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Garmin Nuvi - True Paperless Geocaching


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I literally only have 30 secs online here. On the flight over I think I've found the problem to the 2xx/6xx series models.

 

I shall try to have a fix/test scenario for you all within 24hours.

 

In the mean time, I've also discovered how to add images to each cache too! So now, maybe, we can also attach cache spoilers directly to the Nuvi for viewing (this is a FUTURE feature).

 

I do need 2xx/6xx owners to help me here tomorrow (around14 hours from the time this is posted. As I cannot test this here.

 

I need 10 mins of your time, and it would be helpful if we could have an online chat (gmail chat/yahoo chat etc etc.)

 

If you're interested/able please drop me a line.

 

You would not believe how many tweaks are needed for each unit. Garmin ARE NOT consistent and it is very annoying

 

 

Would that be about 6:00 PM Eastern?

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Latest on a Nuvi 660:

 

Cache splash page works except for the Green Arrow (it still "beeps"). More option appears ONLY if the length of the assembled data (coordinates, type, found history, D/T, name, owner, placed date, last found date) exceeds the page capacity. Next page after more merely repeats the info on the splash page but now includes the truncated data that didn't fit on the splash page. There is no description, hints, logs, etc.

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Thanks goes out to Pilot Snipes for figuring out my problem on the Nuvi 200. Now that I can get my caches to download to poiloader and the Nuvi the caches are now listed in the extras folder. Now the problem I am having is the notification on upcomming caches as I am driving. I have read everything on this topic and I don`t think I have this feature on the Nuvi 200. Does anyone know if this will work on the 200 or not. The other problem I have is the satalite screen, I can not get this as well. Does anyone have a solution? Other than that the 200 does work. I have found two caches with it. I still do like my Lawrece H2O though.

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Thanks goes out to Pilot Snipes for figuring out my problem on the Nuvi 200. Now that I can get my caches to download to poiloader and the Nuvi the caches are now listed in the extras folder. Now the problem I am having is the notification on upcomming caches as I am driving. I have read everything on this topic and I don`t think I have this feature on the Nuvi 200. Does anyone know if this will work on the 200 or not. The other problem I have is the satalite screen, I can not get this as well. Does anyone have a solution? Other than that the 200 does work. I have found two caches with it. I still do like my Lawrece H2O though.

 

I had the same problem loading the tourguide as an earlier post reported.

When you say it is now working, is it working using the newest method and macro from 5/21?

 

Is you unit actually a nuvi 200 or another in the 200 series?

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Thanks goes out to Pilot Snipes for figuring out my problem on the Nuvi 200. Now that I can get my caches to download to poiloader and the Nuvi the caches are now listed in the extras folder. Now the problem I am having is the notification on upcomming caches as I am driving. I have read everything on this topic and I don`t think I have this feature on the Nuvi 200. Does anyone know if this will work on the 200 or not. The other problem I have is the satalite screen, I can not get this as well. Does anyone have a solution? Other than that the 200 does work. I have found two caches with it. I still do like my Lawrece H2O though.

 

I had the same problem loading the tourguide as an earlier post reported.

When you say it is now working, is it working using the newest method and macro from 5/21?

 

Is you unit actually a nuvi 200 or another in the 200 series?

 

should have stated the unit is a Nuvi 200

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As for the Sat screen the nuvi 200 and 250 do not have the screen. I emailed Garmin support and got this reply:

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

 

On the Nuvi 250 unit this particular unit does not have the feature of opening sat screen with coordinates and the little orb, instead, you will use the following to get your coordinates or to show your current coordinates on the unit by tapping on where to? Tapping the arrow down button on the next screen twice and then tapping on the coordinates icon, this will bring up your current position or coordinates.

 

With Best Regards,

 

Lori F

 

Product Support Specialist

 

2nd Shift Automotive Team

 

I prefer to use a different screen when I get close,

 

gpsscreen.jpg

 

If you set the GPS to display North up and use a compass you can easily see where you are in relation to the cache.

 

As for caches coming up when you are driving by them, I think that they need to be in your favorites folder to show when you get near them.

