sony did a recall and sent out this replacement batch. i noticed there is a patch available on the sony site, so mine works great, no time problem, only thing is while i was at home loading in all my favs the unit just shut down with no warning and rebooted, hope this is just a teething problem and not part of the original fault? anyone?
308 Jill // Mar 14, 2008 at 8:56 pm

I bought the U53 last week, I found it confusing to get the safety camera down loaded from the sony site in fact gave up at one point and shut down my pc, but gave it ago next day and hey presto it worked. But now I have the problem with the time. so after all that it may ahve to go back…will phone sony on monday..Great site glad I found you…lots of interesting points are made on here..thanks
309 John // Mar 16, 2008 at 9:34 pm

Looking to buy my first SatNav, so I did a little research on the S70 AND XL, as well as the U53, I came across this site and read just about EVERY post before deciding to buy the Nav U53 out of the Littewoods catalogue, have used it a couple of times and find it to be really good and precise.
There haven’t been any issues with the wrong time and flickering screen (YET).
Must agree with a few posts regarding the manual and the speed camera’s and the downloading of them.
The manual is crap, it is about as much use as an ashtray on the back of a motorbike.
Not helpful in the slightest.
This site has helped me more than the manual ever has, and solved most of my problems.
You expect the device to do something more than simply say “Connecting” on the screen once plugged into the PC, because this makes you think its frozen or something.
The TMC is also not available on the Nav U53, but again the manual doesn’t tell you this so when it comes to inputting your device ID on the Sony website (which is also really poor, badly laid out, and, I found, really really slow) to download the speed camera updates for the first time, you come to a complete standstill as you dont know how to get your device ID, (unless you come here!) as the manual tells you to go through TMC, instead you get lost and really annoyed with it!
But after a few small teething problems, I have found it easy to use and with the help of folk on here, sorted them all out.
Many thanks for a great source of help.
310 gray // Mar 18, 2008 at 5:59 pm

I bought my u53 last weekend and so far no problems, how ever i also had a nightmare activating the speed camera info. I got it in the end.

Does anyone kow you can change the voice, i have searched the net but so far no luck.
great site
311 paul // Mar 18, 2008 at 8:20 pm

i bought the u53 last week as a back up for my TomTom 510 which occasionally has software problems, i have found it excellent so far and do not appear to have a problem with the time, however as a multi drop driver my sat nav is used every day all day and i have noticed that when i have reached a destination and i enter my next destination after calculating my route the u53 has problems recognising which way i am facing and after setting off i have to make a u turn as it changes it’s mind once i start to move, this has never been a problem with my TomTom 510, has anyone else noticed this?
312 Dean // Mar 19, 2008 at 8:31 am

Gray – You can’t change the voice on the Sony sat nav systems.

Paul – I didn’t notice this myself but I only ever used the system for a single journey at a time. That sounds a pain if you have to keep doing a u-turn. Have you tried turning the unit off and back on again before each journey?
313 Jill // Mar 19, 2008 at 2:03 pm

I phoned sony on monday explained about the time and flickering issues I had with the U-53, I was given a ref number and was told that some one would call me back with in 48 hours this did not happen, I rang earlier and was told I could down load a patch for the soft ware. I explained that the faulty sytems were being recalled she the passes me to her manager who said he was sorry for any misunderstanding and an up dated system will be with me tomorrow by courier so fingers crossed all will be ok!!!
314 gray // Mar 19, 2008 at 5:14 pm

My u53 is now 5 days old and today i had the flickering and the sat nav just froze, i pressed the reset button and its now ok and i have not kept any of my stoed places.

Gutted i cannot change the voice although i have a friend who is insistant it can be done?
315 gray // Mar 19, 2008 at 5:17 pm

correction i did not lose any of my stored places
316 Dean // Mar 19, 2008 at 5:20 pm

If your friend thinks the voices can be changed then feel free to post instructions here. Some readers may be interested. Thanks.
317 Lee // Mar 19, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Got the u53 unit and so far only headaches – registered on sony site for updates etc – but when it comes to the device I.D for registration i follow the instructions but my TMC button is greyed out? How can i register properly if it wont let me in? BTW i did the firmware update no problem – lovely looking unit and display – just need to sort out annoying niggles.
318 Lee // Mar 19, 2008 at 8:48 pm

It’s ok – found post 89 – 90 , great help here better than the manual or the support page
319 andyrew // Mar 20, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Hi Paul RE: (post 311)
I had a similar problem to this where i had reached my destination then pressed the home button. The unit gave me a couple of turn left instructions that didn’t exist, then when i reached the end of the street which was a
T Junction it showed a route going straight across on a road that wasn’t there and by the look of it never did exist. i know some estates can change roads almost over night but this estate has been long established, so i took a guess and went right and within second the unit had sorted itself out and gave correct instructions. The only reason i can think of for this is the fact that the road was quiet narrow with high houses on either side and also the weather had closed in with clouds and rain, I know from experience that my tomtom navigator 6 on my xda orbit has problems with the same sort of thing. If it keeps happening and causes real problems you could always try an external ariel.
320 paul // Mar 20, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Hi Andyrew (319)
i couldn’t try an external ariel as i am not always in the same vehichle so not really practical, i will just have to put up with it but i suppose i have a 50 50 chance of setting off in the right direction and as you said once you get moving it soon sorts itself out, the first sat nav i bought was a nav man and it did exactly the same thing. Another thing i have noticed is the battery life is poor, only about an hour before i have to plug in the charger, my TomTom 510 runs for about 3 hours on battery, but overall i am very pleased with the u53 it looks great and is much lighter than the TomTom the voice instructions are clearer and the mount is far better.
321 andyrew // Mar 20, 2008 at 8:15 pm

Hi paul i had a problem with my battery as well, i would charge it via usb till it said full, then after about 10 mins running on battery it would just shut down and reboot and the battery would say about 1 quarter full. But the trick seems to be to treat it like a new mobile phone battery, let it run right down till it shuts off, then fully charge it via car charger or home charger a couple of times and that seemed to do the trick, so far anyway. Have to agree with you about the mount nothing short of dynamite will shift it.
322 Tony // Mar 24, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Just got the NV-U53 today and it has the dreaded clock problem. Can someone please supply me with the correct telephone number for getting a replacement?

TIA
323 Andyrew // Mar 24, 2008 at 9:13 pm

Hi Tony i had problems as i mentioned in another post with my battery so i contacted sony on the other number shown in one of the posts and sony told me to ring this number 01932-816000. Basically they guy i first spoke to said go to there website and print out a repair sheet and post it and the unit off to them, when i replied no chance as it was less than 24 hours old, they said i could return it the shop. So it seems by my experience of sony is you have two choices, Go get a different make of gps or get a refund and buy the sony from a different store (got mine from Halfords and no clock problem just the battery needed conditioning) or hang on to your unit for a week or two and try for the free upgrade but you could end up dealing with the person i got who expects you to send it too them and wait five days, hope this helps, good luck
324 Tony // Mar 25, 2008 at 10:07 am

Thanks Andrew.

I’ve applied the patch and the clock seems to be working now!
325 paul // Mar 25, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Been using the u53 for two weeks now, all day every day so i am getting to know the unit quite well, two things stand out , 1. no matter how many times i let the battery go flat until it turns off then full recharge it still only runs on battery for about 45 min, very poor! 2. i downloaded the latest speed camera update and it seems to pick up non existent cameras for example when i am on the motorway it warns of cameras when there is not one anywhere near, also it picks up cameras that are not on your route for example when going over a bridge it warns of cameras that are on the road below or on roads nearby that are not on your route, very irritating!
326 Dave // Mar 25, 2008 at 10:32 pm

paul – every time you discharge the battery completely you’ll have a negative impact on the battery life. Do it more than a few times and you might cut the expected battery life in half.

It’s only NiCad batteries that suffer from the memory effect, NiMh should never be allowed to run flat.
327 Tony // Mar 26, 2008 at 9:08 am

I have activated speed cameras on my 53 and they show on the map. However, I don’t get the audible “watch your speed” warning. Do I need to set this in the menu somewhere please?
328 Dean // Mar 26, 2008 at 5:49 pm

Hi Tony,
From the main screen select More… –> Settings –> General Settings. Scroll down to Advanced Warnings. Select this option and highlight all 3 speed camera traps.
329 Chris Powell // Mar 26, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Got a glitch on the times displayed. The sattelite time (top lefthand corner) is spot on. Its the “time to destination” time- this is now 1 hour more than it should be. Is this anything to do with British summer Time which changes next weekend???

Help…………Chris
330 Michael // Mar 27, 2008 at 5:58 pm

Also have same issue as Chris at 329 – is this BST problem?
331 Dave // Mar 27, 2008 at 6:07 pm

Mine’s also exhibiting this problem. Suspect that someone’s put in the wrong date for the clock change when writing the software!
332 paul // Mar 27, 2008 at 6:56 pm

i also had the same problem as Chris 329, the destination time was 1 hour out, however when i turned on the unit the next day and run it for a couple of hours it righted itself, i did not do any resets and it has been ok since (so far).
Tony 327 i installed the speed cameras but only get the vocal, nothing on the map?? Sony really need to sort out the software which is spoiling a nice unit.
333 paul // Mar 27, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Dave 326 thanks for the tip on the battery
334 Dean // Mar 27, 2008 at 7:07 pm

Hi Paul,
To show speed cameras on map follow the instructions in this link:

How to show speed-cam on map
335 tony e // Mar 30, 2008 at 4:36 pm

hi, new to this site, my problem is with my sony u53 every time i try to input the code for the safety cams keeps comming back invalid code, i have e-mailed sony to no avail, is their any one out their who can help ,thanks i”ve had the unit 4days
336 gray // Mar 30, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Hi tony, i had the same problem it took me 24 hrs to get the code accepted, i just kept trying
337 tony e // Mar 30, 2008 at 5:51 pm

many thanks gray will keep trying,who needs sony when we have guys like your self
338 Bob Dinnage // Mar 30, 2008 at 9:10 pm

I too have had problems with the time keeping of the 53. It’s been OK up to today, but did not change automatically to BST as expected/stated. I found an update to the software on Sony’s website. But, requiring a reset, this has made the problem worse; resetting zeros the time, to midnight. So the only way out seems to reset the sat-nav at midnight each time the clocks move forward/back. Not impressive.

Bob
339 Bob Dinnage // Mar 31, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Re: Comment 338
…but it did sort itself out today!!!

Bob
340 Grubby // Apr 2, 2008 at 5:03 pm

hi all, have purchased u53 and am finding it really good after having factory fitted Peuguot sat nav’s for years. only thing testing my patience is trying to find a carry case! have found some on ebay but only hold screen and no attachments! any ideas?
341 Andy // Apr 2, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Bought my sony about three weeks ago and installed the safety cameras. Went in to my sony account to see if there was an update for the cameras with it being a new month but all i got was a message saying “This product is already active on your device” i was under the assumption that i got 12 months access to the camera locations not a one time only download, has anyone else had any problems updating there safety cameras or am i doing something wrong?
342 Dean // Apr 2, 2008 at 6:06 pm

Hi Grubby,
Is this the kind of thing you’re after:

Hard Shell Travel Case for SONY GPS Navigator

It’s only sold on the Amazon website in the US, not the UK one, but I’ve ordered stuff from the US web site before without any problems. Just depends on whether they will ship it to the UK or not.
343 Dean // Apr 2, 2008 at 6:11 pm

Hi Andy,
I’m not sure exactly how the safety camera updates work. I presumed it was a one off download that lasts 12 months, then after that period you can renew for a further 12 month period. I don’t know if you can update in between then.

Might be an idea to contact Sony support.
344 Andy // Apr 2, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Hi Dean thanks for the reply i have just revisited the halfords web site which is where i bought mine from , and at the bottom of the page for the the u53 it said
“Safety Camera Data
You can upload safety camera data from the Sony website, free for the first year” it also gives a web address for the update, but when i log in, it says “you don’t have permission to use this yet” so i have emailed sony to get clarification on the update situation.
thanks again for your help
345 andy // Apr 3, 2008 at 8:38 am

Update: Problem solved. You get the Safety Camera Updates by logging in to your account then go to your profile page.
346 TENDAI // Apr 5, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Have had my NV-U53 for a week now,i live in Ireland so dont know if i will get the speed camera warnings at all here as it olny says UK on the website.Unit has been perfect so far,no problems with clock or any of that.Bought it of AMAZON for 99quid not bad for a beatifull unit.Only thing is it takes about 3 minutes to pick up satelites when i switch it on after being on charge with a wall charger which i bought for 20 euros and works perfectly on the unit.I now want to know how i can get the speed that i am doing on the screen as at the moment i dont see it at all
347 Dave // Apr 5, 2008 at 11:07 pm

Tendai, You only see the speed that you are doing whilst you are just on the map mode. If you are following a planned journey to a destination then the speed does not show.
348 Carly // Apr 6, 2008 at 8:47 pm

Well i’m so not impressed with this sat nav, been trying all night to get it to connect to my pc, but having no luck at all.
Taking it back tomorrow to get something else.
Waste of time and money!!!
349 Dean // Apr 6, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Hi Carly,
What’s the problem exactly?

If the sat nav screen permanently displays ‘Connecting’ then that is normal. It’s not until you’re transferring data to the sat nav (maps / speed cameras etc.) that the sat nav screen shows something else.
350 Carly // Apr 7, 2008 at 12:03 am

No think my unit is faulty, when the usb cable is connected nothing comes up on screen when the unit is turned on, yet it will turn on when the cable isnt connected.

