habramowski

I have the KENWOOD kna-g510, I am pretty sure this is the same as the GARMIN GVN 52.

I made the mistake of buying the garmin update DVD which is NOT FOR "v8 NT" . This dvd is MAP UPDATE 2008 CITY NAVIGATOR NORTH AMERICA NT product (note the missing v8 before NT), part number k190-10143-00
At first look and use of the dvd’s setup.exe, it is NOT compatible with the kenwood g510. When I enter in the activation code this is when I am informed that my unit isnt compatible.

However I am not so quick to believe that and I do have some troubleshooting skills and also, I have:

1. a laptop with a minib usb cable -this SUCCESSFULLY connects to my gps unit - the g510 does prompt me if I would like to go into USB direct access mode

2.on my laptop, a copy of the garmin 2008 DVD including 3 IMG files totaling 2.3 gigs in size.
gmappromA.img, gmappromL.img and gmappromU.img - A.img being the largest file at just over a gig and the L file is just under a gig. The U file is 400,000K

3. on my laptop, a backup copy of my kna-g510 's garmin folder and contents – main files there are gmapprom.img that’s close to 996000 kb and a fs_image.ver file which appears to hold just this code “006-D0494-00”

4. The ACTIVATION KEY from the DVD (which might be useless/unneeded or not)

5. a SD 2gig card I can use with my g510 (though I would hope that my minib cable is good enough)

HERE IS WHAT I DONT HAVE AND WOULD LIKE TO GET:
a. a full directory listing of what that garmin SD chip has - including hidden files and file sizes. I AM NOT ASKING for the actual files, just the directory’s LISTING info.

b. to hear from any one who have successfully converted /hacked /changed the CITY NAV NT non v8 files into the g510's required NT v8 files

c. or threads,links to discussion on this exact question - converting the files or using the contents of the update DVD to upgrade a kenwood/garmin unit.

the most specific question I have is about the need to UNLOCK the dvd's files, or is this as simple as renaming them?

Sorry for the long note, but I thought it best to be complete in the info I have and need.
thanks harry

Max

You will need a valid activation key, unfortunately I would check what you need here and bug Garmin to give you either a Kenwood key - or a straight exchange for the Kenwood media you need.

Garmin | Kenwood Software and Map Updates

I know it's a hassle, and probably not what you wanted to hear, sorry - I've been down the road you're travelling before (I own a BMW navigator and sort of hosed my Mapsource) and the easiest course of action is to involve garmin

habramowski

I did have a DETAILED reply, but unfortunately the guys who maintain these php pages decided to screw me over and had my session expire while I was writing up my reply.

so here is my dont-want-to-retype-all-that reply.

Does any one here have experience in converting the files or an answer to one of the questions I put at the end of my post?

thanks

habramowski

so that would be a no then?

briangokou84

I too have G510 GPS. I haven't updated the maps since I don't know how. I current have the City Navitor v8 nt dvd and i'm about to get the 2008 nt and non nt version.

I am wondering how to convert the files are how to upload them to the unit as the G510 is a bit different than the other garmin devices to upload data.

I haven't truly worked on this yet as i'm still waiting to get my copies of city navigator but I will work on this and see if I can get my g510 recognized on my laptop to see if i can read the files so i can know what file formats i'm going to deal with and hopefully we can finally update the maps on this puppy. I'm currently running on v7, so I want to update this instead of buying a new unit which be a drag and be alot more expensive. I'll keep you posted if i find a solution. PM me if you have info that may be useful as i'm still new to updating the gps software.

briangokou84

Ok a good update hopefully,

I used to have City Navigator NT v7 (all cities) on my Kenwood KNA-G510 GPS receiver, but now I have City Navigator North America NT 2008 on my GPS. On Saturday, I hooked up the GPS G510 to my laptop using a mini usb cable, which I had from compatible mp3 and cell phone connections.

Things needed:
-Computer (laptop is easier)
-usb to mini-usb cable
-Software: Garmin City Navigator North America NT 2008 (or whatever region version you have but it must be NT as its compressed and saves a lot more memory space); download the lastest Mapinstall (3.11.6.0 or later) and Mapsource (6.13.6.0 or later) updates just to have drivers and software up to date and ease of use. I did but you don’t have to.

Things to know......when you connect the gps device to a computer, the gps device gives you two options:

A Garmin mode (as in normal gps operations but the computer will be able to detect the device).

B.) usb mass storage: here you can view the onboard memory on the gps device itself. There is a Garmin folder. In this folder you have 3 objects.
1) voice folder....all the voice files with many languages to choose from are in here.
2.)gmapprom.img (this is the entire city navigator nt v7 map that the gps uses and its about 958 MB)
3.) fs_image.ver (don't know what this is so mess with this at your own risk; I left it alone)



ok first things first...the onboard memory on the G510 device ONLY has about 1GB of total memory. Best thing to do is to have at least a 2 GB SD card for the sole purpose of updates and/or maps for the your gps device. I got mine at amazon for $20.

