Buying Used Captivate, anything to look out for? - Captivate General

I might be buying a used Captivate tomorrow, is there anything I should look out for?
Does the phone have a moisture seal that would show if the phone was in water?

Should be two white stickers, one on battery the other on the case in the battery compartment. Also look at the usb port for any signs of corrosion.
Sent from a phone somewhere in the universe

If possible, try out the GPS. It seems some people have no issues at all, some without a working GPS period, and some with minor issues (like me).

Ask for a day or two test drive or a return policy. The random shutdown problem you see in a thread here seems to happen in some phones more than others, suggesting a hardware problem.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

If you plan on putting a custom rom check the bottom combos to get recovery and download mode.

Make sure it boots and isn't bricked

It might be worth checking out Samsung's warranty policy as well, just to be sure the device's warranty will transfer to you (the new owner).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

check for naked pictures in the gallery, then upload them here

modest_mandroid said:
check for naked pictures in the gallery, then upload them here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha lmao really I did
justmde said:
If you plan on putting a custom rom check the bottom combos to get recovery and download mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ gazillion
From a phone

another quick question
Is there a way to sync outlook contacts/calender with andriod phone? That does not include the need to having all your information uploaded to google.

this is good stuff guys, I'm hoping to convert my iPhone-head wife to one of us ha!

Turn the screen up to at least half brightness and look at a completely white page, like the search screen or a browser window. Look at the color temp. Galaxy S devices (and apparently the Nexus S, too) vary widely from cool (blue) whites to neutral-and-warm (yellowish) hues. This bugs some, and doesn't phase others.

^Actually, you can see this when you look at the AT&T world phone boot screen when the phone is first turned on, too.

OK, so i bought the used Captivate, and I have to say the GPS sucks compared to my old FUZE.
right now looking for advice before I get rid of this phone.
1) GPS seems to see between 4-10 satellies but can't lock on, if it does lock on it stays locked on for 1-2 seconds
2) when GPS lock on for brief moment, tracking never works, the pointer on Google maps just stays still
3) Sometimes when it shows my location it 50-200 feet off from the actual location, and thats with GPS
For example GPS in my Fuze shows my location in backyard almost excactly to 2-3 feet, Captivate when it got GPS lock it was showing my location 2 houses down the street.
PLEASE HELP

You can try using the settings in the sticky thread on top of the forum

visitador02 said:
You can try using the settings in the sticky thread on top of the forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the first thing I tried, didn't help, phone is already updated to Froyo btw.

Jeffu said:
If possible, try out the GPS. It seems some people have no issues at all, some without a working GPS period, and some with minor issues (like me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess he didn't listen. Whoops
From a phone

boborone said:
Guess he didn't listen. Whoops
From a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i did lisen, when i was buying the phone it did lock on location (and found the correct location), what I didn't do is go for a drive with the GPS, thats where the problem starts.

Then you just got one of the weird ones then. You say you're on froyo, try another rom. Some roms work better than others, too.
From a phone

could a cold day with snow showers affect GPS in very bad way?

Related

[Think-Tank] Fixing our GPS?

