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I have a serious question here about the GPS issue. I am really starting to think that this GPS issue is somthing that is being manipulated by specific "carriers" so that if you are a big GPS user you will us the "carrier specific" GPS app like TeleNav.
The reason I wonder this is because as I read the threads I see tht people with "unbranded" phones do not seem to have as much GPS issues as those with branded ones.
As I read the new froyo posts I see that those who have upgraded through Kies "officially" (and there by are unbranded) are reporting that GPS is locking onto 7 - 8 satelites in under 30 seconds and get a PERFECT positioning while those who have used the reg. hack method (and there by are branded) still report that the GPS is horrible.
I may be way off here and dont mean to sound all "conspiracy theory" or anything but this is just my 2 cents. What do you think?
It's incredibly unlikely. All the SGS phones are branded in some way I believe, and all use the same hardware.
Some firmware's are simply broken GPS drivers. Remember, when Telstra in Aus shipped the Desire, they shipped broken GPS too (and HTC hasn't had similar complaints), but it does show that accidents happen.
Part of the difference in performance may simply be the load of apps running affecting CPU speed, affecting timing, or other random stuff.
andrewluecke said:
It's incredibly unlikely. All the SGS phones are branded in some way I believe, and all use the same hardware.
Some firmware's are simply broken GPS drivers. Remember, when Telstra in Aus shipped the Desire, they shipped broken GPS too (and HTC hasn't had similar complaints), but it does show that accidents happen.
Part of the difference in performance may simply be the load of apps running affecting CPU speed, affecting timing, or other random stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply here on this. I see what you are saying but if the issue is something related to the issues you mention above then why when a "real" navigatiin app is used (like the telenav app i have on my phone) does it lock on right away and is acurate almost to the penny? Google Maps and Google Navigation are WAY OFF by like 1500 meters... This still does not make sense to me...
Perhaps the issue is on Googles side?
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
My track and Google map really suck.
You can almost try any other program and they're always better.
The problem is that they do continue to next point they have calculated and if they se you have turn Away from your course they still use the point they calculated and move you to the point you are.
But you get waste data that's not true.
That's way you see so bad track on sgs when you upload them to Google map.
This is why many complain on the gps on sgs, but if they used a real gps program, and preferred an offline program, then they should se the gps do work.
Look at my stat when i drive my car.
In all other program its always spot on, but not with these program.
As you can se i almost have a perfect lock with a signal strength over 40 on four off hem.
So to say to me that sgs gps is broken and it is a hardware fault is to funny.
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DamianGto said:
My track and Google map really suck.
You can almost try any other program and they're always better.
The problem is that they do continue to next point they have calculated and if they se you have turn Away from your course they still use the point they calculated and move you to the point you are.
But you get waste data that's not true.
That's way you see so bad track on sgs when you upload them to Google map.
This is why many complain on the gps on sgs, but if they used a real gps program, and preferred an offline program, then they should se the gps do work.
Look at my stat when i drive my car.
In all other program its always spot on, but not with these program.
As you can se i almost have a perfect lock with a signal strength over 40 on four off hem.
So to say to me that sgs gps is broken and it is a hardware fault is to funny.
Sent from GT-I9000 jpo. My own kernel for z4mod and with 341MB Ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What program is this picture of and what gps program do you use?
~Edit~ If the google programs suck so bad then why do they work so well on the iphone and even on my old WM Samsung Omnia i910? They are spot on with those devices...
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
yiannisthegreek said:
What program is this picture of and what gps program do you use?
~Edit~ If the google programs suck so bad then why do they work so well on the iphone and even on my old WM Samsung Omnia i910? They are spot on with those devices...
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gps test.
Well i don't know why it don't work well on sgs. I just know it don't.
I use copilot. But there are many program you can use and they still work better.
Sent from GT-I9000 jpo. My own kernel for z4mod and with 341MB Ram
DamianGto said:
You seems not to understand how gps works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore Damian. Listening to his GPS expertise actually makes you dumber, because it's always wrong (he is an anti-scientist). I think he mean "it seems I (Damian) does not understand how GPS works".
Every opinion does matter, but your unwillingness to actually learn about the topic you claim you are an expert on, has finally gotten to me, and I'm reporting you. You are hindering useful conversations, and whilst I accept disrespect can happen occasionally, we don't need jerks who are littering the forum with incorrect information.
yiannisthegreek said:
when a "real" navigatiin app is used (like the telenav app i have on my phone) does it lock on right away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore what DamianGTO said. Quicker locking might be perception for starters. Some Car nav apps start polling the GPS as they are booting (and some I've tried take a while to load). It might also be that some car navigation applications have been tweaked to select the optimum minimum accuracy dynamically. This wouldn't be possible in My Tracks, and if it does happen, it might not be in Google Navigation (this is simply speculation though). In an area where there are no other roads for 50m for instance, you only need an accuracy of 50m to place you on the road in an accurate enough place. When you look at the map it will seem mostly accuracy, but the GPS chip itself might be saying you are actually 24m to the side of the road.
