Streetmap c320 Post Code Search

michaelfairburn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 13, 2005 Posts: 3

Sorry if this is a re-posted topic, but does anyone know if Garmin are planning to update the firmware on their Streetpilot series to include a postcode search? The information is already in the system, so it shouldn't be a big problem. Thanks, Mike

ChriX · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 01, 2005 Posts: 8

E-mail them and ask for it.

techsupp@garmin.com

Maybe if enough people do then we stand a chance of getting this feature.

michaelfairburn · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 13, 2005 Posts: 3

I did as suggested and e-mailed Garmin tech support and this is the answer I got:

>Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I'm not aware of any plans to add this feature to the C320. However I will submit your suggestion to the
powers that be. Thank you. <

Ah well, we can but hope.

Mike

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

Hi everybody, with the new POI loader released by Garmin for the c320 and c330, I believe it would only be a matter of time before some GPS boffins could come up with a method to translate post codes into various POI and incorporate these into Garmin's POI search.

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

Hi again, as a matter of fact and after looking at how the new POI loader from Garmin works, it seems extremely easy (although time consuming) to create a CSV file with all the post codes in the UK identified by longitude and latitude obtained from something like (streetmap.co.uk) or other similar services.
It could well be that such post code database is already in existance.

ChriX · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 01, 2005 Posts: 8

I'm failing to see how having postcodes as a POI database would be of any use, you can't search your custom POIs, and you can only see the 50 closest to your location on the list. Besides, with the amount of different postcodes, you would barely be able to see the map for POI icons.

All that is needed is firmware update to add a menu to search the postcode info already stored in the unit.

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

You are right chrisX, it would be a very very long list but you don't have to associate your POIs with any icons. I've just uploaded the speed camera database on the Garmin without any icons (I didn't know how to upload the bmp files) and it is working fine but with no icons (only alerts). In terms of searching for the customised POI, I also agree that it may require a firmware update although I for some reason thought that you could search them as usual (by spelling) but that is something I'll check this weekend hopefully.

ChriX · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 01, 2005 Posts: 8

To get the icons to work, just put the .bmp with the same name as the .csv in the same directory as the .csv before you upload the POIs. I personally used the .csvs split into the speed of the zone the camera is in, and the icons that have the speed written on them, it works well.

I wouldn't rely on it too much though, i've noticed that it notifys me of mobile sites as i'm right next to the place where they usually sit. Also found some fixed cameras that aren't in the database, but I have no way of knowing their exact location now, so can't submit them. Sad

Jaz666 · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:27 pm Post subject:

There maybe light at the end of the tunnel.
Garmin have added full postcode search to the UK version of the new i2/i3 - so if we keep on pestering them, they might add the feature to some of their other products!

johnkath · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 13, 2005 Posts: 11

Yes, if they issue for existing owners a download which incorporates the new POI feature, use of Post Codes and a Traf-Cam upgrade It would really make a difference and deal a blow to some of the other similar contenders.

I do like the the idea though of being able to map out a route on the computer first though. It would also be a good idea if you could program the SD card in the computer rather than connect up to the c320 - those little plugs and sockets are not to clever!

The next few weeks could be interesting, consolidating is the name of the game!

John 8)

jackpohare · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 15, 2005 Posts: 7

I am trying to choose a new GPS and was heading for c320 until I discoverd it had no postcode.

However I stumbled acroos this -
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/38241

Seems the C310 will do postcode - which I would hope may increase the light at the end of the tunnel for you c320 owners.

Can anyone see at a glance what the differences between the c10 and c320 will be - it gets harder and harder to tell these thing apart. 8O

Jaz666 · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:36 pm Post subject:

From memory.....

The 310 has it's Maps already on the SD Card, but you don't get the City Select Software.
To add more maps you have to buy that region on SD - bit like Tom Tom.

The i2/i3 do come with the software in the box.

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

jackpohare · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 15, 2005 Posts: 7

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

You are right. It looks like the c310 will come with maps of the UK only loaded onto the SD Card and that is it. You should be able however to use all other functionalities as they appear to have identical specifications otherwise.
The c320 (which I own) comes with the UK maps uploaded onto the card but also comes with a CD that contains the maps for the rest of europe which you can install on the device (provided you have enough memory space). I am not sure however that you can use your (Metroguide) on the c-series and this is something you'll probably have to clarify with Garmin.

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