Garmin StreetPilot c340
The Garmin StreetPilot c340 is in the middle of the “c” series. The big advantage it has over the c330 is text to speech. This means that instead of the voice prompts saying things like “turn left in 100 meters” it will say “turn left on Main Steet”. This can really be an asset when driving city streets and you don’t want to look over at the GPS screen to confirm which turn to take.
Additionally, the c340 can be upgraded with an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. This means that live traffic information can be sent to your StreetPilot to alert you of accidents, construction, or simply rush hour traffic. When applicable the c340 could then route you around that traffic if a faster route can be established.
If you want to save a little bit of cash, you can opt for the c330 if you don’t mind not having text-to-speech nor want the optional traffic receiver. Otherwise, this is a good pick for the feature mix and price point.
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[...] Garmin has introduced the StreetPilot c340 GPS Navigator, an automotive GPS navigator that features text-to-speech, traffic, and safety camera information database. “By combining cutting-edge technology with our unparalleled ability to make easy-to-use products, the c340 raises the bar in auto navigation,†said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s director of marketing. “The text to speech and traffic features allow users to reach their destination with fewer enroute delays and makes travel more flexible and stress-free.†[...]
[...] cnet has reviewed the Garmin Streetpilot C340 Portable GPS Navigation System. There are two reasons why the Garmin StreetPilot c340 is the flagship model of the company’s c series: advanced text-to-speech functionality and traffic alerts. With the text-to-speech feature, the GPS device can now tell you the names of upcoming streets and points of interest, instead of more-generic commands. For example, the voice prompt will say, “Turn left on Main Street,” instead of “Turn left in 500 feet,” letting you keep your eyes on the road and not at the device’s screen. The c340 also shows you congested traffic areas via color-coded maps, but to take advantage of this feature, you’ll have to purchase the optional traffic receiver for $199.99, which includes 15 months of service. Also, be sure to check with Garmin to see if the traffic service is available in your area. Other navigational tools on the c340 include preloaded maps of North America, more than 6 million points of interest, and a 64,000-color touch screen. [...]
My Garmin StreetPilot C-340 can’t even help me find my way to 27 - 29 West 115th Street, New York City, NY 10026-3138 when I try to put in the information the closest address it shows is some where on 116th Street. Is there any solution for this error.
Donald - does your c340 have v7 or v8 maps installed? In either case there isn’t any way to add new addresses to your device like that. You could report the issue to NAVTEQ, but it would be a very long time before an update would be available from that report.
My Garmin C340 does not provide accurate directions to the following 2 addresses:
Brighton Gardens
2401 Cumberland Parkway SE
Atlanta GA 30339
Home Depot
2450 Cumberland Parkway SE
Atlanta GA 30339
The directions rpovided by the C340 say “from I285 exit on to Paces Ferry Road and trun LEFT on to Cumberland Parkway”.
In fact you should turn Right to reach both of the locations above.
Mapquest and Mapsource also do not have directions correct to these 2 addresses.
Hi, Im thinking of getting a gps for my car. After reading thro’ c series, im not sure which one to get now. I intend to use it in Malaysia to get around. Can you please recommend or advise on which c model should i get & how to install Malaysia map?
Your feedback/advice is very much appreciated.
Ned, you could report the issue to NAVTEQ.
Darma, this is the product you would likely want to add.
I was considering purchasing the Garmin C340 from Best Buy however when I went to the website it determined that this GPS was incompatible with my car, a 2006 Nissan Altima. I thought that these devices were comparible with any car. Is that true?
I can’t think of any reason why it would say that. It should work in any car.
Are the c340 software and maps upgradeable via the usb port?
Yes.
I am trying to download a Route from DeLorme Street Atlas 2005 to my Garmin c340 GPS. I have installed the USB Drivers. When I say “Start GPS” on the DeLorme screen, with GPS connected to the Computer, I get the message “Can’t open specified usb port”.
Any one have an idea on what I am doing wrong or haven’t done? Thanks.
Woody, the c340 can’t read that type of route information.
Don, your Nissan may have a something that blocks the signal to the GPS. my in laws had that problem but the were able to buy the external antenna unit for this garmin and its works flawlessly.
I had trouble getting the initial signal into my honda element, so i stopped and stepped outside. once it got its initial lock it has been able to work inside without an issue.
