Database Info

O2 XDA Serra (Touch Pro) - more GPS problems

Sorry - not a development issue as such but I'm hoping you guys can help with another HTC Touch Pro (A)GPS query. I have read a number of other posts on this but they appear to be inconclusive and I'm not sure if the problems widely reported elsewhere are supposed to have been resolved in the latest shipped ROMS.
I'm experiencing very long acquisition times with the internal GPS on the O2 XDA Serra (just released in the UK), to the point where the GPS is virtually unusable. Cold lock can take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes, even in open ground in good weather with a clear view of satellites. By comparison, a Garmin eTrex Vista in the same location gets a lock in seconds. I never expected the XDA Serra to equal the performance of a dedicated handheld GPS but I would have expected it to get an initial lock in less than 5 minutes in clear sight.
If and when a lock is acquired, it seems to hold OK and I've experienced no major lag problems.
I'm using Tom Tom Navigator 5, Memory Map Pocket Navigator OS 5 and Google Maps. I've also installed a couple of GPS utilities from this forum - Chartcross GPS Test 1.04 and the HTC GPS Tool v1.1.1.0. These are all configured to point to COM4 at 38400 baud (as per advice in this forum), and I've never had a problem detecting the GPS.
What is bizarre and frustrating is that there is absolutely no mention of GPS functionality in the supplied O2 manual, other than a brief warning about not operating a GPS while driving. The XDA Serra is not supplied with any GPS software or utilities out of the box other than an "External GPS" utility in the System folder, which is completely undocumented. I'm unclear in what circumstances you are supposed to use this utility, but I'm assuming it allows you to set a hardware COM port for an external GPS device (presumably bluetooth?) and select whether or not it is managed by Windows. I've tried turning this off but it appears to make no difference.
I'm aware that the XDA Serra is AGPS capable but I'm unclear exactly what this means in this context (i.e. which particular AGPS technique it actually uses), and how - in the absence of an explicit Program or System setting - my installed GPS applications are supposed to invoke it. I have checked the relevant registry settings in HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS:
EnableAGPS 0x00000000 (0)
GPSMode 0x00000002 (2)
Number Fixes 0x3b9ac9ff (9999999999)
QoS Accuracy 0x00000032 (50)
QoS Performance 0x00000059 (89)
Server IP 10.1.101.63
Server Port 0x00001cb6 (7275)
TimeBetweenFixes 0x00000001 (1)
... and can see that the AGPS function is currently disabled (the default), but is this supposed to be enabled programmatically by the GPS application, or do you have to set it explicitly? If the latter, how can you do this other than by hacking the registry?
I have followed advice in this forum about disabling GPS logging (it was disabled by default) using the Schapman Advanced Configuration Tool v3.3.0.0. I have tried enabling the AGPS function using a registry editor, but again it appears to make no difference. In addition, I could see no evidence of it having downloaded an emphemeris file anywhere (unless it's hidden in system ROM), which I presume is how it is supposed to work? If I enable it, doesn this necessarily mean that any of my GPS apps will actually use it?
I have tried using SeaSGEE to download emphemeris data to no avail - it downloads what looks like a good packedEmphemeris.ee file OK but it makes absolutely no difference to performance. I have since uninstalled this and deleted the //windows/packedEmphemeris.ee file.
Finally, if I connect an external bluetooth GPS adapter (the Emtac BTGPS) on COM6 I generally get a good cold lock in less than a minute. I used this all the time on my old XDA Mini S (HTC Wizard) and never had a problem.
So, basically, I'd like to understand how native AGPS works on the Touch Po, how it is supposed to be invoked by GPS applications, and whether there are any tweaks I can try to improve performance over and above the ones I've already tried. Is this a problem that is likely to be improved in subsequent ROM or Radio versions or is this simply a fundamental limitation of a crappy internal GPS chip?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

AGPS
AGPS is basically a utility for operator to be able to track your device for various local ads etc. It uses servers to track instead of GPS.For example Google maps would be able to track your position inside building but with tolerance of a few miles (I guess it is your closest tower) Seems to be some kind of bug when operating with regular GPS (in my case it shuts off GPS every 10-15 seconds making Tomtom unusable.You should see settings for AGPS at Settings-System-AGPS. Disable both tabs. On tomtom use other wired GPS receiver at Baud rate 38400 com port 4. restart after setting AGPS. It did work for me.I have Fuze - same as HTC Touch Pro. Let me know if it works better.

This is exactly how the Fuze is acting. Cold locks (after a soft reset or power off/on) take up to 30 minutes to get. But once you do get a lock, things work as they should. Even AT&T sales reps sat there with me, with 3 different Fuzes and witnessed all three phones doing the same thing. It must be the built in GPS chipset. The Sprint Touch Pro I had for a week, never had any cold lock issues.

I was worried that O2 had modified versions without the GPS module becuase I have never managed to get a lock with the device. Nomatter what I do GPS doesn't seem to work.
It is annoying as I've managed to fix every other problem the Serra ships with. Including getting rid of the default home page for opera when launched vial TFL3D. That was a huge pain in the ass as the XML file cannot be deleted or modified easily, it is an undying file. Damn file protectiona and access rules on WM devices.

is there still isues with gps on this phone?
i'm due an upgrade, currently using a diamond, and find gps is fantastic, locks in a couple of seconds nearly everytime, even after not using it for week still seems to get a fix in under 20 seconds, was looking at the touch hd as i thought it was essentialy the same phone, buf beefed up a bit, but i use gps 3-4 hours everyday, so far this phone seems perfect apart from the gps issues..
i've tried searching but can't find any clear information about it, seen various tweaks but no one can confirm it definatly works, my phone's primary use is gps, would i be a fool to upgrade to the serra?

Tyr said:
I was worried that O2 had modified versions without the GPS module becuase I have never managed to get a lock with the device. Nomatter what I do GPS doesn't seem to work.
It is annoying as I've managed to fix every other problem the Serra ships with. Including getting rid of the default home page for opera when launched vial TFL3D. That was a huge pain in the ass as the XML file cannot be deleted or modified easily, it is an undying file. Damn file protectiona and access rules on WM devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I had the same problem, never got locked on GPS.
It is ALL software issue. Flash different rom, new radio (recommend 20M1) and use tomtom7. Older tomtoms for some reason do not invoke gps receiver on touch pro. GPS on serra works perfect, on mine it takes about 20-30 seconds to get satellite lock. Relax Just flash rom different that the o2 one.

