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Hi everybody, new to the forums and new to droid - I recently upgraded from the Propel to the Captivate and so far I am loving it. With all the reviews and forums I read before deciding to buy most of my answers have been answered, but not all.
My phone was loaded with 2.2 and when I registered it with Samsung it showed a build date of feb/11 so I'm hoping that my phone has alot of the big fixes already loaded. I have noticed that the gps code listed on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732030
Does not work on my phone, I enter *#*#1472365#*# and the last * just clears the code out of my dialer... no sub-menu, no options, nothing. Any ideas how to do gps testing?
Other question, I spend alot of time off the cell network and I need a gps that works - which app would be good to use? Searching the app store there is quite a few ranging in price, most seem to have mixed reviews. Google does nothing for me since it needs the network to pull up the maps. Basically when I load up the gps it shows me in a sea of nothingness and trying to scroll the map gives me an error 'need network connection' type of message.
Also, I've noticed what looks like 2 small led's one the face of my phone, just to the left of the speaker and the ugly logo. Are these notification leds or something else?
I don't plan on rooting or flashing my phone for a while... yes yes I know, stock sucks, but like I said I was using the Samsung Propel a couple days ago and now the Captivate - I've got alot to learn and alot to get used to before I switch things around. Yes, one day I do want to switch off of stock software just not right now, thanks for the suggestion though. lol
Model SGHI897
Firmware 2.2
Baseband I897UCKB1
Kernel 2.6.32.9
froyo.uckb1
thanks in advance for the help and advice, now it's time to finish reading through the app thread and hit up the store...
psynonamous said:
Hi everybody, new to the forums and new to droid - I recently upgraded from the Propel to the Captivate and so far I am loving it. With all the reviews and forums I read before deciding to buy most of my answers have been answered, but not all.
My phone was loaded with 2.2 and when I registered it with Samsung it showed a build date of feb/11 so I'm hoping that my phone has alot of the big fixes already loaded. I have noticed that the gps code listed on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732030
Does not work on my phone, I enter *#*#1472365#*# and the last * just clears the code out of my dialer... no sub-menu, no options, nothing. Any ideas how to do gps testing?
Other question, I spend alot of time off the cell network and I need a gps that works - which app would be good to use? Searching the app store there is quite a few ranging in price, most seem to have mixed reviews. Google does nothing for me since it needs the network to pull up the maps. Basically when I load up the gps it shows me in a sea of nothingness and trying to scroll the map gives me an error 'need network connection' type of message.
Also, I've noticed what looks like 2 small led's one the face of my phone, just to the left of the speaker and the ugly logo. Are these notification leds or something else?
I don't plan on rooting or flashing my phone for a while... yes yes I know, stock sucks, but like I said I was using the Samsung Propel a couple days ago and now the Captivate - I've got alot to learn and alot to get used to before I switch things around. Yes, one day I do want to switch off of stock software just not right now, thanks for the suggestion though. lol
Model SGHI897
Firmware 2.2
Baseband I897UCKB1
Kernel 2.6.32.9
froyo.uckb1
thanks in advance for the help and advice, now it's time to finish reading through the app thread and hit up the store...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for needing a GPS on without using Data there are a few but to be honest if you need it for reliable GPS, then you got the wrong device. The captivate is known for having terrible GPS and it is unrelible at best. Good enough to help you learn a new town but not good enough to get you where you need to go on time everytime. The led are the light sensors. No led Notifications with the captivte at all unless you rom a custom rom and get BLN from the app store that will light up your 4 bottom keys when you have a message.
I do have a stand alone gps, I was just hoping I'd be able to free up some pocket space with the phone - so far, it just shows a blank screen with a blue indicator and says it's accurate 'within 10 meters'. I was hoping I could find a app that provided maps and maybe help tune it a bit. Next time I'm on the network I'll play around with it and see what kind of readings it gives - even if the gps is low end, I'm still liking this phone so far... a whole lot better than the propel.
