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Fuze GPS Data Stream Freezing: Possible Solution

Hi guys,
I thought I would share what I discovered today. If this solution has been found, I apologize. Most users have been trying to get their Fuze GPS to lock on to satellites. Having used several GPS phones and many Bluetooth GPS pucks, I would say I'm somewhat experienced with using GPS on the PPC platform.
I have no issues with getting a lock on my Fuze. My issue is with Fuze's GPS chip randomly stop streaming data to my GPS applications. This usually happens after the initial lock. So for example:
a) Get a lock using any GPS application (GPS Test for example)
b) Exit GPS application
c) Launch GPS application again. Fuze will take several seconds to regain lock.
d) Fuze will take several seconds again to lock in, THEN it just stop streaming data to the GPS application!
I was able to reproduce this consistently. If you're using Garmin or TomTom, they will indicate that GPS lock is lost or something to that effect.
THE SOLUTION: Turn OFF aGPS!
a) Start->Setting->System->AGPS Settings
b) Uncheck BOTH "Enable AGPS" and "Enable AGPS location information..." (under the Privacy tab)
I was able to show that this consistently resolved my GPS data stream stopping problem. I'm using the .28 radio, but try it on the stock radio to see if that works and let the community know. What about QuickGPS? AFAIK, it's not causing any problem at all.
I hope this is helpful.

After standing on my deck for 20mins last Friday waiting on locks, I follow above and get a lock in 10secs(in my living room).
Turned off AGPS was the only change

It looks like without AGPS, the GPS would just stream whatever info it had cached even if it lost signal.
AGPS would clear last state instead and so become highly sensitive to signal-loss on the next poll. It doesn't help that this device is weaker in picking up GPS signals.
Yes, turn off AGPS.

NuShrike said:
It looks like without AGPS, the GPS would just stream whatever info it had cached even if it lost signal.
AGPS would clear last state instead and so become highly sensitive to signal-loss on the next poll. It doesn't help that this device is weaker in picking up GPS signals.
Yes, turn off AGPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, that would be exactly how I like my GPS to behave (use the cached ephemeris data). In fact, that was how all Bluetooth GPS puck works before the advent of AGPS. I guess AGPS is a good concept, but its implementation needs to be further tweaked.
If you have not used your GPS in a week or so, then AGPS is an advantage. Daily use, perhaps not so much.

Oh No! Another GPS thread

I've seen lots of people complaining about poor GPS performance - slow to lock, not finding many sats, lag, etc.
But I can't get anything at all from my Touch Pro. I've tried several radio roms, no difference, tweaking the registry settings, and programs called GPSID Settings, GPS Test, and HTC GPS Tool, all without any success.
I believe I should be able to use the HTC GPS Tool to debug, and see the actually serial output of the onboard GPS? But I can't even do that, whatever serial port I try to open I get the message "Failed to send NMEA command...". This suggests to me that the onboard GPS is not giving any response at all, rather than not being able to lock?
Can anyone confirm 100% what com port and baud I should be able to find the on board GPS with? Is there anything else I can try?
BTW, my external B/T GPS works fine with my touch pro, but it would be nice to have the onboard GPS working too.

TP GPS always uses COM4 and any baud (I've tried 4800 to 115200).
Your post is not a "thread" yet and I doubt it will be.
Just search the other threads.

a bit dettered when reading all these GPS problems. Once I've got mine I've had no problem at al besides it showing me a bit off the road in Google Maps. as far as for settings its always been the same COM4 Baud 4800

mike-b said:
I've seen lots of people complaining about poor GPS performance - slow to lock, not finding many sats, lag, etc.
But I can't get anything at all from my Touch Pro. I've tried several radio roms, no difference, tweaking the registry settings, and programs called GPSID Settings, GPS Test, and HTC GPS Tool, all without any success.
I believe I should be able to use the HTC GPS Tool to debug, and see the actually serial output of the onboard GPS? But I can't even do that, whatever serial port I try to open I get the message "Failed to send NMEA command...". This suggests to me that the onboard GPS is not giving any response at all, rather than not being able to lock?
Can anyone confirm 100% what com port and baud I should be able to find the on board GPS with? Is there anything else I can try?
BTW, my external B/T GPS works fine with my touch pro, but it would be nice to have the onboard GPS working too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The default com port is 4. Usually most GPS application should be able to detect it automatically.