The GPS is rock solid on my XDA Serra with fast GPS start-up times with the PROven ROM - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=444653.
I did have GPS problems with the standard O2 ROM, as others have said it's a software issue.

All issues have been SOLVED
Hi. just go to this post and you will have a gps lock in a matter of seconds. enjoy. thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=467374

Go to http://www.my-xda.com/software_updates.jsp to download the latest software updates for every O2 XDA mobile!

Yes I just updated my ROM and the difference is HUGE. Almost instant connection with my GPS.

Yes, apparently O2 removed QuickGPS because at some point they planned to enable their own AGPS servers, but did not get round to it and forgot to add back QuickGPS.......

The Avatar said:
Yes I just updated my ROM and the difference is HUGE. Almost instant connection with my GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi the avatar
which ROM did you go for on your serra, i am having similar probs
just when i thought i had sorted it following other suggestions on this forum, beginning to think the gps was single use
cheers
r

HTC's A-GPS Hoax

Remember the time before HTC launch HTC Diamond/Touch Pro? Everywhere in the news and also HTC's own website stated that the builtin GPS is an A-GPS. HTC even boost about it's A-GPS feature. If you have read the product specification for HTC Diamond, the GPS is stated as A-GPS.
Now, if you go to HTC's website, HTC has changed the specification from A-GPS to Internal GPS (for both Diamond and Touch Pro).
Of course we know that it is has the A-GPS feature, but it is not supported like Nokia (where it has its own server, supl.nokia.com for the A-GPS to connect to). HTC does not provide such feature for us. So before the product is released, tell everyone that it is offering A-GPS (which HTC won't support), then when it is released, quietly change the specification to Internal GPS.

It's a bit more complicated.
For the record, I really would like to point out that "AGPS" can stand for both Assisted and Aided GPS. Most people do not know there is a difference. I assume you might. However, I digress...
The HTC Raphael as well as almost every single handset designed, manufactured and sold world-wide is AGPS enabled. Luckily for us, most HTC devices go a step further and provide 'hybrid' GPS front-ends.
In the Raphael's case, the GPS RF front-end, GPSOne, is a part of the MSM platform and is a hybrid GPS engine which means it is capable of Aided (in this case 'QuickGPS'), Assisted (Network Aided) and fully Autonomous GPS. The Raphael is compliant with OMA SUPL and 3GPP location standards.
The people you should be complaining to is not HTC but rather your network operator who may or may not be allowing network location data available via the user plane.
The AGPS on the HTC Fuze I am using on North Americas' AT&T is working just fine.
Nokia happens to be VERY proactive about location information and have made it clear they wish to be at the forefront of this market enabler.

programatix said:
Now, if you go to HTC's website, HTC has changed the specification from A-GPS to Internal GPS (for both Diamond and Touch Pro).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So? In strong consideration to the many laymen out there who have been falsely led to believe that A-GPS is 'inferior' to GPS then this may be dumbed-down BUT smart marketing by HTC. With the crap out of other companies and much misinformation found on the internet, too many people now falsely believe that A-GPS denotes an 'inferior' hardware device that ONLY derives location from that of the cellular system (triangulation from cell towers being the popular buzz) while lacking the hardware to derive a location from satellites....
We here should particularly know better that the HTC Qualcomm devices have the integrated GPSOne A-GPS chipset. That denotes an ability to derive the location, downloading of satellite ephemeris data, and possibility to refine location precision via GPS satellites and assistance or fallback to a Network Assistance server.
programatix said:
Of course we know that it is has the A-GPS feature, but it is not supported like Nokia (where it has its own server, supl.nokia.com for the A-GPS to connect to). HTC does not provide such feature for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it is practiced it's down to the responsibilities of the carriers to support their subscribed client with the Assisted mode from THEIR Network Assistance Servers.
programatix said:
So before the product is released, tell everyone that it is offering A-GPS (which HTC won't support), then when it is released, quietly change the specification to Internal GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I politely declare your topic to be conflated FUD.
move on...nothing to rant about here.

So is there any way we can tell our phone's to connect to Nokia's AGPS Server?
Don't get me wrong. Right now I'm pretty happy with my GPS since it locks faster than my Lowrance GPS in my car and it locks onto just as many satellites.
If I could cut the time down to several seconds instead of 30 seconds locks, I'd be even happier than I already am but I'm actually quite content since it's already very fast.

Harvey,
It would be almost impossible.
The SUPL middleware clients are different between the OS (Symbian vs WinMo) and are based on platform and handset.
-Op

Operation619 said:
Harvey,
It would be almost impossible.
The SUPL middleware clients are different between the OS (Symbian vs WinMo) and are based on platform and handset.
-Op
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually got it working with Da_G's help. It's very fast now. Maybe 10 seconds or less every time even without extra.bin from QuickGPS.

a-gps works for me

a-gps is good for those times when you drive through a tunnel and the gps is cut off for a mile or two, your phone has a chance to redeem its lack of satellite reception by giving a +/- 2000 feet estimate as to where you are.
It would be better though to use the phones accelerometer to create a cheap "inertial navigation system" (a handy backup system used in airplanes) by using last known location before GPS fails + detected movements by accelerometer to determine current location. This would be far more accurate than triangulation. Though unless I am missing something, the software simply isnt there and would take a lot of work to develop

Hmm, I think at the least you would need to strap your phone to the vehicle to ensure it stays at the same angle, etc. while moving.. and then it would become wildly inaccurate the moment you turned off course a little.. without a gyroscope or compass.. doh! but i like that idea

Interesting topic here, wish I could join in an intelligent manner but alas, my gps refuses to connect to anything, let alone satellites. My point is this, I've done extensive searches to try and get the thing to actually work say nothing about working in a stable way and every one of the suggestions whether it be registry hacks, advance config tweaks or programs suggested to shut off agps because it only hindered and really didnt work. What's that about? The bottom line is the gps on these phone's collectively if compared to the iphone or any other comparable device is deplorable period. My wife has an iphone and the gps works flawlessly. My friend has the touch pro for sprint and it works flawlessly. What is going on?

sorry not really on topic, just a bit frustrated. I am curious why everyone seems to think it needs to be turned off though...

