[Q] GPS... - Captivate Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I recently swapped my original Captivate for a new one because it had random shutdown issues. However, the old one had no problems getting a quick and accurate GPS lock with various ROM's and modem versions.
This new Captivate will NOT lock at all. Both stock and running custom ROM's, JL2, JL3, JK4, JPY, JM9, etc. I've double checked my GPS Fix settings, cleared GPS data, reset and reflashed multiple times, but my GPS does absolutely nothing. Running LbsTestMode, all that happens is the GPS icon in the notification bar useless flashes, but nothing appears in the test menu, it doesn't appear to be searching for satellites or anything.
From this information, does this sound like a hardware issue? Getting my Captivate exchanged the first time was a big hassle, and my parents seem very unwilling to do it again (as far as they're concerned, if it can make calls, there's nothing wrong with it).

GPS
GGXtreme said:
I recently swapped my original Captivate for a new one because it had random shutdown issues. However, the old one had no problems getting a quick and accurate GPS lock with various ROM's and modem versions.
This new Captivate will NOT lock at all. Both stock and running custom ROM's, JL2, JL3, JK4, JPY, JM9, etc. I've double checked my GPS Fix settings, cleared GPS data, reset and reflashed multiple times, but my GPS does absolutely nothing. Running LbsTestMode, all that happens is the GPS icon in the notification bar useless flashes, but nothing appears in the test menu, it doesn't appear to be searching for satellites or anything.
From this information, does this sound like a hardware issue? Getting my Captivate exchanged the first time was a big hassle, and my parents seem very unwilling to do it again (as far as they're concerned, if it can make calls, there's nothing wrong with it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the LBS Test Mode make sure that the Server is set to supl.google.com and port is 7276, And then delete GPS data.. You should get a lock-on pretty quick

rickysa2000 said:
In the LBS Test Mode make sure that the Server is set to supl.google.com and port is 7276, And then delete GPS data.. You should get a lock-on pretty quick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already did that. The problem isn't exactly getting a lock...LBS Test Mode doesn't even show the GPS trying to get one. On my previous Captivate, if I was indoors or somewhere where a lock was difficult, it would still show the GPS hardware scanning for satellites. This new phone doesn't even do that.

GGXtreme said:
Already did that. The problem isn't exactly getting a lock...LBS Test Mode doesn't even show the GPS trying to get one. On my previous Captivate, if I was indoors or somewhere where a lock was difficult, it would still show the GPS hardware scanning for satellites. This new phone doesn't even do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. try the Phoenix 3.0 with the Kernel and Modem that comes with it.. and then try GPS.. Axura and Phoenix ROMs are known for it's awesome GPS

Eh...nevermind I guess. This phone is only 2 days old and it has a defective USB port, so I'm returning it. Starting to feel less inclined to get another Captivate, even though it's an awesome phone...when it works.

I swear they do this to discourage exchanging phones. That sucks dude
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Related

