NUVI 660 Route modifications
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 16 years
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Hi all. Recently purchase the Nuvi 660 ( my first GPS ) which I have now used for a trip to Orlando, Fl. I have several issues, that I discovered on the trip and I am curious if other more experienced owners have had similar problems and found work arounds. The first problem is that it always seems to pick the most traveled (congested) routes, instead of quicker less congested routes. Is there a way to modify the route other than just ignoring it and driving the best route? The next problem, is that when you load POI's, rather than breaking them out into seperate POI files where you can quickly and easily access them, it combines them into one large file. This makes it a pain to try to find what you are looking for. I finally just added the points that I wanted to my favorites, for easy access. The last major problem that I saw, was the traffic indicator, is pretty much useless. I had not planned on getting the service anyway, as it is not available in my home town area, but this is a waste to even have it on the unit. It doesn't work. I got caught in a traffic tie up, and never got an alert.
Categories
The first problem is that it always seems to pick the most traveled (congested) routes, instead of quicker less congested routes. Is there a way to modify the route other than just ignoring it and driving the best route?
The next problem, is that when you load POI's, rather than breaking them out into seperate POI files where you can quickly and easily access them, it combines them into one large file. This makes it a pain to try to find what you are looking for.
If the traffic alerts aren't working for you, I would think it would be difficult for the unit to know what routes are congested. If the congestion is on the major highways/freeways, you can look at the avoidance menu. Are you sure that the traffic feed has been turned on? Traffic in LA is pretty useful.
As for the POI's being in a single file, that is not a problem. Even within the single file, you can create categories. The creation is done on the PC, not on the GPSr. If you create sub-folders under the main POI folder, those categories will show on the GPSr. Also, the categories can be broken down further by having separate files with descriptive filenames. For example:
POI (main folder)
>Food (sub-folder)
>>McDonalds (filename)
>>BurgerKing (filename)
>Stores (sub-folder)
>>Target (filename)
>>WalMart (filename)
If this explanation isn't immediately obvious, Motorcycle Mama has created an explanation with screenshots that I'm sure you can find with a search.
Nuvi 660 -- and not upgrading it or maps until Garmin fixes long-standing bugs/problems, and get maps to where they are much more current, AND corrected on a more timely basis when advised of mistakes.
NUVI 660 Route modifications
The unit offers two route types; shortest time & shortest distance. The shortest time option typically utilizes freeways. The shortest distance option will occasionally choose routes that avoid freeways. This is not a hard and fast rule however. You could select each separately and compare the turn-by-turn directions.
When loading POI's into the unit, if you create separate folders within the main folder on the computer prior to using POI Loader, you can very easily arrange your POI's into any category you choose. It should be noted, however, that folder names that include the following, "safety", "red light", "speed", etc. will result in automatic proximity alerts.
The traffic receiver and subsequent alerts / notifications are very useful and also fairly accurrate when used within range of areas that have transmitters. It is not truly real-time and therefore not completely fool-proof.
I finally got a chance to
I finally got a chance to try the subfolder deal, and it made no difference. It still combines them into one big file that gives you no way to access the various POI's separately. I can't find anything in the documentation that came with the unit, with any instructions on how to make and use custom POI's. My next step is to contact Garmin, and get the usually run around, unless someone has some idea of how to correct this.
Before you call
I finally got a chance to try the subfolder deal, and it made no difference. It still combines them into one big file that gives you no way to access the various POI's separately. I can't find anything in the documentation that came with the unit, with any instructions on how to make and use custom POI's. My next step is to contact Garmin, and get the usually run around, unless someone has some idea of how to correct this.
Make sure you are:
1.) Pointing to the Main folder when you run POI Loader -- it will have various folders under it and those become categories on the GPS under Extras/Custom POIs.
2.) Running POI Loader only once -- each time you run it, it overwrites the previous POI file (POI.gpi).
3.) Looking for categories on the GPSr while operating it; no categories or folders are visible when you view the drive (or card) from the computer.
4.) Paying attention to the notice at the end of loading with POI Loader. I will advise you as to how many POI locations were added. If a file is no good and won't load, its category won't show.
I'm sure you are certain that something is wrong with the unit, and it is possible. However, I'd bet a lot of money that you are missing something when doing the loading. I don't think I've seen even one case where the unit refused to show the properly loaded POIs. If none of the above points cause a light to go on, maybe you would want to write down in detail, the process you are using to load the files; we could probably pick out the mis-step.
Nuvi 660 -- and not upgrading it or maps until Garmin fixes long-standing bugs/problems, and get maps to where they are much more current, AND corrected on a more timely basis when advised of mistakes.
Are you putting the csv
Are you putting the csv files or gpx files in the subfolders?It should look something like this.
My pois=main folder
>>Food=subfolder
>>>McDonalds.csv
>>>BurgerKing.csv
>>Stores=subfolder
>>>Target.csv
>>>WalMart.csv
Just create a main folder on your computer and from that folder make what subfolders you want.Then put the csv files into the correct subfolder.Run poi loader and direct it to the main folder.Once complete it will show number of pois loaded.Go where to on gps,my locations then custom pois or extras and you should see lising of your custom pois.
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.
Waypoints
The only way that I have found that works to take you on a route you have preferred is to use the waypoint feature. When you have selected your destination, do the process again and pick a site on your preferred route--it will ask you if you want to use it as a waypoint. You can do it numerous times.
Of course this only works if you know the route you want to take.
It is not a sign of weakness to need other people; it is a sign of strength to have them!
setting up folders
look thru this thread and if it dont help do a search at the top of this page for Setting up folders... there are several topics on it. Good luck
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/9253
Jerry...Jacksonville,Fl Nüvi1450,Nuvi650,Nuvi 2495 and Mapsource.