Im on AT&T too in North america and my GPS takes a good 5 minutes to find satalites, are you using stock radio and rom or did you change the radio?
Operation619 said:
It's a bit more complicated.
For the record, I really would like to point out that "AGPS" can stand for both Assisted and Aided GPS. Most people do not know there is a difference. I assume you might. However, I digress...
The HTC Raphael as well as almost every single handset designed, manufactured and sold world-wide is AGPS enabled. Luckily for us, most HTC devices go a step further and provide 'hybrid' GPS front-ends.
In the Raphael's case, the GPS RF front-end, GPSOne, is a part of the MSM platform and is a hybrid GPS engine which means it is capable of Aided (in this case 'QuickGPS'), Assisted (Network Aided) and fully Autonomous GPS. The Raphael is compliant with OMA SUPL and 3GPP location standards.
The people you should be complaining to is not HTC but rather your network operator who may or may not be allowing network location data available via the user plane.
The AGPS on the HTC Fuze I am using on North Americas' AT&T is working just fine.
Nokia happens to be VERY proactive about location information and have made it clear they wish to be at the forefront of this market enabler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ATT Northamerica here as well. I've tried nearly every radio, every rom and none of them have been good experiences although... I did manage to get it working somewhat a few ROM updates ago. Don't remember how I did it though because it was before I realized it was going to be a huge issue for me.
I don't think it matters what radio your using quite honestly. Nor do I think it matters what drivers your using or ROM your using... I think it has something to do with the hardware or the implementation of the chip through either all of the above or specific gps programs.
I could be wrong...actually I probably am wrong. All I know is I've owned several Fuze's which I returned for various reasons and all of them were terrible experiences with GPS.
If you look at the proposed solutions here on the forum's they range from simple to far fetched to just plain ridiculous. Most of them are just explanations of what happened to work for the person posting and most of the posters aren't even sure what they did.
Sounds like a hardware/foundation level driver issue to me.

Operation619 said:
The AGPS on the HTC Fuze I am using on North Americas' AT&T is working just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does that agps using at&t's networks work with tomtom if so which version do i need. thanks

Da_G said:
Hmm, I think at the least you would need to strap your phone to the vehicle to ensure it stays at the same angle, etc. while moving.. and then it would become wildly inaccurate the moment you turned off course a little.. without a gyroscope or compass.. doh! but i like that idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This much is true, however with a little thought we could probably convince the system to "trust" that we are still on the road, and limit the accelerometer's influence on the foreward / backward motion (the accelerometer could be set to only interpret change on one axis). You are right, the traditional inertial navigation system requires gyros and a compass, vaccuum pump driven, but in a vehicle on the ground we have far less variables. The system wouldn't be perfect, but it would be a lot better that the current system, which is crude triangulation

ya the gps on the touch pro/fuze is complete BS. there is definately something wrong with the agps. Whenever i had agps enabled it would either not connect at all or connect and then quickly loose satellite reception. when i disabled agps, it would get a lock after 2-3 mins minimum and then be fine. I had agps in my tytn II, nokia e71, and now my touch HD, and they all work fine. i just got the touch HD, and with agps enabled i can get a lock from a cold start in ~30 secs. plus this huge screen makes navigating a pleasure

i do have a question to ask everybody that might help this problem. when you click on tomtom after not using it for a day or two (as in cold start). from the tomtom home screen.... click on the signal bars in the lower right hand corner then click on the signal bars in the upper right part of the screen. does it show little balls with numbers in side them or not?
also what version is everyone using?

omaralt said:
ya the gps on the touch pro/fuze is complete BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An absolutely innane comment in light of others having it working and a previous statement in this thread concerning the Touch Pro working "flawlessly." Dude, don't post in a bubble and make the classic error of an absolute write-off when your particular item is failing. It is not all or nothing.
Mine works. Mine consistently works "flawlessly" and that is witnessing a data connection made each fairly fresh time the GPS is initiated and then followed by satellite reception within seconds to location deriving locks within 10-20 seconds. The Assisted portion of the A-GPS is functioning and assisting the GPS attain quicker satellite locks with updated ephemeris data from my designated Network Assistance server.
For those who have Raphael's where the internal GPS is unable to receive locks -- then first blame your carrier (who in North America are typically ultimately responsible to the software setups on their phones often to help push their own pay-per-use GPS software) and then secondly place some fault upon yourself for not finding the existing resolutions to work around the carrier implemented GPS limitations. The latter is understandable as there is plenty of misinformation around and posted solutions that are quite dated --> old guesses at a necessity to disable the Assisted modes....
By tobeychris on ppcgeeks, here are the working AGPS solutions for some North American CDMA carriers. Carrier specific CABs are listed. Similar resolutions exist for GSM Raphaels.

My experiences
I have lots of trouble with the GPS on a stock rom ATT Fuze. When I turn off a-gps and quick gps, then enable the windows mobile intermediate driver (the external GPS settings icon) with hardware on com4: baud 4800 and soft-port com6: and use 4800 baud EVERYWHERE I can, It usually works. With any other setting (mostly when a-gps enabled tho) it connects for 2 seconds then sets the hardware port to "(none)" in the windows mobile GPS settings and refuses (haha fuses) to do anything with the GPS again until I reboot. I would like to know exactly what the $%^*%$^ is going on.

walscobry said:
I would like to know exactly what the $%^*%$^ is going on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As previously mentioned it is likely your carrier's fault for not adding an Assistance Server IP address to permit the assisted portion of the A-GPS chipset to properly function. That is why you can better attain a satellite lock when the Assisted mode is disabled but fail when the hardware first expects to download the latest ephemeris data from its non-existant Network Assistance server - 0.0.0.0 as the IP address or lack of carrier info thanks to AT&T).
Blame AT&T for 'crippling' (not fully implementing) the GPS features of your phone. Resolve your lack of an Assisted Server IP issue with searches and previously posted links.

AT&T Fuze - FamilyMap - No AGPS location

Anybody using AT&T FamilyMap? I'm giving the free trial a go and cannot get a location better than a mile or two. This is true even when I have a GPS lock with a HDOP of 1.1 or better. I have AGPS enabled and unrestricted. Phone is a Fuze with AT&T/HTC WM6.1 OEM ROM.
Peter

Sounds like your locking onto cell towers instead of GPS.
Get yourself a GPS starter utility like GPS Viewer

The original post indicates I have a good position lock with GPS while testing. I am using VisualGPSce. I did more testing today and it does not appear that the GPS position is being used at all by FamilyMap. Even with a good GPS position I was presented with a 6.1 mile position radius in FamilyMap. I guess I need an alternative to FamilyMap that will attempt to use GPS but use cell tower triangulation if needed. I have Sprite Terminator but it will only provide a position if there is a GPS fix. This intent is to find my son's cellphone when he loses it (again).

