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[Q] Is my GPS completely dead?

We all know that the captivate's gps is not what it should be, but I've always been able to at least get it to see a few satellites, and eventually get a quasi lock.
But now, I tried an experiment where I would leave my gps on 24/7 to see if that would help keep it warmed up, but ever since I left it on for about two days, the gps seems COMPLETELY DEAD. I mean, no satellites, no signal, nothing. I run the gps status program to see what its doing, and now there's no activity at all.
Has this ever happened to anyone else before?

I have attached the GPS fix that worked for me.
1. Grab the attachment below, and store on your SD.
2. In your Dialer enter the following: *#*#1472365#*#* (or use SGS Tools)
3. Select "Delete GPS Data"
4. Reboot into recovery and install the .zip. Reboot.
5. Once your device boots back up, you should be in good shape.
For further tweaking, you can also change the SUPL/CP Settings to the ones found here.
http://admin.androidcentral.com/quick-fix-gps-issues-your-new-samsung-galaxy-s-series-phone
Good Luck.

(Q) Interesting GPS Problem

Using:
AT&T's updated radio (see sig).
Corresponding RIL.
AngelDeath's Northeast v1.2.
GPS Status app with WiFi to download the AGPS data.
Problem:
GPS locks on fine the first time (within 10 meter accuracy in under 20 seconds) but after locking on, it becomes very inaccurate (200+ meter accuracy), and eventually loses all signal (shows no location). GPS status app shows I still have lock on with the satellites however... and it's usually more than 7 satellites.
Any guesses on what's going on and how I can fix this?
*EDIT* Yes, I am in the northeast (NY).

I was having the same issue as you on CM7 till last night. I'm not sure if the new radio and ril corrected it trying a "workaround" that was discovered to get GPS workng on the Aria.
The procedure is as follows:
Nandroid your current setup.
DL and flash any sense rom(I used CoreDroid V6), don't bother w/ the whole setup process just get it up to where you can use maps. Once there, open maps and get a lock. I also did the same w/ GPS Status after flashing the script by Angel Death as well as the ril for the newest ATT radio.
After the lock is obtained, boot to CWM via ROM Manager and restore your previous setup that you made earlier. I chose to make a nandroid of CD V6 at this time too as a safety net.
Once the restore is finished, I reflashed the ril and script after the first boot from the restore process. After flashing those two items, my GPS is rock solid and accurate to 3 meters via GPS Status and generally locks in about 5-7 seconds.
YMMV but it certainly won't hurt to try. If it does, it'll confirm my suspicion of which part(Radio-ril combo or rom flashing) fixed the issue. I suspect that since you're using the latest radio-ril that it's the latter.
Lemme know,
Tx

Tx Redneck said:
I was having the same issue as you on CM7 till last night. I'm not sure if the new radio and ril corrected it trying a "workaround" that was discovered to get GPS workng on the Aria.
The procedure is as follows:
Nandroid your current setup.
DL and flash any sense rom(I used CoreDroid V6), don't bother w/ the whole setup process just get it up to where you can use maps. Once there, open maps and get a lock. I also did the same w/ GPS Status after flashing the script by Angel Death as well as the ril for the newest ATT radio.
After the lock is obtained, boot to CWM via ROM Manager and restore your previous setup that you made earlier. I chose to make a nandroid of CD V6 at this time too as a safety net.
Once the restore is finished, I reflashed the ril and script after the first boot from the restore process. After flashing those two items, my GPS is rock solid and accurate to 3 meters via GPS Status and generally locks in about 5-7 seconds.
YMMV but it certainly won't hurt to try. If it does, it'll confirm my suspicion of which part(Radio-ril combo or rom flashing) fixed the issue. I suspect that since you're using the latest radio-ril that it's the latter.
Lemme know,
Tx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on my experience, radio-ril combo is the most likely, with a little ntp settings thrown in as well.

That's what was required to get GPS on the aria.

Log:
Full backup of my current ROM
Downloaded Inspired Ace 1.0.1 Full with no addons via ROM Manager
Installed Inspired Ace 1.0.1 Full via ROM Manager, with wipe data, cache, and dalvik cache options selected
Connected to WiFi, and downloaded GPS Status
5+ minutes later, not a single satellite is showing on the scan, let alone locking to one...
. . .?

Printerscape said:
Log:
Full backup of my current ROM
Downloaded Inspired Ace 1.0.1 Full with no addons via ROM Manager
Installed Inspired Ace 1.0.1 Full via ROM Manager, with wipe data, cache, and dalvik cache options selected
Connected to WiFi, and downloaded GPS Status
5+ minutes later, not a single satellite is showing on the scan, let alone locking to one...
. . .?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a full wipe in ClockworkMod, not ROM Manager. Format system, data, cache, and dalvik that way.

id10terrordfw said:
Do a full wipe in ClockworkMod, not ROM Manager. Format system, data, cache, and dalvik that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Log:
Boot into ClockworkMod Recovery
Wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, advanced->wipe Dalvik cache, reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery again (why not)
Install zip from SDCard->Inspired Ace v1.0.1->Reboot
Connected to WiFi, and downloaded GPS Status
5+ minutes later, not a single satellite is showing again on the scan...
=(
Should I try the default stock AT&T radio, and not the updated AT&T radio?