I’ve tried to reset it, gone through troubleshooting and downloaded windows mobile, but still nothing.

I’m just going to swap it in the morning, because i really like it … just want to be able to add the updates to it.

Thanks
Carly
351 Dean // Apr 7, 2008 at 9:05 am

When the USB cable is connected do you see the ‘Connecting’ message on the screen?

I don’t think you can switch the unit on when the cable is connected since the sat nav is operating in ‘update’ mode. Provided you see the ‘Connecting’ message on screen you are ready to add updates. If you don’t see this message then worth taking it back to the shop.
352 webster // Apr 7, 2008 at 11:19 pm

How add new POI?
353 Dean // Apr 8, 2008 at 8:35 am

You cannot add new POI to these Sony systems. The only thing you can update is the safety cameras and maps.
354 redman // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:43 am

just a quick question i,ve got speed monitoring ,traffic & distance traps all on but there is no audio warning me of these is this normal?
355 Jill // Apr 8, 2008 at 1:42 pm

I drove to Cornwall last week and even though I knew the way I used my replacement U-73 all was well until i reached the new section of the A30 opened may 2007 and the unit did not recongnize this and showed me driving off road. I would have thought the maps would have been up to date. Will i have to pay for an update already???
356 Dean // Apr 8, 2008 at 5:56 pm

redman – See comment 328 above.

Jill – The maps were produced Q1 2007 I believe so wouldn’t include any news roads opened since May 2007. Since we’re now well into 2008 it would be good if new units had more up-to-date maps I agree.

I don’t think there are any map updates available yet for these Sony systems.
357 redman // Apr 9, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Thnx Dean
358 webster // Apr 9, 2008 at 9:44 pm

THX Dean
359 Richard // Apr 9, 2008 at 9:44 pm

All

How new is the Map update on the sony site for the NVU 52 , Would be usefull if they gave a version No or update date. Anyone know how to tell which version you have !!
360 paul // Apr 13, 2008 at 8:30 pm

can anyone tell me how to “save your current position” i did it once but for the life of me i can’t repeat the process!
361 Dean // Apr 14, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Hi Paul,
I can’t remember how to do this but here are a couple of things to try:

1. With the map displayed try tapping the screen and see if you can save your current position.
2. With the map displayed tap the Options button at the bottom of the screen and see if you can save your current position.
3. With the map displayed tap the cross-hair button in the bottom right of the screen, then tap the map and see if you can save your current position.

Let me know if either of those options work.
362 Dim // Apr 15, 2008 at 3:46 pm

Hey guys!

Am gonna be buying my first sat nav at the wkend. But i still cant decide over this Sony NV-U53 or the Garmin Nuvi 200 widescreen. Reading the reviews it sounds like the Sony has some issues, like no updates for the POI. But i like the Sonys display where as the Garmins display looks kinda cartoony. Any help would be appreciated. Thanx!
363 Dean // Apr 15, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Hi Dim,
Several people have complained about the Sony suction cup coming off the windscreen whilst driving, resulting in the sat nav hitting the gear stick and cracking the screen. If you went for the Sony I’d recommend using the suction cup on the dashboard instead to try and limit this risk.

No experience of the Nuvi 200 but I did test out the Nuvi 250W a while back and I liked it. If I had to choose between the 250W and Sony then personally I’d go for the Garmin.

Also consider long term support of your sat nav. In a year or two you’ll want to consider updating the maps or safety cameras. Sony support has come in for some criticism in this area. Garmin have been around longer and they seem to be better organised in this area.
364 paul // Apr 15, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Dean 361 i am going to print off your suggestions and give it a try, i will let you know..thanks
365 Dim // Apr 15, 2008 at 7:47 pm

Thanks Dean.
Made up my mind now and i am gonna get the Garmin, it does seem to be better supported than the Sony. Cheers 4 the advice!
366 Mark H // Apr 16, 2008 at 3:30 pm

Is it possible to stop the voice saying “Please” before every single instruction? It’s extremely irrititating.

Also I’m slightly frustrated to have discovered that having only bought the product yesterday if I want to update the maps so they’re current I have to pay £42.

Finally, there’s a McDonalds restaurant less than a mile from my desk at work which has been there a couple of years now, but the POI data says the nearest one is over 5 miles away. Doesn’t instil me with confidence that my new satnav system can always point me to the nearest chicken sandwich!

For the price of satnav sstems I’d expect a one off map update, plus a year’s subscription which included camera, map AND point of interest updates. All that’s available is camera updates with a £42 purchase tag for a map update, ridiculous!
367 Dean // Apr 16, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Hi Mark,
There is no way to edit the voices.

As for the map updates. I’m not sure if Sony have actually released any map updates this year? Even if they have, they should allow a grace period where people who have just bought a sat nav get a free update. It’s not nice having to fork out for a map update on a new system I agree.

I’ve seen Garmin for example offer a grace period following a map update, whereby if someone buys a new system following a recent map update then they get a free upgrade.

£42 is a reasonable price for a map update mind you. That is comparable with Navman and TomTom map updates for example.
368 paul // Apr 17, 2008 at 6:48 pm

Dean re: 361
It was the cross hair that i needed to press, very easy to save current position from here, i don’t know how i did it before but it was much more long winded, thanks.
369 LEE // Apr 19, 2008 at 10:12 am

I have got the nav-u53 the only thing i cant work out is when i plug the unit into my pc it does not reconise it.i have put the disc in and followed all the instruction but no joy.also i can charge the unit in my car fully but the charge does not seem to last very long when the unit is not plugged in
370 Stu // Apr 19, 2008 at 11:52 am

Had the U53 for a week now and pretty pleased with it apart from the terrible battery life!! Is this normal as I only get 40 mins out of it. Also is there away to adjust the speed of the route simulation??..Would be nice to view a demo of the route without sitting there for the entire duration of the route.
371 paul // Apr 19, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Lee 369/Stu 370
I have had my u53 for a couple of months now and use it every day, i am quite pleased with the unit overall but i am afraid the battery life is crap! i tend to use it plugged in all the time otherwise i only get a maximum of 30/40min life, very poor!!
372 Dean // Apr 19, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Hi Lee,
When you say it does not recognise it, do you mean your computer does not recognise the U53? Also does the screen on the U53 display ‘Connecting’, and what version of Windows are you using?
373 Stu // Apr 20, 2008 at 12:57 am

Thanks for the reply Paul..well after using it today for a fairly lengthy trip out I think I can put up with poor battery life!..It was superb and even found an adress that according to the friends we visited is seldom found accurately by many satnavs..It worked flawlessly.Just wish I could speed up the route simulation??? Anyone help with that one?
374 Mark Godfrey // Apr 20, 2008 at 1:45 pm

Here’s a tip: If at any time you want to get back to the menu screen, double tap quickly anywhere on the screen.

I didn’t see this in the instructions and helps if you have quit navigation and the options button is greyed out.
375 sandra jones // Apr 20, 2008 at 8:24 pm

i have just brought nvu53 i was charging it by usb on comp when i turn it on it switches itself off and on 3 times then shows service on screen. why is it doing it and how can i stop it
376 Dean // Apr 21, 2008 at 9:04 am

Hi Sandra,
Are you trying to switch the U53 on whilst it is connected to your computer? I’m not sure if you can do that since the unit is in ‘USB data transfer’ mode.

Does the problem occur when the U53 is not connected to your computer? If so then you could try doing a factory reset. There is a reset button you can press with a pointed object like an unfolded paper clip. See if that fixes it.
377 sandra jones // Apr 21, 2008 at 9:52 am

hi
tried reset all it did was turn off. when switched on still the same. just phoned sony and they dont have a clue they seem to think it hasnt been loaded with the program, so asked for me to send back. but i need one for today so will take it back to argos. thanks for you help
378 TONY // Apr 21, 2008 at 8:12 pm

i activated the advanced warning option for UK, which is free for 1 yr. The warning is for speed monitotoring, traffic signal .. and DISTANCE TRAP. i just want to know what is meant by DISTANCE TRAP!!!!!!!!
379 Dean // Apr 21, 2008 at 9:53 pm

Distance traps are safety cameras which measure your average speed over a set distance. They consist of two cameras set maybe a mile apart which measure your average speed between both cameras. I’ve seen them used in motorway roadworks on the M4.
380 Mark Godfrey // Apr 24, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Does anyone know what the straight Black and white line on the 3D map indicates?
381 Adrian // Apr 29, 2008 at 11:14 pm

I was very keen to get one of these till I saw this…this is a little concerning…

The map update and online content services (www.navu.sony-europe.com) for all current personal navigation models (see below for model names) will continue for a limited period of time and will be phased out in the coming years.

NV-U50
NV-U50T
NV-U51
NV-U52
NV-U53
NV-U70T
NV-U71T
NV-U72T
NV-U73T
NV-U82
NV-U83
NV-U92T
NV-U93T

see Sony map updates link for more details.

To me this looks like all their models…are they going to stop making sat navs?
382 Dean // May 2, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Hi Adrian,
I’ll do some digging around and see if I can find out anything about the future of these products.
383 andrew powell // May 4, 2008 at 12:48 am

help had my sat nav a month nv-u53 had the nightmare problem loading up speed cameras due to poor instructions but really annoyed when i get the flickering screen renders unit useless till u reset love the design looks great and hate to return it can sony fix this problem or replace it before its taken back to the catologue store
384 Chris Powell // May 4, 2008 at 8:17 am

re the flickering screen comment above- there is a patch to cure this on the Sony satnav website. Apparently it updates the data on the unit and eliminates this problem. Have a look on the website and follow the clear concise instructions (not!). I agree- the unit looks superb and does work very well indeed. The only things that let it down are the crap instructions and the not so friendly customer service (I use the word Service reluctantly……………)

Chris
385 ionut // May 7, 2008 at 1:03 am

i just wonder when we goona have maps for the rest of europe , like …. romania? i have nav-u 53!!!!
386 Dean // May 7, 2008 at 8:41 am

ionut,
There is a NVD-DU11E map update you can apply to the U53 to give you European maps but (assuming this update is the same maps installed on the U73 and U93) then it doesn’t cover Romania. At least that is what it says on the Sony web site.
387 Daniel // May 11, 2008 at 2:32 am

Hi!
I had the same problem with te USB connection (U92t). The problem: Unknown Device… I’ve tried a lot of things, a lot of diferent USB cables. When I open de box of the GPS again I saw the original USB cable, connected and it Works… Wow, the problem was the cable… please….
388 John // May 18, 2008 at 2:00 am

Hi all,

just got my new nvu-53 and was wondering if anyone came across USA maps?? the unit seems to support memory stick etc., but whats it for if you cannot buy the stick with maps on??
389 Dean // May 20, 2008 at 9:20 am

John,
I’m not aware of USA maps for any of the Sony nav-u range. They only cover UK and Europe.
390 rob // May 20, 2008 at 12:06 pm

hi bought a nvu-53 yesterday at argos £110.00
halfords have them in for £99.99 that was on 19 may had no probs so far time has been sorted out
i can confirm you can use a psp mains adapter to charge navu-53 can buy them on e bay 99p+£2.99 p&p so for £4 you have a mains adapter thanks for the review dean been most helpfull
391 eyal // May 24, 2008 at 7:33 am

hey you all
im thinking of buying the nu-53 the only thing i would like to know is can you program your own poi ? in the review dean said you can not download one but if i would like to manually program ones into the satnav is it possible ? can you save it ?
thanks
392 Dean // May 24, 2008 at 11:43 am

Eyal,
You can’t program your own POI. Your can store favourite locations but they’re not quite the same thing.
393 liz // May 25, 2008 at 3:53 pm

hi dean please could u tell me about the speed camera alerts does it show a pic of the camera on the map like the garmin with the max speed
or what does it do? thanks
394 Lee // May 25, 2008 at 6:14 pm

I need a case!!

ive been waiting for this to come back in stock http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0390480.htm

or theres this but no noe does shipping to the uk – how annoying
nav-u Case

anyone
395 Dean // May 25, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Liz,
A voice tells you to “watch your speed” when approaching safety cameras (both in map and route mode) but doesn’t tell you what the limit is. I think it shows the safety camera on the map too.

I like a voice telling me when approaching a safety camera rather than the beep/boing that the Garmin does.
396 Dean // May 25, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Lee,
Regarding a carry case for the U53 have you tried looking on eBay? Also look at comments 208 and 342 above which may help too.
397 Simon Godwin // May 28, 2008 at 8:19 pm

Hello! Bought one today…. Fine ’til tried to connect for update! It’s done now….. Not sure how,but, still I think it’s very good…. Can I still get upgrade?
398 Simon Godwin // May 28, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Hello
It’s me again!!! Not sure if my first comment worked.I had same problem with always in connecting mode. I found that patience,nicotine and alcohol worked! It also helped if you didn’t believe all that you saw on screen, as I thought that update hadn’t worked. when I checked u53, Guess what……. it did!!! Well we will find out tomorrow. Cheers all!!! Si.
399 Lee // May 29, 2008 at 5:45 pm

looking for a case?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0390480.htm

back in stock today – yay!!
400 Sarah // May 30, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Help-especially to Fall in Ireland–I’m a-bit of a techo phobe!”!
Bought 53 today and the maps are so old its ridiculous. Is it just me or do I seriously have ot fork out £42 for an update-surely when you but one it should be the latest and if not you should be able to download for free??
Shop wher ei bought it (well known yellow dvd store) told me to contact sony-din’t want to know about me-will only offer store credit-as far as I’m concerned it is not fit for its purpose-maybe I’m missing something??
I’m in Naas and addresses 3/4 years old ar enot on it.
Comments appreciated!!
401 Undertaker // May 30, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Flann Howard are you still out there????