NLS said:
TP GPS always uses COM4 and any baud (I've tried 4800 to 115200).
Your post is not a "thread" yet and I doubt it will be.
Just search the other threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I thought I did start a new thread, and I have searched - that's how I know about other people's GPS issues. But I haven't seen anyone else with the same problem as me yet.
I get nothing on COM4 at any baud rate.
TomTom says 'NO GPS Device'
HTC GPS Tool says "Failed to send NMEA command..." on COM4 (at all baud rates).
Google maps - when set to "Managed by Windows" just says Searching(0) and gives up after about 5 minutes.
When Google Maps is manually set to COM4 it says "Initialising.." in the top right corner then hangs, and then refuses to reload until I do a soft reset.
Is this what's supposed to happen?

No it's not.
You could have a hardware problem.

I had that issue after uninstalling google navigator 4 trial.Hard reset helped.

Also check Start > Settings > System > External GPS and make sure the Program Port is set to COM4, Hardware should be Port None and Baud at 4800 and Access tab should be checked to Manage GPS Automatically.

I have the "dreaded GPS lag" issue. I don't have this issue but I have found that my GPS is best with the Blackstone Radio 1.10.25.25. I still have to wait sometimes upwards of 3 minutes for a lock sometimes when the sky is cloudy but it seems to work pretty well.
I suggest you try the following
1. Flash to the radio I mentioned above.
2. Go to Start/Settings/System/AGPS Settings
On the General tab, uncheck "Enable AGPS
On the privacy tab, select the following options:
1. Enable AGPS location information to network services. Operator can get your location information.
2. When send location info. to network services: Send postion info directly
3. Close confirmation message after: 10 second
3. Go to Start/Settings/System/External GPS and make the following changes:
On Programs tab: set GPS program port to: COM4
On Hardware tab: set GPS hardware port to: (None)
On Hardware tab: set Baud rate to: 4800
On access tab: check: Manage GPS Automatically (recommended)
4. Follow the instructions posted by omega01 here:
omega01 said:
A lot of people have problems with the TouchPro GPS especially for pedestrian use...
From stock the TP GPS is quite unsable in car especially with TomTom 7 and totally unusable for pedestrian use.
After 2 weeks of reading and testing tweaks, here are the results of my tests and the applied tweaks to enhance the GPS performance
A. With Advanced config 3.2 http://www.touchxperience.com/fr/ou...ads/9-advanced-configuration-tool-32-cab.html
1. disable A-GPS
2. disable GPS logging
3. logfile name must be empty
4. old logfile name must be empty
5. maximum size of logfile must be 0
6 delete the files : \windows\GPSLogFile.txt and \windows\GPSLogFileBack.txt
7. it seems that if TomTom is installed on a fast microSD decrease the lag(have to test to be sure)
With those changes car usage will be quite perfect
B. Then edit registry with TotalCommander http://ghisler.fileburst.com/ce/tcmdpocketarm.cab
Under: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\GPS Intermediate Driver\
- Drivers\GpsOneDevice\PollInterval -> 100 (default is 1000)
- Drivers\InputBufferSize -> 512 (default is 4096)
- Drivers\OutputBufferSize -> 512 (default is 4096)
- Drivers\SleepOnNoData -> 100 (default is 1000)
- Multiplexer\MaxBufferSize -> 512 (by default not present, you have to create it)
Tests to be done with buffers at 256...seems to be a little better
Tests to be done with other PollInterval value...seems to "drain" battery
With those tweaks pedestrian usage will be much better but not perfect...I explain.
You have to walk for a least 250m in order to have a reposition with mouvement on the map (before that, speed is always 0km/h) and then if you continue to walk there is quite no lag...and the speed reflect reality
...BUT if you stops you have to walk again for a least 250m in order to have a reposition with mouvement on the map and then if you continue to walk there is quite no lag...
Very strange indeed...
I hope this will help people...please test and feedback.
PS : tests were done with
TomTom_Navigator_7.450.9028_R3_VGA_black_edition
GoogleMaps 2.2.0.16 -- http://www.google.be/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB
GPSTuner 5.4 -- http://www.gpstuner.com/download/GPSTuner_v5.CAB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that doesn't help you get a better, if not good, lock with your Touch PRO then you have to have some kinda of hardware problem.
I have an HTC Fuze from USA AT&T activated on T-Mobile USA and I don't even have access to T-Mobile's AGPS Servers and my GPS locks are usually relatively quick.
Good luck!
Dan

