I always have raved on how great the GPS is on my S4. It will lock onto satellites with 10' accuracy in the house. It was always spot on and never gave me any issues. That was until the 4.3 update. (I am not positive this was the reason - but it is around that time).
I am a runner so I use my phone 3-4 days a week to track my run 3-10 miles each time out. Before it was always perfect. Now it will lock on and track for a various amount of time.. from a few minutes to 15 minutes - but it will eventually just stop working. If I turn on the phone to look, the GPS icon at the top is not there, and the app does not know it lost gps signal. I can touch the screen and then the gps icon reappears, blinks, reconnects and all is good. I turn off the screen and go about my run and it will work for some period of time and then off again.
It "seems" like to me some app is using the gps and then not playing friendly and turning it off for the other apps. I don't know if that is what is happening but it seems that way.
I get the same results no matter if I use Google Maps, Waze, Runkeeper, or GPS Test... so it is not application issue persay.
I restored to factory and installed only what I need to run (Runkeeper and Google Play music) and it worked without a hitch for the entire 6 mile run. Great! Fixed! So I re-installed my apps and now it is doing the same thing again. So that seems to indicate another app not playing nice like I mentioned above. So I uninstalled any apps that I thought might be an issue and it is still there. So I fear it might be one of the ATT bloatware apps that I cannot uninstall.
Before I undertake the very tedious task of restoring to factory, running 6 miles, installing 1 app, running 6 miles, repeat --- until I find the culprit - I was hoping someone might no a quicker solution?
Thanks!
Obeg said:
I always have raved on how great the GPS is on my S4. It will lock onto satellites with 10' accuracy in the house. It was always spot on and never gave me any issues. That was until the 4.3 update. (I am not positive this was the reason - but it is around that time).
I am a runner so I use my phone 3-4 days a week to track my run 3-10 miles each time out. Before it was always perfect. Now it will lock on and track for a various amount of time.. from a few minutes to 15 minutes - but it will eventually just stop working. If I turn on the phone to look, the GPS icon at the top is not there, and the app does not know it lost gps signal. I can touch the screen and then the gps icon reappears, blinks, reconnects and all is good. I turn off the screen and go about my run and it will work for some period of time and then off again.
It "seems" like to me some app is using the gps and then not playing friendly and turning it off for the other apps. I don't know if that is what is happening but it seems that way.
I get the same results no matter if I use Google Maps, Waze, Runkeeper, or GPS Test... so it is not application issue persay.
I restored to factory and installed only what I need to run (Runkeeper and Google Play music) and it worked without a hitch for the entire 6 mile run. Great! Fixed! So I re-installed my apps and now it is doing the same thing again. So that seems to indicate another app not playing nice like I mentioned above. So I uninstalled any apps that I thought might be an issue and it is still there. So I fear it might be one of the ATT bloatware apps that I cannot uninstall.
Before I undertake the very tedious task of restoring to factory, running 6 miles, installing 1 app, running 6 miles, repeat --- until I find the culprit - I was hoping someone might no a quicker solution?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure it's not staying connected but not displaying the icon? Ie, if the app hasn't realised the connection has dropped, maybe that's because the connection hasn't dropped, just the icon has? In tech terms, to solve a problem you must first find it by isolating the cause, which would be the tedious task you're referring to.
Even then, it is possible it's a hardware or firmware issue, so a factory reset still might not fix it. Have you tried an app like this? It ill set your NTP Server without searching for it so that it connects quicker, maybe (I'm not sure) it will be able to keep it connected to that server.
Do you have CWM? You could flash a different ROM.
I can confirm this problem. It is intermittent. GPS loses the location fix. I had a similar problem with certain Motorola Attic ROMs that had something to do with a conflict with the "Use Wireless Networks" setting. I'm those ROMs, I could turn that setting off, and GPS would work fine. That workaround doesn't work for this ROM. I only mention it to help rule some things out. I thought that it worked fine right after I updated, but I may not have used the GPS much our maybe I just didn't notice. Yesterday, it was barely usable. I remember that epinter, in the Atrix 4g forums, had a tool that reset some GPS settings. I'm see if I can find it and test it. I will report back.
