Well it seems the GPS on our Captivates has been improving over time due to adjusted Jupiter files, ROM updates, improvements in some leaked builds, and now a new GLGPS Daemon port, etc, but still seeing posts by lots of folks who still have trouble achieving good results. So, while the improvement quest continues, was thinking it might be helpful to have a common scoring or grading system for people to use when reporting on their gps results.
Would appreciate any comments on the usefulness of this, or agreement or disagreement with the descriptions. Just seems to me that currently it is often difficult to know what someone means when they say their GPS is good, best its ever been, or terrible.
(Note - to be most helpful to others please post your grade/results and anything you've done that has improved the gps performance.)
It would go something like this:
Captivate GpsGrade
A Common Way to Report GPS Effectiveness
Grade = A. Description – Performance is excellent at all times and very consistent. Applications such as Maps, Copilot, Google Nav, MyTracks always perform perfectly. Tracks as recorded by MyTracks consistently show the route accurately. GPS Locks are quick – under 30 seconds, and accuracy shows 5 to 10 meters or better as measured by lbstest, or GPS Test applications. When used for navigation, there is no drifting off of the road, no lag, and no overshoot of intersections. In short – its how we would want it to be.
Grade = B. Description – GPS function often works as expected, but occasionally does not. Usually no problem seeing several satellites and get locks within 30 seconds but always under a minute. Navigation apps are usable but sometimes there is a small bit of drift and sometimes will lag or show overshooting of intersections. Tracking via MyTracks is often accurate to the route taken, but sometimes off by a bit. Locks are sometimes lost but the system usually locks on again in just a few seconds. Accuracy often around 30 meters. Its not quite what we would like, but can live with it. Might call it pretty good.
Grade = C. Description – system achieves locks but often takes 60 seconds or longer. Locks are sometimes maintained while moving, sometimes not. Erratic performance. Can sometimes get Apps like Maps and Nav to work, but often have trouble with them or the system shows being on the next road or off the road. Routes recorded by MyTracks show inaccurate performance – route shown is close to the one taken but has occasional gaps with loss of lock. Accuracy is between 30 and 50 meters. In other words, performance may be good enough for location based services to be used, but not too useful for map or navigation functions. Mediocre.
Grade = D. Description – system sometimes gets a lock but cannot maintain lock. GPS Apps are not useable do to poor performance. In GPS Test or lbstest can sometimes see a couple satellites, but trouble getting a fix. Basically the GPS Icon is flashing pretty much the entire time. Awful would describe it.
Grade = F. Description – system does not work at all – cannot get locks, and cannot use any GPS Apps such as Maps or Nav, ever. Its just horrible.
good idea.
The problem with this, is most people have no idea how to properly test anything. For this to have any meaning, all tests should be conducted as follows:
Using multiple devices - not just a Captivate but another phone as well on another run
Not holding the phone in your hand - we know this can cause signal issues
Repeatable routes (testing on the same route)
Driving - walking does not allow for fast enough position change to reveal problems
No other apps running on phone - try to reduce any type of processor or storage contention issues
1. Mount device in car mount in the front windshield - other windows may have tint that interfere with signal reception
2. Launch Google mytracks - start driving after 10 seconds (fixed time for lock - equal for all)
3. Drive route with local and highway speeds and turns
4. Repeat with another device
5. Compare MyTracks recordings
Turn-by-Turn nav is a nice way to view accuracy BUT it has no way to record measurements. Comparing devices with a tool like Googles MyTracks is the only way to show that the captivate GPS sucks or not - maybe other phones suck too in certain environments.