Can I upload a trip map from the Mapquest software to my c340, using the secured digital chip??? And do I need any other software to do it.
Bill, I don’t know of any software that will allow you to do that. Since the c340 doesn’t offer multiple segments per route you would only get the destination and one “via” point anyway, so there wouldn’t be much of any time savings.
Thanks for the info Tim. My brother-in-law has a garmin for his Harley and he can upload a trip from the software on his computer to his Garmin GPS. But his GPS is a bit more sophistocated than the C340. Thanks again.
When going into system on the C340 it comes in normal. One of the options is WAAS. If I select WAAS will the C340 go to normal if it can’t find a good WAAS signal. I don’t understand why this is an option. What web page can I find the manual on the C340.
There is a link to the manual in the Specifications box near the top left of the page. WAAS will augment the GPS signal, if available. In other words if you turn on WAAS, it doesn’t turn anything else off, it just uses more power to listen for the WAAS signal. In most driving environments WAAS is unnecessary.
WHAT IS WAAS ? I CANNOT FIND AN EXPLAINATION IN THE MANUAL. SHOULD I USE IT OR NOT AND WHEN ?
david, you can find a good explanation about waas here.
I am interested in purchasing a GPS and am now considering StreetPilot C340 and Nuvi 350. Would you please explain the differences between the above two?
1. What is the Chipset for C340?
2. What is the internal storage size and free space for C340?
3. Are there any waypoint and routes for Nuvi 350?
4. Why people choose Nuvi 350 over C340 except for the multimedia reason MP3 music and photos) and slim size?
5. Why people choose C340 over Nuvi 350 except for the price?
6. Which one is more reliable?
Thank a lot for your help! Really appreciate!
You can see many of those answers here. The c340 only has a 12 channel chipset, and is much larger and heavier than the Nuvi. It sounds like you might not be interested in music and photos, in which case consider the 200 instead (also included in that link).
Why number of chipset is important in the case of C340 (12 paralle) vs. Nuvi 350 (20)?
I like to have North America Map included and Text-to-Speech, so Nuvi 200 is not a good choice. By the way, which one is more reliable (C340 or Nuvi 350)? Thanks!
The 20 channel receiver will get a signal faster, and keep it in more GPS challenged areas. I wouldn’t say there is a difference in reliability.
Where do you consider are the more challenging areas for GPS reception from the satalites?????
In big cities around tall buildings, in deep canyons, under dense foliage.
Thanks for your info Tim. I do appreciate it. Can you tell me what the secure digital disk slot is used for on the C340????
SD is to add optional maps for other areas.
Tim: When they update the maps that are on the C340, how do I use them???? Or get them in my C340??
You can purchase them from Garmin on DVD. The DVD will have the necessary software to transfer the new maps to the device.
Tim: I have maps version 8. Is there any updates to the maps that I can use on my C340 streetpilot??????
Yes, Garmin just released their “2008″ maps, aka version 9. I think they charge about $75 for the update.
Thanks Tim. I will find it and order it.
Tim: Can you give me a link to the page for the Maps 2008 so that I can purchase it??? Also, as I understand this, I can then load the CD to my garmin c340 with the software provided with the disk.
Bill, give it a shot here
i now have a garman 5,can i download my saved waypoints from my computer to a garman 580
I’m considering buying either the c340 - will the map installed in the unit be updated with the latest map, or the original version that came out since release? Also, compared to c550, how much or a difference does the 12 to 20 chipset make in terms of acquiring a signal or keeping it (ie. seconds, minutes, etc…)? I’m really only interested in the text-to-speech feature so I’m debating if it’s worthwhile to go for c550 instead.
Maps do get updated throughout the production cycle, so the question becomes how recently was a particular device produced. So you are more likely to get newer maps on newly released devices, but there is a chance the older devices will still come with fairly recent maps.
The 20 channel receiver will pick up a signal faster, and it will keep a signal in areas like near big tall city buildings. It is difficult to quantify such differences, because there are many variables. With the c550 you get the higher sensitivity chipset, Bluetooth hands free calling, and a traffic receiver which is probably worth the current price difference.
I bought a Garmin c340 about 6 months ago. Its battery has died which prevents me from downloading updates of maps. I unfortunately can’t find my receipt to get it repaired under warranty. Do you know a way of changing the battery for this unit or any other solution to my problem?
The only way I know to get a battery repaired is through Garmin.
