Program to Customize TTS Voices

 

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/TTSVoiceEditor

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

See also

Frequently Asked Questions

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nohat is cool!!

I am going to try to play with this..

However, My GPS is only a 530!! and my mother in law is a 580? so I will have to use hers.. lol Want to do so much more..

With my Offbeat poi file.. I waqnt to make it fun and entertaning for people on Poi factory to use.. Any ideas what I can do to make the file better?

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

It Works!

I tried it on my 360....it works. I changed: "recalculating" to "Come on, pay attention" -
"Lost satellite reception" to "Give me a second"
and
"please drive the highlighted route" to "Ready? Lets go"

--
My Toys: MacBook Pro Unibody, Nuvi 2589

woooo hoooo

jill now tells me to just follow her!

--
etrex vista, Nuvi 350, Nuvi 650, Nuvi 750(3)

System Requirements...

I'm guessing that the program is PC only yes?

GadgetGuy2008 wrote: If

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

I assume you change each individual word in a phrase for a new word such as "l Lost satellite Reception" Lost = I; satellite=Can't; Reception= see?. Can you substitute a phrase for a single word such as recalculating?

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Zuma314

TTS Editir

vnman63 wrote:

I'm guessing that the program is PC only yes?

I forgot to ask. Dose anyone know if it works with Streetpilot c550?

--
Zuma314

Can you substitute a phrase....

zuma314, yes, I just changed recalculating to "Hey, bone head, pay attention and follow me".

I didn't think that was TTS

It sounds like you are changing to stock voice instructions file, not TTS. This should work for the 200 then, right?

--
><> Glenn <>< Garmin nüvi 2598

Gonna have fun with this!

Wow, this is going to be a blast. No More what manufactures want you to hear! Thats Funny

Bob

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

Might have to give this a

Might have to give this a try. The "recalculating" on my 750 always sounds like it's so disappointed in me. I'm starting to get a complex.

At least my Tomtom would recalculate without berating me about it. smile

Jim

The link has the download

The link has the download for the TTS version, and the readme mentions the non-TTS versions....does anyone have a link to the non-TTS version?

--
nüvi 200

Changing words

A couple of questions.

1. Can you, and if so how do you, back up your original file in case you want to go back?

2. Is there anything you can do while using this program that will completely screw up your machine?

Thanks.

try this

dr5274 wrote:

The link has the download for the TTS version, and the readme mentions the non-TTS versions....does anyone have a link to the non-TTS version?

try this..

http://tinyurl.com/238t6o

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Thanks

This is fantastic!

Oh Boy!

Looks like it's going to be fun.
Too bad I can't hear the voice riding on the motorcycle but it'll do just fine in the car.

--
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright

hkamens

hkamens wrote:

A couple of questions.

1. Can you, and if so how do you, back up your original file in case you want to go back?

2. Is there anything you can do while using this program that will completely screw up your machine?

Thanks.

Before you do any mod to anything...you ALWAYS back up the files FIRST !!!
1. Copy the original file to your computer (in a folder named "original Voice"
There is a "read me" in the zip
2. Of course!!! Just follow the directions...pun intended!

--
My Toys: MacBook Pro Unibody, Nuvi 2589

Update...

bobkz wrote:
dr5274 wrote:

The link has the download for the TTS version, and the readme mentions the non-TTS versions....does anyone have a link to the non-TTS version?

try this..

http://tinyurl.com/238t6o

I should of added this too.. its info about some good tools as well as the NON-voice tool.

http://www.geotourguide.com/node/162#comment-100

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

.

Works great!!!!!!

Thanks,

Worked great on my 760. Changed "Recalculating" to "selecting new route". Sounded a lot more friendly when I tried it out.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

Thanks

Thanks GG for posting this. I had tweaked the TTS voices using a hex editor (with instructions from RetiredTechnician's web page), but I was restricted to using replacement phrases no longer than the originals they replaced. Not anymore. smile

TTS

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

how do you go about doing this.steps please smile

--
Everyday is a GREAT day :)

The instructions come with the file

werskine wrote:
GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

how do you go about doing this.steps please smile

If you follow the link and download the file there is a txt file included that explains how it works and from my personal experience it is easy and it does work.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

question

After you change the file in the PC can you place and drop in the Nuvi Voice folder or do you have to send it using WebUpdater?

--
Garmin 38 - Magellan Gold - Garmin Yellow eTrex - Nuvi 260 - Nuvi 2460LMT - Google Nexus 7 - Toyota Entune NAV

File update

I just made a backup copy in my computer hard drive of the voice file I use and just connected the GPS and then selected the file in the GPS itself, made the changes and resaved it as the same original file name.

