[Q] GPS accuracy - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

It's not as bad/unusable as the gps in SGS, but the accuracy on my Nexus S is quite weak.
It's ok for driving/navigation but not for walking.
If you haven't, please try to record a track (use "My tracks") next time you go walking, any 5 minute stroll will do.
Even if i walk in a straight line my recorded track wonders off several meters from me, over buildings, etc..
I'm running stock 2.3.4 but it was the same with 2.3.3
Any idea if a custom rom will help this?
I'm not worried about gps lock speed, that seems ok.

A custom ROM won't change the gps accuracy as AFAIK no ROM does include a custom driver for the gps. This might even be impossible for phones where gps reception is managed inside the baseband and only communicated with the software stack using NMEA.
There is no consumer mobile phone that provides reasonable gps accuracy.

bot47 said:
A custom ROM won't change the gps accuracy as AFAIK no ROM does include a custom driver for the gps. This might even be impossible for phones where gps reception is managed inside the baseband and only communicated with the software stack using NMEA.
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Click to collapse
what you say makes sense, i asked because i have read people reporting gps working better after changing rom (not specifically with NS but with SGS)
bot47 said:
There is no consumer mobile phone that provides reasonable gps accuracy.
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Click to collapse
I guess it depends on the level of accuracy you are aiming for but having tried different consumer mobile phones i have to disagree with you, i have tried other phones that have consistently better accuracy (most HTC models do), don't loose signal as easily and also, when they do, are much quicker to get it back.