What’s the difference between the nuvi 200 and the c340? Thanks
Jen, you can compare those two here.
Tim,
Do you have a link comparing the TomTom One to the Garmin c340 similar to the one you provided for Jen ? Which GPS do you think is better between the two above ? I do like the text-to-speech feature of the Garmin. Aside from that, do you think they are pretty comparable ?
Lastly, if I were to purchase the Garmin today and it does not have the most current maps, do you think Garmin will provide the upgrade for free if I can produce the receipt ?
Thanx for all your help !
Juan, you can compare those two here. If you are in a big city Text to speech can help considerably, otherwise many people find that the voice prompts are precise enough. The TomTom ONE is newer technology. It offers a more sensitive GPS chipset, is a much smaller overall size, and has more sophisticated route planning features. The c340 advantage is text to speech. You will have to check with Garmin about map upgrades, they handle it on a case by case basis now having abandoned the official policy they used to have.
TOMTOM ONE OR GARMIN C340 for a teenaged driver driving into the city of chicago from suburbs. Lots of traffic delays and scketchy neighborhoods on alternative routes. Do these offer multiple alternative routes?
If you need full route control then the TomTom ONE provides more options for that with multi destination routing and better detour/exclusion features. It also has a more sensitive chipset if the sky view will be occasionally blocked by tall buildings.
didn’t think about all the skyscrapers. Thank you. Would the TOMTOM also be good for walking directions in the city?
Do you have a link comparing the TomTom One 3rd edition to the Garmin c340? Which GPS do you think is better between the two?
Yes, the TomTom can create routes that follow pedestrian rules. (The c340 can too.)
Lewis, you can read about those two here with a link to the comparison.
I don’t know who you are Tim, but you are like an Oasis in the desert of confusion on GPS. Thank you!
Glad I could help, Jeff!
Jeff,
I second that. It is great to be able to talk to someone who know his subject so well. Thanks a million Tim.
What is the difference between the Garmin c340 and the recently released c340c
John, the c340c is a fishfinder for marine applications.
Tim, I found the c340c fishfinder on the internet, however, the unit I saw looks just like the c340 and the salesperson said the c340c was identical to the c340, just a newer model. Any ideas
John, I’ve never heard of it.
Hi, Tim
Do you have link to compare Mio C230 with GarminC340? they both have the feature of text-to-speech. While Mio C320 use 20 satalites
thanks.
Hi,i am planning to buy a Gps for my car.After research i decided on buying either Garmin Streetpilot c340 or c550. I am interested to have a very reliable Gps on road/maps, extra features like bluetooth & Mp3 player is not important. The difference on both Gps is hardly $100.
Your feedback/advice is very much appreciated.
Hey Tim, I’m looking at purchasing the Garmin c340. I have a delivery company and want to know if it can be programmed for multiple destinations for routes. And I saw another comment on the blog about possible signal blocking by tall buildings; if I go to New York city will the c340 get me around safely and efficiently? Thanks.
Hey Tim… I am looking at a Garmin C340 and I have trucking company with many routes, does the C340 have multiple destination capability? And…
I am going to be in New York ciy soon, will this model get me around safely and efficiently? Do you have any recommendations on any other models to fit my needs? Thanks.
Hey, Tim
Does garmin provide free service for updating the database of the map? I do know customer needs to pay for updating software, i just want to know the map database.
I am planning to buy C340. Also i want to know if the device comes with an old software, do i need to pay for latest software?
Thanks.
I purchased a Garmin c340 a few minutes ago. Two questions:
[1] From the links on this page it appears that the default maps are for North America. Does that mean Hawaii is not included? We are planning to go to Hawaii in a few days!
[2] If one could use the USB interface to download additional maps to the c340, is there additional room within the c340 to store the extra maps OR do they have to be downloaded into external memory (SD cards)?
Thanks in advance.
Cory, no the c340 doesn’t support multiple destinations in one route. The c340 does use an older chipset that won’t work as well around tall buildings like the newer models do.
Rongwei - No, the map update is not free. It is typically around $75.
Jayant - (1) Hawaii is included. (2) Depends how big the map is you want to include.
You can backup your existing maps if you don’t have enough space or put them on SD card. You can also purchase pre-programmed SD cards which is the easiest way to go.
Tim:
Thanks for your prompt response; it is appreciated.