If you are I would love to know where you got your copy of NVDU11E maps from? Sony are utterly useless and cannot give any information at all with regards to the stock situation which here in the UK is non-existent.

I think I have located some stock in Switzerland but am phoning tomorrow to check prices and if they can ship to the UK. I assume it is a pan-european package and will work in any country in the EU, anybody know any different?

If the Swiss software available I will post again to let you know the website etc.

By the way anyone looking for a case for U83 or U82 models should go to http://www.semenedis.com and they will supply within a couple of weeks and are very helpful unlike Sony.

Thank you
402 Dean // May 30, 2008 at 10:20 pm

Hi Sarah,
I’m not sure what the situation is with map updates at the moment. If you look at comment 381 above it mentions a phase out of support for these devices.

I just checked back on the Sony site and it nows says that map updates will continue until 2010, but it makes no mention of the U53. I presume that is a mistake on their web site.

So there is hope of a future map update, although whether it will make any difference for you I’m not sure.
403 Undertaker // May 31, 2008 at 9:11 am

Update: Spoke to company and NVDDU11E cannot be sourced from Switzerland. Doh! Now really stuck, any suggestions other than illegal downloads.

Cheers
404 Navid // Jun 1, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Dean,

have to say your reviews are great,well done for all your hard work.also,thanks for everybody elses input with their views,problems and issues.

I am considering buying a satnav,like the Sony ones,but don’t want to have to wait for anything to be changed/replaced.

the ones I am considering are Sony 53,Navman S50 and Snooper S360(Although I know you haven’t done the Snooper.)

What do you think?Does Sony still have the time problem?have they managed to sort the postcode issue out?what is the situation with map updates?

Your Navman review,didn’t really fill me with confidence,so I am rather confused (information overload).

So,if it was you buying,what would have you done?Sony’s great dashboard fixture,big screen?or even TomTom one (V3 or V4) with smaller screen size?

thanks in advance.
405 Ben // Jun 3, 2008 at 8:31 am

I bought a NV-U53 from Argos last week. When I plug the car adapter unit to the cigarette lighter the adapter light don’t seem to come on and the satnav unit don’t show it is charging. I ‘m not sure if it is being charged.

But when I plug into my laptop via USB the charging light comes on to show it is being charged.

Anybody knows why? By the way, I drive a Citroen Picasso 1.6LX.

Cheers
406 Paul // Jun 3, 2008 at 7:46 pm

Ben
Is the ignition turned on when you plug in as your lighter socket may not be live when the car is off, also the small green light on the unit in the left hand lower corner should come on when you are charging but it is quite difficult to see this light in daylight, if all else fails check your fuse to the cigar lighter it may be blown, this happened to me once.
407 Ben // Jun 4, 2008 at 1:35 pm

Paul,

The cigarette lighter was working but will get the fuse checked.

Yeah, the little green light is kinda hard to see in daytime.

Thanks
408 Lee // Jun 5, 2008 at 1:07 am

Considering purchasing a 53, but unsure if the software problems are still prevalent e.g., incorrect time, incorrect time to destination, flickering screen etc.?

Does the 53 only support fixed cameras, or does it also notify you of average/traffic/mobile cameras? Or are these on the higher spec 73 model?

I have also looked at the 73, but I don’t need euro maps and don’t know from the above comments if the TMC facility is really up to much. Is the extra cash worth it to get TMC?

Thanks
409 Dean // Jun 5, 2008 at 8:33 am

Hi Lee,
The U53 supports both fixed, average and traffic light cameras according to the documentation. When I reviewed this model I only managed to test it out against fixed cameras, so I can’t say how good it is in detecting average speed or traffic light cameras.

In my tests using the U73 I found the TMC reception patchy or non-existent, certainly not as good as the Garmin models I’ve reviewed that use TMC. I personally wouldn’t bother spending extra cash to get TMC as reception may be an issue where you live.

If you buy a U53 with one of the problems listed on this forum then Sony should replace it. That was the case a few months ago, not sure if that is still the case now. If not wherever you bought it should replace it. If you intend to buy it from a shop then see if you can test it out before buying.
410 Adrian // Jun 6, 2008 at 10:02 am

More on post 381, I had an email from Sony to say that they are no longer making sat navs…went & got the Garmin 250w…not 100% perfect, but none of them are. Happy enough.
411 Gavin // Jun 6, 2008 at 2:24 pm

So is it still worth buying the NV-U53?
412 Dean // Jun 6, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Hi Gavin,
It’s down to personal opinion. Personally I would be hesitant of recommending them due to the issues people have encountered, like the software glitches, the suction cup detaching when in use, and uncertainty over long term support for the product from Sony beyond 2010.

To be fair though, there are people who have posted comments on this web site who are happy with their purchase.

If I was recommending a new system for a friend or family member I’d opt for a Garmin. But this is just my personal opinion.
413 Stuart // Jun 8, 2008 at 9:08 am

Hi gavin and dean I purchased the Sony sat nav and it did all the things mentioned that it shouldn’t do to keep this short I rang Sony and they were crap I bought a garmin nuvi200 and its great. Hope this helps.
414 Chris Powell // Jun 8, 2008 at 10:15 am

To be fair to Sony, my 53 has worked perfectly since I bought it last December. There is a patch on the website to get rid of the glitches in its system although I’ve not downloaded it to my 53 (don’t want to tempt fate!!)

Having said the above, the instructions supplied with the unit are crap; the CD supplied doesn’t work with all Windows systems, and their Customer Service adds a new dimension of how not to do business! Also I understand that Sony will no longer make SatNavs and will not support them after 2010…………..

Would I buy another? NO. Would I recommend ANY Sony product after reading this thread- most definately NOT.

Sorry Sony- you blew it big time on this.
415 wasim // Jun 8, 2008 at 7:56 pm

i have all the maps for this unit working fine
i seem to bvecoming expert on this device
416 Shali // Jun 9, 2008 at 9:09 am

Hi can some one please recomend which sat Nav is better? Tom TOM One OR Sony NVU53 XL

thanks
shali
417 Simon Godwin // Jun 9, 2008 at 6:08 pm

Reg. Item 398……
Sony back at argos in Swindon….Purchase at your peril! Now got tomtomone… much better! Cheers all!!
418 Paul // Jun 9, 2008 at 10:52 pm

Re: 417
I have had the Sony U53 for several months and use it every day as my work takes me all over the country, not really sure why it gets so many negative comments, i have downloaded the updates which could be made a little easier but i got there in the end and apart from an instance when the unit froze and i had to reset and it is sometimes slow to pick up the satellite signal when you switch on it has been fine, overall pretty pleased, i also have a TomTom 510 which i must admit is a good unit but i have had to reset it far more often than the Sony and on one occasion it locked me out altogether and would not turn on, i had to reinstall the firmware and manually delete some files (instructions from TomTom), so as a regular user of sat nav i think they all have problems and the perfect sat nav has not yet been invented, the only one i would advise to steer clear of is Navman, i had one as my first unit and it was complete crap, after several replacements which were also crap i got a refund.
419 Mark // Jun 18, 2008 at 10:26 pm

Anyone know an answer to my post #380?
420 Dean // Jun 19, 2008 at 8:09 am

Mark,
I no longer have a system to check this out for you. What does the black and white line look like? Is it in the shape of a cross-hair?
421 Chris Powell // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:54 am

re 380.

Its a railway line I think

Chris
422 Mark // Jun 19, 2008 at 7:13 pm

it’s usually straight. it is the standard symbol for railway line, but I’ve only seen the lines where they are no train lines. Once, in Bedford, one black and white line went right over a roundabout I was approaching. So that kind of ruled that out for me unless the map was updated with the road but they didn’t delete the railway line.
423 Simon // Jun 24, 2008 at 5:36 pm

Hi All,

Does anyone know if a higher capacity battery can be purchased for the U53? I bought this to replace a cheapo Navigo, and I can put up with the one voice, and fixed PIOs (although it’s really annoying that you can’t download new ones), but the battery life of max 40 minutes is truly unacceptable. Is this, in itself, a reason to return the item as ‘faulty’, I wonder? I’m seriously starting to wonder if this was a bad purchase.

Thanks for all the help so far, it’s been a very interesting read.

Simon.
424 Dean // Jun 24, 2008 at 5:53 pm

The Sony site says you should get about 2 hours from the battery when it is not connected to a power source, so 40 minutes does sound short.

It doesn’t look like there is a replacement battery available either. It says this on the Sony support site:

“It isn’t possible to change the battery on your own. Contact Sony for further information about battery replacement.”
425 Simon // Jun 24, 2008 at 7:21 pm

Hi Dean,

“It isn’t possible to change the battery on your own. Contact Sony for further information about battery replacement.”

That’s odd, seeing as it gives instructions on how to remove the battery for disposal in the manual. One would have thought that installing a new one would be the reverse of the removal process.

I’m charging it up again now, with a mains charger, and I left it on charge over night last night, so maybe after a couple of charges, it will improve. It seems that as soon as the battery indicator starts to diminish, you have about 10 minutes, and that’s it. Seeing as it states ‘up to 2 hours’, I suppose that could mean anything, but I would have expected more than 40 minutes, and that wasn’t even with the screen on full brightness.

Simon.
426 Ian Motomad // Jul 1, 2008 at 12:52 am

Dean/Simon

Cheers Dean on a great review of the u53….

Simon i think i must have your sat navs twin brother..40 minutes is all i get out of my battery.I’ve managed to get a bit longer if i lower the brightness or switch to 2d view and turn off most of the POI’s..but of course doing this defeats the point of a sat nav.,the only time ive got 3.5 hours out of the battery is when its sat on my desk on the menu page doing nothing..I have to say as pointed out by other posts that the battery indicator on the sony is pants.i would have expected something similar to that what is found on a mobile phone, a green full indicator ,and then bars as it discharges..my advice is to always plug it into the cig lighter adapter on journeys ..

On the other issue that other people have mentioned relating to the touch screen, the one where it requires several prods to make an input,,ive given up on using my fat fingers and have resorted to one of my wife’s knitting needles. It works perfect with this ! use the touch screen calibrator in the menu and the knitting needle to get it perfect..the needle also makes inputs on the map screen more exact..ive managed for example to get it on an intersection of a road and added it to a route in nano seconds

best wishes all
427 John T // Jul 6, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Anyone tell me where I can buy a replacement gel type cradle for my nvu53 ?
428 Simon // Jul 6, 2008 at 1:48 pm

Yes, I could do with one of those as well. Got a second vehicle, and don’t want to keep transferring it.
429 lynn // Jul 6, 2008 at 7:39 pm

i bought a sonyNV- U53 just over a week ago. and yesterday with rushing around i dropped it and the screen is very badly cracked, so the touch screen no longer works, does anyone know if this can be repaired and approx cost, help grounded..
430 Dean // Jul 6, 2008 at 9:48 pm

John T and Simon – A replacement cradle is very difficult to get hold of. I don’t know anyone who has had any luck finding one yet. The same discussion is happening on the NV-U73 review on this web site so if I hear anything more I’ll post back here. Alternatively you can check for comments too.

Lynn – You’re best bet is to phone Sony and see if they can help. Not sure what kind of cost is involved.
431 Bernadette Twigger // Jul 11, 2008 at 6:57 pm

Dear Lynn,
If you return it to Sony they will repair it at an approximate cost of £85.00.They will also tell you that it should not be stored in the car or taken out of the car as the ambient temperature could crack the screen.Our sat nav was not dropped and we thought it would be covered by their WARRANTY which seems non-existant. GOOD LUCK.but dont tell them that you dropped it.

ps there is an on-line form on their website with details of how to return it.
432 Ian Motomad // Jul 12, 2008 at 3:39 pm

I just used the u53 in DEVON for a week and it was faultless, giving plenty of time for warnings of speed cameras.A few times I deliberately took a wrong turn and it recalculated in seconds (ignore the u turn voice prompt and it reroutes you.)

Something that does crack me up though..It doesn’t matter which way i park on my drive, front in or back in the u53 which i have nicknamed NORMA always tells me to do a u turn at the start of the journey..come to think of it when i park up at the end of a journey norma always says..’you have reached your destination…followed by a please do a you turn in 150 yards..hahaha

I would be interested to hear what others have nicknamed there u53. ( apart from ‘stupid f**king thing’ )
433 Dean // Jul 12, 2008 at 9:26 pm

Ian,
I like the nickname

Glad the U53 worked well for you. It’s a good navigator and I had good results with it when I reviewed it. Just a shame some people have run into trouble with the suction cup and customer support. Hope it keeps working well for you.
434 Ian Motomad // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:27 am

Dean

Yes i read with interest some of the problems that people have had with the suction cap,more so the cost of a replacement unit from Sony, how they can justify this when u can now get the u53 from argos for £99.99 is beyond me.

As yet the only problem i have with my mount is when i sited it on my dash board..when i removed it it left a bubble shape on the surface of the dash ..after a few attempts at rubbing it with my finger to make it go back down (as you do ).i gave up, only to find that it had sucked itself back down the next day..Ive now got it sited on the windscreen..an occasional clean of the suction pad with a wet wipe keeps it dust free.

my friend recently purchased an all singing and dancing unit for his 4×4..dvd player, cd player and sat nav.(from halfords)..being very disappointed with it he asked if i could set up the u53 along side his unit to make a comparison against his unit..not having my suction mount to hand..we used velcro and secured the u53 to his dash..lifting the built in aerial for a stronger signal..the results were in favour of the u53..it recalculated faster..gave quicker warnings of speed cameras etc etc..need i say anymore?