Update: Today, GPS works perfectly fine. Seems to be intermittent.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Still having the issue. Reset my phone to factory again this time taking the extra step to format the SD card to just in case. By the way - I am running stock AT&T 4.3. This time when I reset I did not connect to the WiFi so it would not automatically install / update any apps.
I then added only 2 apps - Runkeeper and Play Music and went for a run. The GPS tracked perfectly for a 5 mile run.
I then installed GPS test and let it run for an hour or so. It never lost connection.
So I updated GMAIL. Repeat GPS Test.
Updated Hangouts. Repeat GPS Test.
And so on.. finally after about the 10th app it failed. The last app I had installed was Facebook.
So uninstalled. Failed again. Uninstalled the previous app to that which I think was My Fitness Pal.
It seemed better - it would go hours before failing... and then only seemed to fail when a phone call came in. So thought I could live with that.
So went to the gym and to test it I used Google Maps to navigate. Terrible! Would not work for more than a mile. I finally gave up.
When I say it is not working - I mean the GPS says it is on. The GPS Test app says the GPS is on. But the icon at top goes away and Google Maps says "GPS Signal Lost." In my Run Keeper app - same thing - icon goes away and no more mileage is recorded. If I turn on the phone, open Runkeeper - it then restarts the GPS and all is good for another few feet or maybe a mile and then it does it again.
I tried turning off the Use Wifi for GPS option and that has not helped. Thanks for the suggestion though - you gave me hope.
I have have been a software developer for 20 years and this just smells like buggy code somewhere and not a hardware issue. Either something to do with the new OS update from ATT (but why is no one else complaining) or some combination of apps I use. Runkeeper. My Pebble. Something. But it is driving me nuts. The GPS really is the main app I use on this phone... so it is making for a really expensive mistake at this point and I hate to admit that since I love Samsung and Android.
I should have updated my status again. The problem is intermittent, but it happens often. Like you, I am fairly certain that the ML2 update brought bugs with it. My GPS always worked perfectly before that. Now, even when it does work, it doesn't work well. The fix is jumpy and slow to update. My guess is that others also have the problem, and they don't use their GPS often enough to notice or care. I bet that Samsung is aware of it, but so many people had problems installing the last update that they will not be so quick to provide an update that doesn't affect many people. I guess a better way to put it is that Samsung probably doesn't want to take a chance that a small update might break more than it fixes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
I also have same GPS issue since 4.3 , same issues note 3 is having actually if I plug my active in while GPS is on it will stop working and when switching data network types it will lose GPS signal
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Convinced it is the 4.3 ATT Active update now after repeated and very controlled resetting and testing.
Frustrating and makes my phone fairly useless to me for my main purposes. Today during a 7 mile run - it lost connection at least a half a dozen times. I have to run with the phone in my hand and restart the gps constantly.
Some people said they had success using Odin to flash the MF1 modem bin file. The thread discusses it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2691264
However, this did not fix my issues with GPS unfortunately, but thought maybe I'd post it in case it helps someone else.
So it appears that it is, as suggested, the radio that causes this issue.
A "workaround" for using the GPS is to put the phone into airplane mode (turning off the Radio and WiFi) fixes the GPS 100% in my testing.
However this is not a real fix for real use of the GPS to navigate since you have no access to data.
It appears these are the circumstances that cause my GPS to drop:
- Cell radio changes towers (which happens a lot in my remote area)
- WiFi changes antennas
- Phone is plugged in or unplugged
- A phone call is received.
So yeah - as long as your don't use your phone as a telephone - you are grand!
The new HTC One is looking mighty nice to me right now. First non Samsung component (phone, laptop, TV, etc) that I have considered in years...
Obeg said:
So it appears that it is, as suggested, the radio that causes this issue.
A "workaround" for using the GPS is to put the phone into airplane mode (turning off the Radio and WiFi) fixes the GPS 100% in my testing.
However this is not a real fix for real use of the GPS to navigate since you have no access to data.
It appears these are the circumstances that cause my GPS to drop:
- Cell radio changes towers (which happens a lot in my remote area)
- WiFi changes antennas
- Phone is plugged in or unplugged
- A phone call is received.
So yeah - as long as your don't use your phone as a telephone - you are grand!
