Related
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.
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
Anyone else having problems using the GPS on this device? I've tried several different GPS apps and none are working. The problem is that is finds 2-3 satellites, but never gets locked.
NeoID said:
Anyone else having problems using the GPS on this device? I've tried several different GPS apps and none are working. The problem is that is finds 2-3 satellites, but never gets locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - Download "GPS Status & Toolbox" (EclipSim) from market
2 - Enable Location from Settings in order to use A-GPS data.
3 - Enable Use GPS from Settings
4 - Run "GPS Status & Toolbox" and then go to "GPS Status & Toolbox" menu where you can clear A-GPS and then download newest A-GPS data.
If you can't get a fix after this, you might have faulty SW or HW
You could also try "GpsFix" from the Market.
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
Thanks I'll give them a try.
I've now also tried to pair this phone with my holux m 1000 (bluetooth), but can't even get that to work. I managed to pair them, but it won't connect to the phone.
Is it just mine or is this phone so useless?
i am having the same problem too
Hi,
I'm using Sygic Mobile Maps 10 8.2 and Google Maps (unlocked with navigation). Both work fine with GPS and fix is within 5 sec.
Yet to try my stereo Bluetooth headset, will try in a sec ...
Edit: Headset at work, will try tomorrow...
This phone is very good for gps navigation.
Google Maps Navigation, Sygic Mobile Maps 10, Copilot Live, Navigon and Igomyway are working fine. They give me a lock within a few seconds.
A few tips:
Under Settings - Location and Security:
- enable using wireless networks
- enable GPS-satellites
If you're using WiFi the fix will be faster then without.
Oh yes, and one more thing: don't forget to insert your SIM-card.
For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem
akira de aimbuster said:
For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol its a gps you use it outdoor not indoor. is not designed to work indoor. so i can't see you problem?
Fixed it!
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.
MrTwig666 said:
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you lose al your data this way?
akira de aimbuster said:
For me to get gps fix, i need to stand outdoor without any roof on top of me, this is so bad if I'm indoor and beside a window, i can see a few satellites but it just wont lock on.
Is this software problem? I don't wish that it is my hardware problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is for outside...
Yes you do lose everything.
Thanks MrTwig666, now I am able to detect 5 satellite and locked 4 inside my room (besides my window), before this it just able to detect 2 and locked none.
smokeweedevery said:
lol its a gps you use it outdoor not indoor. is not designed to work indoor. so i can't see you problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is even inside car the signal is too weak, which is contrasty comparing to other people's optimus 2x
NeoID said:
Thanks I'll give them a try.
I've now also tried to pair this phone with my holux m 1000 (bluetooth), but can't even get that to work. I managed to pair them, but it won't connect to the phone.
Is it just mine or is this phone so useless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried my Jabra BT3030 Bluetooth headset today, no problems here ..... except my battery did not last a full working day ....
MrTwig666 said:
I called LG, and got the recipe for fixing the gps.
Do a "hard factory reset"
Turn off phone
hold HOME and VOLUME DOWN and POWER until you see the android. Then wait.
Done. It now sees 10 satelittes indoors, and uses them all, as opposed to maybe seeing one, and never using any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried this... but.. nothing happened... why? ... btw i'm using a LG o2x which comes with vodafone software-branding... would that matter in this case?
thx for helping
LG made a booboo.
There is no gps.conf in /system/etc, so there is no assistance. I pushed the file from a Nexus One (attached) into place and that sorts it.
gieke said:
This phone is very good for gps navigation.
Google Maps Navigation, Sygic Mobile Maps 10, Copilot Live, Navigon and Igomyway are working fine. They give me a lock within a few seconds.
A few tips:
Under Settings - Location and Security:
- enable using wireless networks
- enable GPS-satellites
If you're using WiFi the fix will be faster then without.
Oh yes, and one more thing: don't forget to insert your SIM-card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah! many thx.. thought my GPS hardware was faulty..
Rusty! said:
LG made a booboo.
There is no gps.conf in /system/etc, so there is no assistance. I pushed the file from a Nexus One (attached) into place and that sorts it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
erm.. sorry... a newbie here... what do u precisely do with this file?
thx
I tried to use gps.conf and supl method but no luck, the issue weren't there. My gps was a jerk, last week i spent 30minutes to fix the satellite while driving in town. Even standing under the sky, the fastest I am able to fix is 200seconds, not to mention there are many times they wont even fix.
