Garmin alert sound file types

You will need to use Sox Exe and wav files for Windows. Mac users have reported sox exe not needed only the wav .This link will show you how to set them up.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/25730 . You will find video version here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsJTUmvb6_o

So you are saying Garmin uses wav files? Thanks!

Yes, all the new models use wav only. The very old nuvis had the ability to use wav or mp3 files.

Regarding Garmin's response: as far as I know, Garmin has never acknowledged that any of their models could use wav files for custom POIs loaded with POI Loader and therefore they do not support wav audio (requiring sox.exe when using a PC).

Yes wav files. One of our members way back when came up with using Sox and wav files for units without mp3 players during that time period. Once the mp3 players faded as a feature for newer models. Members adapted to the Sox and wav file for alerts. Garmin will not even acknowledge the use of the wav file. We owe that achievement to a member here called Hornbyp at POI Factory.

A little history about it see http://www.poi-factory.com/node/13429

Garmin abandon mp3 files long time ago. Reason for this is that they had to pay license fee for using mp3 decoder. So to cut costs they removed mp3 decoder from gps software. As result you have to use wav file as was said above.

And that event kind of marks the beginning of the decline of the standalone PND as multi purpose device. Of course it also coincides with the growth spike of smart phones and app technology as well as built in automotive infotainment systems. I look for Garmin to continue removing features from their navigation devices and concentrate on the specialty markets. If they want to survive in the automotive navigation market, I think they will eventually need to offer a good smart phone app (like their abandoned Viago ... what a stupid move to drop that!)

Wow, what a thread. I don't think I've read a thread with so many 9-10 year members posting.

Yes, it's great history, but don't use that thread to learn to install custom wav audio alerts. Use the FAQs mentioned earlier.

Besides hornby, our member Evert also needs to be mentioned since he found out why the newer sox versions don't work and why we still must use the old 14.0.1, not to be confused with 14.1.0.

What I remember about someone trying a new sox.exe was a member convincing others to try a different sox that he reported that was a improvement. It had a extra file to download. After several members including myself reported back with all kind of problems. In my case you would show example Cracker Barrel and the alert would be for another poi. The membership went back to the old and true. Gary A was the pioneer who kept the file available for the membership using a outside means.I asked Jon if he could make it available on POI Factory and the rest is history.

Why do I always forget hornbyp's final "p"?

I was annoyed by Garmin’s response, but not as much as I was when I found out theat they would not repair my 3597, which used to be their top of the line model, and is less than four years old. Their excuse was that, “It is too old and we don’t carry parts for it anymore”. Talk about planned obsolescence.......

I will follow your advice on the wav files.

Thanks again.

Very disappointing that Garmin won't repair a 3597 which is a very popular model among members of this forum (including me). Sadly, my 3597 will probably be my last Garmin, so if (or when) my 3597 fails I will move on to an app or built-in. I just got a car with Android Auto which uses Google navigation. I am trying to get used to it, but still prefer my 3597.

I contacted Android Auto and Ford and ask them about supporting Here Maps off line. Maybe one day.. I do see navagation to continue going that way. Why purchase a GPS when you can just plug your phone in and use the car display screen. Maybe another app in the making that will support off line maps.

It sounds like you and I are thinking along the same lines. Now if Garmin would bring back and improve Viago with their offline Here maps and incorporating Smartphone Link Traffic, importable POI's with alerts, saved and imported routes, all on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, I would be a happy camper and would be willing to pay a reasonable annual fee for updates, support, etc. in addition to the smartphone data costs. If Garmin really wants a future in automotive navigation, I think this would be it.

What a rant this thread is!

It seems my 3597 has gone the way of my 760!

I was hoping they wold update the Garmin Viago on a regular schedule but that doesn't seem to be the case. The smartphones are slowly becoming the only device you need. Looking forward to see how far programs like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will take us.

Thanks. Good to know