Database Info

[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?

Best GPS setting - lock in 5 seconds

These settings work the best for me so far. I live in new york and i get a lock in 5 seconds flat!
1. Navigate to Settings > Location & Security and uncheck the box next to "Use Wireless Networks".
2. Go to the phone's dialer and enter the number *#*#1472365#*#* then press send to access the phones LBSTestMode menu.
3. In the LBSTestMode menu, press “Application Settings” and change “Operation Mode” to “MS Assisted.” & turn "ON" skyhook
4. Navigate to the “SUP/LCP Settings” and the change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7262
5. Make sure the settings are saved and reboot your phone.
6. Navigate back to Settings > Location & Security and check the box next to “Use Wireless Networks.”

Tried it. So, question: Should I leave the Wireless networks on generally? For things like geotagging pictures, weather updates, etc, and then turn on GPS Satellites in the event I want to use navigation? In that case should I turn off Use Wireless Networks or just leave it on? Any ideas on those things?
I'm in a basement apartment, so GPS testing and such is pretty much a moot point in here, but I do want to mention that I made the changes you suggested, rebooted my phone and went to maps and it picked me up on there instantly. This is without GPS satellites checked and using the wireless networks. This seems to be already a huge improvement because yesterday I was standing outside for 10 minutes with 8-9 satellites in view and google maps couldn't find my location.

awsome... glad it helped... i keep Wireless networks on and i get a lock in 5 seconds flat... try it both ways and see what works for you... but these are by far the fastest and the best settings...

I live in West Tennessee, I tried these settings about 15 minutes ago and I have yet to get a lock.

I tried this and it worked. I generally don't have my WIFI on, so i turned it on and went outside. had a lock within 5 seconds (i was connected to my home wifi).

u guys the use wireless networks uses things like wifi and ur wireless provider so ofcourse it be faster

STOP telling people to use MS assisted. That only helps while standing still. For moving it is worthless. Use MS based instead.

there's already a thread for this....
i didnt know about ms assisted/based, do you have a link with more info on that?

if that is true... then when ur in LBStestmode... and you are doing a get position test... why does it show my speed? i have tried it in my car and also while walking... gives accurate speed

Speed on the menu isnt a very good measure. Use a GPS app and get in a car and you will see it keeps losing track of you (jumping all over the place or losing fix)
Here is info from verizon:
http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp#GenQues10
There is a sticky already and this thread is redundant.

This is a placebo fix. It doesn't do anything. Stop making threads about this people. There are already plenty and it doesn't work.

dsjr2006 said:
This is a placebo fix. It doesn't do anything. Stop making threads about this people. There are already plenty and it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I didn't have any issues to begin with but I applied this "fix" just to see if it would make a difference and my GPS went to CRAP! I restored default settings and am back to getting a fix in about 20 seconds.

Optimal GPS setting AFTER update

I would like to start a thread to discuss what is the optimal GPS setting for the Captivate after installing the update. From what I can see, the update didn't change my LbsTestMode setting at all. My GPS is now working pretty well, still can't compare to the HTC Aria I had before but acceptable. I wonder if we can further tweak the GPS setting to make it work better.

the only change i seen was if you check auto config it takes you back to server port 7275 and changes the server to a new one.

yesterday there was a thread started about those who got the update successful, and the guy did a test of his gps with screen shot. A) how do you track your route, B) how do you take a screen shot?
it looked like he was using the maps app but i looked all over it for a way to track my route!? thanks..

chasesavestheday said:
yesterday there was a thread started about those who got the update successful, and the guy did a test of his gps with screen shot. A) how do you track your route, B) how do you take a screen shot?
it looked like he was using the maps app but i looked all over it for a way to track my route!? thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats my tracks from the market

smokestack76 said:
Thats my tracks from the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you screenshot with it?

saint168 said:
I would like to start a thread to discuss what is the optimal GPS setting for the Captivate after installing the update. From what I can see, the update didn't change my LbsTestMode setting at all. My GPS is now working pretty well, still can't compare to the HTC Aria I had before but acceptable. I wonder if we can further tweak the GPS setting to make it work better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that most people who had messed with the GPS settings before the update are not getting optimal GPS performance after the update (This is true even if they change the GPS settings to stock original that shipped with the update).

So moral of the story is to change GPS settings to stock before you update....?