The new HTC One is looking mighty nice to me right now. First non Samsung component (phone, laptop, TV, etc) that I have considered in years...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's weird that even in airplane mode my Active won't get a gps signal. Used a few apps to test as well: GPS Status, FasterGPS, GPS test, and all say no satellites in site.
I was getting GPS issues for quite some time, until I tightened the screws at the back of my case. It was supposed to be a fix for the S3 but it worked fine on my S4 as well.
Hope this helps
trenzterra said:
I was getting GPS issues for quite some time, until I tightened the screws at the back of my case. It was supposed to be a fix for the S3 but it worked fine on my S4 as well.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your S4 Active? I'll try. Thanks!
TransformixS4 said:
On your S4 Active? I'll try. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was a normal S4 but I guess it might be the same on the S4 Active as well
trenzterra said:
Mine was a normal S4 but I guess it might be the same on the S4 Active as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried tightening up the screws a bit, which they did, but still no GPS for me. Going to do a backup and another full wipe and restore.
AT&T fixed my phone
I too had the GPS signal lost issue after the 4.3 update on my S4 active on AT&T. I called AT&T yesterday and they advised me they were aware of the issue. Their instruction was to take my phone to Best Buy where they have a "Samsung Solutions / Experience" dept / kiosk. So I did. They flashed my phone to 4.4.2. I am happy to report that all GPS problems are resolved. I drove for over an hour using Google Maps this AM with no problem at all.
GPS is a big deal for me too. I drive in a lot of unfamiliar towns. I'm also a sportsman and spend a lot of time in unfamiliar woods. I rely on my phone to allow me to retrace my steps back if need be. I also use it to set waypoints and mark areas for possible future hunts. The woods look a lot different at night then during the day. So I rely on the phone to help navigate off the beaten trail and get to my tree stand. GPS failures are not an option. Pure and simple. I can get out of the woods with a compass - but I may not find my tree stand in the dark without my phone.
I don't know about rooting this ROM, etc as I don't have need to root my phones. But it did fix the GPS issue and the phone seems a little faster with battery battery life too. YMMV.
Thanks for your post! Did you l lose any data with the update to 4.4.2?
I have the same exact problem with my S4 active, definitely a software issue. For a while I used the airplane mode work-around which was great, until a recent update to Google Maps causes maps to crash when airplane mode is on, so now I'm back to having no navigation. I'm frustrated that AT&T has dragged their feet on getting an update out to the public. They must have zero QA to let a bug this obvious get into the public. I wonder when they'll push 4.4.2 out as a regular update?
AtrixInFL said:
Thanks for your post! Did you l lose any data with the update to 4.4.2?
I have the same exact problem with my S4 active, definitely a software issue. For a while I used the airplane mode work-around which was great, until a recent update to Google Maps causes maps to crash when airplane mode is on, so now I'm back to having no navigation. I'm frustrated that AT&T has dragged their feet on getting an update out to the public. They must have zero QA to let a bug this obvious get into the public. I wonder when they'll push 4.4.2 out as a regular update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I did not lose any data or apps. I have no complaints. Phone is working great. I'll never accept another update OTA though - I don't care if I have to root to avoid them.
I got the 4.4.2 over the air update, and it fixed my GPS problems. No new problems.
Related
Using IGO (legal).
This happens with the new standard AT&T ROM, and with the previous one as well.
IGO starts and quickly obtains satellites, then every now and then, without any obvious reason, I get a verbal warning that no satellites are found, and the GPS icon turns red.
After a few seconds, or even a couple of minutes, GPS signal is restored.
The Tilt is positioned near the windshield, and the problem does not occur in "urban canyons".
I don't have any other GPS app with maps that I can use to check this.
I'd appreciate any ideas.
Thank you.
You could try a free app like Microsoft Live Search or Google Maps to check against IGO. I haven't really noticed mine dropping signal unless I do go into a real canyon or something like that. One thing - when the phone goes into Standby, the GPS chip turns off for battery conservation. Is it possible that your phone is going into standby when you lose signal?
mine does the same after update to the new att rom, and honestly, i dont have an answer for you.
Live search cannot ever find any satalites, which is why I have resorted to using Google Maps. It works fine for me. So try using google maps. its works much faster and more reliable in finding sats, imo.
try a different radio. it has been reported that it works for some.
replies
snooginsguy: No, it always happens when navigating.
grandpareza: not sur ethere are googlemaps for my country (at least not with any reasonable resolution). Will check later.