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I do have a Nuvi 200. Its too bad that it cant bring up the satalite screen. I tried the satalite page and of course it does not show it in real time as your moving you always have to refresh it. yes I did the newest of the tutorial from 5/21. The only thing I had to do was change C:\Program Files\gsak\poiloader, to C:\gsak\poiloader. everytime I would go to Poiloader it would give me an error message of the Pathname you have entered is not a directory, Please specify the directory where your POI files are located. So in recap I put C:\gsak\poiloader as the new sub catagory in GSAK and Poiloader. The other thing on driving around is when I go to POI extras it shows me the closest caches and the distace to them with an arrow that moves in real time with the cache direction. So It looks like this is how it is going to work for now. I hope Garmin comes up with some firmware upgrades so that the cheaper Nuvi`s can get the satalite screen. As for now I am going to e-mail them and also tell them about my concerns on the satalite page. The other thing on cache notification is I think it does not work because my unit does not have MP3 capabilities. I think that is why it does not work. I am not 100% on that though.

Thanks

imahunter

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To all who have questions on the satalite page here is the info from Garmins FAQ`s

Question: What is the Satellite Information page, and how do I access it on my nuvi?

 

Answer:

Note: The Satellite Information page is not available on the nuvi 200, 250, 260, or 270.

 

The Satellite Information page displays the strength of the satellite signals you are receiving and your GPS accuracy. It also displays the coordinates (latitude and longitude) and elevation of your current location.

 

To access the Satellite Information page:

 

Go to the Main menu.

For the nuvi 3xx, 6xx, 8xx or 5000 series, touch the reception bars in the top left corner. The bars are only visible on the nuvi 3xx and 6xx series if the antenna is flipped up.

For the nuvi 2xxW or 7xx series, press and hold the reception bars in the top left corner.

 

Last modified on: 04/03/2008

 

imahunter

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Latest on a Nuvi 660:

 

Cache splash page works except for the Green Arrow (it still "beeps"). More option appears ONLY if the length of the assembled data (coordinates, type, found history, D/T, name, owner, placed date, last found date) exceeds the page capacity. Next page after more merely repeats the info on the splash page but now includes the truncated data that didn't fit on the splash page. There is no description, hints, logs, etc.

 

Don't worry COP, I do think we can fix this very painlessly, i'll be in contact with you and we'll see if we can fix this ASAP.

 

.... Now the problem I am having is the notification on upcomming caches as I am driving. I have read everything on this topic and I don`t think I have this feature on the Nuvi 200. Does anyone know if this will work on the 200 or not.

 

Ok here's the bad news for the Nuvi 2xx series users. There are no tourguide features for you on these units. Here's a link to the Garmin development forums:

 

http://developer.garmin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=138

 

The most important post is the very last one, I wouldn't get your hopes up about the wav file scenario, it looks like it doesn't help.

 

Here on the Garmin website is their spin too:

 

http://www8.garmin.com/products/tourGuideSource/

 

As you can see it says you need an MP3 compatible player, so if your unit can't play it, I think you're out of luck.

 

There is still nothing stopping you adding the exported GPX file with POILOADER and using the alert feature in the manual mode. There won't be a bubble any more around your car, but if there is a cache on your route (or VERY close to the road your route is on) you will at least get an alert then. Better than nothing. B)

 

 

Answer:

Note: The Satellite Information page is not available on the nuvi 200, 250, 260, or 270.

 

 

I can complete confirm this information. I went to the Garmin store yesterday and had a chat with a few of the employees as well as walked around and tested every garmin I could get my hands on (now *that's* service folks!).

 

All of the wide screen nuvis and the 3 seriex (2xxW, 3xx, 6xx, 7xx) had the satellite page, the others did not. It definately is not a feature for the small screen 2xx series units. Sorry. (Time for you all to email garmin?)

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Pilotsnipes thank you very much for garmin-nuvi-exportgpx!!! My 250W was a disappointment due to the character limitation (I could only reliably get about 850 with a tweaked nuviwidescreenDandH) I now have the 250W set to 14,000 and 20 logs and tested with 30 logs trying to make it crash and works like a dream. The format of the list screen and the overview screen are so much better too.