My son has now purchased a second car power adapter and mounts the u53 in his car by means of the velcro..so with regards to the problems that people have had with their suction mounts get yourself some velcro and save yourself lots of money..

best wishes all ..
435 Simon // Jul 13, 2008 at 5:22 pm

I find it incredible to believe additional suction mounts are not freely available, and affordable. Surely Sony know that a lot of people have more than one vehicle, and to transfer the mount from vehicle to vehicle each time is a real pain, and will undoubtedly impact on the ‘stickiness’ of the pad over time.

I also think it’s a great pity that additional POIs can’t be downloaded and installed on the Navu. I have found the pre-installed ones to be, at best, limited, and at worst, inadequate. I would like to have seen schools, colleges and retail parks, among others, and even one major hospital in my area doesn’t appear!

Other that those niggles, I still think it’s a good ‘does what it says on the tin’ sat nav, but ti have included just a few more options would have it so much better.
436 Rob // Jul 20, 2008 at 11:33 am

I’ve got the U53 and it does work well. Sometimes when I switch it on it starts to reload on its own. This process takes about fifteen minutes. While it is loading the screen flickers between the loading and menu screen. Is this normal?
437 Dean // Jul 20, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Hi Rob,
A few people have complained of flickering screens (see comments 162, 164, 263 and 384 above). The amount of flickering seems to vary. Someone reported it so bad they couldn’t read the maps. That doesn’t sound like it is happening to you, does it just flicker at startup? Once the 15 minutes have finished can you read the maps OK?

A couple of comments suggest doing a factory reset. You could try that for starters and see if the problem comes back.
438 denise // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:21 pm

hi all
can anyone give me any info on how to get the spain map on my u-53 what size memory stick to buy and do i have to pay for the spain map, driving from gerona airport instead of taxi this year and need help fast going on 11 aug 08
thanx d x
439 Dean // Jul 28, 2008 at 10:05 pm

Denise,
Have a look at comments 122, 204 and 239 from Flann Howard. You need to buy a European maps DVD (which is extremely difficult to get hold of) and then copy the contents to a memory stick.

If Flann is still monitoring this forum perhaps he can post back details of where he sourced the DVD and what memory stick he used. Thanks.
440 jp // Jul 28, 2008 at 11:54 pm

I have just received the NV-U53 this is my first sat nav and don’t know what to expect….but there seems to be a little prob as i have to touch the screen a few times for it to respond sometimes it does not respond…….had it only 3 days…..and also when i switch it on it takes an age to find sat’s…..should i just go back to the shop and ask for an other one or should contact sony…..any advice would be great thanks. jp
441 Dean // Jul 29, 2008 at 8:45 am

The problem of having to touch the screen a few times was mentioned in the review. Quite a few of the comments on this forum mention the issue too.

The solution to the problem vary. I’ve read comments that a firmware release can fix the issue although I’ve no details on that. Other people suggest using a ballpoint pen, matchstick, fingernail or some other type of stylus. I’ve tried that myself and it does work better.

When switching on any sat nav for the first time it will take a long time to acquite a satellite. Some may take 20-30 minutes. Subsequent times you switch on the sat nav it should pick up a satellite in a couple of minutes or less. I suggest turning the sat nav on and leaving it outside (or next to a window) for about half an hour. Once a satellite has been picked up, switch the unit off, then back on again 10 minutes later and see how quickly it picks up a satellite. If that doesn’t fix the problem, then do a factory reset and then repeat the same set of steps.
442 jp // Jul 29, 2008 at 9:25 am

Dean
Thanks for the reply will try that 2night when i get home from work……..will let you know the outcome and thanks again. jp
443 jp // Jul 29, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Hi,
As you said for some strange reason tapping it with my finger nail seems to have made it work first time more often but a lot better than it has been,still having a prob with finding sat’s..as you said i will do a factory reset.
444 Mr Woo // Jul 30, 2008 at 11:00 am

I’ve just picked up one of these and have to say I’m very pleased with it.

Can anyone let me know though how to get the road names as part of the voice directions?

Also does this unit only have one option for the voice that can be used?

Many thanks for any assistance you can give me.
445 Simon // Jul 30, 2008 at 11:17 am

There’s only one voice option, and I don’t think it does road names, just numbers, i.e, “Turn left onto A1234″.

I have to say, I’ve now tried a Garmin 610, and a Navman S50, and despite it’s failings, I still keep going back to the Sony. It certainly has the best voice of those I’ve tried, and also the best mount.
446 jp // Jul 31, 2008 at 10:00 am

Have done a factory reset and it picked up the sat……first time was about 10 min…….then switched it off and back on and the sat was there within a minute or so…….thanks for the help.
447 sanowar // Aug 2, 2008 at 5:39 pm

i just bought NV-U73T yesterday. It seems to b very complicated. i couldn’t set the origin and destination easily.
can anyone tell me if it has detailed map of canada? because i dont find out the small street i live! and i feel the battery is really poor.
448 Dean // Aug 3, 2008 at 8:25 am

Sanowar,
According to the Sony American web site it says the NV-U73T comes pre-loaded with map content covering the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
449 Michael // Aug 3, 2008 at 10:02 pm

I too have bought the NV-U53 My PC System is vista. I cannot show the manual off the disc provided as it tells me that I need acrobat reader to do so, and that Idon’t have it installed when in fact I have. do you think that I may have the wrong version ? if so which one do I need.
However I don’t have the same problem with the quick start guide.
450 Michael // Aug 4, 2008 at 6:34 am

Correction- Adobe Reader not acrobat

Michael
451 Dean // Aug 4, 2008 at 8:17 am

Michael,
See comment #94 which suggests downloading the manual from the Sony site and see if that works. I have Vista too and just tried downloading the manual and it works for me.
452 Ben // Aug 4, 2008 at 12:39 pm

I bought a NVU-53 and went on to change the unit 2 times before finally solving my problem. There was no problem with the satnav unit itself but I couldn’t get any charging when I plug in the car power adapter cable and had to depend on the laptop USB for charging.

The 3rd time, after getting my car electricals checked at the garage, I went back and changed just the cable itself. Initially Argos, from whom I bought the unit, said they will need to send the entire unit back to Sony for checks/repairs. It’s been more than a month since I bought the unit. I persisted and eventually they relented and just swapped a cable unit for me.

That solved my problem and am pleased with the unit so far.
453 Michael // Aug 4, 2008 at 6:10 pm

I have down loaded adobe reader 9 and the sony disc still reads that I nead abobe to open the manual, so still no joy.
454 sanowar // Aug 4, 2008 at 6:52 pm

I have NV-U73. Can any one tell me if it has a menu for autocomplete( Like if I start with S..it will give me a brief list of street starting with S!) I saw some other GPS has it. But with U73 I need to write all the way with correct spelling. I live in a french city so spelling is really tough sometimes and hard to get the address. Can any one help?
455 Dean // Aug 4, 2008 at 10:18 pm

Michael,
Have you tried downloading the manual directly from the Sony site rather than using the disc?
456 Michael // Aug 5, 2008 at 6:40 am

Dean
Thankyou for that but yes I have.So I have now put the disc on to my sons PC and it works OK so it must be some thing at my end, so I now have the manual on a Flash card. I will have to put it down to one of those things and get on and enjoy the sat-nav.
457 Lynsey // Aug 7, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Hi Dean,

Thanks for all your hints and tips – it’s made my eyes go tired reading them all!

I had a Sony Nav-U bought for me for Christmas last year (I forget the model, i think it was a NV-U52 but i’ll check when I get home), it’s the older version with the smaller screen and the sticky jelly suction cup. I absolutely love it, and it has made me feel so much more confident when out on the roads. It’s a lot better than the Road Angel my partner uses on a daily basis, which takes him in all bizarre directions!

My other half used it about a month ago and didn’t tuck the suction cup into the back of the unit properly. Subsequently, the jelly broke up around the sides and it doesn’t form a seal on the windscreen anymore – any ideas what I can do about fixing it or getting a replacement/alternative cradle? I’m gutted – I have to drive with it in the cupholder now and it falls out when I go round a corner.
Thanks in anticipation,
Lynsey
458 Dean // Aug 7, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Lynsey,
Replacement suction cups/cradles for the Sony sat navs are extremely difficult to get hold of. I don’t know of anyone who has managed to find one yet. I heard of one person who found one but the company wanted around £50 which seemed excessively expensive.

I’ve seen some companies sell a dashboard friction mount but I’m not sure if it is compatible with any of the Sony sat nav range.
459 Lynsey // Aug 8, 2008 at 11:26 am

Ok, thanks for your incredibly speedy reply Dean. If I manage to source something suitable I will let you know so you can share it with anyone else who has the same problem! (A broken suction cup that is, not a careless partner – I don’t anyone will find a cure for that).
Regards
Lynsey
460 Simon // Aug 8, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Can anyone confirm that the maps linked to below, are later (more up to date) that the ones pre-installed on the U53 / U83?

Sony map updates

Many thanks,

Simon.
461 Simon // Aug 8, 2008 at 12:12 pm

Oops – sorry about the long link!
462 Dean // Aug 8, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Simon,
Don’t worry about the long link. I fixed that for you.

Not sure if they’re more up-to-date than the maps preinstalled on the U53/U83.

Thanks for the link as well. Several people have asked where to get hold of European maps so this will come in useful.
463 Simon // Aug 8, 2008 at 1:10 pm

Hi Dean,

Thanks for fixing the link.

Given that it appears that the maps are due to be released in August, I don’t think it unreasonable to assume them to be the latest (08) versions, so I have taken the plunge and ordered one. If they are not more up-to-date than the pre-installed versions, I think I would have good cause for complaint.

I also have a Navigon 2100 Max, and have just downloaded 08 maps for that, so as they seem to be in the same ‘family’, I would assume these to be the Sony versions of the update.

Here’s hoping anyway!

Cheers,

Simon.
464 Flann // Aug 9, 2008 at 4:36 am

I got the U53 for Xmas and was looking for ages for the European Maps to install. Eventually found a place here in Ireland where I purchased them (in February) the DVD was NVD-U11E so I would assume that the DVD mentioned from your link NVD-12R is a more recent version of them.
465 Simon // Aug 9, 2008 at 10:06 am

Thanks, that’s reassuring.
466 Dean // Aug 9, 2008 at 11:57 am

Let us know how you get on with the European maps DVD if you decide to purchase it.
467 jp // Aug 12, 2008 at 4:39 pm

i have just tried to update my u53 on the web page they give you it is a software update….done all what it is saying to do and it keeps coming up no device found i have restarted my pc….but still no joy still the same answer no device…..so what i am going away to do is uninstall my software for the u53 and reinstall it would that be ok to do so thanks…cant understand why it is not picking up the device.
468 ch10p // Aug 27, 2008 at 8:56 am

Hi,
I found this website very interesting. I wonder if you could help me, please? The model I own is NV-U83.
First thing, I think it is the only sat nav which doesn’t show the car’s speed in navigation mode. It’s quite useful to see what you’re doing, but I can’t find the option to turn it on. Or is that option unavailable?
Second thing and the most importent to me: device id. No problem looking for it, I’ve had it actually, but only once, my major fault was I hadn’t taken it down. Now when I go through Settings to look for it the sat nav shows:Your device id cannot be displayed. Please contact customer service. Which I also have done, but their only respond, for now, was more like an automated respond that someone might be giving me a call later on.
With no id device I can’t download speed camera updates and I’m pretty much stuffed. Any advice will be greatly apperciated.
469 Dean // Aug 27, 2008 at 1:26 pm

ch10p,
If you go into the System Settings screen and then select Settings there are a number of things you can configure. Look for a setting called ‘show speed and orientation’. Does it have a value of Yes or No for this setting?

Not sure why it no longer displays the device id. You could try a couple of things.

Firstly, have you done a factory reset?

Secondly, did you register your NV-U83 with Sony? If so, you could try logging into your account and go to your profile and see if the device ID is displayed next to your registered devices.
470 ch10p // Aug 27, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Dean,
I’ll go through the settings again to look for speed settings, I’ve not got the device with me now.

The device id problem occured just when I was submitting it on Sony website. I thought you needed first register the device taking the id number from the device to have it listed on your account.
I had set my account first and when registering the NV-U83 with the id number I had at the time of registration the website came back with an error. After that the sat nav is not showing the number anymore.
I’ve tried resetting to factory defaults – the software option – didn’t help. I didn’t think the hard reset button would have helped, I considered it more like a way out if the device froze.
One thing I may have better mentioned, is that that the NV-U83 was bought as a refurbished sat nav.
I’ll try at home the reset button and if that doesn’t hepl I’ll be probably trying to reinstall the whole software. Thanks for your support anyway.

Who are you by the way? It seems you’re the only one who keeps this website alive.
471 Dean // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:27 pm

I’m the owner of this web site. I’m the guy who writes all the reviews and responds to readers comments
472 ch10p // Aug 27, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Hello,
The main reset button helped to retrieve the id number but now the websit doesn’t accept it. I’m already in contact with sony customer service to resolve it. I wonder if they reply.
The other thing with speed showed on the display, I found the setting ‘show speed and orientation’ but it’s already been on. I need to investigate if it now works.
Thanks for your help so far.
473 ch10p // Aug 28, 2008 at 8:10 am

Usful hints:
1. When having problems with displaying device id number (when for example it shows that it cannot be determined), use hard reset tiny button, it resets the whole unit settings and makes it remember the id number again.
2. When registering new device on Sony website using the device id and when the number is not accepted and shows error, remove the whole device from the list and register it again in one operation setting the device type and putting the id number in.

