Database Info

Quick GPS fix. From Samsung!

Samsung just wrote that apparently the use wireless networks, which is the option above use gps satellites must be selected to get proper locks.
I was skeptical because i just assumed that when I went exploring I selected it, but it actually wasn't.
Put it on, and agreed to the disclaimer and then right away the maps got my location and the live wallpaper map got my location.
you'll get an email saying google knows where you are and yeah its pretty ****ty that you have to do this, but it does work. at least for me.

not a real fix, I've had that on forever and still dont get a proper lock

Confirming that this does seem to work. It might merit mentioning that I've also messed around with my GPS settings quite a bit as well.
Regardless, I got a lock within two seconds after opening Google Maps. Cheers!
-deuX`

The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.

PuffinNugz said:
The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, good to know. Thanks for the info!
-deuX`

This is to assist in the GPS lock. This is not a fix.

True it isn't a real fix, hence the "quick" fix in the title.
it's just another way to help maps get a lock.
obviously this won't help in no service zones but if you're using the data anyways might as well use it to help.
plus it unlocks all the fun location based services, and that maps live wallpaper is pretty freakin sweet!

This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower. Unless you live under the cell tower all the time, I don't think this is useful. It might be useful for things like check the nearby stores and attractions. But will not give you navigatable fixes and does not speed up your GPS lock. If you're using Google maps, try to zoom out, and you will notice a big circle. Your location is anywhere inside that circle.
That's Samsung tip is pure BS and Engadet should be ashamed to even believe in that BS.

I not only allowed the use of wireless networks for location, but also changing the GPS setting to MS Based to allow for simultaneous use of triangulation and assisted GPS... before this change I NEVER got a successful GPS lock...after I changed the settings I finally can get a GPS lock after about about 3 minutes with direct line of sight outdoors.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

foxbat121 said:
This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. its actually doing cell tower triangulation, using the signal of all nearby towers your phone sees. In the city, this can be pretty accurate and is rarely off by more than a couple blocks. To see the accuracy, turn off GPS and click 'locate me' in google maps. The blue circle around your location shows the margin of error. The more towers you are in range of, the more accurate the fix.
As far as helping GPS, all this location can really do today is help you grab the most appropriate gps almanac/ephemeris info - if youve got an internet connection. I suppose it could possibly also be used in conjunction with the gps error in some kind of a filter to improve accuracy, but as far as I know that is not being done.

I actually started getting quicker locks with just using the GPS and having the wireless networks unchecked

Just an update:
I changed the SUP/LCP setting to Auto-config and the Operation mode to MS Based. I tend to get a gps lock within a minute or two with it sitting on my dashboard. I also tried it with the"Use wireless networks" setting turned off and it worked the same.
Also, I did try out the MS Assisted SUP/LCP setting and I was able to get GPS signal while indoors, but it was less accurate all around.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm not saying it's completely 100% accurate, but much in the same vein that an iPod Touch can get a location using just the wi-fi this is using much the same.
it uses whatever a-gps it can and then it helps with the cellular data. triangulation. it's useful and if it keeps getting me a signal then its all good

GPS Fix - new possible settings

This might be my first post ever, however, long time lurker on the boards.
I think I have a potential fix for the GPS issue with the Captivate. I don’t think this is the same as the “quick fix” found elsewhere on these and other the boards. I am not sure what (if any) 'side effects' there are to this.
My phone previously had the AT&T/Samsung fix from late September applied, although it didn’t seem to help.
Get to the Lbs test menu; previous available through *#*#1472365#*#*. However, if you previously installed the recent AT&T/Samsung (supposed fix) for the Captivate, you can’t get to the menu through the dialer. Use Anycut from market to get to the Lbs test screen.
My GPS now gets a great lock about 30 seconds.
BTW, I am not root….
YMMV. You should record your original settings prior to making these changes, just in case you need to revert.
Standard Disclaimer; I am not at fault for any issues this causes your device…..
Now, down to the settings that I use:
In Lbs test menu:
I “deleted GPS data”
Application Settings
– Session Type: Tracking
– Test Mode : S/W Test
– Operation Mode: MS Based
– Start Mode: Cold Start
– GPS Plus: Off
– Dynamic Accuracy: On
– Accuracy: 50
– Use Skyhook: Off
– Use PC Tool: Off
SUPL/CP Settings
- Server FQDN Type: Auto Config
- Server [leave what is autopulated]
- Server Port [leave was is autopopulated]
- Supl Secure Socket: On
- AGPS Mode: SUPL
Reboot.
Use GPS Test from Market, or the The “Get Position Test” menu from Lbs screen to validate.
WIFI Problem:
One thing I have noticed is that depending on the settings above, wifi (if on) sometimes inhibits the ability to see more than 1 satellite. I think the problems with GPS are overall related to Wifi in some way.
If you do not have luck with above settings, turn wifi off and see what happens.

