The biggest critique I have for this GPS
unit is that the documentation is very poor, and that Mio doesn't give the user/owner much of a chance to
make simple modifications without going around the systems they've built into the C310x.
There are certain files and programs that you're going to want to have to be able to modify your POI files
and SpeedCam databases and the most important one's do not come with the unit when you purchase it.
A lot of the features and functionality of this smart little unit are based on the iGo package, and
specifically the POI file is an iGo database. I have not found any documentation from Mio that gives users
any instructions on how to make use of these files, however there is an abundance of information out on
the web that can be used for this purpose. It is fragmented and inconsistent, so I thought I'd try and combine
what I've found here on this site so that users have a single place to go for a reference.
Accompanying your Mio C310x you should have received the MioMap disc. This disc includes the owner's
hardware reference manual, the Users Manual, MioTransfer, and the base maps and software for your unit.
The disc that came with my C310x looks like this:
Please don't be an idiot like I was when I first used this software! You need to load MioTransfer on your
PC, and I suggest you load the user manuals and maps there too if you have the hard drive space. However,
DON'T click on the first or second selections on that disc!!! I clicked on the Restore button and the next
thing I knew I couldn't use my Mio C310x. That selection is needed if you accidentally hose up your Mio's
software. The second selection is needed only if you accidentally wipe out your maps. Now I've got a darned
fast computer and between these two files it still took over 35 minutes to reload that software into the Mio.
A screen shot of that software is below:
Again, I can't emphasize enough, DON'T MAKE THOSE FIRST TWO SELECTIONS! Of course, they only work if you
have your Mio plugged into the USB cable and it's turned on, but still, don't follow my lead and be an idiot.
Below I have tried to detail all of the software and files that I have used and found, so far, that
are either critical to the functions I've listed or are of good use. I am also placing a screen shot of
each file or program to help you become more familiar with it's look and feel. Most of this software will
be explained in more detail, as to it's use, in the other sections of this site.
MS ACTIVESYNC STEP 1 of 3
Once you've got your Mio unlocked, you'll need a way to communicate with it for file transfers, etc.
I suggest, assuming you're on a Windows machine, that you download Microsoft's ActiveSync software.
This allows your computer to communicate with WindowsCE devices such as Palm PDA's, etc. ActiveSync
can be set up to automatically detect when your unit is plugged into your PC and to synchronize files.
I would not suggest using that synchronization function, rather use the manual features to communicate
with your Mio. If you computer doesn't have NetFramework loaded, you may also have to load that for this
software to work. Also your C310x must be plugged into the USB cable, powered up and unlocked.
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MS ActiveSync setup - step 1
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MS ACTIVESYNC STEP 2 of 3
Now that you've got a connection to your PC, simply select the Explore button and you will be displaying the
file system on your C310x.
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MS ActiveSync setup - step 2
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MS ACTIVESYNC STEP 3 of 3
You should notice here the the file system displayed on your PC and that on the screen of your
C310x should be quite similar, almost the same. When you get to this point you are ready to
start modifying files.
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File system as displayed on your computer
File system as displayed on your Mio
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iGO POI EXPLORER
Besides the communication software mentioned above, you're going to need software to modify your
POI files with. These files are loaded into your C310x in a file named iGo.db and you'll need a
program called
iGO POI Explorer to be able to modify these db files.
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iGO POI Explorer
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Now my favorite section:
Hacks, Mods, Skins, Improvements, Enhancements for your Mio
Here I'm listing files with simple explanations of each that allow you to modify the look,
function and/or behavior of your Mio C310x. Being WindowsCE based, this unit will allow you
to make it function very similar to many WindowsCE PDA's that are currently on the market,
meaning that you have Picture View capability, video capability, etc.
Please note that I do not take any responsibility for the use of these files and programs.
If you download them and try installing them, I can not be responsible for the outcome. All
of these have worked perfectly on my Mio, and they should work on your's as well. However, if
you have problems with these files, you'll need to go to
GpsPasSion Forums
and contact the originator's of these files for further questions. I am simply providing a resource
to allow you to easily download these files and a very simple explanation of each. Links to these
files are also being provided below.
Mio Transfer Hack
With your Mio C310x, you received the MioMap software that includes a program called Mio
Transfer. This program allows you to transfer files from your PC to the SD card in your Mio.
This hack modifies that and allows you ready access to the file system in your Mio without
going through the unlocking steps!
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There are other files and programs that I will be reviewing and adding to this list as I test each one
so check back here often for updates.
If you can not download any of these items or are having trouble downloading them, use the email link
at the bottom of this page and send me an email and I can get you the files.
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