One thing that’s left unsolved is how to show speed when driving in navigation mode. The display is ticked with ‘show speed and orientation’ option but shows it only when driving along the way (unit shows your location on the screen but it is not in navigation mode). If you look on any screens available on the web, the left hand top corner shows the distance and estimated time of arrival, no indication of speed on those screens. Quite strange.
474 Dean // Aug 28, 2008 at 8:24 am

Thanks for the useful tips ch10p. Your comment about the speed not showing on the screen is not uncommon. I’ve seen that on the Garmin Nuvi range. It only displays the speed when you’re just driving around and not using it in navigation mode. So it is not a problem specific to Sony.
475 Steven // Aug 28, 2008 at 9:24 am

Hi Dean,
I was wondering, you seem to indicate that you cannot add you own POI dataset to these devices (nav-u53)? Can you confim this?
I’d like to add a set which I’ve created showing all our assets! thanks
Steven
476 Dean // Aug 28, 2008 at 1:21 pm

Steven,
You cannot download additional POI onto these devices unfortunately.
477 Simon // Aug 28, 2008 at 6:03 pm

Hi folks,

I also have a question about the U83. I managed to find a traffic cradle on eBay, and bought it, but I’m not sure whether I still need to subscribe to the TMS or not. When I try to do so on the Navu website, it says that the £20 TMC subscription is not compatible with my device. Does having the cradle mean that you don’t have to buy the subscription? If that’s the case, how can I activate TMC, on the U83, without an activation code? I tried the non-subscription traffic monitoring over the last couple of days, and actually found it pretty hopeless. The little traffic icon comes on for a few seconds at a time, very infrequently, and I’m getting no traffic messages at all, and it certainly isn’t re-routing me round any delays. Would like to get this working, seeing as I’ve paid for the cradle (£42), but it’s handy as a spare anyway.

TIA,

Simon.
478 Dean // Aug 28, 2008 at 8:34 pm

Simon,
It’s possible the TMC is already enabled. If I go to the Sony nav-u web site it doesn’t offer a subscription option for the U83 which confirms what you said. But on another part of the Sony web site it suggests you need a £20 subscription and that U83 users need the NVA-CU5T traffic cradle to use TMC. So there is conflicting information.

I found the TMC reception on the U73 patchy. It is non-existent where I live, but if I drive 30 miles away it becomes better. You could be in a similar situation. Next time you have to drive further afield test out the TMC again and see if the reception is any better. That might tell you if TMC is enabled.

Also, if you go into the Settings screen there is an option to configure TMC. Is that option enabled on your U83?
479 Simon // Aug 28, 2008 at 8:56 pm

Hi Dean,

Yes, the TMC settings are available, but if I look at Pay-TMC providers, none are ‘activated’, so it’s making me wonder.

Also, remember the map update DVDs? Well, as I hadn’t received anything, I rang Sony Style today, and was told that they were in stock and available, and that mine should have been sent, but for some reason was still ‘processing’. He promised to look into it and call me back tomorrow. Here’s hoping!

Simon
480 Dean // Aug 28, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Not sure what to suggest. If the guy from Sony rings back you could try asking him about the TMC.
481 Simon // Aug 28, 2008 at 9:53 pm

I don’t think Sony Style are the techie brigade, but yes, I could ask.
482 Dario // Sep 3, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Hi All,

I have been given a loan of a u53 to take on holidays with me around Europe. I will be driving from France to Italy then back to France and down to Spain… I got a copy of the European maps and bought a 4GB Sony Memory stick but am unsure as to how I get the map onto the memory stick? I have the memory stick inserted in the unit, have it connected to the pc and then using the CD that came with the unit it seems to only allow me to remove the existing map or when I try to browse to the map on my PC i am unable to select the file? It seems it wants to look for a folder? I am reluctant to do this as it is not my unit and would be afraid of deleting the existing map of Ireland/UK….
Anybody able to help me here or am I totally missing something???

Many thanks ,
Dario.
483 Dean // Sep 3, 2008 at 9:35 pm

Hi Dario,
I’m not sure of the exact procedure. One of our readers, Flann Howard, has done this before (see comments 204 and 239) so he may be able to provide further information. It looks like you need to transfer the contents of the DVD onto a memory stick and then plug the memory stick into the U53.
484 Simon // Sep 4, 2008 at 12:10 am

I have just updated my U83 via DVD, if that’s any help. I connected the U83 to the PC via USB, powered on, and with ActiveSync up and running, inserted the DVD. I was then given options of removing maps from the SD card, or installing the new maps to either the internal memory, or to the SD card (2Gb). If installing to the internal memory, it will over-write the existing map data, so just to be on the safe side, I installed it to the SD card at first, to make sure everything worked OK, which it did, so I then removed it from the SD card and installed the UK maps to the internal memory. I could have then installed the rest of Europe to the SD card, but as I don’t need them at this time, I didn’t bother.

I have found that some directions have improved with the new maps, and also, the text seems clearer when displaying road names, etc, but roads I had found missing on the old maps, still seem to be missing on the new ones, but, curiously, have appeared on my Navigon, which I thought were the same maps! I was slightly disappointed that the range of POIs doesn’t seem to have been improved, and that a major hospital in my area is still nowhere in sight! Other than that, all seems OK.
485 Dario // Sep 4, 2008 at 7:43 am

Hi Simon/Dean,

Many thanks for your comments. I will give it another try this evening and let you know how it goes.

Rgds,
Dario
486 Natalie // Sep 4, 2008 at 9:49 pm

I was reading some reviews and i just bought a NVU53 XL from Ebay have they all been recalled or whats going on with that? I heard about the time thing but besides being a pain does it effect getting to where you need to be? I just moved here from the states and am lucky to figure out how to get to Sainsburys especially on these little roads and i’m hoping i made a desent choice with the price i got it for. Please let me know! Thanks!
487 Dean // Sep 4, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Hi Natalie,
Most of the issues reported by myself and other readers were minor niggles that didn’t affect the navigation side of things. Sony were offering replacements for faulty units but that was some time ago and the situation may have changed. Since you bought on eBay that isn’t an option anyway.

It won’t affect you using the sat nav to get around. In a couple of years from now Sony will no longer be supporting these systems but by then you can always get a replacements if necessary.

Hope you get used to the roads over here
488 Dean // Sep 4, 2008 at 10:04 pm

I forgot to mention that a couple of readers have reported problems with the suction cup coming loose so make sure it is firmly in position before using it.
489 Simon // Sep 4, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Am I the only one who’s taken the plastic layer off the mount, and stuck it on the windscreen directly by the gel? I can’t understand how it could fall off, as mine is stuck on like a limpet!

Simon.
490 Natalie // Sep 4, 2008 at 10:34 pm

Thanks Dean i also wanted to ask about the updates some real expensive sat navs needed new updates do you have to do that with this one or is it just plain and simple and tells you how to get from A to B? Also it said it was gesture command does that mean it doesn’t say when to turn? I’ll find out when i get it but just curious thanks again!
491 Dean // Sep 5, 2008 at 8:37 am

Natalie – You can use it out of the box without any updates. Have a look at the section of the review titled Gesture Commands and it will explain that feature to you.

Simon – Thanks for the tip. I always used to stick the mount on the dashboard and that seemed to stick like a limpet too.
492 Chris Powell // Sep 5, 2008 at 10:27 am

Whilst I don’t have a problem with the actual “Gel” bit coming loose- I find that the universal joint is too floopy. Can anyone suggest a way of tightening it?

I’ve had it apart and find there is no apparent way of stiffening it, so I’m tempted to glue the ball and socket with EvoStik, or alternatively feed it Viagra!!

Any ideas?

Chris
493 mikerb // Sep 8, 2008 at 12:33 am

just wanted to say thank you to Dean for putting up the review for the nvu53,
T.J. Hughes are selling them for £79.99 so after reading this page and all the comments I went and bought one. at that price I was prepared to suffer a little with the niggles.
There is a firmware update on the sony website but mine was working ok without it, just a bit of a runaround to get the camera warnings activated. thanks to ch10p for the advice on how to get it to work.
494 Graham // Sep 8, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Anybody else experienced the time problem with the NV-U83 model? Found a reference to it on the Sony website, but the two Sony people I spoke to said the time problem only related to the NV-U53 model.
495 Simon // Sep 8, 2008 at 8:13 pm

I have the U83, and the only time ‘problem’, which isn’t really a problem, is that if you reset it with the little button underneath, the time will reset to 12:00 (or 00:00, can’t remember), until it picks up a GPS signal, which then sets the clock right.

Have you got the latest firmware version off the website, Graham?
496 Graham // Sep 9, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Simon,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I have the latest firmware and have already tried resetting the unit – all to no avail. Spoke to Sony today who advised me that they have a fix, but need to return the unit to them for it to be carried out!
497 Simon // Sep 9, 2008 at 5:55 pm

That’s annoying, Graham.

I have been experiencing a couple of issues with the ‘new’ firmware update:

1. During navigation, if I switch from Fast Route to Optimum Route, the unit reboots, then takes ages to fins a GPS signal again. I found this to my cost in the middle of Exeter the other week.

2. Once or twice, even with a signal, the unit appears to be navigating ‘off road’, and takes a while to find it’s way again. This is not while actually navigating, but when just viewing the map while travelling. Today, it went ‘off road’, and wouldn’t find a signal, then after several power cycles, I ended up having to do a hard reset.

I’m going to see how it goes, but these niggles have definitely appeared since the firmware update.
498 Tony H // Sep 9, 2008 at 10:09 pm

Hi,

I have had the U52 since last xmas but have never been able to access the device ID. Following the instructions in these posts, when I go into product information, all it shows is
Version: 2.0.0 (033*NT)
Platform: 2.100

Is my ID in there somewhere?
499 Dean // Sep 10, 2008 at 8:12 am

The Sony web site has some instructions for how to find the device id on the U52. You could see if that helps.
500 Tony H // Sep 10, 2008 at 8:45 pm

All sorted Dean, thanks for the advice
501 Bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:13 am

Hi,
I have updated my U53 with the new Firmware updates and european maps, now my system just keeps crashing and rebooting?. I have tried moving all the maps to a memory card and still no luck. Can anyone help?. All was ok before firmware update.
502 Dean // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:15 am

Bob,
Have you tried doing a factory reset?
503 Bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:22 am

Hi,
I have pressed and held the small pin hole button on the base, is this the correct way to reset?
504 Dean // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:32 am

Yes that’s the correct way to reset it.
505 Bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:39 am

I have tried installing the firmware again with no luck. When the system boots, the loading screen appears then it just beeps and resets? I have also removed the memory card which makes no difference – Must be the software?
Is it possible to return to the factory default ie. the original software and maps?.
If not, I think ill be posting it off to Sony!
506 Dean // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:43 am

Was the memory card removed when you installed the firmware or maps?

You can’t return it to the original software or maps as far as I know. You could try phoning Sony. The number I have is 08705 111999.
507 Bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:54 am

The card was inserted when I installed the firmware. I then inserted the card and installed the euro maps to the memory card which seemed to work ok, the sony map install software can see them.

Firmware procedure was:-
Turn off sat nav, connect usb cable, switch on sat nav, activesync connected ok, then run the firmware update, press ok, then disconnected the usb cable and powered on = Crashing.

Will try the sony number later today, if you have anymore advice that would be great!.

Thankyou!
508 Bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 8:56 am

“I then inserted the card and installed the euro” -Sorry, i meant i inserted the disc.
509 bob // Sep 11, 2008 at 9:20 am

hi dean,
I have just been reading post 349, the screen does say connecting when im updating, should this change to something else when the update is complete? mine just stays as connecting, so i just unplugged the cable.

Just a thought.
510 Dean // Sep 11, 2008 at 6:20 pm

It’s been a while since I tried this. When I tried activating the safety cameras it came up with a different message. Not sure what happens when updating the maps or fimware.
511 natalie // Sep 12, 2008 at 11:04 am

hi i have cracked my scren does anybody have an idea of where i can get this repaird and how much the costs are likely to be
512 Dean // Sep 12, 2008 at 6:25 pm

You could try phoning Sony for help. See comment #506 for phone number. There are also a number of companies that offer sat nav repairs. I can’t personally recommend any but if you search on Google you will find a few.
513 Lydia // Sep 29, 2008 at 2:52 pm

Hi,
I’m looking to buy a budget sat nav system and this one is looking pretty good. However, my sister had a sat nav and there was one thing that really annoyed her; when she went off route (ie took a wrong turning) the system would advise her to make a U turn (as expected) but if she didn’t within about 6 seconds, it would recaculate so that it got her back onto the original route (eg take the next left, then left, then left again then left again) instead of calculating another route to her destination from her new position. She found this particularly infuriating when driving around the countryside as getting back onto the original route can take a long time as there are fewer roads! Does anyone know if this Sony does this or does it sort you out a new route from your new (if incorrect) position? Many thanks.
514 Chris Powell // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:01 pm

whenever I’ve gone off route it recalculates the new route from your current position. Having said that it may well be that the only route available is a return to the old route by doubling back. I’ve had no problems with rerouting- if it can provide a better route from your wrong position it does.

