[Q] US Captivate in Japan, GPS issue - Captivate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Q: I'm traveling in Japan and thought it would be cool to use the (albeit wonky) GPS on the Captivate while I'm here. Problem is that all of the satellites that it finds are directly polar north. It can find up to 8 or so in the sky, but never gets a lock, I am presuming because they are so close together relative to my position.
It seems to me like it's still trying to lock sats over the US. I've tried updating to the google supl, and setting my pool.ntp.org to the jp.pool.ntp.org servers, forcing Cold start, removing wireless network fix, hard resets, delete GPS data. No changes so far, and I'm kind of at a loss.
Can anyone think of why this behavior is ocurring and how I might try to fix it?

Related

Tilt GPS sometimes does not receive satellites

Using IGO (legal).
This happens with the new standard AT&T ROM, and with the previous one as well.
IGO starts and quickly obtains satellites, then every now and then, without any obvious reason, I get a verbal warning that no satellites are found, and the GPS icon turns red.
After a few seconds, or even a couple of minutes, GPS signal is restored.
The Tilt is positioned near the windshield, and the problem does not occur in "urban canyons".
I don't have any other GPS app with maps that I can use to check this.
I'd appreciate any ideas.
Thank you.
You could try a free app like Microsoft Live Search or Google Maps to check against IGO. I haven't really noticed mine dropping signal unless I do go into a real canyon or something like that. One thing - when the phone goes into Standby, the GPS chip turns off for battery conservation. Is it possible that your phone is going into standby when you lose signal?
mine does the same after update to the new att rom, and honestly, i dont have an answer for you.
Live search cannot ever find any satalites, which is why I have resorted to using Google Maps. It works fine for me. So try using google maps. its works much faster and more reliable in finding sats, imo.
try a different radio. it has been reported that it works for some.
replies
snooginsguy: No, it always happens when navigating.
grandpareza: not sur ethere are googlemaps for my country (at least not with any reasonable resolution). Will check later.
P1Tater: Replacing the radio requires HardSPL, which I haven't sone yet. As I said, I'm still with the original ROM. I live abroad, so there's no issue with warranty. It's just that I'm concerned I might brick my device.
i heard that you have to update with quick gps everytime before you use your actuall gps... that would improve the sat tracking a lot better
It's on auto update
So that's not the issue.

G1 GPS

Hi, i had problems with my GPS, i had enabled the two option avaliable in the location settings. However i am able to find my location using the cell tower, but my gps sign just keeps on flashing and it was not able to lock to satellites. May i know if it is hardware issues or software?
I am able to lock to satellites before, however now it takes forever. Thank You.
Are you trying outside? It's difficult to get a signal inside.
"GPS Status" free from the market shows you some good data, like how many birds it can see.
BTW "flashing", the icon itself is appearing and disappearing or the icon is animating? Also what ROM are you on and in which application(s) are you trying.
This may not help that much but I damaged my long coax to the gps chip while I changed my housing. Since then it acts the same as you described, so you could be experiencing a hardware issue. The parts for the gps can be found online for about $40 if you determine its a hardware issue.
Reply
Hi, i am on KB7SQI's Rogers Mod 2.3, hmm i did tried it outdoor before and it refuses to lock on to the satellite. The icon of the gps will come on and off, it does not stay fixed, i have also tried on Google Maps App. It cannot detemine my location. Locking onto the satellite should take a few seconds, however mine took forever.
I am hoping it is not a hardware issue, importing parts would be very very expensive for me. I believe if it is a hardware issue,the icon will not even appear. Is there anyway i could test out whether my gps chip is working? Thank You.
hazeline said:
Hi, i am on KB7SQI's Rogers Mod 2.3, hmm i did tried it outdoor before and it refuses to lock on to the satellite. The icon of the gps will come on and off, it does not stay fixed, i have also tried on Google Maps App. It cannot detemine my location. Locking onto the satellite should take a few seconds, however mine took forever.
I am hoping it is not a hardware issue, importing parts would be very very expensive for me. I believe if it is a hardware issue,the icon will not even appear. Is there anyway i could test out whether my gps chip is working? Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try a factory wipe/reset?
Reply
I have just upgraded from v2.1 with a wipe, thus this is a wierd problem for me. Any Idea, besides hardware problem? Thanks

[Q] Streak 7 wifi, stock ROM- gps unable to lock

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..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

[i9000] Vortex-ROM v1.2 GPS-Problem

Hi there,
I'm not allowed to post in the proper ROM-Threat, hence my question in this threat:
I flashed VorteX 1.2 on Monday and now have a real problem with GPS. No matter what I do, I don't get any GPS-Satellite on my position.
At first I tried the GPS w/o any app, didn't get a fix on any satelite.
Then changed to FasterFix (preinstalled), didn't work either.
Deinstalled the app, installed FasterGPS and tried that.
Still don't get any fix.
I try finding satelites with GPS Test now, but still I don't get any signal.
I am using both, GPS Satelite positioning and allow finding my destination via network connections, except wlan (which I do not intent on using).
Do you have any suggestions what I can do?
Thanks for your time,
greetz, gogo
Hello. Maybe the problem is hardware.
Check this out. It solved my GPS problems.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1697217
Also my I9000
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1697217&page=38
Hope this helps
That would be really bad. I do hope, it is software-based, since I am not keen on soldering and doing other stuff, which results in permanent changes to the hardware. Still, I do not remember, whether or not GPS did work on the stock-gingerbread-rom; don't even remember, whether or not i tested it.
What I did find in the meantime is this threat dealing with an AGPS fix. It seems not to be a good idea with my device, though (I think, I don't have the i9000 4G; how can i found out, to be sure?)
Well, what do you know...
I did try the fix you suggested, zcata2008, but only the one bending the contact a bit so that the contact to the gps antenna will be stronger.
Seemed to work; i now have a quick 6-satelite fix, which seems to be quite a goof result in my area and from within the house..
thanks a lot!
greetz, gogo

[Q] GPS sometimes cannot lock on satellite

Hi,
I'm a new user here, I have read some here before when I wanted to update my old HTC Desire to something fresher
However, after some time I decided to just upgrade and I bought the HTC One Google Edition.
It worked great for months, no issues at all.
The GPS was working great in all parts of the country (Belgium)...
However, recently, I'm having some weird issues.
In certain parts of the country, my GPS drops out and does not view any satellites. It's only the GPS on my One. I have checked the same area on my Car's GPS and my Desire, and they have perfect GPS signal.
It's always the same area, btw. When driving to work, I know when I'll loose signal. And only when I'm driving home after work, when I reach that same point, I'll lose the connection again...
I did a factory data reset but this didn't work.
I read in some google results to disable google+ and this appeared to help quite some people, but I disabled almost all google apps, and still cannot lock onto GPS in certain areas.
Earlier today, I figured out that in those areas, I manage to get a GPS signal when going into Airplane mode.
However, when I go out of Airplane mode, I will lose the signal again...
I have disabled:
Drive
Earth
Google Hindi/Korean/Pinyin Input
Google Play Books/Music
Google Play services
Google+
Keep
Maps
The only apps I have installed since the factory reset are WhatsApp, Ingress and GPS Test and GpsFix (but these don't help).
Please let me know what kind of information I need to provide which would help you help me
Does anyone have any idea of what I could try to fix this, please?
I'm desperate...
thanks
Xylaria said:
Hi,
I'm a new user here, I have read some here before when I wanted to update my old HTC Desire to something fresher
However, after some time I decided to just upgrade and I bought the HTC One Google Edition.
It worked great for months, no issues at all.
The GPS was working great in all parts of the country (Belgium)...
However, recently, I'm having some weird issues.
In certain parts of the country, my GPS drops out and does not view any satellites. It's only the GPS on my One. I have checked the same area on my Car's GPS and my Desire, and they have perfect GPS signal.
It's always the same area, btw. When driving to work, I know when I'll loose signal. And only when I'm driving home after work, when I reach that same point, I'll lose the connection again...
I did a factory data reset but this didn't work.
I read in some google results to disable google+ and this appeared to help quite some people, but I disabled almost all google apps, and still cannot lock onto GPS in certain areas.
Earlier today, I figured out that in those areas, I manage to get a GPS signal when going into Airplane mode.
However, when I go out of Airplane mode, I will lose the signal again...
I have disabled:
Drive
Earth
Google Hindi/Korean/Pinyin Input
Google Play Books/Music
Google Play services
Google+
Keep
Maps
The only apps I have installed since the factory reset are WhatsApp, Ingress and GPS Test and GpsFix (but these don't help).
Please let me know what kind of information I need to provide which would help you help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn on the wifi and check.
Wifi doesn't have to be connected to any network, it will just boost the signal and help you lock the location quicker
I also have the issue, I use HTCj one (Japanese version).
I think this maybe caused by AGPS or your sim card.
When I use wcdma or gsm sim card ,GPS works fine. but if i use cdma sim card , satellite can't be locked.
Swtich to Airplane mode ,works again.

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