Database Info

GPS Issue

Is any one else having an issue of the GPS taking an extremely long time to get a lock?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Out of the box it worked flawlessly. I messed with a location setting and then gas took around thirty seconds to lock. I turned that setting back on and gas flew again. On average, my gps has a lock by the time the map loads

systoxity said:
Out of the box it worked flawlessly. I messed with a location setting and then gas took around thirty seconds to lock. I turned that setting back on and gas flew again. On average, my gps has a lock by the time the map loads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell me what your gps settings are then? Also could you dial *#*#1472365#*#* and go to application settings and spul or something like that and list what you have there?

I'd say that driving home the gps got a lock relatively quickly but it was only a lock accurate to within 50 meters. I guess this is good enough for driving but it wouldnt be good enough for biking or jogging.

Mine takes a full minute to lock. I think the issue, at least with mine, is that no matter what I do to the settings, their not saved. So if I go to settings and change location settings, or use *#*#1472365#*#* the settings never seem to save. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or this is a bug, sure seems like a bug though.

I noticed the first time i tried to get a GPS lock it took forever. But every time since then it has been getting progressively faster. Now it locks and pulls up traffic info within seconds...

I am having a difficult time with the gps locking and it is very inaccurate. I went into the settings and change d the startup to cold
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

whoa, you get traffic info? is that with google maps?

I have been having the same problems. I tried messing with the GPS settings and it seems to have made things somewhat better, though I can't confirm it. Here's what I did, if you are interested.
Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set server to supl.google.com
Set server port to 7276
Set SUPL Secure Socket to OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Based
Set Accuracy to 80
Set Use SkyHook to ON
I'm not sure if any of these things made a real difference at all, but I do know that right now my GPS is reporting an accuracy of within 10 meters in a location where I couldn't get a lock before. I'd love to hear if this helps or hurts anyone else's GPS performance.

Thanks this actually fixed my issue of not being able to ft a lock at all. Accuracy is pretty high at 30m but it was spot on in Maps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Thanks for the tip.
the gps is still not working inside my house, but outside it locks faster outside.
Thanks

Shadow77895 said:
I have been having the same problems. I tried messing with the GPS settings and it seems to have made things somewhat better, though I can't confirm it. Here's what I did, if you are interested.
Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set server to supl.google.com
Set server port to 7276
Set SUPL Secure Socket to OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Based
Set Accuracy to 80
Set Use SkyHook to ON
I'm not sure if any of these things made a real difference at all, but I do know that right now my GPS is reporting an accuracy of within 10 meters in a location where I couldn't get a lock before. I'd love to hear if this helps or hurts anyone else's GPS performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I change my settings without notating what the original settings were. Does anyone have that information?

rkorzuch said:
I change my settings without notating what the original settings were. Does anyone have that information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SUPL/CP Settings
Server www.spirent-lcs.com
Port 7275
SUPL Secure On
Application Settings
Operation Mode Standalone
Accuracy 50
Use SkyHook Off

No Real Change...
I've tried following the directions in the GPS Fix 101 thread under the Vibrant section: no luck... I tried what was suggested abouve: no luck...
Can someone tell em what I'm doing wrong? I know that usually the issue is w/ the operator, not the device and I'm new to Android. I like the phone, but GPS is a BIG reason I bought an Android phone. I need something that is REALLY accurate as we have smaller blocks in some of the towns I go to. Seriously, where my parents live there are A, B, etc. streets and some city blocks are so small there is an "L 1/2 St" ( You can laugh about everything being bigger in TX...)
I do a ton of traveling so this feature is VERY important to me. I just got back from one cross country trip tonight and seldom did I get a good GPS lock and that was on major Hwy's. How does this compare to the ARIA? My sister just got one of those, but hasn't messed around w/ it as it is her first Android phone.
I'd appreciate any help or advice anyone can give. Thanks in advance!!!

If it helps; I was just outside my father-in-laws house and it initially had me about 2-3 blks away in the middle of a golf fairway. It is a clear night, no clouds or heavy trees. I can only detect 1-2 sat.'s when I do a test, and I have a Bodyglove silicon/rubber case/skin.