Chris
515 Lydia // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Ok, that definitely helps me. Thanks for your speedy reply Chris!

I’m also looking at the Garmin Nuvi 250l, does anyone have any thoughts on how these two compare and whether one is better than the other?

Many thanks for your help!
516 Dean // Sep 29, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Lydia,
The Sony isn’t a bad system for the price now, it’s had a few complaints from readers but it is a decent navigator. They sell for under £100 now which is a decent price.

Sony are withdrawing support for these products though with limited or no support beyond 2010. If you only intend to use the sat nav for a couple of years and then replace it with something else, then this isn’t a problem, but if you intend to keep the sat nav for longer than you might find it difficult keeping the maps and safety cameras up-to-date.

I personally would go for a Garmin although it is more expensive. If you let me know your budget and what features are most important to you I can advise further.
517 Lydia // Sep 29, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Hi Dean,
Thank you for your advice, and for your prompt reply! I had a faulty Route 66 Mini and after a lot of to-ing and fro-ing with Halfords I’ve finally got them to agree to exchange it with another Route 66 Mini or a different system with me paying the difference. The Sony and the Garmin are really the only two that seem to be worth considering whilst still being in my price range, so on your advice I think I’ll go for the Garmin. Thanks again for your help, I’m so pleased I found such a useful site!
518 Katie // Oct 1, 2008 at 10:46 pm

have just bought (on impulse) a U73T for £109 from currys, think i’m gonna take it back now, can’t believe i will only be able to update it until 2010, that’s awful!
garmin is a lot more expensive but i think the extra investment may be worth it.
what are sony playing at??
519 Alex // Oct 12, 2008 at 10:13 pm

got one today, only thing i HATE about this thing is that you cant view turn by turn instuctions of the route its taking you (or can you?), and its not the easier sat nav to zoom in and out the roads and navigate around, its quite useless when your tryin to scroll across the map with your finger!!
520 Sandra // Oct 13, 2008 at 10:35 am

hi
Got a bit confused reading your reviews on the NVU53G. brought one early this year and have been having alot of problems with it. Could you tell me if they have been recalled ?
521 Dean // Oct 13, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Sandra,
There were problems with the U53 earlier in the year. These included flickering screens and the time being wrong. Sony were offering a free upgrade at the time to the U73. That was some time ago so the position may have changed since then. I’d give Sony a call or contact the retailer where you purchased it from.

In addition, Sony are phasing out support for these products from 2010 onwards.
522 Jeff // Oct 16, 2008 at 9:47 am

Hi all , Cannot anywhere find how to contact the people how have left comments on the forum.
I’am after Flann Howard , Basicly to ask where he sourced his copy of the map update dvd for his nav-u sat nav. I have the nav-u83
If it was offical Sony’s own from there website. A tad expensive but if that is the only source then thats the only option.
Cheer’s Jeff.
If allowed to put on here my home email
jeff.whittaker@ntlworld.com
523 James // Nov 1, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Glad I found this site was going to buy this sat nav from bid up in a few minutes lol but no chance if they are going to stop upgrading the maps I mean what is the point of a sat nav with outdated maps.
524 Chris // Nov 4, 2008 at 12:29 am

I have purchased the European maps for this Sat Nav.
I installed France & Italy but Italy does not show up on the Sat Nav, only France. It says I have installed Italy on the PC setup screen??.
Can anyone help!? and fast!
525 Jeff // Nov 4, 2008 at 9:51 am

The only thing is Chris is to re-install the maps.
Have you download them on to the memory or a memory stick.
I have the U83 which has a poor memory capacity so i brought a stick and installed all of europe on to it all 1723mb of it , Took some time but all of the countries are there.
Hope this helps.
526 Chris // Nov 4, 2008 at 10:53 am

Hi Jeff, thanks for your reply. I have already tried re-installing the maps and found the same problem. I have the Nav-U53 which only very recently was issued with European maps (say 10 days ago), so was wondering if anyone else has found this problem with them?
527 Jeff // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:01 pm

Hi Chris, If it’s the same map dvd i have ,It’s a copy of NVDU12R.EUR.
And i understand that is an old map 4 quater of 2007. They haven’t brought out an upto date one so far , If you any different let me know.
But if you have a spare memory stick duo to send me i could see if can load my map data on to it. It will have to be 4gb at least to get it on and it took nearly 5 hours to load it on to the stick. Probley because it’s not an orignal disk and i couldn’t pick my countries, It was all of europe or nothing.
Cheer’s
Jeff
528 jeff // Nov 4, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Just another thought, Have you gone into the settings menue.
On screen go to more at the bottom, The settings, Then map settings, Touch curret map on there should be europe as well. Mine say’s British isles/ Europe.

Jeff.
529 Mike // Nov 4, 2008 at 5:52 pm

Just brought U53, but iam having problems trying to activate the speed camera option. I with sony and added the u53 to my products but cant for the life of me see where iam suposed to get an activation code from! If I go to my profile it gets me to fill in a questionair which when i submit it it then aske me to complete the same one again!! If I try to log into the sony site via the Navu site it wont let me in as my email address is to long to fit in the user id space???
530 Jeff // Nov 5, 2008 at 8:57 am

Hi Mike, a bit tricky. If i can remember i had to go the buying option for the speed cams , Then at check out if you have put in your activation code if give’s you it for free for the first twelve months. If you have it in your profile there should be a + button underneath your product discription , Press that and a drop down menue appears with the download content and licsence key activation content. Just press download and the speed cam update loads up .Make sure you have your nav-u hooked up with active-sync.
.Cheer’s
Any probs drop me a line
jeff.whittaker@ntlworld.com
Evenings or on here during the day.
531 Barbara // Nov 6, 2008 at 3:48 pm

I bought a NVU53 from Argos in July .I would not have done so if I had known of this site !
The touch screen was always unresponsive , I had to press hard to ‘agree’ to the conditions and then to get the machine to accept the GB instructions , it seemed to want to go to Belgium all the time . Changing postcodes was also difficult .
At the most important time I needed it to work , when I had to find my round a city I do not know on important business , I was trying to input the postcode and the screen cracked at the top left hand corner , this left the unit useless and I had to resort to old fashioned maps.
I took the unit back to Argos but they would not give me a refund – in fact to add insult to injury the manager told me that I must have dropped the unit or pressed too hard ; basically calling me a liar. They have sent it away and now I am told that SONY want £85 to repair it , then I will be left with a unit with the same problems as before . Not one to give money away I am seriously considering taking SONY to the smalls claims court for selling a product that is not fit for use . Can I use the similar comments and findings on this site as supporting evidence ?
Thanks
532 Chris // Nov 6, 2008 at 5:49 pm

My NV-U53 has now completely packed up after installing the europe maps for a 2nd time & updates from Sony!!
It was brilliant when it worked, but I have now taken it back to Argos (full refund) and used the money (+£70) to buy a TomTom XL Europe 22…..bin the U53!! its the only way forward. Sony support is useless!
533 Flann Howard // Nov 6, 2008 at 9:18 pm

As a well known Ad goes “when it’s good it’s very good but when it’s bad it’s horrid” As for Sony support it’s non existent. When I got my U53 as a present last Xmas I was trying to get updates for maps but Sony did not answer one of my numerous emails sent and I was unfortunate I did not have a receipt of purchase as I could not ask the person who bought it for me. Also the shop it was purchased in soon closed. I have managed to work my way around some of the problems and only for this site it would have been trashed ages ago. When I get another Sat Nav one thing for sure it will not be a Sony.
534 Mike // Nov 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

I have been trying to download a european map to a gb memory stick inserted in the U53 and although it seems to be sending data to it it never seems to finish! left it at it for over 10 hours! and still not finished! It does seem to transfer data as the smaller bin file has been transfered. Anyone else tried transfering maps via Activsync?

Thanks

Mike
535 kevin barnett // Nov 16, 2008 at 12:42 am

Hi ive just managed to get hold of a brand new nv-u93t from clearance bargins (argos sell off store) to replace the one i had stolen last week but when i go to the sony site to register it the 93t is not in the drop down menu, how can i register to get the safety cam data and the tmc data.
536 Eric Smethurst // Nov 22, 2008 at 11:25 am

I bought the Sony NV-U53 in March ’08 and although only used infrequently the touch screen is no longer giving any response, save only for the view and voice/pos. I’ve reset the machine but without success. Is this machine now a dead duck ?? or am I missing a vital link on resetting this machine for it to accept my touch responses.
Thanks in anticipation of anyone’s help.
537 Dave // Nov 22, 2008 at 10:38 pm

See comments 188 and 263, it seemed to work for me
538 Dean // Nov 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Kevin,
It seems to work OK for me. I visited the Sony nav-u web site, logged into my Sony account, selected the ‘My Products’ tab and then clicked the ‘Register a product’ link and then entered a product name of NV-U93T which it recognised. Give that a go and see if it works.
539 Eric // Nov 24, 2008 at 4:35 pm

Dave,
Tried your suggestion, but am still unable to access the system. As the satnav was a gift (no receipt) Sony advise the cost of repair is £85 incl vat !.
540 marko // Nov 26, 2008 at 10:43 pm

hi. where can I get activation code for sony u53? thanks for answer
541 Jannat // Nov 27, 2008 at 11:37 pm

Hi, I bought this product a while ago and have just started to really use it. However, I’m finding that it doesn’t recognise a lot of the postcodes I input, insisting they don’t exist. I’ve used various methods, even trawling through POI’s in towns to get to a particular place and then it still tries to send me to places that haven’t been there for over ten years or tries to make me turn right onto left only dual carriageways. has anyone else had this problem? and is there a way to rectify it?
542 Dean // Nov 28, 2008 at 8:33 am

I’ve heard some readers comment about minor issues with postcodes before which have been localised to a particular area of a town or city. Have the postcodes you entered all been in the same town or city?
543 Jannat // Nov 28, 2008 at 10:23 am

The postcodes that it doesn’t recognise are within the same area (Dunstable), but the roads have changed are in different areas (Enfield, Palmers Green, Tottenham etc).
544 ALBERT // Nov 28, 2008 at 11:09 am

Hi Jannat

Sorry to hear that you are having problems with you satnav.

I have been using mine for a year now, and apart from the intial orientation, that is finding my way around how to use it and so on. It is serving very royally.

I literally have no fear in trustng my sati, as we call her.

Maybe you should return it to your dealer, and have them replace it.

Wishing you well

Albert
545 Jannat // Nov 28, 2008 at 11:20 am

Thanks Albert.

I bought it off eBay (not from a seller though) so I don’t know whether that has the same returns/exchange policy.

I’m having to get up to Tottenham on my own this afternoon, so i’m just praying that it gets me there.
546 Barbara // Nov 29, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Further to my moan at 531 above – after 3 visits to Argos I finally got a refund on the Sony after I printed off the comments here and showed them to the manager . Have now bought a Garmin nuvi and its so much better than the Sony . Small details like having a querty keyboard make it brilliantly easy to use . Got me 600 miles up north and back with no problems. I have recommended this site to all my family who are getting Sat Navs for Christmas . Many thanks .
547 Dean // Nov 29, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Barbara,
Glad you got it sorted. The Garmin Nuvis are good systems, I use one myself. Which one did you go for?

If you or your family have got any queries about sat navs then let me know.

I also published a short article recently which you may find useful.
Which Garmin Sat Nav should I get?
548 Barbara // Nov 29, 2008 at 7:05 pm

Hi Dean ,
thanks again for this site and all your hard work – I was able to get a Nuvi 200 W for the same price a s the Sony – it might be simple but it suits me !- and it didnt fall off the dashboard .
Cheers !
549 John // Dec 4, 2008 at 10:33 am

Hi all,
bit late in the day after all these replies to the same question, but thought i’d ask anyhows.
Has anybody tried to send back their NV – U53 recently, I have today just tried, on the 01932-816000 number, and they put me through to a customer services somewhere, and they want me to now send it off for repair, when everyone else has had free upgrades. Should i settle for this, or push for the upgraded version, as this satnav is the baine of my life at the minute.
Also, mine was falling off the dashboard, but a simple solution is just to wet the cup before locking it, it sticks harder.

thanks all
550 Dean // Dec 4, 2008 at 5:46 pm

Hi John #549,
The original issue, at least with my unit, was the U53 showing the wrong time. I got a free upgrade to the U73. This was a year ago so the situation with Sony may have changed since then.

What problems have you got with your U53? If it is the same time problem then you would have thought you’d deserve an upgrade too.
551 Brian // Dec 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm

I have had really good usage from U53 for almost a year in the UK, Ireland and France. However, the screen has now locked with the exception of View and Voice/Pos. The unit has been extremely well looked after. This is an intermittent fault lasting days – through resets, power offs and complete battery discharge, ie. I could turn on tomorrow and it works only to freeze again at a random touch! I have the latest software loaded. I know the GPS works in the background as camera alerts still work. Has anyone had a similar problem resolved?
Is there a ‘hidden’ ‘ backdoor’ method of getting into the controls or is this a case of contacting Sony and expressing my joy at the units prowess but my utter dismay of its touch screen fault?
Thanks
552 Dean // Dec 7, 2008 at 9:48 pm

Brian,
Someone posted a comment a couple of days ago on our review of the U73 with the exact same problem, so it doesn’t sound like an isolated problem. No idea how to fix it though apart from try contacting Sony.
553 Brian // Dec 9, 2008 at 5:17 pm

Hi Dean,
Not sure if I have ‘solved’ the problem… but as I thought, at random, the unit fired into life. I took the opportunity to re-calibrate the screen which went through a couple of cycles before completion! All is now working well again, but on reflection I feel that any problem there was could be due to the automatic switch off when the car ignition is turned off. I now make sure I turn the unit off manually. (Another cause could be the power output from the vehicle power cable as the unit first came to life again in my son’s car, but is now working fine in mine!)
This may help others….
554 Dean // Dec 9, 2008 at 8:45 pm

Thanks Brian, useful information.
555 Tom // Dec 21, 2008 at 11:03 am

Hi,

Firstly, fantastic thread! I have just bought myself a U53 from ebay for £49.99 and first impressions are good.