dharvey4651 said:
I have the "dreaded GPS lag" issue. I don't have this issue but I have found that my GPS is best with the Blackstone Radio 1.10.25.25. I still have to wait sometimes upwards of 3 minutes for a lock sometimes when the sky is cloudy but it seems to work pretty well.
I suggest you try the following
1. Flash to the radio I mentioned above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using .25.25 radio for the last week, changed to 1.09.25.35 today, but no improvement.
dharvey4651 said:
2. Go to Start/Settings/System/AGPS Settings
On the General tab, uncheck "Enable AGPS
On the privacy tab, select the following options:
1. Enable AGPS location information to network services. Operator can get your location information.
2. When send location info. to network services: Send postion info directly
3. Close confirmation message after: 10 second
3. Go to Start/Settings/System/External GPS and make the following changes:
On Programs tab: set GPS program port to: COM4
On Hardware tab: set GPS hardware port to: (None)
On Hardware tab: set Baud rate to: 4800
On access tab: check: Manage GPS Automatically (recommended)
4. Follow the instructions posted by omega01 here:
If that doesn't help you get a better, if not good, lock with your Touch PRO then you have to have some kinda of hardware problem.
I have an HTC Fuze from USA AT&T activated on T-Mobile USA and I don't even have access to T-Mobile's AGPS Servers and my GPS locks are usually relatively quick.
Good luck!
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rechecked all my settings, but they were all already as above. Still no joy. Only other possibility is that it's being crippled by the ROM I'm using - stock 1.90.206.4 WWE O2 UK variant, although no one else seems to be having the same problem. I am trying to avoid reflashing the main ROM, as it would take hours to get all my programs and settings back to how I want them. Maybe when the 2.0 firmware is released...
I guess it could be a hardware fault, but it seems a bit of a long shot. I really don't fancy my chances of trying to convince o2 that it's a hardware fault.

Try this...
1. Install and configure SecondToday to the left soft-key
2. Install HTC Home Plugin for VGA
3. Install GPSToday plugin and configure it to 5 minute manual-on
4. Go to Start/Settings/Personal/Today and disable all but TouchFlo 3D
5. On your new SecondToday, enable HTC Home and GPSToday
6. On HTC Home's Programs Tab, add your favorite GPS program(TomTom, Garmin, Google Maps, Etc...)
7. Start GPSToday by clicking on the little red box on the far left. It may take about 2 minutes on the first try(it's this way after every soft-reset) but after that it should be much faster. As soon as you are locked on to 4 or more satelites start your favorite GPS program that you added to the programs tab of HTC home.
If it works like it did for me, you should be set. I now get GPS locks in less than 10 seconds every "second time" since it takes about 2 mins after each soft-reset.
You can download all the files I mentioned above here:
http://download.ppchaven.com/CDMA Devices/HTC Vogue/Users/dharvey/CABS/CAB FILES.rar
Good luck!!

