POI with mp3/photo embedded

Please delete.. my pc was acting up for the dup posts.. thanks

opps

You know, I didnt notice that.. THanks for pointing that out.. Thought it was the same (until you REALLY read the info) THanks again!

This is very interesting. But, i used the at&t text to speach and it downloads as a wav file. How do i make it a mp3 file to use w/ the poi? Always something to learn on ths site. thanks,Lonz

Do a Google search for "wav to mp3" and you will find many converters, some freeware.

mkahn, Thank you. as always the answer is just a qustion away. LONZ

I'm trying to setup my Nuvi 350 to alert me with the red bar at the top of the screen, an mp3 file, and a bitmap image whenever I'm within the vicinity of a red light camera. It's the custom POI feature. I created a redlight.svc file, created a redlight.mp3, and created a redlight.bmp in the same folder and transfered them to the device but the only thing that shows up are the red alert bar at the top and the default grey POI icon. What should I do now?

Then triple check the spelling and extensions.
I'm sure in the above you ment redlight.csv (not svc)
see....a simple thing like that will give you unexpected results and drive you crazy.
You obviously have your proximity distance set since you get the red alert bar.

Check out page 51 of your manual to ensure you have the proper audio settings for your proximity alerts.

There have been times that I could only see the grey default icon with a bmp I created. I would then either redo the bmp or double check the settings I used when I saved it...and make changes if necessary then resave it. Most times that works.

Thanks for the response. I figured out that I used a double extension (redlight.csv.csv).

One other question though. When in navigation mode, is there any way to set the turn alert at a distance further than .2 miles? For instance, is it possible to change the distance at which the voice and display prompts come up? (from .2 miles to .5 miles?) .2 miles is less than a quarter mile and that doesn't give me enough time to move into the correct lane. I know that it usually says which way to turn after making the current turn, but I wish it would announce and display the direction of the next turn no matter how far ahead it is. Also, can I change the green bar at the top to display "Turn left on -------" the entire time instead of saying "East on ----- to -------?" I've noticed that it will only tell you which direction to turn once you are within .2 miles of the next turn.

The distance that the turn alert notifies is based on speed. The faster you are going, the further the alert. I don't believe you can adjust this. What you can do is touch the lower right (where it tells you the distance to the next turn) and it will display the next turn directions.

What about setting the green bar at the top of the screen to display which way to turn? Instead of having it say "Street 1 to Street 2" can it say "Turn left on Street 2" when you are further than .2 miles or .5 miles?

I am not aware of any option to change that.

I don't think it's possible to do what you are asking, as mkahn stated. However, we are full of workarounds here.

I'm not sure if the following will work as it does on my c550, but you can try it.

Press the little "turn in" box in the lower right corner, you get the split screen, press the down arrow, then the up arrow. (the down and up on the arrows keep the screen in split mode) On the 550 it will list the next turn as well as the time estimated to get there, in most instances that will help you to guage when to move lanes if needed.
You'll have the turn info, but you'll lose some on the map portion.

Yeah I use that method most of the time when in navigation mode. For me, it's actually more useful than viewing the full map view. Too bad Garmin didn't have that kind of option though because a lot of the other GPS systems have it (TomTom and Magellan). I've noticed that some Magellans even display a closeup of the turn with along with the highlighted route on a popmenu, I think it's called TrueView splitscreen or something. Also I found this out the other day. I selected detour when I was in navigation mode, and a yellow diamond shaped sign appeared in the corner of the screen asking if I wanted to take a quicker route. Is that a traffic feature that is enabled when you have a traffic receiver? I don't have one and that was the only time I have seen that symbol come up.

I have the traffic receiver, and use it. With it, I do get the yellow diamond.

I've not utilized mine much without the traffic receiver connected...However, I'm not sure how you'd get the traffic symbol to pop up and offer another route without the traffic receiver.

If you don't have the traffic receiver, you are probably seeing the "take a better route" symbol. Check your manual on page 5 vs the traffic symbols on page 54

Having a problem initiating a Tour Guide .gpx file in MapSource on my computer. I downloaded the MapSource program on my PC then hooked up my Nuvi with the USB.

