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Following reports elsewhere of high temperatures being generated when the built in GPS was operative, I wondered if the battery life could be extended by using my Globalsat BT-338 GPS receiver instead of the Kaisers' built in GPS receiver. To find out, I first put the internal GPS to the test.
After fully charging my standard 1350mAh battery, I soft reset the phone, set the screen brightness to minimum, disabled phone, Bluetooth and Wifi. I started Memory Map (GPS setting set to COM4) and the stopwatch on SPB Time. When the phone eventually ran out of power and switched off I fully charged it again and ran the same test, with all the same settings except this time I enabled Bluetooth and configured Memory Map to accept GPS input from my bluetooth GPS receiver.
The results were interesting. When utilizing the internal GPS, the phone ran out of power after 5hrs 16mins. When using the external GPS it switched off after 5hrs 32mins.
I must admit I expected the battery to last much longer when using the external GPS receiver. I guess the extra power required to maintain a BT link offset the power saved not running the internal GPS receiver almost exactly.
I really need to get out more.
For what it's worth - I'm just like you! I do the same types of tests and wonderings. I think your findings are actually pretty interesting as since I've had my TYTN I haven't used my holux BT receiver, and have been wondering about power drain.
One thing you may not have considered - you tested with the phone off. With the phone on, the TYTN uses cell-towers for assisted GPS - which may actually cause more battery drain.
That's an interesting observation. I don't really know that much about the inner workings of assisted GPS. I was under the impression that assisted GPS helps the GPS receiver to get a quick fix but I wasn't aware that it continued to "help out" following this. Would assisted GPS still be operative, and draining the battery, if I had a perfectly good GPS signal I wonder? You see, I mainly use GPS whilst I am out walking (hence Memory Map). I always have a good view of the sky so I'm supposing assisted GPS would not be called upon under these conditions?
Which GPS option would consume less battery power, the interal GPS or an external Bluetooth GPS unit?
TIA
WT
Thats a good question, I know a few people have said they run external receivers.
If they don't reply I would suggest you do a test and let us know.
Same here good ? I'd guess that an external would use less as it's only running BT "external units self powered" and the software compared to GPS & software.
ah but really, which antenna uses more power? the BT or the GPS?
If you are using GPS while driving, then you can use car charger to charge. But if you want to use GPS while hiking etc, then just keep a couple (or even more) extra batteries. These days you can buy extra batteries very cheap (as low as $5).
More over there are programs which can save battery by connecting to GPS every 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes etc (e.g gpsVP).
In short, you can do much better without external GPS.
So then maybe you can do even better if you do what you're suggesting and use external bt gps. hmmm
ChumleyEX said:
So then maybe you can do even better if you do what you're suggesting and use external bt gps. hmmm
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Click to collapse
But then you have to carry external GPS, its charger, may be extra battery for external GPS. All that can be avoided by carrying extra batteries for Kaiser.
Is that what the OP is asking?
Thank you gentle for your input. The real test will be simply try it I suppose.
What I have found out is that the BT-359 has superior GPS accuracy over my Kaiser and that I like. Thanks again
WT
Working Tools said:
Thank you gentle for your input. The real test will be simply try it I suppose.
What I have found out is that the BT-359 has superior GPS accuracy over my Kaiser and that I like. Thanks again
WT
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Click to collapse
Yeah i used to use a Magician with extrenal GPS and it fixed so much faster than the Kaiser on board does
I've found the power consumption using the same backlight, same application, etc, but using internal vs Bluetooth GPS was around 100mAh. You do the math.
And the Kaiser's GPS blows.. Doesn't turn off sometimes (continuing to use battery), doesn't work well at all for low speeds (walking), not very sensitive, can be extremely slow to start, and sucks battery.
Thanks khaytsus, what current drain were you able to measure while using the internal GPS unit?
As you can tell I am quite the noob when it comes to the internal workings of the Kaiser but I am learning much from this forum. Thank you everyone for your offering of knowledge!
WT
Pros and Cons of external GPS.
Pros:
Less drain on phone battery.
GPS receiver can be placed where it gets best reception (such as on top of the dash).
Cons:
Another device to haul around.
Another battery to charge.
The hassle of pairing/connecting.
Can't use BT GPS and A2DP simultaneously.
Is it even possible to switch between internal and external GPS on the Kaiser without a hard reset?
Wilhelm said:
Pros and Cons of external GPS.
Pros:
Less drain on phone battery.