Finally a GPS fix for SGS

after applying the attached zip through CWM the GPS is finally working!
instructions:
1. apply the fix through CWM
2. in LBSTestMode:
a. verify all values in the application test are default
b. in the SUPL put supl.google.com and change the port to 7276 with no secure socket
c. wipe GPS data
3. after the first fix (~3 minutes) you will get a fix instantly almost in any condition at any time
the fix was validated on 2 different vibrants with GPS issues
goodluck
big credit to:
Mr. Pilot
BobLeponge23 & johndoe1000
No offense, but who are you? I'm not one to flash random zips I download off the internet.
stealthx32 said:
No offense, but who are you? I'm not one to flash random zips I download off the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He got this from the i9000 forums. I've personally used this, and it helps with the gps dramatically.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
This is an old, well known pre-JI6 fix. DO NOT APPLY! This also NOT development related, try the General forum next time.
Hi all,
you can say what you want about this fix however, both I and BobLeponge23 have vibrant's phones with GPS issues.
we have tried all possible fixes:
JI6, JI2, JK2, JK6, samsung restore app, changing all the settings through LBSTestMode
nothing worked until we tried this fix.
The change is instant.
we have now a working GPS under:
the new axura 2.1 (JK6) and Obsidian_V5_beta (with modem JI6 installed).
Ok. Won't argue with that. Whatever works for ya!
Do you have "Use wireless network" unchecked? And WiFi off? With only "Use GPS Sat" checked? Cause that is the only way to see if your GPS is really fixed.
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S using XDA App
in LBS Test mode you wont get fix just with wireless networkor or WiFi.
in general when the GPS icon is flushing you dont have a satt. fix although
you might get general fix from the wireless network.
DreamcastDC said:
Do you have "Use wireless network" unchecked? And WiFi off? With only "Use GPS Sat" checked? Cause that is the only way to see if your GPS is really fixed.
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not a good test for phone GPS units. The phone's GPS uses network location to help get a faster fix. Apps like GPSTest, GPSStatus, and LBSTestMode won't report a GPS fix with only a network/wifi fix, so I don't understand the obsession with this sort of a test. All it will do is slow down your GPS locks.
Disabling wifi does make a difference on newer firmware (worked on JFD, but JI6 and up broke it). With wifi connected, the phone doesn't download the GPS data properly, so it acts like a standalone GPS and will take a long time to get the needed data from the GPS sats.
The GPS chips in our phones are NOT designed to get fast locks without assist data. Even the ones that are, sometimes take a while for the accuracy to really get good because of this data. That's why you should have a data plan for best results. The GPS needs data to calculate your position. It can get the data from the sat network, but that's SLOW. Getting it over the internet is many times faster, even over GPRS. That's one reason why it's irritating that wifi doesn't work with it. Those without data plans are basically screwed. GPSStatus seems to be able to get it over wifi, so you can try that. The data should be good for up to 24 hours.
I have no idea what this fix does, and I won't be installing it as I'm satisfied with the GPS performance post JI6 with my phone. Even with JFD, it worked fine once I set the supl settings up.
they are sharing a fix.
[highlight]Mod Edit: Watch your language[/highlight]
epakrat75 said:
This is an old, well known pre-JI6 fix. DO NOT APPLY! This also NOT development related, try the General forum next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, it worked for me on JK6.....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
If this is working for folks where flashing Axura 2.1 didn't then, that's all that matters. Go for it. However as I'm running Axura 2.1, I have no need of this.
I just don't want people thinking this is the ultimate fix and breaking their phones trying it. I've seen it happen with simpler fixes.
I was using a jk2 rom also, and GPS would work at times, even in a large Metro area. i flashed this, and now I even get GPS locks inside of buildings where it would never lock before. I am happy. Indoors, it gets a lock in about 10 - 12 seconds, outdoors about 5 or less.
I don't understand how it can work, it uses jupiter.xml subsystem that TMO US Vibrant lacks
lqaddict said:
I don't understand how it can work, it uses jupiter.xml subsystem that TMO US Vibrant lacks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JK2 and JK6 now use the Jupiter xml
is this working in eugenes ginger clone?
is this working in eugenes ginger clone?
It worked for me! Why don't you just test the files and see why it works instead of whining?
saved
10char
well fellas, i have so much dragons in the vibrant already i figure what could possably go wrong now lol. Running nero beta 3 and it actually works,got an instant lock on precisely where i was,dident had that before with all the other fixes,couldent believe it but yep works. Thanks for this fix
Didn't make a difference for me. Since JK2 ive always got a fix in under a minute. With this installed it was over a minute but under two minutes. I'll keep it for a day to side if anything changes and report back.
I'm running a vanilla SxE4.1 with super io kernel.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