Then proceeded to open Mapsource so I could make a poi file.

The problem is that MapSource will not open, even though I've unlocked MapSource.

I called Garmin and a very helpful technician informed me that I can't make a .gpx file using MapSource until I have the maps that are preloaded on my Nuvi installed on my pc.

I really don't understand this, since my Nuvi is connected to my pc and is just like having another drive. Shouldn't MapSource see the City Navigator North America NT 2008 Deluxe maps?

Instead, To do this you need the DVD with the maps. So Garmin is sending out the DVD with the City Navigator North America NT 2008 Deluxe map so I can use MspSource to make TourGuide .gpx files.

Has anyone else had any experience with Mapsource and the Garmin Nuvi while making TourGuide .gpx file?

Thanks,

John

You installed Mapsource, used the unlock code, and nothing happens?

You should be able to use Mapsource without the gpsr connected.

Mapsource contains it's own maps (which is the same as your gpsr - provided they're the same version) and is not dependent on using your gpsr's preinstalled maps.

I'd suggest to uninstall Mapsource, then reinstall it - all without the gpsr connected to the computer.

You say you "downloaded" mapsource program...
Was this an online purchase? Or, did you get the DVD?

Either case, you should have the "City Navigator NT" version

It sounds like watermon downloaded the MapSource program update from Garmin's website and doesn't have the full version of the program installed on his computer.

The update won't work without the full version. You need to get Garmin to send it to you. And it sounds like that's just what they are doing for you.

It also sounds like he is expecting to be able to use the maps from his nuvi will it is connected to his computer. MapSource, even if you have the full version installed, won't do this. The maps have to be installed on the computer hard drive (in the C: drive) for them to work.

It sounds suspiciously just as you describe MM.

Ismonop

I installed MapSource from the Garmin site at this link http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=
209 MapSource software version 6.13.2 as of August 31, 2007.

The MapSource software version 6.13.2 as of August 31, 2007 was a downloaded from Garmin on there website at no cost.

My Nuvi has City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 07.

The Garmin Tech, this morning says I can't do anything with Mapsource until I have the DVD of City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 07. So he is sending one, Thats the part that doesn't make sense. Especially since my Nuvi has the maps already loaded on it and unlocked.

Okay I'll re-install as you suggest.

All I want to do is TourGuide and I understand I need MapSource to do it with embedded .jpg with the mp3 sudio files. Thanks for your helpful assistance

-John

MM,

I downloaded the full version of MapSource software version 6.13.2 as of August 31, 2007 (47.27 MB).Here is the link http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

There is a WARNING: This software will not work unless you already own a MapSource product. Well, I own a Nuvi. Isn't that a Mapsource product with the preloaded maps?

So you say I need the DVD of City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions, which is the same as the map on my Nuvi.

Okay, I understand. I guess thats why the Garmin Tech this morning said he is sending the DVD with City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions. Then I just use my inlock code to use MapSource.

Then I'll be able to make POI .gpx files which will be the right step toward making TourGuide files with audio and pictures.

Thanks for your assistance,

-John

Watermon,

Did you see this on that page?

Notes:

* WARNING: This software will not work unless you already own a MapSource product.
* This version of MapSource no longer supports Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows NT.
* Works with Windows Vista.

It is as Motorcycle Mama deduced.

Once you have the Mapsource DVD, you can go back to that page and "update" mapsource to 6.13.2 if you wish.

You will have to wait for the DVD to arrive.

In the mean time, there are plenty of threads on TourGuides.

Ismonop,

Thanks and yes I'll wait for mail to arrive with the DVD of my Nuvi maps. I read the warning and it is confusing. Especially the part about:

"This software will not work unless you already own a MapSource product."

I own a Mapsource product when I purchased the Nuvi with the preloaded maps. Yet I can't use MapSource until I additionally obtain the DVD with the maps.

