Many people are having problems with GPS. This thread is intended to discuss the different possibilities using an external bluetooth GPS.
I have just bought a Copilot GlobalSat BT359. I have tested it with Bluetooth GPS Provider V1.2.5 from the market.
I am very please to report this works very well. Got a fix in seconds and is very accurate. Need to test it on a long run.
Can people please post any info on bluetooth GPS's and any results they get.
The Copilot GlobalSat BT359 cost just £14 from eBay.
cool downloaded the program works fine with my bluetooth gps(holux) thnx very much! nice to have a backup! my internal gps works fine too!
Try oruxmap from the market. It supports external bluetooth gps. And working great.
I use a Nokia LD-3W bluetooth GPS module. It's nice and small and it works an absolute treat and locks on to satellites instantly. The battery lasts for ever and it also has the in car charger just in case lol. I use the copilot sat nav app as it has built in maps so I don't need to worry about data useage and it is available to buy from the market.
Edit: loads for sale on ebay HERE
symanuk said:
Many people are having problems with GPS. This thread is intended to discuss the different possibilities using an external bluetooth GPS.
I have just bought a Copilot GlobalSat BT359. I have tested it with Bluetooth GPS Provider V1.2.5 from the market.
I am very please to report this works very well. Got a fix in seconds and is very accurate. Need to test it on a long run.
Can people please post any info on bluetooth GPS's and any results they get.
The Copilot GlobalSat BT359 cost just £14 from eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tested Copilot GlobalSat BT359 and it works great. Did have some phone crash problems. Fixed it i hope...
I've ordered a keyring gps:
http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.ph...gps-receiver/63a0c4b6f743d7f3f396c7497be2aa58
Testing with my Nokia phone as the gps device I found making the bluetooth connection was difficult. Once connected it worked great. Hopefully the Nokia was at fault there and not Android and the keyring device will connect every time.
snaff said:
I've ordered a keyring gps:
http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.ph...gps-receiver/63a0c4b6f743d7f3f396c7497be2aa58
Testing with my Nokia phone as the gps device I found making the bluetooth connection was difficult. Once connected it worked great. Hopefully the Nokia was at fault there and not Android and the keyring device will connect every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a neat little device and handy it can clip on to your trouser belt or jacket etc. I notice that the website has some mark up on the Copilot UK maps! Its only about £27 from the Market!
Got the BlueNEXT BN-902MM today and took it for a short walk with My Tracks. All seems good. Look forward to running with it on Monday.
Importantly, the routine each time I want to use it is no more than 10 seconds:
* switch on the keyring
on the sgs:
* disable internal gps from the icon on the dropdown menu
* tap the Bluetooth GPS widget
and it's ready to go within a few seconds with no more fuss. Same in reverse to disconnect and go back to using the internal GPS.
I wanted to clarify that as if the connection is more like 30 seconds+ or is unreliable then you don't want to be doing that every day.
Does this work with all aplications, like Google Maps, trapster or Sportypal or only specific apps?
Thanks
t1mman said:
Does this work with all aplications, like Google Maps, trapster or Sportypal or only specific apps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory with all apps. The data is passed to the Android OS so any apps using the standard Android interface for reading positional data will get that which comes through the bluetooth link.
The only difference I've seen is in the GPS Status app which gets the positional data but not the debug data with regard to each satellite and its signal level, etc. I don't think any normal apps would need that sort of detail.
Here is my modded armband. It's an iphone band so I'd already butchered it to fit the SGS in and felt I had nothing to lose. First I made a hole to attach the keychain to, then unpicked the thread on part of the velcro strap so the GPS could slot behind that. Then I did a bit of sewing (no homo) to tidy it up.
snaff said:
In theory with all apps. The data is passed to the Android OS so any apps using the standard Android interface for reading positional data will get that which comes through the bluetooth link.
The only difference I've seen is in the GPS Status app which gets the positional data but not the debug data with regard to each satellite and its signal level, etc. I don't think any normal apps would need that sort of detail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good! So it's definitively my planB if it's not fix by next spring (I probably won't run outside that much in winter in Canada eh!)
Here is the Nokia LD 3W in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM2gm5DAOjM
But since I started working with the "gps status"app., the internal
gps is doing quite well as well....but I dont know if it's related,
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I'm overall happy with the external Bluetooth GPS.
I've used this app with many other gps apps. Like Google earth, maps, Cell mapper 2, c:geo, DRoute, G-Mon, GeoRecorder, GPS Status,Maps(-), My Tracks, Speedview and more. Only one states that gps is turned off but works anyway which is Waze and iGo won't start because it can't find a GPS-signal.
Accuracy with internal varies between 100m and 10m and external GPS between 10m and 1m.
For navigation in cities I use the external GPS and for rural navigation I use the internal GPS receiver.
