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Pimp-My-Nav FAQ

Navigation Computer

Q:  How do I update my navigation computer's software to the latest version?
A:  Ask this question in the X5World.com Navigation Forum
Q:  Can I enable a warning sound when approaching a POI?
A:  No, the factory supplied navigation system does not currently have this feature enabled.  (Visit Include "warn near POI's" function to navigation systems of BMW to sign a petition to have this feature enabled.)
Q:  Can I use different icons for different types of speed cameras?
A:  Yes, however limitations with the factory navigation system allow only one POI icon to be display at a time so you won't be able to see them on the screen at the same time.  For this reason, a single POI file is recommended for all classes of speed cameras.
Q:  I have an older BMW navigation computer (MKII or MKIII) - can the computer hardware be upgraded to MKIV to support POI?
A:  Yes, this is a straightforward upgrade where the old unit is swapped for the new.  See the X5World.com Navigation Forum
Q:  Will you be supporting other makes of vehicles and after-market navigation systems such as VDO that also use CARiN maps?
A:  Yes, support is currently being added for Volkswagen RNS-510.  Technical problems are currently limiting support for other systems such as those used by Vauxhaul.
Q:  Why can't my BMW vehicle read the latest 2008-2 DVD map?
A:   The amount of data on the map has increased above 4.7GB, forcing the use of higher capacity Dual Layer DVD media.  A software update, applied by Version 31 of the BMW update CD, is required.  See the X5World.com Navigation Forum

 

Navigation Maps

Q:  Will the application support future map CD/DVD's?
A:  Yes, new maps will be supported as long as Navteq/TeleAtlas/VDO keep the specification of the map DVD reasonably consistent with its current format (which they should, otherwise the maps will not work in the existing navigation computers).  All future compatibility updates will be free to registered users.
Should the developer for any reason be unable to maintain the application at some point in future, the source code will be released to the community under a GPL license so as to ensure ongoing support for existing customers.
Q:  What is a CARiN CD? (Also known as CDF, Carinet or CarinDb)
A:  The name CARiN comes from Car Information and Navigation.  This system uses a navigation map format created by Philips (and now owned by VDO-Dayton) that is compatible with various OEM navigation systems, including BMW (Business/High), Mini, Rolls-Royce, Rover, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall/Opel and Volkswagen/Seat/Skoda.  These map CD-ROM's are usually interchangeable between vendors, and can be recognised by the presence of the following files:

ABSTRACT
BIBLIOGR
CARINET
COPYRIGH
carindb

Q:  I have a MKIV BMW navigation computer, but my DVD-based map is older than 2006.  Can I use the map, or do I need to obtain a newer version that supports POI?
A:  If it's a DVD map, then it currently needs to be a 2006-1 or later edition, although this requirement might be lifted in future, depending on customer demand.  (Maps are for sale from BMW dealers, Navteq, TeleAtlas and genuine maps can occasionally also be found on eBay.)
Q:  I have a MKIV BMW navigation computer, with a CD-based HIGH (or CARiN) map that does not have a /TPD directory structure on it.  Can Pimp-My-Nav add custom POI to it?
A:  Yes, Pimp-My-Nav is able to add the required file structures to a CARiN navigation CD so that a MKIV navigation computer can read custom Points of Interest from it.  (NB: MKIII and earlier computers will still NOT be able to read POI from this CD).  Please note that the Pimp-My-Nav will not install any actual POI data, except for some sample airport information.
Q:  I have a navigation CD that is nearly full.  Am I limited to the maximum CD size of 650MB or the maximum DVD size of 4.3GB?
A:  Pimp-My-Nav will let you "upgrade" a CD to DVD, so the maximum DVD size is your limit (unless of course you do not have a DVD burner).
Q:  Can I update the navigation street maps with this program too?
A:  No, this tool is designed to update POI only.  The map database is copyrighted and stored in the proprietary Carin Database Format, whose internal structure is not published.
Q:  Does Pimp-My-Nav support the latest Dual Layer DVD maps that are larger than 4.7GB in size?
A:  Yes, however you need version 1.1.3059.36002 or later as well as a DVD burner that supports Dual Layer DVD burning.
Q: Can Pimp-My-Nav fix the 6 digit postcode search that's not working with some maps?
A: No, however you can add a searchable POI category that will allow you to work around the problem.  This option will require postcodes for your country in POI format.

 

POI

Q:  What are POI?
A:  (P)oints (o)f (I)nterest are sets of GPS co-ordinates or waypoints on earth that can be loaded into a navigation system and displayed as icons on its map.  A typical application for POI is speed camera locations.
Q:  Where can I get speed camera POI files from?
A:  The best site for the UK, Australia and South Africa is PocketGPSWorld.com.  Use Google to search for POI for other countries.  .ov2 or .gpx files are generally the least error-prone file types to use, although text file formats such as .asc and .csv are supported too.  TomTom POI usually include an icon.
Q: How can I import Google .KMZ files?
A: Rename the file to .ZIP, then extract the .KML file inside it.  Otherwise, open it in Google Earth, then re-export to .KML format.
Q: I can search for POI, but can't get them to display on the map - what's wrong?
A: If you are using the 2008-2 or newer map of Europe, then check that you have version 9.2 or later of UltraIso.  (Earlier versions are corrupting updates to Dual Layer media).
Q: I'm trying to import a Google .KML file, but nothing is being imported.  What's wrong?
A: Google .KML files can contain links to other files on the Internet.  PimpMyNav does not follow these redirections to the Internet, only importing POI inside the first file you select.  Look for the network location of the linked file in the <NetworkLink> tag of your file, then download and import that file instead.  Alternatively, open the file in Google Earth, then re-export the data to a single .KML file.  The file you import from must have <Point> geotags inside it.

 

CD/DVD Burning

Q:  Can you add support for my CD/DVD burning software?
A:  No, since the ImgBurn application is robust and free, this is the only application that will be supported.
Q: Can you add support for my CD/DVD mastering software?
A:  At the moment, only UltraIso has the functionality to update the ISO image unattended.  PowerIso, MagicIso and Alcohol 120 all have shortcomings that prevent them from being used.  Nero integration is under consideration.
Q:  What blank CD or DVD media can I use?
A:  For CD-based maps use CD-R or CD-RW media.  For DVD-based maps smaller than 4.7GB, use single-sided branded DVD-R, DVD+R or DVD-RW media. For DVD maps larger than 4.7GB, use DVD+R DL media (DVD-R DL and DVD+RW DL media is currently untested).  Rewritable media is recommended as it's more environmentally friendly.  The vast majority of problems that people encounter are caused by using cheap, unbranded media, or by burning the disk too fast.
Q:  What speed should I burn the new CD/DVD at?
A:  It is HIGHLY recommended that you burn your first disk at 1X speed.  Thereafter, experimentation will soon establish if your navigation computer can read media burned by your computer at faster speeds.  4X appears to be a good compromise between speed and accuracy.
Q:  How can I ensure the CD/DVD I burned is error free?
A:  Burn at 1X speed until you have proved that this works with your particular hardware.  Tick the "Verify" box when burning to automatically verify the disk immediately after writing.

 

Miscellaneous

Q:  I don't have the time to update the CD/DVD myself - can't you sell me an updated map with the latest speed camera POI?
A:  No, this site does not condone or participate in any way in the unauthorised duplication or distribution of copyright digital maps.

 

Documentation

 

Copyright © 2008
Last modified: 06/06/08