[Q] Froyo GPS Lock Problem

Ok...so after updating to Froyo my GPS is not working. Not only that, my phone can't seem to find my approximate location even after enabling "Use Wireless networks". I used GPS Status app from the market and I confirmed the phone was seeing several satellites, but it was getting no lock. I had no problem with my GPS with 2.1 aside from losing my location occasionally when I drive through the downtown.
Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I'm running my phone on Rogers network, unlocked and rooted.
Yeria said:
Ok...so after updating to Froyo my GPS is not working. Not only that, my phone can't seem to find my approximate location even after enabling "Use Wireless networks". I used GPS Status app from the market and I confirmed the phone was seeing several satellites, but it was getting no lock. I had no problem with my GPS with 2.1 aside from losing my location occasionally when I drive through the downtown.
Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I'm running my phone on Rogers network, unlocked and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't say what version of Froyo you are running but I'd change my modem file and use one of the alternate ones that DocRambone has. There's a thread on this but I find the ZSJPE (Hong Kong) version to be superb (and our company develops an app for the phone that uses GPS for golfers) - very quick, very accurate...
Oh I'm using JK4 from Bell..and kernel version 2.6.32.9....
Edit: Oh and I have also done factory reset/cache wipe...and it's still doing that...I want to see if I can fix this without changing the modem file or anything like that...
I'm having the exact same problem since upgrading to the official 2.2 release from 2.1
EDIT: Bell Galaxy S Vibrant, Unlocked and running on Rogers. Not rooted.
sw411 said:
I'm having the exact same problem since upgrading to the official 2.2 release from 2.1
EDIT: Bell Galaxy S Vibrant, Unlocked and running on Rogers. Not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...so I'm a bit relieved to know I'm not the only one out there...From the things I've been reading it doesn't seem to affect phones running on Bell networks..but shouldn't GPS be not affected regardless of the network you're running on? I don't see why it's refusing to get a lock...
I can't believe no one else is having this problem, maybe we're the only ones unlocking??
I was also having this problem. I updated to bell froyo using kies, and am unlocked using rogers. I loaded gps test, set it so it wouldn't shut off the screen, and let it run for about 30 min in a window. Eventually it got solid lock on a couple sats and it now seems a lot snappier to get a lock.
sw411 said:
I can't believe no one else is having this problem, maybe we're the only ones unlocking??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, good news! At least for me anyway... I decided to try keeping my GPS on and let my phone to try and find my location..however long it was going to take. I don't think it took me 30 minutes but it took me good 10 minutes before my GPS found my location. I think the problem was because I'm having trouble getting location information based on my wireless network and updating to Froyo and doing a factory reset must have deleted my satellite schedule. Right now I'm just so glad to find out my GPS isn't broken! :-D You should try the same thing I did.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
@sw411 Oh and you should try and read this forum about wireless network based location service.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845152
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Thanks Yeria, that sounds like the problem we're having.
I do find that if I give it enough time, It will get a pure GPS lock, but I'm not getting any aGPS (the network based)
That thread you link sounds like the solution, but unfortunately I can't seem to access the file they tell you to modify
I too have GPS problems right after upgrading to official froyo. And it kept getting worse when i tried custom ROM. I tried factory resetting and format all my sd card, cache wipe etc hoping that it will return to normal like when i was in 2.1 elcair but to no avail. I don't know if some bad code was left behind when i did the official upgrade through kies. All i can say is it was working fine when i was at 2.1 then suddenly went bad after 2.2.
By the way, my problem is my GPS lock kept of disconnecting every now and then thus rendering my GPS useless as it kept on displaying my location as "off road" even though i'm on a clear highway with clear and bright skies!
ahh, if I root the phone I can get to
/dbdata/databases/com.google.android.gsf/gservices.db
unfortunately, this phone doesn't have sqlite3 installed!! I need to try and find that
EDIT: Found a copy of sqlite3 and was able to push it to the phone. edited the db as people suggested! I'll have to test it on Monday
mikextr23 said:
I too have GPS problems right after upgrading to official froyo. And it kept getting worse when i tried custom ROM. I tried factory resetting and format all my sd card, cache wipe etc hoping that it will return to normal like when i was in 2.1 elcair but to no avail. I don't know if some bad code was left behind when i did the official upgrade through kies. All i can say is it was working fine when i was at 2.1 then suddenly went bad after 2.2.
By the way, my problem is my GPS lock kept of disconnecting every now and then thus rendering my GPS useless as it kept on displaying my location as "off road" even though i'm on a clear highway with clear and bright skies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on what I have found so far, and assuming your aGPS or any other wireless based assistance features are not functioning properly, doing a reset and cache clear will not help with your GPS at all. I have read that the phone will try to download the satellite schedules directly from GPS satellites if you're using purely satellite based GPS option. It'll be slow so it will take longer to get a lock and that's why phone will use other means to shorten the lock time. Once the schedule is downloaded, they said there shouldn't be any problem until the schedule expires, at which point you will have to download the schedule again.
I think the reason you're losing lock frequently might be because your phone doesn't have a clear view of the sky..? I used my phone GPS to drive around Toronto, Vaughan and Mississauga last night for at least 4+ hours, and I did not have any problem.
So, I tested today after updating the db.... no agps still..
Anyone else still.having issues with agps?
GPS works, just no agps since 2.2
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
mikextr23 said:
By the way, my problem is my GPS lock kept of disconnecting every now and then thus rendering my GPS useless as it kept on displaying my location as "off road" even though i'm on a clear highway with clear and bright skies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I unfortunately have to use an old Tom Tom GPS!
i'm having this problem too. i finally got it picking up quickly on 2.1 but once i updated i haven't been able to ever get a solid lock. has anyone found a solution yet??
Now that my wireless location service is kind of working I thought aGPS should also naturally work but I guess not... My GPS takes a pretty long time to start up and I haven't found any fix for this..
It's funny because I didn't really have any problem with my GPS with 2.1 but now I do with 2.2...
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

Serious GPS issue..