No GPS can lock immediately, so something else must be going on. Even SiftStar 3's take 6 seconds or so to lock on hot start. It may also be that Google maps/mytrack are using more location sources, and some are causing issues. Remember, they all use the same API. When I tried Google maps though, I locked immediately too, probably because it was a warm/hot start (and had recently been used). Remember, GPS has 3 locking modes, hot, warm and cold start. More information is available on: http://www.gsmarena.com/glossary.php3?term=gps . All GPS receivers are affected by this, and all programs.
yiannisthegreek said:
Google Maps and Google Navigation are WAY OFF by like 1500 meters... This still does not make sense to me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are possibly using wireless networks/skyhook too as a location provider, whilst others might not (all android apps use the same location api to interact with the hardware actually). Turn it off in GPS settings, and I wouldn't expect this to be a problem.
Google might have reasons for using it if it's available in Google Maps at least. It might also be that some mobiles use mobile networks for tracking better than ours, and do use them in a way that provides much more accurate results. Summary of this though, is turn use wireless networks off!
DamianGto said:
My track and Google map really suck.
You can almost try any other program and they're always better.
The problem is that they do continue to next point they have calculated and if they se you have turn Away from your course they still use the point they calculated and move you to the point you are.
But you get waste data that's not true.
That's way you see so bad track on sgs when you upload them to Google map.
This is why many complain on the gps on sgs, but if they used a real gps program, and preferred an offline program, then they should se the gps do work.
Look at my stat when i drive my car.
In all other program its always spot on, but not with these program.
As you can se i almost have a perfect lock with a signal strength over 40 on four off hem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For starters, SNR of 40 was probably taken in a field with very few trees around, on a good day without moving. But those values are possibly meaningless anyway. Plenty of us know for instance that the accuracy values can be incorrect.
Secondly, My tracks and other raw GPS tools will show the real track your GPS is producing. On sparse roads, clever algorithms can cover for poor GPS. Whilst commercial apps often do better, and Google nav might be a bit quick to put you on a side street, that's an algorithmic problem with the app. On dense roads or roads with forks, the GPS could be better. We also don't really know the refresh rate either, and that can cause issues.
I haven't really seen much proof the cause is because of your theory though. And I kind of wish you'd stop pretending as though all your guesses are fact.
Anyway, in summary, the GPS is ok for navigation, but isn't really fitness grade. Navigation apps allow a huge range of errors, and whilst I agree the offline apps seem to have better, in dense areas, many have encountered serious navigation issues, and at least in my case, it isn't accurate enough for jogging I feel.
Andrew. You still don't understand that sgs can have good gps.
Look at the picture i posted.
Its when i was moving and i do have almost a perfect lock and signal strength.
You still ignore this fact.
You also ignore that more and more people do report that mytrack and Google map don't work.
You also don't answer what op do ask.
You also write bad things about me time after time in every tread you can.
Try to understand all sgs phone is not the same.
Some are better some are worse.
Is true a use it for car navigation, but i could use it for other things to. The result would be the same.
My gps in the sgs do work very good.
If you understand how signal strength works then you should know that.
So stop telling lies about me.
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DamianGto said:
Andrew. You still don't understand that sgs can have good gps.
Look at the picture i posted.
Its when i was moving and i do have almost a perfect lock and signal strength.
You still ignore this fact.
You also ignore that more and more people do report that mytrack and Google map don't work.
You also don't answer what op do ask.
You also write bad things about me time after time in every tread you can.
Try to understand all sgs phone is not the same.
Some are better some are worse.
Is true a use it for car navigation, but i could use it for other things to. The result would be the same.
My gps in the sgs do work very good.
If you understand how signal strength works then you should know that.
So stop telling lies about me.
Sent from GT-I9000 jpo. My own kernel for z4mod and with 341MB Ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen your picture. Once again, it proves nothing (I can make a similar one). All you've proven is that you get good reception whilst standing still. Congrats. You haven't proven the location is accurate though, or proven anything else.
If it were just a case of "my tracks" and "google maps" (you mean nav), are dodgy, PROVE IT!