Are you indoors or outdoors?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App

id10terrordfw said:
Are you indoors or outdoors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm indoor, but leave the phone outdoor at the balcony for ~5 minutes, and check back to see if it's locked on.
The fact that it's not even seeing one satellite... wth?
*EDIT*
I re-flashed the AT&T's updated radio, and re-flashed the corresponding RIL (basically followed these directions), unto the freshly installed Inspired Ace.
Going to try to leave the GPS Status app on and leave it for ~5 minutes outdoors.

Printerscape said:
I'm indoor, but leave the phone outdoor at the balcony for ~5 minutes, and check back to see if it's locked on.
The fact that it's not even seeing one satellite... wth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go all the way outside with an unobstructed view of the sky. Sometimes it can take quite a while for first lock, even first satellite acquisition. I've personally seen over 300 seconds. Also, download fasterfix from the market and change your time pool to north america. It may be set to asia by default.
If not, i know of one other step to take. Install attn1's 1.84 Froyo ROM and see what happens.

id10terrordfw said:
Go all the way outside with an unobstructed view of the sky. Sometimes it can take quite a while for first lock, even first satellite acquisition. I've personally seen over 300 seconds. Also, download fasterfix from the market and change your time pool to north america. It may be set to asia by default.
If not, i know of one other step to take. Install attn1's 1.84 Froyo ROM and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh, this time I waited like 10 minutes (I did install fasterfix after you mentioned it), and I came back to 0/0 fix/satellites :/.
Going to just restore my backup, and do a flash of the radio and RIL (like it stated in that post I linked), and just hope for the best...

[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)

GPS Issues fixed

I had terrible GPS reception even before I flashed NexusMod GB. However, I finally found a good fix for the gps to lock on to my location. Make sure you download the correct version. I downloaded the 2.x google and i also tried the 2.x att since i am on 2.3.6 and both worked great!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1438129
Instructions that worked for me:
Method 3 (easiest if you use a compatible version of CWR or CWM)*:
1. Download the patch
2. Boot into CWR (Clockwork Recovery)
3. Mount /system/ partition (on the main menu, select the "Mounts and storage" option, then "mount /system")
4. Flash the patch (on the main menu, select "Install zip from sdcard," then "choose zip from sdcard," and find the zip and select it)
5. Reboot the device
6. Review the NOTES section.
*This was built for and works on Inspire 4G and DesireHD versions of Clockwork Recovery. The Google CWM Flashable Build has binaries known to work with CWM on the X8. It may work on other devices. Please message me your success if you try and flash with recovery version and phone model as part of the message.
Once it boot up I went to system>location and security> and disabled use wireless networks/use gps satellites/use sensor aiding. I then rebooted and enabled use gps satellites. I then opened google maps and my gps is now finding me faster and it actually gets close to me.

I patched this today because it seems to take at least 5 minutes to lock onto a location. This did not help unfortunately. I'm thinking I should do a fresh odin of the official ICS...I did an upgrade from UCLF5 through Kies. I guess I blame myself for forcing it to a probably untested scenario.

Lucid first try downloading gps status, clear agps and download the data again.

kishke said:
Lucid first try downloading gps status, clear agps and download the data again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. After reading the forums and noticing that it wasn't a major issue for most, I realized the problem was mostly my device. Reading through the notes, I tried the battery removal for 30 seconds suggestion. I thought it had 1% chance of working, but after I did it, it actually started locking on instantly again. If this doesn't stick, then I'll try the clearing of agps. I think that probably sounded like it would have worked too.

Actually, just try turning off using network based location services when you plan using the GPS. I just leave if off unless I'm indoors and need a location fix.
I fought this for the last year and a half on my Atrix 4g, and the same thing when I got my SkyRocket last week.
Fire up GPS Status and Toolbox (Free, and a GREAT app! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&feature=search_result) and watch how long it takes to get a lock from a cold start of the GPS.
With the wireless based location services on, it can take 2 to 5 minutes for the phone to get a location. It shouldn't, but it does. But, with it off, I get a GPS location fix in under 10 seconds when outside.

WolfmanRobby said:
Actually, just try turning off using network based location services when you plan using the GPS. I just leave if off unless I'm indoors and need a location fix.
I fought this for the last year and a half on my Atrix 4g, and the same thing when I got my SkyRocket last week.
Fire up GPS Status and Toolbox (Free, and a GREAT app! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&feature=search_result) and watch how long it takes to get a lock from a cold start of the GPS.
With the wireless based location services on, it can take 2 to 5 minutes for the phone to get a location. It shouldn't, but it does. But, with it off, I get a GPS location fix in under 10 seconds when outside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS. Had issues myself until I followed the above procedure.