This same methodology should be used before and after any mods as well - otherwise it is all hearsay.
alphadog00 said:
The problem with this, is most people have no idea how to properly test anything. For this to have any meaning, all tests should be conducted as follows:
Using multiple devices - not just a Captivate but another phone as well on another run
Not holding the phone in your hand - we know this can cause signal issues
Repeatable routes (testing on the same route)
Driving - walking does not allow for fast enough position change to reveal problems
No other apps running on phone - try to reduce any type of processor or storage contention issues
1. Mount device in car mount in the front windshield - other windows may have tint that interfere with signal reception
2. Launch Google mytracks - start driving after 10 seconds (fixed time for lock - equal for all)
3. Drive route with local and highway speeds and turns
4. Repeat with another device
5. Compare MyTracks recordings
Turn-by-Turn nav is a nice way to view accuracy BUT it has no way to record measurements. Comparing devices with a tool like Googles MyTracks is the only way to show that the captivate GPS sucks or not - maybe other phones suck too in certain environments.
This same methodology should be used before and after any mods as well - otherwise it is all hearsay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.
ChaoticKinesis said:
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of us has GPS that works fairly well. I have had my phone since launch and running the stock GPS config.... it works OK.
My GPS is an A. I got a replacement and has worked perfectly since.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
ChaoticKinesis said:
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Results are extremely variable. Your phone sounds like mine. By trial and error I have gotten mine to an "A", but only by doing these four things 1) flashing new ROM - Assonance (5.0), 2) installing Da_g's GPS fix, 3) Removing the rear cover and just using my Bodyglove cover, and 4) when in the car plugging into car charger.
There are other solutions and reported good results from other ROMs and methods, but these are the things that work for me. I have done extensive testing with each of the four items, including MyTracks recordings, to validate the impact they each have. Good luck with yours - it IS possible to get a working system.
Mines grade b at most.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Where can I get this Da_G fix? I'm using Assonance 5.2 and it works fairly well - about a C+ or B I guess. I tried searching XDA for the Da_G fix and couldnt find anything
PixelPerfect3 said:
Where can I get this Da_G fix? I'm using Assonance 5.2 and it works fairly well - about a C+ or B I guess. I tried searching XDA for the Da_G fix and couldnt find anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get Da_G's fix at the post below. Three options - I have been using the Google version and had good success with it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941
Related
Hello All,
Junior Newb here.
I'm thinking of purchasing an HTC Touch Pro(1) Sprint model from someone here. I am not planning on getting a sub from Sprint. I am purchasing the phone mainly to use as an GPS for when I am motorcycling as I do not have a mounted GPS on the bike. I am unclear on how GPS actually receives its signal? I have read and best I can decypher is GPS units gets their signal from various satellites. I have also read were various cell phone companies have their own spin on GPS software of their own creation? Am I going to be able to use Google maps on this phone and have it do what I want it to do? I am eons behind times,in case you hadn't guessed that by now. Also will the GPS be readable if I have the phone stuck in my chest pocket and pull it out going down the road? Can someone chime in on how long battery life would be with this scenario as well? I know the battery life listed in spec sheets are usually not even close in the real world.
Thanks,
Barry
Right!
GPS works by checking the different time stream data from several satellites - the receiver (in this case the phone) uses this to produce your position (and by changing position over time - speed).
Honestly - for 99.9% of people, this as it is - is useless. You then need to put this info into mapping software. Google maps is ok, but IMO itsnt very good for using while driving (prob much less for while on a bike!). Personally i use tomtom for in car and google for walking (so if you're checking your position & local roads, then riding - stop & repeat then google maps will prob be fine).
If you read more on the forums (and the web in general) you will come across 2 other "types" of GPS:
aGPS - assisted GPS - works by using your known position (roughly) from mobile/cell towers, this allows the GPS receiver to get a lock quicker.
quickGPS - this downloads the almanac data from the web so youre device knows where the satellites are. If you dont do this, it will download the data from the satellites themselves, but this takes longer.
Neither are any use on their own - they simply improve GPS lock times (from turning on, to having your position).
Battery life - depends on many things including your rom & radio, software, battery condition etc etc.
Remember - for google maps to work you will need a data connection (watch the cost if its not part of a deal).
If all you want is a hand held or bike GPS - then i think you're looking at a very bad choice in the touch pro! if you want a phone, pda, web browser, gps etc etc then it will probably do everything you want.
This might be my first post ever, however, long time lurker on the boards.