But my problem was stopped once i changed from stock to other rom. so I guess there is something else wrong in the stock rom, as the other roms are able to perform well even without gps.conf. (around 20-30 sec fix time).
So I guess only when your gps is able to lock satellite, gps.conf will help to speed it up. At least that's what happen to me
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
My Streak 7 wifi, stock ROM- gps unable to lock. Other than that, device is great. Wifi connected. In settings, Wireless networks and GPS satellites in use. GPS Status & Toolbox app downloaded aGPS data but not helping, GpsFix app not helping to lock also. Any other suggestions? thanks in advance.
dang1970 said:
My Streak 7 wifi, stock ROM- gps unable to lock. Other than that, device is great. Wifi connected. In settings, Wireless networks and GPS satellites in use. GPS Status & Toolbox app downloaded aGPS data but not helping, GpsFix app not helping to lock also. Any other suggestions? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be too mundane, but have you tried a simple reboot, or going outside where you'd be more likely to get a GPS fix? My T-Mobile S7 has had trouble getting a GPS fix several times, but other times it locks right in.
How long have you left in in clear line of sight of the sky to get a lock? I use mine as my primary in-car multimedia center/GPS and at first, to save battery, would turn it completely off when not in use. I found that when I'd get in my car to go home from work it could take up to 10 minutes to get a lock. Then I started just letting it sleep, have had no battery issues and GPS lock is nearly instant.
Long story short: Give it a good while to lock after a full shut down.And maybe you have, I just thought I'd share my experience.
Jeff
I have absolutely the same issue. After turning it off completely, the GPS does not lock for ages in any sky conditions, etc. Moreover, I put another two Android devices (Galaxy S and Optimus One) also after complete shut off juyst nearby and they are getting locked almest immediately. No doubts, there is a bug in the S7 GPS. But what is it ? Is it a hardware problem ? Can it be fixed ? Keeping it in a sleep mode for a long time is not a good solution for me, though it works indeed.
Does anybody know how to fix it ? At the moment I am using an external GPS. It works perfect, but it is also not that elegant solution.
Same thing here too. I downloaded "GPS test", and found that it will lock on pretty quick, then fire up GPS, and all is well.
margol1 said:
I have absolutely the same issue. After turning it off completely, the GPS does not lock for ages in any sky conditions, etc. Moreover, I put another two Android devices (Galaxy S and Optimus One) also after complete shut off juyst nearby and they are getting locked almest immediately. No doubts, there is a bug in the S7 GPS. But what is it ? Is it a hardware problem ? Can it be fixed ? Keeping it in a sleep mode for a long time is not a good solution for me, though it works indeed.
Does anybody know how to fix it ? At the moment I am using an external GPS. It works perfect, but it is also not that elegant solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS on android devices need the assistance of the cell tower or ISP location to get a quick lock. When you first boot up the ds7 and turn on GPS, make sure you are connected to wifi in order to get a quick lock. If you search this forum you will see a thread that give a fix for this, but I think its too much of a hassle. Just be on wifi for your first lock will do the trick. This is not bug on the ds7, its android.
otnos said:
GPS on android devices need the assistance of the cell tower or ISP location to get a quick lock. When you first boot up the ds7 and turn on GPS, make sure you are connected to wifi in order to get a quick lock. If you search this forum you will see a thread that give a fix for this, but I think its too much of a hassle. Just be on wifi for your first lock will do the trick. This is not bug on the ds7, its android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? More misinformation on this subject? No, Android devices do not need aGPS, in this case you're confusing aGPS (ie: download of ephemeris data) with Network location, which are quite different.
And it really doesn't matter if it's the first or the Nth time, if the DS7 is always offline for some reason, it would likely make that first fix take 5+ minutes but subsequent fixes (for 7 or so days) would be fine. However, as soon as he goes online, it's going to download the ephemeris data.
My guess is that his GPS conf is set to the wrong part of the world, so the ephemeris data is basically invalid. FasterFix in the market can help correct this mistake if you're rooted, or you can replace it manually.
khaytsus said:
Really? More misinformation on this subject? No, Android devices do not need aGPS, in this case you're confusing aGPS (ie: download of ephemeris data) with Network location, which are quite different.
And it really doesn't matter if it's the first or the Nth time, if the DS7 is always offline for some reason, it would likely make that first fix take 5+ minutes but subsequent fixes (for 7 or so days) would be fine. However, as soon as he goes online, it's going to download the ephemeris data.
