MP3 Question

**schoeney** · 06-03-2009, 08:03 AM

I have a Garmin Nuvi on a ram mount on my bike. It acts as an MP3 player as well and accpts .mp3 files.

I have never used the Garmin as an MP3 but would like to so I don't have to ride with both my Samsung MP3 and Garmin...just one more thing to distract me.

Here is my question. I have a bunch of songs I want to download into the Garmin but all the songs are in my Windows Media Player are in .wma format and I need to convert them to .mp3 format but I can't seem to figure out how to do that....any of you more "gifted" people have any ideas??

caddman11 · 06-03-2009, 08:30 AM

If you go to download.com, you will find loads of programs that will convert all sorts of music files to mp3 files. I use a program called "Switch Sound File Converter". Works great and clean and you can use it for 30 days free.

**ringadingh** · 06-03-2009, 08:34 AM

I dont have a Nuvi but I would assume you would connect it to your pc and drag and drop into the Nuvi.
Some song files may need to be converted to the mp3 format if they are different in your pc. I keep all my songs in "My Music" and thats found in My Documents. Look there and see if you can find yours, it may be easier to transfer from there.
Im sure if you Google it someones explained an easy way of transfering.

cactusjack · 06-03-2009, 09:18 AM

I have been known to download songs off the internet in a variety of formats. I use Switch audio file converter as well. Great product.

petenomad · 06-04-2009, 10:44 PM

Get yourself an SD card to hold the music as there typically isn't a lot of room on the nuvi's internal drive. While you're at it you'll also be ahead of the game if you get an SD card reader for your computer since the nuvi USB is the old/slow USB 1.0 and most computers have fast USB 2.0 connections available.
I use the drag and drop method for transferring files as well and I suggest you maintain the same folder format that Windows uses where the actual music is in folders for the artist with folders for each album under that. Some older Garmin's will get real slow at start up if you put more than about 20 songs in a single folder.

mikesth · 06-05-2009, 06:35 AM

One other issue - I have the Zumo and use the unit for my MP3s as well - IF you are following GPS directions, even with the GPS audio turned off, your MP3's are interrupted - apparently the motherboard doesn't have enough power to multi-task. That's the only downside.

It is a LOT easire to control your tunes from a GPS - they are more glove-friendly

**schoeney** · 06-05-2009, 07:23 AM

Thanks guys....that helps alot!

06-03-2009, 08:03 AM	#1
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	MP3 Question I have a Garmin Nuvi on a ram mount on my bike. It acts as an MP3 player as well and accpts .mp3 files. I have never used the Garmin as an MP3 but would like to so I don't have to ride with both my Samsung MP3 and Garmin...just one more thing to distract me. Here is my question. I have a bunch of songs I want to download into the Garmin but all the songs are in my Windows Media Player are in .wma format and I need to convert them to .mp3 format but I can't seem to figure out how to do that....any of you more "gifted" people have any ideas?? __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-03-2009, 08:30 AM	#2
caddman11 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 890	MP3 Question If you go to download.com, you will find loads of programs that will convert all sorts of music files to mp3 files. I use a program called "Switch Sound File Converter". Works great and clean and you can use it for 30 days free.
	0

06-03-2009, 08:34 AM	#3
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	MP3 Question I dont have a Nuvi but I would assume you would connect it to your pc and drag and drop into the Nuvi. Some song files may need to be converted to the mp3 format if they are different in your pc. I keep all my songs in "My Music" and thats found in My Documents. Look there and see if you can find yours, it may be easier to transfer from there. Im sure if you Google it someones explained an easy way of transfering. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

06-03-2009, 09:18 AM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	MP3 Question I have been known to download songs off the internet in a variety of formats. I use Switch audio file converter as well. Great product. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

06-04-2009, 10:44 PM	#5
petenomad Sr. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 1,135	MP3 Question Get yourself an SD card to hold the music as there typically isn't a lot of room on the nuvi's internal drive. While you're at it you'll also be ahead of the game if you get an SD card reader for your computer since the nuvi USB is the old/slow USB 1.0 and most computers have fast USB 2.0 connections available. I use the drag and drop method for transferring files as well and I suggest you maintain the same folder format that Windows uses where the actual music is in folders for the artist with folders for each album under that. Some older Garmin's will get real slow at start up if you put more than about 20 songs in a single folder. __________________ Glenn petenomad Peterman 2016 BMW R1200RT 2012 Candy Arabian Red Concours - Traded at 23000 miles 2008 Red/Black Nomad - Traded at 29500 miles Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-05-2009, 06:35 AM	#6
mikesth Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Katy Texas Posts: 478	MP3 Question One other issue - I have the Zumo and use the unit for my MP3s as well - IF you are following GPS directions, even with the GPS audio turned off, your MP3's are interrupted - apparently the motherboard doesn't have enough power to multi-task. That's the only downside. It is a LOT easire to control your tunes from a GPS - they are more glove-friendly
	0

06-05-2009, 07:23 AM	#7
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	MP3 Question Thanks guys....that helps alot! __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
MP3 Player Bracket/Holder	dabull	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	19	05-10-2011 09:52 PM
Lookin for a Zen MP3 player.	wompus	Off-Topic	10	03-10-2011 11:06 AM
MP3 hook-up/help	joe3407nomad	1500 & 1600 Nomad	26	01-18-2011 02:33 PM
MP3 /Aux power	joe3407nomad	1500 & 1600 Nomad	4	01-10-2011 08:52 PM
MP3 Player ear plugs	mrfuni	Motorcycle Safety/Riding Techniques	9	09-10-2008 12:03 AM