 

Now for a request. I would attempt this and have customized some but this is over my head. I was using GarminPOI_gpx by cron to create my gpx files by type and using 24x24 bitmaps for each type so that my custom POI's would be listed by cache type (ie. Traditional, Earth, Virtual, etc.) and the symbol shown on the map would match the type, handy when using alerts and not enough time for a multi for instance. If the ability to create the multiple gpx files could be merged in with your new code I would be in HEAVEN!! I would be willing to do all the testing you want for the 250W and donate as well. Thank you very, very much.

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Guys I'm getting mixed messages here on this thread and you're confusing me.

 

I know for a fact that the 6xx series seems to have a problem with my script, ie you can't see all the info.

 

But then I also thought that was the same problem for the 2xx series, but now some people are saying that the script is working perfectly for them.

 

Could someone untangle this confusion for me?

 

Does my new macro work with the small screen 2xx series? (200, 250, 260, 270)

 

Does my new macro work with the wide screen 2xx series? (250W, 260W, etc)

 

Before you answer that question - especially if you are new to this macro (ie. you just discovered it a few days ago) are you sure you know what you're looking for.

 

You should have a cache information page that looks VERY similar to my website pictures. If you just have the name etc with no hints/logs/description, then the script is not working correctly for your unit.....YET.

 

Thanks folks.

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Guys I'm getting mixed messages here on this thread and you're confusing me.

 

I know for a fact that the 6xx series seems to have a problem with my script, ie you can't see all the info.

 

But then I also thought that was the same problem for the 2xx series, but now some people are saying that the script is working perfectly for them.

 

Could someone untangle this confusion for me?

 

Does my new macro work with the small screen 2xx series? (200, 250, 260, 270)

 

Does my new macro work with the wide screen 2xx series? (250W, 260W, etc)

 

Before you answer that question - especially if you are new to this macro (ie. you just discovered it a few days ago) are you sure you know what you're looking for.

 

You should have a cache information page that looks VERY similar to my website pictures. If you just have the name etc with no hints/logs/description, then the script is not working correctly for your unit.....YET.

 

Thanks folks.

 

Pilotsnipes here is the result on the 250W firmware ver 3.40

104.jpg

 

111.jpg

 

119.jpg

 

138.jpg

Edited by jjreds
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That is exactly what I wanted to see. That's great news. I shall be adding those "minimum" specs to the website for Nuvi 2xx widescreen users.

 

Any small screen nuvi users like to do the same?

 

You can get a screenshot by going to the System menu, then Display and follow the instructions.

 

The BMP files will be saved on the unit in a folder like "\garmin\scrn" or similar. Use http://www.photobucket.com to create an account and upload the images. Then you can just create a post here and pop in the link to the uploaded file which will show up in your post!

 

Thanks B)

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While poking around with my nuvi 680 (traded in the 260 I recently got), I see that all the caches - when looking at the map - show up with a traditional icon - IE a rectangular box with a green top.

 

What I was wonder is - is it possible to have a multi icon for a multi, the text icon for events, a ? mark for unknowns, etc?

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method

While poking around with my nuvi 680 (traded in the 260 I recently got), I see that all the caches - when looking at the map - show up with a traditional icon - IE a rectangular box with a green top.

 

What I was wonder is - is it possible to have a multi icon for a multi, the text icon for events, a ? mark for unknowns, etc?

 

Yes it is possible, get GarminPOI_gpx.gsk you can find it here in the macro section of the gsak forum. It will create a separate gpx file for each cache type. Get the bitmaps for the icons you want to use and give them the same name as the .gpx files. You will have to use one of pilotsnipe's other macros to create the description file for now as this new one uses a different method (I think) to create the gpx files.

 

I use [%smart=8/%typ=3/%found/%code%bug=*] for the waypoint name and

[<font color=red>%Name by %By,</font><br><font color=#008000>%typ=3/%con=3/%last4/Tb:%bug, (D:%Dif/T:%Ter)</font><br><font color=blue>Pl:%datepl, LF:%datelf</font><br><font color=orange>%lat=M, %lon=M</font><br><br>%macro=nuviwidescreenDandHv] for the cache description (brackets not included). This works but not formatted as nice as the new macro.

 

I use these icons:

 

Earthcache.jpgEvent.jpgGeocachesFound.jpgLetterbox.jpgMulti-Caches.jpgMysteryGeocaches.jpgTraditionalGeocaches.jpgVirtualGeocaches.jpg

Edited by jjreds
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Guys I'm getting mixed messages here on this thread and you're confusing me.