My guess is that his GPS conf is set to the wrong part of the world, so the ephemeris data is basically invalid. FasterFix in the market can help correct this mistake if you're rooted, or you can replace it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ with you. When I was on stock froyo, I had the same GPS lock problem on one of my trip. So I pulled into a McDonald and connected to their free wifi and got an instant lock. This morning I tested it again. I have been running honeycomb sine Oct 5th and have never turn on the GPS. I connected to my wifi, turned on GPS, and opened Google map and got an instant lock. I didn't have to wait 5+ min..
otnos said:
I beg to differ with you. When I was on stock froyo, I had the same GPS lock problem on one of my trip. So I pulled into a McDonald and connected to their free wifi and got an instant lock. This morning I tested it again. I have been running honeycomb sine Oct 5th and have never turn on the GPS. I connected to my wifi, turned on GPS, and opened Google map and got an instant lock. I didn't have to wait 5+ min..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And none of that has anything to do with what I said.......
This is a little FAQ I wrote up on how to fix this problem. Just a matter of replacing the file that runs the GPS, based off the area you live in.
http://tabletroms.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=DellStreakFAQ:GPS-FIX
giveen said:
This is a little FAQ I wrote up on how to fix this problem. Just a matter of replacing the file that runs the GPS, based off the area you live in.
http://tabletroms.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=DellStreakFAQ:GPS-FIX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good list, although not sure why you're specifying dozens of NTP servers vs the pool server, but I assume t-mobile lets anyone connect to its server to download the ephemeris data? Otherwise, probably better to use supl.google.com
Here's mine, for North America, with other regions commented out for NTP. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/334233/gps.conf
It'd be interesting to know if all of the other dozen or so configuration options are actually used, I've heard they aren't, just part of a spec.
I bought my DS7 in the US and I live in Israel. The above explanations perfectly fit my case. Unfortunately, the given link does not include my region (Israel or Middle East, etc). Can somebody help me ? My DS7 runs a stock HC 3.2. The device is unrooted, but I will root it just for solving the GPS problem. BTW, why my Galaxy S bought in Europe does not have such problem ? Is this gps.conf specific in tablets only or in the US devices ?
Another thoughts. Now it seems to me extremely unreasonable to run specific GPS files in different regions. GPS, by definition is supposed to be used in different regions. Should I replace the GPS file in my every trip? Sounds more than unreasonable. I used a Windows CE based PDA with GPS all around the globe without that issue. It does took me a while to fix satellites in a new region for the first time. But then it was getting fixed fast even after complete shut off.
I can't beleive Android is that imperfect. If this option would be included in the menu (e.g. in Regional settings), I would like it. But performing such complicated actions in each trip ???
margol1 said:
Another thoughts. Now it seems to me extremely unreasonable to run specific GPS files in different regions. GPS, by definition is supposed to be used in different regions. Should I replace the GPS file in my every trip? Sounds more than unreasonable. I used a Windows CE based PDA with GPS all around the globe without that issue. It does took me a while to fix satellites in a new region for the first time. But then it was getting fixed fast even after complete shut off.
I can't beleive Android is that imperfect. If this option would be included in the menu (e.g. in Regional settings), I would like it. But performing such complicated actions in each trip ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop your trolling, ephemeris data, ie: what's set up in gps.conf, is to speed up cold starts. it does nothing else, it's not Android specific, in fact all it's doing is downloaded a set of the data that your GPS would otherwise have to slowly acquire from the satellites, which takes 2-10 minutes, depending on conditions and how many sats are seen.
All GPS units do this, but GPS units that have a network available will potentially download ephemeris data to speed up satellite acquisition. Otherwise they just download it. Only time you'll really notice it going slow is if it's been more than 4-5 days (I believe 7 is the official data expiration, but the older it is, the less accurate it is) or you've changed areas since you last turned on the GPS.