I only had to change a couple of the settings but this is working nicely so far...Ill try again over the next day or so in various situations and report back.
Changed:
Op Mode to MS Based
Start Mode to Cold
Turned off GPS Plus
Secure Socket to off
Thanks!

I'll admit some of this seems counter-intuitive, but at this point anything is worth a shot.I'll let you know how it goes!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You don't need to download anything to access the Lbs test. Just type *#*#3214789650#*#* in the dialer and you will get access. Works with JH7 and Froyo.

Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.

Nope, it's definitely not fixed...but it did give me a better lock than before. Same old...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.

l7777 said:
Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Additionally, a lock is not enough to say it works. Take it for a drive along with another GPS device - use Google my tracks or some other tool to record your path. Even use GPS test and watch your MPH, direction and location.
You will find that it is not fixed. It works OK sometimes, but many times it is behind or inaccurate.

msinkovich said:
Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to do that every week as your cached GPS data expires. And you can literally use any settings as long as you can use the lbstestmode to accquire a lock. That's all you need to do (accquire your first lock and it will cache the data for 5 to 7 days).

Any "fix" that involves "settings" isn't a "fix" at all since it demonstrates an utter lack of what the real problem is and how GPS fundamentally works.
The real "fix" won't come in the form of settings. Any purported settings "fix" is snake oil.

I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.

I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough. It may not be perfect but everytime ive used it it has got me where i need to go no problems. It may jump off track or be slow to turn for a second but it still gets me to wherever just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

If I read this correctly your turning off skyhook ? I read this http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/, and to me you need it turned on for urban areas and in the city need wi-fi turned on because of the occlusions caused by buildings and such...?
Mac

roadrash7 said:
I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option has nothing to do with GPS. 'Use Wireless Networks' is actually quite useful for location aware apps like Google Maps, Places, Speed Test etc. where an accurate but slow GPS lock may not be needed (or even possible if you're underground or inside a concrete building). This option enables those apps to use cell tower or wi-fi signal trianglation to get a quick estimation of your current location so that apps can give you relavent information, i.e. nearby gas stations or resaurants. It has nothing to do with aGPS either.

MikeyMike01 said:
I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be kidding saying its a feature right? I can't believe how many say that its a feature and that it is ok that Samsung is screwing them ( along with placebo updates) . I myself love and would like a Galaxy S phone or even the new Focus 7, but its looking like it too has GPS issues from early reports with the Omnia 7.
I know most of you guys are already locked in with your carrier and don't have much choice with the GPS issue but its not a feature, its a valuable function just like placing calls, sending emails, texting, etc.. If you don't care about this, then you should of bought a Razor flip phone.
I have been keeping up with this because I really want to see Samsung resolve this and make right.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I think their point is that it is an advertised function of the phone and we would like to work properly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

GimpyLeg said:
So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.

Oh, I agree that it should work as advertised. Can't say Samsung is ' screwing' me because they can't get it right. Would have bought the phone if I knew about it beforehand anyway. There are many other features that led me to the Cappy. Samsung does need to fix the problem and I hope they do so soon. Buy I won't try discourage anyone from Samsung products in the meanwhile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

wsantiagow said:
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution to the GPS problem is quite simple, but most people still don't see it.
If 100% accuracy and < 10 second fixes are more important to you than the rest of the Galaxy S features, then you do not want a Galaxy S phone. Either return the one you have or don't buy it. For most people, that good of a GPS is a bonus and not a requirement.
The GPS problems are not undocumented, anyone reading any reviews for the phone will realize that the GPS is not as good as other devices. Even if they don't realize it before they buy it, they have 30 days to return it. Samsung may or may not ever get the problem worked out since phones have such a short life cycle. *****ing about it in thread after thread, online petitions, and idle threats of legal action will have absolutely no impact on Samsung.

Fix the gps

How to fix the gps on the Samsung captivates GPS.
Insted of MS Based use MS assissted
Lbstestmode -> application settings -> operation mode-> MS Assisted
Let me know how it gose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

*facepalm*
This does nothing. It makes it marginally better at best (read: not better at all). If you're really having that much trouble, flash to KB1 and use the PlumbBob GPS fix. Those ACTUALLY do something.