I have Mapsource 6.13.2 loaded on my PC, but it is useless until I receive the DVD. So as you state I'll read all the TourGuide threads and become very educated on what I'm suppose to do to make it all work out.

Thanks

-John

No, the nuvi is NOT a MapSource product. The nuvi contains the City Navigator maps. MapSource is a program that after being installed on your computer, can ALSO be used with the City Navigator maps.

Although they work together, they are two different things.

What you downloaded is only an update and you must have a previous version of MapSource installed. That is what they're referring to.

The reason you need the CNNA NT 2008 DVD is that along with the map, the DVD contains the full version of MapSource (because the map is worthless without the software).

MM,

I don't mean to beat a dead horse to death but it is my understanding that City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 07 is a MapSource® product. Go to this link for clarification http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynav.jsp

On that link it refers to MapSource® City Navigator North America. I guess that is a totally different product from the preloaded City Navigator North America NT 2008, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 07 that is on mu Nuvi. Maybe thats where my confusion lies in this interpretation.

I know that the Nuvi is not a Mapsource product...the Nuvi is the hardware and the maps are the software. The Mapsource is the shell that works with the City Navigator maps

Traveler,

Wow if that was an update at 47.27 MB that was one heck of an update with all those bits and bytes. The icon for Mapsource is on my computer. Thats weird to get an update that includes an icon and program on the PC.

But yes I do understand now that the Mapsource that I downloaded is only a shell and needs the DVD version of CNNA NT 2008, so that I can build .gpx files and a future TourGuide. Thanks for your input

-John

This thread has details of how to download a working copy of Garmin's Mapsource, along with a rudimentary World Map.

This thread discusses the 256 character description limit of the Nüvi 3xx series. GPX files from Mapsource are subject to the same limitation as csv files in respect to this issue.

No problem having a spirited discussion and trying to get clarification. That's why we are here.

Yes, that link you provided is to the full version of City Navigator plus MapSource which is slightly different than the preloaded maps on your nuvi which didn't come with MapSource.

You stated, "Well, I own a Nuvi. Isn't that a Mapsource product with the preloaded maps?"

And the answer is "No, it's not." Your nuvi is loaded with City Navigator maps. It doesn't have MapSource. On your computer, these maps, which represent the data, live and operatate inside MapSource which is the engine.

It is sometimes very confusing because people refer to them interchangeably sometimes.

Just for additional clarification.

Garmin issues updates to it's City Navigator maps on a yearly basis. This is the data. The updates are not free, typically.

Garmin also issues updates to the MapSource program on a regular basis. These are free and are downloadable from their website. However, you can only use them if you already have the full version of the program installed on your computer.

Also, MapSource can't access the maps that are preinstalled on your nuvi.

MM,

Thanks for taking the time in explaining the ins and outs of MapSource in relation to my Nuvi hardware.

While waiting for the Mapsource DVD to arrive from Garmin, I've been having fun with Phil Hornby's GeePeeEx Editor. I was able to make some files with pictures concerning real estate here in the Galveston, Texas area.

I don't think I can link audio .mpg3 files to this data with GeePeeEx, like what is explained with Mapsource on a informative node I found on the POI Factory site.

The POI Factory has helped immensely while I read the archived discussions, on learning the process of TourGuide and the linkage of pictures, audio, and waypoints. Needless to say this is all very exciting and it's very difficult to get any sleep with the learning curve of the fascinating technology.

Thanks again to your and the many others here for the useful help.

yes, it can do it ... currently the process is exactly same as you would use with Mapsource - though the next version will improve on this.

Sorry for the super late response but I hate that you can't receive email updates for topics on this site. I had no idea there were posts to it. I never got the MP3 to work on it. Yeah, the icons are really small bmp images. I forgot the dimensions but I'm guessing maybe 20 x 20 pixels is the maximum size. Someone might have already answered your question but I don't feel like reading through ALL THOSE REPLIES. lol.

