Is there any modems that seem to work better in areas of poor reception?
I frequently loose signal or can only receive texts but not reply to them in Southern Utah. This is even on the I-15 corridor that supposedly has coverage all the way. Heaven forbid I drive off-road and need to use my phone with reliability.
Obviously with that kind of reception I am not going to be doing any web surfing, but it would be nice to be able to reply to the texts when they manage to get through. I don't mind flashing a new modem when needed, I understand sometimes the trade off is power/range versus battery life. I carry two spare batteries anyway.
Coming from a WinMo phone we would have all sorts of radio options. I gather in Android they are called modems and the options seem more limited?
Anyways, any advice on a particular modem that works well in fringe areas?
I am running Firebird2 kernel so I believe I need to stick with a I9000 compatible modem? Currenty I use the UGJK4.
Really? Nobody uses their Captivate as a phone?
I have downloaded KP1 and JL2 and will try them this weekend I think, but I cant be the only one living in BFE that has this snazzy phone.
Someone may be interested in my test so far so i will continue to talk to myself here.
I switched from the JK4 to the JL2 modem and have had a dramatic difference in signal bars. I now get a bar or two at the ski resort base where as before I never had anything. It reads 'emergency calls only' instead of 'no service'.
I still cant send any texts out and am unsure if I would be able to receive any. I think the phone needs to ping both ways to get a text.
I am unsure if the 'signal bars' mean anything about the sensitivity of the modem but its interesting that I get them now.
Next time I will try the KP1 modem for the weekend.
Im in southwest USA and the UGL2 modem works wonders for me.
what about the battery for jl2 and jk4, can you compare them as well?
FireRaider said:
Someone may be interested in my test so far so i will continue to talk to myself here.
I switched from the JK4 to the JL2 modem and have had a dramatic difference in signal bars. I now get a bar or two at the ski resort base where as before I never had anything. It reads 'emergency calls only' instead of 'no service'.
I still cant send any texts out and am unsure if I would be able to receive any. I think the phone needs to ping both ways to get a text.
I am unsure if the 'signal bars' mean anything about the sensitivity of the modem but its interesting that I get them now.
Next time I will try the KP1 modem for the weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a word of advice, make sure you check the actual signal strength (db) because bars can lie badly. The only reason I say this is because it "says" you have more bars but you still can't text sounds kinda like you're getting an over exaggerated bar signal strength.
Just my .02
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897
Is there a *# code that will read out your actual signal strenght? I have SGS Tools installed and can use it to get to that information if you know were its at?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
I carry 2 spare batteries and swap them out as needed so I am not sure about battery life. At the ski resort it pretty bad but probably due to the constant wifi usage more than anything.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
You can get your signal strength (measured in dBm, so you want a lower number) in Settings, About Phone, Status.
The service mode accessed via *#0011# will also show you that signal strength, as well as some more info. (RSCP, received signal code power, corresponds to signal strength in the Status menu above.)
Good luck.
sgs tools provides more than information... Its a shortcut to all your hardware codes. I'm in batch 1007 and when I flash stock ---> custom rom... I always have Data issues. JK4 modem Serendipity Speedmod... Toggle my bands and for some weird reason my WAP jumps from stock New York WAP to a more local WAP (Kansas or Chicago) and my Data goes wild (latency lowers dramatically and speeds return to normal)... Otherwise my phone is a paper weight.
So I flashed the ZNKP1 modem this weekend and tried it out. It seems about the same as the last modem. However I did notice something interesting with it.
At the lodge I get full bars and no service! It will hook up to what I assume is the tmobile network? The signal shows -95dbm and 6 asu but the service state says out of service.
I am guessing that might be why I can get signal bars on some of the lifts but be unable to send or receive calls or texts.
I had been under the impression that the signal bars were only for networks that were usable but I guess that is not really the case.
Is this a function of the modem not being stock or is it always going to pick up and show unusable signals?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
I've tried and tested just about every modem, and I always come back to JK3. For me it has the best battery life and reception. GPS is also important for me, so this one seems to do the trick (with Adam's GPS fix).