Ok, I tried it again... In the house I'm about 500 ft off from where I really am and placed in a golf fairway. Outside I am FURTHER off: I'd estimate at least 5 blocks and placed in the middle of a different golf fairway. For comparision sake, my wife's iPhone 3Gs has her within 10-20' while inside the house. I can detect 3-4 sat's. which is the most ever, but it does not use any of them... To me, this is unacceptable and a great cause for concern. What can I do???

Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set server to supl.google.com
Set server port to 7276
Set SUPL Secure Socket to OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Based
Set Accuracy to 80
Set Use SkyHook to ON[/QUOTE said:
I changed my settings to the above, and I've gotten much better results with my GPS. It finds my location a lot quicker, and more accurate. Try these settings if you haven't already. If you have, I guess I would just take it back to AT&T. Having a lagging and inaccurate GPS on a smartphone can be annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

operation mode??
Shadow77895 said:
I have been having the same problems. I tried messing with the GPS settings and it seems to have made things somewhat better, though I can't confirm it. Here's what I did, if you are interested.
Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set server to supl.google.com
Set server port to 7276
Set SUPL Secure Socket to OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Based
Set Accuracy to 80
Set Use SkyHook to ON
I'm not sure if any of these things made a real difference at all, but I do know that right now my GPS is reporting an accuracy of within 10 meters in a location where I couldn't get a lock before. I'd love to hear if this helps or hurts anyone else's GPS performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the android newbie... can you give a little more detail on how to get here and Skyhook?
TIA
Never mind I found it.

Will/Can this be fixed.
I am very disappointed with my GPS performance in an otherwise very enjoyable phone.
GPS is important to me and I am seriously considering returning the phone. There are a couple of other issues, but I'm working through them.
Do you think the issue will be repaired? Guess at how long until fixed? I know it's all just a guess.

Shadow77895 said:
I have been having the same problems. I tried messing with the GPS settings and it seems to have made things somewhat better, though I can't confirm it. Here's what I did, if you are interested.
Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set server to supl.google.com
Set server port to 7276
Set SUPL Secure Socket to OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Based
Set Accuracy to 80
Set Use SkyHook to ON
I'm not sure if any of these things made a real difference at all, but I do know that right now my GPS is reporting an accuracy of within 10 meters in a location where I couldn't get a lock before. I'd love to hear if this helps or hurts anyone else's GPS performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They above settings improved my GPS signal acquisition, however, accuracy was still very poor. This was extremely evident when navigating around town. I'm currently testing the following settings and so far things seem to be working well:
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Set to AUTO config
Set SUPL Secure Socket OFF
Go back then go to Application Settings
Set Operation Mode to MS Assisted
Set Accuracy to 100
Set Use SkyHook to ON
Using these settings I can reliably track 8-9 satellites and lock 4-5. Accuracy tends toward 5-10 meters and signal acquisition is usually within seconds.
I've noticed that after changing settings it can take the GPS a while to acquire a lock. Subsequent uses improve in speed.
I'm by no means an expert on these settings so if anybody sees a problem with them please let me know.

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?

GPS Solid fix for Samsung Vibrant.

