Database Info

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.....

[FIX] Updated: GPS Tracking Issues (Optional FIX)

Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well, due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
***This fix may not work if you live outside of USA.***
##You can play with the settings if you want to. If you FUBAR your GPS a simple factory reset will return your setting to default. You can do this without going into recovery buy going to Settings / Privacy / Factory data reset.##
Edit:
***************************************************************
Tested Procedure:
1 - Disable "Use Wireless Networks" - Settings / Location & Security
2 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
3 - Under "Application settings" Change "Operation Mode" to MS Based
4 - Under "SUPL/CP Settings" Change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 [ Do not use www. in front of supl]
5 - REBOOT
6 - Turn back on the "User Wireless Networks"
********************************************************************
Original settings:
Operation Mode: Standalone
Server: www.spirent-lcs.com
Port: 7275
*****************************
Optional New Fix:
1 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
2 - Go outside to get an unimpeded GPS fix.
3 - Choose Delete GPS Data button.
4 - Choose Get Position Test button. Let it run for 3 min or until you have 10 to 12 Sat locks and back out.
Thanks goes to Onlyloki for this method.
Haven't had time to test it thoroughly. You may want to do this in conjunction with the first procedure and then do the optional if the first procedure did not work for you. I did both and my GPS is locking even faster. Let me know what you think...
Just some more info I dug up:
Quote from http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp
"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. Can the GPS work in autonomous mode? No, the GPS receiver requires the assistance of the network elements to acquire its initial location fix."
With the rapid updating we could see an increased drain on the battery. I have not confirmed that yet. If anyone can let us know.
Edit #2:
I was informed by a sales rep at T-Mobile that Samsung is aware of the issue and is going to fix the GPS and the compass issue in their first update.

Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.

I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?

I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

rabydanimal said:
I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be pernament 8 sats is ok, good enough. Reboot and test in Google maps, should be set.

polarbee said:
I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reboot phone and go for a car ride. Use g-maps to get lock and the switch to nav app.

designgears said:
Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. I flashed the stock rom in the other thread, went outside and had a gps lock at 5m in less than 30 second. It locked at 30m in less than 10 seconds. Before this, the best I had was 30m after a long time and it wouldn't track me in my car hardly at all. I will test further tomorrow on my way to work.

Thanks! This worked great, I'm glad I have working GPS now.

Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...

abuthemagician said:
Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do a factory reset and reset all the settings to stock

Blarg. I am really not in the position to do a factory reset after I just got my phone the way I like it... Anyone else?

I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275

what about the others under application settings? I think it was one of those.

Samsung GPS fix is coming in September
This is cool :
"Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones. Look for updates in September. Details & download instructions to follow."
Source: Samsungservice twitter

meatrocket said:
I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!

This is old info and does not fix tracking issue. It only helps lock times. This is already posted in general 3 or 5 times.

not sure if anyone else has addressed this issue but the AGPS is disabled according to the settings.db file. maybe thats the problem?

Extremly good GPS Settings

As most here I had GPS issues on my Captivate.
Note I have the first model that was shipped to the store on release date.
Currently running ATT OTA eclair (rooted)
No additional mods:
Changed LBS settings as following:
APP SETTINGS:
Session type: Tracking
Test mode: S/W Test
OP MODE: MS based
Start Mode: Cold Start
GPS +: OFF
Dynamic Accuracy: ON
Accuracy:250
USe Skyhook: OFF
Use PC Tool: OFF
SUPL SETTINGS:
Custom config
supl.google.com
7276
Secure Socket:OFF
SUPL mode: SUPL
Cleared GPS Data, Rebooted and
After that I got lock every time outside (under heavy Oregonian clouds) within 10 seconds accurate to 10m.
I do not think it will get more accurate as Captivate is not used to navigate thermonuclear warheads
Accuracy was steady without jumps in latitude and longitude values
Same behavior in Google maps and Navigation...
On reboot lock time was 30 seconds with same accuracy and inside the house lock ( depending on location in the house) takes 25-45s with 15m accuracy..And I certainly can find my way through the house with such accuracy
Thought to share and hope it will help...
Plz post your results...

How long have you been running this setting and have you done any tracks with it to see if it jumps around? These are some questions that typically will be asked. And this is also in the wrong forum as this does not deal with development. It should go in general.

Great.
Wow. Well done. I just gave this a shot out of sheer boredom at work, and it is seriously awesome. I put my phone by the window and had a GPS lock in literally less than 20 seconds at <10m accuracy. Needless to say, I'll be keeping these settings.
The GPS has been a huge issue for this phone, so thanks for the hard work! I appreciate your time and effort.