JL2
The new JL2 modem works best for me, drops less calls than JK4
and consitantly has more bars.
Also my gps works better with JL2, my captivate is revision 1007
I switched my ROM to Cog 4.1 so I will have to see how it works for me at the resort next time I go.
But does anyone have any clue about the signal bars indication I mentioned? Full bars but on the wrong network?
Is that something I have never noticed before, or something to do with flashing different modems?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Related
Anyone experience no phone signal after flashing a ROM to your Pure? I got the device two days ago and immediately went to flash it using one of Duttys roms and also from Tess (IV). With both attempts I get no signal bars whatsoever. That being said I get an "H" where the "3G" used to be. I know that some of you have talked about the HSDPA but even though I have been doing this awhile I am stumped as to why I would get no signal bars. As long as HSDPA doesnt result in more charges from my provider I could care less about that. Hope that makes sense and I hope that someone has some information for me!
Thanks!
jbonham said:
Anyone experience no phone signal after flashing a ROM to your Pure? I got the device two days ago and immediately went to flash it using one of Duttys roms and also from Tess (IV). With both attempts I get no signal bars whatsoever. That being said I get an "H" where the "3G" used to be. I know that some of you have talked about the HSDPA but even though I have been doing this awhile I am stumped as to why I would get no signal bars. As long as HSDPA doesnt result in more charges from my provider I could care less about that. Hope that makes sense and I hope that someone has some information for me!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, yes, I have seen the situation on some ROMs where I get 'no bars', but the phone seems to be operational anyway. My suspicion is that it's a problem with the root software from Microsoft, not the ROM chef, since it goes across ROMs.
3G vs. H has no bearing on the problem. The H just shows that the phone is connecting via the higher-speed data linkup. Some providers charge more for H, others don't. You'd have to check with yours.
Thanks for the quick reply. Is there a way to figure out if AT&T charges extra for the "H" connection speeds?
Also, are there any roms out there that have figured out a way to slightly increase the size of the virtual keyboard for easier typing? Both roms I have used so far have kept the keyboard the same and not sure if there is actually a way to increase the size. Lastly, I am reading up on roms trying to find one that I would like but one piece of information eludes me. Does the rom I am researching support landscape mode in Start and all other aspects? Right now I get landscape in web browsing, email and that is about it. I may be missing something here but thought I would ask for clarification.
A note about the Tess IV rom is that I really loved it. It was super smooth and very fast unlike the shipped rom from AT&T.
I found the original rom to be bulky and slow in responsiveness when moving between features or applications. I am sure that is why others moved away from it as well.
AT&T does not charge extra if you enable HSDPA. This is my second AT$T WM device and I have enabled "H" on both.
jdwilson said:
AT&T does not charge extra if you enable HSDPA. This is my second AT$T WM device and I have enabled "H" on both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you enable "H" or force it on?
The type of signal is dependant on whats available in the area you are in. As far as I know you don't force "H" to come on, your phone just accesses the best available signal you allow. If " is it then.....
My att plan is the basic plan with the $30.00 data (unlimited) that is required when you buy it. No charges for "H" access for me.. good god, with the way I use slacker all the time, that would bankrupt me in a week.. lol
jbonham said:
Anyone experience no phone signal after flashing a ROM to your Pure? I got the device two days ago and immediately went to flash it using one of Duttys roms and also from Tess (IV). With both attempts I get no signal bars whatsoever. That being said I get an "H" where the "3G" used to be. I know that some of you have talked about the HSDPA but even though I have been doing this awhile I am stumped as to why I would get no signal bars. As long as HSDPA doesnt result in more charges from my provider I could care less about that. Hope that makes sense and I hope that someone has some information for me!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the ENERGY Leo ROM, and notice the same.
Thing is that while H is showing I get no bars and no phone connection. Then the phone automatically switches over to 3G and dials out. This can take up to 10 secs - so, can be annoying!
Could this be a locational thing, as I notice this happening in one location only - perhaps where the signal is not strong enough to utilise the H connection.