Let’s start, plug in the usb to mini-usb cable to computer and device.Then:

......(using the usb mass storage option) backup your files from the G510 device onto your computer in a safe place. If you mess up, you'll be able to restore the files to its original state.

....after backup is complete....delete the gmapprom.img file from the device (this is optional I believe unless you want both NT v7 and NT 2008 (or other maps) to be on the device at the same time as both will be listed under detailed maps)


.....switch to Garmin Mode (this option is only if you want to download the maps into the device memory, which will limit you on the area coverage that the device can provide)....On City Navigator North America NT 2008 (or whatever version you are using) use the Mapinstall feature. The Mapinstall should detect your device and it should say G510 device xxxxx so and so....click next. There should be a map now. There is a vertical meter on your right that displays the available space that the G510 device has. Should be over 900 MB. On the map, you select the area map you want the GPS device to cover. I was able to able to get all of upper and lower USA and some of canada (except alaska and hawaii and P.R.) for about 943 MB. Once done selecting, click next and finish...this should start the process of builing the maps and transfering them onto your G510 unit.

For those with 2GB SD cards…… ….Have the SD card connected to your computer. Make sure the SD is formatted in FAT32 and might as well create a GARMIN folder in the root directory of the card. Open Mapinstall and the SD card should be detected by MapInstall (make sure it’s the correct drive). Click next and you should be able to just select all the areas on the map to get full coverage. I just click, hold and drag from one end of the map to the other end to select all the areas available on the map. Click next and once you click finish, the software will start builing/indexing and transfering the maps to the SD card. It’ll be a while before its done.

WARNING.....this transfer process is super slow if transfering maps to the device. Be aware that the building of maps and transfering them from the computer (my laptop) to the device itself took about an hour and a half. So make sure you have plenty of power if you are using a laptop or just be sure to have laptop plugged into the wall for power. If you are using the SD card, it would be a lot quicker. Before transfering anything, make sure your maps are unlocked!!! My maps were not unlocked at first so I wasted about 2 hours trying to unlock them until they finally worked!!!! PM me if you need help on unlocking the maps.

Once transfering to the unit is done...check settings/about/detailed maps...it should have city navigator north america nt 2008 listed with a range of area maps you selected from the map in mapinstall. Or if you are using a SD, plug it in and restart your device and check detailed maps and it should be listed there. I haven't tested it on the road too much but when I tried it, it worked and my gps seems to run a bit smoother and finds routes faster.

Well I’ll try out the gps this week and if I remember or have issues, I’ll report back. If you have any questions, post. Good luck!!!!

briangokou84

One last note,

the file transferred to the GPS or SD card is gmapsupp.img not gmapprom.img but the GPS device still reads it fine. I even renamed the gmapsupp.img to gmapprom.img and the GPS still read the maps fine.

As for the fs_image.ver file, in the file, it reads different digits. So it may be unique for each unit??? I don't know.

Andy

Nice write up! Especially the part about backing up the data prior to doing anything!

Max

Awesome write up Brian, nice work

ssoba2566

Awsome info, so this is as good as the SD card garmin sells?

sent you a PM

ssoba2566

Can i use City Navigator NT v8

Max

I would assume as long as its NT you're all set. The NT map set is a compatibility reference as they are not compatible with some Garmin units.

I'm not a Kenwood expert, but I'd try it

PamelaGPS

I cannot get my computer to see the KNA-G510 unit with the USB cable.
Anyone having this issue?

Would I be updating the maps via an SD card or connecting the KNA-G510 directly to the computer?

I may have found my answer with this info below:

The software is basically the same as in the StreetPilot series (like the 7200)--very easy to use. The firmware updates install via the SD card (you can remove the card afterwards) and have been coming regularly. The maps also come on an SD but have to be purchased--they do not transfer--you have to leave the SD card in the slot (but can remove it for firmware and POI loading).

Updating maps via SD card makes more sense since the KNA-G510 is mounted inside the car.

habramowski

Nicely done Dude! I gave up on this topic so long ago that this is the first I logged back in!

So remind me - is the file UNLOCKING process documented somewhere online?

Max

As in the map unlocking? That should be covered by mapsource, no?

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dutchlincoln79

Okay, i'm new here, and got here through Google, so sorry for leeching and asking right away..

I own a kenwood KNA-G520 (as part of a whole system) and its equal to a GVN-52.

I purchased a DVD "City navigator NT europe 2008" which is as far as i know, the newest release.
I can't get it unlocked however, stupd enough, as the GVN-52 is not selectable on the Garmin site, and i don't really understand how i should do so.
I have the code on the rear, its a new DVD, nothing illegal or so, so can anybody explain me how i can unlock it, and how i can get it onto the GVN-52? Part that is described above seems understandable, but i don't have a laptop...

Can i install different voices also, and how do i do such? (e.g. which system do i choose as a compatable system, as the GVN-52 is never mentioned anywhere... )

Thanks for all these newbie questions.
I'd be very delighted if someone can snine a light in my darkness....
Regards,

Stef.