Hi everyone!
For some time now I have been researching on how to make my GPS on my phone (Samsung Vibrant T959 Froyo 2.2) work the way it should. I have tried everything with failure until a few months ago.
I wanted to share my success with everyone. I know this GPS bug has been a thorn on everyone's side.
I do hope this works for everyone who trys it. If you have my phone it will. If you have a different phone it should
As of today I finally found a rock solid configuration that actually works and I would not be posting my findings on this website if it was not a solid fix.
It does involve going into the phones GPS settings. You will only need to do this once. I have tested this only on my Samsung Vibrant (T959) for over 2 months. As of today I still receive 12 satellites with 5 to 7 fixes. For the first fix ranges from 1 second to a Max of 15 seconds. Accuracy ranges from 10 feet to 37 feet. Remember, this is inside my home and not outside. Outside is even better of course.
If everyone who trys this please post your findings along with your cell phone info. This way anyone who reads this can possablity benefit from it.
GPS FIX For Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S (T959):
Please follow to the letter.
Update your phone to froyo 2.2 if you can. I don't think its necessary.
Go to your dialer and enter
this line below
*#*#3214789650#*#*
You should now see your phones
menu(lbstestmode).
Select - Application Settings.
Check each setting and match
To what you see below.
Session Type = Tracking
Test Mode = S/W Test*Operation Session Mode = M S Based
Start Mode = Hot Start
GPS Plus = On
Dynamic Accuracy = On*
Accuracy = 100*
GPS Logging = Off
Go back once. This will bring you back to the main menu.
Now SELECT SUPL/CP
Match what you see here to the
settings you see on your phone.
Server FQDN Type
= Custom Configuration
Server = supl.google.com
Server Port = 7275
Secure Socket = On*
AGPS Mode = SUPL
Now go back until you see your dialer or home screen.
REBOOT YOUR PHONE!
Go into the Android Market and Search for Samsung GPS Restore.
Download and Install GpsRestore.
Now search for GPS Doctor. You will need to purchase this. If it does not work for you, you can get a refund as long as you quickly do the refund. I used the purchased one which I know works.
Once you install both apps run GPS Doctor first! This must be run first. Run this first then select manual fix. Do all three options first. Then select advanced operations and run each one. You should only need to run this once. Close out gpsdoctor.
Now run GPSRestore. Once you get all green, then your done.
REBOOT
Then
REBOOT AGAIN!"
Check out your GPS useing any or your GPS apps.
I hope this works for you. If you have a question Ill be glad to help.
BTW I do not own any of these programs or promote them.
John

Nothing short of amazing! From no locks ever from where I sit indoors to a fix on 6 birds within 5 seconds!
Many thanks.

Wow. It's only taken a year for someone to figure this out. Maybe Samsung should put you on their payroll.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Thanks so much! Been tired of the horrid GPS lock speed. A hot lock sometimes took a couple minutes, but ran a test overnight and it on average took 15+ minutes...

[REF] Tweaking the GPS for Speed and Accuracy

I don't take credit for this, I'm just basically confirming that if you are inside the US, the following tweak should improve lock speeds and accuracy. I was able to lock on inside my house < 10 secs, with a 6 meter accuracy. It's been done on a number of phones -- just posting it for the folks here who haven't found the tweak yet.
It requires root - see the threads in this forum.
To install it, you should create a backup of your /system/etc/gps.conf file before doing anything. The easiest way is to use Root Explorer and then copy the file to somewhere on your sd card. (Make a directory, or put it in a safe place).
[ Edit: Sorry, I'm having trouble getting the new file attached - the links below work (I think) but look sort of funny ]
Download and unzip the file View attachment 784134, then copy the attached file to /system/etc/gps.conf. Reboot or power off/on and you are done. (Again, use Root Explorer if you aren't comfortable enough with terminal/adb shell to do this on your own.)
Alternately you can edit your existing file with the text editor of your choice. All you are doing is replacing the NTP server and adding the SUPL lines at the bottom.
Code:
# Thanks to Da_G from the xda-forums for additional information on data for
# the below changes. Switch to the us.pool.ntp.org for better time resolution
# inside the US, but the xtra1 servers are good worldwide. You can
# Also just choose one of the below *.pool.ntp.org areas for where you plan
# to use your GPS.
########################################
###Uncomment only one NTP_SERVER line!##
########################################
##### US Time Servers
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
##### Worldwide
#NTP_SERVER=xtra1.gpsonextra.net
##### Continental Servers
##### Asia
#NTP_SERVER=asia.pool.ntp.org
##### Europe
#NTP_SERVER=europe.pool.ntp.org
###North America
#NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org
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 = 5
# Intermediate position report, 1=enable, 0=disable
INTERMEDIATE_POS=0
# GPS Capabilities bit mask
# SCHEDULING = 1
# MSB = 2
# MSA = 4
# default = MSA | MSB | SCHEDULING
CAPABILITIES=0x7
# The SUPL_HOST and SUPL_PORT lines below can be commented out if
# you will be using your GPS outside the AT&T network and/or outside.
# the US. The Skyrocket is configured to use the AT&T servers by
# default, and Da_G's says that the AT&T has a more accurate
# geolocation database.
#SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
#SUPL_PORT=7276
After you have made the changes reboot your phone. (power off/on)
Here's the gps.conf file - just unzip it and replace. It is *NOT* something that can be flashed, just the conf file: View attachment 784134
Enjoy.