For the millionth time, this doesn't work.

h078 said:
As most here I had GPS issues on my Captivate.
Note I have the first model that was shipped to the store on release date.
Currently running ATT OTA eclair (rooted)
No additional mods:
Changed LBS settings as following:
APP SETTINGS:
Session type: Tracking
Test mode: S/W Test
OP MODE: MS based
Start Mode: Cold Start
GPS +: OFF
Dynamic Accuracy: ON
Accuracy:250
USe Skyhook: OFF
Use PC Tool: OFF
SUPL SETTINGS:
Custom config
supl.google.com
7276
Secure Socket:OFF
SUPL mode: SUPL
Cleared GPS Data, Rebooted and
After that I got lock every time outside (under heavy Oregonian clouds) within 10 seconds accurate to 10m.
I do not think it will get more accurate as Captivate is not used to navigate thermonuclear warheads
Accuracy was steady without jumps in latitude and longitude values
Same behavior in Google maps and Navigation...
On reboot lock time was 30 seconds with same accuracy and inside the house lock ( depending on location in the house) takes 25-45s with 15m accuracy..And I certainly can find my way through the house with such accuracy
Thought to share and hope it will help...
Plz post your results...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting. I've found, particularly that I am now on Froyo, that locks are not a problem; tracking is still unreliable even with phone mounted (vertically) on my dash. Did you drive with navigation?

Locks arent the problem anymore, at least not for me. the problem is the GPS actually keeping up with you while moving and when taking a turn.

Thats just a cell lock, gps still sucks, so when you move around it will not do so good.

Additional...
Sorry forgot to mention...
I did drove today using Google nav for about 8 miles around a town and did not see once nav arrow jump on me or showing blue circle around...

+100000000000000000000
yup gps lock is not the problem.
In my opinion, you can get faster lock cause you set the accuracy as 250.
Have you tried my setting? i posted this several times on jupiter mod thread. I'll give you my setting one more time.
Session type : Tracking
Test mode : S/W Test
Operation mode : MS Based
Start mode : Hot Start
GPS Plus : On
Dynamic accuracy : On
Accuracy : 50
GPS logging : Off
Server SQDN Type : Custom
Server : supl.google.com
Server port : 7276
SUPL secure socket : Off
AGPS mode : Control plane
I'm having "usable" gps ever with these since cog 2.1.7
Sent from my Catpivate operated by Cognition 2.2 Froyo beta 9

h078 said:
Sorry forgot to mention...
I did drove today using Google nav for about 8 miles around a town and did not see once nav arrow jump on me or showing blue circle around...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not being sarcastic, I promise, but you are one of the lucky ones (and there are more than a few of yal out there). One guy mentioned that he guessed it was the fact that his minivan has a huge front windshield. My assumption is that he is able to mount his phone far enough up on the dash that it gets a really clear view of the sky. That notwithstanding, I think there are likely others with a similar or same vehicle that don't get the good tracking he notes.
Where do you drive mostly? Are you in a dense urban area or more of a small town? Just wondering....

drancid said:
+100000000000000000000
yup gps lock is not the problem.
In my opinion, you can get faster lock cause you set the accuracy as 250.
Have you tried my setting? i posted this several times on jupiter mod thread. I'll give you my setting one more time.
Session type : Tracking
Test mode : S/W Test
Operation mode : MS Based
Start mode : Hot Start
GPS Plus : On
Dynamic accuracy : On
Accuracy : 50
GPS logging : Off
Server SQDN Type : Custom
Server : supl.google.com
Server port : 7276
SUPL secure socket : Off
AGPS mode : Control plane
I'm having "usable" gps ever with these since cog 2.1.7
Sent from my Catpivate operated by Cognition 2.2 Froyo beta 9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Control plan too...can't remember if I did while on Froyo. I'll try it again since I have nothing to loose. But what I recall, it is made no difference for me tracking wise. I also did some reading on Control plane and it did not seem to be a particularly more effective protocol than supl; they both have their pros and cons. Sorry, that's all I retained from the reading.

looks good till now; my phone never used to get any signs of location for like a min or so; but in open sky it locked posotion in like 15 sec; great; thanks OP

Stupid thing but...... i get 100x better results using 7262 port....

FutureSix said:
Stupid thing but...... i get 100x better results using 7262 port....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What other settings outside of the port? Or does it mirror the op
Captivate
Cog 2.2

umm lemme check...
supl.google.com
7262
OFF
SUPL
----
App settings:
tracking
s/w test
standalone
hot start
gps plus : ON
Dynamic : ON
50
OFF
Full lock under 10sec
and perfect tracking with MyTracks app (walking or in car)
It even managed to follow me in every alley of a grocery store...

