CRACKER BARREL using "TourGuide" (w/ .wav & .bmp) for a 2 mile away alert "if" I want to stop

With my nuvi 750, I've made my Schools csv file a "TourGuide file" and I get the alerts with TourGuide and csv. I get School alerts (with bmp icon and mp3 audio) 550 feet from a school. 550 feet is big enough to create an alert for me just about at where most schools' School Crossing Zones are, but not so large a radius that I'll get alerts for schools on parallel streets. If your GPS operates as my nuvi does, it should work and alert you to every Cracker Barrel within 2 miles, too, using about 11,000 feet as an Alert Distance which you set by using Manual Mode with POILoader.

Let me make a suggestion to me the easiest way to accomplish what you want to do.Lots of users use the TourGuide for the very reason you want.I travel I95 and that is the best way I have found to get the alert when off the main road.
1.Take the Cracker Barrel file you now have Cracker Barrel.csv.
2.Rename it Cracker Barrel TourGuide.csv
3.Download wav file sound you want and rename to Cracker Barrel TourGuide.wav
4.Download the bmp file you want and name it Cracker Barrel TourGuide.bmp
5.Put the files in your main folder or subfolder depending on the set up you have for custom pois.
6.To make the wav alerts work you have to do some work on your computer.
a.Download the latest PoiLoader file at http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/ .
b. Download Sox Exe at http://rapidshare.com:80/files/139638423/sox.zip .
c. After un-zipping Sox.Exe file place it in your Garmin folder where the PoiLoader exe file is located on the computer.
d. The wav file for alerts will be named the same as the CSV or GPX file except for the extensions.
e. You can make your own wav files by going to http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php and typing in what you want it to say or use a program to convert mp3 files to wav. When using the conversion it must be saved as PCM, 44.100 kHZ., 16 bit, Mono. Wav files are also on site for download.
f.Select manual mode on poiloader to set the radius distance you want.

You can also use Extra Poi Editor after renaming the CSV file to build the alerts in.That is what I do.
You can download Extra Poi Editor at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor and build the alert in. Once you download the program
you will need to set up the preferences you want first. Under options click on preferences. For example using ft for input. Under units you will see editor, select Imperial/US. For Field Read and Field save select Metric. After setting your preferences click on file and click open to select from your computer the file you want to build the alerts for. Then go to edit and click on replace field. Once the next screen comes up use the down arrow for Field name and pick proximity. Under new field value put in the distance you want for the alert. Then click replace all. You now have alert set for each custom poi. Then save the gpx file.Again TourGuide like I have it spelled must be in the name of the file.

I've found using the TourGuide function as the best way to get an alert that spans 360 degrees.

No, it won't. The GPS, and other poi's are still available. This is only an alert.

Thanks guys, but...here's what I found.

My Nuvi 255 apparently will not accept the "TourGuide" alert method when using a .csv file. I've read that some people said it would, and some said it would not. It might be that some Nuvi models will, and others not. Since my GPS is a Nuvi 255 it might not have the software programmed like some of the newer and more expensive units. Much like mine will not take mp3s, only .wav files.

Anyway, next I will convert the POI file from .csv to .gpx and try again with just the "TourGuide" in the files' names. If that doesn't work I will use GeePeeEx Editor to create a true "TourGuide" .gpx file with internal proximity distance and links to the appropriate .wav and .bmp files.

There's something else I've been noticing that I find strange, but may be because my unit is [only] a Nuvi 255. If I load only one custom POI file (with hundreds of locations) into the GPS I have the .bmp icon on the map. However, if I load another custom POI file I lose the .bmp icon on one whole file's locations. (I still have the POIs, just no icon.) It's as if my Nuvi has limitations, but only two .bmp files! I can't imagine. Really strange...

I have TourGuide poi files created from csv files w/ bmp and wav files on my 255W.

I not sure I understand 'I lose the .bmp icon on one whole file's locations'. When you run poi loader it erases existing poi.gpi file (unless you renamed it). You have to have all poi files w/ bmp and wav files in the folder that you point the poi loader to.

koot you may want to look at this post.Excellent guide on TourGuide http://www.poi-factory.com/node/13904

I've read that thread. It has nothing new that I didn't already know. It looks like some other people with [certain] Nuvi 200 series units have found what I did - that they are not capable of using the "TourGuide" alert method.

Now...IF I could get a Cracker Barrel (Interstate Travel) POI file with all the Cracker Barrel coordinates changed to the nearby Interstate (they're always located very close to Interstates) I could use one of the other alert methods.

I guess I'm out of luck...save Gary Hayman or Phillip Hornby coming up with some means to get "TourGuide" to work with units like mine and many others.