tejones36 said:
I don't take credit for this, I'm just basically confirming that if you are inside the US, the following tweak should improve lock speeds and accuracy. I was able to lock on inside my house < 10 secs, with a 6 meter accuracy.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone already does this, even while indoors. Has anyone been having worse GPS quality?

Mine was at 25ft previously. It's been reported on quite a few forums to improve both lock time (mine improved here as well) and accuracy.

Two seconds to first lock with 3 sats. 4 seconds later floating between 9 and 10 sats locked.
F'n sweet. No tweaks needed.

gheck911 said:
Two seconds to first lock with 3 sats. 4 seconds later floating between 9 and 10 sats locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine improved from 5m to 3m accuracy indoors and better lock times so I thought I'd share something I found useful.

Daedalus_ said:
My phone already does this, even while indoors. Has anyone been having worse GPS quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. We shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has accuracy issues.

Dranakin said:
Same here. We shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has accuracy issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By that logic, we shouldn't be building custom kernel's or ROMs - we shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has UI or development issues right?

tejones36 said:
By that logic, we shouldn't be building custom kernel's or ROMs - we shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has UI or development issues right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know that's not even a logical analogy. Don't be a douche now.

Does this file work on all GB devices, or at least Samsung devices, or at least least an Infuse?
thx

Yup, pretty much everything that I've seen so far.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

(nothing to see here, move along...)

How is the GPS Lock and Tracking say compared to HTC or Motorola? Just wondering because I am debating on going back to BB tomorrow and swapping out my HTC Vivid for this phone. Just slightly worried as I have hear horror stories about Samsung and horrible GPS.

malickie said:
How is the GPS Lock and Tracking say compared to HTC or Motorola? Just wondering because I am debating on going back to BB tomorrow and swapping out my HTC Vivid for this phone. Just slightly worried as I have hear horror stories about Samsung and horrible GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about either of those phones, but I had the Captivate which was pretty horrible. both the SGS2 and the skyrocket are excellent right out of the box with none of those problems.
This post was meant to be about getting that last couple percent of accuracy and lock time, or to possibly help if someone had a restricted view of the sky via the SUPL lines at the bottom of the config along with closer geographic time servers. I've used the GPS heavily in the last couple of weeks and it's been terrific.
( Obviously the Skyrocket was only released this past Sunday, but I was using the OGS2 prior to returning it for the Skyrocket upgrade. )

tejones36 said:
I don't know about either of those phones, but I had the Captivate which was pretty horrible. both the SGS2 and the skyrocket are excellent right out of the box with none of those problems.
This post was meant to be about getting that last couple percent of accuracy and lock time, or to possibly help if someone had a restricted view of the sky via the SUPL lines at the bottom of the config along with closer geographic time servers. I've used the GPS heavily in the last couple of weeks and it's been terrific.
( Obviously the Skyrocket was only released this past Sunday, but I was using the OGS2 prior to returning it for the Skyrocket upgrade. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good to know. I am actually one of those that has issues getting gps lock in my house not sure even this will help considering I have a tin roof. Still good to know that this has good GPS out of the box.