[FIXED] Fkn Navigation!! >:- l

Tried all the fixes that this forum has to offer -- well, most of them..
My navigation is not working at all.. its "searching for GPS" forever.. it never gives me a route to take -- GPS works fine -- Navigation doenst.
ive wiped my SD card -- reverted back to the normal adreno drivers (i dont think that affected my GPS when i updated it, but i downgraded just in case) --- tried different ICS ROMs and JB ROMs -- nothing.
I mind you, it DID work prior to me updating adreno and buying/using my new sd card --- thats the only time i can remember it fully worked -- I remember it working when i used ICS roms, so i know its not a version issue --- havent used navigation (since i updated areno and used my new sd card) but i had to the other day and it never gave me a route, i was pissed.
I installed GPS Test from the market, i had 0 sats in use and 0 sats in view -- i then installed Faster Fix and chose the North American server and that didnt fix it either -- i rebooted when i did the faster fix --
i put like 6 different roms on my phone and stood outside for a few hours testing each one.. none of them gave me navigation after waiting for like 10-15 minutes hoping my phone will grab some sats -- never did..
Like i said, GPS/Location is fine.. it finds me within 30 meters.. but once i choose to go some where and hit navigate, it searches for gps forever and never locks..
Any solutions guys..?? at this point im desperate.

use location to lock your position, and then switch to navigator (location still open). satelites should find you

bomczz said:
use location to lock your position, and then switch to navigator (location still open). satelites should find you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what i do.. the sats know where i am.. but once i try to navigate, it never locks, it just keeps searching even tho it knows where i am..
I click Maps --> it pin points me to where i am ---> i then hit the second option at the bottom next to the search icon (the diamond shaped figure with an arrow pointing to the right) --> i type in my destination ---> i hit the navigation option --> It never navigates.
^^ Hope this explains it a little better

matholomus said:
Tried all the fixes that this forum has to offer -- well, most of them..
My navigation is not working at all.. its "searching for GPS" forever.. it never gives me a route to take -- GPS works fine -- Navigation doenst.
ive wiped my SD card -- reverted back to the normal adreno drivers (i dont think that affected my GPS when i updated it, but i downgraded just in case) --- tried different ICS ROMs and JB ROMs -- nothing.
I mind you, it DID work prior to me updating adreno and buying/using my new sd card --- thats the only time i can remember it fully worked -- I remember it working when i used ICS roms, so i know its not a version issue --- havent used navigation (since i updated areno and used my new sd card) but i had to the other day and it never gave me a route, i was pissed.
I installed GPS Test from the market, i had 0 sats in use and 0 sats in view -- i then installed Faster Fix and chose the North American server and that didnt fix it either -- i rebooted when i did the faster fix --
i put like 6 different roms on my phone and stood outside for a few hours testing each one.. none of them gave me navigation after waiting for like 10-15 minutes hoping my phone will grab some sats -- never did..
Like i said, GPS/Location is fine.. it finds me within 30 meters.. but once i choose to go some where and hit navigate, it searches for gps forever and never locks..
Any solutions guys..?? at this point im desperate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what you have just described, it sounds like your GPS is not turning on.
GPS/Location may have found you via 3G/4G network signals but that will not get you through navigation.
As you have stated, the GPS Test shows that you have "0 sats in use and 0 sats in view". That's not good.
So if you go to Settings - Location do you see the GPS Satellites enabled?
It could be a simple case of you needing to hard-reset the phone after you install the ICS roms?
Anyway I use GPS Status which is free from the Marketplace. If it finds the satellites, I know for sure that Googlemap will find them too. So too will Navigation as well as Telenav GPS Navigator.
Best of Luck.

patspdaphone said:
From what you have just described, it sounds like your GPS is not turning on.
GPS/Location may have found you via 3G/4G network signals but that will not get you through navigation.
As you have stated, the GPS Test shows that you have "0 sats in use and 0 sats in view". That's not good.
So if you go to Settings - Location do you see the GPS Satellites enabled?
It could be a simple case of you needing to hard-reset the phone after you install the ICS roms?
Anyway I use GPS Status which is free from the Marketplace. If it finds the satellites, I know for sure that Googlemap will find them too. So too will Navigation as well as Telenav GPS Navigator.
Best of Luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this..
WOW!! Well, before i read this, i installed GPS Status -- i then cleared the agps or whatever and downloaded another one.. i then re tested the gps/navigation ... didnt work..
I then remembered, "Wait, i did the battery connection mod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622683 -- this solution seemed to help my random reboots) anyways, the back of the phone was never secured on the phone itself because the little paper kept the battery from sitting firmly inside its place..
so anyways i just now took out that piece of paper, put the battery back in -- the back cover snapped right back on -- turned my phone back on -- opened up maps, typed a random destination .. and boom! the little blue arrow showed me where to go!!
Conclusion: idk if the reboot helped the GPS Status or the little piece of paper between the battery and part of the phone kept the little connectors on the inside of the back cover from a strong connection on the phone itself.. But all is working now!
Thanks everybody who took the time to help me.. i click the thanks button for you guys :good:
After taking out the piece of paper, lets hope i dont get random reboots again :fingers-crossed: