Database Develop

[FIX] Updated: GPS Tracking Issues (Optional FIX) For Stock Phones

Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well, due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
***This fix may not work if you live outside of USA.***
##You can play with the settings if you want to. If you FUBAR your GPS a simple factory reset will return your setting to default. You can do this without going into recovery buy going to Settings / Privacy / Factory data reset.##
Edit:
***************************************************************
Tested Procedure:
1 - Disable "Use Wireless Networks" - Settings / Location & Security
2 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
3 - Under "Application settings" Change "Operation Mode" to MS Based
4 - Under "SUPL/CP Settings" Change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 [ Do not use www. in front of supl]
5 - REBOOT
6 - Turn back on the "User Wireless Networks"
********************************************************************
Original settings:
Operation Mode: Standalone
Server: www.spirent-lcs.com
Port: 7275
*****************************
Optional New Fix:
1 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
2 - Go outside to get an unimpeded GPS fix.
3 - Choose Delete GPS Data button.
4 - Choose Get Position Test button. Let it run for 3 min or until you have 10 to 12 Sat locks and back out.
Thanks goes to Onlyloki for this method.
You may want to do this in conjunction with the first procedure and then do the optional if the first procedure did not work for you. I did both and my GPS is locking even faster. Let me know what you think...
Just some more info I dug up:
Quote from http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp
"In MS-Based mode, the network provides the satellite information to the device, based on a rough estimate of where the device is located, and the device acquires the GPS signals from the satellites and calculates its location. After the initial fix, the device operates like an autonomous GPS receiver, until the satellite information must be refreshed, at which time the device goes back to the network to update the satellite information. MS-Based mode is appropriate for applications that require the device location to be updated rapidly, such as a navigation application. Can the GPS work in autonomous mode? No, the GPS receiver requires the assistance of the network elements to acquire its initial location fix."
With the rapid updating we could see an increased drain on the battery. I have not confirmed that yet. If anyone can let us know.
Edit #2:
I was informed by a sales rep at T-Mobile that Samsung is aware of the issue and is going to fix the GPS and the compass issue in their first update.
Rooted USERS:
Go Here and flash this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=748821

TGA_Gunnman said:
Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does everyone have the gps problem or just some cause to me it doesnt seem like i have it just wondering

Mine were working ok, but compass was all over the place. After fix it was alot faster locking in and compass was fine. Noticed it using skymap, layer, etc...

fix worked great for me. All I need it to be semi close and this makes the lock within seconds. Before I couldnt even get a lock.. Awesome XDA

TGA_Gunnman said:
Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gps takes awhile to lock. But before i try this.
What is the orig settings? Can someone post?
I dont want to do this and then if it doesnt work i cant revert

Don't you lose out on better accuracy by disabling wireless networks?

hah2110 said:
Don't you lose out on better accuracy by disabling wireless networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You turn it back on, on step 6.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

skater4690 said:
does everyone have the gps problem or just some cause to me it doesnt seem like i have it just wondering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't either, i used navigation all yesterday and lock was fast... just lucky???

hah2110 said:
Don't you lose out on better accuracy by disabling wireless networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW my bad!

diaa08 said:
i don't either, i used navigation all yesterday and lock was fast... just lucky???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are your settings set to?
Also check out a compass app and skymap are they throwing you all over?
I'm curious.

This is a shining example of what makes it great to be an Android phone owner, the outstanding community support that XDA has is second to none in my opinion, even to carrier/vendor support. My Vibrant should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday (can't wait). I used to have Sapphire, then switched to the HD2 because I'm bound to T-Mobile and Windows Mobile was more horrible than I could have imagined. I can't wait to see CM6 with Froyo on the Vibrant...makes my mouth water thinking about it. Thanks again for the great work.

TGA_Gunnman said:
What are your settings set to?
Also check out a compass app and skymap are they throwing you all over?
I'm curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
compass and skymap ARE acting strange... guess the nav was working because i happened to get a quick gps fix? i'll choose to believe that over the possibility i could have jinxed myself by saying i had no problems...
i have noticed that the battery drain is much higher (like abnormaly so) if you have the gps toggled on through tw and have something like beautiful widgets on...

would something like the QuickGPS app on HD2 solve some of these problems? anyone familiar with that app and what it does?

I did this *fix* and it killed my GPS.
so, I have reverted back to normal.

I noticed I'm getting a much better GPS lock in maps. The problem with skymap appears to be unrelated to GPS and appears to be something with the compass. On my G1, it tracked as I turned it with fairly precise accuracy. With the vibrant, it has a 5-6 second delay on tracking movement on the horizontal (up and down tracking in near perfect). However, the compass app seems to function just fine in that regard, oddly enough.

kusotare said:
I noticed I'm getting a much better GPS lock in maps. The problem with skymap appears to be unrelated to GPS and appears to be something with the compass. On my G1, it tracked as I turned it with fairly precise accuracy. With the vibrant, it has a 5-6 second delay on tracking movement on the horizontal (up and down tracking in near perfect). However, the compass app seems to function just fine in that regard, oddly enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. The compass was not affected by this fix, it is still acting like garbage.
The GPS does lock faster now, but before this it was working reasonably.

unxconformed said:
Same here. The compass was not affected by this fix, it is still acting like garbage.
The GPS does lock faster now, but before this it was working reasonably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will remove compass fix from my title. I saw an improvement but can not prove this fix will correct the compass issue.

Thought I'd chime in here.
With the default settings my GPS and compass seemed to be working fine, but I thought I'd check these new settings out. I have since reverted back to the original settings b/c the change actually made my GPS less accurate and my compass seemed to get a little funky.
GPS: Original settings is showing my exact location; down to the actual room in the house. New settings I wasn't even on the correct street!
Compass: Original settings in Skymap the compass is steady. Once it finds it self it sits there. New settings the map was rotating without me moving.
Figured this would be helpful to those out there who's GPS/compass seems to be working fine with the stock settings!

BradBot said:
Thought I'd chime in here.
With the default settings my GPS and compass seemed to be working fine, but I thought I'd check these new settings out. I have since reverted back to the original settings b/c the change actually made my GPS less accurate and my compass seemed to get a little funky.
GPS: Original settings is showing my exact location; down to the actual room in the house. New settings I wasn't even on the correct street!
Compass: Original settings in Skymap the compass is steady. Once it finds it self it sits there. New settings the map was rotating without me moving.
Figured this would be helpful to those out there who's GPS/compass seems to be working fine with the stock settings!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity what are your original settings set to?

The same listed by the OP. I checked them before I made any changes.
Operation Mode: Standalone
Server: www.spirent-lcs.com
Port: 7275

[Q] Problem with GPS - never locks

Anyone else having problems using the GPS on this device? I've tried several different GPS apps and none are working. The problem is that is finds 2-3 satellites, but never gets locked.

NeoID said:
Anyone else having problems using the GPS on this device? I've tried several different GPS apps and none are working. The problem is that is finds 2-3 satellites, but never gets locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - Download "GPS Status & Toolbox" (EclipSim) from market
2 - Enable Location from Settings in order to use A-GPS data.
3 - Enable Use GPS from Settings
4 - Run "GPS Status & Toolbox" and then go to "GPS Status & Toolbox" menu where you can clear A-GPS and then download newest A-GPS data.
If you can't get a fix after this, you might have faulty SW or HW

You could also try "GpsFix" from the Market.
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App

Thanks I'll give them a try.
I've now also tried to pair this phone with my holux m 1000 (bluetooth), but can't even get that to work. I managed to pair them, but it won't connect to the phone.
Is it just mine or is this phone so useless?

i am having the same problem too

Hi,
I'm using Sygic Mobile Maps 10 8.2 and Google Maps (unlocked with navigation). Both work fine with GPS and fix is within 5 sec.
Yet to try my stereo Bluetooth headset, will try in a sec ...
Edit: Headset at work, will try tomorrow...

This phone is very good for gps navigation.
Google Maps Navigation, Sygic Mobile Maps 10, Copilot Live, Navigon and Igomyway are working fine. They give me a lock within a few seconds.
A few tips:
Under Settings - Location and Security:
- enable using wireless networks
- enable GPS-satellites
If you're using WiFi the fix will be faster then without.
Oh yes, and one more thing: don't forget to insert your SIM-card.

For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem

akira de aimbuster said:
For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol its a gps you use it outdoor not indoor. is not designed to work indoor. so i can't see you problem?

Fixed it!
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.

MrTwig666 said:
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you lose al your data this way?

akira de aimbuster said:
For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is for outside...

Yes you do lose everything.

Thanks MrTwig666, now I am able to detect 5 satellite and locked 4 inside my room (besides my window), before this it just able to detect 2 and locked none.
smokeweedevery said:
lol its a gps you use it outdoor not indoor. is not designed to work indoor. so i can't see you problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is even inside car the signal is too weak, which is contrasty comparing to other people's optimus 2x

NeoID said:
Thanks I'll give them a try.
I've now also tried to pair this phone with my holux m 1000 (bluetooth), but can't even get that to work. I managed to pair them, but it won't connect to the phone.
Is it just mine or is this phone so useless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried my Jabra BT3030 Bluetooth headset today, no problems here ..... except my battery did not last a full working day ....

MrTwig666 said:
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried this... but.. nothing happened... why? ... btw i'm using a LG o2x which comes with vodafone software-branding... would that matter in this case?
thx for helping

LG made a booboo.
There is no gps.conf in /system/etc, so there is no assistance. I pushed the file from a Nexus One (attached) into place and that sorts it.

gieke said:
This phone is very good for gps navigation.
Google Maps Navigation, Sygic Mobile Maps 10, Copilot Live, Navigon and Igomyway are working fine. They give me a lock within a few seconds.
A few tips:
Under Settings - Location and Security:
- enable using wireless networks
- enable GPS-satellites
If you're using WiFi the fix will be faster then without.
Oh yes, and one more thing: don't forget to insert your SIM-card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah! many thx.. thought my GPS hardware was faulty..

Rusty! said:
LG made a booboo.
There is no gps.conf in /system/etc, so there is no assistance. I pushed the file from a Nexus One (attached) into place and that sorts it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
erm.. sorry... a newbie here... what do u precisely do with this file?
thx

I tried to use gps.conf and supl method but no luck, the issue weren't there. My gps was a jerk, last week i spent 30minutes to fix the satellite while driving in town. Even standing under the sky, the fastest I am able to fix is 200seconds, not to mention there are many times they wont even fix.
But my problem was stopped once i changed from stock to other rom. so I guess there is something else wrong in the stock rom, as the other roms are able to perform well even without gps.conf. (around 20-30 sec fix time).
So I guess only when your gps is able to lock satellite, gps.conf will help to speed it up. At least that's what happen to me

[Q] How can I test GPS functionality?

This might seem like a really stupid question to some. When I was on my last trip I thought it would be nice to try out the GPS function while on the road or even on the plane. I would have loved to follow my movements on the Xoom!
So I downloaded some apps that looked promising (GPS Status, GPS Test, and Maverick). I thought I would get at least the coordinates and maybe an altitude and speed reading. But all three applications failed to acquire sufficient GPS satellites to determine my position. After the plane ride I decided it might have been that the GPS receiver is turned off during airplane mode. So I enabled all radios, made sure all location settings are correct, and tried it again. Still nothing. I see a few satellites in range but they are not sufficient for some reason.
I then tested the Google map app. I tried different settings (use wireless network etc.) and it seems that the GPS location is never really showing correctly.
Am I doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated!

All of those programs you mentioned should have done the trick. Keep in mind that you were in a big metal tube and GPS signals are pretty weak. You would need to get the Xoom close to a window and even then it may not work very well due to poor coverage. I am in a building with a metal roof and no luck getting a GPS lock, but as soon as I step outside it works fine.

HuckFinn said:
I am in a building with a metal roof and no luck getting a GPS lock, but as soon as I step outside it works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I gave it a good chance but you are right; I should be fair and have the Xoom enjoy the nice weather outside with me once I get off work.

getting a GPS signal while flying in the air at 600mph+ is kinda hard... I've tried without success except for 1 occasion (and finally got my Garmin app on my old Nokia to register a max speed of 569mph haha)

funnycreature said:
...it might have been that the GPS receiver is turned off during airplane mode. So I enabled all radios, made sure all location settings are correct, and tried it again. Still nothing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similar, but not the same issue, but the work around might be helpful.
I have found that if I turn off the GPS radio, and then turn it back on, it really does not turn back on. The work around is to turn on your GPS in the settings and then turn your Xoom off (long press the power button only), and then turn it back on. Now try your GPS and see if it works.

I opened the Maps app and it put me in the exact part of my house in 5 seconds. Literally.
Sent from my Xoom

Being outside did the trick. I guess I overestimated the power of GPS satellites indoors. I am thankful for all the suggestions!
[sent with Xooming Android technology]

the xoom must have a super-GPS chip because it catches the signal and puts you instantly in the right spot on earth a lot faster than the nexus one on 3g/gps ... awesome.

MitchRapp said:
the xoom must have a super-GPS chip because it catches the signal and puts you instantly in the right spot on earth a lot faster than the nexus one on 3g/gps ... awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that's because of the aGPS which takes advantage of the WiFi and wireless signals for positioning? I don't have 3G activated but the WiFi surely helps and is pretty accurate.

just tried it with the WIFI off on my xoom and booya... quick lock and exactly in the right spot in the building I'm in
this thing is awesome.

MitchRapp said:
getting a GPS signal while flying in the air at 600mph+ is kinda hard... I've tried without success except for 1 occasion (and finally got my Garmin app on my old Nokia to register a max speed of 569mph haha)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's possible if fortune (and satellites) on your side But you will need to stick your phone to the window for a few minutes, also helps if get location just before boarding to a plane.
MitchRapp said:
the xoom must have a super-GPS chip because it catches the signal and puts you instantly in the right spot on earth a lot faster than the nexus one on 3g/gps ... awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tablets probably have a bigger GPS antennas, Asus Transformer and even NI Adam have a great signal reception.

[Q] No GPS Fix

Hi All,
I got problems getting gps fixes in Germany (Aachen)
In fact, i wont get any gps fix at all, i tried the app "gps status" but nothing happens.
i tried changing the pool servers in gps.conf to de.pool and europe.pool servers,
set near countries (be, nl, lu, fr) as secondary servers and nearly every gps fix thread i found in the last 2 weeks but still nothing works
second mysterius thing is that in my hometown (Duisburg, germany too) there is no problem with my gps connection and i got a fix in like 30seconds.
i dont know if that problem occurs because Aachen is really near to 2 countrie's frontiers but i really ran out of ideas what to try :/
no matter how hard i try to find something myself or edit the gps.conf my gps status keeps like this all the time (attachment)
please help me :/ (and excuse my bad english *blush*)

1. Try "GPS test" from the market. This app will show you the satelites and their position. If after about 20 min. outdoor nothing is showed you have a hardware or rom-problem.
2. If a sat. is shown mybe you have wrong configuered firewall. I don´t remember the process which get the gps-position by the servers.
3. I had never problems with any server, all works fine for me, but with the app "fasterfix" you can change them and give an european a try.
Hope can help you.

1. When im in a good position GPS test and GPS status occasionally see a satellite or two, but they disappear as fast as they appear :/
2. i dont use a firewall at all, i think.. is there a android standard firewall or something?^^
3. i tried fasterfix and some gps.conf tricks from xda, too
also i tried adding or changing different pool.ntp.org servers in my gps.conf
but nothing helps :/
the real funny thing is, that saturday and sunday i was in Duisburg and used GPS for Running and Cycling (Endomondo 30km~) and had nothing near a problem, no edge or something that could indicate gps problems, satfix in under 1 minute and stuff.
Now, back in Aachen, most gps using apps tell me there is even no gps available :/
the hardware and rom didnt changed at all, i really dont know why this mean little thing wont work
thanks for your reply btw!

You should get a gps-fix with gps-test outdoor within 20-30min without an internet-access. Be patient, due a totally new allocation via gps without server-support can take a lot of time (sat-search, time-fixing …). Sats appear and disapper, this is normal during a totally new allocation. After this you can discard a hardware/ROM – problem.
If this work, you can search for the server-access issue to get a faster gps-fix.
P.S.: Android normally haven’t a firewall in stockROM and your attachment in your first post can’t be shown.

The attachment was just a screenshot of GPS status showing no satellites, but trying.^^
so i will try to go out and let that little mean phone search the sky for satellites now^^

humpf... no effect at all...

Then I recommend to go back to stock-ROM (without root of course) an contact the LG support and send it back (don’t forget nandroid backup!). Maybe try it a last time with stock-ROM 30 min outdoor before (to get sure).
It seem to be a hardware defect. The phone don’t get enough signal strength (maybe antenna contact).
Good luck!

May be you can try ny method because i'm using it and it works onder for me..
Here is the link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22479338#post22479338

Anyone got problem with GPS for a tencent version with global rom?

My rog phone 2 tencent version with a global rom and fingerprint. Apparently the GPS is not working at all. Google maps and other apps not detecting any location at all.
Anyone got the same problem or solution?
thanks in advance

Works fine for me, not sure what would cause that. Do you have "Use location" on in privacy settings?

SchindlerShadow said:
Works fine for me, not sure what would cause that. Do you have "Use location" on in privacy settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Checked all options about gps. Actually after waiting so long, the gps worked but really slow to lock the location.

b0b0ch1 said:
Yep. Checked all options about gps. Actually after waiting so long, the gps worked but really slow to lock the location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems here and it locks on quickly - even indoors. Around 50 satellites in view and 20 in use according to GPS Test.

HomerSp said:
No problems here and it locks on quickly - even indoors. Around 50 satellites in view and 20 in use according to GPS Test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for info pal, hope it will get better after another firmware update here ?

Have the same problem
I noticed also a problem with GPS locking, the problem persist also with the Android 10 beta rom i uodated like 2 weeks ago. Interresting fact is, i only get this when using Waze, either on the phone or through Android Auto, with Google Maps for example i working flawlessly. The only fix i got is installing an app called GPS Lock, which apparently forces the phone to lock on the satellites, but it's quite a battery consumer though. Hope also for a fix in future updates.

I happen to encounter this a lot especially when I travel. Download and install the app ''GPS Status & Toolbox" then turn off Wi-Fi. Once your Wi-Fi is turned off, open the app and that should fix it.

I had the same issue. Can see gps satellite but can't lock onto them. It was my metal bumper casing. Wasted my whole day testing things out.

Anyone figured out a solution to this ?

I'm having this issue as well. I'm using the global version btw. Hope someone posts a solution for this.