Or, is it that H is used for data and 3G only for telephone calls?
H is actually HSDPA and is the 3G data connection. 2G equivalent would be EDGE for example. You will only pick it up if A) Your device supports it, B) Your carrier provides it!!, and C) Your are in a stong enough signal area.
You mention that you flashed to a custom ROM but have you flashed your device to an updated Radio ROM? This is the part of the phone that deals with communications including Voice, Data, WiFi etc. Using a good one makes a world of difference.
Check this thread out for all Versions.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276
Flashing a Radio is the same procedure that you would use for a custom ROM. Of course, many of you may already know all of the above but some people may not!
DirkGently1 said:
H is actually HSDPA and is the 3G data connection. 2G equivalent would be EDGE for example. You will only pick it up if A) Your device supports it, B) Your carrier provides it!!, and C) Your are in a stong enough signal area.
You mention that you flashed to a custom ROM but have you flashed your device to an updated Radio ROM? This is the part of the phone that deals with communications including Voice, Data, WiFi etc. Using a good one makes a world of difference.
Check this thread out for all Versions.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276
Flashing a Radio is the same procedure that you would use for a custom ROM. Of course, many of you may already know all of the above but some people may not!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I thought the updated custom ROM would also update the radio.
What is your reccomendation for the radio?
How do I find out radio version I've got?
I dont have any specific useage beyond taking calls, and updating Twitter, weather etc.
What version do you think is best?
alexdpaul said:
No, I thought the updated custom ROM would also update the radio.
What is your reccomendation for the radio?
How do I find out radio version I've got?
I dont have any specific useage beyond taking calls, and updating Twitter, weather etc.
What version do you think is best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some ROMs do include the radio, such as Dutty's HG 9 & 10 ROMs.
The radio version is usually included in the name of the ROM.
For best radio, it depends on your carrier and location.
To find your current version, soft reset, it is listed at the bottom next to "R" upon booting.
DirkGently1 said:
H is actually HSDPA and is the 3G data connection. 2G equivalent would be EDGE for example. You will only pick it up if A) Your device supports it, B) Your carrier provides it!!, and C) Your are in a stong enough signal area.
You mention that you flashed to a custom ROM but have you flashed your device to an updated Radio ROM? This is the part of the phone that deals with communications including Voice, Data, WiFi etc. Using a good one makes a world of difference.
Check this thread out for all Versions.. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276
Flashing a Radio is the same procedure that you would use for a custom ROM. Of course, many of you may already know all of the above but some people may not!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked my radio ROM - it was .17.
Just updated the radio to .91 - immediate improvment in access to 3G cellphone signal.
Of course, I need to use it for a couple of days to get an accurate feel for improvement.
BTW. I'm based in the UK.
I've had varying success using different versions but .57 has always been head & shoulders above the rest for me.
As always your mileage may vary
I've run into a pretty weird problem that no one else seems to have. No matter what ROM and kernel I run, as long as I run the TLJL3 modem, I get a roaming message. And since I have data roaming turned off, I basically can't use data. Now you can say turn on data roaming, but then I still have the roaming notification.
Running any other modem doesn't give me this problem, such as my current UGJL2 modem. Does anyone know why I'm getting this problem? TLJL3 and UGJL2 are the most popular modems atm and I'd like to use TLJL3 as I'm hoping it'll be better than my current UGJL2 modem experience.
I have another question. I went to the States for a same day shopping trip, and got my bill just now. Despite having data roaming turned off and packet data turned on, I got charged like $2 for data roaming? Wth happened? There shouldn't be any data usage on the phone when I was in the States...
I was on stock Rogers firmware at the time too.
Update: It seems that certain modems give me a roaming message. I'm getting a roaming message on KP1 modem as well as TLJL3. It'd be nice if there is a workaround or fix besides just ignoring it and enabling data roaming.