For most your suggestion will give them the most lag and least accurate GPS positioning.
I suggest you in stall Adams GPS fix to your phone, that or use ga_D's. (gadnarf_gpstweak_att)
Both are much better than what Samsung has provided...
There is also plumbBob GPS fix, but when I tried his version 2nd Beta 6, my GPS only saw 2 sats with no locks even with 10+ minutes of waiting... I did not try version 1 of his fix.
As for the GPS settings, use either Standalone or MS Based(some drift with this setting, much less than ms assisted) . Set your support server to google, distance to 80 and good luck...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

mwiz123 said:
How to fix the gps on the Samsung captivates GPS.
Insted of MS Based use MS assissted
Lbstestmode -> application settings -> operation mode-> MS Assisted
Let me know how it gose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MS Assisted = uses cell towers only to determine position. Intended to be used for 'dumb phones' that are not GPS equipped or where only 'coarse' location data is required.
MS Based = uses cell towers to provide approximate location for initial fix, then GPS thereafter.
Thing of it is, Samsung's configuration interface for the GPS is so silly that changes in LbsTestMode don't always really affect anything. If you're getting good results after applying this 'fix' it's just coincidental, or perhaps that you'd finally used GPS long enough to get almanac and ephemerides downloaded over the satellite signal and your GPS was able to function unassisted.
What about this has anything to do with development?

crenshaw1979 said:
For most your suggestion will give them the most lag and least accurate GPS positioning.
I suggest you in stall Adams GPS fix to your phone, that or use ga_D's. (gadnarf_gpstweak_att)
Both are much better than what Samsung has provided...
There is also plumbBob GPS fix, but when I tried his version 2nd Beta 6, my GPS only saw 2 sats with no locks even with 10+ minutes of waiting... I did not try version 1 of his fix.
As for the GPS settings, use either Standalone or MS Based(some drift with this setting, much less than ms assisted) . Set your support server to google, distance to 80 and good luck...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.0 is in beta. It's still in development and is very much a work in progress and still has some issues. 1.0 is stable.

Thread moved.

Plumbob GPS fix works.

After flashing continuum, my gps works great (for this phone ). If you check the OP on Continuum in development, it says which gps fix cezar used.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)

After flashing Andromeda v3, the gps works great! Gets a lock and STAYS locked for once!

My personal experiences with MS Assisted and supl.google.com etc are that it works great for a few days... Tracking and all. Then you start to only see satellites and never get a lock...

The GPS on my warranty replacement works great out of the box.

Hooligan63 said:
The GPS on my warranty replacement works great out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you please be so kind as to post the info on the phone?
What's under "settings-->about phone:
--> Model Number
--> Firmware Version
--> Baseband version
-->Kernel Version and
--> Build Number?
What's under the battery? (aka 1004, 1008, etc -- mine says "1010 rev. 0.4"
Thanks!!
DD

I decided to make this a separate post...
My original phone had all sorts of trouble - GPS was the worst. I don't know what my original one was, I do recall I'd applied the OTA update that was supposed to fix the GPS issue - it didn't.
So I got a warranty replacement phone - it worked fine out of the box, but the next day it was doing the same old crap.
This one came with the OTA update pre-installed. It's a "1010 rev. 0.4" if I'm reading the sticker under the battery correctly...
I read countless pages of stuff online, tried various "fixes" that were posted, all with similar results.
One discussion I read was posted by a guy who claimed some GPS expertise, and indicated that the problem was in the driver - to paraphrase from memory it was something like the cache was getting corrupted and the HW/driver wasn't cleaning it up.
He basically said that they needed to write a new driver, but until hen you could use a 3rd-party app to clear the cache and re-download clean data from the satellites.
I found a (FREE!) app called "GPS Status & Toolbox" by author "EclipSim" (Disclosure: I have NO CONNECTION to this guy, just like his app!)
It has 2 menu options:
"Tools -->Manage A-GPS State-->Reset" and
"Tools -->Manage A-GPS State-->Download"
After doing those, it will usually grab a fix within 15 seconds at most. Once it's "timestamp" is updating every second (you'll see, in the app) I can then switch to Google Maps and it too will get a fix before too long.
Another nice thing about the GPS Status app is that it shows you how many satellites you "see" vs how many you're connected to. When it only sees one or 2, or when it sees a bunch but isn't connecting, you can be sure you need to reset/download again...
This thing DOES eat battery - so it's a good idea to be plugged in, or to kill the app once you've got Maps working the way you need it to...
Yes - it's a PITA to have to do all this to get a basic function of this high-dollar phone to frigging work - but it beats having it NOT work...
Hope this helps someone!
DD