FutureSix said:
umm lemme check...
supl.google.com
7262
OFF
SUPL
----
App settings:
tracking
s/w test
standalone
hot start
gps plus : ON
Dynamic : ON
50
OFF
Full lock under 10sec
and perfect tracking with MyTracks app (walking or in car)
It even managed to follow me in every alley of a grocery store...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds nice. i'll give a shot!!
Sent from my Catpivate operated by Cognition 2.2 Froyo beta 9

I live in urban area of Hillsboro Oregon. Place where companies like Intel, Tektronix and Nike reside...no scyscrapers but densly populated industrial suburb of Portland. Driving Lincoln town car if size of windshield matters...
Teleported by Android on SGH-I897

can you please tell me how you guys are finding these settings in your phones??

n4d3r said:
can you please tell me how you guys are finding these settings in your phones??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use LbsTestMode and I get to it using a Launcher Pro shorcut (press-hold>shortcuts>activities>LbsTestMode). It was accessible via dialing *#*#1472365#*#* in the stock firmware.

FutureSix said:
umm lemme check...
supl.google.com
7262
OFF
SUPL
----
App settings:
tracking
s/w test
standalone
hot start
gps plus : ON
Dynamic : ON
50
OFF
Full lock under 10sec
and perfect tracking with MyTracks app (walking or in car)
It even managed to follow me in every alley of a grocery store...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works pretty darn well for me! Thanks... using original 2.2 leak OS from DG ->I897UCJI6-OCD-REV02-Low-designgearsvvv
and it gets a lock quickly... let's hope it continues over time...

[Q] Gingerbread GPS settings

Asking again: would one of you folks who have fast GPS locks with V21e PLEASE post the settings you have from the hidden menu? I'm still getting about 90-120 seconds for the initial lock, and I suspect that the reason mine is worse than yours might be that I fiddled with the GPS settings in the hidden menu a lot before I updated and the last values I set might be wrong for the Gingerbread software.
To review: press 1809#*999# and in the resulting list, select "GPS Test." What do you have for:
Use Extended Conf File
System Settings => Use XTRAS
System Settings => SUPL Setting => SLP Server Setting
and, within the latter, choose Edit from the menu and post the values of
slp address
port
certification file
TLS Setting
Thanks in advance.

I have fast GPS lock and do not have the Use Extended Config File checked.
SLP Server Setting is Google
sulp.google.com
port: 7275
Certification file is blank
TLS settings not checked
Make sure your cell or wireless is on, heard that helps. I also notice no start of lock until I start an app that uses GPS.

Thanks! Just a couple of follow-ups:
1) I assume that "sulp.google.com" is a typo for "supl.google.com"? (When I ping sulp.google.com, I get "unknown host," but supl.google.com works.)
2) Is "Use XTRAS" checked or unchecked?

Yes, a typo. SUPL
The Use XTRAS box is not selected

Okay, thanks again. Must be something else, then, as I have that exact config and still have a minimum of 75 seconds for the initial fix. That's not much of a problem; usually it takes me longer than the TTFF interval to get the address entered in and start up navigation, but it would be nice to have it faster. Oh, well.

GPS Issues finally resolved... Add google GPS server to SUPL providers

I live in portland, oregon and for whatever reason, have never been able to get a consistent lock when using navigation in google maps. Tried changing to Spirent and then to LG gps servers, changing modes between standalone and ms-based and ms-assisted, and any improvements I got seemed to be fleeting or fitful at best. Then I found out how easy it was to add google's servers to that list and have been getting rapid (pretty much immediate) location locks and much better gps functionality ever since.. If you haven't already, here's how you add google's gps servers to the list in your g2x hidden menu:
open your phone dialer and dial 1809#*999#
Select GPS Test on the following menu
Select System Settings
Select SUPL Setting
Select SLP Server Setting
Press your menu button and then select add
Name it whatever you'd like
slp address: supl.google.com
Port: 7275 or 7276
For certification file I just put in: /data/data/SUPL/googlesupl.dat
Check the TLS box.
Click menu then save.
I also have use XTRAS and Use extended CONF file boxes selected..
For operation mode I have used standalone and ms-based with similar results, which is to say much better performance than on either tmobile or spirent's slp servers. To change operation mode, go to get position, then hit menu button and then select settings and you'll see it there.
Now test by choosing get position, and if it works for you like it did for me, INSTANT LOCKS AND AWESOME GPS FUNCTIONALITY!
hope this helps some of you out there.

frescoraja said:
open your phone dialer and dial 1809#*999#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That code doesn't work for me. Phone just sits there forever saying "USSD code running" after I enter the code and press the "call" button.
I thought those codes usually started running whatever program they call right after you enter the last digit (i.e. you don't have to press the call button).

lannister80 said:
That code doesn't work for me. Phone just sits there forever saying "USSD code running" after I enter the code and press the "call" button.
I thought those codes usually started running whatever program they call right after you enter the last digit (i.e. you don't have to press the call button).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That code only works on stock roms and stock-based roms with the LG framework still in place.
Which rom are you running?

