Database Develop

Did the latest firmware fix the GPS issue?

I can't seem to find a straight answer to this so I'm starting a new thread.
With the JF3 firmware the GPS on my 2 phones is often not very accurate or completely loses it's position under what could be considered good conditions for a gps reciever.
Did the new firmware fix this problem?
Please only reply if you actually noticed the problem and can compare it with the new firmware.
Using GPS test is the phone now able to use signals with an snr of lower than 22?

No, it refuses to use GPS with snr under 22, as long as you don't locked them when they were higher. In that case it keeps them downto snr 17, and then drops them.

dakine said:
Did the new firmware fix this problem?
Using GPS test is the phone now able to use signals with an snr of lower than 22?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No and no....

Well that sucks, let's hope it's not a hardware problem

In contrast... I just flashed G3 and my GPS now locks in about 5 seconds.
It doesn't lock below 22... But for me it now doesn't need to.
Crabby

crabby09 said:
In contrast... I just flashed G3 and my GPS now locks in about 5 seconds.
It doesn't lock below 22... But for me it now doesn't need to.
Crabby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine also locks in a few seconds, but it loses the lock again after a while. Then it locks again, the lock disappear, and so on. Completely useless as navigator.

This is quite worrying, because it suggests more than just a firmware problem.
To those who have flashed and it hasn't worked, some suggest flashing using the repartition option.
But this experience is why I don't want to flash my phone. If there's a hardware error, I can't rightly be taking it back.
Might get a HTC Desire and put the extra few quid up towards a 32 Gig memory card.
Cya
Simon

on further testing... My phone does use satellites of 19 to 22... But only if it is connected to less than 8 other satellites.
And I don't seem to have a disconnect issue.
Crabby

Yes the problem isnt that it wont connect but that the thing often thinks you are on an offramp or a road next to the highway you are travelling on because the sinal is too weak/inaccurate. I tested this with 3 different nav programs and get the same result.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

crabby09 said:
on further testing... My phone does use satellites of 19 to 22... But only if it is connected to less than 8 other satellites.
And I don't seem to have a disconnect issue.
Crabby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me get this straight, using GPS Test, you do see orange satellites through regular use?
This is all beginning to make sense now.
Unlike HTC which seems to use a GPS chip that is capable of 12 Satellite fixes, Samsung is using a GPS chip that can only lock onto 8.
I would think therefore that what it is trying to do, is to select the 8 strongest satellite signals which means it's already at a disadvantage, because as soon as you walk behind a tall building, it has to work to try and find and lock onto others. But when you walk past the building it goes back to the other satellites.
This probably explains why everything is jumping around. Because it's not using the weaker satellites in the distance until its too late.

Maybe you guys have the problem of "you hold it wrong"
when I put the phone's face upward, I got only 2-3 satelline locked
stick my phone up => 10 satellites locked and most of them are green
cheers

No - I have installed JG3 and still have the same problems. GPS is practically useless.
Its nice I still have my HTC touc hd - I get a pinpoint lock immediatelly.

Have you tried to use an external bluetooth GPS device ?

Don't think it's possible to use an external gps with android. How do you tell the os or app to use the external one instead?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

JG3 seems a lot better for me. Still not perfect, but better than previous versions were I only lost a GPS a couple of times opposed to ALL the damn time !

Well guess I just need to flash my phone and try it myself. I wish Samsung would just release an official update already.

dakine said:
Well that sucks, let's hope it's not a hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*#*#1472365#*#* gps test
Type this in using the keypad and then find skyhook and turn it on. This will help your GPS locate quicker and stay locked. I can get satallites in my living room!
*do not adjust anything else*

dannyd2134 said:
*#*#1472365#*#* gps test
Type this in using the keypad and then find skyhook and turn it on. This will help your GPS locate quicker and stay locked. I can get satallites in my living room!
*do not adjust anything else*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
has anyone tried this? I am reluctant to check it...

Evans_Prophet said:
has anyone tried this? I am reluctant to check it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the code of this website. Why would i lie? I've had my phone like 2 days and i was sick of getting no gps so i went on the hunt for a fix and there it was.
Google skyhook if you wish.

Anyone else tried playing with the accuracy value in that menu? It seems like it has an effect on locking satellites but I'm not sure.