P1Tater: Replacing the radio requires HardSPL, which I haven't sone yet. As I said, I'm still with the original ROM. I live abroad, so there's no issue with warranty. It's just that I'm concerned I might brick my device.
i heard that you have to update with quick gps everytime before you use your actuall gps... that would improve the sat tracking a lot better
It's on auto update
So that's not the issue.
Android so far as far as I can determine does NOT support using a Bluetooth GPS for the location data but I'm hoping maybe Froyo does..
The GPS built into phones is fine for car nav and some low-resolution stuff, but to have any accuracy or hold a decent lock under heavy foliage or urban jungles a bluetooth GPS with a dedicated chipset is necessary.
I geocache a lot, and my Holux 236 has never failed me, it always has lead me right to where a geocache is, yet my Nexus One tonight the heading and distance stuck, stuttered, seemed to be 20+ feet off at times, and almost IMMEDIATELY went stupid after going under foliage.
I've seen a few programs that'll use Bluetooth GPS themselves, but they are one-off programs which use the GPS directly, not replace the internal GPS data with the Bluetooth GPS data which is what I really need.
Anyone with Froyo and a bluetooth GPS?
i would like to know to
The answer was no... Still an open issue, probably will remain an open issue.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=9057
Looks like there's maybe two possibilities, one open-ended "I have solved this" with no real info, and another "Bluetooth GPS Mouse" app in market that is said to work. I'm going to try.
So far this seems to work! I've got an email out to the author, I'll post some more on it soon.
Pretty slick the way he's done it, I have a question out to how automatic the GPS connection/redirection is upon reconnection of the device (ie: do you need to reconnect it manually or is it automaic) and if it's not automatic right now, I'll stress that it needs to be.
It did immediately get coordinates when I connected it to my Holux 236, where the internal would take 10-15+ seconds and the coordinates would wander around for a while. This got coordinates and they stuck... I watched carefully and I saw the latitude go .605 to .606 then back to .605 a few times.. I didn't make sure they were accurate yet, I'll do that later, but by eyeball they were.
It doesn't seem to report sats fixed nor sat signal levels.. I'm concerned this might make some apps think there is no fix and wait forever for it. GeOrg and GPS Test seemed to not care, they reported the right location and it seemed to work.
I did not put it through any real life tests, just sat in my car in the parking lot at work and checked out my location.
I'm concerned if other important info like altitude, bearing, and speed are reported. I'll update when I get a response to the email of course.
One more thing I forgot to ask but I'll see in practice is if using this I can still use the electronic compass. Not that it's great, but it is convenient. Honestly though I'll still be happy without it.
There is a free trial that disconnects every 10m, or a 2 euro paid version. Very reasonable.
Author responded, he sounds right on top of the current limitations and is working on them. I suspect once he has worked on this a tad more, it'll work great. Give the trial version a try and see how it works!
I found that nearly all of my geocaching programs "just work", no fuss. I found that Google Earth gets an accurate fix but can't seem to find "My Location". Both seem to be because he's working on getting the satelite fix data into the program, if possible. Right now it reports 0.
Built-in compass still works fine!
He'll be working on automatic reconnection after he tweaks a few more things and sees what kind of efficiencies he can make and bugs he can drive out.
I was successfully using GPS Mouse with stock Eclair 2.1 & my GlobalSat Bluetooth GPS with my running program.
I have since flashed to Froyo JPO rom & now when I try & use the program I feel a vibration in the phone, the screen soon goes black & then does a mini re-boot & back to my home screen again??
I done some google searches but cannot seem to find an answer to thsi particualr issue
addo1962 said:
I was successfully using GPS Mouse with stock Eclair 2.1 & my GlobalSat Bluetooth GPS with my running program.
I have since flashed to Froyo JPO rom & now when I try & use the program I feel a vibration in the phone, the screen soon goes black & then does a mini re-boot & back to my home screen again??
I done some google searches but cannot seem to find an answer to thsi particualr issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Bluetooth GPS Provider now, it works FLAWLESSLY, start and forget it while I'm using the GPS. Even if the GPS disconnects, phone is in standby extended periods, etc, always immediately reconnects and works.