Damian's challenge
You are quick to tell everyone else they don't know what they are talking about. You CLAIM Mytracks and Google Maps is broken.
So now, to prove your point, grab a track recorder. It doesn't have to be mytracks, but it MUST be one which records tracks. Then, go for a half hour walk, at all times sticking to a footpath, or a consistant distance alongside the roads. Then post results. If the signal is waving around significantly, congratulations, your GPS isn't suitable for fitness like ours, but is still fine for driving. However, if the track remains relatively consistent, so we can identify what side of the road you are walking on, you've proven it's hardware.
You mean software at the end...
Anyway, I don't understand why people in this forum always link locking speed to gps accuracy. I am on jpm, I lock in less than 20 seconds all the time, but navigation with google maps/navigator is ****ty. Point is, if I look at gps data with gpd status app, I don't see any jumping of digital compass or latitude/longitude. This is puzzling. Is there a navigation program like navigon that I can try to test, for free or a reasonable price? I don't need another navigator, so I really don't care about spending 100 for navigon...
Cheers
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andrewluecke said:
I've seen your picture. Once again, it proves nothing (I can make a similar one). All you've proven is that you get good reception whilst standing still. Congrats. You haven't proven the location is accurate though, or proven anything else.
If it were just a case of "my tracks" and "google maps" (you mean nav), are dodgy, PROVE IT!
Damian's challenge
You are quick to tell everyone else they don't know what they are talking about. You CLAIM Mytracks and Google Maps is broken.
So now, to prove your point, grab a track recorder. It doesn't have to be mytracks, but it MUST be one which records tracks. Then, go for a half hour walk, at all times sticking to a footpath, or a consistant distance alongside the roads. Then post results. If the signal is waving around significantly, congratulations, your GPS isn't suitable for fitness like ours, but is still fine for driving. However, if the track remains relatively consistent, so we can identify what side of the road you are walking on, you've proven it's hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The picture actually tells that he is moving in a speed of 25 km/h
vigge_sWe said:
The picture actually tells that he is moving in a speed of 25 km/h
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my bad. But it doesn't really change much, because there is no way of knowing if the accuracy value being shown is correct in that picture unless it provides coordinates. In fact, there is no way of knowing if the SNR is valid at all. Hence why he needs to show tracks, based on raw data as the quality of those are mostly dependent on the quality of GPS.
andrewluecke said:
Sorry, my bad. But it doesn't really change much, because there is no way of knowing if the accuracy value being shown is correct in that picture unless it provides coordinates. In fact, there is no way of knowing if the SNR is valid at all. Hence why he needs to show tracks, based on raw data as the quality of those are mostly dependent on the quality of GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as I usually also get around 5 meter accuracy and around 15 satellites I could do some tests with some tracking software too, do you know any good alternative to my tracks?
My shall i prove more for you?
You never listen and understand when people tell you that they have a gps that work.
You seems not to understand that signal strength is a key value to a good gps. You always want people post my track or other bad program.
You don't understand how a good gps works.
A good gps program knows when they get a faulty data and ignore that. Mytrack don't and keep logging it like true data. That why you se wierd tracks.
Also a good gps program use other sensors to make the position more correct.
I don't have any problem at all to navigate were ever i want to travel.
I also use the gps almost every.day.
So stop telling me that the gps don't work.
Sent from GT-I9000 jpo. My own kernel for z4mod and with 341MB Ram
Seems like there is nothing wrong with the GPS when walking at least.
On my way to the food store:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...23463503511037.000494650ddc3df0ebc99&t=h&z=16
on my way back:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...64939,12.25894&spn=0.008962,0.019248&t=h&z=16
Both are pretty much accurate, just at some turns the turn has a bit too large radius.
Does this prove that the GPS works fine for walking?
I can't try it by car because I have none, but I tried with my bicycle, but there I have to agree that it isn't too accurate, yet it is still accurate so you could guess which road I am going on, but at turns it just goes off somewhere else.
Everyone... Thank You for your replies. Pwehaps my question was stupid or way off base but i diddnt mean for my topic to become an arguement. I just wanted to know why the google gps software doesnt seem to work.
I will try one item mentiined by andrew and turn off wireless network for gps use and see if that makes a difference.
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Gps is a hot issue for some people so they can't stand that someone else has a working sgs.
But if the gps is way of its broken. It so simple.
Wireless don't do much different. Its just an aid.
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DamianGto said:
You never listen and understand when people tell you that they have a gps that work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've said Maps is faulty and mytracks is.You keep coming up with detailed explanations of the algorithms, but I can't even imagine how you know them to be true, when you have clearly never recorded a raw track outside of mytracks before.So show us a raw track using something which isn't Mytracks, and then you can continue telling everyone else they are morons.