Ah, as for the intent, try W.I.M.P.

plfinch said:
...I guess I need an alternative to FamilyMap that will attempt to use GPS but use cell tower triangulation if needed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, family map does' tuse the devices GPS
from at&t's family map FAQ
Yes. You can signup for a FamilyMap account to locate a lost or stolen phone.
Note: The phone must be turned on and in AT&T network coverage to be located. The location will be approximate and will not be accurate enough to find a lost phone, for example, in a specific room in a house. When a phone becomes locatable, it receives a text message saying that it can be located by AT&T FamilyMap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

FamilyMap does use GPS if available:
"AT&T FamilyMap uses several different techniques to locate a phone. AT&T phones that are A-GPS can return a very accurate location (within a few yards) if the phone can "see" the GPS satellites. For all other phones, the system automatically uses alternative location technologies. In these cases, you may receive a location with an accuracy of a few hundred yards or more. When you request a location, you will be given the best possible location fix given the conditions."
I just tried it on a Motorola Tundra with AGPS and it routinely gets within 10-15 yards which is close enough for my purposes. But on a Fuze it does not use the AGPS and can have an error radius of several miles using tower triangulation. This is true, as I said, even with a good GPS fix when location is requested.
Peter

Dealing with Evo users who disable network-based location services

For the past few days, I've been dealing with what appears to be a disproportionately huge group of Evo owners (relative to other Android phones) who've been having crashes with an app I wrote that appear to be caused by the unavailability of network-based location services. I did some research, and it looks like a LOT of Evo owners have been doing things that (temporarily?) disable network-based location services in an attempt to keep the battery from dying too quickly.
Are Evo users who do this literally going into Settings and disabling network-based location services outright, or are there one or more apps/hacks that supposedly disable it only when "it's not being used"? If there are, what does an app that depends on network-based location services have to do to make sure that whatever is supposedly enabling network-based location services "when necessary" realizes that it is, in fact, necessary... and do it in a way that won't cause the lookup request to prematurely or needlessly fail?
Like I've said, I've had a few users with other phones have problems due to the app's current absolute dependency on the availability of network-based location services... but with Evo owners, it's more like a nonstop hailstorm of complaints. Rewriting the way the app handles location to eliminate that absolute dependency is my next major project, but it's going to take me at least a week or two to finish, and in the meantime I'd love to be able to find a temporary solution that I can patch and release tonight that will solve the worst of the problem for the majority of Evo users in the meantime.

Speak up brother. What is the App (so people who don't have the slightest clue as to how to relate your user name with the buggy app you have)?

I'm not sure why anyone would do this, aside from "privacy" concerns... It will not help with battery life on it's own. If your GPS is turned off, your device gets it's relative location via the cell phone tower's coordinates. This information gets transmitted to your phone regardless if you have it disabled to accept it.
They are probably thinking that if they disable it, other services won't try to update information based on your location. Instead they should just adjust any services that are auto-updating.
I can go >24hours before I need to charge my phone with moderate usage throughout the day (without using 4G). I can post SystemPanel screenshots if anyone is interested.

mattrb said:
Speak up brother. What is the App (so people who don't have the slightest clue as to how to relate your user name with the buggy app you have)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, if it makes you happy, I didn't personally write it that way. It's a legacy app I'm helping to fix. In the meantime, I'm trying to put out as many fires as quickly as I can. That said, I'm not going to condemn the original author. All things considered, it was a perfectly reasonable decision for him to make. It was his first major Android programming project, and his immediate runtime environment was a Droid on Verizon. 99% of his Android-owning friends were Sprint or Verizon. For the most part, on Sprint & Verizon, network-based location services work really well. The app's dependency on them didn't really bubble to the surface as anything more than likely user error until lots of non-Americans started showing up with phones that couldn't be automatically assumed to have inseparably-bundled mandatory data service.
Truth be told, America is a lot like Japan -- cellular networks that are almost proprietary to the national market and work in ways that aren't necessarily consistent with the way things work elsewhere in the world, but utterly ubiquitous and totally dominant within it. I'm sure that right now, plenty of Japanese developers are writing Android apps that assume every phone supports network-level low-latency "Push to Talk" capabilities (IDEN's "killer app"), or some other feature that's ubiquitous in Japan and (almost) unheard of elsewhere. Six months from now, they're going to be scratching their heads wondering why it crashes on every phone in Europe and most phones in America (Sprint, and I think Verizon, try to emulate IDEN's PTT on CDMA by buffering the audio stream on a server, then sending a SMS to the recipient's phone that triggers its download and streaming a couple of seconds later).
Anyway, I digress. Getting back to the original question, are Evo owners who disable network location doing it manually, or are they doing it in a way that can be worked with cooperatively by apps in order to get it to automatically turn it back on when needed?
Actually, I have theory #2 about why Evo owners might be having problems, but it's pure speculation at this point. I'm wondering whether there might be Evo owners who've explicitly disabled EV-DO and 1xRTT to try and force the phone to use WiMax in areas where it might otherwise try to fall back to the older modes, and the possibility that even NON-network location service DEPENDS on EV-DO/1xRTT for aGPS data transmission of the raw telemetry data. In a way, it makes sense... the WiMax network is totally parallel to the CDMA2000 network, and it's not inconceivable that there might BE no data route between the Sprint WiMax network and the servers that handle aGPS queries. Especially if there aren't any real-world locations where Sprint WiMax is available, but CDMA2000 data is not.

If you go into the settings you can disable the network location, but there are ways for an app to ask if the user wants to turn the setting back on.
Evo owners can't disable 1xRTT otherwise standard calls and text messages won't work anymore. They can change settings if they have their MSL code such that EVDO isn't ever used however.

