Start Up message for New Generation Garmin Outdoors units


It’s useful to have a personalised welcome message in the start up routine on your device; it should contain simple contact details in case of loss, like name, telephone number and maybe email address.

 

We know of several lost GPS that have been restored to their owners simply because they had added a welcome message with contact details. It’s easy to do if you follow these simple instructions.

 

Custom Message or Text on Start Up Screen


Many outdoor handhelds can display a customized welcome message on the startup splash screen. This can include a small amount of information, including contact information or a personalized message.


Customizing Start Up Text Using a Windows PC

This is the most common method and will work with the majority of outdoor handhelds.

1.    Connect the device to computer with a USB data cable.

2.    Open the Garmin drive (typically found in [My] Computer or File Explorer on a PC).

3.    Open the Garmin folder.

4.    Open the file named startup.txt.

5.    Follow the on-screen instructions and add the desired Start Up Message.


The maximum number of characters for this text is 256 

After saving the file, the customized message should display on the device when powering on.

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Customizing Start Up Text Using a Mac

This is the most common method and will work with the majority of outdoor handhelds:

1.    Connect the device to computer with a USB data cable.

2.    Open the Garmin drive (typically found on the Desktop of the Mac).

3.    Open the Garmin folder.

4.    Copy the file named startup.txt to the Desktop.

5.    Open the copied file named startup.txt.

6.    Follow on-screen instructions and add the desired Start Up Message.

o    The maximum number of characters for this text is 256.

7.    Replace the original startup.txt file in the Garmin folder of the device with the edited copy from the Desktop.

After saving the file, the customized message should display on the device when powering on.


Set the time the display message is displayed to 20 as it gives a bit more time for the message to be read

Add your message as seen below

When complete the completed file should look something like ours below

Once you are happy with the file changes then don’t forget to save them > go to File > Save.

If you do don’t have this file it should be pretty easy to create using Notepad or other similar program. 

 

Your Start Up message should read like this


 <!-- Edit this file to display a message while your unit is powering on -->


<!-- Allow one full power cycle after editing for your message to be updated -->


 <!-- Set the display number to the minimum number of seconds your message is displayed -->


<display =20>


<!-- Type your message on the next line -->"


This GPS belongs to GPS Training if found call 01669 621044


We hope this helps.


We have many more tips and training videos to get you going with your Garmin Handheld GPS device and Garmin's Basecamp planning software on our Online Training Resource - More info here


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