I have tried every single GPS fix out there on this forum but my GPS is still not working... inside a building GPS test says that there is no satellite in view.... outside I see about 6 and locks to about 3 or 4....
(But it takes like 5min to lock)...
Is there something wrong with my phone? And btw I'm running cognition rom and I'm rooted.(if this has anything to do with it...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Try the Darky port that uses Da_G's fix. Best GPS experience I've had so far with this phone and the only thing that has realistically improved performance.
bluemoon1221 said:
I have tried every single GPS fix out there on this forum but my GPS is still not working... inside a building GPS test says that there is no satellite in view.... outside I see about 6 and locks to about 3 or 4....
(But it takes like 5min to lock)...
Is there something wrong with my phone? And btw I'm running cognition rom and I'm rooted.(if this has anything to do with it...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my best gps performance has come from two roms
Chronus and Doc's newest rom.
Did you change any supl settings?
For me the supl.google.com settings never worked as well as leaving it @ www.spirent-lcs.com
build = 1007.
I have had great gps since i switched to assonance, latest version of axura worked for me as well, you may want to give them a try, or try their gps settings and modem over cognition.
If that doesn't work you may want to scratch/erase the white contacts of the cover as one post said to maybe increase its signal.
I would return it..you should be able to lock faster than 5 mins and see more than 6 satellites
I agree with fldude... my first one wouldn't see anything. My second one works as well as anyone's. Exchange it.
I really can't return it cause I didn't buy this phone....
So I'm gonna try all the roms... thanks for the info guys
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Most of the newer ROM's have GPS fixes built into them
I'm running Assonance's latest build and although it's not perfect - I usually get 8-10 sats in under 15 seconds to lock-on.
I just started using the latest assonance and it has great gps thanks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bluemoon1221 said:
I really can't return it cause I didn't buy this phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if it's a gift you can return it, unless of course you've "borrowed" it...
Technically nobody bought this phone... long story..... anyway I'm good with my GPS now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bames said:
my best gps performance has come from two roms
Chronus and Doc's newest rom.
Did you change any supl settings?
For me the supl.google.com settings never worked as well as leaving it @ www.spirent-lcs.com
build = 1007.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree mostly that that using the google server didn't help me at all and the roms you mention are quite good. but i have the bug where the daemon crashes on chronus, but cronus has the ability to lock very very fast on my phone, i have had great luck with captivate builds in general. da_g's files fix the daemon crashing mostly but are not considered a fix. there is still an underlying issue that causes eratic behavior in certain situation. da_g has yet to pin it down but it may be an interference issue.
OP you may have a poor contact at the antenna, some vibrant users were cleaning the contacts for the antenna, there are many antennas and im not sure which is for gps.
also you may want to try with/without backplate, and clean the contacts on that. some users have posted numbers showing marginally better signal without the backplate.
also i have yet to do real testing but anecdotally the old jm9 libraries seem to behave less badly. it still jumps the position around in some situations but it just seems like it jumps less, i will do a mytracks comparison soon. but for the issue the op is having it seems to me that i get faster locks with the newer files, particularly from jj4.
lastly the modem has a great effect on the gps signal. for ability to lock jl3 seems the fastest. but to be honest i think the phone didnt jump the position around as much on jj4 or ji6 which give up hsupa and should be used with the a captivate rom. jk3 and jk4 were also good maybe better with the position jumping thing than jl3.
EDIT: one last thing is to try the gps restore app. i know it says it only resets lbs test mode settings but it also clears "something" that has helped with a bug causing the daemon to crash on my phone(it doesnt crash on every phone like it did on mine) the only other thing that i tried that was able to "fix" that bug was to do a factory reset. clearing gps data never helped. so the error seems to be in data somewhere but is not cleared when you clear gps data in lbs test mode. the samsung app also did not restore my lbs settings to factory so the ad may be mis-informed. i think of it as a easier way to clear gps data which at times yeilds better result, it is not a fix. your experience may vary.