mike-b said:
Maybe when the 2.0 firmware is released...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you mean, not when

dharvey4651 said:
Try this...
1. Install and configure SecondToday to the left soft-key
2. Install HTC Home Plugin for VGA
3. Install GPSToday plugin and configure it to 5 minute manual-on
4. Go to Start/Settings/Personal/Today and disable all but TouchFlo 3D
5. On your new SecondToday, enable HTC Home and GPSToday
6. On HTC Home's Programs Tab, add your favorite GPS program(TomTom, Garmin, Google Maps, Etc...)
7. Start GPSToday by clicking on the little red box on the far left. It may take about 2 minutes on the first try(it's this way after every soft-reset) but after that it should be much faster. As soon as you are locked on to 4 or more satelites start your favorite GPS program that you added to the programs tab of HTC home.
If it works like it did for me, you should be set. I now get GPS locks in less than 10 seconds every "second time" since it takes about 2 mins after each soft-reset.
You can download all the files I mentioned above here:
http://download.ppchaven.com/CDMA Devices/HTC Vogue/Users/dharvey/CABS/CAB FILES.rar
Good luck!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. I've given it a try and it doesn't get a lock or even see a single satellite for me. I assume the number in the green box that appears next to the satellite symbol is the number of satellites it can see? It never changes from 0 anyway.
I've never seen a single satellite with the onboard GPS, nevermind gotten a position locked. Beginning to think it's a hardware fault, or my phone got missed when they were putting the GPS in! Convincing O2 that there's a fault will be one thing, then I'll have to flash it back to stock, including the stock bootloader before I send it in.
NLS said:
IF you mean, not when
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I put a string of dots on the end ot it...
Don't you think it's imminent, why would they release it for diamond and not touch pro?

I had the same problem for about 2 months, could never get a signal. It was solved when I changed ROM's. I actually tried like 7 ROM's and GPS didn't work in 6 of them. Once I tried RSW's ROM with updated GPS Drivers,,, I am able to always get a GPS signal now.
I do use 2 programs though.
1. QuickGPS to download GPS data.
2. Chartcross GPS Test to open my GPS Port.
Then I open up any GPS program and they all work. (Google Maps, Live Search, iGuidance)
COM Port should be COM4 obviously. When I've used a few GPS programs that "scanned" my phone, they all set the baud rate to 9600. You can't change the baud rate in Settings, but if you have to manually set your baud rate in your program, set it to 9600.

GPS reception significantly affected by case.
Just a FYI. I was a Fuze owner with significant problems with GPS. Could not get it to connect to anything for anything with anything. After trying everything I found on the forum I followed the instructions on this thread ... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=473481&highlight=lock. and got a lock in under ten minutes. Put my phone back in the case and could no longer get a lock. It then dawned on me that my aluminum case was interfering with the gps chip. Did a bunch of tests which confirmed the reception improved drastically outside the case. It doesn't seem to influence the radio reception however which I find a bit strange. Anyway. My gps works reasonably well and I think people will benefit from knowing something as simple as the choice of case could have something to do with their gps reception.

[AGPS] The Universal AGPS Project - Let's get it working!

Okay, so here's the deal. If we get AGPS working in some way, we can get MUCH quicker GPS fixes (30 seconds or less). I'm the coder for GPSToolPro you can find here in the Software subforum of the Raphael forum. I'm hoping to incorporate this into the program in some way.
I've managed to obtain the Lat/Long coordinates using Cell Tower information and Google.
There are two ways to solve this issue.
#1
Now, I'm looking to use these Registry Keys
HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS\ServerIP
HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS\ServerPort
HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS\GPSMode
The plan is to set the ServerIP to 127.0.0.1 and run any port. Then the GPSToolPro will listen in on the port number on the device and RESPOND with the Lat/Long information obtained from Google. Right now, what I need is, somebody who has AGPS working with their provider to try to packet sniff and get see how we can make our own AGPS server run on the device. GPSMode mode will be set to "1", not "2". This is specific to the QualComm's GpsOne unit. The values are the following:
0 - Standalone - Your handset has no connection to the network, and uses only the GPS satellite signals it can currently receive to try and establish a location.
1 - MS Based - Your handset is connected to the network, and uses the GPS signals + a location signal from the network.
2 - MS Assisted - Your handset is connected to the network, uses GPS signals + a location signal then relays its 'fix' to the server, which then uses the signal strength from your phone to the network towers to further plot your position. You can still maintain voice communication in this scenario, but not 'Internet/Network service' ie Web Browser, IM, streaming TV etc..
4 - MS Assisted/Hybrid - Same as above, but network functionality remains. Normally only in areas with exceptional coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't been able to find the signal strength of the tower I'm connected to yet so right now, I'm limited to mode 1. Also, I can only find information on the tower I'm currently connected to, not all of them so I can't try cell tower triangulation yet.
This solution is limited to only working with HTC GpsOne devices.
#2
We can also try using the IOCTL_GPS_WRITE_ASSISTED command. This command will directly send the AGPS info to the GPS device. The question is, how do we send this information? I believe we need to get a AGPS signal first, use IOCTL_GPS_READ_ASSISTED, parse that information, figure out the format, get Lat/Long from Google, format it in the same way as received from IOCTL_GPS_READ_ASSISTED and send it back with IOCTL_GPS_WRITE_ASSISTED.
This universal for all Windows Mobile phones.
For method #1, I need somebody who has an HTC device with a working AGPS signal (from their provider or whomever).
For method #2, I need any Windows Mobile device that has a working AGPS signal.
I say method #1 requires HTC device because supposedly AGPS isn't standardized and one manufacturer's AGPS format may differ from another.
Hopefully, with the your help, we can get this working.