Thanks for the update, zelendel
google "android app navigation preloaded maps"
psynonamous said:
Does not work on my phone, I enter *#*#1472365#*# and the last * just clears the code out of my dialer... no sub-menu, no options, nothing. Any ideas how to do gps testing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using *#*#3214789650#*#* for the dialer code.
psynonamous said:
Also, I've noticed what looks like 2 small led's one the face of my phone, just to the left of the speaker and the ugly logo. Are these notification leds or something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One is a proximity sensor and one is a light sensor.
Thanks for the info, I got a couple gps test apps I'm going to mess around with in a while but, I found a new problem that is driving me crazy...
I bought a usb wifi adapter - Asus n13 (b/g/n), in the hopes of using my internet for data and my phone will not connect to wifi. Even driving around town to places that offer free open wifi, my phone will not connect. It finds the wifi hotspots, pulls up the ssid, says connecting, then gets to 'assigning ip' and freezes. On my pc wifi setup, it shows a new connection and 2 seconds later disconnect.
In the phone wifi settings, it keeps showing wifi -connecting....disconnected, back to scanning, connecting in an endless loop - but it never connects. It has the ssid remembered but I cannot delete it or reset it. WPS failed to connect from either end.
Sleep Policy is off
Use Static IP is off
This is a big issue for me since I'm on the cheap att data plan.. I've tried various settings on the pc side of things, all with the same results, I've browsed the internet and done a bit of troubleshooting (ie, different usb ports, different drivers, turning on/off services, etc etc) - I think the problem is on the phone since it does not access any wifi... maybe I missed a setting somewhere?
For now I'm going to dig through the user manual again...
OK, playing around with some of windows wireless settings I've hit a new roadblock... my phone says connecting... Obtaining IP address... Disconnecting... Scanning...
That is one small step closer I think, because it wasnt trying to get an ip address earlier, it was just connecting/disconnecting.
finally! I figured it out!!!
Just for future note.... You have to go into your windows network settings, highlight your broadband AND wifi together - select bridge... restart your pc wifi software and then connect your phone, it should start right up!
psynonamous said:
Does not work on my phone, I enter *#*#1472365#*# and the last * just clears the code out of my dialer... no sub-menu, no options, nothing. Any ideas how to do gps testing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say you do not want to root the phone. But try Launcher Pro anyways to access the LbsTestMode.
1. Sign up/in to the market.
2. Download and install Launcher Pro (it says Pro but there is a FREE version, so dont worry).
3. After install, go to home screen. Long press and choose "Shortcuts"
4. In menu, choose "Activities" (yellow icon).
5. Scroll down and expand the menu "LbsTestMode". Under this is a submenu. Choose the first "LbsTestMode" under this. Yes the main menu and submenu have same name.
6. Choose Ok or whatever, and the icon will be on your Home screen.
7. If you get this far, then you are good.
Open LbstestMode:
1. At the moment you probably should just leave Application Settings to default.
2. Under "Supl/CP settings". And change as follows:
Server: supl.google.com (no "www.")
Server Port: 7276
Secure Socket: OFF
AGPS Mode : SUPL
3. Return to previous menu.
4. DELETE GPS DATA just to clear all previous data.
5. Run "Get Position Test" on top of menu.....
Good Luck !!
psynonamous said:
Other question, I spend alot of time off the cell network and I need a gps that works - which app would be good to use? Searching the app store there is quite a few ranging in price, most seem to have mixed reviews. Google does nothing for me since it needs the network to pull up the maps. Basically when I load up the gps it shows me in a sea of nothingness and trying to scroll the map gives me an error 'need network connection' type of message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Google Maps requires a network connection.....BUT when you go into Navigation mode - via the Directions menu and turning on navigation, you get navigation. YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD VOICE SYNTHESIS from the market to get voice guidance. This a good first try, IF YOUR GPS WORKS !!
Or try NAVIGON for Android ....you can buy it but also check here www.mobilism.org (ahem..ahem). I use daily, and I think it is the best routing....
