Load POIs into a garmin 800

[Comedian]

I've just spent about an hour trying to load the locations of four train stations into a garmin 800. It's just about to go through the computer screen.

I've tried creating the locations as a kmz in google earth, and then using this tool to convert them to poi files. The I used poi loader to save them. Garmin POI loader then congratulates me... bravo. Go into the unit and there is no way known to actually find the points.

Any ideas?

[DaveOZ]

Just add them on the Edge 800 without the computer. You can add a location in many ways.

[Comedian]

Just add them on the Edge 800 without the computer. You can add a location in many ways.

Unfortunately the reason why I want to add it is because they aren't in there.. so flying 100k away and trying to recognise the streets for half a dozen stations is time consuming and tedious.

I have done something like that... there is no easy way to add a POI it would appear. I won't get to it now.

[Baalzamon]

mapsource.... ie city navigator Aus will let you
Gonna cost you tho

[DaveOZ]

You're making it too complicated. You can't add POIs to the 800, they are brought in with maps. You can add LOCATIONS and use them as waypoints or destinations. You can easily do this on the unit itself.

1. Go to 'Where to?'
2. Select a method of input like 'Point on Map' or address and browse to the point you want to add. You could even use coordinates if you can find them off Google maps.
3. Drop the pin on the exact location you want.
4. Click and hold on the name on the banner until it turns blue.
5. Click the X with Flag at the bottom to add this as a Location.
5. Click on the Pencil button to edit the Name, Symbol, Comment etc.

Done

You can then select this Location as a waypoint or destination.

The user interface is utter crap and the documentation is worse but it can all be done.

[Comedian]

Thanks.. I will give it a go!

[rifraf]

Thanks.. I will give it a go!

Let us all know if it worked.
My 800 is all greek to me......
If I dont take the manual with me on a ride I might as well not have it on the bike

[Tim]

My 800 is all greek to me......

Stick with it Rifraf. After hours and hours of reading and mucking around it all starts to make a bit of sense, eventually.
Garmin certainly don't make it easy for a technological nuff nuff like me.
As a tourer (well, almost) the stuff I find most interesting is it's mapping, planning and tour playback capability.
Once you get a bit more familiar with the unit I highly recommend you download Garmin Basecamp to your computer. It doesn't cost anything. With the Basecamp software you can open up all the maps (in 3D if you want) loaded on the 800 and view them on a computer. Much larger scale than on the GPS screen. I assume your unit came supplied with extra mapping such as TOPO Aust rather than just the basic map.
It is quite amazing to be able to play back a ride or tour. You can do this either by signing up to Garmin Connect or with Basecamp. Garmin Connect only replays rides on Google Maps. Basecamp replays rides overlayed to the TOPO maps, its brilliant. When you become a little more advanced you can play back a tour on Google Earth. Tilt the Google Earth view and the playback looks as though a helicopter is following your course, it looks amazing
Basecamp allows you to view maps countrywide, plan and replay tours.
Hang in there. If I can sort it out anyone can.

[rifraf]

My 800 is all greek to me......

Stick with it Rifraf.

Cheers Tim,
now I've got the E-werk sorted out I no longer have to worry about the 800's batteries going flat
which rendered it useless for my last tour.
Yes it came with the Aus/NZ Topo maps courtesy of Rob at Highly Tuned Athletes.
Wow, that playback feature sounds amazing.
Thanks for the heads up