Try these GPS settings

Disable (and do not enable even after we're done here) Use Wireless Networks under Settings ---> Location and Security.
Go into LbsTestMode (*#*#1472365#*#*)
Go to Application Settings
Enable MS-Based Mode
Increase Accuracy to 100
Leave the rest stock
Return to the main LbsTestMode menu
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Select the Serve FQDN Type drop down menu
Hit AUTO Config
Exit to the dialer and reboot your Vibrant twice for good measure.
If the accuracy of your location degrades try using the stock www.spirent-lcs.com settings again.
Now from what I can tell, Google Maps works much better with these settings. The first lock takes 15-40 seconds depending on your view of the sky(indoors/out). You may get a "Location Unavailable" message from the first hit of My Location but it should come around shortly after.
The accuracy is good enough for in-car tracking. Haven't testing walking yet
I'll report back if I find that the GPS eventually ****s the bed and takes much longer for the subsequent fresh fixes.. which seems to be the trend for a new Vibrant. Also, moving your hand away from the GPS antenna will make things quicker. It's to the far right of the camera.

lemme give this thing a shot...hope this works

twistkill said:
lemme give this thing a shot...hope this works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must've deleted which MS - Mode but make sure it's MS-Based and not Assisted. Make sure you leave Wireless Networks off completely as well because this will prevent a GPS fix in GMaps for some reason.
Let me know if it works any better!

I gotta say so far this is the best fix yet I did everything but had to reboot a third time cause for some reason I wasn't connecting to data, but after that it was golden I did the satellite test and it got 14 satellites in about 5 seconds so it seems to me that this works the best. Thanks for the find, but what does skyhook do you have the option to turn it on or off what's the difference?

Thanks
Thank you sir for this fix..i just tested this and i got my gps lock with in 10 sec...Cheers!
edit...
http://www.skyhookwireless.com/press/skyhooksamsung.php
seems to be some sort of location based software...might be worth a shot

Nice Fix - thanks, works well

will this method help at all with My Location being set to Pawcatuck, CT (when I'm in Houston, TX) while indoors? Problem occurs randomly.

WOW it works took less than 10 seconds to get a signal indoors.
Thanks.

jkcheng122 said:
will this method help at all with My Location being set to Pawcatuck, CT (when I'm in Houston, TX) while indoors? Problem occurs randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say for sure since I've never had this problem. Maybe someone else has and will try this otherwise, the only way for you to know would be to try it out. If AUTO-Config gives you these problems move back to spirent-lcs
skater4690 said:
I gotta say so far this is the best fix yet I did everything but had to reboot a third time cause for some reason I wasn't connecting to data, but after that it was golden I did the satellite test and it got 14 satellites in about 5 seconds so it seems to me that this works the best. Thanks for the find, but what does skyhook do you have the option to turn it on or off what's the difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's something to do with LBS I know that so the link below here should help explain things more indepth.
sync3 said:
Thank you sir for this fix..i just tested this and i got my gps lock with in 10 sec...Cheers!
edit...
http://www.skyhookwireless.com/press/skyhooksamsung.php
seems to be some sort of location based software...might be worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
***Most importantly, we have to see if this lasts or not! I noticed some weirdness on AUTO-Config and I'm going to be trying out Spirent for the time being.

WOW it works took less than 10 seconds to get a signal indoors.
Thanks.

jkcheng122 said:
will this method help at all with My Location being set to Pawcatuck, CT (when I'm in Houston, TX) while indoors? Problem occurs randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Houston, and I get that randomly when I'm at work. I have that problem with the old and new Vibrant. The new Vibrant, locks on my location when I step outdoors though with no problem at all. I'm just testing this FIX to see will it fix the indoor problem, but so far, it just showing me I cant find a location.
Edit: After 5min it found my location... Running the GPS Test and it actually locks on and off 1 Satellite..

kiddiosky said:
I live in Houston, and I get that randomly when I'm at work. I have that problem with the old and new Vibrant. The new Vibrant, locks on my location when I step outdoors though with no problem at all. I'm just testing this FIX to see will it fix the indoor problem, but so far, it just showing me I cant find a location.
Edit: After 5min it found my location... Running the GPS Test and it actually locks on and off 1 Satellite..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, doing the fix now.

For indoor the new method does not get me a GPS lock. For outdoors I didn't have problems using the previous fix.

jkcheng122 said:
will this method help at all with My Location being set to Pawcatuck, CT (when I'm in Houston, TX) while indoors? Problem occurs randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same damn problem, I'm in Houston, TX and it says I'm in CT

Gentlemont said:
I have the same damn problem, I'm in Houston, TX and it says I'm in CT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has now officially acknowledge this problem and has promised a fix
See:
http://bit.ly/gpsack

So I did this change and got 11 satellites in my office in the GPS Test option from those test mode settings BUT GMaps still says unavailable. Any advice?