EDIT: Well...about google maps, I think you need a data connection jsut to open the damn software, so you will need Navigon, Igo primo or similar...I AM ASSUMING YOU WANT ROUTING DIRECTIONS and not hiking type positioning. Then take a look at this http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/content/android-gps-software AND here http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/
Thanks again for the updates, but it seems like either Samsung or ATT has locked out the Lbs Test mode feature, both of the codes have the same result - after entering the last character it clears it out. I did get LauncherPro and am really digging it so far, but even the lbs tests dont do anything, it goes to a blank screen and just sits there... I have the status bar at the top and a totally blank screen. I even set my phone down on a box out in the yard for 30+ minutes and nothing ever came up - using the google and stock settings for the test. I'm guessing if/when I root my phone the tests will work
I started using GPS Test from Chartcross Limited and GPS Status from EclipSim - both show that my gps is accurate between 16.4 and 32.8 feet - depending on which the way the wind is blowing. I've been browsing some of the other gps/map apps but for now I'll just carry around my standard gps when I need it.
Even with the gps issues, I'm really liking this phone alot. I havent really ran into any other problems yet
Does your guys vivid find your location on google.com mine says location unavailable I tired everything to fix it and it still doesn't work any advice ?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
The GPS thing is odd for me too. It shows me where I am perfectly, however shows my girlfriend sitting over on a nearby airport runway when she is right next to me. She has the Thunderbolt on Verizon.
And to make it even more strange... She sees me over there too but her phone shows her location perfectly.
And it's always off like that... no matter where we are. we see ourselves fine but each other as off by about 1000 feet or so.
Wow that is weird does your location show on google.com ?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
So no one else has this problem?
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
Mines dead on and Fast.
Do you receive any pop ups when you first launch Maps about improving your Location?
You may want to turn on Wifi (you don't have to connect to any Networks).
Wifi on speeds the process up quite a bit.
A few years ago Google was in the hot seat for gathering Wifi info while gathering data for Street View.
all third part apps work fine on finding my location maps finds its quick and fast my problem is on google.com the browser in general does not find my location it keeps saying location unavailable
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
I have the same problem and found a couple more. The Places tab on google .com does not work either. If you hit the Facebook website and try to use the check in feature, it won’t let you. So it’s definitely a gps/browser issue.
same here anyone have any advice to fix this
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk
It looks like at&t thing to me, all non at&t versions seem to be ok
Sent from my HTC Holiday using XDA App
I've tried contacting HTC about this. Has anyone heard of a possible fix?
AT&T referred me to HTC because they did not have a solution. HTC had me check all settings and do a soft reset but that did not work. I was not willing to do a factory reset. HTC said that since the phone is new they are waiting on customer feedback to see what issues the phone has before they issue a patch. So I guess this will stay an unresolved issue until then.
Any word on a fix for this? I'm encountering 'Location unavailable' in the browser (any browser, actually, tried Dolphin and Firefox) and I can't seem to fix it. I actually DID do a factory reset, no dice (restoring nandroid now).
Maps apps (Maps, My Tracks, Latitude) work fine and locate me whether I'm on wifi, LTE, GPS on/off. Same with widgets. Everything but the browser. It's really frustrating. I've tried every combination of settings, both in the browser and the general phone settings.
For what it's worth, I've been in touch with HTC, and they're looking into it. I won't hold my breath.
My Location
This is so frustrating!!!
When I'm at work My Location (image and info) is correct, but at home my image is correct but my info shows the street behind my house!
bonespanda said:
This is so frustrating!!!
When I'm at work My Location (image and info) is correct, but at home my image is correct but my info shows the street behind my house!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about the position marker on the map, GPS positions and/or the apps using them can be off. At work and at home, the marker can be as much as 50 feet from where I am actually located. This may be due to the number and position of the satellites being tracked. I have found some apps to be more accurate than others. Personally, I think the Vivid GPS works well, but you are rarely going to have the marker less than 15-20 feet of your actual position -- unless you are a military weapon or a military target.
