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  1. #1
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    Default Make a Garmin compatible datacard?

    With standard 512MB Garmin datacards costing around $90 - $100 I wonder is it possible to make a Garmin compatible datacard using conventional MicroSD memory (costing around $3 - $5? If so how?

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  3. #2
    Navigation software expert Make a Garmin compatible datacard?
    Make a Garmin compatible datacard?Make a Garmin compatible datacard?Make a Garmin compatible datacard?
    Giomen's Avatar
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    You do not write the main - how?
    We also want to save our money!!! Or you just yap?
    Garmin, how much is 30 pieces of silver for Judas today? Were they worthy for crucifix of GPSPower?

  4. #3
    GPSPower Helper Make a Garmin compatible datacard?
    Make a Garmin compatible datacard?
    dasilvarsa's Avatar
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    All MicroSd data cards work in Nuvi.
    The only restriction is the Size.
    I haven't come across a nuvi that cannot use a 2GB MicroSd Card.

  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Giomen View Post
    You do not write the main - how?
    We also want to save our money!!! Or you just yap?
    Huh? I don't understand your comment. I don't know if or how this is possible - that's why I am asking.


    Quote Originally Posted by dasilvarsa View Post
    All MicroSd data cards work in Nuvi.
    The only restriction is the Size.
    I haven't come across a nuvi that cannot use a 2GB MicroSd Card.
    Sure, but I am talking about the many Garmin units that can only take proprietary Garmin datacards.

  6. #5
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    I found this old article which sort of explains it can be done using chips from Smartmedia cards.

    [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

    I haven't found anything yet based on MicroSD cards.

  7. #6
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    Just found this video, which seems to show a 2GB datacard in use :-)


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    That video doesn't show-up in my post above for some reason, so here is the link...

    [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

  9. #8
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    Garmin DataCard is a really simple device. Just standard flash chip on a small printed board. You can buy a low capacity one and replace chips. Or you can find singe-side card and add second chip. I'm not sure how to format datacard, maybe you can do it in Garmin USB card reader?

    I think that it could be possible to create passive adapter for XD cards, they seems to be designed like DataCard and have smaller size.

  10. #9
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    Hi Kanopus,

    I think you maybe right about XD cards. The link that I attached earlier shows someone using a SmartMedia card which is wired into a connector. Unfortunately the page referred to earlier in the article which I assume explained how to connect the chip is not available now.

    I looked into using SD cards and MicroSD cards but as far as I can see they are serial devices and the SmartMedia card is parallel so that's not a simple swap. XD cards and SmartMedia cards are similar although I haven't looked at the pinout of XD cards yet.

    The Garmin datacards are formatted with the Garmin USB card reader (which is also a programmer).

  11. #10
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    xD-Picture cards look like a good possibility. They seem to be simply Nand flash chips repackaged. See here... [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

    So the remaining challenge is the wiring!

 

 

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