let's support CLShortFuse iniciative, it would be incredible if we would get AGPS working.
My AGPS (Spain-Orange) doesn't work at all. And i don't know anybody that has a working AGPS device/operator combination.
I've read around XDA that some people in the Raphael CDMA section have AGPS working, maybe we could post there to see if somebody replies and can collaborate with this project.

I was just about to post something similar. Only I wasn't as prepared with as much information. I was going to try to start a thread to consolidate the AGPS server settings for each additional carrier since I'm with T-Mobile and using an AT&T Fuze. My AGPS is not working at all. It keeps trying to connect to AT&T's Media Net and naturally, it fails.
Would it be possible to maybe create some kind of way to trick the devices into thinking that they are AT&T Fuze's and connect to the Media Net to connect to AT&T's AGPS Servers?
I Personally support this project 100%!!
Side note - Has anyone gotten AGPS working on USA T-Mobile at all? I attached a screenshot of the result of what happens when I try to use AGPS on my Fuze.

dharvey4651:
Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
"Network"="MEdia Net"
"GPRSConnection"="MEdia Net"
You need to change those to whatever your network is called on t-mobile

I dont know much about any of this, I have an AT&T Fuze with AT&T service, I also have the AT&T Navigator Software and an account with it, so, is there anything I can do to help? how do I know if my AGPS works or not?
dharvey4651 said:
I was just about to post something similar. Only I wasn't as prepared with as much information. I was going to try to start a thread to consolidate the AGPS server settings for each additional carrier since I'm with T-Mobile and using an AT&T Fuze. My AGPS is not working at all. It keeps trying to connect to AT&T's Media Net and naturally, it fails.
Would it be possible to maybe create some kind of way to trick the devices into thinking that they are AT&T Fuze's and connect to the Media Net to connect to AT&T's AGPS Servers?
I Personally support this project 100%!!
Side note - Has anyone gotten AGPS working on USA T-Mobile at all? I attached a screenshot of the result of what happens when I try to use AGPS on my Fuze.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Actually, there are AGPS standards. Today, most GPS chipset vendors use their own AGPS platforms. However, that is rapidly changing. To my knowledge, most (including Snaptrack/GPSOne, aka Qualcomm) support 'secure user plane location architecture' or SUPL. This is a standard adopted by the OMA or 'Open Mobile Alliance' (www.openmobilealliance.org). The OMA is basically almost all of the heavy weights of wireless including Silicon manufacturers, Handset Vendors, Carriers, etc.
Currently, the OMA has ratified SUPL v1.0 and the standards body and members are working on the next version - 2.0.
What is SUPL? In a nutshell, SUPL is designed to support location determination regardless of the location server used by the mobile carrier. As the number of applications grow for LBS, so does the need by developers to work across location platforms and mobile device hardware manufacturers.
CLS, I am a bit confused as to your intentions. The Raphael supports artificial ephemerids (Qualcomm's GPSOneXTRA) which cut cold-start TTFF down to under 10 seconds. Using cellular triangulation won't buy you much.
Is there another reason I am missing here?