I have been having issues with getting my GPS to work. I have tried installing the latest Radios and changing roms, wiping and rebooting...all kinds of things and when I try to use the navigate feature in the maps application, it says 'searching for gps...' forever. Any suggestions? What can we do? I know I am not the only one with this issue...
It works but its just been flaky since I went to Eclair/Froyo roms.
Never had any of these issues with the early donut stuff. So I consider it related to that.
No real need for a "think tank" on this subject - the G1 GPS has worked great since the Donut update and last couple radio updates. The problem is more than likely due to using a ROM that was never intended to be used on our G1s.
Shrivel said:
No real need for a "think tank" on this subject - the G1 GPS has worked great since the Donut update and last couple radio updates. The problem is more than likely due to using a ROM that was never intended to be used on our G1s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so are you saying that by using a ROM that was never intended to be used on our G1's that my gps is now broken? Or under that ROM it is unusable ?... Also, is your GPS turn by turn navigation working fine? Mine has not been working for a while now, and I have searched and asked alot and have not been able to fix it with any of the suggestions, so I was hoping by starting this thread we could get a solution or some solutions going...
What phone u got n which Tom are u currently using
Never mind white g1 on super e that's strange man I just used it female BK to silver spring. MD I'm on. Cy rc2 are updated to 440??
I am using cyanogrn 6.0 rc2 and my gps works perfectly.
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App
mine works pretty decent....
I suggest to anyone trying to diagnose GPS issues, don't bother for the next couple days...
http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=10/08/02/2028228
Mine was working perfectly on CM5.0.8 but in the past few days it's been locating me several hundred miles from my true position, without any software changes. I think we're just in for a period of noisy signal...
actually i can confirm having similar issues... it seems like the antenna is disconnected or sth... the gps chip seems to be found, no errors on that unlike on a diff. G1 i checked that had it disconnected, which gave me problems there already. also it finds satellites but only up to 3 which is not enough for location correlation... so i guess our problem is a hardware thing... unfortunately
i admit, since moving to eclair and froyo my gps has been very temperamental. It is so undependable, if i leave the house in a hurry i am screwed. I have to leave the gps on for a while to get a lock then i can leave the house.
Mines working perfect. However, if you find yourself constantly needing the use of navigation, then I suggest you go buy an actual GPS. Yes, your phone can DO IT, but it's not the main function of your phone. You shouldn't rely on your phone for an extra function. I usually only result to phone navigation when I need to get somewhere quick and right then and have absolutely no idea where its at or how to even get close to it. I've maybe used it 4 times. Every time I use it, it works perfectly for me.
As lbcoder said, many things can block or interfere with your GPS signal. Have any of you tested somewhere very spacious and open with no buildings or anything? You may be surprised at how much a difference outside can make. Mine generally does ok inside, but works much better outside. This is true for generally everywhere for me.
r3s-rt said:
Mines working perfect. However, if you find yourself constantly needing the use of navigation, then I suggest you go buy an actual GPS. Yes, your phone can DO IT, but it's not the main function of your phone. You shouldn't rely on your phone for an extra function. I usually only result to phone navigation when I need to get somewhere quick and right then and have absolutely no idea where its at or how to even get close to it. I've maybe used it 4 times. Every time I use it, it works perfectly for me.
As lbcoder said, many things can block or interfere with your GPS signal. Have any of you tested somewhere very spacious and open with no buildings or anything? You may be surprised at how much a difference outside can make. Mine generally does ok inside, but works much better outside. This is true for generally everywhere for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not live near any tall buildings at all (the closest tall building is at least a mile or a 1/2 a mile away.
Is the antennae in place (exposed, like a small shinny screw just left of the sim card)? It’s fathomable the antennae slipped ajar or even fell out, especially if you’ve tinkered at all with it’ guts.
Regards, PK
pk2 said:
Is the antennae in place (exposed, like a small shinny screw just left of the sim card)? It’s fathomable the antennae slipped ajar or even fell out, especially if you’ve tinkered at all with it’ guts.
Regards, PK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it is not exposed. I was thinking the same thing, but the guts have never been messed with.
I was trying to revert it back to stock the other day to see if that would change it, but I could not even find the right donut file to download.
I have the latest radio, I dont know about the SPL though (I will check when im done writing this...) and the ROM that I am currently using is Super F test 2, but I have had this issue with every other ROM...
Maybe there is a ROM or ROM/ Radio/ SPL combination that someone could suggest? (I dont know if that will even work for me though, but thanks in advance)
Like I said before, I found my gps to work much better on Donut. Try Super D 1.9.3 or enoms official donut. I never had issues with those.
Sent from my Chromatic Dream using XDA App
G1ForFun said:
Like I said before, I found my gps to work much better on Donut. Try Super D 1.9.3 or enoms official donut. I never had issues with those.
Sent from my Chromatic Dream using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you referring to Turn by Turn navigation GPS?
Like I said, get a GPS system. You shouldn't depend on your phone for something like this. You should only depend on your phone to make phone calls.
You can try Donut. If you want to unroot here:
http://tinyurl.com/yenhdpx
Extract that, place on root of sdcard, and boot holding camera. It will detect it and ask you the press send. If you press send, you will start reverting to stock 1.0. Cupcake must be updated through a new recovery.
erebusting said:
are you referring to Turn by Turn navigation GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am referring to the GPS used in maps that is turned on by either the power widget or via settings/location/ use GPS.
G1ForFun said:
I am referring to the GPS used in maps that is turned on by either the power widget or via settings/location/ use GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok yeah that is what I was talking about, but...you know say in maps, when you get directions then tap on 'navigate' and then it opens 'google navigation' ...that is where I have the GPS problem...it will locate me fine but wont give me turn by turn directions as a true pure GPS device would, it just says "searching for GPS..." forever...even if I leave it over night.