Update: Seems that while some people with a Rogers Captivate get the roaming message, others don't. I seriously got no idea what's going on. See latest post for details.
geokilla said:
I've run into a pretty weird problem that no one else seems to have. No matter what ROM and kernel I run, as long as I run the TLJL3 modem, I get a roaming message. And since I have data roaming turned off, I basically can't use data. Now you can say turn on data roaming, but then I still have the roaming notification.
Running any other modem doesn't give me this problem, such as my current UGJL2 modem. Does anyone know why I'm getting this problem? TLJL3 and UGJL2 are the most popular modems atm and I'd like to use TLJL3 as I'm hoping it'll be better than my current UGJL2 modem experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't cause any problems. I've had data roaming turned off before with my captivate running older versions of cognition before and no charges came out. I've had roaming on JL3 modem as well, but honestly it's not a biggie. Just ignore it.
All rights then.
I have another question. I went to the States for a same day shopping trip, and got my bill just now. Despite having data roaming turned off and packet data turned on, I got charged like $2 for data roaming? Wth happened? There shouldn't be any data usage on the phone when I was in the States...
I was on stock Rogers firmware at the time too.
Anyone????
geokilla said:
All rights then.
I have another question. I went to the States for a same day shopping trip, and got my bill just now. Despite having data roaming turned off and packet data turned on, I got charged like $2 for data roaming? Wth happened? There shouldn't be any data usage on the phone when I was in the States...
I was on stock Rogers firmware at the time too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you were in the States and you used your phone, you obviously will get roaming charges. The reason it didn't work is probably the phone thought that it belongs in the States to begin with. If you don't want any charges, it's always best to just have your phone in airplane mode when in another country.
koreancanuck said:
Well if you were in the States and you used your phone, you obviously will get roaming charges. The reason it didn't work is probably the phone thought that it belongs in the States to begin with. If you don't want any charges, it's always best to just have your phone in airplane mode when in another country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the weird thing. I didn't use it when I was in the states... I can't put it on airplane mode though just in case my dad calls and stuff. Data roaming is disabled and I don't have american apn either.
As for the roaming message with the TLJL3, I flashed it at home meaning I am in canada.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Update: It seems that certain modems give me a roaming message. I'm getting a roaming message on KP1 modem as well as TLJL3. It'd be nice if there is a workaround or fix besides just ignoring it and enabling data roaming.
Same for me. I have a SGH-i896 Captivate and I'm a Fido user and when I use JL3 or KP1 modem I have the roaming message. It is annoying, but never been charged for this. I had a HTC Hero before and had the same "issue".
I know it's not a big deal, but having the R over the reception signal is bothering me. I'd like to get rid of it if it's possible.
this may sound a bit too simplistic, but if only those modems are the cause (meaning other modems don't give you this "issue"), why not just flash a different modem?
Well like everyone else, we want to see which modem gives us the best performance and battery life. It's said that TLJL3, UGJL2, and KP1 are the best modems right now, and we can't really experiemnt with the other two modems because they give us roaming messages, which is annoying and kills our data as we have data roaming turned off. Yes it's not a huge problem, but it is a problem nonetheless.
try jk4, it's the other good modem. I've have had data roaming problems with jl3 while using Darky's Rom, but the problems went away after I started using serendipity and doc's. of course, YMMV.
one more thing: if you have a rom with the extended power menu (ie, you can go to the power menu and select recovery or download), then go there, and turn off data network and it won't use data until you turn it back on.
Wait, the roaming message just went away when using another ROM? How'd that work? Because using Perception, Cognition, and Serendipity ROMs, I get the roaming message with TLJL3 and KP1 modems.
Yea I used to turn off data network mode thinking it'd revert to GSM mode. Turns out it didn't...
x3nhydr4lutr1sx said:
try jk4, it's the other good modem. I've have had data roaming problems with jl3 while using Darky's Rom, but the problems went away after I started using serendipity and doc's. of course, YMMV.
one more thing: if you have a rom with the extended power menu (ie, you can go to the power menu and select recovery or download), then go there, and turn off data network and it won't use data until you turn it back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using JK4 for a few days now and so far, the reception is more or less the same as UGJL2. However, the last time I tested data speeds, it was a lot slower than UGJL2.