Da_G said:
dharvey4651:
Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
"Network"="MEdia Net"
"GPRSConnection"="MEdia Net"
You need to change those to whatever your network is called on t-mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try this now. I think my data is called "T-Mobile Data"
fatguybp said:
I dont know much about any of this, I have an AT&T Fuze with AT&T service, I also have the AT&T Navigator Software and an account with it, so, is there anything I can do to help? how do I know if my AGPS works or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your AGPS is working, your GPS should lock in just under a minute every single time, sometimes even faster. With my old Sprint Touch(back when I was with Sprint), I was able to lock onto upwards of 7 satellites every single time in less than 10 seconds. Now it takes 2-5 minutes every time with my Fuze on T-Mobile.
Operation619 said:
Actually, there are AGPS standards. Today, most GPS chipset vendors use their own AGPS platforms. However, that is rapidly changing. To my knowledge, most (including Snaptrack/GPSOne, aka Qualcomm) support 'secure user plane location architecture' or SUPL. This is a standard adopted by the OMA or 'Open Mobile Alliance' (www.openmobilealliance.org). The OMA is basically almost all of the heavy weights of wireless including Silicon manufacturers, Handset Vendors, Carriers, etc.
Currently, the OMA has ratified SUPL v1.0 and the standards body and members are working on the next version - 2.0.
What is SUPL? In a nutshell, SUPL is designed to support location determination regardless of the location server used by the mobile carrier. As the number of applications grow for LBS, so does the need by developers to work across location platforms and mobile device hardware manufacturers.
CLS, I am a bit confused as to your intentions. The Raphael supports artificial ephemerids (Qualcomm's GPSOneXTRA) which cut cold-start TTFF down to under 10 seconds. Using cellular triangulation won't buy you much.
Is there another reason I am missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had my Fuze lock it's GPS 10 seconds or less. NEVER. It's usually 2-5 minutes on average. Sometimes it doesn't even lock at all after standing outside in the cold for upwards of 5 minutes smoking a cigarette.

Dharvey:
I get 3D position fixes in open-sky conditions in ~6 seconds.
Under my balcony in my apartment in a highly attenuated partial-sky view I will get 3D fixes in ~20 seconds.
Indoor in my home office with a south facing window and light foliage I'll see 2D in about 1 minute and 3D almost always under 2 minutes.
At my corporate office with a re-radiating GPS antenna I'll see consistent GPS lock in ~6 seconds.
Hell, I'd love to put this in the multi-channel GPS simulator at my desk but I don't think that's a good idea.