Well, maybe "disable" is a strong term. I know that on a Hero, there's a network setting somewhere that allows you to tell the phone, "Use EV-DO, or don't do data at all". It doesn't affect the operation of voice or sms -- only the phone's willingness to fall back to 1xRTT for internet access if EV-DO isn't available. I'm assuming the Evo has a similar setting that goes a step further and lets you dictate "WiMax or Nothing".
Here's how it could theoretically affect location services: obviously Sprint does aGPS. By law, it HAS to do it for e911 purposes. HOWEVER, I think that non-e911 aGPS lookups on Android phones get diverted through Google (or at least an aGPS service hosted by Google) unless you pay Sprint extra for navigation service. Under those conditions, if you told the phone to use ONLY WiMax for internet access, and you were in an area where only EV-DO and/or 1xRTT data were available, you could have a situation where the phone can do e911 location, but wouldn't necessarily have that info available for use by other applications (vis-a-vis most of HTC's WinMo 6 phones). If the phone couldn't use WiMax, and the user dictated "WiMax or Nothing", the phone couldn't reach Google. Without Google, there'd be no free aGPS for Android apps to consume.
The above is pure speculation, of course. As a practical matter, Sprint itself can't/won't give a coherent explanation of where the line gets drawn between Sprint and Google for (a)GPS service, which makes troubleshooting location-related problems that much more fun. Personally, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if late-model HTC phones DO have 100% of the hardware onboard to turn satellite telemetry into latitude/longitude/altitude coordinates, but the underlying software fails without realtime network connectivity anyway because it still tries to involve a server somewhere for some reason.

Look, this is what happens to me and I think it's a bug.
When I turn off GPS for a while, like for 12 hours, and then I turn it on, I still see the "Location" icon crossed out. At first I didn't know what was going on. I thought it was the GPS icon, but it wasn't, it was the location services being turned off.
So I reproduced it several times and this is what happens. When you turn off GPS for a while, the location setting will be turned off also, and it will remain off even after you turn on the GPS again. Which IS A BUG. That's not an expected behavior. So you may be right.

baiatul said:
Look, this is what happens to me and I think it's a bug.
When I turn off GPS for a while, like for 12 hours, and then I turn it on, I still see the "Location" icon crossed out. At first I didn't know what was going on. I thought it was the GPS icon, but it wasn't, it was the location services being turned off.
So I reproduced it several times and this is what happens. When you turn off GPS for a while, the location setting will be turned off also, and it will remain off even after you turn on the GPS again. Which IS A BUG. That's not an expected behavior. So you may be right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience doesn't mirror that at all. When I turn GPS on (which I am impressed to say has it finding satellites many times faster than my old HTC Fuze) the location disabled icon changes almost immediately. I saw this a lot over last weekend when I was doing a lot of phone based navigation.

Yes, I forgot, I'm in NY, and in Manhattan very strange things happen when you go in and out the subway with signal and no signal several times a day for periods of time from minutes to an hour.
Many programs that are expected to work crash when there is no signal. Or when you run applications in the subway with no signal, the gadget freezes sometimes. Maybe this GPS thing is also one of those glitches. Maybe it's a combination of turning on or off the GPS, and then the loss of signal for a while. It still happens to me, but I got used: every time I turn back on the GPS after being disabled for MANY HOURS (12? 24?), I have to turn back on the Location setting.

merak69 said:
I'm not sure why anyone would do this, aside from "privacy" concerns...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I turned off network location services for one simple reason....using it caused my location to off by at least 1/2 mile. So it seemed pretty useless to me.

pixelpop said:
I turned off network location services for one simple reason....using it caused my location to off by at least 1/2 mile. So it seemed pretty useless to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's basing your location on the information from the cell phone tower. It isn't meant to give you a precise location like GPS can (this is why its called aGPS). The point is to give a general location so that apps that need to know what city you are in (weather apps for example) can figure it out to show you information for where you currently are.
If you want precise information, turn on full GPS and you are good to go.
My point was disabling location services entirely will not save you any more battery life vs leaving network location on (excluding full GPS obviously). What will save you battery is turning off your other services (Facebook, Twitter, News, etc) to only update when you manually say so or setting their update schedules to much longer frequencies.
Here's how it could theoretically affect location services: obviously Sprint does aGPS. By law, it HAS to do it for e911 purposes. HOWEVER, I think that non-e911 aGPS lookups on Android phones get diverted through Google (or at least an aGPS service hosted by Google) unless you pay Sprint extra for navigation service. Under those conditions, if you told the phone to use ONLY WiMax for internet access, and you were in an area where only EV-DO and/or 1xRTT data were available, you could have a situation where the phone can do e911 location, but wouldn't necessarily have that info available for use by other applications (vis-a-vis most of HTC's WinMo 6 phones). If the phone couldn't use WiMax, and the user dictated "WiMax or Nothing", the phone couldn't reach Google. Without Google, there'd be no free aGPS for Android apps to consume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone doesn't communicate with Google. Sprint has their own aGPS servers but I think you might misunderstand what their purpose is. The "a" part of aGPS means Assisted, but only assisted in the fact of giving the chip the information it needs to lock on to the true GPS signals faster based on your current location.
For example: If you used a GPS device that wasn't assisted and its known internal satellite database was out of date, it'd have to search for awhile to location any/all satellites in the sky. On the flip side, an assisted chip can use the network server to download satellite info (ids, frequencies, etc) to show which satellites are visible for your given rough location. This enables hardware lock to happen faster.
However those aGPS servers are optional since the chip has a hybrid mode of operation:
a) If you have true GPS on, obviously it uses GPS to determine your location, down to potentially 3-4 meters.
b) If the chip can't get a satellite lock or you have true GPS turned off, the chip uses multiple known tower locations in combination to triangulate your location (based on signal strength to known towers). The fewer the towers it has access to, the less and less accurate your known location becomes. This works even with 3G and 4G disabled because it transmits the data over 1xRTT (you can easily test this in Google Maps).
In the second situation (b), I've seen where tower triangulation has narrowed my location down to 100 meters. I've also seen where it can't get a lock on multiple towers reliably such that the chip puts my "center" location as the actual location of the tower with an accuracy rating of 2000 meters. This is what Pixelpop is mentioning above about accuracy.