JvKintheUSA said:
So moral of the story is to change GPS settings to stock before you update....?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would guess so... unless there are few phones that Samsung shipped with a hardware defect.
Am taking my phone to AT&T today.

Can somebody with successful upgrade and with working GPS to publish their GPS current settings?

joedoe said:
Can somebody with successful upgrade and with working GPS to publish their GPS current settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, only one user: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8291779&postcount=419

My GPS doesn't work at all for some reason. I don't know if I have a totally defective phone or the update didn't have anything at all in it that fixed the GPS. I'm ready to just give up on this phone having a working GPS.

galaxyjeff said:
My GPS doesn't work at all for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you change your GPS settings prior to the update? If yes, welcome to the "group"

My GPS is definitely working better after the update. It used to take 30 second - 5 minutes to get a fix. So far I have been able to get a GPS fix within 15 seconds.
My settings are:
Tracking
S/W Test
MS Based
Cold Start
GPS Plus On
Dynamic Accuracy On
Accuracy 50
SkyHook On
PC Tool Off
supl.google.com
Port 7276
Secure Socket Off
AGPS Supl
As far as tracking my position with driving, it's not perfect but acceptable. At time the GPS would put me on the local street next to the freeway but not too often. It takes about 30 sec to 1 minute to locate me while indoor so I have no problem doing my FourSquares checkins.

jaimingandhi said:
It seems that most people who had messed with the GPS settings before the update are not getting optimal GPS performance after the update (This is true even if they change the GPS settings to stock original that shipped with the update).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I never touched my GPS settings prior to the update, and I get crappy tracks. I had a Captivate which I changed the settings on, but then I ended up exchanging it for a new one a couple days before the update, and left it exactly as I found it, and GPS is spotty as hell.

First of all, I'd like to thank you for posting this thread, it's exactly what I have been looking for. The other threads keep getting hi-jacked by people who couldn't get the update. Hey you knew when you rooted you wouldn't be able to get OTA updates, get over it and wait till someone figures it out.
Back on topic, my GPS is definitely better. I did change my settings before the update in LbsTestMode to the recommended settings. My gps locked quicker, but it was constantly losing the lock. So i used the shortcut method to go into LbsTestMode and changed back to stock settings. It was like the phone was set to lock at exactly 30 seconds, 30 tests with an average of a little under 30 seconds.
The accuracy was a little worse, 50m compared to 15m. But it was also losing the lock quickly, so I changed the spirent setting to supl.google.com. Now i lock between 10 and 15 seconds and it stays locked. My settings:
s/w test
standalone
hot start
gps plus- on
dynamic acc. - on
accuracy- 50
skyhook- on
use pc tool- off
custom config
7276
secure socket- off
agps- supl

So maybe the answer in the end, sad to say, is to buy an aftermarket gps device with bluetooth integration and bypass the built-in gps altogether.

I've been messing with the gps all day and cannot get a lock at all. Not even for a second. Messed with my gps settings before the update.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Two months in and I've seen hundreds of threads about the GPS on the captivate, The GPS its broken, no good, damage. Lets get over it and move on. We [email protected]$k BTW new update its a lil better but still sucks. My nexus one located me with no problem spot on. Change your phone why u can. I wish I was under the 30 day return policy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

The only settings I changed were the server before the update. I checked the settings after the update and I had Server as spl.google.com and Standalone in Operation Mode. I switched to autoconfig and those changed to some new server and I changed Operation Mode to MS Based as in jaimingandhi's link. Before I made those changes it took about 3-4 mins to lock on, now it takes about a minute, so not 15 seconds like others have said, but better. Will do more testing later. I count for two as I've got to Captivates at home. But it looks like different settings work for different people.
Edit: Tried again today, lock takes still 3-4 minutes and loses it constantly and there is no accuracy of location whatsoever.

I updated successfully and still had issues with GPS locks until I powered down my phone, removed the battery, sim card, and external sd card, replaced them, and then rebooted the phone. After that I was getting a GPS lock in 15 seconds or less and not constantly dropping signal as long as I had line of sight to the sky (a.k.a. through the windshield).

