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M.A.D. Database FAQ's
Q. What Do I Need to Install the PhantomALERT Database?
A. The database is a list of locations which need to be transferred to your GPS device. You'll need your GPS, a USB cable to connect to your computer, any disks which came with your GPS, an internet connection and a PC running Windows XP or Vista, or a Mac. You'll need to know how to do a few simple computer tasks like download from a link, create a new folder and move files around on your PC. If you're using a Mac please make sure you click on the Mac instructions for downloading into your TomTom or GARMIN. Magellan dos not support the Apple Mac platform. For help with advanced features contact our support desk, just Click here
Q. UPDATING: How do I keep Up To Date With PhantomALERT On MY GPS?
A. Currently, GPS devices can only be updated by connecting to your PC and loading files. Updating your database is the same process as the installation, click on your welcome mail link and you can configure and download the most recent version of the database. Simply install it over the version you currently have. if You've misplaced or mistakenly deleted your welcome email, Contact customer Support , and we'll send you a replacement.
Q. Is My GPS compatible with PhantomALERT?
A. Most all auto, portable GPS devices from GARMIN, TomTom and Magellan are compatible with the following exceptions : Magellan Roadmate models , 1440, 1470, 1340, 1200 Maestro Models 3100, 3200, 4370, 4350, ARE NOT COMPATIBLE ) Currently In -Car factory installed navigation is not supported though check back often as we're working with OEM's to provide this functionality. Sony, Nextar, MIO and other brands are not currently compatible. ***While you may install PhantomALERT into some handheld navigation devices for general navigation, you may not see the same performance as from those specifically designed for automotive use. We are currently developing iPhone and handset versions of PhantomALERT slated for Q3 release, look for press announcements on timing and availability.
Q. How Does the Purchase Process work?
A. It's easy to get up and running with PhantomALERT in your GPS .Simply purchase the subscription by clicking here and check your email, we send out a confirmation email with download links for each GPS brand. Just click on your brand of GPS and you'll go straight to the download page. AOL USERS PLEASE NOTE: AOL currently has some unique requirements for hypertext, so to get to the download page, you'll need to COPY THR ENTIRE URL ADDRESS from the welcome mail into your browser and hit return.
Q. How do I get support or technical assistance?
A. Click here to contact our customer help desk. We provide support through an online ticket system which tracks and manages the issue resolution process quickly and efficiently. Please fill out the support contact form and submit, one of our technicians will respond with a solution. Please note: that response times may vary depending upon time of day and support volume. Our normal support hours are 8-8 Monday through Friday Eastern time.We offer limited support response on weekends and holidays.
Q. I Click On the Tutorial Video Link But it Won't play
A. In order to view the tutorials, you'll need a cable or DSL internet connection and a standard browser, Internet Explorer or Firefox, with the Adobe Flash Plugin installed. The Adobe Flash Plugin can be downloaded here Please Note: AOL browsers will not support tutorial playback
Q. I've installed PhantomALERT and I get Warnings But don't see different Icons
A. Depending upon the make and model of your device, you may receive audio and an "Alert" warning or if your device has text to speech capabilities you can configure the device and PhantomALERT files to alert to different types of safety zones. Adding a custom icon is an advanced feature which is not currently supported in most devices. As GPS devices become more sophisticated, we'll add custom icons for download. For help with advanced features contact our support desk, just Click here
Q. I've Installed PhantomALERT but it only warns me when I'm near a school zone
A. Click on the link we sent you for your device type in your confirmation email and try to download the database again, you may have selected just school zones when configuring the download.
Q. I've installed PhantomALERT and I See The Waypoints/POI's in my device but I'm not receiving alerts
A. Depending upon the make and model of your device, you may need to ensure that you have loaded the POI's as "proximity" POI's. Each device has a different check box in the installation process. Review the installation processes by clicking on your welcome mail for your device type. You may also need to review the settings in your device to ensure that there are audio alerts enabled. Click here to get help or Watch the step by step tutorial for your GPS device
Q. What are the "POI's" you refer to?
A. POI is GPS nomenclature for "Point Of Interest" most GPS devices use POI as a frame of reference for navigation. The Red Light Cameras, Speed Traps and other safety zones for which PhantomALERT provides warning, are POI's
Q. I lost my PIN can how do I get a replacement?
A. Just contact our customer support desk by Clicking Here , we'll send you a new email with your PIN and download links. AOL users, copy the ENTIRE url for your device type and paste into your browser to access your download page.