I purchased a Garmin c340 this morning. I live in Syracuse NY. Since the unit is supposed to work right out of the box, I decided to drive somewhere just to try out the GPS unit. I entered my home address and the destination address.
I drove across Syracuse and back home again, but the unit could do no better than show a map of the entire US and the title “Locating Satellites” — the bar graph on the menu page sometimes has the smallest bar in red color, but more often none of the bars was colored.
In short, the GPS unit did not function. Is it possible I have a defective unit OR is there just no satellite coverage where I live?
Considering the chaos in the malls today, I thought I would try to seek an answer online today and go back to the store tomorrow.
Thanks in advance.
Jayant - Satellite acquisition can take longer the first time the device is used. It will also take significantly longer if you are moving. Put it outside with a clear sky view for about 30 minutes and you should have better luck. Additionally the c340 includes an older chipset which doesn’t get a signal as fast as newer devices. GPS uses satellites which cover the entire earth so as long as you have a clear sky view you can get the signal anywhere on Earth.
I just bought the Garmin StreetPilot c340 GPS Navigation for my husband, but I want to know if we can download nautical maps onto it. He wants to primarily use it on his boat. Can we download marine maps? Where can I find these downloads?
Margaret - I haven’t heard of anyone trying with that series. I’ve heard it will work on the Nuvi series, but I don’t know about the StreetPilot “c” series. You would need to check with Garmin on that one. They are not listed as compatible on their website, but neither is the Nuvi which we know works.
Tim- Thanks for your quick response!!
I have one more question. Are there any models (doesn’t have to be garmin) that come standard with multiple destination programming, mapping software, and new chipset technology? Any help with the above would be greatly appreciated!!
Cory - I’d look at items from this list.
John Gruggen - I found the difference with the “c” suffix. It is just a difference in packaging. Same device, same contents inside, but different packaging.
Isn’t this unit discontinued? Is there a newer model available?
Ike Aig - Yes, however many stores still sell it. here are the devices that essentially replaced it.
I am considering purchasing a Garmin street pilot c340. Can you tell me if there is another Garmin model that would be comparable in features however be a slimmer design unit. I am not interested in MP3 player, blue tooth, etc.
Gary, the Nuvi 350 and 260 are most similar to the c340 but are slimmer and will provide better satellite reception.
Tim,
thanks for your response. Ok I am now between the c340 and the nuvi 260. Can you tell me the differences? In your opinion is one better than the other? thanks
Gary the link in my comment #77 will show the differences. I’d go with the 260 over the c340.
Hi, I am trying to decide between the Garmin StreetPilot c340, TomTom one, and TomTom one XL. I’m looking for something where it is easy to reroute eaisly lets say to avoid highways, or use them almost exclusively, depending what time of day it is and thus how the traffic is in Miami. Which would you reccomend?
Alex - I’d not go with the c340 in this case because of the older less sensitive chipset. The ONE 2nd edition can’t be connected to a traffic receiver but the XL can.
Tim,
I got the update for mapsource 2008 v9 but can’t for the life of me figure out how to update my map data. I know I can select the entire US and update it but it’s too much data (~4gb). How do I update the internal map data to ver9?
Tim,
I’m referring to updating the pre installed map data to ver 9.
There isn’t enough space on the c340 for all of the new map. You will only be able to install sections of it.
hi,
i have garmin nuvi c 340..i have satellite problem..it always says lost satellite reception after some time..it starts well in begining but after some time it looses satellite reception…i drive nissan altima..shd i return it back or try antina for my car.
Thanks
Harry - make sure you have applied the latest software updates to your GPS, follow these tips and then if you still have an issue you can pickup an external antenna for about $25.
Hi,
I have a c340 and a nuvi 200w. Can I load a lake map into either using the SD slot? If so, can you lead me to an instruction page or site?
Thanks
Not that I’m aware of.
The 2009 update for NJ is about 18 MB in size. When I try to install it to my c340, it says the memory is insufficient. Is it possible to install sections of the NJ map, as you seem to imply in #84?
If not, does that mean that the update is useless?
No, what you would want to do is remove the 2008 map, then install the states you want from the 2009 map into your device. So if you are in NJ you might want to install everything except for say CA, OR, and WA.
I have a c340 garmin gps. I have the latest firmware updates and the newest maps. But, of course, the chipset isn’t the newest. What GPS will give me the same features of the c340 and give me the better chipset to get the sattelites.