However, I cannot get the 12 months free speed camera activation code from the nav-u website. I have registered my device (and serial number) and navigated through the site until I came across the 12 months safety camera for the UK. The price of this is £0, which I assume is because it picks up on the serial number of the device when registering? Anyway, when I try to check out I continually get the message “An error occured while commiting your cart”. Has anyone else come across this? Maybe I am missing something?

Many Thanks
556 Dean // Dec 21, 2008 at 3:11 pm

Hi Tom,
Perhaps it’s a fault on the Sony web site. You could try again on Monday and see if you get the same error? If you still have no luck try phoning Sony on 08705 111999.
557 Tom // Dec 22, 2008 at 9:37 am

Hi Dean,

Cheers for your reply. I have tried again this morning and the website now asked for my device ID, which once entered everything went through with no problems.

I received a speed camera update version 080925, which I would be happy to supply on request, as this is a newer version than that listed on the support website.
558 Top 10 Reviews of 2008 // Dec 22, 2008 at 8:58 pm

[...] Sony NV-U53 Widescreen Sat Nav [...]
559 Karen // Dec 28, 2008 at 12:31 pm

Hi Dean (and anyone else!)

We recently got a new u-82G without box and discs (thats not a problem, I can find the software needed online). The problem is I cannot get the activation code for the speedcams.

The profile checkout keeps saying there is an error and prompts for the code, but no code has been emailed or appeared on the profile page even though its registered with them. Also, if I go into the ‘Product Info’ section as instructed so helpfully above there is no code, just the software version – that’s it, litterally.
The demo refuses to work, but everything else is fine. My brother even feels that its better than his TomTom in that its more spot-on for addresses.
This u82 is intented for my technophobe parents but it seems a big disapointment when I can’t even get the speedcam system up and running!
Any ideas? Help!!
Thank you in advance
560 Dean // Dec 29, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Karen,
It might be worth just trying again and see if you get the same problem. Sometimes the Sony web sites plays up. Also see if comment #215 above helps.
561 Ray // Jan 4, 2009 at 8:06 pm

Hi tom ( 555 )I have had exactly the same problem as you keep getting the message ” An error occured while commiting your cart ” been getting that for over a week cannot get any further if you would be willing to supply me with the activation code please reply and I will post my E:Mail address … Cheers Ray
562 Karen // Jan 6, 2009 at 12:37 am

Hi again Dean,

Thanks for your advice. None of it worked sadly
The Sony site does not display the mentioned plus sign, the checkout still refuses to check out, the dreaded activation code still eludes me…

*sigh*
563 Dean // Jan 6, 2009 at 8:55 am

You could try phoning Sony on 08705 111999 and see if you get any luck.
564 Ray // Jan 6, 2009 at 5:18 pm

I have got it working at last do not ask me how but its working … Cheers Ray
565 Sam // Jan 15, 2009 at 1:23 am

Hi there,

I’ve got the NV-U53. After I’ve reached my destination and the arrow goes away, I can’t seem to get back into the menu system to plug in another address? Also, sometimes I will not get a GPS signal for hours, what can I do?
566 Dean // Jan 15, 2009 at 9:41 pm

Hi Sam,
What happens if you turn the U53 off and then back on again. Can you plug in another address then? You shouldn’t need to do this but it’s worth a go.

Is it particular situations where it struggles to get a GPS signal or is it just random? Is it just in the car it can’t get a GPS signal our outside too?
567 Sam // Jan 16, 2009 at 8:20 am

If I turn it off and then back on, it goes to the start up menu which is what I want. I have to do this every time I want to change the address. I have also found that if you turn off the U53 before it has reached the destination, it will continue the route when you turn it back on. There is no way in inputting a new address in until you quit navigation and turn off and back on again. Is there a shortcut that I don’t know about?

Sometimes there is no signal at all so it doesn’t matter where I am. I found that sometimes if I turn it off and back on again a signal will pop up. Do you know if there are many satellites that are for Sony satnavs? Are they using the same satellites as other satnav brands like tom-tom?
568 Dean // Jan 16, 2009 at 5:55 pm

When I reviewed the U53 I tested a single journey at a time, switching the unit off each time before testing another route. Perhaps someone else on this forum can reply back seeing if they see the same problem with multiple routes whilst the U53 is left switched on.

The satellites are standard, they are not owned by any of the sat nav manufacturers. The Sony will pickup exactly the same satellites as any other sat nav like TomTom or Garmin. You could try doing a factory reset, then leave the unit out in the open until a satellite signal has been established. A reset can often fix GPS issues like this.
569 Azem Koleci // Feb 7, 2009 at 7:28 pm

This is the budget series of Sony gps, which makes affordable by everyone.
It’s good piece of navigation though not packed with lates features but worth the money I paid.
570 johnny // Feb 28, 2009 at 8:04 pm

got mine to-day but noticed some of the roads where i live have changed in the past year and there not on it and according to the website it will cost me £60 to upgrade for dvd is this the only way to upgrade maps
571 Dean // Mar 1, 2009 at 9:50 pm

Johnny,
That price sounds about right but I’d make sure the DVD does indeed contain more up-to-date maps before you fork out £60. You should be able to check on the U53 what map version is installed.
572 Jeff // Mar 2, 2009 at 8:45 am

Hi Johnny,
The map dvd is fron the last quater of 2007, So i’ts not that up to date…. So i got hold of a copy from a freind if it’s the same for the nav-u83 that i have ( NVDU12R.EUR) give me a call.
573 ron // Mar 22, 2009 at 10:54 pm

i have got sony U 53 satnav and where i can download the celebrity voice satnav
574 Dean // Mar 23, 2009 at 8:18 am

Ron,
As far as I am aware you cannot download any additional voices for the U53.
575 Rose // Mar 26, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Just bought U53 from ebay, Argos clearance site. Charging from a Mac (I don’t see anyone else here using a Mac) should it make a difference?
After charging for about 10 mins. it sounds 6 chimes, then tells me to “Please turn left in 200 yards then bear right”! Then the low battery indicator shows and the unit turns itself off! How crazy is that? Any help out there?
576 Dean // Mar 26, 2009 at 11:00 pm

Rose,
Try pressing the reset button on the underside of the unit and try charging it again.
577 Rose // Mar 26, 2009 at 11:05 pm

In what sequence should I do this, then? Should we turn off the unit?
We couldn’t load the software ‘cos this was for Windows and we have a Mac. Is it that necessary to use the CD at all?
578 Dean // Mar 27, 2009 at 8:48 am

Rose,
You should find a small reset button on the underside of the unit. You can press this button using a ballpoint pen or something similar. This will reset the U53 back to the factory default settings.

You don’t need to load any software or connect the U53 to your Mac, just switch the U53 on and then press the reset button.

Once it has reset try charging again via your Mac and see if you get the original problem you reported.
579 Rose // Mar 27, 2009 at 10:24 am

Thanks. I’ve been on to Sony and they tell me none of their Sat Navs are compatible with Macs. Nice of them to tell me after purchasing.
580 Chris Powell // Apr 17, 2009 at 9:09 pm

My NVU53G has been working perfectly to date…….However, I’ve recently noticed that the verbal Speed Cam warnings have not been made, and upon investigation, the “Activate Advanced warnings” box contaning the countries that you want activated , has become “unchecked” for some reason.

I’ve reentered the speed camera activation code, which then shows the UK as having the cameras activated by a green tick, but as soon as the unit picks up the satellites, it then reverts to an unchecked status!!

I’ve reset the unit many times, and reentered the correct codes- no difference. When its live it dumps the verbal warnings.

Any ideas out there before I consign this unit to the bin?

Oh, and Sony, you can rest assured that I won’t be purchasing anymore of your products.

Help please

Chris
581 lynn // Apr 17, 2009 at 9:50 pm

CHRIS POWELL. WHEN I PURCHASED THE SAME MODEL I ACTIVATED THE SPEED CAM WARNING AND GOT IT FREE FOR A YR, AFTER A YR IS UP I CAN PURCHASE IT FOR ABOUT £20. IS IT ABOUT A YR SINCE YOU ACTIVATED YOUR SPEED CAM, AS THIS MAY BE THE REASON IT NO LONGER WORKS. HOPE THIS HELPS . LYNN
582 Chris Powell // Apr 18, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Thanks Lynn.

I initially activated mine at the end of December 2007 and its been fine up to now. I was under the impression that you could only get UPDATES if you renewed your subs. I think you’re saying that the actual voice warning ceases to operate if you don’t renew. If so then this isn’t very good at all as I am unable to find the section on the Sony website which woul;d allow me to buy a further years subs anyway (didn’t Sony also throw in the towell and say they wouldn’t support their satnavs beyond a certain date anyway???)

I think I’ll buy a Tom Tom unless anyone out there knows different ( I won’t be phoning Sony Cust Services for obvious reasons)

Chris
583 Chris Powell // Apr 18, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Developments!!!

If you follow this link:-

http://www.navu.sony-europe.com

it shows you the “old” website. I’ve just “bought” another 12 months Speedcams for £0.00.

Different code from my earlier “purchase”. Will test out tomorrow and let you all know.

Chris
584 GED MAYS // Apr 19, 2009 at 12:21 am

bought sony nv-u53 back in november last year only really started using it but have found the battery life is very poor. only got about 40 mins use on the road. also charged ok on ac power lead but will not charge at all using the supplied car battery lead, so i can not even keep the sat nav running in the car, so i could not complete a journey longer than 40 mins travel .does anyone have any suggestions. thanks ged.
585 Chris Powell // Apr 19, 2009 at 11:16 am

Re voice warnings on Speedcams.

Its apparent that the voice warnings stop when your Speedcam subscription expires. I’ve downloaded a new speedcam subscription at ZERO cost from the Website; input the new code, and it works perfectly.

Perhaps Sony are giving these subs away free now in view of their lack of support from 2010?
586 Dean // Apr 19, 2009 at 4:30 pm

Ged,
You could try using the U53 in another vehicle and see if it will charge OK. Make sure you also have the charger fully pressed into the cigarette lighter socket. If it still won’t charge then perhaps you have a dud charger.
587 Gaffer // Apr 19, 2009 at 9:52 pm

Re Chris Powell….. Speedcams :

I got the free 12 months 1st time round but couldn’t get it to work and it ran out January past. I went to the link Chris put up and got a new code and thought i had put it in right and it comes up ticked for UK but still no speedcams working?

Anyone got any ideas?
588 lynn // Apr 19, 2009 at 10:51 pm

RE..GED MAYS.
THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME THE OTHER DAY REGARDING SAT NAV NOT CHARGING VIA THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER TURNS OUT THE FUSE HAD BLOWN FOR THE LIGHTER… HAS YOUR FUSE GONE IN YOUR CIGARETTE LIGHTER.
REGARDS. LYNN
589 Daryl // Apr 20, 2009 at 8:16 pm

You lot seem to know your stuff.

Has anyone else had the error message advising that you’ve removed the memory stick…when I actually hadn’t. Requires a full reset and then it seems ok again. Sporadic problem but always happens at the most inopportune time…like the last 15 mins of a journey. I’ve a U82 and apart from this, it seems an ok system.

Thanks in advance.

Daryl
590 rex webb // Jun 13, 2009 at 6:12 pm

The Cambridge Post Code change is not in many Sites that i use.
It is only CB3
that has been changed
to CB23.
This is my post code and find i have to revert to the old code.Then all is OK??
591 Chris348 // Jun 19, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Bought an NV-U53G in January 2008. In October 2008 the touch screen stopped responding, intermittently. The unit was ‘repaired’ by Sony, but all they did was to re-flash the device. In May 2009, the fault re-appeared, except that the touch screen now does not respond more often than not. Have downloaded the latest firmware file from the Sony web site & re-installed. This makes no difference. Also re-setting and re-calibrating the touch screen, when it’s working, from ‘settings’ makes no difference. Halfords & Sony do not want to know as its outside manfacturers warranty. In spite of the unit being a nice device when working, I conclude that, from the view point of duability, it’s a load of rubbish. Any ideas gratefully recieved.
592 nige // Jun 25, 2009 at 5:02 pm

Please can anyone let me know if you can down load voices for the sony NVU 82 ?
593 Dean // Jun 25, 2009 at 5:17 pm

If you mean things like celebrity voices then the answer is no.
594 nige // Jun 25, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Thanks for letting me know. Thats a shame, was hoping I could.
595 Keith53 // Jul 13, 2009 at 7:08 pm

I’ve got a U52G and bought a 4Gb Pro Duo to load all the European maps which I’ve got in a folder on my PC. The whole lot are just under 3Gb. I connected up via USB lead and Active sync. The menu asks which maps you want to update. I selected them and it does take about 3 hours+ to complete. I get a confirmation that the update has completed successfully and disconnect.