 

I know for a fact that the 6xx series seems to have a problem with my script, ie you can't see all the info.

 

But then I also thought that was the same problem for the 2xx series, but now some people are saying that the script is working perfectly for them.

 

Could someone untangle this confusion for me?

 

Does my new macro work with the small screen 2xx series? (200, 250, 260, 270)

 

Does my new macro work with the wide screen 2xx series? (250W, 260W, etc)

 

Before you answer that question - especially if you are new to this macro (ie. you just discovered it a few days ago) are you sure you know what you're looking for.

 

You should have a cache information page that looks VERY similar to my website pictures. If you just have the name etc with no hints/logs/description, then the script is not working correctly for your unit.....YET.

 

Thanks folks.

 

Pilot Snipes,

 

I am trying your new macro and procedure ( the one stated new 5/21 ) on a small screen nuvi 200.

When I try to add to the Nuvi through Garmin POI loader, I get a message that tourguide gpx format is invalid.

 

While the bubble POI alerts would be helpful, there are ways around that.

What I am most interested in is the changes that apparently let others see up to 14,000 characters.

 

I'm not sure how the tourguide gpx format varies from the "regular" format that had worked before, albeit with a much lower character limit.

 

Can the tweaks that allow more characters on the 200 series be incorporated in a version without tourguide.

 

thanks

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I have a 250, the first time I ran the script I had an error that we fixed, I re downloaded the pocket query and put a new database in GSAK then it worked fine after that. Thank you very much. Any more questions and I am glad to help.

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jjreds - thanks for the info. I ended up doing something similar.

 

I first created my top level directory and then the various sub dirs under it

 

Nuvi

- Traditional

- Multi

... etc.

 

and put the appropriate bmp in each (already have them from another macro for my GPSmap 60CS)

 

I then filtered for each type in GSAK and ran pilotsnipes excellent macro on them. I told the script where to save each run. Once that was done, I deleted the BMP the macro gives, renamed the other files to Traditional, Multi, etc. and the loaded with POIloader.

 

It does add a few extra steps, but it works like a charm. I will most likely customize pilotsnipes macro so that it does all that for me, but until then...

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I'm not sure how the tourguide gpx format varies from the "regular" format that had worked before, albeit with a much lower character limit.

 

Can the tweaks that allow more characters on the 200 series be incorporated in a version without tourguide.

 

thanks

 

There is nothing different in a tourguide gpx, compared with a "normal one", if you're getting an error invalid data messsage, it means one of your caches has managed to throw a nasty symbol into the gpx file and has escaped my script in getting it filtered out.

 

Normally, it will be the & symbol by itself, but unless I get hold of your export file I'll not be able to see why my script missed it.

 

I'm now VERY confident that we can get 14,000 + characters on most nuvi 2xx series, I've added you to my Gmail chat, so if I manage to see you online I can send you the few test files I have to work out the best format for the small screen nuvi and get this finalised.

 

While poking around with my nuvi 680 (traded in the 260 I recently got), I see that all the caches - when looking at the map - show up with a traditional icon - IE a rectangular box with a green top.

 

What I was wonder is - is it possible to have a multi icon for a multi, the text icon for events, a ? mark for unknowns, etc?

 

Not at the moment without some major coding changes inside the script, and I'm currently don't have time for that....yet.

 

It will create a separate gpx file for each cache type. Get the bitmaps for the icons you want to use and give them the same name as the .gpx files.

 

I almost understand why you want to do this, apart from having the correct icon for each cache, which is a pretty feature, it certainly adds to the number of steps required. Also, I would have though the "advanced searching" feature would have covered 90% of this: http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com/tips.html

 

I mean, if I want to find a Multi cache I haven't found before, I just "SPELL" in cache listing page for MUL/N and they all appear. Like wise for other categories.

 

Am I missing something big here?

Edited by pilotsnipes
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Guys I'm getting mixed messages here on this thread and you're confusing me.

 

I know for a fact that the 6xx series seems to have a problem with my script, ie you can't see all the info.