GPS Related Files

Hello:
I need a list with all the gps related files.
I'm triying to make a CWM update with the JI6 gps files.
The reason I'm triying to do this its because JI6 was the only rom at the moment wich gave me acceptable GPS.
Thanks in advance.
Whipon.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, I have a rev 1006 Captivate.
Usually I see from 6 to 8 sats, but never get a lock.
I've tried several roms (rogers froyo, JPY, WSJ3, Adromeda) with the same results.
I can't get a lock.
With JI6 I got a lock in seconds.
gps is funny and i think the files you are reffering to are the same on several roms since ji6. actually ji6 would crash the gps daemon on my phone if i changed the lbs test settings. and as far as i can find ji6 jj4 and jm9 and many other i9000 roms all have the same libraries. whatever the other differences may be it might be hard to find the files and they might not work on x rom
if i where you id try the gps restore app. i can tell you it doesnt do what the description suggests because i have used it and it doesnt set lbs settings to stock. my lbs changes remain after i run the app. also it clears gps data that lbs test mode doesn't. a gsm reset or factory reset can fix some gps problem if the problem is in data. the gps restore app seems to have a similar effect but you dont need to backup your apps to use it like a factory reset. if it doesnt work youve wasted 2 minutes to install and run it.
read da_g's first post in his thread and then read it again. try all of his fixes and make sure the lbs settings match the config and jupiter files for each fix. i find that the control plane version works the best for me.
also have you tried the ji6 modem on those roms? the modem is critical. some modems get better reception and may also pickup more noise. you may need to attenuate the signal, noise may be preventing a fix, the signal can be attenuated in jupiter.xml. or you may need a stronger signal, maybe ji6 modem is giving you better reception.
Well, it seems it worked
Well, I'm editing the post, because it worked.
Changed all settings in LbsTestMode to the default Darky ones.
Cleared gps data.
Then loaded Gps Restore and it successfully completed all tasks.
Got a gps lock in seconds with 25 meters accuracy.
Its far better than nothing.
Thank you very much for your help .
Its not working well
Well, tried the gps with LbsTestMode and I get a lock as I said with 25 meters accuracy.
However Ndrive can't give me my current position. It shows me in at least 100 meters from I really am, in some random street.
Google Maps has a 1500 meters accuracy.
All is left is tweaking jupiter.xml.
I don't want to use JI6 modem because it doesn't support HSDPA.
Currently I'm using JK4.
It seems its fixed
Well, did some tweaks to jupiter.xml and after a reboot I got a lock in around 5 seconds with a 10 meters accuracy.
I noticed my jupiter.xml had the spirent supl server instead of the google one.
All tests were done in my house. I have to test it tomorrow in the street.
I will post my results tomorrow ^^.

[Q] GPS not working

Help please! GPS has stopped working suddenly on my SGS. I had an overclocked (1120 Mhz) SGS running Darky's ROM 9.3. Everything was okay till two days back.
I guess it maybe because of too much apps on my phone or the fact that my kid had dropped it once or twice. There were no problems initially. Then phone had rebooting issues.
I've since formatted it yesterday night and it seems to be okay in terms of rebooting and stuff. I then noticed today that GPS was unable to pinpoint me on GMaps. All I saw in Google Maps was "Your current location is temporarily unavailable"
I thought it maybe bad 3G signal and I tried it outside --> No detection. Back at home I tried with Wi-fi having ticked all 3 options in Settings --> My Location. Still no use.
I then decided to run *#*#1472365#*#* but nothing comes up --> NOTHING! I tried with the tool "SGS Info" (GPS Test/ Settings) and ended up with the same result. Other options in "SGS Info" seem to work fine.
Now I have a feeling my GPS may be malfunctioning or worse broken for good. Can someone clarify this? It would also help if you have suggestions in terms of any other tools, so that I can check the GPS unit of my phone!
Could be hardware more likely the rom or software malfunction .
best would be flash stock rom via Odin and test if its hardware you stand a chance of warranty repair with stock rom .
jje
^ Good advice. Stock ROM is always good to try, first, you may want to try what's working for me at the moment.
Download an app called GPS test. Try it in a few different areas of your house to get the best result, but see how many satellites you can pick up. Generally, I find I get a decent signal if I can lock 5 or more satellites. Gray means they are found, but not locked. They will be coloured when locked on. anything above 20 is generally a strong enough signal to provide a decent GPS signal.
I've found that keeping my GPS close to windows or "in view of the sky" actually helps my signal quite a bit, even if its just to lock the satellite, then I can bring it away from the window.
You may also want to read this thread, should neither of those help you.
The GPS on the Galaxy needs some TLC in order to get working properly, but with a little playing around you can find what works for you.
I went back to XXJPX - that's something that came in Dec 2010. Stock ROM from Europe I guess. But still the same issue. Thanks for the suggestion though!
I have tried putting a bit of pressure on the top portion of the unit. But no GPS detected Looks like I got to try to get it repaired. Now that I am on stock ROM I guess it should be fine in terms of warranty. Thanks for the links and your suggestions.
Well, know what; I tried again in a more open area (importantly in a not so remote area) and it works - at least in GMaps! I am still on XXJPX, so I am unable to say whether something went bad in Darky's ROM, but I am happy nonetheless!
fd99601 said:
Well, know what; I tried again in a more open area (importantly in a not so remote area) and it works - at least in GMaps! I am still on XXJPX, so I am unable to say whether something went bad in Darky's ROM, but I am happy nonetheless!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres the clue the killer rom Darkys.
jje

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