[Possible FIX] Possible fix for those with GPS problems

LOTS of people seem to have issues after flashing different roms and kernels. Even after doing a full wipe. If I have posted this in the wrong area mods feel free to move it. This fix corrected my GPS problem to where I get lock in about 5-10 seconds and before got nothing at all within 10-15 minutes time. May not work for all but worth a shot. Also, it's worth noting the GPS in this phone requires a good view of the sky it seems. My Iphone was able to get lock alot easier inside. If testing inside simply prop up the phone in a window
Try going to Menu>settings>location. Then click reinstall locations app at bottom of screen. After it finishes installing please reboot your phone (hold power button till menu shows and click restart NOT power off) and then once phone comes up turn off gps and turn it back on. Now launch your navigation app and report back.
Did it see the satellites now? I think it fixed mine perfectly but another persons confirmation would be great!
EDIT....... Removing any hard shell case you have on the phone wil also greatly improve GPS signal! Mine went from not picking up GPS inside house to connecting in under 15 seconds if I remove my case!
reinstall locations app at the bottom of screen under location??? no such thing.
simulatordos said:
reinstall locations app at the bottom of screen under location??? no such thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do show that on mine, it is the last option under settings/location
ebaul is right. It says reinstall in big letters and then in small letters is the rest of the text. Can anyone verify this worked for them?
I don't see the app either. I only have the following:
Use wireless networks
Use gps satellites
Phone finder
IsraelR said:
I don't see the app either. I only have the following:
Use wireless networks
Use gps satellites
Phone finder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto.
Stock unrooted ATTn rom.
For those that do see it what ROM do you currently have flashed? For those that don't what ROM or RUU do you have flashed.. I have a sneaking suspicion its only on CoreDroid..
mudknot2005 said:
For those that do see it what ROM do you currently have flashed? For those that don't what ROM or RUU do you have flashed.. I have a sneaking suspicion its only on CoreDroid..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible. I don't think it will be on a stock rom. Perhaps it's a hidden option opened up by Core Droid or something. It's great for fixing an issue if you have it in core droid at least! Instant fix for mine! And I tried everything!
My GPS is fine but I do have the option on ANdroid Revolution.
laxwillsch said:
My GPS is fine but I do have the option on ANdroid Revolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for commenting about Revo Glad to hear it works fine in there and looks like only custom roms have this option and not stock.
Running RCMixHD latest version and will be testing this now.
Will report back once confirmed.
Sent from my most memorable Inspire 4G
Wow, looks like it did make it better for me too.
Let's thanks this man, will be doing so later tonight.
Sent from my most memorable Inspire 4G
legend221 said:
Wow, looks like it did make it better for me too.
Let's thanks this man, will be doing so later tonight.
Sent from my most memorable Inspire 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help! Seems to be a common issue!
DUDE! Worked for me with Inspire HD ROM - now I am going back to Android Revolution, which is where my GPS problems started.
Before this fix, it took anywhere from 5-15 minutes to get a location fix. After the fix, 30-45 seconds on first try.
Will report back if this continues to work well.
Glad I could help guys I am still having an issue where I will randomly not be able to get GPS fix until I restore locations yet again. It's either happening after a freeze when I have to remove the battery or after a reboot. Haven't payed enough attention
I would also liek to make it known that after reading a post in the general forum that confirmed my suspicions, removing any hard shell case will greatly boost gps reception. I have a hard plastic case from best buy with the rubber type coating and the soft felt like material inside. Inside my house I get no GPS even after repairing locations. If I take the case off the phone will connect to GPS in less than 15 seconds
9646gt said:
I would also liek to make it known that after reading a post in the general forum that confirmed my suspicions, removing any hard shell case will greatly boost gps reception. I have a hard plastic case from best buy with the rubber type coating and the soft felt like material inside. Inside my house I get no GPS even after repairing locations. If I take the case off the phone will connect to GPS in less than 15 seconds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your gps info should be a sticky man
I'm running Android Revolution 2.1, but I don't see the option :[
Chowlz said:
I'm running Android Revolution 2.1, but I don't see the option :[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Humm you may ask Mike why it's not listed. I think others with Revo have said it's listed there. To recap you get there by menu>settings>location and the very last option listed should be to reinstall/recover locations
9646gt said:
Humm you may ask Mike why it's not listed. I think others with Revo have said it's listed there. To recap you get there by menu>settings>location and the very last option listed should be to reinstall/recover locations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reinstall in big letter the rest in small ones