As for your specific problem, dunno, but give it a try.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/bluetooth-gps-provider/de.mobilej.btgps
reboot bluetooth gps
addo1962 said:
I was successfully using GPS Mouse with stock Eclair 2.1 & my GlobalSat Bluetooth GPS with my running program.
I have since flashed to Froyo JPO rom & now when I try & use the program I feel a vibration in the phone, the screen soon goes black & then does a mini re-boot & back to my home screen again??
I done some google searches but cannot seem to find an answer to thsi particualr issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem, anyone a solution ? Please ....
Try Bluetooth GPS Provider, it works awesome for me. Reconnects immediately, works great.
If you have a ROM-specific issue, you need to talk to the ROM cook.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Hello, I've tried everything to make it work, I installed the GPS apps and everything, even flashed two different roms and still not working.. Is it a kitkat problem?
Ashk91 said:
Hello, I've tried everything to make it work, I installed the GPS apps and everything, even flashed two different roms and still not working.. Is it a kitkat problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem I cant even get the phone to search for a GPS signal. my bootloader is unlocked and rooted. Im thinking of reverting back to stock to see if this fixes anything
disaster999 said:
I have the same problem I cant even get the phone to search for a GPS signal. my bootloader is unlocked and rooted. Im thinking of reverting back to stock to see if this fixes anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reverted to stock and it didn't work as well, tell me if it helps you please
I tried restarting my phone and that got the GPS to turn on. But it wouldnt turn off itself whenever you exit an app like Maps or a GPS status app. The icon will continue to flash on the tool bar for a while and eventually turn of by itself. If you try to activate the GPS again you need to restart your phone.
Im not sure if this is a 4.4.2 problem or a unlocked/rooted problem. Ill try to revert my phone back to stock tonight
disaster999 said:
I tried restarting my phone and that got the GPS to turn on. But it wouldnt turn off itself whenever you exit an app like Maps or a GPS status app. The icon will continue to flash on the tool bar for a while and eventually turn of by itself. If you try to activate the GPS again you need to restart your phone.
Im not sure if this is a 4.4.2 problem or a unlocked/rooted problem. Ill try to revert my phone back to stock tonight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my gps doesnt have that problem..download an app called gps status, it shows how many satellites are in the field, then click on agps reset, then download then reboot..some people report this method fixes their gps, but doesnt fix mine ..keep me informed
I'm having the same issue lately after sending my phone to service to fix camera... My gps doesn't want to fix satellites. I tried reverting to stock (keeping s-off and unlocked bootloader) installed a guru reset rom and applied otas but no way till now. Last chance will be flashing a ruu, didn't have time yet but I'll do it in a couple days. I will keep you guys informed, if anyone succeeds in fixing it, please post how you did it!
Gps status sometimes sees satellites but signal is too low and never grows. I even tried tweaking gps.conf file a lot but no way...
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Free mobile app
Update: i tried with a RUU zip with android 4.1.2 and applied otas till 4.3 (that was the last one i received) on one of this upgrades camera was unable to launch but on the next one it came back. And no way to get gps working with any one of these upgrades. Gps status sees a number of satellites (weird thing, after every new flash glonass satellites appear with some sort of signal -- snr <= 1.18 --, until i reset gps data and download new agps files, then they never come back until i flash some other version/rom) but never gets an acceptable signal enough to lock..
Really don't know what else to try, i think i will send back to service..
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Free mobile app
karma0321 said:
Update: i tried with a RUU zip with android 4.1.2 and applied otas till 4.3 (that was the last one i received) on one of this upgrades camera was unable to launch but on the next one it came back. And no way to get gps working with any one of these upgrades. Gps status sees a number of satellites (weird thing, after every new flash glonass satellites appear with some sort of signal -- snr <= 1.18 --, until i reset gps data and download new agps files, then they never come back until i flash some other version/rom) but never gets an acceptable signal enough to lock..
Really don't know what else to try, i think i will send back to service..
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update on this?
Im having issues with my GPS as well. I use the ViperOne ROM (latest) with the ElementalX firmware. When I try to use Google Maps the following will happen:
1) GPS will find my location ok and calculate a route ok.