Dedicated_Dad said:
Would you please be so kind as to post the info on the phone?
What's under "settings-->about phone:
--> Model Number
--> Firmware Version
--> Baseband version
-->Kernel Version and
--> Build Number?
What's under the battery? (aka 1004, 1008, etc -- mine says "1010 rev. 0.4"
Thanks!!
DD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a refurb warranty replacement which came loaded with 2.2 Froyo
SGH I897
I897UCKB1
2.6.32.9
1008.
Tested again last night on two rides. Worked great even sitting in the cupholder. Major improvement over my original Captivate which was returned for speaker problems.

not really much better for me.

Connor1 said:
Plumbob GPS fix works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it dose try it

Plumbob didnt do much for me. I am pretty well convinced that with the utmost optimization, the crappy hardware in the captivate can operate marginally well at best.

Ryans Plumbob fix does work. Its a much better improvement over stock on defected models. I had a 1009 and it worked great but the tracking and navigation were still buggy unless the phone was placed on the dashboard. (Always had a larger blue circle and would skip at times).
Finally gave up and noticed that the local atnt is a device service center. Went in and got a refurbed 1008 with stock 2.2 and the navigation is excellent. Even sitting in my lap...
I mean you all should still have the 1 year warranty. Just find a service center and exchange your phone. Hell the refurbed one I got was in better cosmic condition then my original.

YoungGun821 said:
After flashing Andromeda v3, the gps works great! Gets a lock and STAYS locked for once!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running Andromeda3 and my gps sucks!! Could it be google maps?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

DaWongOne said:
I'm running Andromeda3 and my gps sucks!! Could it be google maps?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know everyone will tell me im wrong but try running the samsung gps restore app once then remove it from your phone. it is free in the market. and i assure you t doesn't revert to stock settings. atleast not in any location that i am aware of. i have checked the jupiter .xml and secgps.conf and lbs test mode before and after running the app and it doesn't revert anything. but it does seem to clear errors that may be caused by messing with settings without haveing a proper jupiter.xml or config file first. for instance on old roms if i chose msbased mode in lbs test mode it would work for 6 minutes and turn off. even after reverting the settings and clearing gps data the gps would turn off after 6 minutes. running gps restore or doing a factory reset were the only two things that would make my gps work again.
also yes google maps and captivates dont agree with each other 100% of the time. it is thought by some that the gps is recieving interference from the cell antenna (that's one theory at least) so the more data you use as you navigate the more issues you might see if that is true. try a gps app that downloads the maps to the phone. it takes up alot of space but if the app agrees with the phone it is worth it. in the past i had trouble with some aftermarket apps as well while others swore the same apps had solved there navigation problems, so try a few and find one that works. navdroyd is great on my phone.
also, though people are raving about plumb bob's fix, i have more blue circles with it. the problem is the msbased mode. it doesn't work on my phone very well. (back to the data/interference theory) i instead use Da_g's fix the control plane version with lbs test mode supl settings set to control plane and i turn off dynamic accuracy. and i use the kc1 modem. there are other modems with good gps but kc1 has the best call quality of them.

Bad GPS lock with WIFI off.

My GPS stopped doing accurate readings when i flash roms with the ziggy gps fix. the only way that it gets accurate(within 20m) is with wifi on and connected, if its off it says accurate within 3700m. Thats not too accurate if i might say, anyone else having this problem/ found a fix for it?

Check the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025631

I've done that, and it knocks my gps off completely. Any clue why its attached to Google location services?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Interesting, I attempted the same thing and I am unable to get a lock when I disable the Google Location Services.
I'm running on Das BAMF 1.3.2 with the kernel update 3a which includes gps fix/enhancement from Ziggy.
I've been testing how quick I get locks when using the Navigation and I am still seeing a considerable amount of time before it finds a GPS signal. I've also used GPS Status from the Market to reset and download GPS data but I haven't really seen a difference.