EVERYTIME I ask you to prove your claims you point to SNR values, present some amazing new research which you are unwilling to prove properly, and go into an endless cycle, get defensive, and ultimately, move onto the next thread whilst ever proving anything.
I simply ask you prove them once. You have NEVER done that.
DamianGto said:
Wireless don't do much different. Its just an aid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*facepalm*. EXCEPT, when a program is using multiple location services if GPS drops out and resorts to Wireless, then the location might in some areas, be WAY off. Turning it off may help in situations where GPS isn't available.
For instance, whilst on the bus the other day, in Google maps I found my position was WAY off, because GPS wasn't working (the bus's coatings must have blocked the signals). Turned out after turning off Using wireless networks I had no location, but no location was as useful as a location which was clearly off by kilometers.
Wireless networks are useful in some cases, but if you are after precision, and don't want the possibility of seriously wrong positions being used as a fall-back, yes, turning it off can help in some applications. Maybe not all of them (because some might properly use GPS only), but some definitely (especially since Android developers can't assume the unit will have GPS, and apps like Google maps can benefit from location guessing).
I have record alot of Mytrack but they are always faulty.
That's way i have figure out how it works.
If you think Bout what i did write you should understand that's its true and that's way people have a big problem to get a good track.
This is not a problem only on sgs. Many phone has this.
Why i talk about signal strength is that's a very good way to show how good the gps is working and get the data.
OfCourse you need to lock at the signal strength with when you are standing still and moving.
If you block the antenna you will get low signal strength and get bad readings.
You still ignore this facts.
I have showed that i do have a sgs with great gps that has very good signal strength.
You still don't prove anything your self.
Sent from GT-I9000 jpo. My own kernel for z4mod and with 341MB Ram
Hey! I'm new to SGS captivate and to the whole gps thing and do have a question about the basic concepts (how does it work, how does it track you, etc etc) of gps on SGS. Is there some kind of manual or faq I can refer to? Google'ing doesn't work for me in this case and xda search gives no clear results.
Try Wikipedia
Wikipedia and Garmin and other sites have a lot of detail. Your question is so broad I am not sure I can answer it.
Basically, the phone has a special chip inside that is dedicated to deciphering the radio signals broadcast by an array (it's called a "constellation") of satellites. By locking onto several of these signals it can make available a stream of data to installed applications on the phone to interpret. The data can represent your position in space (x, y, and z) as well as time. Your location can now be displayed on a map (Google Maps is a fine example), as well as your speed (usually restricted to on the ground).
Important things:
Hardware: The GPS chip, the antenna
Software: The Samsung driver that interfaces the chip to the Android environment, the special applications that interpret and display this data in a useful fashion.
Performance: How accurate is your location? How quickly does the GPS acquire a "lock"? How well does the software/GPS track your changing location?
It appears that there is a wide variation in performance and expectations among the owners of these Samsung Galaxy S phones. My personal expectations have been based on several prior phones, and I find the Captivate performance to vary widely and randomly, depending on software builds/settings and the physical environment.
I have used this same phone with a cheap external Bluetooth GPS and found the performance dramatically better. I am not sure if the phone native GPS performance will ever live up to my expectations.
mmarquis said:
Wikipedia and Garmin and other sites have a lot of detail. Your question is so broad I am not sure I can answer it.
Basically, the phone has a special chip inside that is dedicated to deciphering the radio signals broadcast by an array (it's called a "constellation") of satellites. By locking onto several of these signals it can make available a stream of data to installed applications on the phone to interpret. The data can represent your position in space (x, y, and z) as well as time. Your location can now be displayed on a map (Google Maps is a fine example), as well as your speed (usually restricted to on the ground).
Important things:
Hardware: The GPS chip, the antenna
Software: The Samsung driver that interfaces the chip to the Android environment, the special applications that interpret and display this data in a useful fashion.
Performance: How accurate is your location? How quickly does the GPS acquire a "lock"? How well does the software/GPS track your changing location?
It appears that there is a wide variation in performance and expectations among the owners of these Samsung Galaxy S phones. My personal expectations have been based on several prior phones, and I find the Captivate performance to vary widely and randomly, depending on software builds/settings and the physical environment.
I have used this same phone with a cheap external Bluetooth GPS and found the performance dramatically better. I am not sure if the phone native GPS performance will ever live up to my expectations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the detailed info. Well, wiki does have some common overall thoughts about the gps system but I was more interested in SGS realization of it. I guess your post made it a little more clear for me, thanks!