I think I have a potential fix for the GPS issue with the Captivate. I don’t think this is the same as the “quick fix” found elsewhere on these and other the boards. I am not sure what (if any) 'side effects' there are to this.
My phone previously had the AT&T/Samsung fix from late September applied, although it didn’t seem to help.
Get to the Lbs test menu; previous available through *#*#1472365#*#*. However, if you previously installed the recent AT&T/Samsung (supposed fix) for the Captivate, you can’t get to the menu through the dialer. Use Anycut from market to get to the Lbs test screen.
My GPS now gets a great lock about 30 seconds.
BTW, I am not root….
YMMV. You should record your original settings prior to making these changes, just in case you need to revert.
Standard Disclaimer; I am not at fault for any issues this causes your device…..
Now, down to the settings that I use:
In Lbs test menu:
I “deleted GPS data”
Application Settings
– Session Type: Tracking
– Test Mode : S/W Test
– Operation Mode: MS Based
– Start Mode: Cold Start
– GPS Plus: Off
– Dynamic Accuracy: On
– Accuracy: 50
– Use Skyhook: Off
– Use PC Tool: Off
SUPL/CP Settings
- Server FQDN Type: Auto Config
- Server [leave what is autopulated]
- Server Port [leave was is autopopulated]
- Supl Secure Socket: On
- AGPS Mode: SUPL
Reboot.
Use GPS Test from Market, or the The “Get Position Test” menu from Lbs screen to validate.
WIFI Problem:
One thing I have noticed is that depending on the settings above, wifi (if on) sometimes inhibits the ability to see more than 1 satellite. I think the problems with GPS are overall related to Wifi in some way.
If you do not have luck with above settings, turn wifi off and see what happens.
I only had to change a couple of the settings but this is working nicely so far...Ill try again over the next day or so in various situations and report back.
Changed:
Op Mode to MS Based
Start Mode to Cold
Turned off GPS Plus
Secure Socket to off
Thanks!
I'll admit some of this seems counter-intuitive, but at this point anything is worth a shot.I'll let you know how it goes!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
You don't need to download anything to access the Lbs test. Just type *#*#3214789650#*#* in the dialer and you will get access. Works with JH7 and Froyo.
Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.
Nope, it's definitely not fixed...but it did give me a better lock than before. Same old...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.
l7777 said:
Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Additionally, a lock is not enough to say it works. Take it for a drive along with another GPS device - use Google my tracks or some other tool to record your path. Even use GPS test and watch your MPH, direction and location.
You will find that it is not fixed. It works OK sometimes, but many times it is behind or inaccurate.
msinkovich said:
Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to do that every week as your cached GPS data expires. And you can literally use any settings as long as you can use the lbstestmode to accquire a lock. That's all you need to do (accquire your first lock and it will cache the data for 5 to 7 days).
Any "fix" that involves "settings" isn't a "fix" at all since it demonstrates an utter lack of what the real problem is and how GPS fundamentally works.
The real "fix" won't come in the form of settings. Any purported settings "fix" is snake oil.
I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.
I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough. It may not be perfect but everytime ive used it it has got me where i need to go no problems. It may jump off track or be slow to turn for a second but it still gets me to wherever just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
If I read this correctly your turning off skyhook ? I read this http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/, and to me you need it turned on for urban areas and in the city need wi-fi turned on because of the occlusions caused by buildings and such...?
Mac
roadrash7 said:
I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option has nothing to do with GPS. 'Use Wireless Networks' is actually quite useful for location aware apps like Google Maps, Places, Speed Test etc. where an accurate but slow GPS lock may not be needed (or even possible if you're underground or inside a concrete building). This option enables those apps to use cell tower or wi-fi signal trianglation to get a quick estimation of your current location so that apps can give you relavent information, i.e. nearby gas stations or resaurants. It has nothing to do with aGPS either.
MikeyMike01 said:
I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be kidding saying its a feature right? I can't believe how many say that its a feature and that it is ok that Samsung is screwing them ( along with placebo updates) . I myself love and would like a Galaxy S phone or even the new Focus 7, but its looking like it too has GPS issues from early reports with the Omnia 7.