 

 

I altered the script slightly to change the name displayed. I did this because I use the Nuvi to navigate to the cache and then a 60CSX to take me to the cache from the parking spot. The 60CSX has a small screen and a limit of 15 characters for the name so I use this on the 60CSX for the waypoint name:

 

%drop2-%con1-%dif1a/%ter1a%children%drop2-%c_Prefix-%c_Code1

 

I altered that slightly on the script so that the names would match. Here is the original line commented out with my replacement:

 

# $psName = "%ShortName=14/%typ=3/%found/%code%bug=* "

$psName = "%drop2-%typ1(%con1)-%dif/%ter "

 

Here are the screenshots on a Nuvi 660 with the current pilotsnipes script.

 

163.jpg

176.jpg

183.jpg

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Hi everyone !

 

I am very new to this geocaching and love it. I have a nuvi 200W. I have found 14 caches so far with the 200w. Thanks to pilotsnipes for all his work for me to go paperless on the 200W! I paid my $$ for a premium membership but not processed yet... Till then I am stuck d/l the .loc files. On my 200w the caches show up fine. I seem to be missing the discriptions and some other info on the gps tho. Is this because I am using the .loc files? gsak 7.2.1.40, current macro, and poiloader seem to be working fine. Only error I get is 200w does not support .mp3 files.

 

I do get the sat page. What is the yellow sun looking icon?

 

Thanks !

kg97tj

(Kevin G.)

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<Snip>

 

I almost understand why you want to do this, apart from having the correct icon for each cache, which is a pretty feature, it certainly adds to the number of steps required. Also, I would have though the "advanced searching" feature would have covered 90% of this: http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com/tips.html

 

I mean, if I want to find a Multi cache I haven't found before, I just "SPELL" in cache listing page for MUL/N and they all appear. Like wise for other categories.

 

Am I missing something big here?

 

No, just a matter of personal preference. I had the process completely automated (macro) so no extra steps were required. I'd rather just touch the screen than spell, that's all.

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jjreds - thanks for the info. I ended up doing something similar.

 

I first created my top level directory and then the various sub dirs under it

 

Nuvi

- Traditional

- Multi

... etc.

 

and put the appropriate bmp in each (already have them from another macro for my GPSmap 60CS)

 

I then filtered for each type in GSAK and ran pilotsnipes excellent macro on them. I told the script where to save each run. Once that was done, I deleted the BMP the macro gives, renamed the other files to Traditional, Multi, etc. and the loaded with POIloader.

 

It does add a few extra steps, but it works like a charm. I will most likely customize pilotsnipes macro so that it does all that for me, but until then...

 

skraeling~

 

I did the same thing last night after spending a few hours trying to to combine pilotsnipes excellent macro with cron's GarminPOI_gpx. Both of these macros work like a charm, but I'm an old Cobol programmer and it's been many years, I can follow the basic logic, but I would have to spend many hours with the documentation and debugging to get this working. I hope you are able to do it!!!! If not, I will figure it out eventually, but it won't be quick. If the problem with the character limitation in our NUVI's resides with the way the GSAK creates the GPX file (in comparing the gpx files there are some significant differences)maybe we could get Clyde to give it a tweak for us Nuvi users??

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PilotSnipes,

 

As Knarfdotca suggested, I ran a new pocket query, reran the macro and was able to load unto a Nuvi200.

I had reset character limit to 14000 and it worked fine. I have one cache with a very long description ( not sure how long ) and all showed up.

 

I would add screen shots, but not sure how that is done. If someone can add a link that could direct me how to do this, I would appreciate it.

 

I am actually using a 360 which has worked from the get go with the new macro. I borrowed a friends 200 small screen to experiment.

 

What is strange to me is that the same pocket query that does not work on the 200 ( presumably due to a bad character --&), loads onto the 360 fine.

 

How does one find the offending cache? Is it a needle in a haystack thing?

 

Thanks for your help.

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Latest on a Nuvi 660:

 

Cache splash page works except for the Green Arrow (it still "beeps"). More option appears ONLY if the length of the assembled data (coordinates, type, found history, D/T, name, owner, placed date, last found date) exceeds the page capacity. Next page after more merely repeats the info on the splash page but now includes the truncated data that didn't fit on the splash page. There is no description, hints, logs, etc.