My wife and I are big into Geocaching now. Can anyone tell me what rom/kernel has been the most accurate them? It doesn't matter to me what version of android I use. I am finding that NFX 2.1 gets me to the relative position but acts a little crazy at times. As far as CM6, I am finding it to be even less accurate. I'd like to avoid buying a handheld gps if I can.
I have also tried downloading the GPS Status & Toolbox from the market and reset and downloaded GPS assist data. While this works sometimes, I find that it often freezes the GPS temporarily.
Any thoughts guys? Thanks in advance.
P.S. I have already searched the forum for answers and have not found anything specific to what I am looking for.
Any stable rom/kernel combination will be as accurate as any other, in any given situation. The algorithm used to determine GPS positioning is imbedded in the radio software, and is independent of the rom or kernel.
I've been using Google MyTracks for a long time, on many different roms, to record my mountain bike rides deep in the woods. I've not seen any accuracy differences between any of the roms/kernels I've used. I've observed that accuracy is highly dependent on the quality of signal I'm getting from the satellites ... deep in the woods, my position might be off 20 feet or more, but out in the open prairie I'll be accurate to 3 feet or less.
bernard_photography said:
My wife and I are big into Geocaching now. Can anyone tell me what rom/kernel has been the most accurate them? It doesn't matter to me what version of android I use. I am finding that NFX 2.1 gets me to the relative position but acts a little crazy at times. As far as CM6, I am finding it to be even less accurate. I'd like to avoid buying a handheld gps if I can.
I have also tried downloading the GPS Status & Toolbox from the market and reset and downloaded GPS assist data. While this works sometimes, I find that it often freezes the GPS temporarily.
Any thoughts guys? Thanks in advance.
P.S. I have already searched the forum for answers and have not found anything specific to what I am looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The accuracy of the GPS is actually very dependent on hardware. Where you get assistance in accuracy is using the cell tower positions to help your location results in combination with the GPS receiver itself. That has a lot more to do with a radio than a kernel. I would try to make sure your using the most recent radio, if it doesnt work better, then flash an older one. There are several geocaching apps on the market that help you with your GPS coordinates. There is no perfect science to geocaching, and your phone GPS will never be as accurate as a dedicated mobile GPS unit. That being said, I use my phone for it, and the extra time it takes to find the cache is part of the enjoyment of doing it in the first place!! Good luck!
My Streak 7 wifi, stock ROM- gps unable to lock. Other than that, device is great. Wifi connected. In settings, Wireless networks and GPS satellites in use. GPS Status & Toolbox app downloaded aGPS data but not helping, GpsFix app not helping to lock also. Any other suggestions? thanks in advance.
dang1970 said:
My Streak 7 wifi, stock ROM- gps unable to lock. Other than that, device is great. Wifi connected. In settings, Wireless networks and GPS satellites in use. GPS Status & Toolbox app downloaded aGPS data but not helping, GpsFix app not helping to lock also. Any other suggestions? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be too mundane, but have you tried a simple reboot, or going outside where you'd be more likely to get a GPS fix? My T-Mobile S7 has had trouble getting a GPS fix several times, but other times it locks right in.
How long have you left in in clear line of sight of the sky to get a lock? I use mine as my primary in-car multimedia center/GPS and at first, to save battery, would turn it completely off when not in use. I found that when I'd get in my car to go home from work it could take up to 10 minutes to get a lock. Then I started just letting it sleep, have had no battery issues and GPS lock is nearly instant.
Long story short: Give it a good while to lock after a full shut down.And maybe you have, I just thought I'd share my experience.
Jeff
I have absolutely the same issue. After turning it off completely, the GPS does not lock for ages in any sky conditions, etc. Moreover, I put another two Android devices (Galaxy S and Optimus One) also after complete shut off juyst nearby and they are getting locked almest immediately. No doubts, there is a bug in the S7 GPS. But what is it ? Is it a hardware problem ? Can it be fixed ? Keeping it in a sleep mode for a long time is not a good solution for me, though it works indeed.
Does anybody know how to fix it ? At the moment I am using an external GPS. It works perfect, but it is also not that elegant solution.
Same thing here too. I downloaded "GPS test", and found that it will lock on pretty quick, then fire up GPS, and all is well.
margol1 said:
I have absolutely the same issue. After turning it off completely, the GPS does not lock for ages in any sky conditions, etc. Moreover, I put another two Android devices (Galaxy S and Optimus One) also after complete shut off juyst nearby and they are getting locked almest immediately. No doubts, there is a bug in the S7 GPS. But what is it ? Is it a hardware problem ? Can it be fixed ? Keeping it in a sleep mode for a long time is not a good solution for me, though it works indeed.