[Q] Delayed Emails

I sometimes see mail arrive at my Gmail Apps account and it doesn't get delivered to the phone for more than an hour. Nomally it's pretty much "push". Is this just 'how it works'? :-(
Stock T-Mobile UK ROM: 1.47.110.3
Connected via WiFi (good signal and on 30Mbps cable connection)
Using stock GMail (not HTC) app on the phone
Hmm can't say I've any probs ...they mostly hit my phone before the PC even notifies me of them
WibblyW said:
I sometimes see mail arrive at my Gmail Apps account and it doesn't get delivered to the phone for more than an hour. Nomally it's pretty much "push". Is this just 'how it works'? :-(
Stock T-Mobile UK ROM: 1.47.110.3
Connected via WiFi (good signal and on 30Mbps cable connection)
Using stock GMail (not HTC) app on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, mine's near enough instant! (just tested it again to prove it)
although I'm on a lower build than you (1.36), although should be moving up soon.
with Gmail version 2.3.5 2549Kb
That was also on wifi.
Ah. Was on 2.3.4.1, having updated it from the market a while back, Market 'forgot' to tell me there was a further update. Gawd this phone is soooo unreliable in sooo many areas. I just never know what's going to stop working next requiring another restart. All-time longest uptime before requiring a restart to fox something or other I've discovered by accident isn't working properly is a little over 5 days. Complete poo, not really fit for purpose IMHO, and big mistake I'm now stuck with :-(
Anyway, thanks, will try that and thanks for the pointer
WibblyW said:
Ah. Was on 2.3.4.1, having updated it from the market a while back, Market 'forgot' to tell me there was a further update. Gawd this phone is soooo unreliable in sooo many areas. I just never know what's going to stop working next requiring another restart. All-time longest uptime before requiring a restart to fox something or other I've discovered by accident isn't working properly is a little over 5 days. Complete poo, not really fit for purpose IMHO, and big mistake I'm now stuck with :-(
Anyway, thanks, will try that and thanks for the pointer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either you have a massive dud unit, or it's about time that you took the chance and moved to a custom ROM.
I've has this phone since April and have the exact opposite opinion! I've used LBC Mod since it was first available after I S-OFF'd and rooted my phone, I have tried the other ROMS all of which offer different things, depending on what you're looking for, but, for me coming from a WM Sense background I'm very happy with a "working" close to stock ROM that's stable reliable and ideal for daily use.
I'm also on T-mobile UK. Happy to point you in the right direction - if needed.
det66 said:
Hmm can't say I've any probs ...they mostly hit my phone before the PC even notifies me of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, now there's an idea. I'm going to try that. With a hammer!
In summary, this thread is trolling at its weakest.
WibblyW, please stop trolling.
zeekiz said:
In summary, this thread is trolling at its weakest.
WibblyW, please stop trolling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, trolling? I have a genuine problem and got some genuinely good advice that may lead to solving it. Good on this forum!
... and I genuinely feel like hitting this phone with a hammer once in a while. So that comment was an attempt at some humour to lighten the mood. Sorry you were not amused.
I do find it interesting when some people find it offending in some way when someone is negative about their fav product - that's the whole "Apple fanboy" mentality isn't it? In another thread entiled "Lucky to have the Desire S" others have said I've just been very unluckly with this phone - and maybe that's the case...
When one has a problem, simply think OH NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO SOLVE MY PROBLEM, STORY OF MY LIFE, WHAT A WORLD, NOTHING EEEEHHHH-VERRRR GOES RIGHT FOR ME.
When some simple steps and questions could be bring upon the holy grail.
1. When was the last time my application was working properly?
2. What has changed since said period of time the email was working properly?
3. Is there a way I can go back to said period of configuration and see if it will work efficiently?
3a. After reverting back to said period of time, has this resolved my problem?
4. Is it a software modification that was made that could be causing this problem?
5. Is it a external source that could be causing my problem?
6. Is it a network issue with my service provider?
7. Is it a issue with my modem that I am connecting to?
The list could go on and on, but my eyes are rather dry, and I need to do a few things for tomorrow.