2) I start driving and the blue arrow in google maps does not move OR it thinks im on a different road than I actually am. When it thinks im on a different road the arrow may or may not move...more often than not it just stays still.
3) I have driven for over 10min hoping it will eventually start to work but it doesn't.
4) The only way I have got it to work is to pull over, stop nav, close maps and try again. Generally on the 2nd or 3rd try it will start to work correctly.
My GPS was working fine before I rooted and installed a custom ROM. I will try wiping and flashing ViperOne tonight and use the stock firmware instead of ElementalX. Will report back to see if this works.
froggy88 said:
Any update on this?
Im having issues with my GPS as well. I use the ViperOne ROM (latest) with the ElementalX firmware. When I try to use Google Maps the following will happen:
1) GPS will find my location ok and calculate a route ok.
2) I start driving and the blue arrow in google maps does not move OR it thinks im on a different road than I actually am. When it thinks im on a different road the arrow may or may not move...more often than not it just stays still.
3) I have driven for over 10min hoping it will eventually start to work but it doesn't.
4) The only way I have got it to work is to pull over, stop nav, close maps and try again. Generally on the 2nd or 3rd try it will start to work correctly.
My GPS was working fine before I rooted and installed a custom ROM. I will try wiping and flashing ViperOne tonight and use the stock firmware instead of ElementalX. Will report back to see if this works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the 2nd post in this thread has solved my issue...for now.
froggy88 said:
So the 2nd post in this thread has solved my issue...for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nop no good still. If anyone has a fix for this it would be appreciated!!!
Same issues here after sending in for repair. GPS sees about 18-20 satellites per the gps status apps, but only fixes on 3-4 with weak signals. Tried a few gps.conf tweaks which help but seems that they're just using more of the AGPS data and not actually the GPS chip.
EDIT: Have tried a few fresh wipes and different ROMs, GPE edition, etc. - all the same. This never happened in the past :/
zeezz said:
Same issues here after sending in for repair. GPS sees about 18-20 satellites per the gps status apps, but only fixes on 3-4 with weak signals. Tried a few gps.conf tweaks which help but seems that they're just using more of the AGPS data and not actually the GPS chip.
EDIT: Have tried a few fresh wipes and different ROMs, GPE edition, etc. - all the same. This never happened in the past :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried updating the firmware to the latest version and different ROMS but that did not help. However I discovered that in google maps if I select the walk mode my navigation will work! Unfortunately thats no help as I need the car mode to work.
I installed GPS Status and it locks on to plenty of satellites so im not sure why Google Maps (or any nav apps) will not work.
I came to the same conclusion as you. It seems like the phone is using AGPS and not the GPS data.
froggy88 said:
I have tried updating the firmware to the latest version and different ROMS but that did not help. However I discovered that in google maps if I select the walk mode my navigation will work! Unfortunately thats no help as I need the car mode to work.
I installed GPS Status and it locks on to plenty of satellites so im not sure why Google Maps (or any nav apps) will not work.
I came to the same conclusion as you. It seems like the phone is using AGPS and not the GPS data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a little research the other day ...I can't find the link but I remember most of it..
Apparently one of the Google+ and/or playstore silent background updates mess up gps on google maps for HTC One.
Using the 'GPS essentials' and 'Gps status' apps you can actually lock on to all the gps satellites fine.
Also using navigation,like you did...also locks on fine.
Its the standard google maps over view and a few other apps that use it (like my bus map app) that are affected.
One work around is apparently (didn't work for me though) going into the google settings app and tinkering with Google+ settings. turning it off or clearing it or something.
This is a software issue. I'm on untampered pure stock.
So I have resolved the GPS issue on my device. I tried a whole bunch of things so im not totally sure what fixed it. I:
Removed HTC Backup using root uninstaller
Using Faster GPS set my location and added the TRUE flag to AGPS_Enable
Using GPSFix I waited until it locked onto a satellite.
Rebooted my phone then tested with GPS Test. My phone locked onto about 8 satellites.
Tried Google maps navigation and it worked.
So far its been 3 days, 2 reboots and counting. Hopefully something similar works for you.