Same issue for me. I'm running eagles blood 1.08. GPS is working right now. Figured adding another server can't hurt in case it stops working later...

For non-stock roms (or any rom for that matter) you can just open up gps.conf in /system/etc with Root Explorer and add it manually. It will be obvious where to add a new supl server.

It's one of those days where the obvious eludes me.. Here's what mine says and where do I put it?:
NTP_SERVER=xtra1.gpsonextra.net
XTRA_SERVER_1=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
# DEBUG LEVELS: 0 - none, 1 - Error, 2 - Warning, 3 - Info
# 4 - Debug, 5 - Verbose
DEBUG_LEVEL = 3
# Intermediate position report, 1=enable, 0=disable
INTERMEDIATE_POS=0
# Accuracy threshold for intermediate positions
# less accurate positions are ignored, 0 for passing all positions
# ACCURACY_THRES=5000
################################
##### AGPS server settings #####
################################
# FOR SUPL SUPPORT, set the following
SUPL_HOST=lbs.geo.t-mobile.com
SUPL_PORT=7275
# FOR C2K PDE SUPPORT, set the following
# C2K_HOST=c2k.pde.com or IP
# C2K_PORT=7275
################################
# EXTRA SETTINGS
################################
# Wiper (wifi positioning), 1=enable, 0=disable
ENABLE_WIPER=1

Real easy with MIUI. Settings > GPS config... edit settings. New trick I learned today.
Honestly... didn't notice a difference.
LG G2x - 2.3.5 MIUI Love
Asus TF - Custom 3.2

Wow, I didn't know there is a hidden menu for that. I flash my setting through a .zip file to change the settings. Nice post.

Posted a few days ago...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1222022

deleted by jb

For me it's telling me gps.conf cannot be changed because the file system is read-only.
:/ how can i change that?
never mind... i saww mount r/w on the top right of root explorer and then a light bulb went off in my head... thx again guys It's still slow, so i'm rebooting the phone.
Still slow... gonna mess with it more tomorrow...

broncosman said:
For me it's telling me gps.conf cannot be changed because the file system is read-only.
:/ how can i change that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, you have to enable the option of RW (read write).
If you are not rooted, I'm not sure what options you have.

gps worked before but was sluggish compared to now. this increased both inital lock times and following lock times and improved location. simply edit the cfg if your in canada. idk which supl server takes priority if you simply add another through the menu. takes only 5 seconds to root the phone/edit the file.

Phenomenal
SAWEET!!!!....Works like a charm. This was the last thing that I had any issues with and they weren't huge. This now makes this the best phone I have owned. Iphone4 doesn't compare. Thanks OP!

Been using GPS ALL FRICKIN DAY!
Phenomenal with this fix. Instant locates very accurate and working with all apps that use GPS.
Now if I could find the tele-nav files to use on Warrior thus would be rocking!
Sent from my intergalactic space modulator using XDA app

When I check the "Use Extended Conf File" and "Use XTRAS" both are not checked once I leave the Hidden Menu and go back in. Any ideas on that?

i dont know about you guys but i didnt see any different with this running cm7 122!
i did this without the dialer code because its only for stock roms
my gps only tells me an 100% where i am if i have wifi on.. thats with google maps.
i did this and no changes and my navigation takes for ever looking for gps!

gypsy214 said:
i dont know about you guys but i didnt see any different with this running cm7 122!
i did this without the dialer code because its only for stock roms
my gps only tells me an 100% where i am if i have wifi on.. thats with google maps.
i did this and no changes and my navigation takes for ever looking for gps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works flawlessly for me without Wi-Fi on. It's kind of hard to get a Wi-Fi hot spot driving down the
freeway at 75 MPH.
Sent from my intergalactic space modulator using XDA app

gypsy214 said:
i dont know about you guys but i didnt see any different with this running cm7 122!
i did this without the dialer code because its only for stock roms
my gps only tells me an 100% where i am if i have wifi on.. thats with google maps.
i did this and no changes and my navigation takes for ever looking for gps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I've tried everything...i get instant locks with froyo but it takes forever to get a lock on all custom roms.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

AriaNoob said:
Same here! I've tried everything...i get instant locks with froyo but it takes forever to get a lock on all custom roms.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it using the dialer code. I'm using Weapon for my ROM and it works better than it did with stock.
Sent from my intergalactic space modulator using XDA app