FAQ
TL;DR: On the Blow AVH-9880, the GPS submenu shows two icons; "Calibrate and set the path," then start navigation. Insert the microSD into the GPS slot, not the leftmost. For owners whose navigation won’t launch from microSD, this solves it. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
Why it matters: It helps AVH-9880 users quickly fix non-launching navigation and choose legal, supported map options.
Quick Facts
- Set the Navigation EXE path in GPS > Settings; the GPS submenu presents two icons. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
- Use the dedicated GPS microSD slot, not the leftmost media slot. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
- Boost GPS responsiveness by setting reading speed to 19200 bps or higher. [Elektroda, zbigmen, post #18144914]
- You can play music while running navigation on the AVH-9880. [Elektroda, Goalkeper, post #17474675]
- Legal, free navigation option: MapFactor Navigator Free with OSM-based maps for SD install. ["MapFactor Navigator Free"]
How do I load maps on a Blow AVH-9880 from microSD?
- Insert the microSD into the radio’s GPS slot.
- Open Main Menu > GPS > Settings, tap Calibrate, then Set Path to your navigation .exe on the card.
- Return to the GPS submenu and start the second icon to launch navigation. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
Where can I download free, legal navigation for this radio?
Use MapFactor Navigator Free. Install it on a PC, select maps, target the microSD, then set the path on the radio. It uses OpenStreetMap data and works offline once maps are on the card. ["MapFactor Navigator Free"]
The Navigation button does nothing. What should I check first?
Open GPS > Settings and set the path to the correct navigation .exe. Calibrate the touchscreen there. Ensure the card is in the GPS slot, not the leftmost. If it still fails, the navigation image may be corrupt. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
How do I set the correct EXE path for AutoMapa or MapFactor?
Go to GPS > Settings > Path and browse to the app’s main .exe on the microSD. As one user noted: "You need to provide the correct path of the exe file." [Elektroda, zbigmen, post #18144914]
Can I listen to music while navigation is running?
Yes. Users report playing music while navigation runs on the AVH-9880. As one tester put it: "You can listen to music." [Elektroda, Goalkeper, post #17474675]
AutoMapa refresh feels slow. How can I improve GPS responsiveness?
Increase the GPS reading speed in settings. Set it to 19200 bps or higher. This improves position updates and reduces lag during turns. [Elektroda, zbigmen, post #18144914]
Does this unit support live traffic in AutoMapa via Bluetooth tethering?
This thread offers no confirmation of Bluetooth internet for traffic services. Plan for offline navigation or confirm with your navigation vendor. [Elektroda, inwazja, post #17514490]
The YouTube guide shows a different Blow model. Is the method still valid?
Yes. The workflow is the same: prepare the microSD on a PC with MapFactor Navigator Free, insert it, then set the path on the radio. [Elektroda, rekinek12, post #17641385]
Which microSD slot should I use on the AVH-9880?
Use the dedicated GPS slot for navigation. Do not use the leftmost media slot, or the app will not launch. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
Is AutoMapa compatible with the Blow AVH-9880?
Yes. Users reported AutoMapa working flawlessly after setting the correct .exe path. If GPS feels slow, raise the reading speed. [Elektroda, zbigmen, post #18144914]
After setting the path, nothing happens. Could the SD files be bad?
Yes. A damaged or incorrect navigation image can block launching. Reinstall clean files to the microSD and reset the path. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
How do I install MapFactor Navigator Free onto the SD card for this radio?
- On your PC, install MapFactor Navigator Free and choose your country maps.
- Select the microSD as the install target and complete installation.
- Put the card in the GPS slot and set the path to Navigator’s .exe. ["MapFactor Navigator Free"]
Is using a 1:1 cloned or “pirate” SD card a good idea?
No. Use legal installers and set the path properly. A forum reply distinguishes proper installation from "a 'pirate'" 1:1 copy, which is discouraged and unreliable. [Elektroda, marek216, post #17390227]
How do I calibrate the touchscreen for GPS use?
Open Main Menu > GPS > Settings and tap Calibrate. Perform calibration, then set the navigation path before launching. [Elektroda, hugo9, post #17439431]
My map orientation updates only after a turn and some distance. Normal?
One tester noted orientation snapping after turns, only updating after "a few dozen meters." That indicates slower UI refresh with some setups. [Elektroda, Goalkeper, post #17474675]