A simple way to get logos from what I found is to download the favicon from a website and resize it as needed. Getting a favicon from a website is as simple as typing "www.(websitename).com/favicon.ico". I hope I helped someone out if I didn't help you. lol.

ok..kinda frustrated
does anyone know how to make a tourguide that references an mp3 file using only excel & the poi loader??

i know your mp3 has to utilize the name "TourGuidexxx.mp3" i am assuming the poi loader reads the cells in excel and then looks for this mp3 in the same directory and creates a gpx file for it?

ok this is the scenario..3 poi's
home, bank, and shoes
TourGuide_home.mp3, TourGuide_bank.mp3, and TourGuide_shoes.mp3

please show me in excel how to do this? please show cell a, b, c, etc...

i am assuming that i can put this all in one spreadsheet/file in excel?

when using the poi loader do i go on manual when i upload data and turn off the alerts?

also, i am assuming the difference between alerts and tourguide is that the alerts will keep on repeating and tourguide will just trigger once?

also what format does the mp3 have to be in? does it matter? 16bit etc..

anyone that can shed some light on this issue would be of great assitance

The first problem I see is that you have a Garmin 255.It will not play mp3's .You will need to use wav files for your alerts.See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/25721 for custom pois .

Using TourGuide in the file name and using poiloader in the manual mode creates a radius alert and distance is based on what you set distance at in poiloader.Not using TourGuide in the file name and setting distance in manual mode gives you along the road of travel alert.If coordinates are more then 50 ft off the road of travel you will not be alerted.That is the advantage of using TourGuide in the file name when you create the radius.A radius setting of two miles is good for interstate travel.

Using gpx files allow you to include more information in a file.Using excel and saving as a csv file when loaded using poiloader will only load 4 columns of data even though you may have used more columns.A tool a lot of us use for gpx files called Extra Poi Editor that can be downloaded at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor will come in handy.You can download csv files to it and modify as needed with more information and save as a gpx file.

A lot of this information is included in the FAQ but I will list a few to look at first.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6203
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/25730
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/13958

First ott, welcome to the group. We'll try to answer your questions as you learn about your GPS.

As Charlesd45 stated, the 2XX series along with the 1XXX series from Garmin don't use MP3 files. They will play wave files, but you need another piece of software to allow this to happen. WAV files require you to install a sound conversion program called SOX. SOX.EXE can be downloaded from http://rapidshare.com:80/files/139638423/sox.zip. Unzip the folder containing the program SOX.EXE. Select the SOX.EXE file, right click and select COPY.

Using Windows Explorer, go to C:\Garmin. This must be the same folder that has the program POI Loader.exe. Right click on any BLANK space in this folder. Select PASTE. SOX.EXE should now be copied to the folder. Check and be certain the folder contains BOTH POI Loader.EXE and SOX.EXE. If SOX.EXE is not copied to this folder, WAV sounds will not play.

You will also need to convert your MP3 files to the WAV format. One program I use is Audacity. It's a free download from Soundforge.net. This program has a lot of other tools in it, but the conversion piece is pretty easy to operate.

Your Excel file will not reference the sound file. It is linked when you run POI Loader by having the exact same file name except for the extension. The sound file and the POI file have to be in the same folder POI Loader reads when it creates your GPI file.

Your Excel file will only contain the data elements needed to describe your poi. CSV files are limited to 4 columns or fields. These are, in order, longitude, latitude, poi name, and comment. Lat/lon are the location of you poi noted in decimal degree format. There are length limits to the POI Name field, column C. This will vary depending on your unit, but is generally around 20 characters. The comment field will handle virtually anything you throw at it, but it has limits as well. Everything in the comment field will be word wrapped unless you use line breaks. We have found Nuvis will recognize at least one of three. They are the alt/enter key stroke combination, the pipe character or the html br. You have to put the < and > around the br.

Yes, you run POI Loader in manual to set the distance for your alert. Whether it keeps repeating or not depends on a couple of settings and the type of alert. Under tools on your Nuvi you can set it to repeat alerts, the default, repeat once, or not play an alert. Check your owner manual for your settings (http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/2675_OwnersManual.pdf).