Does this prove that the internal gps on the sgs has a hardware issue? Or there other factors involved?
I am just wondering if the issues can really be solved, by software updates?
householddog said:
Does this prove that the internal gps on the sgs has a hardware issue? Or there other factors involved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't, because the drivers may be buggy, and external receivers do most the processing, so it isn't a timesensitive operation really.
householddog said:
Does this prove that the internal gps on the sgs has a hardware issue? Or there other factors involved?
I am just wondering if the issues can really be solved, by software updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth gps navigation works very well on the sgs as you can see on video.
It is a hardware issue in the sense that most standalone gps receivers or external bluetooth gps receivers got more capable gps chipsets (like sirfstar chipsets) than most smartphones nowadays, so it is not an exclusive sgs's problem
It could be an antenna issue as well so a less serious hardeware problem...
Anyway I dont think this thread is the right one for that kind of discussion.
This thread I think is to show if bluetooth gps is working on the sgs and how.
Or why it is an option for some users and for others not...
Bluetooth gps works on my sgs and that's a fact.
For the other gps issues there are already enough threads with speculations, assumptions and facts like:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=821863
And more:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732030
And so much more...
Let's keep this thread just to the point and that's bluetooth gps navigation.....
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sean2476 said:
I use a Nokia LD-3W bluetooth GPS module. It's nice and small and it works an absolute treat and locks on to satellites instantly. The battery lasts for ever and it also has the in car charger just in case lol. I use the copilot sat nav app as it has built in maps so I don't need to worry about data useage and it is available to buy from the market.
Edit: loads for sale on ebay HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's interesting how long that battery goes without recharging!! How is that possible?
The specs say 3 days stand-by and 4 hours active...well on stand-by it lasts forever and during navigation is so many hours I dont even know exactly!!!
If its a software issue, I guess 6 months is not even close enough to fix it. Im already convinced that this is a hardware issue since my 5800 seems to have a very accurate GPS
hmm i want free GPS(w/o trial).. and also i want cheap bluetooth GPS with good quality
..
just tell me if you know any product
Related
:?: Do I need a seperate device (i.e. gps reciever?) to run Navigation software such as Tom Tom Navigator or Route 66 on my XDAII? If I need a gps transmitter reciever, where can I get one from and can I buy one that I can permenantly install in my car?
:?
You will allways need a GPS receiver with (almost) any PocketPC based navigation solution.
From personal experience I would recommend a Bluetooth receiver. Make sure you have a 1.72 ROM version for good Bluetooth operation. There are many threads on that on the forum.
You will also need a power supply (to XDAII and to Bluetooth GPS for uninterrupted operation and quick GPS fixes)
And you would need a car cradle or 'real' carkit in oder to be able to have a good view on the screen
If you dont like to be bother by the limited storage amount a SD memory card is ver advisable, beware of the bad performing ones
Good software is TomTom Navigator 3
Like I said: This forum has lots of threads on this subject. Alternatively check out www.pocketgpsworld.co.uk
Thanx for the advice I'm still a newbe to this phone I haven't even had it a week yet. but already it looks like lots of fun 8)
Check this out:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
It's a Car cradle / GPS / powered / loud speaker etc etc....all you need next is Tomtom or simular.
My mate has one and it's great. Removes the need for a seperate GPS receiver, which would need power itself. Don't know if you can get in Canada but probably.
HPJ
heck this out:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
It's a Car cradle / GPS / powered / loud speaker etc etc....all you need next is Tomtom or simular.
My mate has one and it's great. Removes the need for a seperate GPS receiver, which would need power itself. Don't know if you can get in Canada but probably.
HPJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks looks like a Phatt product. Unfortuntely I've already bought the cradle and gps seperate.
Beware: The product looks nice BUT: It's probably useless when your car has a heat-resistant windscreen.
These windscreens have a metal-like foil in it which does not let radio (GPS are radio signals) signals thru. These windscreen however always have 1 or 2 spots (most likely next to the mirror) where the foil is absent. Meant for toll cards, but also useable to stick a GPS mouse to it. For that you do need a GPS that can be placed (I glueed a plastic box with double-sided tape to the windscreen foil-free spot in which my BT (permanently powered) GPS is sitting).
Works like a charm.
Edsud - wow, seems logical. Guess many have bought the product and spent ages trying to get it to work, without any luck. Thanks for the warning.
How good are the Bluetooth receivers? ie does the Bluetooth stay 'well connected'? What about if you want to use a BT headset as well, can you run 2 BT devices at the same time?
Cheers
HPJ
I have found BT to be VERY stable (using the 1.72 rom & standard Bt stack), also when I use both GPS & Headset at the same time.