You could also modify the file in the computer and just copy it to the GPS's voice directory. No need for web update program.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

tts

rjrsw wrote:

I just made a backup copy in my computer hard drive of the voice file I use and just connected the GPS and then selected the file in the GPS itself, made the changes and resaved it as the same original file name.

You could also modify the file in the computer and just copy it to the GPS correct directory. No need for web update program.

THANKS for all of the help!!

--
Everyday is a GREAT day :)

RE: Program To Customize TTS Voices...

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

Hi GadgetGuy2008,

Have you got a program, or know of one, that will run on a Mac?

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670
Mac User

--
Sullivan's Law: Murphy was an optimist!

TTS Editor

Hi, everyone,

Well, I downloaded and executed the TTS editor, plugged my 660 into the USB port. Using the editor, I opened the voice file on my 660, selected and made changes to several words/combinations, selected "save", then named the file the same as the original. When I try to exit the editor, it freezes. Up to the "exit" point, everything seems to be working, but in the end, I've made no actual changes to the voice file. I've tried several times, but get the same result. This computer is running Vista Premium. I have another with XP Pro on it, but haven't tried that one yet.

Miki

Try it again

try copying the voice file that you want to edit onto your computer... then load it into the editor... make your changes and save the file to your desktop....then connect the GPS....and load it (drag and drop) to the GPS (folder where you copied the original voice file from. you will be overwriting the file so keep a copy of the unedited file on your computer...

I hope this helps!

--
My Toys: MacBook Pro Unibody, Nuvi 2589

tt?

Is this for TomTom or Garmin?

Copy Voice File to Your Computer

As Rhythm said, you should move the voice file to your computer, modify and save it on your computer, and then move the file back to your Garmin.

The Garmin processor is pretty slow, so if you try to modify and save the file on the processor the program may say "Not Responding". If you wait the program will eventually finish properly, but better to work on the file on your computer and then move it back to your Garmin.

Windows Only It Appears

tailspin wrote:

Hi GadgetGuy2008,

Have you got a program, or know of one, that will run on a Mac?

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670
Mac User

Sorry, it appears to be Windows only. You could of course run Boot Camp on your Mac, but you'd have to get a copy of Windows.

The other option is to run the program on a friend's computer. The program is REALLY small, only 140 KB and doesn't actually "install" on your computer, you just run it from the exe file.

Garmin

Archer wrote:

Is this for TomTom or Garmin?

This is for Garmin, hence the reason I posted it in the Garmin Talk forum.

Just be patient

Miki wrote:

Hi, everyone,

Well, I downloaded and executed the TTS editor, plugged my 660 into the USB port. Using the editor, I opened the voice file on my 660, selected and made changes to several words/combinations, selected "save", then named the file the same as the original. When I try to exit the editor, it freezes. Up to the "exit" point, everything seems to be working, but in the end, I've made no actual changes to the voice file. I've tried several times, but get the same result. This computer is running Vista Premium. I have another with XP Pro on it, but haven't tried that one yet.

Miki

If you make the changes directly on the GPS you must be patient because the GPS connection is veeeeerrrrrrrrrrry slow but if you copy a file to the GPS that is also slow. The program may say not responding when you save but just wait and it will complete the save then exit the editor program. I know it will work that way because that is how I did my file change.

Make sure that when you save the file you include the correct vpm extension. When you choose save just browse to the file name that you edited and select it and that way you know it will be named correctly.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

Lets have a little fun with this!

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

If you've ever wanted to modify your TTS voice file, here's an easy program http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824

I tested it on my 750 and it works perfectly. I finally got rid of the annoying "recalculating"!!

Lets have a little fun with this program!

How about listing what changes you make, sometimes it takes a village, well you know what I mean, There are times when I wonder why didn't I think of that.

Bob

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

got it

This are the changes I made

Ready to Navigate > Ok I am ready to go

Recalculating > Dummy listen to me

Please drive to highlighted route > OK S_ _ _ head drive to highlighted route

Lost satellite reception > S _ _ _ now we are really lost

I wish there was a way to insert a pause between words, it is hard to make out what it is saying when the whole phrase is spoken without pauses, I'll try inserting spaces between words and see if that makes the pauses I need.

--
Garmin 38 - Magellan Gold - Garmin Yellow eTrex - Nuvi 260 - Nuvi 2460LMT - Google Nexus 7 - Toyota Entune NAV

Comma?

flaco wrote:

I wish there was a way to insert a pause between words, it is hard to make out what it is saying when the whole phrase is spoken without pauses, I'll try inserting spaces between words and see if that makes the pauses I need.

Try a comma, or two, or three, I've seen that work in other programs. Just a guess.

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

What I changed....