I know most of you guys are already locked in with your carrier and don't have much choice with the GPS issue but its not a feature, its a valuable function just like placing calls, sending emails, texting, etc.. If you don't care about this, then you should of bought a Razor flip phone.
I have been keeping up with this because I really want to see Samsung resolve this and make right.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I think their point is that it is an advertised function of the phone and we would like to work properly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
GimpyLeg said:
So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.
Oh, I agree that it should work as advertised. Can't say Samsung is ' screwing' me because they can't get it right. Would have bought the phone if I knew about it beforehand anyway. There are many other features that led me to the Cappy. Samsung does need to fix the problem and I hope they do so soon. Buy I won't try discourage anyone from Samsung products in the meanwhile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
wsantiagow said:
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution to the GPS problem is quite simple, but most people still don't see it.
If 100% accuracy and < 10 second fixes are more important to you than the rest of the Galaxy S features, then you do not want a Galaxy S phone. Either return the one you have or don't buy it. For most people, that good of a GPS is a bonus and not a requirement.
The GPS problems are not undocumented, anyone reading any reviews for the phone will realize that the GPS is not as good as other devices. Even if they don't realize it before they buy it, they have 30 days to return it. Samsung may or may not ever get the problem worked out since phones have such a short life cycle. *****ing about it in thread after thread, online petitions, and idle threats of legal action will have absolutely no impact on Samsung.
On Froyo
- doesn't work out of box (can see 2-4 satellites but no fix)
- used lbstest menu, changed mode to MS assist, 10 starts 5-7 fixes within 3 seconds
On Gingerbread
- doesn't work out of box (can see 2-4 satellites but no fix)
- no way to get into lbstest menu
- tried different roms, best case is getting a fix in minutes with Valhalla but not stable (drifting, losing fix, not accurate, etc.)
So I'm thinking, to fix this on GB, if only someone can figure out a way of changing the mode (standalone vs MS based vs MS assisted) or better have full access to lbstest or its equivalent on GB.
cheers
EDIT
Forgot to mention, I tried GPS Aids paid version as well (on Valhalla)
Purchased, tried the auto fix option, nothing happens;
Downgraded to V2 (read somewhere that it works better than V3 which is the current version in Market), tried clearing GPS folder (or something alike), phone suddenly rebooted.
Then it takes forever to verifying license.
Then upgraded back to V3, noticed that I need to uninstall V3 before intalling V2.
Did that, and instantly got email from Market telling me I have been refunded cuz I uninstalled the app...
GPS Aids worked perfectly fine for me.
Here's what I do:
1) I use GPS Doctor, which is supposed to cause you to reboot.
2) I download the GPS Aiding Data for Forced Method. Native Method doesn't seem to work for me, but there hasn't been a difference in my GPS performance.
3) Use GPS Status, which detects the satellites around you. You should be able to see some at the bottom. They are white at first, but once enough satellites are around and you're connected, they should turn green (not all, just some).
4) Use your GPS like you normally would.
I hope you're using your GPS outdoors, instead of trying to fix it indoors. It's very likely that it won't work when you're indoors. I practically get instant locks when I'm outside.
hummmmmmmmm
bkoon1218 said:
GPS Aids worked perfectly fine for me.
Here's what I do:
1) I use GPS Doctor, which is supposed to cause you to reboot.
2) I download the GPS Aiding Data for Forced Method. Native Method doesn't seem to work for me, but there hasn't been a difference in my GPS performance.
3) Use GPS Status, which detects the satellites around you. You should be able to see some at the bottom. They are white at first, but once enough satellites are around and you're connected, they should turn green (not all, just some).
4) Use your GPS like you normally would.
I hope you're using your GPS outdoors, instead of trying to fix it indoors. It's very likely that it won't work when you're indoors. I practically get instant locks when I'm outside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By outside you mean walking on the street? I'm trying to get a fix while driving my car, you know, to get turn by turn directions. I hope a car qualifies as "outside". Anyway, I get a fix after several (lots of) minutes. I'm not going to paid for gps aid donate version. I paid a lot for my phone! (i'm not being cheap, it's just that where I live it isn't easy to get us dolars).