Keep in mind that phone-based GPS's suck. They're inaccurate, they're not sensitive, their antennas are not optimal. This is true for nearly all PDA's or Phones, Tablets, etc.. Some may be better than others. They're optimized for space, price, and somewhat for battery life. Not accuracy, precision, or cold starts (beyond A-GPS data downloads, which is an OS function that makes the data available to the GPS)
This means my unit is faulty (apparently it is a common problem for DS7). Otherwise I would have similar cold starts for all three devices I have tested (DS7, Galaxy S and Optimus One). On the other hand, in the light of your explanataion, my tests are, probably, wrong. DS7 is WiFi only, while another two are GSM (no data plans though). In other forums, I read that changing gps.conf file in WiFi only devices dramatically improves cold starts. Apparently they all have been connected to WiFi while starting. I have prepared the appropriate file for my region, but don't know how to root my DS7 with stock HC 3.2. The thread I found here is not sufficiently detail for noobs like me. So, in the mean time I will continue using the external GPS. It is indeed much better than the internal one besides the cold start problem (though much less convinient). If you know a link to the step-by-step instructions for rooting DS7 running stock HC 3.2, I will greatly appreciate it.
margol1 said:
The thread I found here is not sufficiently detail for noobs like me. So, in the mean time I will continue using the external GPS. It is indeed much better than the internal one besides the cold start problem (though much less convinient). If you know a link to the step-by-step instructions for rooting DS7 running stock HC 3.2, I will greatly appreciate it.
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Always possible there's a problem with the GPS, maybe the antenna is defective or connected badly. Hope you figure it out.
I have two bluetooth GPS, one Holux 236 I've had about 6 years, another Columbus V900 I was going to replace the Holux with, as it's newer, should have better sensitivity, and has built-in track logging. Except that its accuracy is off, it's precise.... precisely wrong. It's always about 9 meters off. And my primarily use for it is Geocaching, and my Holux 236 is always dead on.. So my new BT GPS is basically used as a track logger. Ah well All that said, I primarily use the BT GPS with my phone while geocaching or hiking or such, but I have used it on the tablet a few times, but most often I just use the built-in GPS on my DS7 because I don't need high precision with it the way I use it.
khaytsus said:
Stop your trolling, ephemeris data, ie: what's set up in gps.conf, is to speed up cold starts. it does nothing else, it's not Android specific, in fact all it's doing is downloaded a set of the data that your GPS would otherwise have to slowly acquire from the satellites, which takes 2-10 minutes, depending on conditions and how many sats are seen.
All GPS units do this, but GPS units that have a network available will potentially download ephemeris data to speed up satellite acquisition. Otherwise they just download it. Only time you'll really notice it going slow is if it's been more than 4-5 days (I believe 7 is the official data expiration, but the older it is, the less accurate it is) or you've changed areas since you last turned on the GPS.
Keep in mind that phone-based GPS's suck. They're inaccurate, they're not sensitive, their antennas are not optimal. This is true for nearly all PDA's or Phones, Tablets, etc.. Some may be better than others. They're optimized for space, price, and somewhat for battery life. Not accuracy, precision, or cold starts (beyond A-GPS data downloads, which is an OS function that makes the data available to the GPS)
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Thank you, khaytsus.
All this fix does is speed up the initial contact to the GPS satellites for your region. You don't have to use this, you can wait till the GPS in the DS7 makes contact if you want.
khaytsus said:
Always possible there's a problem with the GPS, maybe the antenna is defective or connected badly. Hope you figure it out.
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Click to collapse
The most strange is that the GPS is fine after getting fixed . At least, no difference with Galaxy S, i.e. roughly the same number of satellites, SNR, accuracy. So, the only problem is unreasonably long cold start. I am not sure how it could be caused by a defective antenna. Anyway, in the mean time I decided to use an external GPS. I have three units, two BT and one mouse, which I used to use with my nettop in the pre-tablet era. Yesterday I connected my Hollux 236 to 12 V using a concealed cable and switch. So, now the procedure is reasonably simple: switch on 236, a few clicks on BluetoothGPS and, when the connection is established, I am clicking iGO8. It works like a charm, besides several additional actions I have to perform. When I will sicceed to root my DS7, I will try to play with the gps.conf file anyway.
P.S. I got an idea to connect my mouse GPS using the DS7 docking unit. I have a simple one with two microUSB I/O. Not sure it will work, but, if yes, it can simplify everything dramatically. I will try it on the weekend and let you know about the results.
Thanks.
OK, after two weeks of testing I still don't have a reasonable solution:
1. The USB mouse GPS connected the cradle does not work at all.
2. My greatest disapointment is with the external GPS. It works perfect... when it works. I am using the Bluetooth GPS application to get connected. After several successful connections, without any visible reason, the GPS is not getting connected to DS7, although the application shows many satellites with large SNR (>30-35). However accuracy = 0 and no GPS signal message in iGO8. This happens only from time to time and as I have already mentioned without any visible reason.
Will try another applications and GPS devices.