These, Bill.
Thanks a bunch Tim.
Tim: The only one you sent me that has POIs is the NUVI 350. My c340 has 6 million pois. Anyway to get Pois on the others?????
Tim, I screwed up, it was the NUVI 260 that has the pois. I hope I have it right this time.
They all have POIs. Sometimes manufacturers confirm how many each model has, sometimes they don’t.
Will most modern car gps units include dirt roads (forest service roads, etc.)? Much of my traveling includes exploring dirt roads and I would like a way to keep track of them so I don’t get lost. I also travel to large cities from time to time so street mapping and text-to-speech would be nice, but traffic info, mp3 playback and bluetooth, etc aren’t really necessary for me but if they came with whatever unit works best for me that’s fine. If someone (probably you Tim) could make a recomendation I would be greatly appreciative. Price isn’t realy an issue, but I would think max of around $800-1000. $150-600 would be much better though. Thanks
You will find some forest service roads covered, some not. I’d checkout this list of devices to start. All have text to speech, but are otherwise fairly easy, basic devices.
Tim: I drove from 11th street on Walnut to 5th street in Philadelphia the other day and lost signal due to the tall buildings. I have a streetpilot c340 with the 12 channel receiver. Which of the Garmins have the 20 channel receivers and would they have given me reception under the above senerio I gave you at the beginning?
Bill - All of the Nuvi models.
Tim, thanks for the info. Can I assume that I would have gotten the sattalites with one of the Nuvi GPS,s in Philly???
I can’t guarantee you would have, but you would have had a much better shot at it.
Tim: What is the difference in Garmins Streetpilot and the Nuvi’s????? Just wondering.
Bill, there are about a dozen different StreetPilot models and 30 or so Nuvi models, all with different features. The only distinction that is true for all StreetPilot models versus Nuvi models is that the Nuvi models are thinner and lighter whereas the StreetPilot models are bulkier and heavier.
Tim: OK thanks a lot for your assistance. I have the Streetpilot C340 and am thinking of getting the Nuvi 260 for the better connectivity to the sattelites, since it has the high sensitivity system.
If you already have the STP c340 and are otherwise happy with it, just grab an external antenna for it, they are about $25. You want Garmin part number 010-10702-00.
Or about $31.50 from Garmin:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1326
Tim: Where on the GPS does it connect??? And is it weather proof???
It connects to a tiny round plug on the back. I don’t recall if they are weather-proof or not, but by “external antenna” I mean external to the GPS, not necessarily external to the vehicle. I keep an external antenna lying on the dash.
I recently purchased a Garmin StreetPilot C340. A couple of locations that I want to enter into the device either do not have physical addresses or not on the map (rural locations). Can I enter their latitude and logitude and get there that way? If so, HOW? I searched Google and see several posts on different boards that say it can be done, but nowhere can I find instructions. Can anyone help?
I don’t believe the c340 offers coordinates as a destination option.
My C340 PS says “lost satellite reception” almost everytime I used it. What is the deal? What can I do for it? Does it loose reception because I need new maps? I can’t depend on it to get my anywhere.
Katrina - Maps wouldn’t have anything to do with it. See our Acquiring Satellites Tips for more info.
Thanks Tom. Would where I mount it have anything to do with losing satellite reception? Should I be turning it off when my car is parked? when i turn it on, it takes forever to find reception again….
Mounting location can have something to do with it, yes. I’d turn it off whenever you are not using it.
Hi Katrina,
Does your car have a thermic windshield - many European cars do. Try holding the gps outside the car to see if it acquires the sats more quickly. If it does then you have a thermic wind screen. If so there is usually a clear space either side of the rear view mirror and you ought to aim to get the unit underneath one of these clear areas. If not then get an external antenna and mount outside the car or up in one of the clear spaces on the windscreen. Thermic screens act as heat barriers but they also attenuate greatly the sat signal.
I recently bought a new Toyota Camry with Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio and now my Garmin c340 can’t find or loses the satellite signal whenever the car is turned on. If the car is turned off it finds the signal and in other automobiles with XM Satellite, but no bluetooth it finds the signals and works just fine. I have been getting messages to update my maps, but I don’t know if that would affect the signal. Has anyone has this problem or can someone tell me what the problem and/or fix may be for this problem.