I know it is common problem in vibrant and captivate... but in my vibrant when I was in stock it never gave me GPS problems but captivate is killing me whenever I start GPS it shows 5-7 satellites but never locks ....I have used faster fix but it din help ...can anyone say changing settings in lbs test can help? if so can u say what setting should I use .....btw I'm on rooted stock 2.3.5....thanks for helping
For the GPS... Turn GPS on, go into Angry GPS (*#*#3214789650#*#*). Under Settings/ Supl Settings/ Change the Server to supl.google.com and change the Server Port to 7276 . Select Done. Then hit back twice and select Delete GPS Data. Then hit back twice and u should be home. Install the free GPS Test app from the Market and check it. U should be a whole lot better now.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
4-2ndtwin said:
For the GPS... Turn GPS on, go into Angry GPS (*#*#3214789650#*#*). Under Settings/ Supl Settings/ Change the Server to supl.google.com and change the Server Port to 7276 . Select Done. Then hit back twice and select Delete GPS Data. Then hit back twice and u should be home. Install the free GPS Test app from the Market and check it. U should be a whole lot better now.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this still no change shows 6 satellites but never locks ......
I used to have same issue one of reasons I moved up to JB custom. GPS worst case in the house about 90 seconds after reboot. After first lock normally less than 30 sec.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
it is giving me some results when I use Samsung GPS restore app .........it just connects and again within seconds looses connection and it keeps on repeating again and again
It's a hardware problem
The early Galaxy S variants just have weak GPS hardware. They may have fixed it mid-stream on some of the later-built ones, but my early Captivate (from August 2010) has just never worked very well, no matter which ROM, no matter which workaround/"fix". It will eventually lock, but usually take 10+ minutes, and even once it has, it loses lock frequently, and even when it claims to have lock, the location is inaccurate.
I bought one of these and it works well with this app.
I admit it's a bit inconvenient, but the thing is very small-- I even run/bike with it, just tucked into the strap of the armband I keep my phone in. And it's fine for navigation in the car. If you have a later-built device maybe some of the workarounds will help you, but replacing the hardware is the only solution that's worked for me.
okay, afaik, based on my experience with cappy gps, you don't need hardware mods. its just got a gps antenna location that is not so good and bad factory config files.
I'm not aware of samsung reving the gps hardware on cappy, but they did make changes to software but left lousy config files.
if you need gps comparable to standalone gps units, then follow the advice re separate bluetooth unit, else read on before spending bucks.
just correcting the config files has worked great for me.
I think you should:
1. uninstall faster fix, it caused me to lose good gps locks and others have posted same experience.
then:
make sure you've got angrygps app on your cappy. if not, search xda, several folks posted the apk.
look for an xda thread on 'hellstorm gps' and install that fix. for more info, see canovas thread on gps fix.
also:
open angrygps or edit secgps.conf to make sure mode is msbased.
also set agps mode on (=1 if you are manually editing file). the location of secgps.conf varies with rom you are using. mine is in data/data/gps folder.
I like gps status app for testing.
Mine locks usually about 10 sec. Sometimes 20-30 sec if I am moving and gps wasn't started before I started driving.
once or twice a month, google maps or nav goes wahwah and can't seem to get a lock. A quick disable/enable gps toggle in settings and it gets a stable lock again in a few seconds.
liberate your captivate on xda
Is anyone else having issues with apps not being able to use GPS to find their location? Specifically, the weather extension from DashClock and Notification Weather Pro. Neither seems to be able to use just GPS to find my location. I must have network location turned in in order for them to work. That doesn't seem normal to me.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
OK never mind, Notification Weather Pro seems to be working now. DashClock still can't find me though. Probably something wrong with DashClock.
edit: Yep, just DashClock. I installed it on my S4 Active and it's doing the same thing.
2nd edit: First post still stands. Upon Notification Weather's next sync, it lost my location.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
_MetalHead_ said:
OK never mind, Notification Weather Pro seems to be working now. DashClock still can't find me though. Probably something wrong with DashClock.
edit: Yep, just DashClock. I installed it on my S4 Active and it's doing the same thing.
2nd edit: First post still stands. Upon Notification Weather's next sync, it lost my location.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this just happen yesterday? I had to turn airplane off and on in order for maps to find me and realize my tankcar was actually moving.