[Q] Should I return my Infuse? GPS issues!

I know many people have complained about the Infuse's GPS performance. I have read and tried about 10 different "fixes". It does not matter what I do, it is just horrible.
I am coming from an HTC Inspire, which could sit on my lap in the car, lock within 10-15 seconds, and not show me driving in the trees.
With my Infuse, I have to hold the phone up to the windshield, with the back facing out (cannot lay it on the dashboard), to acquire a lock in 2-10 minutes. After I get a lock, if I do not keep the back of the phone at the windshield, I loose lock.
I have worked with Angry GPS & GPStest. I have tried ATT Stock UCKD5 & UCKE3, S7 (awesome ROM), Infused and Stock with Community Kernal.
Is this just how bad the Infuse performs or should I call Amazon and send it back?
Try my fix click on my name and search posts you'll.find it. If you follow directions it works. Pm me for help
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
tyshemi said:
Try my fix click on my name and search posts you'll.find it. If you follow directions it works. Pm me for help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your fix was one of the fixes I have already tried. I tried it under Stock and S7 and tried it again today with S7. Still no improvement.
Question for you Tyshemi which might help clarify this problem. When you have your Infuse indoors and outdoors what are the typical DBHZ (AngryGPS) or SNR (GPSTEST) #'s that you get for satellites?
Here are my typical numbers
[1]Laying on desk 2 foot from window (one floor house), 28-35
[2]in hand 2 foot from window, 17-25
[3]outside laying on leg, 22-28
[4]outside fingers only holding phone by the sides with back of phone to the sky, 25-32
[5]laying on the hood of my wifes Toyota RAV4, 35-45
[6]in the RAV4 on my lap, 20-27
When the phone is on the hood of the RAF 4 it will lock very quick, even after clearing data. But, after locking, not clearing data, I can go to any of the other positions, except #4, and it will not lock.
I am very interested in hearing what you numbers are.
Thanks for the quick response!
Also, it would be interesting to hear from other people what numbers they get and if they have issues or a working GPS.
6
First inside two story house
Second outside
These are just tonight just for you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
I.can help you step by step if ya want
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
tyshemi said:
I.can help you step by step if ya want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreaciate the offer but I feel at this point I have followed the directions as well as trying other fixes.
Please correct me if I am wrong but your fix as well as other fixes do not actually change or affect how the OS uses the hardware or how the hardware processes the incomming signals. I believe most fixes just affect how the phone processes available location services. The fixes may help but I doubt the fixes can help failing/deficient hardware.
I think a very clear example of a hardware issue is the fact when my phone is laying in my hand, outdoors, it may or may not reacquire a lock and if it does lock my accuracy will never go less then 100ft. When I place the phone in a metal cake pan (indoors) or on the hood of the RAV4,, my TTFF is about 60sec and accuracy holds 13 to 25ft.
I really wish you could help me but I am convinced this is hardware and I am going to try and return it and get another one.
I will follow up to let you know what happens.
Thanks again for your help.
Hmm thats weird man... i used thie fix proposed by tyshemi thread:
http://www.darkyrom.com/community/index.php?threads/guide-gps-quickest-fix-solution.2022/
Now i get locked under 30 secs In and out doors no matter the situation....
Maybe you do indeed have a bad gps on that phone.... Probably change it as gps not working, just remember to flash back to stock xD and risk it with another Infuse or change.... but those radically unfuctional gps are not common... i seriously havent had ONE single trouble locking my position on different countries, including north and south america...
sixn,
Are you sure you applied the fix and turned on auto in angry gps?
Powered by Infused v2.1.0
marty331 said:
sixn,
Are you sure you applied the fix and turned on auto in angry gps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but thanks for checking. I have tried multiple scenarios over the last week and have spent a lot of hours trying to figure this out. I think I finally have the answer. Check out this thread I just created, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1260944
SOLVED
I contacted Samsung and discussed my GPS issues. I was issued an RMA on 15 Sep. I just received the phone back today and there is a huge improvment. Right out of the box (I flashed back to stock before sending of course) locked in less then 30 seconds. Much more accurate then prevously. Repair ticket indicates they "replaced component".
At least it is working better

Anyone with GPS problems????