I think on froyo I had less waiting time for fix. But can't really tell. It's been so long since I moved to GB.
I think I'll end up selling my phone or giving it to my gf and get a sgs2 or galaxy nexus for myself.
have u tried a diffrent rom?
mikeflash said:
By outside you mean walking on the street? I'm trying to get a fix while driving my car, you know, to get turn by turn directions. I hope a car qualifies as "outside". Anyway, I get a fix after several (lots of) minutes. I'm not going to paid for gps aid donate version. I paid a lot for my phone! (i'm not being cheap, it's just that where I live it isn't easy to get us dolars).
I think on froyo I had less waiting time for fix. But can't really tell. It's been so long since I moved to GB.
I think I'll end up selling my phone or giving it to my gf and get a sgs2 or galaxy nexus for myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have the same problem here
...try every app In the market to fix it and nothing ..until I was driving and I let the GPS sit for 4 mins and start working since that day I start doing the samething and works but just take long to start working ...I think it ain't the rom cuz I have flash to almost every rom to fix this and stills the same ...but everyphone different urs mite work with another rom try it out ..!!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Outside, open space with literally no tall building around, actually the same spot where I got a fix in 2 seconds on froyo.
Finally decided to check mine and it sucks too. Turned on sensor aiding and it zeroed in on my local instantly.
Sent from my SGH-T959V
some types of window tint will block gps signals, so keep that in mind if you have tinted windows in your car.
I've owned a GSM Galaxy Nexus (Samsung i9250) with JB 4.2.1.
The one deficiency that I didn't initially notice is the lack of decent GPS reception.
My friend have a galaxy S3 take 30seconds or less for fix gps without wifi ou 3g. The nexus make maybe 10min GPS lock on its own (no Wi-Fi required) and then would keep the lock the whole time when the phone was in my pocket.
The GPS of nexus is, quite simply, broken. It takes, on average, 5-10 minutes to get a GPS lock when standing outside with a clear view of the sky and the phone in the palm of my hand. Sometimes it takes longer but usually I give up after 10 minutes because, strangely enough, I do have a life. Unfortunately, even after this GPS lock is achieved, it loses it easily. Putting the phone in my pocket will cause the GPS lock to be lost within a few minutes, typically.
Unfortunately, it appears that I'm not the only one with the problem. This is unfortunate because this means if I call Samsung asking for a replacement phone most likely my situation will not improve.
Strangely enough, if I enable Wi-Fi and are within the vicinity of some networks, I can get a GPS lock fairly quickly. In fact, even sitting here in my condo typing this, with Wi-Fi enabled I can get a lock within a few seconds by holding the phone near the window. The phone will only see 4-5 satellites, but that's all that is needed for a 3D lock. This makes a little bit of sense because WPS probably seeds the GPS subsystem with location data so it knows exactly where to start (vs. a cold or warm start).
After searching around a little bit I found a few suggestions. One was to shut off the phone and remove the battery for a few minutes, which seemed silly since this suggestion only temporarily fixes the problem. The second, that seemed to work for a few people, was to force a cold start and redownload A-GPS data, both of which can be done using GPS Status & Toolbox, an application I've used in the past and is pretty darn neat.
Unfortunately, performing the cold start (reset) and redownloading the A-GPS data didn't work out for me. I was still left in the same situation as I was before. However, using the GPS Status & Toolbox provided me with some additional information about the GPS problems. Apparently when the Galaxy Nexus is stuck searching for a GPS lock, usually it actually does see a whole boatload of satellites, but fails to receive any data from them.
GPS lock with Wi-Fi enabled. I don't even have a clear view of the sky since I'm indoors. However, I'm standing at a window:
Why does the GPS on the Galaxy Nexus not quickly receive the second and third parts of the GPS message from any satellites when Wi-Fi is disabled? According to the first screenshot above, it can clearly be seen that a number of satellites are providing adequate signal strength, but most are just stuck in the no info stage or have only processed the first GPS message. I wish I had an answer.