ShamanicEnzan said:
Did this just happen yesterday? I had to turn airplane off and on in order for maps to find me and realize my tankcar was actually moving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I installed notification weather yesterday, which prompted this post. I spoke with the developer of the app last night and he said it was designed to function that way. I'm going to assume the same is the case with DashClock. That said, I have zero issues with GPS or any other app that uses location, including Maps.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've had this problem on my N4 and this phone so I don't think it's specific to this device. If I turn off network location and wifi so that it ONLY uses GPS, it takes so long to lock a location that I just saw forget it. I've had to leave the wifi/network location active basically to have any function of quick GPS polls for things like weather.
my first realization was when I did a factory reset for the hell of it the other day to see if it would help anything. By default network/wifi location was off. I opened up maps to let it load and adjust location settings and it gave me the old "enable network/wifi" jargon which I ignored and set to never remind me. I sat here for 5 mins and didn't get a lock. Turned those settings on and instant gps no problem.
If you figure it out, please update because i'd be really interested too.
rmead01 said:
I've had this problem on my N4 and this phone so I don't think it's specific to this device. If I turn off network location and wifi so that it ONLY uses GPS, it takes so long to lock a location that I just saw forget it. I've had to leave the wifi/network location active basically to have any function of quick GPS polls for things like weather.
my first realization was when I did a factory reset for the hell of it the other day to see if it would help anything. By default network/wifi location was off. I opened up maps to let it load and adjust location settings and it gave me the old "enable network/wifi" jargon which I ignored and set to never remind me. I sat here for 5 mins and didn't get a lock. Turned those settings on and instant gps no problem.
If you figure it out, please update because i'd be really interested too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dev I spoke to last night said this is exactly why his app requires both GPS and network location to work. He said GPS takes forever to find your location whereas network location is near instant. That said, I don't think there is any solution because there isn't necessarily a problem. It's just the way it is. Now my question is does having network location enabled cause any more of a battery drain than just GPS?
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
_MetalHead_ said:
The dev I spoke to last night said this is exactly why his app requires both GPS and network location to work. He said GPS takes forever to find your location whereas network location is near instant. That said, I don't think there is any solution because there isn't necessarily a problem. It's just the way it is. Now my question is does having network location enabled cause any more of a battery drain than just GPS?
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the kicker. I feel like it's a double edged sword. Turning them off IMO would save battery since there is less polling and work being done. But at the same time, when something needs gps, it's going to take longer to get the gps lock which would be more battery. So i'm not exactly sure and haven't done any real world testing yet.
Hey dudes, recently I've been having a problem with my note 5 where google maps/gps just doesn't work unless I reboot my phone. I'll put in the address and my location will be detected, but once I start driving the location doesn't move, it's as if the app is frozen, but it isn't. Rebooting and reopening the app makes it work which makes me think it must be software rather than hardware? I have factory reset the phone, but the problem persists. Any ideas for a solution?
GPS Toolbox app, use it, if it doesn't work try a different navigate app, like waze.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
I'm having the same problem. GPS seems to know generally where I am, but not enough to guide me through the navigation. If I ask Maps to tell me where I am right now (stationary, at home), it locates me two blocks away. If I ask Maps to navigate me while I'm on the road, it finds me a route from where it thinks I am, but is unable to update my location once I start moving. My location seems to jump around a lot during navigation and it shows me driving in the middle of the block two blocks away.
I've been trying to find an answer to this online but can't find anything helpful - my location services are on, power saving mode is off, locating method is GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. I've tried turning location off and back on, I've tried restarting the phone. Nothing works. The problems started when I woke up (e.g. didn't change the settings and suddenly it went wrong) and the phone didn't drop or anything.
GPS toolbox did nothing for me. Waze is having the same problem. I even downloaded Mapquest, thinking that Waze was using Google tech and that was the issue, and Mapquest is having the same problem. This is so frustrating - any ideas?
I have the same issue with my Note 5. I have even had my handset replaced to fix this issue. But I'm stuck with the same problem. There is something seriously wrong with these devices and Samsung needs to own up to it. Considering how much these devices cost, you'd expect everything to work.