Did you read post above by jthawkin@comcast.net
he has a 255 and I have a 265?They both work with TourGuide.

Mine is a Nuvi 255, not a Nuvi 255W. Maybe there is a difference - dunno. I have tried everything from simple to elaborate...and quadruple checked everything I've done. No luck!

No difference between a 255 and a 255w except wider screen.Click on my contact tab and send me a email and I will send you back the file set up.

Edit.You did put the sox.exe in the Garmin folder on your computer correct?In my case I click on my computer,Local Disk c,Garmin folder and inside the Garmin folder along with many other files you will see poiloader.Just paste a copy of sox.exe on any blank space.

I have setup Tourguide on my 255W with a warning of a red light camera. The .wav voice alert says "Warning-red light camera ahead."
I have it set for 500 feet to allow me to slow down and look for it.
guy

I have setup Tourguide on my 255W with a warning of a red light camera. The .wav voice alert says "Warning-red light camera ahead."
I have it set for 500 feet to allow me to slow down and look for it.
guy

Yes, I have sox.exe in the same folder as my POILoader. As a habit I always click the SOX folder first before opening POILoader. Also as a habit I delete the poi folder and have POILoader install a new/fresh one before loading custom POI files.

I'm digging deep now trying to figure out why I can't get TourGuide to work on my Nuvi 255.

But have you ever used "TourGuide" on your Nuvi 255W?

SOX.exe in the same program file folder as POILoader, you don't need to touch it again.

I think part of your problem is your procedure.

SOX.exe gets put into the same program files folder as poiloader - AND LEFT ALONE.

The files go into your poi folder with the correct names.

POILoader is run from the desktop icon, the input folder identified, manual mode specified and alert distance and or speed indicated for the individual files and then let POILoader do its job.

Everytime you run POILoader it overwrites any existing POI.GPI file on the target so you don't need to use Windows Explorer or other program (even POILoader) to delete the old file.

It REALLY IS as simple process. Don't make it more difficult by trying to do its job.

Make sure you also have the latest POI Loader for Windows, Ver. 2.5.3, as of Aug 22, 2008.

Try setting it up this way.

TourGuide Cracker Barrel.csv
TourGuide Cracker Barrel.bmp
TourGuide Cracker Barrel.wav

Make sure you have space between TourGuide and Cracker Barrel.Double check this. The biggest problems with the alerts and icons not working are the files not being named the same except for extensions and having double extensions. Double-check each of them. The best way to prevent double extensions is to go to your folder options in the control panel and click view then find hide extensions for known file types and remove the check mark. Click ok.

Yes-it is a Nuvi 255W
guy

I created one tour guide from the POI Factory's large Schools POI csv file and named it TourGuide_Schools.csv and it works so at least for nuvi 750s, the space is not required or an underscore works as well as a space.

It will work either way.Edit see THE 'PROXEMICS' OF THE TourGuide - Hakuna Matata! The Circle Of ... Alert located on custom poi page 4.By Gary Hayman http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/index.html

Well, well! It works like a charm!!! Gary Hayman was a big help.

The problem (apparently) was that I was using version 14.1.0 sox.exe, not version 14.0.1 I specifically downloaded what was in an image (version 14.1.0) on Gary's website. The instructions on the web page are somewhat confusing because of the image showing version 14.1.0 with the red arrow pointing to it - even though the written instructions say not to use version 14.1.0, but instead version 14.0.1. I would have thought having the wrong version of sox.exe would have only prevented the .wav file from working, but not prevent the "TourGuide" from working. Anyway, as soon as I removed the 14.1.0 sox.exe and replaced it with 14.0.1 and re-loaded - it worked.

This really needs to be hammered home for people... I'm not sure why the image with the red arrow pointing to the wrong sox.exe file is even on Gary's website... (Ooops! I just looked at the website to offer a link or image and the images have been removed...probably because I replied to Gary explaining what my problem was. I suspect Gary is removing the image of the wrong file.)

I'm thrilled I can now use "TourGuide".

Thanks to all, and especially Gary Hayman!

The correct information was also available here at The POI Factory: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/16728

I have a Nuvi 205.. Can Tour Guide work with it? I want to set it up with all the BJ's and Sheet's gas stations... The distance can be pretty far... 5-10 miles or so? --> 360 degrees insead of just on the roads traveled

Koot

That was the site I listed above for the download.A lot of us had problems in the past and thanks to Gary A posting the correct one for us to download we had no more problems.I keep a copy that Gary A sent me just for the purpose in case something happens to the download site.That is the same one I emailed you.Glad you have it working now.