Q. I tried entering my PIN and I get an error message, what should I do?
A. PIN's are tied to your account and your IP address ( the address of your computer on the Internet) the system is designed to allow multiple downloads for you, but you may have tried from other locations or otherwise triggered our fraud system. Please contact the help desk by Clicking Here and we'll reset your account.
Q. What's the difference between an "Annual" and a "Lifetime" phantomALERT subscription?
A. the annual subscription provides free updates to a single GPS device for an entire calendar year from the date of purchase. A lifetime subscription provides free updates to the database for as long as you own your GPS; additionally, with the Lifetime subscription you can add PhantomALERT to multiple GPS devices if you or your family own more than one.
Q. I plug in my GPS to the computer, but it doesn't recognize it and I can't upload PhantomALERT
A. GPS devices transfer information and communicate with PC's through USB. Usually just connecting your device will start the connection process with your computer. You may need to either switch your device on and off or plug and unplug it. Watch the USB Tutorial to see how.
Q. Is it legal to use PhantomALERT in my GPS?
A. Absolutely! PhantomALERT is 100% legal in all states. We even have Police, Sheriffs departments and other public safety organizations as customers! Click here to watch a review and comments by a police officer
Q. I have several GPS devices, can I use 1 copy of PhantomALERT on all of them?
A. By purchasing our Lifetime subscription, you may use PhantomALERT on multiple devices. Click Here to Purchase A Lifetime Subscription
Q. How Does the map application work?
A. The M.A.D. Database Application displays Red Light Camera, Speed Trap and other POI locations as geocoded longitude and latitude data using google maps, the coordinates correspond to user entered locations word-wide. Simply select a metro area, map location or enter cross streets and city in the field above the map tabs and the map displays the coordinates as the geocoding engine looks up the data and displays the location on the map as a camera or police Icon.
Q. What Can I do with the data?
A. After you submit a location, you can download the data in one of three formats- and easily convert it to use in most major GPS hand held devices. You'll then be able to use your device as a warning system against Red Light Cameras, Speed Traps and POI's
Q. How accurate is the data?
A. The data is only as accurate as the contributor's recollection. We strive to ensure the data is accurate through a unique ranking system using multiple submissions, user view ratings and our own proprietary validation
Q. How do I submit a location?
A. Submitting a location or multiple locations is as easy as selecting the Add Location screen, zooming in to street level and completing the brief pop-up form and rotate the arrow with your mouse to apply the correct direction of travel. If you'd like to add additional information such as time of day, traffic congestion, ticket experience or other facts complete the tell us your story using the link provided in the pop-up.
Q. What is RSS?
A. RSS or Really Simple Syndication is a web feed format that we use to publish frequently changing information such as the new locations which are continually added to the database. It will allow you to keep current with new additions in your area or around the world. Just click the RSS icon and you're subscribed!
Q. Can I share your sites online map and locations?
A. We want all our users and the driving public world-wide to benefit from the efforts of the community. We ask that you help other drivers and contribute a location after you purchase the data and share the site's URL. If you'd like to become an affiliate and display the database application on your site commercially, please contact us and we'll get you started.
Q. Why is the M.A.D. Database better than the others?
A. Most red light camera "mashups" are just that- stuff thrown together and use very limited data entry and clumsy user interfaces that a long time to use and don't provide for enough data entry points to provide accurate, usable multi-device datasets. We've spent a long time developing the right data entry and user interface to ensure that the M.A.D. database is the best there is.
Q. What does M.A.D. stand for?
A. It's a fun acronym we came up with for "Motorists Against Detection" and of course our angst against the unjust, unsafe red light camera programs world wide. Just visit our website home page -www.phantomalert.com and you can join the M.A.D. nation- You'll get discounts and updates to what's going on in the Red Light Camera world.
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