I've searched the threads for are Verizon variant of the SGSIII. If this has been discussed , mod please remove.
I'm not a noob by any means. My GPS is driving me up a freaking wall. I've tried from on a pure stock ROM, yes out the box and both rooted .img's. Plus all available ROM'S .
Here is where my adventure begins. It takes forever if at all , to get a lock. If I do get a lock it will stick but that is about 1 out of ten times. I've tried to modify the GPS.conf , with known general tweaks and NTP servers to pull from with no luck, also a few general build.prop tweaks. Then I turned to the market and we all no how that goes , thousands of apps claiming to give you the world with a click of a button. Nada , nothing. I've done full restores, formatted system, efs etc ect, a clean start. Still no luck. Now I thought at one point that maby my GPS is fubared, I highly doubt this. I can see all satellites in my region and it connects to about one or two at the most. When I just look at my maps on my location it is close , it will show me about 100 ft away from the road I'm on or the next road over, or show me on the road but riding along side it. If I'm in navigation it just says follow route , searching for GPS. So I no its close.
This is frustrating cause I'm a self employed contractor and I depend on my phone for everything. So if anyone can confirm some of the problems I've been having or any links or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
(EDIT) After some reaserch and tinkering with the gps.conf I have made my GPS 50% better. See page 2.
DirtyDroidX
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
I've had the same problem. My GPS takes forever to lock on (if I try to start it up while navigating, it usually doesn't lock at all). And when it does lock on, the accuracy is terrible.
I haven't tried any of the tweaks, apps, or different ROMs or anything, but I shouldn't be really have to. GPS worked great on my now 2.5 year old HTC Incredible, and works fine on the Rezound I play with a lot. This was one of the things I was worried about when I bought this phone... HTC phones are known for having the best radios around... and Samsung radios are known to be ****. Well, this has only reinforced that for me.
For a comparison to the Rezound, see the attached screenshots taken at pretty much the same time, in pretty much the same spot. In fairness, I was moving (although coming to a stop) when the SGSIII one was taken, but the results that came out were actually one of the better ones. Around the time I took the screenshots, I was getting measurements similar to this as well as much worse than this, while both moving and stopped. Hell, you can even see that the 3G signal is weaker on the SGSIII.
I've seen these same issues discussed in a number of forums on here, and I recognize that not everyone has this problem. Most people's GPS locks on instantly and the accuracy is great. But there are still a lot of people who do have this problem, so it's definitely not just a couple isolated cases. I realize that I can take it in for a warranty replacement, but then I get a refurbished phone back, and those usually come with even more problems... which is the thing that pisses me off about the Verizon warranty program... I buy a brand new phone... it doesn't work... I get a refurbished phone in it's place. Samsung needs to just stop making shoddy hardware and it won't be a problem.
Don't get me wrong, I'd still take this phone over the Rezound any day. It's sexier, has a way better processor, camera, and battery life, and has a bigger screen. I just miss Sense and having radios that actually work well
For whatever reason, the old GPS issue thread disappeared. Initially I had no problems on stock, but when I flashed Invisiblek's JB 8-10 build, I wasn't able to lock on.
What I did was download FasterFix from the PlayStore. With GPS off, I launched it, set the region to my region, closed, and then turned on GPS, waited a minute and launched navigation again. See if that works for you. I think FasterFix calibrates your region or something if it's trying to find you somewhere in the world and is taking a while.
xmrlazyx said:
For whatever reason, the old GPS issue thread disappeared. Initially I had no problems on stock, but when I flashed Invisiblek's JB 8-10 build, I wasn't able to lock on.
What I did was download FasterFix from the PlayStore. With GPS off, I launched it, set the region to my region, closed, and then turned on GPS, waited a minute and launched navigation again. See if that works for you. I think FasterFix calibrates your region or something if it's trying to find you somewhere in the world and is taking a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FasterFix seems like it might fix the lock-on time but not the accuracy, which is the (much) bigger problem.
I hope I don't. S2 had a POS GPS at first that took forever to fix.
Yea I can get a lock faster with a few play store apps. The thing is like said before, the accuracy is ****ty. Plus the navigation won't function cause of this. I hope someone with in depth knowledge can see what the problem is. I have not given up hope yet lol. I have a few things I want to test out and then I might throw my hands in the air. I need to get ahold of nitroglycerin33 on talk and ask him a few questions.
