Garmin

Confused over how GPX or CSV will look on your nüvi?

Well, you should be! I've found quite a few differences between both file types and the results they give me on my device. To make matters worse, there are differences between how each type ends up displaying, depending on which Garmin device you have.

This for for those with compatible NUVIs.
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There are multiple ways to build routes using MapSource.

1. One is to use only a start point and end point.

2. Another is to build waypoints and then let MapSource make a route from them.

3. Way 3 is to use the "Rubber Band" method.

And there are probably more.

GadgetGuy2008 posted the following in a forum post:
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"!!

For non-TTS versions Bobkz suggests: try this..

http://tinyurl.com/238t6o

Most of the information here is scattered in many threads across this forum, so this is an attempt to consolidate some tidbits, and to provide some practical example on how to create TourGuides for nuvi models.

Making CSV Files into TourGuides – And Their Many Different Uses

Garmin StreetPilot 27x0
The “How-To” Guide to Garmin's Premium Automotive Navigation System
http://www.masterclass.com/guides/garmin2720/StreetPilot_27X...

I was just experimenting with CSV files to see if I could make them directional.

YES IT CAN BE DONE

Can be done on divided hiways and Interstates where the NUVI map shows 2 separate lanes for the road.

Making Directional POIs

You can make directional POIs on divided highways, such as interstates and any other 4 or more lanes divided road that shows as 2 separate roads on your Nuvi or MapSource. These lanes will normally show xxx N, xxx S, xxx E or xxx W when you put your cursor on them.

http://ghayman.net/GARMIN.TnT/

Here is the link to this great resource.

http://brillharts.com/GarminAlerts/

Hi Everyone,

Speed and Proximity processing
in Garmin POI Loader

Priority Order for Speed & Proximity Information

1. Information from the POI itself (i.e. speed and distance for .gpx files - speed only for .csv files).
2. Information entered in “Manual Mode”.
3. Information derived from keywords or numbers in the File Name.

If text on the detailed description screen doesn't break where you expect, the POI file you're using may not have the line break characters needed by your GPS model.

Most Garmin nav systems use regular line break characters (carriage return / line feed). However, some models (like nuvi 350) use the HTML <br> tag instead.

To set alerts, you'll need a GPS model that's compatible with Garmin's POI Loader software. You can download the program from the Garmin website:

Download POI Loader from Garmin.com

One of the screens in POI Loader asks you to select the folder that contains your POI Files.

After clicking the "Browse" button, new users are sometimes confused because the program shows folders but not the files inside them. This is normal behavior for Garmin's POI Loader software.

Models with mp3 player functionality (these are usually older models) can use .mp3 files.

Newer models without mp3 player functionality must use .wav files in conjunction with SOX.exe (see http://www.poi-factory.com/node/25730 for details).

Find or create an sound file that you want use for your alert.

-- How would I load Custom Icon files for POIs onto my GPSr?

- Find or create an image that you want to make into your icon.

- Save the file as a bitmap (BMP file extension) using a graphics program. Microsoft Paint will work just fine. Be sure to save as a 256 Color bitmap. The size should be 24x24 or smaller. I have found that 18x18 or smaller works best.

After you've transferred custom POIs to your GPS with POI Loader, they can be found at this location:

Where to? > Food, Hotels, and More > Custom Points

POI Loader can easily transfer thousands of locations, but it's not always obvious how to find them. Most Garmin models only show the 50 nearest.

Here are a couple tips that may help you find additional locations.

Find near another location

No. -- Garmin's POI Loader doesn't change the built-in POIs that came with your GPS. Instead, it lets you transfer additional POI locations to your GPS as custom POIs.