Possible GPS Fix

Hey guys,
I have been playing around with my GPS settings for a few days now to get the fastest fix. Everyone in most of the threads suggest to change the server to supl.google.com. Listed below are the settings i've been using with better results:
-Enter LbsTestMode.(*#*#3214789650#*#*)
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Set Server FQDN Type -> AUTO Config
-SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
-AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Tap "Application Settings"
-Set Operation Mode -> MS ASSISTED
-Start Mode -> HOT START
-GPS Plus -> ON
-Dynamic Accuracy -> ON
-Accuracy - > 20
-GPS Logging -> OFF
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Tap Delete GPS Data
-Reboot Phone
Try Using Google Maps after this and see how long it takes to connect. Let me know if this gets you a faster fix.
Thanks!

I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.

mikeflash said:
I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a fix a while ago, if you want to try it.
Download SGSTOOLS from the market.
Open SGSTOOLS and Apply the GPS fix for north America. This will set the FQDN server name.
Open Maps (not navigation), it should pick up your location quickly. Once your location is showing on the map, open navigation and enter a destination. It should lock on within a few seconds of entering your destination.
let me know if that works for you.

mikeflash said:
I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the confusion. That code only works in Froyo so you can enter the LBS Test Mode.

shotchacokov said:
I posted a fix a while ago, if you want to try it.
Download SGSTOOLS from the market.
Open SGSTOOLS and Apply the GPS fix for north America. This will set the FQDN server name.
Open Maps (not navigation), it should pick up your location quickly. Once your location is showing on the map, open navigation and enter a destination. It should lock on within a few seconds of entering your destination.
let me know if that works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work. Still can't get a fix.
I'll probably update to kh2 soon, and try again.

Try this.
http://blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/

Just use GPS aids v2 donate. Will fix all problems
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Did anyone try these settings on their SGS 4G to see if they worked? Just curious.
Thanks

tested with my moms phone that had no gps issues.. ummm it makes the gps worse doing the op if your gps actually does work properly...
before 5 second lock held sat's gps worked smooth and as it should.
after trying this gps hardly picks up sats when does looses sat after 10 seconds will not recover drove home with this ( had to test before she left for camping yes i reverted her gps after the test) 20 min drive home after it lost sat status would not recover even tried rebooting gps...

RaverX3X said:
tested with my moms phone that had no gps issues.. ummm it makes the gps worse doing the op if your gps actually does work properly...
before 5 second lock held sat's gps worked smooth and as it should.
after trying this gps hardly picks up sats when does looses sat after 10 seconds will not recover drove home with this ( had to test before she left for camping yes i reverted her gps after the test) 20 min drive home after it lost sat status would not recover even tried rebooting gps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd.... it worked really well on my phone. Oh well, it was worth a try. Anyhow, I've finally decided to move on to GB. Can anyone suggest a ROM that works well with our GPS? I use my GPS a lot. Thanks in advance!

[TIP] Have you tried MS Based aGPS to help gps lock?

The following seemed to have helped some people on my post on AF so figured I'd post it here as well.
If you're still having GPS issues in an area where you have data coverage, and you've tried changing the gps.conf and possibly updating your libraries as noted in other threads, have you tried changing your GPS settings to MS Based instead of the default of "Standalone"?
From wikipedia:
Mobile Station Based (MSB) - In MSB mode A-GPS operation, the A-GPS device receives ephemeris, reference location, reference time and other optional assistance data from the A-GPS server. With the help of the above data, the A-GPS device receives signals from the visible satellites and calculates the position.
You can do that by doing the following, as noted in my previous post:
My GPS was really taking a long time to lock. Usually 10 minutes or so using GPS Status before it would lock. I tried both just using gps only and then also with wireless network and it still took a long time. So I updated the lbstestmode.apk to use MS Based and the gps.conf file that was mentioned earlier and now I get a lock in GPS Status in about 8 seconds from a cold boot using only the GPS with no wireless network.
If anyone wants to try, I've attached a flashable zip. I took the zip posted by merkuralex earlier in the other gps thread (thanks merkuralex) and added the lbstestmode.apk posted in this SDX thread:
http://forum.sdx-developers.com/index.php?topic=13593.0
The following flashable zips are attached:
lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip - contains the gps.conf file from the other thread + the lbstestmode.apk file.
lbstestmode.zip - contains only the lbstestmode.apk
I'll repost the instructions here (thanks to cornaljoe on sdx for the actual instructions):
Pre-1. Flash the one of the attached zips in CWM first to install the lbstestmode.apk (or just copy the lbstestmode.apk into /system/app/ if you'd rather) and then reboot your phone.
Follow these directions:
1. After boot create a shortcut to Activities -> LbsTestMode -> .LbsTestMode
You may have to install LauncherPro if your launcher doesn't support the activities option under shortcuts. Once installed all launchers will have this option.
My note: Just an FYI, LauncherPro can be downloaded from the Market for free if you don't already have it. Or any other app that allows you to create shortcuts (such as AnyCut I think can also do that)
2. Start LbsTestMode and goto the application settings and set it to MS Based and press back until you exit app.
3. Reboot phone and then use GPS Status under a clear sky until you get a lock.
The main thing to pay attention to is the numbers labeled Error(m) and Fix/Sat in the lower corners of the compass.
Error(m) is the accuracy of your location in meters which shows after you get a lock. Fix/Sat is the number of satellites locked and in view prospectively.
In GPS Status, you can do the following to force aGPS data to download:
3A. Click Menu --> Tools --> Manage A-GPS state --> Reset . This will clear all previous A-GPS data.
3B. Click Menu --> Tools --> Manage A-GPS state --> Download. This will download fresh A-GPS data.
3C. Let GPS Status lock. The first time will take longer as your gps/phone syncs the data.
After you get a lock, you can try powering down your phone and then restarting and see if your lock is faster from a cold start.
This may or may not help you. All I can say is that changing to MS Based helped my gps lock time--I usually have data access where I am.