GPS receiver can be placed where it gets best reception (such as on top of the dash).
Cons:
Another device to haul around.
Another battery to charge.
The hassle of pairing/connecting.
Can't use BT GPS and A2DP simultaneously.
Is it even possible to switch between internal and external GPS on the Kaiser without a hard reset?
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Click to collapse
what does this have to do with the OP?
Wilhelm said:
Pros and Cons of external GPS.
Pros:
Less drain on phone battery.
GPS receiver can be placed where it gets best reception (such as on top of the dash).
Cons:
Another device to haul around.
Another battery to charge.
The hassle of pairing/connecting.
Can't use BT GPS and A2DP simultaneously.
Is it even possible to switch between internal and external GPS on the Kaiser without a hard reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching? It's just a different com port. Now, if you're doing registry tweaking to route the external GPS through com4 so that 'any' program can use it, even those without the ability to modify the com port, yes you'd need a soft reset. Otherwise, of course not.
Pairing and connecting are a zero issue. You do it once.
I thought changing the hardware port on the GPS settings meant you couldn't return to the internal GPS without a hard reset.
Eh that post was just too mean. SOrry
Wilhelm said:
I thought changing the hardware port on the GPS settings meant you couldn't return to the internal GPS without a hard reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, there's a GPS switcher app out there too, and private builds of CamerAwareBuddy supports switching too.
Also, I don't know about AD2P, but I can use BT GPS and BT headset simultaneously.
Well, from my own experience (Tilt is broken now but I used to use Igo My Way 8.1) the GPS has a function that saves battery...
How does it handle it?
Simple: if you for example have to drive straight forward for 5 kilometers the screen will turn black (standy) and won't turn on (unless pressed) but at the moment when you're getting new directions (Turn left, right, bla bla)
I used to have an external GPS only for my SE M600i but that's a different story
I'm trying to increase battery life of my Diamond when I use it as GPS device for mountain biking. I use the great GPS Cycle Computer software. Usually maps are already in the phone, so I disable map downloading.
But even so, the device won't last more than 3 hours (actually not even 2 hours). I was thinking that an external GPS, connected by Bluetooth could be helpful? Instead of receiving GPS signal, the Diamond would use Bluetooth connection. Will it last for more?
Not sure if bluetooth uses less than the gps chip.
You could also look into the huge 3000mAh battery available somewhere. Its around 60 usd I think.
It is the fact that your phone is constantly processing data. Try standby mode to increase battery life
mc4ren said:
I'm trying to increase battery life of my Diamond when I use it as GPS device for mountain biking. I use the great GPS Cycle Computer software. Usually maps are already in the phone, so I disable map downloading.
But even so, the device won't last more than 3 hours (actually not even 2 hours). I was thinking that an external GPS, connected by Bluetooth could be helpful? Instead of receiving GPS signal, the Diamond would use Bluetooth connection. Will it last for more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth uses less power than GPS, as it is just receiving a signal, and not doing all the leg work of searching for satellites etc. You can get a good Bluetooth GPS from eBay for about £10 which you can charge with your Diamond's charger.
Guys,
I've implemented the external BT GPS for the CM7. Until now I only supplied a I9000 rom and source code. Since vibrant users with CM7 suffers from GPS performance (lack of it ;-) )
new build with android 2.3.7!
http://iloki.nl/2011/09/30/android-237/
Installation is the same procedure as the CM nightlies. Only rom file is different.
Howto install
cool will give it a shot
gekkekoe123 said:
Guys,
I've implemented the external BT GPS for the CM7. Until now I only supplied a I9000 rom and source code. Since vibrant users with CM7 suffers from GPS performance (lack of it ;-) )
I've decided to build a rom also for vibrant users. Give it a try: http://iloki.nl/2011/08/06/update-06-08-2011/
Beware, I'm uncertain if vibrant uses the same bootloader as the I9000. Changing bootloader isn't required for GPS support and is NOT recommended for vibrant users.
for more background information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170031
Please try to centralize feedback in the background topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I love my Vibrant but GPS is a deal-breaker for me.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
This does not improve the internal GPS radio in any way. This just gives us a switch to enable a external Bluetooth GPS receiver natively without buggy 3rd party apps. This causes apps such as Google maps or navigation to be much more accurate due to the dedicated GPS receiver hardware. Using my GlobatSat BT-359 I have managed a app reported 0 accuracy and almost always below a 5 foot area. This pretty much makes the internal GPS cry like a newborn baby...
SkOrPn
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
so you'll need something extra for this to work?
On the download page, you will find step by step instructions on how to use it.
Basically, flash the rom, pair your gps mouse and just enable/disable GPS (using power widget for example).
But read the instructions at: http://iloki.nl/2011/08/06/update-06-08-2011/
it has screenshots and stuff
My rom basically gives you a switch to use our BT gps mouse as if it were your internal GPS. So you will get maximum compatibility , less battery drain and so on. Normally external receivers are way better than the ones that comes with your phone. My gps mouse is giving me 0.8m-2.0m accuracy for example. I was happy if I had 10m on my internal one. Most of the time I could get a lock (already tried soldering and so on).
To use my stuff the requirements are:
Galaxy S I9000/Vibrant -> binary builds. Other devices can be built from source.
NMEA 0813 capable GPS Mouse with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP)
gekkekoe123 said:
NMEA 0813 capable GPS Mouse with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it matter what chipset is being used in the mouse? By the way, I call it a GPS Receiver, "mouse" sounds strange to me, lol....
My unit has the SiRF StarIII chip and is also NMEA 0183.
GPS Protocol Default: NMEA 0183 (Secondary: SiRF binary)
GPS Output Data: SiRF binary >> position, velocity, altitude, status and control
NMEA 0183 MEA0183 V2.2 protocol, and supports commands GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, GLL v2.2 (VTG and GLL are optional)
GPS transfer rate: Software command setting (Default : 38400,n,8,1 for NMEA )
Connection: Communication with host platform via Bluetooth Serial Port Profile
Using the 3rd party app "Bluetooth GPS Provider" from the market, it lets me actually select my chip type, in this case SiRF. Does this even matter in this case?
Nope doesn't really matter as long as they output nmea sentences (I haven't seen one that didn't. But it doesn't hurt to check before buying).
I myself am using a MTK2 chipset.
btw: google GPS Mouse ;-)
gekkekoe123 said:
Nope doesn't really matter as long as they output nmea sentences (I haven't seen one that didn't. But it doesn't hurt to check before buying).
I myself am using a MTK2 chipset.
btw: google GPS Mouse ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I already knew its called a mouse, I was just commenting that I do not like it. Its a GPS satelite receiver, or even a Wireless BT GPS puck would have been more appropriate I think... Come to think about it, mine is slightly smaller than a ice hockey puck but rectangled and very heavy for its size. I could easily play ice hockey with it, LOL....
Ok, so good NMEA support is all we need to worry about then. Most excellent...
EDIT: I hear MTK is better than SiRF, but not sure myself...
Synced with the low power mode patches.
new vibrant rom available.
This post is just asking for more clarity.. ..
gekkekoe123 said:
Guys,
I've implemented the external BT GPS for the CM7. Until now I only supplied a I9000 rom and source code. Since vibrant users with CM7 suffers from GPS performance (lack of it ;-) )
I've decided to build a rom also for vibrant users. Give it a try: http://iloki.nl/2011/08/06/update-06-08-2011/
Beware, I'm uncertain if vibrant uses the same bootloader as the I9000. Changing bootloader isn't required for GPS support and is NOT recommended for vibrant users.
for more background information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170031
Please try to centralize feedback in the background topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your developments and this post, seems to have a great feature for the Vibrant users like my self, if I could understand your post....
External BT GPS...... If I had an external GPS, why would I use my phone....
External BT mouse . . . . this is not clear to me....
This post is just asking for more clarity.. ..
serendipityguy said:
Thanks for your developments and this post, seems to have a great feature for the Vibrant users like my self, if I could understand your post....
External BT GPS...... If I had an external GPS, why would I use my phone....
External BT mouse . . . . this is not clear to me....
This post is just asking for more clarity.. ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has enabled this phone to take advantage of the common GPS Pucks you see around the world. They do not have a screen of their own, all they do is have the high quality GPS chip like MTK or SiRF StarIII or something similar, and they have their own antenna and they connect via Bluetooth to computers, laptops and smartphones. Smartphones are given very cheaply made low quality GPS systems, but some people like myself included would prefer a much higher quality GPS result on their phone.
Advantages:
1. MUCH higher quality GPS accuracy down to 1 foot or less.
2. Uses less power since Bluetooth is MUCH more power efficient. I had my GPS on over 8 hours yesterday and when I went to bed I was still at 54% battery left, using the built in GPS system my phone would have died long long before then.
