Thread: how to convert drivesmart 61 to full version (advanced voice commandsl)

Originally Posted by clavadys

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So even if it possible to use other maps, did not succeed to make it think it is a real full europe device, and trigger the real voice control.
I tought at the end that gmapprom was used by garmin express to know what is the prebuilt map of the device is, but was wrong because sometimes asks me if I would like to download the southern europe map -> what indicates that my device was still in SE prebuilt configuration, so the information must be somewhere else.

Your device has a 'factory-loaded' hardware identification (similar to how the IMEI of a mobile/cell phone permanently identifies it). Garmin's servers KNOW that your device's original map entitlement was and always will be Southern Europe UNLESS you additionally purchase a Lifetime subscription for ALL of EU in which case Garmin's servers will store that information and apply it to your device. There's only one other way you can change that, which is not legal, and i clearly stated both ways in Post #6 in great detail - then summarized with this:
"In short, the only permanent and hassle-free solution ongoing is to buy an ALL EU Lifetime Map subscription for your DS61. Otherwise, periodically you'll have to deal with sourcing and manually loading the individual necessary files for each new map version along with unlocked maps teamed with patched firmware from other sites, i.e. not from Garmin, nor here for that matter."

Further conclusive evidence of that is given by asprin624 in the latest post above. Without buying an LM subscription, there is no way to convince GarminExpress/WebUpdater to give your device the additional files.....short of trying to hack a Garmin server (a very bad idea).

About this:

I am afraid my problem should require a specific firmware development, like the one some dudes built for nuvi models to enable TTS and other extra features:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Sorry, that's not remotely related to the problem you have. The method of those feature controls in nuvi 1xxx device is via re-writable data contained in region 16 (0x10), commonly known as 'the logo'. It has nothing to do with factory loaded or purchased map entitlement registration codes. Region 16's data is written in clear bytes and it's easily changed via a common hex editor. It doesn't have any association with Voice Command anyway which those devices aren't capable of using. Any codes on your device are in an encrypted non-volatile memory region (154) which cannot be re-written that way, additionally the entitlement is stored on Garmin's servers which is the ultimate decider of your device's map and additional files entitlement. So even cracking non-vol region 154 won't help as it still won't fool the server.

Originally Posted by asprin624

.....If you decide to get the full Europe please check with Garmin if the Voice Command will be activated before you do think about getting the full Europe Map.

No more can be said about the subject.

Either you use the DriveSmart 61 as is without the extra functions or get the full Europe map.

But check with Garmin first.......

I endorse that excellent advice to get Garmin's acknowledgement in writing that you will get full ASR functions with the purchase of All EU LM. It's certainly the case with NA devices that were originally factory loaded with only Lower 48 USA or Canada.

Probably you should also consider re-selling the device and just buy another used one with all EU LM as an alternative.