DRGilroy said:
Check the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used this method and Ziggy's GPS mod and I get a lock within seconds as opposed to 10 minutes. If I turn on Google Services it goes back to a 10 minute lock time so I think it has more to do w/ the Google Services rather than modifying the GPS Config through Root Explorer.
Edit: I will add that initially my phone will say "GPS Location is Currently Unavailable" and 2 seconds later it gets the GPS lock /shrug

Well mine stays searching when the Google location is off, never gets a signal. What is the stock gps server so I can switch it back?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Well I just found that as long as WiFi is toggled on, the gps will lock on no matter if there's a connection or not. Tied into he WiFi somehow?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Joanni said:
Well I just found that as long as WiFi is toggled on, the gps will lock on no matter if there's a connection or not. Tied into he WiFi somehow?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is odd that WiFi affects the GPS locking. I'm trying to find anything I can on this. "Searching for GPS..." in Navigation is annoying as heck.

I also had a sneaking suspicion that toggling wifi on and off caused gps lock issues, I was using another rom at the time, but for some reason, all of those problems ceased when I flashed TeslaCoil and completed the gps conf fix.
Not withstanding, gps should lock quickly using only stand alone, and right now, my gps works splendidly
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

Where can I find that gps conf fix at? I wanna give that a shot.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Joanni said:
Where can I find that gps conf fix at? I wanna give that a shot.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can grab it here:
Improve GPS lock - credit Ziggy471
It edits the gps.conf so the NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org

That comes default on the roms I use tho. Still attached to WiFi switch. What's the closest lock you can get with your gps?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

i was having GPS issues with the last two bamf kernels. google maps seemed to lock onto my location after a few seconds or a minute, but other apps that tried to use the GPS would never lock on. i noticed when you go into google mapls, the GPS icon/animation appears on the status bar.
the GPS icon would never appear for other apps that tried to use GPS when using the bamf kernels.
with the stock TB kernel, all is well.

Ok, gps is definitely tied in to WiFi. Without WiFi on its 3400m away and with it on is within 20-50m. That only happened with the ziggy fix so maybe if anyone could show me the original settings for the stock gps server file I could change back and forth and test what the problem is.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

So I rewrote the gps.conf back to the original north-america setting and that fixed the problem. Any clue why ziggys rewrite of a word in that setting would mess it up so much? And how is it ppl are supposedly getting improvements with that, like what exactly?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I don't know what the rhyme or reason would be for this gps issue, because it's so random, there is no pattern to this mess:
1. Got the phone, gps worked great.
2. Rooted phone, still worked great.
3. Flashed first rom, Virus to be exact, still worked great.
4. Several days later, with no rhyme or reason, I noticed that Cardio Trainer had not picked up location
5. Factory reset, problem still persisted, could not lock on to any birds, confirmed with gps test app.
6. Flashed CWR of stock rom post root, still not working.
7. Flashed RUU stock from fastboot, working again perfectly.
8. Have flashed 2 non stock roms since, BAMF 1.3.1 and first TeslaCoil (current) and gps still working perfectly
I can't think of what could have possibly caused this, but now that gps has been stable for about one week and I haven't been using wifi, over the weekend I'm going to toggle between wifi and 3g and see if it causes any issues.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

I'll be trying the new Das BAMF 1.4 to see how it behaves. Wish me luck!

Joanni said:
Ok, gps is definitely tied in to WiFi. Without WiFi on its 3400m away and with it on is within 20-50m. That only happened with the ziggy fix so maybe if anyone could show me the original settings for the stock gps server file I could change back and forth and test what the problem is.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joanni, I'm having the exact same issue that you've been having. With Google services on, I get the wide area. If I turn it off, I get nothing. The only way I get a lock is with WiFi on. I'm currently running Virus ROM.
I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to digging into my phone. I generally just follow well polished instructions. How would one go about trying your fix?

GutterIsATool said:
Joanni, I'm having the exact same issue that you've been having. With Google services on, I get the wide area. If I turn it off, I get nothing. The only way I get a lock is with WiFi on. I'm currently running Virus ROM.
I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to digging into my phone. I generally just follow well polished instructions. How would one go about trying your fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joanni just edited the gps.conf file to read NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org
That was the original setting. It has been said that changing the setting to us.pool.ntp.org has fixed peoples GPS locking issues but in my testing I found no benefit either way. What I have found, is that turning WiFi on will enable the GPS to have better accuracy in finding your location (20 meters to 50 meters in my case). This is exactly what the popup says, the first time you launch Google Maps.
If you wanted to check what your gps.conf file has set as the server, you can use Root Explorer and browse to /etc/gps.conf
There is also an app in the Market called FasterFix that will change the server to north-america.pool.ntp.org for you.