If you're rooted editing the GPS.conf file fixes it perfectly. The default setting are just totally crap
froggy88 said:
So I have resolved the GPS issue on my device. I tried a whole bunch of things so im not totally sure what fixed it. I:
Removed HTC Backup using root uninstaller
Using Faster GPS set my location and added the TRUE flag to AGPS_Enable
Using GPSFix I waited until it locked onto a satellite.
Rebooted my phone then tested with GPS Test. My phone locked onto about 8 satellites.
Tried Google maps navigation and it worked.
So far its been 3 days, 2 reboots and counting. Hopefully something similar works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And GPS has stopped working again. What a pain.
Go here. This is how I fixed my HTC one. It works on all android phones. The default GPS.conf file is rubbish
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=953630
I tried the gps.conf file in that link. It seemed to be slightly better at first, locking onto 3 satellites with yellow SNR in GPS Test. But then I tried resetting and downloading the AGPS data with GPS Status and after it doesn't even detect satellites anymore.
Question to the posters in the thread. Have any of you dropped your phone before this started happening? I've gone through 2 M7s and the GPS stopped working properly after taking a nasty spill and have been unsuccessful in remedying the problem.
shalpp said:
Question to the posters in the thread. Have any of you dropped your phone before this started happening? I've gone through 2 M7s and the GPS stopped working properly after taking a nasty spill and have been unsuccessful in remedying the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have dropped my phone several times however it is in a protective case. My issue started out of the blue: one day it was working just fine, the next it was highly erratic...and has been since.
Hello. I just got the D 415 from t-mobile. GPS is working, but not quite as well as it should be. Seems to lock on location and then go away or general flakiness. I have not rooted the phone yet. Are there any tips for settings that could be applied to the phone without rooting?
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
Spartan_Don said:
Hello. I just got the D 415 from t-mobile. GPS is working, but not quite as well as it should be. Seems to lock on location and then go away or general flakiness. I have not rooted the phone yet. Are there any tips for settings that could be applied to the phone without rooting?
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None that I'm aware of.
Most tweaks are just changing settings in the appropriate file within the devices file system. But root access is needed in order to do so.
I should mention that the GPS is a little flaky on my D415 as well. Might be the norm, dunno...
shinobisoft said:
None that I'm aware of.
Most tweaks are just changing settings in the appropriate file within the devices file system. But root access is needed in order to do so.
I should mention that the GPS is a little flaky on my D415 as well. Might be the norm, dunno...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After owning this phone for three months, I'm worried it might be the antenna, since when I'm in the car, the signal will drop out, and pressing the back side of the phone against my sunroof always make it get its lock back. Might just be one of those issues where the antenna needs line-of-sight to the sky to work :/
In any case, Might be using my old windows phone as my primary nav. device unless there's a confirmed fix.
I have a D405. I used to have a samsung galaxy s3 mini -which was arguably a cheaper device- and had next to no issues recording my cycling rides on strava. On my D405, it won't even pick a GPS signal to begin with. Google maps GPS fix isn't as accurate as the sgs3 mini either, and sometimes well over a 100 meters or more discrepancy. There's another D405 owned by a family member and it's not faring much (if any) better... Thus, I don't think any kind of navigation can be possible with this device, which is a huge let down. Which is a shame because i was enjoying my experience very much with this device until i encountered the crappy GPS...
I have no problems with gps or strava , works very good. No difference with my Garmin.
Sent from my LG-D405n using XDA Free mobile app
Gps
Here also no issues, gps is much faster than on previous phone samsung galaxy y.
Greets Peter
LG L90 d405n
I think LG used substandard GPS hardware. I have people reporting GPS works great but my own experience, even on stock, it seems flaky to me. GPS wont lock for me if I'm inside but it will outside.
Sent from my LG-D415 using Tapatalk
In some models cars the gps connection is difficult, also some buildings, this has to do with the cage of faraday that shields from a good connection.
So i took my mum's d405 to my cycle ride yesterday and strava picked up a signal and recorded my entire ride just fine. Also, on GPS status & toolbox it will pick up 10 or more satellites out in the open. But my own d405 won't pick up a single satellite. I'm now thinking my d405 has a defective GPS antenna/hardware since both phones are on the same settings. I'll be taking it back to the shop soon.
Yes
I am having tons of GPS issues with my LG D415. It has been driving me crazy (location: Seattle). What's happened:
-Midway through a route, Maps will say "Lost GPS connection"
-Other times it will simply stop tracking the route and lose the position (assuming I am where I was 5 minutes ago); later it will lock into the GPS and begin giving directions again.