Max

You should be able to register "just the DVD" at the Garmin site though, can't you? Then after that it should give you a code that will work for either getting a 25 pin unlock....I think.

I just did similar with the NT 2009 Maps from over here....but Im lacking memory cells unfortunately, sorry.

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dutchlincoln79

2009????????????????????
i have 2008, assuming it was the newest...?

but i can't seem to register the dvd itself, or i'm doing something wrong...?

any help highly appreciated, thanks.

Max

I don't think 2009 maps are available in Europe yet, no worries

Unfortunately, I think in EU you may get a different garmin "mygarmin" website than we have over here. But regardless, when I register on the mygarmin site, and then enter a product to register I have the choice of a GPS, a DataCard, or a Software Product / DVD that I've bought.

When I upgraded a set of mapping here I used the DVD's 'code' to generate an unlock code for my unit. It worked swell, but of course I was able to enter the DVD's serial # into mygarmin.

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Max

btw...Garmin does have a European support operation - and they can DEFINITELY give you a legit unlock code for just about anything. Have you tried calling them yet?

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ninja279

If you plug your SD card into your device and the device into your computer then open Mapsource/unlock maps it should list the SD card as a source for saving. Use "have purchased and have 25 digit key" (or something like that) it should unlock the map for that SD card (note, after unlocking for the Card I don't think the map can be used on the device hard drive (memory ID different)).
You should then be able to save the map to the card.
If you like to chop up the map into smaller parts then I suggest using your devices memory.

Can someone who has an actual Garmin device check this as I have a GPS PDA and run MobileXT from it's internal 2G memory.

Max

My Mobile 20 arrives next week, I'll let you know

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briangokou84

Yes you can install new voices and use different voices on the unit. Somewhere in the settings, you can choose the voices. There are two English styles to choose from, but that's on the KNA 510, which is the USA version of the KNA 520 (which is used mostly in the European/Australia regions I believe) To add new voices to the list, I'm not sure if there are any but if you find any let us know where to get them. To install the voice files, you need to hook up your KNA 520 unit to a computer via USB-mini USB cord. Then, your computer, mostly likely laptop will see the unit like an external hard drive and you can browse through the files. On one of the folders (I can't remember the names) probably under Voices, you'll see the voice files for every language. Just copy and paste new voice files here. You can delete the ones there as well to save space if you know you'll never use them too.

briangokou84

The KNA 510/520 only has about ~960MB of stored memory and the unit itself has a unique ID #. with the new maps, you have to chop up the maps the areas you want and need. Best route is SD card, 2GB is plenty for most of one's needs. I deleted the map file that's on the device and just use the SD card map. These way the unit is forced to use the SD card maps, which is more accurate and new. Otherwise, you can leave the main map in the stored memory and the unit will list both maps the settings.

mr2nr

This is great info and hard to find!!! I too have a KNAG510 and will be updating the maps soon but I really want to update the drab fonts. Anybody know if this can be done?

Also my brother has a Nuvi and spent 200$ on the thing and can download different vehicles and Garmin doesn't offer it for us who spent 400$+ on these older units. Anybody got away with this?

And lastly where would you go about finding different voice files that are compatible?

BlueDream

I'm having trouble plugging the kenwood unit into my computer, my computer can't find the device..... Does the kenwood unit need to be powered for my computer to see it? (ie; still plugged into the vehicle's power source)

If it does, can anybody think of a way to power the unit without having to have it plugged into the car as I don't have a laptop......


Thanks...

BlueDream

Ok, I got the kna-g510 powered up and I could access the unit with mapsource to find it's unit ID, but I can't see the unit with windows explorer - so if I wanted to change the map files that are pre-loaded onto the unit how would I go about doing it?

Thanks

Andy

Is there a way to put the kenwood into a mass storage mode? With my 76CSx, it is only visible in Mapsource unless I go through the menus and tell it to go into mass storage mode, where it then becomes a drive icon in My Computer.

astrodanco

Yes, you can put the KNA-G510 into mass storage mode.

I did this myself just the other day in order to see what was on the internal storage and to put some new maps on a new 2 GIG SD card.

You'll need to have the KNA-G510 connected to some sort of video touchscreen head unit. Mine is connected to a KVT-512. Use a USB cable to plug a laptop into the mini USB port on the KNA-G510 where you would normally have either the GTM-10 or GXM-30 plugged in, then select NAV mode. You'll then be asked by your head unit if you want to enable mass storage mode. Enable it. A Garmin USB device will install on the laptop. Two removable disks will appear on your laptop. One for the internal storage and one for the SD card slot.

I didn't have to install any drivers from a disk or from Garmin. But that may have been either because they were already there on my laptop or because they were found online via wireless networking or whatever.

In this regard the Kenwood KNA-G510 works just like my Garmin Streetpilot 2730.

mercm3

Sorry newbie question. Does this mean if I were to purchase a Nuvi760 I could transfer the maps over to my kenwood KNA-G510? I have been itching to buy the 760 and this would make it doubly tempting since my wife's KNA-G510 still has maps from 07 on it