I suspect the problem may be due to inadequate RF shielding of the GPS receiver inside the hardware itself. Perhaps the GPS receiver is getting a strong signal but it's too noisy and the messages are chock full of errors and can't be processed correctly. This is really only speculation, though
I tried so many things, gps.conf etc..maybe is a hardware problem ? isnt the google location server problem..
Anyone have any suggestions or comments?
hoobinho said:
I've owned a GSM Galaxy Nexus (Samsung i9250) with JB 4.2.1.
The one deficiency that I didn't initially notice is the lack of decent GPS reception.
My friend have a galaxy S3 take 30seconds or less for fix gps without wifi ou 3g. The nexus make maybe 10min GPS lock on its own (no Wi-Fi required) and then would keep the lock the whole time when the phone was in my pocket.
The GPS of nexus is, quite simply, broken. It takes, on average, 5-10 minutes to get a GPS lock when standing outside with a clear view of the sky and the phone in the palm of my hand. Sometimes it takes longer but usually I give up after 10 minutes because, strangely enough, I do have a life. Unfortunately, even after this GPS lock is achieved, it loses it easily. Putting the phone in my pocket will cause the GPS lock to be lost within a few minutes, typically.
.
Unfortunately, it appears that I'm not the only one with the problem. This is unfortunate because this means if I call Samsung asking for a replacement phone most likely my situation will not improve.
Strangely enough, if I enable Wi-Fi and are within the vicinity of some networks, I can get a GPS lock fairly quickly. In fact, even sitting here in my condo typing this, with Wi-Fi enabled I can get a lock within a few seconds by holding the phone near the window. The phone will only see 4-5 satellites, but that's all that is needed for a 3D lock. This makes a little bit of sense because WPS probably seeds the GPS subsystem with location data so it knows exactly where to start (vs. a cold or warm start).
After searching around a little bit I found a few suggestions. One was to shut off the phone and remove the battery for a few minutes, which seemed silly since this suggestion only temporarily fixes the problem. The second, that seemed to work for a few people, was to force a cold start and redownload A-GPS data, both of which can be done using GPS Status & Toolbox, an application I've used in the past and is pretty darn neat.
Unfortunately, performing the cold start (reset) and redownloading the A-GPS data didn't work out for me. I was still left in the same situation as I was before. However, using the GPS Status & Toolbox provided me with some additional information about the GPS problems. Apparently when the Galaxy Nexus is stuck searching for a GPS lock, usually it actually does see a whole boatload of satellites, but fails to receive any data from them.
GPS lock with Wi-Fi enabled. I don't even have a clear view of the sky since I'm indoors. However, I'm standing at a window:
Why does the GPS on the Galaxy Nexus not quickly receive the second and third parts of the GPS message from any satellites when Wi-Fi is disabled? According to the first screenshot above, it can clearly be seen that a number of satellites are providing adequate signal strength, but most are just stuck in the no info stage or have only processed the first GPS message. I wish I had an answer.
I suspect the problem may be due to inadequate RF shielding of the GPS receiver inside the hardware itself. Perhaps the GPS receiver is getting a strong signal but it's too noisy and the messages are chock full of errors and can't be processed correctly. This is really only speculation, though
I tried so many things, gps.conf etc..maybe is a hardware problem ? isnt the google location server problem..
Anyone have any suggestions or comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoobinho,
I'm having the same problem.
I'm pretty sure it's software related, because 4.1.2 worked very nice with GPS. This issue started after 4.2, and continues with 4.2.1. I will roll back to 4.1.2 as soon as I have time to do it, and stay there until Google fixes it.
Is anyone experiencing problem with their GPS signal? Mine would lose the GPS lock constantly. Thanks.
Working fine on my end. Out and back, my drive was 5 hours total.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
No, no problems at all. And I used the GPS allot.
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Make sure yours is set to High accuracy. Mine was not after set up. I had to change.
Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk
Even in high accuracy, I lose the gps signal frequently. Sigh
Do you have a case on your phone?