I have fitted the BT GPS with a constant 12V wire resulting in continuous power. Which results in a permanent fix (BT GPS's seem to keep working even when there is no device connected). When I start TomTom I never have to wait for a fix, it;s there when I start TomTom.
When you do not do this you will notice a delay to get a first fix. This delay is relatively short when the GPS has not realy moved since it was last switched on. The delay also depends on the type of GPS. I know of a Holux CF GPS (wichs gets switched off when you take it out of the PocketPC) on a Dell Axim that takes about 1 minute to get its first fix again. Imagine how long that takes when you have to wait for it . . .
im using the same as ed and it runs like a dream scary i know
I use Tom Tom 3 BT with XDA II. Works great.
No BT headset yet byt it's coming soon.
Rgds
Andrew
I have installed it on 2 different XDA2's and it works brialliantly.
just wondering if anyone has used the assisted gps functionality,.
3 UK have this functionality with some of their Motorola phones and I have to say it's a little rubbish. Time to Lock seems slow compared to a standalone GPS reciever despite the assisted part and when it does lock the possitioning is very vague and puts you in a general area rather than your exact location to within 10 meters.
Updating was also very slow and it would nowhere near be usable for car satellite navigation. (You would probably get away with walking, if it wasn't for the dodgy possitioning).
However 3 uk use it for finding local services, so in terms of a where's my local post office, cinema etc it works ok and will provide a map of the local area, so you could work out how to walk there.
I only tried this on a moto a835 and a925 so these may have been rather early models and GPS reciever quality may improve, but I wasn't impressed. I get much better functionality using a standalone bluetooth GPS reciever and 3rd party sat nav apps.
Not so much a fix for internal gps but i used an external holux bt gps reciever along with tom tom 7 and for first time since i got this phone there was no lag, tried it with igo 8 too , but position on the screen was behind my actual position, normally its ahead with internal gps.
just wanted to let people know in case it works for them too, not perfect solution i know, but it worked for me
puddle22 said:
Not so much a fix for internal gps but i used an external holux bt gps reciever along with tom tom 7 and for first time since i got this phone there was no lag, tried it with igo 8 too , but position on the screen was behind my actual position, normally its ahead with internal gps.
just wanted to let people know in case it works for them too, not perfect solution i know, but it worked for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I already had an external bluetooth GPS too, and indeed there is no lag with this when I switch from the (lagging) internap GPS. This (probably) confirms the issue is not with the graphics driver or speed of processing of the signals from the GPS.
There are already several other threads about this issue, it would be more useful to other members if you would post this in those preexisting threads, rather than putting each individual method in a different thread.
Hi,
I hate the build in GPS system. I allways have a lag and very often, it thinks I am in a different street or it thinks I am driving off road.
I am thinking of buying an external bluetooth GPS device, but do not know what is the best available.
I have heard the Qstarz BT-Q818x is one of the best.
Any other advice?
Thanks Rob
GPS mouse
Hello Rob,
if you can still obtain it: iBT-GPS 747 data logger. With MTK 32 channel chip. I've used it for 2 years now, never let me down, very strong and fast fix. I've used it from the Netherlands until far in Croatia/Spain with my old Touch-phone. Pairs also easy to my Diamond and i use it as a back-up for the built-in GPS which occasionally lets me down (no/bad fix in Vienna recently) or stops working at all after some time (on the road in Germany).
Succes
I have older standalone gps devices that work ok, but I would like to run a gps app on my android, and being that it only has WIFI I was wondering two things.
1. Does the Shield have a reliable enough antenna for GPS Navigation?
2. Which is the best "off line" GPS app to use for Canada/USA? (I was thinking of using TomTom, as it is on sale?)
Edwii said:
I have older standalone gps devices that work ok, but I would like to run a gps app on my android, and being that it only has WIFI I was wondering two things.
1. Does the Shield have a reliable enough antenna for GPS Navigation?
2. Which is the best "off line" GPS app to use for Canada/USA? (I was thinking of using TomTom, as it is on sale?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It seems more than adequate to use for GPS navigation. Mine personally seems to take up to a few minutes to find enough satellites but other people reported really good GPS usage.
2. If the Tomtom is as good as it is on iOS then it should be good enough for offline navigation. I used Tomtom on iOS with a XGPS300 with my ipod touch which obviously didn't have data either and it gave me usually good directions. Although after getting a hotspot I've since used Waze on my ipod touch and sometimes my Shield and it works well on both.
The best offline GPS Android app for Canada/USA is Copilot. Fast satellite lock and fast rerouting.
Its visually appealing and is very easy to navigate the menus compared to TomTom.
I have Sycig, for Europe and it works flawlessly. You can install it from the store.
I made 1300 KM with it and worked great. Had no problem.
I am so glad I have the shield!!
For usa you can get GoPilot or IGO, for Europe definitly Igo, also Route 66 is nice , Sygic too.