POI Loader for Windows v2.5.4 released

If someone tests v. 2.5.4 and finds that it still works in conjunction with sox.exe v 14.0.1, we would appreciate a confirm shout here.

Gary Hayman

I am running Windows XP Service Pack 3, POI Loader version 2.5.4 and sox.exe version 14.0.1. I have no problems. Just wish that Garmin would include the latest sox.exe file with the download and installation of POI Loader..

Thanks for the info about the new version release.

Fred

Gary - I tried the new Garmin POILoader (v2.5.4) with the v14.0.1 sox.exe and didn't have a problem.

Downloaded 2.5.4.Reloaded my custom pois and done a simulation to check and make sure I still have voice alerts using sox.exe.No problems.

Trying to install the POI Loader 2.54 installer, I get a request:
"The feature you are trying to use is on a DC-ROM or other removable disk that is not available.
Inster the 'Garmin POI Loader' disk and click OK.
Use source:
Garmin Web ReleaseGarmin Web Release"

After a few screen it says the 2.53 could not be uninstall. No 2.54 anywhere, but it seems 2.53 still works.

Does anyone know what the 'comma' issue is? I've never had any problem loading POIs with 2.5.3.

Thanks for the info....downloading this now.

The "comma issue" may be a fix that Garmin incorporated in version 2.5.4 for the [somewhat] common practice (in some countries) of using a comma (",") instead of a decimal (".") in Latitude/Longitude Decimal Degrees coordinates. I've heard that when people in some countries who make their own POIs use a comma instead of a decimal for coordinates the v2.5.3 POILoader will not handle it. Sounds like the new version will...

That meant (in Microsoftese) that it wouldn't find the old installer (msi) file for 2.5.3. I don't know where in the world my original Garmin CD is, like most people. So I tried to find a 2.5.3 installer. The Garmin site? No luck, they only have the 2.5.4 now; Couldn't find access to the archive. I found 2.5.3 on another site through Google, downloaded it, extracted it with WinZip into a folder. When the 2.5.4 installer asked me for "the feature" I pointed it to the newly created POI_MAIN.msi 2.5.3 in that folder and .... voilà. I am now the proud owner of POI Loader 2.5.4.

But do you now have both versions in your PC? If so, that might cause a problem... You might want to run a search. If you do have both I'd get rid of one of them just to be on the safe side.

Upgraded to 2.5.4 from 2.5.3 on Windows XP SP3 and this new version runs fine.

Most people here won't have a problem with this due to their experience, but there may be a new person or two who might find this article useful.

POI LOADER, POI LOADER, EVERYWHERE
---- Let's Get Rid Of Those Extra POI Loader Copies

It's on Custom POI Page 6 on the

Garmin Nuvi Trick, Tips, etc. Web site

http://bit.ly/garmin_gps_tricks

Gary Hayman

I also upgrade POI Loader to version 2.5.4 and sox.exe 14.0.1 works fine for me. I'm using Windows XP Pro SP3.

Thanks for letting us know.

(A new garmin release WORKS? Amazing.. )

I've never thought of that.

No, once the 2.5.4 installer found the 253 msi (as pointed to in that folder that I had created containing the 253 unzipped installer), it correctly removed 2.5.3 and replaced the whole program with 2.5.4. It seems that I'm AOK. It was just another one of these Microsoft badly designed installer/uninstaller mechanisms.

Updated with no problems.

thanks for the info

updated and no problem

I wonder if they will ever fix the issue of it closing after loading a POI file. It also won't remember the last-used file locations.

Jack j

For some reason I can't find this on the Garmin site. Even the Additional Software page get back to Unit software. Do you have a link for the new POI Loader?

.... Never mind, I found it, starting on http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/

That one works for me...

I downloaded Garmin's POI Loader 2.5.4. When it offered device types, it only offered me drive letters. Tried everything. It would not recognize my 255W. I ran the 2.5.3 POI Loader again and everything works fine. Guess I'll skip this update. Only affects foreign stuff anyway.

Can anyone confirm that V2.5.4 is OK on a W7 64 bit OS?

Thanks!

Not that this will help you, but for folks with Windows 7 32-bit, POI Loader 2.5.4 works well.

Just tested it.... W7 64 Bit seems to work fine with POIloader V2.5.4 erase and upload... Nuvi 660

Jan

fully updated 32-bit Vista machines here.

What is this program and why wouldn't the POILoader work with it?

Nuvi models with an mp3 player can play mp3 formatted alert files when loaded with POILoader.

If you have a Nuvi model that does not have a built-in mp3 player, then .mp3 alert files don't work. You have to use audio alert files in the .wav format, but the standard POILoader program does not recognize .wav files. That's where you need to have the sox.exe file installed on your PC, in the same program folder where the POILoader program is installed. Sox.exe allows POILoader to properly recognize .wav audio alert files and install them on the Nuvi.

Make sure you have the right version of sox.exe and have placed it in the program folder where you have the POILoader program installed.

In addition, the .wav audio alert file you use MUST be mono (1-channel), not stereo (2-channel).

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/16728

SOX. is the conversion program that allows wav file to be played on a Garmin unit. It is required for all 200 series to play audible alerts, and optional on the units that play MP3 files. I have no problem using SOX with the latest POILoader. You need to be certain you have the correct version which can be found at http://rapidshare.com:80/files/139638423/sox.zip.

Thanks OP. I was just thinking about doing updates.

Thanks! Very helpful.

I just downloaded and installed.

seems to work fine with vista 64bit as well.

2.5.3 works just fine with me.

Runs great!