 

I think the green arrow you are referring to is at the top left of the screen. I think is was designed to play the corresponding mp3 file. This confused me for a bit and then I realized that Tours as imagined by Garmin were waypoints with an attached mp3 file and possible photo. The green arrow was meant to play the mp3 file for the tour. If that is not what you were referring to, then never mind.

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I have a 200 non-wide. Had the issue with the "more" text not showing. Updated the GPS firmware to most recent and also the POILoader to most recent and it worked like a champ.

 

If you are having issues, update your unit and POI loader and you will likely be fine.

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I have and use a NUVI 200W (Wide Screen)

POI Loader 2.5.2.0

GPSr Software 3.40

GSAK 1.3.5-beta 20080217

Latest NUVI GSAK Macro v1.0

 

All works just swell :ph34r::):D

 

I have a Palm PDA, but now do not refer to it to often.

 

Thanks for the time spent on making this happen :unsure:

 

People tend to question using a NUVI for Geocaching as it is not durable, but I still do not have a reason to

change to a another GPSr. This make the case even better not to change.

 

Anyone know of a carrying case for the NUVI to increase the durability?

 

Thanks Again

OBCJY

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help. i have a nuvi 660 + have installed the macro to gsak + installed the nuvi button to the toolbar. but i am getting an error message when i click on the nuvi button that says "wait token must be yes or no ". i can't get to the next step - paperless geocaching for the garmin nuvi. . i have managed to transfer geocaches to my nuvi with only coordinates . i have uninstalled + repeated the process with the same result- thanks mtnjeepers

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I have an 200 (non wide screen). At first i didnt get much info after i pressed more but an update of POIlader to the new version fiexed that.

 

However i don't get al the lines of long descriptions.

 

Open the macro in the editor and change it so it looks like this:

 

#Set the max number of characters for each Nuvi model

$Nuvi2XX = 14000

 

Save it and rerun it.

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I have an 200 (non wide screen). At first i didnt get much info after i pressed more but an update of POIlader to the new version fiexed that.

 

However i don't get al the lines of long descriptions.

 

Open the macro in the editor and change it so it looks like this:

 

#Set the max number of characters for each Nuvi model

$Nuvi2XX = 14000

 

Save it and rerun it.

 

I did some testing today and we got it to work as high as 20,000 characters on my Nuvi 250, it was a little slow though with real large caches.

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I have an 200 (non wide screen). At first i didnt get much info after i pressed more but an update of POIlader to the new version fiexed that.

 

However i don't get al the lines of long descriptions.

 

Open the macro in the editor and change it so it looks like this:

 

#Set the max number of characters for each Nuvi model

$Nuvi2XX = 14000

 

Save it and rerun it.

 

I did some testing today and we got it to work as high as 20,000 characters on my Nuvi 250, it was a little slow though with real large caches.

 

When testing pilotsnipes excellent macro I edited a cache to give it a 30,000+ character description. The 250W crashes at 20,000 and "works" at 19,999. There are serious performance issues with a description this large however and I just picked 14000 as a "safe" number and even here the Nuvi is mighty slow. (only if there are actually 14,000 characters in the description & logs). So if 14000 is not enough room for you it seems we can go up to 19999 or 20000 in some cases with the Nuvi2XX. There is a lot of good work going on here and I am really impressed with the progress in such a short time.

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When hunting for a cache the 250W only needs to be set to off road to disable the snap to road feature (you can skip pedestrian) and if you leave routing on, it will draw a straight line to the cache from that point. If you have to do some heavy bushwacking, when you move toward the cache it draws another line from your current position to the cache. If the longer line is to the right simply walk right and follow the line (if there's not a tree in the way!) and vice-versa. The display will tell you how many feet left to GZ. When I get within a few yards I turn navigation off (I use a pointer icon) and go to max zoom in the map view and walk straight to GZ using the pointer and cache icon. For me this is much quicker and easier than using the sat screen unless I don't find it within a few minutes. Most of the time I just use the map and pointer but I thought I'd mention this for those of you that have had navigation on in off road mode before.

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Cache O'Plenty - How come your 660 doesn't seem to work? Does it look like

ppporch's screens?

Screen 1 and 2 match - but not #3. I don't get the description. Since I've loaded each macro as it has been updated (overwriting), perhaps I need to totally delete the macro and start over.