3. Lets people use their current GPS puck/mouse. Now I can use my GlobalSat BT-359 GPS mouse. My Samsungs built in GPS system is non-existant and has never worked properly. Now I finally have real GPS, so props to the OP.
This OP in my opinion was very very clear in the first place... You shouldnt roll your eyes or wink like you know what your talking about unless you truly know what your talking about. All you did was show how much you are lacking up stairs. Figured I get to now roll my eyes at your stupid post.
A GPS Mouse is a GPS unit made for smartphones and laptops and they DO NOT have a screen of their own, there are hundreds of them made and have been for many many years. This is what he is doing, letting us use these awesome Bluetooth GPS devices so we can have much more accuracy and bettery battery savings. I see no harm in this.
@the OP, thanks for your great efforts as this was long over due...
new vibrant build available http://iloki.nl/2011/08/24/update-24082011/
gekkekoe123 said:
new vibrant build available http://iloki.nl/2011/08/24/update-24082011/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Vibrant build still has flashing according to Skitz.... he broke it Im sure, lol....
Thanks SkOrPn for the explanation, this helped greatly.
SkOrPn said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks SkOrPn for the explanation, this helped greatly.
serendipityguy said:
Thanks SkOrPn for the explanation, this helped greatly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why certainly your most welcome....
I'm using this via Trigger - works BEAUTIFULLY on my BT 359 receiver. Although it was pretty confusing at first - after pairing initially it just said "paired but not connected" - needed to switch to the external first, then reboot, then turn on both BT and GPS (sometimes they turn on together in tandem, sometimes they don't..) before the light on the receiver indicated it was connected to the phone. And even then, it's still reported as not paired.
But that aside, this is ROCKING. I would tell you how accurate of locks I'm getting but GPS Test is freaking out (which seems to have been fixed and needs to be implemented in Trigger)
What are the odds of getting this into CM7 mainline?
strictlyrude27 said:
And even then, it's still reported as not paired.
What are the odds of getting this into CM7 mainline?
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Click to collapse
It reports itself as "Paired but not connected", not as not paired. I mentioned this somewhere else I think in the Trigger thread but now I cant find it. I believe it cant report itself as connected because it does not use a constant on connection similar to that of a BT Headset would. I believe the puck sends data at on/off intervals to short for the phone to display a connection. Just my theory though... My BT Headset on the other hand causes the phone to report as connected, but I think that's because its a constant connection, as obviously an on/off connection would be detrimental to transmitting voice... lol
I can't wait to get this in cm7 source myself, but I wont hold my breath. I wonder if there is anyone we can email to get this pushed along quicker?
Don't worry about paired but not connected message. The most important thing is that is it paired.
Connected is represented by the GPS icon.
flashing -> connected and waiting for fix, or temp lost a fix
solid -> connected and fix
none -> no connection.
Just pay attention to you gps icon and you should be fine. The connection should be there all the time, a fix can be lost temporary if you're going through a long tunnel.
It's generally best to first turn on gps and then enable it on your phone (handshake attempts are initiated from the phone). The first handshake attempt might failed otherwise and you have to wait a little bit for the retry. But eventually it will connect.
New vibrant rom is being build, should be up shortly.
This removes the reboot requirement when switching gps sources. Yes it means no more rebooting
http://iloki.nl/2011/09/08/reboot-requirement-removed/
Is it possible to use a BT GPS receiver in WP8? and with here Maps? I'm not able to even connect it to the mobile.
jlanza said:
Is it possible to use a BT GPS receiver in WP8? and with here Maps? I'm not able to even connect it to the mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Phone 8 does not Support external GPS Receivers. Certain Apps could implement compatibility themselves but only those Apps would be able to use it. I guess noone will go to those lengths given that all devices have a GPS Receiver built in. Here Maps definitely won't.
StevieBallz said:
Windows Phone 8 does not Support external GPS Receivers. Certain Apps could implement compatibility themselves but only those Apps would be able to use it. I guess noone will go to those lengths given that all devices have a GPS Receiver built in. Here Maps definitely won't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is an error as the internal GPS is really battery consuming, while using a BT GPS makes it possible to have battery lasting a lot more. For example if you go hicking or running you cannot recharge (well if you have a solar charger yes, but ....)
I think WP should allow having this implemented. My old N78 (symbian) did and I was really happy with it. I guess I should go to user voice and ask for such an issue