I changed Jack:
"recalculating" to "Come on, pay attention"
"Lost satellite reception" to "Give me a second"
"please drive the highlighted route" to "Ready? Lets go"

I changed Jill:
"recalculating" to "You Just Missed the Turn"
"please drive the highlighted route" to "Here we go, drive carefully"

--
My Toys: MacBook Pro Unibody, Nuvi 2589

Tweaking Voice File

In addition to changing some of the words, I also tweaked two other settings for Jill's voice.

I changed the rate from the default 45 to 50. She speaks a little faster but to me it sounds better. (If you change it to 65 or 70 it sounds like she is on crack!!)

I also changed the volume from 65 to 85.

Changes I made

to Jill:

"recalculating" to "Hey, bone head, pay attention and follow me"
"Lost satellite reception" to "Aw crap, I've lost satellite reception"
"please drive to the highlighted route" to "Come on, follow me"
"searching for satellite" to "Give me a minute, I'm searching for satellites"

BTW Gadgetguy, thanks for posting the link to this cool program.

GREAT....

This is more fun! I have modified "recalculating" into, "Milt, you smartass, try following directions: it's a laugh! I don't want to go wild with the thing, but for the moment it's a kick, thanks again.

--
"Backward, turn backward, oh time in your flight, make me a child again, just for tonight."

Fun

This has been so much fun, everyone's forgotten about animated avatars.

Has anyone tried renaming the voice file? Rather than backing up the default 'Jill' and just modifying it, create a new voice file named 'Jane' or 'Mary' or 'Elizabeth' so that it can be another selection in the list of TTS files to select on the Garmin. This way, if you get tired of your modified voice when you are away from your computer, you can just go back and select the standard 'Jill' voice.

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Re: Fun

Should work. Haven't even looked at the files yet, but with the different accents and languages, I would guess everything to create the voice is in the file. The GPS is just going to see another file and process it like the rest and make sound!

--
Fletch- Nuvi 750

Renaming Voice File

I was able to "rename" the voice file. The Garmin unit reads the file name from within the vpm file, so renaming the actual file has no effect on what name shows up on the the voice list.

For example, if you copy the English_American_Jill.vpm file and then rename it to Janet.vpm, the voice list will show two entries with the same name (American English-Jill).

What you need to do is open the vpm file in a hex editor and modify the file name. It's at the end of the code.

New FAQ

I have made this into a FAQ, great finds everyone!!!

Miss POI

There was a discussion

There was a discussion previously
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/12967
And I was punished for suggesting to make changes in software by the people who are greeting yahoo now in this forum
The only argument was that it's unlawful to make changes
Well. I customized my 200W for myself deleting unused staff, changing TTC Voice (+txt) adding some new maps (SD) and vehicles, playing with hidden screens(cheats)
It's natural that sooner or later you will be boring about your gadget and will try to change something.
Of course it's better receive new options with Firmware updates, but it seems that they don't care.
So people start to look through Internet for cracks, cheats RED Light, Speed Cameras or POI.
GARMIN, make something more for your users

--
http://sch1106.mosuzedu.ru/

school_usa

Well, seems like the climate is right for your suggestions....
What tweaks have you done to your GPS?

--
My Toys: MacBook Pro Unibody, Nuvi 2589

thanks

GADGETGUY:this should be interesting, especially if there are a lot of posts made showing everyone's changes.

--
garmin nuvi,750 ***3ʇǝʞɔɐɾpǝɹ*** garmin nuvi,855 garmin nuvi,1490t

none

as of yet,waiting to see some suggestions.

--
garmin nuvi,750 ***3ʇǝʞɔɐɾpǝɹ*** garmin nuvi,855 garmin nuvi,1490t

Changing voice files names

Gary A wrote:

This has been so much fun, everyone's forgotten about animated avatars.

Has anyone tried renaming the voice file? Rather than backing up the default 'Jill' and just modifying it, create a new voice file named 'Jane' or 'Mary' or 'Elizabeth' so that it can be another selection in the list of TTS files to select on the Garmin. This way, if you get tired of your modified voice when you are away from your computer, you can just go back and select the standard 'Jill' voice.

Changing the file name is a good idea because the program will create a new file and leave the old file unaltered, also you will know which file you want to use. You cannot (to my knowledge) put both files on the unit and pick one then the other. This is true of altered TTS and non- TTS files as well. Both the old and new files will show up on the unit as the original named file(no matter what you change the filename to. To change the display name for the Garmin unit, you have to use a hex editor and search for screen_name then you can change the displayed language file name (but you are limited to the same # of characters, ie you can make the name shorter by replacing letters with spaces, but not make it longer!)There are several versions of screen_name, depending on your units screen size as to which one needs to be changed. If you change to many of the naming parameters the voice file will not be recognized by the unit.

thanks

gotta give this a go

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