I just got my cases in and have noticed weaker gps performance since putting the phone in a case.
I've been having major GPS problems. Going for a run and expecting the phone to track my route and calculate my speed accurately shouldn't be too much to ask in late 2016. But my phone constantly loses the GPS signal (this was never a problem with my previous phone in the same location) and even when it doesn't, it can't figure out where I am. My run traces often show me two streets over in addition to thinking I'm jumping back and forth across a busy 5-lane road every 5 seconds or so. I run 6 miles and the phone thinks I've gone 8.25. Not useful for training for events.
Even if you don't want to use the phone to track exercise, there's another reason the bad GPS is annoying. It makes it impossible to take advantage of the feature allowing you to unlock the phone without using your fingerprint or pin based on your location. I have my phone set to be unlocked at home, but the phone apparently can't tell when I'm at home, making this setting completely useless.
As to GPS issues while driving, I haven't noticed them, but I've not used the phone for navigating either.
Would like to mention that while I have a case on it, it is quite light and doesn't seem like it should interfere so badly with the GPS. Will try checking the accuracy without the case and will update if this resolves the issues. Also, I have tried tinkering with the GPS accuracy settings but even selecting all the options to optimize accuracy has not worked for me.
The only thing you can do to test the case theory is to use the phone without that case. That said, it is possible you have a defective phone. I have read many articles about poor GPS being caused by a loose, internal connection. You might want to take your phone to a repair facility and have them check it out.
I have a US996 and, so far, GPS is nice.
how
wtharp2 said:
The only thing you can do to test the case theory is to use the phone without that case. That said, it is possible you have a defective phone. I have read many articles about poor GPS being caused by a loose, internal connection. You might want to take your phone to a repair facility and have them check it out.
I have a US996 and, so far, GPS is nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can you change it to high?
No issues on my end yet, I use it navigating on a daily basis (racking up Waze points basically) and walking around, can't think of maybe one time it lost GPS driving and that was only briefly.
Mine was misbehaving horribly. I tried using google maps to see if it was something to do with Navigon, (my normal gps app) and somehow it seems like just running maps fixed it. It has been working great with Navigon now.
Go figure.
GPS on my Sprint version has worked great in all 3 options since day 1
Sent from my LG V20 using XDA Labs
On my rooted VS995 software version VS99513A on notsostock kernel v1.2 the GPS seemed to never be able to locate my current location. When I used it before without root it picked up quickly. Am going to try nostock kernek v1.1 the updated version and see if I get a difference. Plus now am running magisk instead of supersu so will see if that makes a difference.
It's possible that the a-gps data is corrupt. I'm not sure how you'd go about clearing that. There must be a cache file associated with gps daemon.
Try installing this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
And when GPS isn't working, run the app and see if it's receiving/decoding any satellites at all (bar lengths indicate strength, colour indicates successfully received all ephemeris data from satellite and therefore has lock - it can take a while without a-gps).
---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------
P.s. I found that taking the back off my phone improves Wi-Fi. Metal blocks radio signals.
If you have low or no signals in a specific location, try popping the back of the phone and seeing if the signals become useable.
mmar3087 said:
Is anyone experiencing problem with their GPS signal? Mine would lose the GPS lock constantly. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to bring up an old thread. I just bought a used LG V20 (at&t version, H910) on Craigslist the other day, and have had GPS issues that made me highly annoyed like I bought a lemon phone, and was getting ready to call LG Support, and pay a lot of money for repairs.
Happily, I did discover a trivial solution that I haven't really seen, so I thought I'd share it.
After I purchased the phone, I factory reset it. It seemed like the device would be able to triangulate a position, but it would be unreliable, move around, and the accuracy would be highly variable. (observed in Google Maps and Waze). These symptoms seem to be consistent with other people's experiences. The useful and highly recommended "GPS Status" and "GPS Test" apps, that normally show visible satellites were showing ZERO satellites. As suggested in various places, I used "GPS Status" to re-download the A-GPS databases, set "sensor filtering" to medium. Still, zero satellites, but a semi-functional GPS, which is confusing. I found the hidden menu code for the H910 (*#546368#*910#), and SAAT->"Manual Test"->"GPS/BT/Wifi test" and ran the hardware-level GPS diagnostics. I was getting signals of 0.0 db for GPS and GLO satellites, kind of suggesting the GPS hardware was faulty, and made me even less optimistic/more annoyed.