Sound files are normally 16 bit, 44kHz mono, but some units will accept different rates and stereo. You are always save with the 16 bit mono file.

One final point. Garmin states on its website about creating Tourguide files Tour Guide POIs are only compatible with our MP3 capable nüvi® and zumo® units. Please check your particular Garmin model’s spec sheet for custom POI compatibility. WAV files can be used with SOX so your unit will do tourguides.

Thank you for the prompt response. I do have to say I have called Garmin numerous times on the phone and I have yet to speak to a human? All I hear is the same voice msg about how busy they are and how long the wait time is regardless of when i call. Therfore, I can not tell you how much I appreciate all of your feedback. I apologize for not getting back on here sooner...

Anyhow, I changed the sound files to wav format and downloaded sox and got it to work. When i saved it under a tourguide file name i could not get it to work, but when i used redalert in the the file name for the csv and wav file it decided to work? I used the POI loader on manual mode and was able to set a rdius as well. I also discovered that the settings on the nuvi will alert only once or multiple times depending on your selection. However, single mode does nothing as it tends to repeat itself if you are moving slow thru the alert zone and the wav file is short.

What I am still wondering (although i have yet to read the suggested FAQ sections listed in a reply which i will read after writing this) is how do you enter multiple POI/wayword points in one csv file that references a different wav file for each POI?
I know you can list a bunch of POIs in one file that will play the same wav file (such as red light cameras) but is there a way to have each coordinate listed in the csv file reference different wav ones?
Or do i have to seperate each individual POI with its own wav file in a seperate folder? So if i have 20 POIs will I need 20 folders to POI upload or can i just do it with one folder with one csv file and multiple wav files in that same folder?
If it is possible, can someone please show me an example with the breaks in the csv file for like 2 POIs if possible. Thank you.

You will need to use GPX files if you want to have individual alerts for different custom pois located in the same file.Extra Poi Editor will do that for you.Load the CV file to it.Once the list comes of on the screen.Double click on one of the custom pois.It will take you to next screen that will allow you to input extra data.Located under TourGuide info you will see a browse button and link.Using the browse button select the wav file you want for that specific poi.Once selected it will show the link for the location.While you are at it you can also put in the proximity distance.Make sure to hit OK at bottom when completed.Then go the next one and repeat same process for each one.Save as a Gamin Gpx file.Using this method you will not need to run poiloader in manual mode because you have built the proximity distance into the file.

Here is info on Extra Poi Editor.

Download Extra Poi Editor at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor . When you download the program if you get message about OCX file missing scroll down on the main page and under troubleshooting you will find the Extra Poi Editor Installer that you will need to download. Once installation is completed 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 select metric and Field save select Metric.

See this http://www.poi-factory.com/node/28521 for building alert distance into the file using the replace all feature with Extra Poi Editor.

damn you guys are fast in replying.. downloaded the extra poi program and the additional files and it is up and running.. i like the looks of this new program.. thank you very much for the short cut in uploading the csv file with the multiple coordinates. Seeing that I have about 60 POIs to reconfigure I believe I will tackle that one after i get some shut-eye tonight.. thanks again and have a good evening

There is a lot that you can do with Extra Poi Editor.Look over the help menu on it.

One thing I forgot to mention.If you are not using TourGuide in the file named like I spelled it.You will not get your radius alert.Using Redlight in the file name only gives you along the road of travel alert.If coordinates of the location are more then 50 ft off the road you will not be alerted unless you have selected GO.That is why some users use TourGuide in the file name to get a radius alert.Comes in handy when driving down the interstate and you want a alert for a Cracker Barrel that is located off the road of travel.

I tried the link and it comes up with the AT&T header and says "Page Not Found"

http://www.fromtexttospeech.com/

But, the one above does work, or at
least it did the last time I checked it.

That page comes up but after following the directions whatever was created couldn't even be tested. "Save the link as" was the only choice given and trying to save that resulted in a message that said that there wasn't anything to save.

Phil