Does anybody know how to fix it ? At the moment I am using an external GPS. It works perfect, but it is also not that elegant solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS on android devices need the assistance of the cell tower or ISP location to get a quick lock. When you first boot up the ds7 and turn on GPS, make sure you are connected to wifi in order to get a quick lock. If you search this forum you will see a thread that give a fix for this, but I think its too much of a hassle. Just be on wifi for your first lock will do the trick. This is not bug on the ds7, its android.
otnos said:
GPS on android devices need the assistance of the cell tower or ISP location to get a quick lock. When you first boot up the ds7 and turn on GPS, make sure you are connected to wifi in order to get a quick lock. If you search this forum you will see a thread that give a fix for this, but I think its too much of a hassle. Just be on wifi for your first lock will do the trick. This is not bug on the ds7, its android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? More misinformation on this subject? No, Android devices do not need aGPS, in this case you're confusing aGPS (ie: download of ephemeris data) with Network location, which are quite different.
And it really doesn't matter if it's the first or the Nth time, if the DS7 is always offline for some reason, it would likely make that first fix take 5+ minutes but subsequent fixes (for 7 or so days) would be fine. However, as soon as he goes online, it's going to download the ephemeris data.
My guess is that his GPS conf is set to the wrong part of the world, so the ephemeris data is basically invalid. FasterFix in the market can help correct this mistake if you're rooted, or you can replace it manually.
khaytsus said:
Really? More misinformation on this subject? No, Android devices do not need aGPS, in this case you're confusing aGPS (ie: download of ephemeris data) with Network location, which are quite different.
And it really doesn't matter if it's the first or the Nth time, if the DS7 is always offline for some reason, it would likely make that first fix take 5+ minutes but subsequent fixes (for 7 or so days) would be fine. However, as soon as he goes online, it's going to download the ephemeris data.
My guess is that his GPS conf is set to the wrong part of the world, so the ephemeris data is basically invalid. FasterFix in the market can help correct this mistake if you're rooted, or you can replace it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ with you. When I was on stock froyo, I had the same GPS lock problem on one of my trip. So I pulled into a McDonald and connected to their free wifi and got an instant lock. This morning I tested it again. I have been running honeycomb sine Oct 5th and have never turn on the GPS. I connected to my wifi, turned on GPS, and opened Google map and got an instant lock. I didn't have to wait 5+ min..
otnos said:
I beg to differ with you. When I was on stock froyo, I had the same GPS lock problem on one of my trip. So I pulled into a McDonald and connected to their free wifi and got an instant lock. This morning I tested it again. I have been running honeycomb sine Oct 5th and have never turn on the GPS. I connected to my wifi, turned on GPS, and opened Google map and got an instant lock. I didn't have to wait 5+ min..
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And none of that has anything to do with what I said.......
This is a little FAQ I wrote up on how to fix this problem. Just a matter of replacing the file that runs the GPS, based off the area you live in.
http://tabletroms.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=DellStreakFAQ:GPS-FIX
giveen said:
This is a little FAQ I wrote up on how to fix this problem. Just a matter of replacing the file that runs the GPS, based off the area you live in.
http://tabletroms.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=DellStreakFAQ:GPS-FIX
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Good list, although not sure why you're specifying dozens of NTP servers vs the pool server, but I assume t-mobile lets anyone connect to its server to download the ephemeris data? Otherwise, probably better to use supl.google.com
Here's mine, for North America, with other regions commented out for NTP. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/334233/gps.conf
It'd be interesting to know if all of the other dozen or so configuration options are actually used, I've heard they aren't, just part of a spec.
I bought my DS7 in the US and I live in Israel. The above explanations perfectly fit my case. Unfortunately, the given link does not include my region (Israel or Middle East, etc). Can somebody help me ? My DS7 runs a stock HC 3.2. The device is unrooted, but I will root it just for solving the GPS problem. BTW, why my Galaxy S bought in Europe does not have such problem ? Is this gps.conf specific in tablets only or in the US devices ?
Another thoughts. Now it seems to me extremely unreasonable to run specific GPS files in different regions. GPS, by definition is supposed to be used in different regions. Should I replace the GPS file in my every trip? Sounds more than unreasonable. I used a Windows CE based PDA with GPS all around the globe without that issue. It does took me a while to fix satellites in a new region for the first time. But then it was getting fixed fast even after complete shut off.