Problems with GPS

Hey guys, i had a question, and forgive me mod's if there is already a thread for this. Let me know and i'll post in there. But i was wondering if anyone else was having this problem. My shift's gps is not working, nor has it since i got it about a month ago. I've tried everything from downloading gps toolbox, to trying to to update the gpsone tab in qpst. Now, when i go to enter in the server ip address in gps, and the other settings, i write them to the phone, try turning on gps toolbox, standing in one place for 5 or so mins, nothing, not one damn satelite. I go back into qpst, and all my settings in gpsone tab are gone. Wtf? Anyone having this same problem?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

When you flash a rom, do you first thing connect up to your wifi before you sign in to your google account?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

FdxRider said:
When you flash a rom, do you first thing connect up to your wifi before you sign in to your google account?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium
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Usually, yeah
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

In GPS settings turn on "Use wireless networks". Problem solved.

VICODAN said:
In GPS settings turn on "Use wireless networks". Problem solved.
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I wish it was that easy. My phone picks up no satelite whatsoever

cbernardo13 said:
I wish it was that easy. My phone picks up no satelite whatsoever
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I figured out GPS for the most part. Please read my earlier post:
VICODAN said:
2) After spending lots of time on GPS I found that getting the first lock is the most important thing and then it just works.
As of this time my opinion on GPS is that I am still unsure as to whether or not fasterfix changes anything but wireless assistance is definitely needed to get a good first lock and is used by some apps in acquiring location.
If you don't get more than 2 satellites in GPS status and it takes a long time to get those 2 satellites GPS hasn't gotten it's proper first lock yet.
This has nothing to do with having the GPS getting a lock in sense. It seems the GPS needs to use wireless assistance first to get the lock (contact sprint servers or something) and then it works pretty well. Still experimenting to figure out how exactly the GPS works and what the optimal settings are for it.
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So yeah, try fasterfix and set to north america NTP Server and then in GPS status hit the menu button -> tools -> reset AGPS data and then menu tools -> download gps assistance data

VICODAN said:
I figured out GPS for the most part. Please read my earlier post:
So yeah, try fasterfix and set to north america NTP Server and then in GPS status hit the menu button -> tools -> reset AGPS data and then menu tools -> download gps assistance data
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Hey, Vicodan, thanks buddy. I'll give that a shot a little later tonight and let you know. Thanks a lot
Sent from my bad ass Supreme Shift - gtalk [email protected]

cbernardo13 said:
Hey, Vicodan, thanks buddy. I'll give that a shot a little later tonight and let you know. Thanks a lot
Sent from my bad ass Supreme Shift - gtalk [email protected]
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Haha no problem and good luck! Make sure you keep us updated! GPS has frustrated the heck out of me for the past month. That's the best I can come up with at this point. Need to have wireless assistance on and the first time you boot the phone on any rom you should be outside and get a good lock with a clear view of the sky. After that it's good to go.

VICODAN said:
Haha no problem and good luck! Make sure you keep us updated! GPS has frustrated the heck out of me for the past month. That's the best I can come up with at this point. Need to have wireless assistance on and the first time you boot the phone on any rom you should be outside and get a good lock with a clear view of the sky. After that it's good to go.
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So, should I flash my rom again? and avoid setting up google account, then run the apps?

cbernardo13 said:
So, should I flash my rom again? and avoid setting up google account, then run the apps?
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No just go to GPS settings, turn on use wireless networks, use faster fix, then open maps and try and get your location while outside and with a clear view of the sky. The GPS icon will stop flashing in the status bar when it has a lock. It will stay in the status bar as a solid icon, meaning that it is locked.
Then run GPS status and see how many satellites you get. You should get at least 4-5+ (up to 9) when GPS is working properly.

VICODAN said:
No just go to GPS settings, turn on use wireless networks, use faster fix, then open maps and try and get your location while outside and with a clear view of the sky. The GPS icon will stop flashing in the status bar when it has a lock. It will stay in the status bar as a solid icon, meaning that it is locked.
Then run GPS status and see how many satellites you get. You should get at least 4-5+ (up to 9) when GPS is working properly.
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any idea how long it takes to get a lock? i've literally waited 5 to 10 minutes before

cbernardo13 said:
any idea how long it takes to get a lock? i've literally waited 5 to 10 minutes before
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No longer than 30 seconds if you have good reception.

Spoke with OP via IRC, he is flashed on Metro PCS. Seems like he isn't flashed properly and also doesn't have MMS working. If anyone has any Metro PCS knowledge please feel free to chime in.