Jmo. I flashed the radio before Verizon got there ignorant hands on it. I forget what the version name is . I live on a fringe area and I was dropping calls left and right ,bad 4G conection. Now I would say its 60% better.
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
You should exchange the phone if you can. Mine was terrible before and now its perfect on the new phone.
ChrisNee1988 said:
You should exchange the phone if you can..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, GPS not working in these phones seems to be a hardware problem.
My G3 GPS works perfectly (better than my old Rezound in side by side comparisons, it locks almost instantly even inside where I work), but my boss had one that didn't work for ****.
VZ replaced his & now it works great.
My wife's S3 does something entirely different. GPS locks on fine and fast, but it says she's in Clintwood VA, about 500 miles off. First noticed it in the weather widget, but if she opens maps it starts in Clintwood, but locks on correctly in just a few seconds. Weather can be changed manually, but goes back to Clintwood after a while.
Never been to Clintwood, may need to see if there's anything worth seeing there.
johnnyvol said:
My wife's S3 does something entirely different. GPS locks on fine and fast, but it says she's in Clintwood VA, about 500 miles off. First noticed it in the weather widget, but if she opens maps it starts in Clintwood, but locks on correctly in just a few seconds. Weather can be changed manually, but goes back to Clintwood after a while.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is just a bug in the [email protected] stock weather app, mine does the same thing. It always puts me in NYC which is a 6 1/2 hour drive away.
I use weather & toggle widgets flip clock/weather instead in Nova Launcher & that weather app always locates me perfectly no matter where I am.
Just got it and this is one of the best GPS's I have seen yet. Better than my S2 and my Razr.
My last GS3 had a similar issue too on top of the lock taking forever and it being a bit off. At one point it thought I was in Florida but I really live near DC. My friend noticed it when I was chatting with the FB app and it included Geotags and was wondering what I was doing in Florida.
johnnyvol said:
My wife's S3 does something entirely different. GPS locks on fine and fast, but it says she's in Clintwood VA, about 500 miles off. First noticed it in the weather widget, but if she opens maps it starts in Clintwood, but locks on correctly in just a few seconds. Weather can be changed manually, but goes back to Clintwood after a while.
Never been to Clintwood, may need to see if there's anything worth seeing there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm leaning toward a hardware issue myself cause I'm adjusting the NTP servers as we speak. I've used about 6 different ones . No change. I'm going to try some prop tweaks now.
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
dirtydroidx said:
I'm leaning toward a hardware issue myself cause I'm adjusting the NTP servers as we speak. I've used about 6 different ones . No change. I'm going to try some prop tweaks now.
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be misinterpreting what you are trying to do, but why would the NTP servers have anything to do with your GPS problem? NTP simply delivers UTC time....
GPS works prefer for me. Takes about ten seconds at most to lock
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Beemer533 said:
I could be misinterpreting what you are trying to do, but why would the NTP servers have anything to do with your GPS problem? NTP simply delivers UTC time....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what the problem is that's why I'm trying to distinguish between hardware or software. Just exploring all options. Can't hurt.
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
OK might be on to something
If anyone wants to try it out I will post it here in a little bit. From tweaking the GPS.conf file I got this>>>
When I started the day I got not one lock on a satt !
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
dirtydroidx said:
I'm not sure what the problem is that's why I'm trying to distinguish between hardware or software. Just exploring all options. Can't hurt.
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it certainly can't! I was just wondering, as NTP just delivers time, and has no positional information...
Agreed the lock does take forever UNLESS you turn on Google Location Services (which I usually have off), and it is accurate as all hell even indoors. I wonder if turning that on with Standalone GPS will solve your issues.
Edit: GPS lock was great with Maps indoors, but switching to Navigation it never locked onto GPS even though it had my location perfectly!
OK if you want to prove my concept feel free to . Let me no if it works for you. Go out side or be in a car while locking on!
1) Download new gps.conf file>>>
http://db.tt/5xvFneRt
2) Replace it in /ect . Rename the original one from .conf to .bak. using a file explorer with R/W enabled , so yes you have to be rooted!
3) Download GPS toolbox https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
4) Reboot.
5) Enable standalone GPS and Google services NOT Verizon services.
6) Open GPS status select options/tools/reset . Then options/ tools/download
7) Reboot
8) Open GPS status and wait for lock . Mine took 5 min a friends took 3. Then open up navigation .
9) Profit
Sent from my SCH-I535 or XT913

Categories

Resources