 

Sorry for the delay- been out of town over the weekend. Tried out the proximity alerts portion - as you recommend, don't set the distance too small!!! Ding, ding, ding!!

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What is strange to me is that the same pocket query that does not work on the 200 ( presumably due to a bad character --&), loads onto the 360 fine.

 

How does one find the offending cache? Is it a needle in a haystack thing?

 

Yes it very time consuming. If you find you have an exported Geocache Tourguide.gpx file that shows up as invalid when you run it through POILoader, please ZIP it up and email it to me. That's a lot quicker than me trying to explain how to do it yourself.

 

As for Screenshots, it is simple enough, start with tools->display on the nuvi and take it from there (use photobucket to host the image if you don;t have your own website)

 

I have a 200 non-wide. Had the issue with the "more" text not showing. Updated the GPS firmware to most recent and also the POILoader to most recent and it worked like a champ.

If you are having issues, update your unit and POI loader and you will likely be fine.

 

This I think is very important information. I will be putting this on the website. Thank you.

 

 

I did some testing today and we got it to work as high as 20,000 characters on my Nuvi 250, it was a little slow though with real large caches.

 

When testing pilotsnipes excellent macro I edited a cache to give it a 30,000+ character description. The 250W crashes at 20,000 and "works" at 19,999. There are serious performance issues with a description this large however and I just picked 14000 as a "safe" number and even here the Nuvi is mighty slow. (only if there are actually 14,000 characters in the description & logs). So if 14000 is not enough room for you it seems we can go up to 19999 or 20000 in some cases with the Nuvi2XX. There is a lot of good work going on here and I am really impressed with the progress in such a short time.

 

Cheers. Yes, myself and knarfdotca (thanks) did some testing yesterday on his Nuvi 250 and had some excellent results. We have decided that around 10-11 thousand characters are as much as we want to place into the description as the Nuvi really slows down badly after this. The limit is much higher, but officially my script from here on in will be set at default of around 10-11 thousand only.

 

When hunting for a cache the 250W only needs to be set to off road to disable the snap to road feature (you can skip pedestrian) and if you leave routing on, it will draw a straight line to the cache from that point. If you have to do some heavy bushwacking, when you move toward the cache it draws another line from your current position to the cache.

 

Yes, I shall update the website with this, thanks.

 

Screen 1 and 2 match - but not #3. I don't get the description. Since I've loaded each macro as it has been updated (overwriting), perhaps I need to totally delete the macro and start over.

 

No, as long as you overwrite that is as good as deleting and starting over. What version of POILoader are you using, and have you updated the firmware on your 6 series? See posts above for how to find out the version number.

 

Sorry for the delay- been out of town over the weekend. Tried out the proximity alerts portion - as you recommend, don't set the distance too small!!! Ding, ding, ding!!

 

I'm assuming you mean don't set the range too big!? yes if you are in a cache dense area "ding ding ding" is all you will hear!!!

 

I think this feature works great if you know you are going on a long journey somewhere new and you want to be alerted automatically to caches along the way etc. Using it inside a city may just be too annoying...

Edited by pilotsnipes
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I have an 200 (non wide screen). At first i didnt get much info after i pressed more but an update of POIlader to the new version fiexed that.

 

However i don't get al the lines of long descriptions.

 

Open the macro in the editor and change it so it looks like this:

 

#Set the max number of characters for each Nuvi model

$Nuvi2XX = 14000

 

Save it and rerun it.

 

No luck today. No i'm back where i was before i updated the POI loader . After pressing more i get a screen with the name of the cache, coords and info over the date placed and last found. Nothing else.

 

Changed the number back. No go.

 

Deleted and reinstalled the macro again. No go.

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After some good fortune, a relative of mine lent me a Nuvi 660 and so the final part of my testing is complete!

 

Taken from the website:

 

We have discovered there is a very strong likelihood that the version of firmware on your Garmin Nuvi - and more importantly the version number of POILoader - play an important part in making this project work successfully.

 

We know this project works with POILoader version 2.5.2 and so we strongly recommend that you use this version to upload your data to the Garmin Nuvi.

 

I have personally tested this Macro with the following units and all display/act as intended.