merak69 said:
Your phone doesn't communicate with Google. Sprint has their own aGPS servers but I think you might misunderstand what their purpose is. The "a" part of aGPS means Assisted, but only assisted in the fact of giving the chip the information it needs to lock on to the true GPS signals faster based on your current location.
For example: If you used a GPS device that wasn't assisted and its known internal satellite database was out of date, it'd have to search for awhile to location any/all satellites in the sky. On the flip side, an assisted chip can use the network server to download satellite info (ids, frequencies, etc) to show which satellites are visible for your given rough location. This enables hardware lock to happen faster.
However those aGPS servers are optional since the chip has a hybrid mode of operation:
a) If you have true GPS on, obviously it uses GPS to determine your location, down to potentially 3-4 meters.
b) If the chip can't get a satellite lock or you have true GPS turned off, the chip uses multiple known tower locations in combination to triangulate your location (based on signal strength to known towers). The fewer the towers it has access to, the less and less accurate your known location becomes. This works even with 3G and 4G disabled because it transmits the data over 1xRTT (you can easily test this in Google Maps).
In the second situation (b), I've seen where tower triangulation has narrowed my location down to 100 meters. I've also seen where it can't get a lock on multiple towers reliably such that the chip puts my "center" location as the actual location of the tower with an accuracy rating of 2000 meters. This is what Pixelpop is mentioning above about accuracy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct that aGPS doesn't go through Google. It's presumably handled by the radio and Android is never aware of it at all.
Cell tower location/triangulation is different however. The OP is correct that it does go through Google, as the US CDMA carriers are totally unwilling to allow outside access to this information like GSM carriers do. Google built and maintains their own database of tower info, and that is what populates your rough location in Android. It is not aGPS data from Sprint's servers that is allowing that.

You want a hack? Well use the last known position, if it's historical then post a message "wtf turn on location services, if you want picture phone to work".
The app may not work but it won't crash as it has a location. More so it blames the user. lol
Post a little line to the location service enable semaphore, "who turned off the lights?"

You can get location assisted position from Wi-Max just like you can get it off Wi-Fi. As far as I know there is no app to disable Mobile Network Location on demand. If your having issues with it than users are going in and disabling it by hand through the settings. The problem probably is that 90% of the know it all bloggers advise to disable network position because they think it does something for battery life.
I'm also willing to bet good money that Google is handling the network location. Why else would they have a location server(supl.google.com). Only to let Nokia users use it?
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

I've noticed that there are areas where the GPS doesn't work, even outside with no sky obstacles. One of them is on 113 st. between Broadway and Amsterdam avenue (NYC), right next to a building tagged "Cell Motion Laboratories." I've been there twice since I have EVO and the GPS is off like 10 buildings when I'm in the building next door. From outside, it just looks like any other Columbia University residence.
(Yes, my location settings were enabled and GPS was on).
ZIP 10027.
I just searched that lab, and it has nothing to do with cellphones, but with real cells (biological lab for kids, I think).

bedoig said:
You're correct that aGPS doesn't go through Google. It's presumably handled by the radio and Android is never aware of it at all.
Cell tower location/triangulation is different however. The OP is correct that it does go through Google, as the US CDMA carriers are totally unwilling to allow outside access to this information like GSM carriers do. Google built and maintains their own database of tower info, and that is what populates your rough location in Android. It is not aGPS data from Sprint's servers that is allowing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you are talking about for triangulation is software level functionality part of Google Maps and Google Maps only and yes it contacts their servers to try and guess where you are. Google does build out their own "database of tower info" just like they collect all sorts of other statistical information (you agree to this when you turn on location services), but part of the aGPS standard is that every cell phone tower, GSM or CDMA, transmits its coordinates to your handset.
What I'm talking about is all strictly in the hardware, but perhaps the word "triangulation" was the incorrect choice of word when talking about aGPS, however it is similar... The aGPS functionality in our phones is tightly integrated into the radio chip (Qualcomm RTR6500 CDMA2000) and this chip does not need to contact Google or Sprint to determine your rough location from a tower (turn off all internet access and you'll see what I mean). It can contact Sprints servers through the network (when it is able) to further plot your location based on the data transmitted to/from the aGPS server.

When you first use the EVO, there is a screen that asks if you want to share anonymous location data. That setting is also tied to network-based location services. That is, if you disable anonymous location sharing, it also disables NBLS entirely. You can thank either Google or HTC (not sure which) for their greed on that one.

I just checked and mine was set to off. not sure what sets it to that as I never touch that setting.
Just adding my 2 cents.

GPS Settings: Performance Options (improvement)