I can't beleive Android is that imperfect. If this option would be included in the menu (e.g. in Regional settings), I would like it. But performing such complicated actions in each trip ???
margol1 said:
Another thoughts. Now it seems to me extremely unreasonable to run specific GPS files in different regions. GPS, by definition is supposed to be used in different regions. Should I replace the GPS file in my every trip? Sounds more than unreasonable. I used a Windows CE based PDA with GPS all around the globe without that issue. It does took me a while to fix satellites in a new region for the first time. But then it was getting fixed fast even after complete shut off.
I can't beleive Android is that imperfect. If this option would be included in the menu (e.g. in Regional settings), I would like it. But performing such complicated actions in each trip ???
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Stop your trolling, ephemeris data, ie: what's set up in gps.conf, is to speed up cold starts. it does nothing else, it's not Android specific, in fact all it's doing is downloaded a set of the data that your GPS would otherwise have to slowly acquire from the satellites, which takes 2-10 minutes, depending on conditions and how many sats are seen.
All GPS units do this, but GPS units that have a network available will potentially download ephemeris data to speed up satellite acquisition. Otherwise they just download it. Only time you'll really notice it going slow is if it's been more than 4-5 days (I believe 7 is the official data expiration, but the older it is, the less accurate it is) or you've changed areas since you last turned on the GPS.
Keep in mind that phone-based GPS's suck. They're inaccurate, they're not sensitive, their antennas are not optimal. This is true for nearly all PDA's or Phones, Tablets, etc.. Some may be better than others. They're optimized for space, price, and somewhat for battery life. Not accuracy, precision, or cold starts (beyond A-GPS data downloads, which is an OS function that makes the data available to the GPS)
This means my unit is faulty (apparently it is a common problem for DS7). Otherwise I would have similar cold starts for all three devices I have tested (DS7, Galaxy S and Optimus One). On the other hand, in the light of your explanataion, my tests are, probably, wrong. DS7 is WiFi only, while another two are GSM (no data plans though). In other forums, I read that changing gps.conf file in WiFi only devices dramatically improves cold starts. Apparently they all have been connected to WiFi while starting. I have prepared the appropriate file for my region, but don't know how to root my DS7 with stock HC 3.2. The thread I found here is not sufficiently detail for noobs like me. So, in the mean time I will continue using the external GPS. It is indeed much better than the internal one besides the cold start problem (though much less convinient). If you know a link to the step-by-step instructions for rooting DS7 running stock HC 3.2, I will greatly appreciate it.
margol1 said:
The thread I found here is not sufficiently detail for noobs like me. So, in the mean time I will continue using the external GPS. It is indeed much better than the internal one besides the cold start problem (though much less convinient). If you know a link to the step-by-step instructions for rooting DS7 running stock HC 3.2, I will greatly appreciate it.
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Always possible there's a problem with the GPS, maybe the antenna is defective or connected badly. Hope you figure it out.
I have two bluetooth GPS, one Holux 236 I've had about 6 years, another Columbus V900 I was going to replace the Holux with, as it's newer, should have better sensitivity, and has built-in track logging. Except that its accuracy is off, it's precise.... precisely wrong. It's always about 9 meters off. And my primarily use for it is Geocaching, and my Holux 236 is always dead on.. So my new BT GPS is basically used as a track logger. Ah well All that said, I primarily use the BT GPS with my phone while geocaching or hiking or such, but I have used it on the tablet a few times, but most often I just use the built-in GPS on my DS7 because I don't need high precision with it the way I use it.
khaytsus said:
Stop your trolling, ephemeris data, ie: what's set up in gps.conf, is to speed up cold starts. it does nothing else, it's not Android specific, in fact all it's doing is downloaded a set of the data that your GPS would otherwise have to slowly acquire from the satellites, which takes 2-10 minutes, depending on conditions and how many sats are seen.
All GPS units do this, but GPS units that have a network available will potentially download ephemeris data to speed up satellite acquisition. Otherwise they just download it. Only time you'll really notice it going slow is if it's been more than 4-5 days (I believe 7 is the official data expiration, but the older it is, the less accurate it is) or you've changed areas since you last turned on the GPS.
Keep in mind that phone-based GPS's suck. They're inaccurate, they're not sensitive, their antennas are not optimal. This is true for nearly all PDA's or Phones, Tablets, etc.. Some may be better than others. They're optimized for space, price, and somewhat for battery life. Not accuracy, precision, or cold starts (beyond A-GPS data downloads, which is an OS function that makes the data available to the GPS)
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Thank you, khaytsus.