Yes TourGuide will work with the 205.Just follow the instructions above and use the link I listed for the download.Set the radius by using manual mode in poiloader.

Everthing seemed to work, until the Extra POI editor gave a RICHTX32.ocx ... not registered or a file is missing error

could be I did not know how to do this coversion ???
When using the conversion it must be saved as PCM, 44.100 kHZ., 16 bit, Mono

This is caused by not using the loader version - look at the troubleshooting section on Turbo's wiki page. It tells you what to do to correct this problem.

What are you converting and what program(s) are you using?

If you get this 2x, sorry..

Anyway.. after using Extra POI editor, when loading Custom POIs, I now get

Alert Information:
Distance 1.0 mi

But I still don't get the alert when driving (or in Simulator Mode)

I removed the Exel File, but do have:

BJs Gas NC Tour Guide (gpx file)
BJs Gas NC Tour Guide (wave file)
BJs Gas NC Tour Guide (bit map file)

So, I don't know where to turn on actually getting the alerts....]

help

that should say on the GPS screen I get...

Alert Information:
Distance 1.0 mi

actally no AUDIO alert or the location does not pop up on the map

If you're using TourGuides, the two words need to have no space between them (and as you've done properly, capitalized the T and G.) So rename them to:

BJs Gas NC TourGuide (gpx file)
BJs Gas NC TourGuide (wave file)
BJs Gas NC TourGuide (bit map file)

and try loading them again with POI Loader.

TERRYFOWLER.

Once you fix the files like CraigW posted make sure to check this step out. The biggest problems with the alerts and icons not working are the files not being named the same except for extensions and having double extensions. Double-check each of them. The best way to prevent double extensions is to go to your folder options in the control panel and click view then find hide extensions for known file types and remove the check mark. Click ok.

Edit.You may want to play with the radius setting .The coordinates most likely are set for the location of the store and not at the road.

Also, make absolutely sure you are using sox.exe version 14.0.1 and not a newer version or it will not work and crazy stuff happens.

mission accomplished.....

everything is working now..

except when I use POI Loader, it does SOX twice, so I guess you could say I have a pair of sox, right?

anyway the TourGuide works now.

Glad you got it to working.The voice alert sures beats that bong sound.

Not sure why you have a pair of soxs.When I run poiloader I don't see anything about the sox file.Can you give some more detail?

speaks from experience.

Sorry to taking you to task over getting TourGuides to work on your unit, but it was the best way to get you to revisit the procedure and verify everything was correct.

We LIKE happy campers!

Guys,

I don't see a IOP folder on my new Garmin 2595LMT to put the .gpi file into. I followed all the instuctions here and on the link below and have created all the files and used the poiloader with success.

I'm using Windoz 7 and have show hidden files. The folders on the Garmin are such as Audible, Dashboard and GPX, etc. I've been building computers since 97 so I'm not a noob at it but can't figure this one out. I can't find any .gpi files in fact.

Plz help a noob.

http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/pagepoi.06.htm

Thanks

Talk about bringing back an old thread!

I assume you mean POI and not IOP? The folder name is POI and POI Loader will put the .GPI file in there for you.

Edit: Oh ... one other thing you need to do besides showing hidden files is to show operating system files (uncheck the option in folder options). You should see a folder on your garmin named .system (note the leading period).

Did you also:

Uncheck: Hide extensions for known file types

and

Uncheck: Hide protected operating system files (recommended)

But--using POI Loader, the gpi file will be installed to your nuvi to the right place without any extra effort on your part, so let us know if you figure things out or if extra help is needed.

The POI file folder is there now but the only thing that is in it is the .gpi file that I created.

Another thing is I don't really know how I got it to work. I finally shut down my PC and cold started it after a few minutes.

But before that, at some point, I used the POI loader to send the file to the Garmin. But the POI file didn't show until I restarted the PC and the Garmin. I also booted up and shut down the Garmin before I reconnectd it to the PC.

Oh, BTW I used the Kangaroo gas station POI. They are nearby and on my way to work. The closest Cracker Barrel to me is 35 miles away and that sux. Luv me some CB.

EDIT: I just noticed that the Kanagroo now shows on the Garmin under Custom POIs and lists them all it seems.

There are POIs for NC and SC. Do I need to created seperate POIs for them? I only created one for NC places.

You can load each one separate and have NC.poi and SC.poi or you can merge them together through EPE and call the entire thing Kangaroo Gas.poi

The one that alandb talked about above. Can you guys see that file or any .gpi files other than what is in your custom POI folder? I'm thinking that Garmin hides their .gpi files.