 

Nuvi 250

Nuvi 250W

Nuvi 360

Nuvi 660

Nuvi 760

 

As far as i can recall, all units had up-to-date firmware and all used POILoader 2.5.2.

 

 

Updated Macro Released, v1.1

 

Just releasing a small update to my script to fix a couple of items. This will probably be the last one for a while, unless it introduces a major bug. Fingers crossed.

 

New/fix features.

  • Nuvi 6xx series confirmed working as designed.
  • Nuvi 2xx Wide Screen option added for Nuvi models.
  • Nuvi 2xx & 2xxWide series can now take over 11,000 characters!!
  • New option on form to allow you to switch hint location easily.
  • Advanced Users:
  • Ability to change max number of logs added to the cache info.
  • Ability to edit the waypoint name easily - instead of multiple places as before.
  • All advanced features need the ability of editing the macro, if you don't know what that means...don't try!

 

tutorial3.gif

 

 

How to upgrade/install

 

New user? Goto my website and just start from the beginning. http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com

 

Upgrader? Just goto the download page and download the new script. REPLACE the old one with this one. That's it. http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com/downloads.html

Edited by pilotsnipes
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All is well - now! Upgraded nuvi 660 firmware to 4.40, POI Loader to 2.5.2.0 and new script. Now everything seems to be right! Not sure which upgrade did the trick as I did all three before testing (bad troubleshooting practice, I know). Now just need to test with a larger file and then field test.

 

P.S. Don't trust the POI Loader program to detect new software version availability - go directly to Garmin and look there. The "Check for Software Updates" in the Loader did not detect that I had an older version.

Edited by Cache O'Plenty
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I've been using my NUVI 710 for caching since I started. My caching routine is normally as follows:

 

 

Planning:

  1. Create a pocket Query
  2. Upload the gpx file with POILoader
  3. Import the gpx into mapsource and create an optimal distance route
  4. Upload the route with mapsource

At the cache location:

  1. Switch to pedestrian & off road setting
  2. Use the distance indicator in meters and walk as close as possible
  3. When really close go to the coordinates to get even closer to the exact spot

Downside using a NUVI ... BATTERY LIFE! I only have about 1.5 hours there and back! So you can't really do long hikes!

 

 

Thx pilotsnipes ... The macro is going to improve my caching life!!

 

 

Happy hunting! :anibad:

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I have an 200 (non wide screen). At first i didnt get much info after i pressed more but an update of POIlader to the new version fiexed that.

 

However i don't get al the lines of long descriptions.

 

Open the macro in the editor and change it so it looks like this:

 

#Set the max number of characters for each Nuvi model

$Nuvi2XX = 14000

 

Save it and rerun it.

 

No luck today. No i'm back where i was before i updated the POI loader . After pressing more i get a screen with the name of the cache, coords and info over the date placed and last found. Nothing else.

 

Changed the number back. No go.

 

Deleted and reinstalled the macro again. No go.

 

Up and running again here

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OMG!!! This is wicked cool! My premium membership finally went thru this morning and while I wait for my pocket query to show up I put some caches in GSAK and then into the Nuvi. This is gonna be great! I'm headed off on a trip next week so this will come in handy (week in Dallas, weekend in SoCal). Thanks so much for this!!

 

I've got a Nuvi 750.

 

wickedann

Painted Post, New York & Westport, Maine (USA)

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Updated Macro Released, v1.2

 

Very small bug fix to my script. Hawaiian Ninja sent me a PQ which would not verify when running in POILoader. Yet again it was down to an unacceptable character in one of the fields. This time it was a "<" and a ">" left on the page which shows up beside the GO button (for Nuvi 2/6/7).

 

This page/text is now checked for those characters and they will be removed if found giving you a proper GPX file. If you discover a PQ that does not work, please let me know (and send it to me) as this only took 5 mins to fix.

 

I recommend everyone update to prevent this catching you out at some time in the future.

 

 

 

New/fix features.

  • Replace < or > from the plain-description page to insure validity in POILOADER.

How to upgrade/install

 

New user? Goto my website and just start from the beginning. http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com

 

Upgrader? Just goto the download page and download the new script. REPLACE the old one with this one. That's it. http://pilotsnipes.googlepages.com/downloads.html

Edited by pilotsnipes
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