(wave) Hi
On the topic of this thread,
I did some disassembly on the GPS kernel module, and it is looking at 3 seperate config files for configuration infos. /etc/gps.conf, /data/data/angryGps/secgps.conf (i think there's a com.android in there, have to go double check, don't remember from memory) and /etc/loc_parameter.ini.
loc_parameter.ini appears to be the most interesting one, with a number of previously undocumented configurations. Notably the GPS is always defaulting to start up in "driving mode" vs. "pedestrian mode" which anyone familiar with the function of GPS will know means there is a filtering algorithm active to prevent some GPS updates from getting to the user (if the location has not moved more than 5 meters in any direction since the last update, assume this falls within the margin of error and report no movement)
Pedestrian mode is desirable in many cases as there are no GPS reports filtered out and you get the constant position updating every second.
Also the GPS driver reports 1Hz update mode, which is common for consumer level GPS receivers. More expensive/higher level receivers can report as fast as 3 times per second. It might be possible to tweak our GPS to perform similarly (boy wouldn't that be sweet)
Lastly, the GPS driver defaults to full verbosity in logcat output. This might be slightly detrimental to performance and flipping a simple bit in loc_parameter.ini cuts the amount of output by a large amount with every position update.
Out of box the GPS daemon is configured to use AT&T's SUPL server, so switching to google's SUPL server should actually be detrimental to GPS time-to-first-fix performance, since AT&T has a much more accurate geolocation database driving their SUPL platform vs. google. Outside of the US however, I imagine google's SUPL server will perform better. Also, outside of AT&T's data network their SUPL server is not accessible, so this is another case switching to google's SUPL server would be advantageous.
Further disassembly tonight

Da_G,
Thanks for the very informative post! Glad to see someone well versed in the subject commenting.
Da_G said:
I did some disassembly on the GPS kernel module, and it is looking at 3 seperate config files for configuration infos. /etc/gps.conf, /data/data/angryGps/secgps.conf (i think there's a com.android in there, have to go double check, don't remember from memory) and /etc/loc_parameter.ini.
loc_parameter.ini appears to be the most interesting one, with a number of previously undocumented configurations.
.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does sound pretty interesting and worth playing with. Is there an easy way (like killing a process, like in system panel or from a terminal) to get the process to reread the config file short of a reboot? I have no idea if mobile phones can take a kill -HUP <pid> and reread, or just a -TERM and the system restarts it.
Pedestrian mode is desirable in many cases as there are no GPS reports filtered out and you get the constant position updating every second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does sound interesting - I wonder if the "pedestrian" routing on google maps actually does something besides changing how it routes - maybe it also changes the gps functionality as well?
It might be possible to tweak our GPS to perform similarly (boy wouldn't that be sweet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely!
Lastly, the GPS driver defaults to full verbosity in logcat output. This might be slightly detrimental to performance and flipping a simple bit in loc_parameter.ini cuts the amount of output by a large amount with every position update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'd like me to include that file with instructions in the first post, I can certainly do so (and properly accredit you of course).
Out of box the GPS daemon is configured to use AT&T's SUPL server, so switching to google's SUPL server should actually be detrimental to GPS time-to-first-fix performance, since AT&T has a much more accurate geolocation database driving their SUPL platform vs. google. Outside of the US however, I imagine google's SUPL server will perform better. Also, outside of AT&T's data network their SUPL server is not accessible, so this is another case switching to google's SUPL server would be advantageous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. What amount of time do you think the first fix might be delayed, order of magnitude wise? (1s, 10s, etc.) I'd trade a short period of time for better global/rural data possibly, but it's good to know the trade offs.
Further disassembly tonight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the info!

So I tried to download the attachment didnt work. Then I tried to put in that information and rebooted. But it still doesnt lock on with google maps.

atomoverride said:
So I tried to download the attachment didnt work. Then I tried to put in that information and rebooted. But it still doesnt lock on with google maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've included the full file now in the main post, it's working on my phone. Here's a copy of the file as well - I'll try to relink it in the original post.
gps.zip - gps.conf replacement: View attachment gps.zip

@Da_G
Is the 5 meter update condition meant to filter out noise from inaccuracy? Does increasing the Hz on the position update compromise battery life?
@tejones36
Earlier I wasn't trying to be rude, I was just saying that my GPS works fine and if yours isn't it might've been broken.

What is the address for AT&T supl? Or does it default to this if you have no supl lines?