I have done this, and it works perfect!

Cloudy and raining here today. I will definitely try it. Quick question though, you saying use either zip or use one before the other? I'm not really clear on this.
Also do You have to keep the short cut?

You need to apply the zip first (in CWM) or else you won't have the option to create the shortcut

Wich one, there's 2 zips? I've got it all installed and working. Even though its cloudy, I got instant lock on. I'll test it again tommarow when I go out of town. So far so good though.
Edit: indoors is about 10 sec lock on. Great find OP. Has anyone posted this over at hofo? Another question, will clearing data cache from apps hurt it any?
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

Everything went great today. I left my phone off all night so it could get a solid cold start this morning. Its cloudy and rainy again today too. I hit the road this morning and fired the GPS up and it locked in about 15 seconds. Great job on this fix. Also since then it has been instant lock times when i try it.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App

tcross8361 said:
Everything went great today. I left my phone off all night so it could get a solid cold start this morning. Its cloudy and rainy again today too. I hit the road this morning and fired the GPS up and it locked in about 15 seconds. Great job on this fix. Also since then it has been instant lock times when i try it.
Sent from my MOTWX435KT using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ZIP did you use? I used the lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip

idbl_fanatic said:
Which ZIP did you use? I used the lbstestmode_mt_gps_conf.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I installed them both...lol But that's the last one I used.
I did have a bit of a hiccup on my way home. After lunch I turned my phone off. When I got back on the road 3 hours later I turned it back on and started up Navigation. It took a minute or so on the first lock. I exited out of Navigation and waited 20 minutes or so. I started it up again and it took about 30 seconds. Every time after that it was instant lock. Still very impressed. It was very cloudy and rainy today though. I was getting 1.1 mb down and 500 kb up today also. I would post this over at HoFo for all the nay sayers, but I wouldn't be able to answer any technical questions if anyone had them.
This place is starting to remind me of Seatle, rain every day...lol. I guess Fall is here to stay.

You are wasting your time.
I have traced this code extensively. For those who are unaware the GPS works on RPCs, which are internally processed by the kernel and passed to the chipset.
The chipset on this phone does not know how to handle AGPS requests - XTRA requests to inject the time (NTP time) and the orbital data are flatly refused.
You can set whatever you want, the data will never get to the chip. The Froyo base load intentionally discards such attempts and never sends them. If you load Gingerbread (and build it from source, as I have) and FORCE it to be sent it will return an error every time.
The problem appears to be in the silicon and/or the radio driver itself, which there is no source for. If someone's going to fix this, it's going to be at the radio interface level - not in user space.
My CM7 port is capable of cramming the data in there but it's turned off right now as when I enable it there's a fairly decent chance that the consequence of trying to do so is that the radio locks up and forces a watchdog reset (that is, a reboot on the phone)