I was basically convinced GPS on my phone was kaput, and would need to be serviced, until I discovered ........
Rebooting the phone solved all of the GPS problems, and made GPS and GNO satellites visible and now GPS is 100% functional. It seems that since I initially factory reset the phone and did my normal installation, I never did a simple reboot. Since I haven't seen that kind of obvious solution on any of the forums, I thought it would be useful to report. I'm cautiously optimistic that was my only problem ......
good luck
=mxasf=
Bought a used one and having problems: it'll fix on several satellites but it's usually unable to acquire the specific location (latitude and longitude). Depending on the program, it will say "waiting for GPS fix" in osmtracker or "looking for GPS location" within 'GPS Status' (the app).
When it does get a 'Lock' (a specific location), its accuracy is 200-300m off. :/
I tried some of the other common tips and tricks:
I've downloaded new A-GPS data (using the 'GPS Status' app); tried using the GPS without my case on; doing a simple reboot, none of them work.
After more searching, I found this guide: https://imgur.com/a/VxeaU which recommends to place copper tape on the GPS antennas of your phone.
i have 2 V20's.. the one i bought back for myself is 12/2016 and another one is another batch 3/2017 for my wife..
What i'll found is the earlier one ( 12/2016 ) have the following issue :
- overheat
- kaput gps
- screen burn
While the one i bought for my wife ( 3/2017 ) doesn't even have the following issue above.. Furthermore, the screen also different.. my wife V20's tend to have a more saturated color, brighter screen and doesn't overheat as much as mine..
My conclusion is, only those with earlier batch of production have all this defect.. and to those who own it ( including me ).. i guess, we're unlucky!
i'll use my wife V20's as gps since mine V20 is good for nothing when GPS is a needs.... if she's not around, i'm totally doomed !
-----
if you guys wonder, there was no different in camera.... unlike G6 ( pheww~ )
both my and my wife V20's produce the same images quality..
mxasf said:
Rebooting the phone solved all of the GPS problems, and made GPS and GNO satellites visible and now GPS is 100% functional. It seems that since I initially factory reset the phone and did my normal installation, I never did a simple reboot. Since I haven't seen that kind of obvious solution on any of the forums, I thought it would be useful to report. I'm cautiously optimistic that was my only problem ......
good luck
=mxasf=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an old common fix
skorasaurus said:
Bought a used one and having problems: it'll fix on several satellites but it's usually unable to acquire the specific location (latitude and longitude). Depending on the program, it will say "waiting for GPS fix" in osmtracker or "looking for GPS location" within 'GPS Status' (the app).
When it does get a 'Lock' (a specific location), its accuracy is 200-300m off. :/
I tried some of the other common tips and tricks:
I've downloaded new A-GPS data (using the 'GPS Status' app); tried using the GPS without my case on; doing a simple reboot, none of them work.
After more searching, I found this guide: https://imgur.com/a/VxeaU which recommends to place copper tape on the GPS antennas of your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed that guide (credit https://www.reddit.com/r/lgv20/comments/7fx2gz/becareful_buying_the_top_plastic_bezel_of_the_v20/)
and bought copper tape (https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Conductive-Adhesive-1inch-12yards/dp/B018RDZ3HG) off amazon.
For me and my VS995; there were metal contacts (see picture 1 of the imgur album) and the metal contacts were silver, not gold.
Nonetheless, I put some copper tape only on the first contact as shown in picture 1 and my signal improved dramatically. The lowest accuracy that I can get (lower is better) now is about 8m and it has been hovering around 15m; and still takes a few seconds to
This is compared to my s5, where I could get an accuracy as low as 4-5m and usually hovers around 8-10m and could obtain my location within 10 seconds after turning on GPS.