Ok, There are a lot of posts and information regarding the GPS issue that some are experiencing. I am starting (yet) another post in the interest of compiling and maintaining information regarding that information in one location. As users/devs find out information I will update this post so everyone doesn't have to go looking everywhere for the information. I am hoping that the Moderator will sticky this post.
Some users are experiencing very long lock times for their GPS. Everyone, after reading A LOT of posts/threads it seems to be the consensus that this is a software/settings issue - NOT, a hardware issue. However, results from tweaking the following settings are very mixed. Most seem to get great results by tweaking the following settings while stationary - but, moving is a whole different ball game. I use the below settings and have great results while stationary. However, my G1 blows the Captivate completely out of the water!!! My G1 gave 3-10m accuracy while driving. This device can barely keep me on the correct highway and always seem lagging behind my current location. The G1 was spot on no matter what. What hasn't been determined is if these issues are hardware or software. For whatever my opinion is worth - I think it is a firmware/software issue. Here are some things to try.
Here is the info:
To get to your GPS settings open you dialer and dial the following number. This will not call anyone - it is a code shortcut to the settings:
*#*#1472365#*#*
Once entered you will observe a screen that has five buttons:
Get Position Test
Application Settings
SUPL/CP Settings
Test Application
Delete GPS Data
We will be interested in three of these initial buttons.
Get Position Test: This will be what one uses to test the results of your changes.
Application Settings: Exactly what it says.
SUPL/CP Settings: settings that determine specific data connectivity with the satellites.
In Application Settings the following are some that you might consider adjusting:
Operation Mode - Standalone, MS Based, MS assisted, Network Provider
Accuracy - defaults to 50. Don't set it below 10 (and only use increments of 10's)
SkyHook - not sure what it does. But, someone on a thread mentioned it and it DOES effect satellite lock times.
In SUPL/CP Settings one we'll be interested in the following:
Server FQDN Type
Server
Server Port
The following are the options provided on other threads:
Original/Stock Settings:
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Custom Config
Application settings/Operation Mode/Standalone
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/www.spirent-lcs.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Port/7275
Second suggested setup (from other posts and claimed to have great results):
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Custom Config
Application settings/Operation Mode/MS Based
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/supl.google.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Port/7276
Other settings that I have played with:
Application settings/SkyHook/On (and Off)
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Auto Config (and Custom Config)
You can play around with these to see what gives you the best results. If your GPS doesn't work better with whatever changes you made - than you can always put it back to the orginal settings above.
However, it has been recommended and I concur (for whatever that is worth) that you NEED TO SET THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU START PLAYING AROUND: Settings/Location and security/uncheck (turn off) "Use Wireless Networks). Most likely this won't really effect anything while your testing within the GPS settings - however, this will effect your results if you test using Google Maps, etc.
Now, having duly noted all of the above and having played around with the settings for several hours I found the best results FOR MY DEVICE IN MY AREA AT ONE LOCATION was the following:
Note: I adjusted these settings from earlier as the earlier settings proved to be very accurate when stationary - but, very inaccurate while moving. The latest settings I'm using are below. Also, look to the bottom of this post regarding changing your gps configuration file. That also helped A LOT. The bottom section of information is from the Official websites that run the time servers(effects GPS performance).
Application Settings/Operation Mode/MS Based
Application Settings/Operation Mode/SkyHook/ON (VERY IMPORTANT)
SUPL/CP Settings/Server FQDN Type/Custom Config
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/supl.google.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Server Port/7276
SUPL/CP Settings/SUPL Secure Socket/Off
Turning "SkyHook" ON assisted in faster locks with ALL of my tested settings when stationary!
My test results with the above would lock on up to three satellites in under four seconds and between 7 and 10 by eight seconds. Google Maps would locate me in about 6-8 seconds.
Using "Get Position Test" the settings in the three lines above consistently gave the not only the fastest locks and the most locks - but, also STRONGER SIGNALS!
I used at least seven different combinations of the above settings and some of them were just as quick - but, not as strong. Most of them were slower.
If anyone has better information to add then please PM me and I will add it to this top post.
LASTLY, I will make some guesses as to what some of the other settings do as I have heard different information:
Application Settings:
Session Type: Tracking or Singleshot - obvious (use Tracking)
Start Mode: Hot or Cold Start - someone posted on a thread that Hot uses data from your last read to get started. Cold start will start all over. So, Cold start SHOULD increase the time for you to get a lock unless you went left the area to an area that had different satellite to look up.
Test Application:
Performance Test: worked for me - but, I found the test above to work faster and give me quicker results for what I wanted.
Hardware Test/Sensitivity Test: Pretty cool - went on forever and I stopped it.
CNO Test: Seemed to test the average satellite signal strength.
Antenna Test: Never worked for me and I received errors.
H/W Test Settings: Settings for the above tests - I didn't mess with them.
NOTE: WANT TO SEE HOW ACCURATE YOUR ACCELEROMETER/COMPASS/ORIENTATION settings are? Check this out:
Test Application/Show Sensor Data - there is no way to calibrate it here... But, you can see just how sensitive your instruments are!!
Delete GPS Data - I didn't select this button and I don't recommend anyone else doing so either unless someone from Samsung tells us what it does. LOL!
FINALLY: Keep in mind that if you are seeing GPS lock times that are in the 3-8 second range (which was what I was getting) this WILL NOT be how long it takes for Google Maps to get the GPS data! Expect 8-15 seconds or a little longer (but, under 30 seconds) for Google Maps to pick up your location. Although the GPS sensors might pick up the satellites - you still have to give the software time to evaluate the data and apply it to the software.
Hope this helps someone out there.
Update/Additional Information (http://androidforums.com/1194187-post197.html):
Hot Start - The GPS receiver remembers its last calculated position and which satellites were in view, the almanac used, and the UTC Time. It then performs a reset and attempts to acquire satellites and calculate a new position based upon the previous information. This is the quickest re-acquisition of a GPS lock.
Cold Start - The GPS receiver dumps all information and resets. It then attempts to locate satellites and then calculate a GPS lock. This takes the longest because there is no known information. The GPS receiver has to attempt to lock a satellite signal from all of the satellites, basically like polling, which takes a lot longer than knowing which satellites to look for. This re-acquisition of a GPS lock takes the longest.
Thanks to Shadow77895 for the link to this info. I altered the settings above. Doesn't effect my results much at all.
MSBased Operation Mode(http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp#GenQues11):
What is MS-Based mode of operation?
In MS-Based mode, the network provides the satellite information to the device, based on a rough estimate of where the device is located, and the device acquires the GPS signals from the satellites and calculates its location. After the initial fix, the device operates like an autonomous GPS receiver, until the satellite information must be refreshed, at which time the device goes back to the network to update the satellite information. MS-Based mode is appropriate for applications that require the device location to be updated rapidly, such as a navigation application.
And email thread regarding using the Google settings for GPS(http://osdir.com/ml/android-platform/2009-08/msg00386.html)
NEW INFORMATION!!!
ALSO! Check out this page: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html:
As pool.ntp.org will assign you timeservers from all over the world, time quality will not be ideal. You get a bit better result if you use the continental zones (For example europe, north-america, oceania or asia.pool.ntp.org), and even better time if you use the country zone (like ch.pool.ntp.org in Switzerland) - for all these zones, you can again use the 0, 1 or 2 prefixes, like 0.ch.pool.ntp.org. Note, however, that the country zone might not exist for your country, or might contain only one or two timeservers. If you know timeservers that are really close to you (measured by network distance, with traceroute or ping), time probably will be even better.
Find your optimal pool server here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/zone/north-america
For US the optimal server is: us.pool.ntp.org
Reference other threads I (http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731462) I recommend you do the following:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
If you are NOT in the US go to here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html and look at the links in the center of the page to navigate to the closest pool to your geographical location and use that pool for the top server entry.
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Many are suggesting that we do NOT leave the Secure Socket ON. How will this effect data security with our devices? I don't understand how it could hurt us... But, there must be a reason for it. If someone could let me know I would appreciate it.