I still haven't figured out why I was getting the roaming message before, but it seems like some people with a Rogers Captivate using ZNKP1 modem don't have the same problem as me. He's running Cognition too, just like I was before I flash to Serendipity. See posts here and here.
Got a new Fido SIM card and I'm still getting the roaming message with certain modems. I've completely given up now.
My approach to fixing this, maybe it might help you
geokilla said:
Got a new Fido SIM card and I'm still getting the roaming message with certain modems. I've completely given up now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just upgraded to Serendipity 7 and was having the same roaming issue message that you have. I am also using a fido sim card, ahaha.
I was able to fix the issue by using the JK4 modem, the same one used in Firefly 3.0 (Rogers based rom). So far it is working great for me, no issues with calls or data and the roaming message is now gone
~ I attached the modem file I used. Just put the file on to the root of your phone and install it as a .zip in CWM Recovery and you're good to go!
So almost two months of owning my Captivate that I got from Rogers (BNIB from Kijiji) and I noticed that at a certain area in my school, I have 3/5 bars of signal yet I can't seem to text/call and use the network. Is this a network problem or phone problem? Or can it also be my SIM? My SIM card is pretty old. However everything was fine when I use my Sony Ericsson W715 in the same area.
I should add that my friends on the same network beside me, they can text/call fine, which leads me to believe that this is a phone problem. A poster over at Howard Forums suggested network congestion, but it seems impossible because everyone else can use their phone fine.
I've tried different modems too, but it doesn't help. It's like my Captivate doesn't want to work at certain areas of my school.
A couple of people are getting the same problem as well where the phone reports good signal, but they can't use the network at certain locations. We're starting to think that this is a phone problem...
geokilla said:
A couple of people are getting the same problem as well where the phone reports good signal, but they can't use the network at certain locations. We're starting to think that this is a phone problem...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this same issue in fringe areas. I have ATT and in southern Utah they are quite weak. I wonder if the bars/signal are actually from another provider like T-Mobile or some off brand like alltel or something. Utah has a bunch of small providers in rural areas.
Specifically in my case I go up in the mountains at Brianhead Ski resort and i get 2 or 3 bars yet I cannot send texts or call. Verizon has coverage there and I heard rumor T-mobile had a microcell or something on one of the lodges.
Could the signal be from another provider that ATT doesnt have an agreement with? Or in the OP's case some provider besides his own?
That's highly unlikely though, the idea of my phone roaming onto another network. It'd show if I'm not on the Rogers network.
Plus, a lot of people use Rogers, such as my friends who are able to make calls and send texts when they are next to me while I can't at school.
Just an update. Switched to a new SIM card, no go. Got a reconditioned Captivate, still got the same problem. As always, everyone else around me could send and receive text messages fine.
Same thing happened to me twice today with the reconditioned Captivate, at two different locations. As usual, it happened to me at Ted Rogers School of Management on the 8th floor where it showed I had 3 bars and a 3G connection. However when I tried to send a SMS, make a call, or browse the web, nothing worked. Everyone else around me was fine though, so I still can't determine whether it is a network or phone problem. I already switched the SIM out for a new one too.
The 2nd time it happened to me today was just outside of the subway station. Keyword is outside. I wasn't underground. I had full bars, but again I couldn't use the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
geokilla said:
Just an update. Switched to a new SIM card, no go. Got a reconditioned Captivate, still got the same problem. As always, everyone else around me could send and receive text messages fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still think it that in some cases our phones pick up out of network signals and show great signal strenght.
Maybe not in your case since others are working fine around you, unless they are bone stock maybe, and you have obviously improved your phone.
I did a bunch of expeirmentation with my phone, flashing different modems and such, trying to get an ATT signal at Brianhead Ski resort in Utah.
I could get the phone to show great signal on the bars and in settings/about phone/status but the service state and network would say unknown or unavailable, somthing like that. (maybe check those when you cant get out?)
I have since given up and reflashed so many times I dont remember which modem worked to give me good signal of networks I couldnt use.