Man I am so bummed...i really wanted this to work...i don't use the gps sll the time but I use it enough that I am almost regretting my purchase..i hope I can get a gps lock tonight so I can actually find my way...this is really frustrating

kiddiosky said:
I live in Houston, and I get that randomly when I'm at work. I have that problem with the old and new Vibrant. The new Vibrant, locks on my location when I step outdoors though with no problem at all. I'm just testing this FIX to see will it fix the indoor problem, but so far, it just showing me I cant find a location.
Edit: After 5min it found my location... Running the GPS Test and it actually locks on and off 1 Satellite..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is it with people in Houston all having this problem. I wonder if it is just the area we are all in (I work near the Medical Center.) I want to trade my phone in for a new one but if its going to have the same problem I am not sure it would be worth it. Are you having the problem still after you switched yours out? Is anyone else getting the error of "Not enough space in music database" when trying to listen to music and selecting the "Artist" category?

I'm in Houston and its always saying I'm in Houston and I tested the gps while in my truck and its great but indoors its not that great... but is need it more in my truck anyway so who cares lol

Anyone else having issues with the settings in the LbsTestMode menu not sticking? I was able to implement one of the posted fixes here before, but not this one as the settings will not stay. They change successfully on each screen, but as soon as I go back and then return to the screen, they are back to where they started. I can even confirm the settings did not change at the bottom of the main LbsTestMode menu with the status display. I've turned off the Wireless Networks setting under location before trying this many different times, reboots out the wazoo and at different stages(tried changing the setting, rebooting immediately without checking it again and no go). Also did a 'Delete GPS Data' with no help.
*edit* It appears I can change the SUPL server address and port just fine, but the operation mode change from MS Based to Standalone does not stay.

[Q] How is the GPS?

Hi Everybody,
I am very interested in purchasing the Tmo-US version of this phone when it is avaliable and I would like to know how is the GPS on these phones? How fast does it lock and for those who are coming from SGS, can you see a big difference in GPS performance? I am currently using a SGS vibrant on tmo-us and GPS is very bad on it. Thanks

better than thge galaxy s.
First time i used it it took like 10 minutes to lock on lol, but then each time after that pretty much instant (or close enough)!

Not perfect for mine, sometimes under the sky also cant lock any satellite or scan no satellite in car. But other people are getting pretty good result though. That's why i am not sure it's my problem or not.

I edited the gps.conf file for my location (not sure if neccesary, but had the file from my previous HD2 so figured wtf..)
gps locks in 15 seconds when outside

Mine is MUCH snappier than my previous HTC desire

Best gps I've experienced on a phone. Better than my omnia, hero and my wife's galaxy s, which is terrible

Thanks for the quick replies. I am sure with some new updates the performance will improve even better. I cant wait to get my hands on G2x now.

Also extremely happy with the GPS. Using MileageTrac everyday, and the GPS locks within 3-4 secs every time.

GPS is perfect. It locks satellites in 7-20 seconds. Accuracy is 5m.

so a few more uses and yeah still instant. thumbs up!

for those who got fast gps fix time, may I know what baseband are you guys using?

Can it be used for car navigation like the Desire HD? Anyone tried it?

I think I fixed mine.
Solution was (at least one among them)
- push appropriate gps.conf to /system/etc
- modify APN type of Mobile data to "default,supl"
- turn off wireless while aquiring GPS fix
My GPS now fixes within seconds with mobile data enabled.

Have any of you tried GPS Status? It helped alleviate slow-to-lock AGPS issues on my Incredible. If you launch the app, it forces a new download of the carrier's GPS file. GPS lock went from 2-3 minutes on some buggy ROMs to under 20 seconds.
It's not the most elegant of solutions, but it works.

pascaliut said:
Can it be used for car navigation like the Desire HD? Anyone tried it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, quite a few times works great.

I agree. Use it everyday. It seems more stable than the DHD with better signal lock.

The demo unit at the T-mobile store I went to yesterday had a horrible GPS.
It would freeze up google maps and wouldn't lock AT ALL when the satellite antennae was turned on.
With the antennae turned on, google maps worked, but the circle for your location was huge (obviously).

Tarzanman said:
The demo unit at the T-mobile store I went to yesterday had a horrible GPS.
It would freeze up google maps and wouldn't lock AT ALL when the satellite antennae was turned on.
With the antennae turned on, google maps worked, but the circle for your location was huge (obviously).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you trying to use it indoors or did they let you take it outside to test it out?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

Tarzanman said:
The demo unit at the T-mobile store I went to yesterday had a horrible GPS.
It would freeze up google maps and wouldn't lock AT ALL when the satellite antennae was turned on.
With the antennae turned on, google maps worked, but the circle for your location was huge (obviously).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try GPS on any other phones? Signal could have been bad inside the building.
Being a Vibrant owner, with all its GPS issues, I'm very interested in how the this works on the G2X before I consider switching.
Thanks.

Worked fine whilst I was out today. Only problem was a lack of a data connection.
Sent from my LG-P990 using Tapatalk

[Q] How can I test GPS functionality?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone figured out a solution to this ?

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