Operation619 said:
Dharvey:
I get 3D position fixes in open-sky conditions in ~6 seconds.
Under my balcony in my apartment in a highly attenuated partial-sky view I will get 3D fixes in ~20 seconds.
Indoor in my home office with a south facing window and light foliage I'll see 2D in about 1 minute and 3D almost always under 2 minutes.
At my corporate office with a re-radiating GPS antenna I'll see consistent GPS lock in ~6 seconds.
Hell, I'd love to put this in the multi-channel GPS simulator at my desk but I don't think that's a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you definitely have working AGPS
I made the registry changes mentioned above and I'm about to test my AGPS now. If it works I'll make a cab file to make the registry changes for everyone who may want it. (T-Mobile Only of course)
EDIT:: Making the following registry changes seems to have helped a little. My GPS locked in about 1 minute in my bedroom from a cold start(after soft-reset) It also connected to the data instead of error-ing out which was also different.
FROM:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
"Network"="MEdia Net"
"GPRSConnection"="MEdia Net"
TO:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
"Network"="T-Mobile Data"
"GPRSConnection"="T-Mobile Data"
EDIT AGAIN:: I just soft-reset and from a dead cold start(GPS OFF COMPLETELY) it locked onto 8 satellites in less than a minute in my bedroom agian.
I'm starting to like this phone again.
EDIT AGAIN...Spoke too soon... It's doing it again. It was fast for 2 locks and 2 soft-resets but now it's slow again.
This is what the SUPL AGPS key looks like in my registry:
Code:
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS]
"EnableAGPS"=dword:00000001
"Network"="T-Mobile Data"
"GPRSConnection"="T-Mobile Data"
"PrivacyMethod"=dword:00000003
"TLSHostName"="h-slp.mnc410.mcc310.pub.3gppnetwork.org"
"ServerIP"="199.88.233.169"
"ServerURL"="h-slp.mnc410.mcc310.pub.3gppnetwork.org"
"DynamicURL"="h-slp.mnc000.mcc111.pub.3gppnetwork.org"
"EnabledPrivacyMethod"=dword:00000001
"CloseConfirmMsgTime"=dword:0000003C
"EnableLocInfo"=dword:00000001
"ServerPort"=dword:00001C6B
"QosPerformance"=dword:00000059
"QoSAccuracy"=dword:00000032
"TimeBetweenFixes"=dword:00000001
"NumberFixes"=dword:3B9AC9FF
"GPSMode"=dword:00000002
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS\DefaultSetting]
"EnableAGPS"=dword:00000001
"CloseConfirmMsgTime"=dword:0000003C
"PrivacyMethod"=dword:00000000
"EnableLocInfo"=dword:00000001

Nope. I'm not using any type of TOA or AOA, or what you and the OP are describing as "AGPS" on this handset. Network provided AGPS is disabled. Furthermore, GPS performance is somewhat better when my GSM radio is off.
Note that I am using the artificial ephemeris information provided by the Q or "QuickGPS" as most users know it.
These shots were taken in my home office scenario I described above. PDoP is pretty high (but still good) as I am in a poor visibility scenario (lots of multipath, limited sky view, etc.)

Well... I finally got AGPS working for me(at least it feels like it). My GPS is now locking onto 6-10 satellites in less than a minute every single time. Even after a soft-reset without using any kind of primer like GPSToday or HTC GPS Tool.
I'm a happy camper.
All it took was a little tweaking to the registry and now it works.
I attached a cab file to fix the AGPS.
WARNING!!! This is ONLY FOR USA T-Mobile!!

Harvey,
Are you downloading the QuickGPS file? If so, what's the age of the download?

Operation619 said:
Harvey,
Are you downloading the QuickGPS file? If so, what's the age of the download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does QuickGPS download to? I downloaded it today but I never bothered looking for the file it downloaded.

I would suspect you are still not using network-assisted positioning. The QuickGPS file is aiding the receiver.
If you were using network assistance you would be getting rough position (<1000m) in seconds. Even indoors or your basement where there is zero GPS signal available.

Here's a quick way to test if AGPS is really working.
Set GPSMode to 1. GPSMode is normally set to 2 - it will auto-fallback if AGPS fails.
GPSMode 1 will continually try to get an AGPS fix, and not send you any NMEA data at all if it doesn't. You'll probably need to up the value in TimeBetweenFixes from 1 to at least 3 or 4, allowing only 1 second between fixes doesn't give your phone enough time to send location data to the AGPS PDE server and get a response.
Anywho, in GPSMode 1 i get no NMEA strings at all, so my agps is definitely broke

Operation619 said:
I would suspect you are still not using network-assisted positioning. The QuickGPS file is aiding the receiver.
If you were using network assistance you would be getting rough position (<1000m) in seconds. Even indoors or your basement where there is zero GPS signal available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be right but I feel that It's still using some form of network assisted GPS because it's never been this fast before. I hard-reset and did not use QuickGPS at all and my results are the same.

Try turning off your radio to see if you still have the same TTFF.

Remember QuickGPS will download it's data in the background on a cradled connection with no cue from you, too, so make sure it didnt download \Windows\xtra.bin and inject it without you knowing
Also the QuickGPS data survives a hard reset if "ClearGPS" flag isnt set for the hard reset program or you don't have the CleanGPSData package in your ROM.