I've tried updating Maps. T-Mobile replaced the phone, assuming it was that particular phone that was the problem. But with the new LG D415, I have the same problems. Using GPS Status and GPS Test apps, It seems the phone has a hard time fixing on satellites. Not sure what to do at this point. May try and see if TMobile will take their phone back and try another network.
I worked on the initial deployment of GPS technology to DoD aircraft over 20 years ago and can tell you that the signal is weaker than you can imagine. It is below the noise level so it's not surprising when you can't lock it inside a building. The fact that different phones have different results speaks to the different antennae of the phones. Again, not surprising. Yes, having a clear view of the full sky is the best way to get optimum accuracy/results. What I've seen is that there's an error of about six feet when I use Google maps and my GPS. It could be anything from less than the best hardware resolving the signal to a position to a different earth model inside the phone's GPS hardware to Google maps being less than accurate. I figure that if I can get a position to six feet; I can avoid falling off a cliff by finishing the job with my eyes.
Jim
anything new on your issue?
Spartan_Don said:
Hello. I just got the D 415 from t-mobile. GPS is working, but not quite as well as it should be. Seems to lock on location and then go away or general flakiness. I have not rooted the phone yet. Are there any tips for settings that could be applied to the phone without rooting?
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchased 2 phones before I saw this.. I got them through ebay, brand new but with only 14 return. I'm trying to get LG to provide support for mine, have you done anything with yours?
I use GPS constantly, this phone has a weak antenna for GPS.
My phone was picking GPS signals very weakly and could not get a fix to any satellites. I explained my problems in the previous page in detail. The distributor where i live resisted swapping the phone with a new one, and i accepted a main board swap instead, performed under guarantee. They put another (hopefully a new) main board in the phone. But the problem still persists, which is baffling to say the least. Isn't the GPS antenna of this device on the main board ? Even worse still, the device now seems to restart itself randomly. In the ~2 hours i've spent with it after it's been returned to me, it restarted itself 3 times...
If I didn't have one more of the exact same device (which has no problems whatsoever) i would've said i was doing something wrong...
The same night i posted the above message, the phone went full kaput (never go full kaput ). They swapped the mainboard again but the device went bust before even leaving the shop. So there was no option other than to offer a new device. I'm now waiting for my new phone to arrive. Don't buy a phone from a 3rd world country. If this was in the USA or the UK, i know my device would've been swapped for a new one the first time, no questions asked. Choose something you won't have qualms about tossing in the trash if you have to buy.
My girlfriend just bought this phone from T-Mobile and immediately began complaining about GPS quality issues. It looks like there is no fix for this. Should she attempt to return it for a different phone? She has next to no directional skills and relies heavily on GPS.
DanielWEWO said:
My girlfriend just bought this phone from T-Mobile and immediately began complaining about GPS quality issues. It looks like there is no fix for this. Should she attempt to return it for a different phone? She has next to no directional skills and relies heavily on GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is flaky at best, even on stock. We all have different results for several builtin devices. Namely the camera as well as GPS. Other than that it's a pretty good device.
Sent from my LG-D415 using Tapatalk
DanielWEWO said:
My girlfriend just bought this phone from T-Mobile and immediately began complaining about GPS quality issues. It looks like there is no fix for this. Should she attempt to return it for a different phone? She has next to no directional skills and relies heavily on GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry this is a month too late. Have her install GPS Status & Toolbox app and test the device in open terrain. It should easily pick 10+ signals within 20-30 seconds. If it's not, have her take it back for a swap.
GPS problem
I believe the GPS problem is a software issue, when I got the phone it used to get the signal very fast, 6 seconds or so, but now even with Gps fix app, it takes an eternity an then looses very easily, but gps fix even shows 20 or more sats but takes ages to lock the signal.
shinobisoft said:
None that I'm aware of.
Most tweaks are just changing settings in the appropriate file within the devices file system. But root access is needed in order to do so.
I should mention that the GPS is a little flaky on my D415 as well. Might be the norm, dunno...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am rooted, what are some tweaks for the GPS? The GPS on my d415 is definitely flakey.