Free Garmin Voices

Talk to Your GNS 430W/530W

VoiceFlight has received an STC for its VFS101 voice-recognition system for Garmin’s GNS 430W and 530W GPS/navcoms. The VFS101 enables the pilot to verbally enter flight-plan waypoints using the phonetic alphabet, which takes a fraction of the time of twisting the knobs on the 430W and 530W units.

In addition to loading a flight plan, the pilot can enter and expand Victor airways, go direct to a waypoint and amend or clear an already loaded flight plan. A voice activation switch, similar to a push-to-talk button, activates the system.

The VFS101 weighs 0.75 lbs and can be mounted behind the instrument panel or in the avionics stack. The navigation database must be updated in conjunction with the GPS navigation card updates. Free database downloads are available on the VoiceFlight website .

VoiceFlight’s VFS101 was the first speech recognition product to receive an STC in 2009, but at that time the STC didn’t cover WAAS-enabled GNS 430/530 systems. The current STC covers units installed in Cessna 182s. The VFS101 will be launched at this year’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25-31.

Garmin Map Updates Free Downloads, Garmin Nuvi Voices, Icons and more

There are many different downloads available from the Garmin GPS company that serve to enhance the everyday usage of your in-car Nuvi GPS product.  For example, did you know you can download new voices or even add your own voice directions?  Plus you can occasionally even download free Garmin map updates for when the mapping routes get old and out of date.  We’ve put together to some of the additional content that’s available so you can get the most from your Garmin Nuvi.

Free Garmin Map Updates

These can be download direct from Garmin but you need to create an account with them first and register your Nuvi GPS on their myGarmin website.  The sign-up should take no longer than five minutes, and then using your USB cable you can connect the GPS to your PC and myGarmin will notify you of what Garmin map updates are available for your product.

Download New Garmin Nuvi Voices

Bored of the standard voice packs that come pre-loaded on a Garmin Nuvi?  Then download some new ones!  The new files range from cartoon characters to famous people, and many third party developers have created their own licensed and bespoke Garmin voices.

Create Your Own Voice Directions

Garmin has a free download called Voice Studio which lets you use a microphone and speak your own directions into the PC, which are then recorded and can be installed on your Nuvi.  It’s great fun and can really add some character to your journeys!  This should be compatible with a Garmin Nuvi 255 update so go to their website and check out if it will work for you.

Different Vehicle Icons

That little blue car that displays on your screen of the Nuvi GPS can also be changed for free.  New vehicle icons include trucks, boats, police cars, sports cars and even a motorbike.  Either way this will really make sure that your Garmin is customized to be like nobody else’s GPS.

These are just a few options available, and each one will add a little more character to your GPS and make sure that you can change a boring car journey into something a little bit more interesting.  All of these choices and downloads including free Garmin map updates can be seen on their official website so visit them today and get started with your own customization project.  It’s all good fun and can also keep the kid’s happy on your next vacation drive!

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