Test Your TourGuide File!
We've noticed that there are many mistakes that you can make when Creating Garmin TourGuide files. In some cases even a small mistake will not allow the audio to play. You can find below three steps to testing the GPI you make you on your own or download. For more help and troubleshooting with GPI files see our help page HERE.
Download a GPI File
First download one of the GPI files (for example WashingtonMonument.gpi) available for free on our download page HERE. Save it to a folder on your computer.
Save the GPI file to your GPS device
Connect your GPS device to your computer and save the GPI you downloaded in Step 1 to the "Garmin/POI" folder. It shouldn't matter whether this is to the GPS receiver's internal memory or the a memory card.
For more detailed instructions and help with GPI files go HERE.
Simulate a Route to your new custom POI
To test the audio you need to simulate a route to the new custom POI, which should automatically play the audio as you get near. If the POI is a long way from your current location it is faster to "Set a Location" near the POI. On the Nuvi this is done by closing the antenna (which turns off active GPS), go to the Map and touch "Set Loc." button on the bottom.
Simulate a Route
To simulate a route to your TourGuide file go to Where To> My Locations> Custom POIs. You should see the .GPI file you saved to your device. Select the location you want to test (ex. Washington Monument) and press GO. You will then be prompted to simulate the route to that location. The simulation will take you on a turn by turn trip to the selection destination. This could take a long time depending on where you start in relation to the destination. Setting a location near the destination is very helpful.
When you arrive at the location you will see a red bar at the top referencing your gpi file, in this example it would say "TourGuide: Washington Monument".
The only limitation on the number of Custom POIs you can have is the size of internal memory on your receiver or memory on the SD card (depending on where you save your .GPI file).
Now add more audio to your next trip!
* These instructions use menus and screenshots from Garmin's Nuvi, however most Garmin devices that support TourGuide have a similar procedure.