Good, guide, think you meant hot start should be faster though.
I'll be linking to this.
Sent from my Samsung Captivate using XDA app

Great, but doesn't address the problem
I need to point out that while this information is helpful it doesn't really address the problem that the GPS is facing.
What the above settings are doing is enabling multiple different A-GPS technologies to help compensate for the Galaxy S's poor GPS performance. A properly functioning GPS unit would not need these crutches except to acquire a faster fix.
I had my GPS outdoors today, with the first set of recommended settings, and was unable to achieve a fix while seven satellites were in view (according to it) with sufficient signal strength. This is a GPS firmware issue!
The above post is very helpful for people to get some better performance - however - the core GPS issues need to be addressed by Samsung.
I hope people will refrain from saying "It's perfect now!" and let up on Samsung. Unless you know what what the following are you're tweaking settings blindly and declaring victory: ephemeris, PDOP, SBAS, WGS-84, 2D fix, 3D fix (And the conditions one is chosen over the other.) and finally SA
I'm betting this phone would never achieve a fix in an SA environment! It's also clear that the person(s) who originated this information knew exactly what they were doing..!
If anyone is interested in learning how GPS works there are tons of great resources on the web that Google will point you to. Of course they're written for all sorts of different levels.
In short, the above settings may help, but please don't become convinced that things are "fixed"!

I'd suggest you read my posts on the subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7244888#post7244888
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7289539#post7289539

@haydonxda - I agree that this does NOT address the potential problem that the firmware and/or hardware is inadequate! And, we should put pressure on Samsung to fix this issue. However, the phones have already been produced and I'm just trying to do the best with I have.
@Shadow77895 - thanks for the info. Added a bunch of further information after looking into your posts and references from them.

Try this fix (from 4pda.ru), working on Galaxy S, root access required:
$su
#cat /data/gps/secgps.conf > /sdcard/secgps.conf
#rm /data/gps/secgps.conf
#reboot
After reboot, new (correct) secgps.conf appears.
At your own risk!

shaneaus said:
NEW INFORMATION!!!
ALSO! Check out this page: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html:
As pool.ntp.org will assign you timeservers from all over the world, time quality will not be ideal. You get a bit better result if you use the continental zones (For example europe, north-america, oceania or asia.pool.ntp.org), and even better time if you use the country zone (like ch.pool.ntp.org in Switzerland) - for all these zones, you can again use the 0, 1 or 2 prefixes, like 0.ch.pool.ntp.org. Note, however, that the country zone might not exist for your country, or might contain only one or two timeservers. If you know timeservers that are really close to you (measured by network distance, with traceroute or ping), time probably will be even better.
Find your optimal pool server here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/zone/north-america
For US the optimal server is: us.pool.ntp.org
Reference other threads I (http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731462) I recommend you do the following:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
If you are NOT in the US go to here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html and look at the links in the center of the page to navigate to the closest pool to your geographical location and use that pool for the top server entry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you use the text editor in Root Explorer. I can see the text but it won't allow me to edit it.

Hello, the code:
*#*#1472365#*#*
starts a GPS Test Application.
The settings inside this application are only for this application.
You can test your GPS in different modes.
But the settings are not relevant for other applications.
It is a simple illusion that it helps to manipulate this settings.
GPS is very time-dependent.
And:
I don't know where we can change the default GPS Mode/s...

So when I walk outside my office there are like 7 satellites, and I still cannot get a lock. This is sad.
Out of the box it worked great, navigated from BB to my house with relative ease. Inside my house when I showed my parents it worked great. I rooted and deleted some ATT apps. I have yet to get a lock.
I have also changed the NTP servers and no dice. This is pretty saddening performance.

I still don't get why my Nexus One, sitting right next to my Samsung Captivate, is able to get a aGPS location (via My Location in maps) that is pretty damn accurate despite not having a GPS lock and my Captivate is unable to even get an aGPS location and just says my location data is temporarily unavailable.
Nexus One: Can get approximate location very easily
Samsung Captivate: Cannot even get approximate location using WIFI/Cell Towers.
Foursquare never knows where I am until I go outside in the middle of a parking lot. This is BS.

Won't anyone try GPS NMEA MONITOR App and see if the data sentences are correct? If the GPS chipset is putting out the correct Lat/Lon, then you can fiddle and fiddle what Captivate does with the information

Has anyone tried to contact Samsung about the issue yet? I tried yesterday and was on hold for an hour and half and then my call dropped. I'm joint to try again today.

SkyHook isn't a "feature" persay, it's a corporation: http://www.skyhookwireless.com/
Same one Apple uses. Not sure exactly how it works but they do wardrive and use WiFi and triangulation to pick up your position as well, so leaving that OFF will perhaps be better for calibrating your GPS settings, but you certainly want it back ON when in normal use.

TexUs said:
SkyHook isn't a "feature" persay, it's a corporation: http://www.skyhookwireless.com/
Same one Apple uses. Not sure exactly how it works but they do wardrive and use WiFi and triangulation to pick up your position as well, so leaving that OFF will perhaps be better for calibrating your GPS settings, but you certainly want it back ON when in normal use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of aGPS does the Nexus One use? I tried to dial the code and it didn't bring up the same menu on the Nexus (it may be different). My Nexus is great at figuring out where I am without a GPS signal.

I changed all my settings last night and it seemed to fix the issue. I was getting a lock within 10 seconds or less. Now I cannot get a lock with the exact same settings and reboot. Has anyone contacted Samsung over this? Anyone get an answer from them? I love this phone but the GPS issue sucks.

Every time I try one of these new fixes it seems to work but then when I go somewher else it is broken again they need to fix this asap. I use that feature a lot

superscientific said:
I changed all my settings last night and it seemed to fix the issue. I was getting a lock within 10 seconds or less. Now I cannot get a lock with the exact same settings and reboot. Has anyone contacted Samsung over this? Anyone get an answer from them? I love this phone but the GPS issue sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed

Jreitnauer7 said:
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about most important but I agree, it's very important. This HAS to be fixed

Jreitnauer7 said:
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't give up hope, i'm sure that guy doesnt know anything. Engadget and a few sites are aware of the issue and i'm sure Samsung took notice. i'm sure a firmware fix is in the works.

Location
I have tried all the settings. And I don't really notice any difference. I live in the heart of Manhattan, NY., so I am sure roaming around int he concrete jungle trying to get a lock surely has a lot to do with my GPS issue. I do however, get a lock in every setting that has been written up in this forum, and other forums. The difference to me is hardly any, since it always takes many minutes for me to get a lock. I never have used any other GPS device since living here in the city, so I would like to ask other who live in a large city if it is taking them several minutes as well? Because it seems as though people are saying it is taking them only seconds to lock on. Hmmm.....