Operation619 said:
Try turning off your radio to see if you still have the same TTFF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try this now.
EDIT:: Seems you're right. It just locked onto 10 satellites in flight mode right in my bedroom in less than 30 seconds. WOW. Never saw it do that before.

Good catch Da G.
Harvey - are you willing to do a little test?
To test if network assistance is available and helping you might want to try the following.
This test will need to be performed at the same location in an ideal, open-sky condition with the handset in the same orientation in your hand each time:
1. Make sure your handset is free of the QuickGPS file.
2. Shut off all radios, go outside in a clear, open-sky environment.
3. Acquire 3D position fixes 10 times. Record the times it takes to acquire in seconds (aka TTFF).
4. Average the TTFFs
5. Power Cycle the handset.
6. Ensure no programs or registry settings inhibit AGPS or network assistance.
7. Make sure there is no QuickGPS file present.
8. Turn on your GSM radio.
9. Re-acquire GPS 3D position fixes in the same open-sky area 10x and record each TTFF
10. Average the TTFFs
What's the result?

GPS "Your location within 1900 meters" ?? VZW TP2

Recently my Google Maps has not been able to lock in on my location closer than 1500 to 1900 meters. I have hard reset and reinstalled GMaps with no luck. I have seen tweaks for Sprint and TMo users and have read that most VZW users are having no problems locking in. Are there any tweaks that I can try for the VZW TP2?

there are numerous gps tweaks to change the cache settings if you search for them. also try using the program quickgps which comes with your phone it will download the closest satellite info. inside my building i cant lock on any sats but outside i can get between 8-9 and within 10 meters of my location

Make sure location is turned on.
If you do the quickgps program on the phone it will turn location on for you and download the closest satelites for you and you should get a lock in like 10 seconds when you are outside.
Unless you turn on location you will just get your general location with google maps, mine said within 2800 meters till I used QuickGPS.

I have duplicated your problem by unchecking the gps option after you open google maps and pressing menu and the down arrow. Make sure the location setting is on as prior post stated and then after you open google maps make sure gps is checked in the menu and it will say that it is searching for satellites.

also make sure you change your gps settings in google to com4 and a baud of 4800
you also have to re-enable the "use gps" after changing this

I was able to dublicate the problem aswell, by accedent >_<, anyway, make sure the location setting for google maps is selected.

confirming what others here are saying, that's pretty much what I experienced with GPS unchecked in the main right softkey menu. If you don't have that checked it's using cell antennas or wifi to approximate your position. "Menu" > "Use GPS" and it should work by default.

football0552 said:
also make sure you change your gps settings in google to com4 and a baud of 4800
you also have to re-enable the "use gps" after changing this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Leaving it set to the "Managed by Windows" setting works just fine for me. No issues, and definitely use the Quick GPS program, it saves a headache. In fact im sitting on my couch in my appartment on the bottom of three floors built on the side of a hill with 2 sides of earth, and I have a strong 8 to 9 sats.

I just got my TP2 yesterday and one of the first things I did was install google maps and I was getting result like the title of this thread "within 1800 meters" and it could be a mile off. also the sats were not locking at all. I realized that my position was based on the tower that I was connected to. By the way the google maps on my VX6800 never used the towers to triangulate a position but the gps lock were much slower. Once I ran the quick GPS in the programs menu it turned on the GPS to the right setting and now I get an accurate lock even inside within seconds.

Go to settings-all settings-personal-phone-cdma services-location setting and make sure that it is set to "Location On". If not, you are not actually using the GPS. With that on and with QuickGPS doing it's thing, you will lock instantly.

I have a Verizon TP2 that is two weeks old. It does not have QUICK GPS! Oh yeah, and the gps does not locate.
Do I?
Return it?
Hard Reset? (sounds like a lot of work)
Get the file somewhere?
I have had it twice to Verizon. They have no suggestions but are happy to see the device and get their hands on it.
Leaning towards exchanging it for a new one.
JG

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.....