I do know it was frustating as hell to have full bars and be unable to call or send texts.
FireRaider said:
I still think it that in some cases our phones pick up out of network signals and show great signal strenght.
Maybe not in your case since others are working fine around you, unless they are bone stock maybe, and you have obviously improved your phone.
I did a bunch of expeirmentation with my phone, flashing different modems and such, trying to get an ATT signal at Brianhead Ski resort in Utah.
I could get the phone to show great signal on the bars and in settings/about phone/status but the service state and network would say unknown or unavailable, somthing like that. (maybe check those when you cant get out?)
I have since given up and reflashed so many times I dont remember which modem worked to give me good signal of networks I couldnt use.
I do know it was frustating as hell to have full bars and be unable to call or send texts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your insight. The other people around me have other phones, such as Blackberry, Samsung Wave, etc. I even tested it with my old Sony Ericsson W715 and my friend's Samsung Wave at pretty much the same location (a feet or two away from me) when I can't use the network, and everything is fine so it most likely is a phone problem.
When it shows I have signal, it also shows the service state, like I'm on the Fido network and such.
I've had crappy reception in my home and the area around it - yet ATT's coverage map says I have 3G and best voice signal in my area. What could be causing this? I've been on a bunch of custom roms, everything the same, all the modems, the same, even on stock it's crappy, my data is intermittent, signal always jumps from to two no signal at all... I am able to get decent connection speeds elsewhere, but why is this happening? Did I just get a bad phone or what?
miahsoul said:
I've had crappy reception in my home and the area around it - yet ATT's coverage map says I have 3G and best voice signal in my area. What could be causing this? I've been on a bunch of custom roms, everything the same, all the modems, the same, even on stock it's crappy, my data is intermittent, signal always jumps from to two no signal at all... I am able to get decent connection speeds elsewhere, but why is this happening? Did I just get a bad phone or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really trust AT&T's coverage map? According to it I shouldn't even get a signal where I live.
Coverage map
Unfortunately, cappysw10 is right - at best, AT&T's coverage map is wildly inaccurate, at worst, an outright lie.
Try testing a different phone where you think you should be getting coverage (a friend's, coworker's, your old one, etc.) - if it works fine, it's possible that you did get a bad phone. In that case, you might be able to get AT&T to replace it.
I think the Captivate's reception overall is poor. We live in the country. My wife has a Motorola Bravo and gets phenomenal reception all over our house. I've got a Captivate running Paragon RC6. When my Cappy was stock, there were only about 3 places in the house I could get any reception. With Paragon it's much better, but still not as good as my wife's Bravo. I still have to find sweet spots.
If you haven't tried Paragon, give it a wing. It helped me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=915698
I have a rooted Droid 3 XT862 running the new .906 rom. The problem is my signal here sucks. I sit right at 1 bar so it flips back and forth between 2g and 3g constantly. I only hope to get a few more db signal, or maybe find a way to trick it into staying in 3g. Any ideas?
MerCiLeSS28 said:
I have a rooted Droid 3 XT862 running the new .906 rom. The problem is my signal here sucks. I sit right at 1 bar so it flips back and forth between 2g and 3g constantly. I only hope to get a few more db signal, or maybe find a way to trick it into staying in 3g. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The .906 update includes the latest radio. Try updating your PRL by dialing *22899. It updates the list of towers in your area, and you should do this every few weeks.
Unfortunately that didnt help
You may want to call Verizon Wireless support to report that you are having signal problems (I assume that this is where you live.) If this is your home, and you have a high-speed internet connection at your home, I have read before of people who have had Verizon send them a Network Extender for free when they have signal issues like this at home. I'm not sure if they will do this at all, but perhaps they will do something like this for you? (I would very politely ask if they know if there will be any planned network upgrades in your area - they will tell you that they have no idea or way of knowing - and then you can ask if there is anything that they can do to make the signal better at your home? I wouldn't bring up the idea of the network extender yourself; perhaps they will offer the Network Extender. Perhaps not. It will not hurt to call. Be polite. )