All this fix does is speed up the initial contact to the GPS satellites for your region. You don't have to use this, you can wait till the GPS in the DS7 makes contact if you want.
khaytsus said:
Always possible there's a problem with the GPS, maybe the antenna is defective or connected badly. Hope you figure it out.
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The most strange is that the GPS is fine after getting fixed . At least, no difference with Galaxy S, i.e. roughly the same number of satellites, SNR, accuracy. So, the only problem is unreasonably long cold start. I am not sure how it could be caused by a defective antenna. Anyway, in the mean time I decided to use an external GPS. I have three units, two BT and one mouse, which I used to use with my nettop in the pre-tablet era. Yesterday I connected my Hollux 236 to 12 V using a concealed cable and switch. So, now the procedure is reasonably simple: switch on 236, a few clicks on BluetoothGPS and, when the connection is established, I am clicking iGO8. It works like a charm, besides several additional actions I have to perform. When I will sicceed to root my DS7, I will try to play with the gps.conf file anyway.
P.S. I got an idea to connect my mouse GPS using the DS7 docking unit. I have a simple one with two microUSB I/O. Not sure it will work, but, if yes, it can simplify everything dramatically. I will try it on the weekend and let you know about the results.
Thanks.
OK, after two weeks of testing I still don't have a reasonable solution:
1. The USB mouse GPS connected the cradle does not work at all.
2. My greatest disapointment is with the external GPS. It works perfect... when it works. I am using the Bluetooth GPS application to get connected. After several successful connections, without any visible reason, the GPS is not getting connected to DS7, although the application shows many satellites with large SNR (>30-35). However accuracy = 0 and no GPS signal message in iGO8. This happens only from time to time and as I have already mentioned without any visible reason.
Will try another applications and GPS devices.
Note: it may look like it's my first post, but i actually believe to have already posted on the forum in the past (i'm not sure). I think my account got deleted. Bah, i don't know. Maybe i only wanted to post, but never did.
Also, i'm not a native english speaker, so even if i'm fluent, i may not understand some specific expressions.
And, i noticed that for the second time i posted in the wrong section. i'm stupid today... sorry! ^^" I just noticed that there is a warning to not post in the development thread, but in the general thread. But the general thread is not called "General" but "questions and anwsers" instead?!
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hi all! sorry if i somehow missed something, but i'd like to ask you experts some questions about modding this phone (SM-N960F). In the next days i'd like to buy this phone refurbished: since i don't like the more modern ones (the display shape is really odd, with holes and rounded corners), i went for an ex-flagship to have high quality of everything and still getting sufficient performances for an everyday use.
I've aleady looked around the section a bit, but i have a few questions. Remember, i am willing to read any long post explaining things, and can follow well laid-out instructions, but if they doesn't exist then i become fearful and insecure.
questions:
1)
How to unlock the bootloader?
1.1)
And on this product code (SM-N960F), can it be modded on every stock firmware version?
2)
How (if possible) to re-lock, or, at least, return to stock firmware after the bootloader has been unlocked?
3)
what should i expect to not work? Unfortunately, the single ROMs' pages don't convey many informations. Not only about hardware compatibility, but barely any informations at all.
First, let's assess what this smatphone has and what i don't care about. Is anything left out from the following list?
GSMarena says:
S pen
2 cameras with OIS
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetoot 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Slow motion -> i don't care
Iris scanner, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass,
barometer -> i don't care
heart rate -> i don't care
SpO2 -> i don't care
Samsung DeX -> i don't care
ANT+ -> i dont' even know what the hell it is
Samsung Pay -> i don't care
Always on display: i imagine it can easily be reproduced on AOSP with some software running with sufficient privileges.
4)
If there are some specific things to keep in mind when unlocking or flashing. For example, my previous android phones were Sonys (except one easy-to-mod-samsung), so there was a thing called "TA partition", that contains DRM keys or something, and would be wiped upon unlocking the bootloader. If you didn't backup it (through exploits), you would miss some proprietary features. I remember in the old days of smatphone (aka: gingerbread) that samsung too was having some peculiar things to be wary about; i don't remember exactly what it was but it could have worse effects than simply disabling custom DSP features as in Sony, it could even render the phone unable to connect to the network! Where can i find a thread that explains everything that one should pay attention to when modding "modern samsung smartphones"?
Basically, i'd just like a "laundry list" (is this the correct term in english?) of the most useful guides for modding this phone, please. That's because the pinned threads do not answer these important questions, otherwise i could have easily avoided posting this entire topic. The important threads are unfortunately all scattered around.
thanks and greetings!