Switch on the SatNav and in ‘Navigate’ press the ‘Country’ tab. I only get Belgium, France, RoI & UK. Also, they are there even if I remove the memory stick. This suggests that they have saved to the flash memory in the unit. The ‘next page’ arrows are greyed out. So I start again -repeat the process – same result.

In the Nav-u Menu if I go to Delete Maps from Memory stick in SatNav, it claims all the maps are there and shows the amount of memory used and remaining. So what am I missing? It’s as though the SatNav won’t talk to the memory stick even though the info is on there.

I’ve read the whole thread and it seems that ‘Jeff’ has been helpful. Certainly neither the manual, Sony or their website is any use. Hope someone can assist…
596 Jeff // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:23 am

Hi Keith, It sounds like you have loaded all the data correctly. The same thing happend to me. It took over three hours to load all the data on to the memory stickfrom the pc.
In the sat’s menu you should be able to select the correct map, Either british or european maps ,when it is reading the data on the stick a yellow light will flash at the side of the memory stick.. I have not got my sat with me but i will look at it tonight and let you know how you find it on the menu.
597 Jeff // Jul 14, 2009 at 6:19 pm

Right have just checked,Start up screen at the bottom click MORE, Click SETTINGS, Click MAP SETTINGS, Should come up with map settings/current map ,Click cueernt map it should highlight Europe in my case it highlights Europe B. Tick the green tick and off you go, it should read from the memory stick now.
Cheer;s
Jeff
598 Keith53 // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:06 pm

Jeff, You are a star! The first message gave me the clue… Looking at the yellow light next to the memory stick. as you said it flashes when accessing (for almost 10 seconds).

Following your instructions I’ve now got the other map options available. Had a quick look round – Spain seems ok, not much on Greece it seems, certainly not on the islands I looked at. But hey, it’s a big step forward – spent half of Sunday pratting about with it trying to find the maps.

Incidentally, have you found a way to run through a route whilst stationary (as though you were driving it) to check which way it was taking you? I only seem to get the “calculating route” & then the ‘from above’ map.

IMO the menu system is not at all logical, you can go round in circles for ever and not stumble on what you want. And you’ve actually given more information on this thread than Sonys entire empire has on SatNav.

Thanks again,
Keith.
599 Jeff // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:22 pm

Hi, Great news. Yes you can after you have entered you destnation , You should have an options button at the bottom of the screen, Press that then there is three boxes ,1st one is simulation ,Press that one and it should take through the route at slow speed. And you can press it again when in simulation mode to get variuos other operations.
Cheer’s
Jeff.
600 Mike Chenery // Jul 19, 2009 at 9:36 am

Hi all I have a nv53g The one year free camera sub is out How can i subscribe to new camera allerts
I have tried sony web site but requires acctivation code Help
Regards MikeC
601 Chris Powell // Jul 19, 2009 at 9:46 am

see my posts numbers 583 and 585. I had exactly the same problem when my subscription expired. If you follow the link on post 583 this takes you to the “old” website. Buy a speedcam sub for ZERO £ and enter the new code they give you. Mine worked with no probs
602 Mike Chenery // Jul 19, 2009 at 10:29 am

Hi I have tried website can get speed cam sub as far as check out it then cums up with check out error
Regards mikec
603 adam o'brien // Jul 27, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Just had delivery of a refurbed sat nav sony nav u53. But when its turned on it comes up with a service heading and a spanner on the screen. It does nothing from this………………

Any ideas????????????
604 michael // Jul 28, 2009 at 5:25 pm

this is a really good review but id like to know how to download maps for the rest of europe
does anyone have the same problem or know what i should do
leave another comment starting with ‘answer’ if you do
thanks
605 Keith53 // Jul 28, 2009 at 6:29 pm

michael
You don’t say which model you’ve got but the update DVD for many models is no longer freely available. I searched long and hard to find one. My model is a U-52 and I got a lot of help in loading my update from Jeff who you’ll see further up this thread. (Sony’s instructions are barely adequate).

Bear in mind that the update is around 2.6Gb and the onboard memory is under 1Gb. So you’ll need a Duo stick of over 2 gig.

If you respond to this message I can give you some further ideas.
606 Jonny // Aug 4, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Hello,

I have scoured the internet to try and work out how to download the european maps onto my U53 from the internet.

I have installed Winrar, got torrent files in a document file and now have active sync but I have no idea how to get this from the pc onto the Sat nav. I plug the sat nav into the computer but it always says connecting.

Can someone please please help with a basic step by step guide to what i need to do as iam off to Italy on the weekend and am at a loss?
607 Jeff // Aug 5, 2009 at 12:19 pm

Right it should be the same as my nu83.
When you plug it in it will say connecting (it will always show this when the usb cable is connected) ..nothing else until you disconect the usb cable then it will load the info. The only way is to load is from the dvd disc NVD-U12R which i asume you have a copy of ( and is well out of date and from the info i got ,sony are not updating anymore maps for these units only speed cam info. ).You select the regions you want then load them on to your mm card or other options ?. Then load the card into the sat nav. (look at the following post for changing onto europen maps 597 onwards). Or i think if your sat nav has enough memory you can load it straight on to it.
Just to warn you this is a lengthy process to load the info to the card ( up to 4 hours YES 4 HOURS).
Hope this helps………
I will not be able to respond to you emails as i’am going on my hols this afternoon.
608 Ged F // Aug 21, 2009 at 1:19 pm

Hello
Can I download spain to my NAv-u 53 ?

Regards

Ged F
609 Jeff Whittaker // Aug 21, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Hi Ged, yes you can have Spain on there ,But as per the previous comments you will need the Map dvd ..NVD-U12R

Cheer’s
Jeff
610 Martin // Sep 21, 2009 at 11:46 pm

Hi
My NV U 53 seems to be stuck in my last location. I have tried resetting both via the re-set button and by factory re-set, nothing.
There is no GSP signal either. Any ideas please I was hoping to use it in France next week!
611 Jeff // Sep 22, 2009 at 7:49 am

Hi, Try leaving it switched on were it can pick a signal ( i put on the table in the conservatory) My u83 sometimes takes about 15 mins to pick a sat up.
Cheer’s
612 Martin // Sep 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Thanks Jeff
I have left it on all day after re-setting to factory default and it has at last found a satelite!
Lets hope it stays in touch with it.
The problem with these units are the battery runs down after about anhour tops so I had to leave it plugged into my cigarrette lighter but hey its working!
Again thanks Jeff.
613 Jeff // Sep 22, 2009 at 8:42 pm

No problem, my u-83 takes its time locating sats. They are not the best satnavs in the world, but mine has not let me down yet.
It’s looking as if they are not upgrading there map system if you read between the lines of there web site. So when my satnav goes on the blink it’s going in the bin.
614 Martin // Sep 23, 2009 at 3:45 pm

I believe I read not long after buying the unit that Sony were pulling out of map upgrades! Its a bit rich when you can still buy the equipment!
Oh well as long as it works for France!
615 Adrian // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Does anyone know whether or not there are software updates / dvd’s available with maps of South Africa & surrounding countries for the Sony NU-53 at all? I’m going there soon and want to take my device along, but when I called Sony a few weeks ago I was told that my device would not work in South Africa and that they had no software for it covering Southern Africa!
616 Jane Kazim // Apr 5, 2010 at 9:21 pm

Hi, Can anyone help me please. I have this Sat Nav and annoyingly most of the time it won’t stay turned on when I take my finger off the ‘on’ button so I have to keep resetting it to get it to work. It’s fully charged and although almost two years old has hardly been used so I can’t understand why it’s playing up. Any help would be gratefully accepted. Many thanks. Jane.
617 emsysc0 // May 21, 2010 at 1:42 am

Hi,
I have Sony NV-U 53G, have a dvd NVD-U13R. i did try to install the map in to a internal memory, after that in the display show me this message:
Could not load ressource DDL.
DLL:\Mounted Volume\Sony\nav-u\langGER.dll
Error: 126
I did update the firmware, but still have this problem. Can anyone help me please! thanks
emsysco
618 Simon // Jun 1, 2010 at 11:07 pm

Hi folks,

I’m surprised to see this thread still going! Even more surprising, perhaps, is that my U83 is still up and running, but today, the car charger stopped working and blew the fuse to the cigarette lighter. I’ve searched the web, but can’t find a genuine replacement for sale anywhere. Does anyone know where I might be able to get one? I don’t really want some cheap thing off eBay which is likely to catch fire, but I would be happy to pay a reasonable amount for a genuine one, if someone has one they no longer use.

Cheers,

Simon.
619 Jeff // Jun 2, 2010 at 8:03 am

Hi Simon, Just had a glance on flee bay and yes there is a few origanal chargers on there. There is one with a cu3 cradle, The cradle is no good but the charger should be ok. And there is one or two others on there. You are better off with a proper one But as long as it is coming out 5v any should be ok and it has the right connecting plug.
Good luck.
620 Anna Power // Jun 8, 2010 at 10:47 am

I bought this Sony U53 Sat Nav in Dec 2007. I find the design and features superb. But I realise that the software and the User’s manual is not user friendly if you are not very familiar with computers. The design department in Sony should have been more in touch with the programmers. The programmers are generally isolated savants that think that the rest of the population know much more about computers. Adding that the CD that came with the Sat Nav was design for people who had Windows XP, instead of doing a more simple, clear and user friendly program for any computer, any operating system and any person. After designing so beautiful Sat Nav with many important features, it was ridiculous not to take care of those last important details that were giving problems for using it to many persons. It would have taken giving a trial sample to 20 persons with very basic knowledge or not knowledge at all about computers and getting the feedback from them and then sort out those last details.
Now, I would like to have a 2010 update and it looks that Sony doesn’t have updated maps for U-53. Not more support for my U-53.
Does anyone know where I could get UK and Ireland map update that would suit my U-53?? I would appreciate a reply
621 Rob // Jun 25, 2010 at 9:24 am

I have a U53G and it has always been an annoying factthat it sometimes takes several taps of the screen to get it to repond or enter data. The fact that it is only sometimes means that you end up repeating data, having to to delete, then start again.
Another annoying flaw is that it sometimes takes nearly ten minutes to get a GPS signal after being programmed for a journey. This is such a bore when you are sittiing at a T junction waiing to know whether you have to go left or right.
I was told this was the “state of the art” sat nav. All I can say is there must be a lot of disgruntled people out there driving ridiculous and long route to get to their destination. They will get there eventually but will need a long bath and a shave.
I wish I’d bought a Tom Tom. Support is so much better as friends tell me.
Mines going to the boot sale ASAP!
622 Rob // Jun 25, 2010 at 9:31 am

Hi Anna, I have searched everywhere on the net for firmware and map updates for the 53. Sony have obviously dispensed with support for it.
Yes, I do have a bad keyboard. It too needs more than one tap of a key to get a letter.
Let me know if you succeed.
Good luck you 53 users. I’m sure we’ll all meet in the same country lane, lost and hungry, one day.
623 kradbuilder // Jun 30, 2010 at 10:13 am

our company bought 4 of the U92T models.

1 was intentionally damaged cus it was junk, 1 got stored away cus it was junk, i threw mine away cus it was junk. we have 1 left and that is about to be chucked cus it is junk

takes ages for it to find a reception………..starts “loading” just when you want to go somewhere, What the F is it loading?

try turning it off but no still loading. have to muck about with that stupid little reset button.

my best advice if thinking of buying a sony is BUY A GARMIN or BUY A TOM TOM, anything but a sony.
624 Max // Jul 2, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Hi, I have the sony NV-U53G. I have had it for about 18 moths. I don’t use it on a regular basis, but when i have used it I have been pleased with the result.
On trying to use it to get home last week the touch screen just won’t work at all. Iwent to Halfords ( where i brought it from ) all they said was to update it.But that hasn’t worked.
Anyone have any idea’s ??? I would be very grateful
Thanks Max
625 pat // Jul 27, 2010 at 4:12 pm

I was trying to find an update for the maps for this satnav but to no luck, I almost at one time tried to throw it in the bin. Good thing i did a lot of googling and found IGO. After i installed it to my NVu53 it was no turning back. Maps are all updated with POI and 3d image of building.
I’d recommend it for those who is looking to update their NVu53
626 Simon // Jul 27, 2010 at 9:19 pm

Pat, that looks interesting, but I’ve found their website (http://www.igomyway.com/en/), and can’t see any thing for the NV-U53, or indeed, how to download or purchase for any other platforms. I’d quite like this for my phone, if not for my sat nav. How do you get it?
627 peter // Aug 1, 2010 at 1:58 pm

I have a NV-U53G can i upload speed camera updates?? or do you have to pay for that too??and the map update is it only on disc or can you down load from somewhere ………………or will i just get myself a tom tom ….lol..thanks…
628 Barry // Aug 1, 2010 at 5:10 pm

Hi. I have a Sony Nav U82 for about 2 years which is an excellent unit and I would recommend it. However, I recently got a new car (a MAzda MX-5). Whenever I use the Nav U in the MX-5 it keeps shutting itself down and I have to push the reset button to get it going again. It will do this approximately every 10 minutes thus rendering it of no use. I have checked the power lead and connections in the cradle etc all of which are fine. The curious thing, is that when I use it in my other car, rigged up identically (a Kia Picanto) it still works absolutely fine. It is very frustrating and I just cannot figure out what is going on with itm and why the problem is only present in the MX-5? Any suggestions/advice gratefulyl received. Barry
629 Dean // Aug 1, 2010 at 9:23 pm

Peter,
Sony no longer provide support for these systems and I don’t think you can