Another question while I'm here: Is there a way to disable coordinates while pulling the map with your fingers? When I use my finger to scroll the map it puts a blue coordinates flag wherever I touch the screen and the screen jumps to that coordinate. It's very aggravating. How can I disable or turn off this feature?

Thanks!

.system on your nuvi won't be shown on your computer with the GPS connected if system files are hidden. Did you:

Uncheck: Hide protected operating system files (recommended)

in Folder Options on your PC?

Try this.
Quote:
Make NUVI DIR & Files visible for Backup
1. To make all of Nuvi files visible you must unhide protected files via Win7 like any other HD.
2. Start NUVI by itself and go to Volume Screen.
3. Press the upper right hand corner of screen for 10 seconds.
4. The Developers Screen will pop up
5. Scroll down to MTP SETTINGS
6. Change from AUTO DETECT to MASS STORAGE
7. Shut down NUVI and hookup to Computer USB cable
8. Start NUVI and it should recognize it is hooked up to the computer.
9. Explorer will now see all files in ROOT directory and the .System directories.

Why is everyone responding to, or about a 3 year old thread?

Good catch, pw. I bet that's the issue here with the 2595LMT!

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?...

Thanks for the tip pw but I won't take my exploration that far. Like the Garmin link above says, "MTP provides a more secure environment for the important system files on your device".

No need to go poking around in those files. I was just courious as to why the custom POI folder was created and where so that I could see it when I couldn't find the Garmin system POI folder. I was thinking I did something wrong when I ran the POI loader. Bottom line is that Garmin allows us to create POIs and delete them but not to mess around with theirs. Makes sense.

Thanks guys for all the asssits with this issue and I did learn a lot from it. Maybe others will too.

EDIT:

I had to run the MPT in order to do an all files backup to my PC. I was using the Beginners Exercise 2 - Backing Up Your GPS (Garmin). Luckily I had found this first and was able to do the full backup. Otherwise I wouldn't have got all the files. Now I can see the .system file.

After I copied and saved the files I changed the Garmin out of MPT mode. It took 15 min to copy and paste the files. And that's on my water cooled gaming rig with a quad core processor so if you do this allow the time to do it and keep an eye on it.

I don't have an MTP-enabled nuvi so I can't test this, but I've read here that when switching to mass storage (to do backups, see the .system, etc.) you have the choice of switching to mass storage either permanently or as a 1-time switch which will revert to MTP upon the next powerup.

If you have the 1-time mass storage option, it'd save you the extra step of switching back to MTP when you're done with mass storage.

I have a Nuvi 660, and here's how I did it...

Downloaded the Garmin Crackerbarrel file, and renamed it: crackerB_TourGide and it's a microsoft Office Excel file.
My Nuvi uses MP3's, and if I needed a Wav of it, I'd use Format Factory to convert it..
My MP3 file is named: crackerB_TourGuide.mp3
And My Icon is titled: crackerB_TourGuide.BMP

And when I load it.... I change the distance for this Crackerbarrel POI and RestAreas to 12000 feet, and everything works correctly with these, and our other POI's...

Jan

I found this old thread (don't ask how) and I have a question about the difference between Proximity Alerts and TourGuide.

It seems from reading the thread that Proximity Alerts (set manually using POI Loader) only work if you're on the same road as the POI. Is this true? Or did I misread the thread?

If true, then how do the Proximity Alerts know what roads are valid for alerting and which ones are not? Does the POI have to sit on the road? Or within a certain distance of the road?

Finally, I have a Garmin powererd Kenwood in-dash unit. Do they support TourGuide? I don't remember seeing anything in the manual about it.

Very good questions and the answer probably should be a FAQ.

Essentially there are two basic types of alerts. The "along the route" alerts you get when you set a proximity distance and the "in the vicinity" alert with a TourGuide.

Think of an along the route alert as a rectangle that extends for the distance specified in the alert and is about 75 feet wide on either side of the POI. When you approach this type of setting, you will get an alert if your current direction will take you within about 75 feet on either side of the point.

Think of a vicinity or TourGuide alert as if you drew a circle around the point with a radius equal to the alert distance. Any time you enter the circle, the alert sounds.

The differences between the two are slightly subtle, the TourGuide requires the phrase TourGuide to be part of the name, icon and sound file. Also, for a TourGuide alert to work, you MUST have an alert sound. The proximity distance is set in the same way, it is either part of the file when a GPX or it is entered manually when loading with POI Loader.

As to a TourGuide working with your Kenwood, I would assume they do. That's of course if what you load into the Kenwood is a GPI file which is what POI Loader writes.

Clear as mud? I thought so.