Related

Another GPS fix

guys give this a try and let me know if it works for you.
http://theandroidrevolution.blogspot.com/2010/07/android-tips-tricks-samsung-galaxy-s.html
Why are they running flash on that site? Bummer,i'll check later.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Seems to me that all this is going to do is have the placebo effect that the other "fixes" have had, and give you a coarse location, something my Eternity could do, and not really a fix for the GPS issue as it uses triangulation from cell towers to locate you.
amazingtaters said:
Seems to me that all this is going to do is have the placebo effect that the other "fixes" have had, and give you a coarse location, something my Eternity could do, and not really a fix for the GPS issue as it uses triangulation from cell towers to locate you.
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Click to collapse
No.
Cell tower can't lock onto you exact coronates
phlunkie said:
Why are they running flash on that site? Bummer,i'll check later.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My site works on the Vibrant and N1.
If you don't have flash or flash lite your YouTube player should open
siberslug said:
No.
Cell tower can't lock onto you exact coronates
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Click to collapse
No, one tower can't. However, 3 or 4 towers can, basically you bounce a signal to multiple towers, and the time it takes for a full loop to be finished by the signal between you and the tower can be used to calculate how far you are from that tower. If you know how far you are from three separate towers, you can get a decent lock on your position. That's what the "Use Wireless Networks" function in the Location menu does.
Anyway, I tried this fix, and it didn't change the fact that my GPS signal was spotty, constantly fluctuating the number of satellites seen, and often dropping all satellites, while taking just over 7 minutes to get a lock on me that had the piss poor accuracy of approximately 30 meters.
amazingtaters said:
No, one tower can't. However, 3 or 4 towers can, basically you bounce a signal to multiple towers, and the time it takes for a full loop to be finished by the signal between you and the tower can be used to calculate how far you are from that tower. If you know how far you are from three separate towers, you can get a decent lock on your position. That's what the "Use Wireless Networks" function in the Location menu does.
Anyway, I tried this fix, and it didn't change the fact that my GPS signal was spotty, constantly fluctuating the number of satellites seen, and often dropping all satellites, while taking just over 7 minutes to get a lock on me that had the piss poor accuracy of approximately 30 meters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 or 4 towers can not give you an exact location, the best I have seen was 200 meters with cell tower location.
All GPS systems fluctuate that's normal but dropping all is not unless your in a big city. for example, I have not found 1 GPS unit that works reliably in downtown Detroit and I have had 9 Nav systems in 2 years.
I turn on tower location and MS assist for faster pinpoints and indoor use .
So far out of over 300 views and 49 posts and emails only 6 people say it does not work for them everyone else says it works.
siberslug said:
3 or 4 towers can not give you an exact location, the best I have seen was 200 meters with cell tower location.
All GPS systems fluctuate that's normal but dropping all is not unless your in a big city. for example, I have not found 1 GPS unit that works reliably in downtown Detroit and I have had 9 Nav systems in 2 years.
I turn on tower location and MS assist for faster pinpoints and indoor use .
So far out of over 300 views and 49 posts and emails only 6 people say it does not work for them everyone else says it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would argue that cell tower triangulation can get you to a much closer accuracy than 200 meters. If my eternity hadn't taken a divot to the screen that prematurely ended it's life a month ago I'd take a video with my captivate to prove it. Sadly, you'll just have to take my word that my eternity often got my location right within about 100 feet, and while it would at times be kilometers off this was the exception and not the rule. I'm just saying that cell triangulation (or quadrangulation or pentangulation or however many towers you have) can be quite accurate, especially in urban areas where there a lot of towers to bounce signal off of. And 7 minutes to get a lock on my location within 30 meters is absurd, I don't think anyone would argue that.
siberslug said:
guys give this a try and let me know if it works for you.
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Click to collapse
Waste of time...
This was already mentioned in the sticky GPS thread.
We need a fix not an intermittent workaround.
I got my GPS to work PERFECT!!!!
The trick is.............. turn on "AutoConfig"
bassahaulic said:
I got my GPS to work PERFECT!!!!
The trick is.............. turn on "AutoConfig"
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Click to collapse
I doubt it. Try drive around using Google Navigator and see if you get precise lock through out the time. I'd bet money it won't.
So far, all the fixes are only tackling the initial quick lock on. None can fix the precision errors of the Galaxy GPS.
Hmm actually Auto Config gave me super good accuracy(5 meters), slower lock time and really laggy while driving.
YellowGTO said:
Hmm actually Auto Config gave me super good accuracy(5 meters), slower lock time and really laggy while driving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bassahaulic said:
I got my GPS to work PERFECT!!!!
The trick is.............. turn on "AutoConfig"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still good accuracy?
It works for about a day.
If you want to fix your GPS, you have to flash to the JH2 firmware. It contains the real fix for GPS. Whatever setting you play with the JF6 firmware won't make much of a difference after a few days. The driver in all the early firmwares are completely broken.
foxbat121 said:
If you want to fix your GPS, you have to flash to the JH2 firmware. It contains the real fix for GPS. Whatever setting you play with the JF6 firmware won't make much of a difference after a few days. The driver in all the early firmwares are completely broken.
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Click to collapse
Granted there may be 2 completely separate problems, with that firmware update fixing one of them, but I'm sad to say that the JH2 firmware fix didnt make it past the 8 hour point for me. GPS refuses to lock without a reboot. I've been fiddling with the GPS configuration as well to see if the combination will be the answer, but so far no luck.
I can go ahead and say IMO its not a total fix with the new firmware, It's better, but my wifes my touch 3g slide blows this one out of the water when it comes to initial lock and tracking. I just flashed the new rom today and the gps isn't all that great now I'm scared about what my gps is gonna look like tomorrow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
works MUCH better with AutoConfig on for me also
and wireless turned off
usually get a lock in 10 seconds or less
occasionally takes longer..
I finally had luck today by going with the supl.google server and changing my accuracy to 100 and my mode to ms based. Locked and was great for a good 3 hours. Later on it took a while to get a lock, but would lose it quickly, then wouldn't lock at all again. I exchanged it for a new one tonight and the gps is working great....just like when I first got the other one >.>
My question is this: If I wait for the "fix" they are releasing and it takes me past my 30 days, what recourse do I have? GPS is a MUST for me, without it this phone to me is broken and I can't settle for it. Do you think I would have any chance of swapping it for another model like the aria?? I hate that gps is that big of a deal but it simply is for me. Love the screen, the power, the speed, all the potential....but come ON how hard is it to make gps work these days? I am very function over fashion. I need my phone to work, if it doesn't I will get a less flashy, more reliable device.
Ricparr said:
My question is this: If I wait for the "fix" they are releasing and it takes me past my 30 days, what recourse do I have?
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With AT&T - zero, zip, nada. I spent a lot of time on the phone and in the store with them trying to see what options I had in this situation. They were very clear with me that in the case that a real problem with GPS is found but never gets fixed, its Samsung's issue not theirs and that I must go through Samsung for a resolution. They did also say the stores do have the power to make exceptions and possibly allow you to exchange your device for something else, but there is no obligaton for them to help you out.

DON'T use your GPS INSIDE and say it doesn't work

Complain if you are outside with a clear sky and you can't get a lock, not if you are in your parents basement, in the cab of your car (not on the dash in a car mount), inside your office cubicle, they need a clear view of the sky to work properly.
Sorry, read too many idiots saying the GPS doesn't work IN their house... Duh!!!
THanks but I will complain if I want to considering every Blackberry I owned prior to the Captivate got a GPS lock within a few seconds in pretty much every location "clear weather" or not. Expecting GPS to work in a basement is one thing but expecting it to work in your car...anywhere in your car, or even a normal house (unless you live in your parent's basement) is completely reasonable IMHO. My Boss' HTC Incredible's GPS locks in our office which is on the 1st floor of a 4 story office building as long as he is near an exterior wall. When I run the app GPS Status from that same office space I can see the GPS sats but they won't lock. Sorry if you are tired of hearing "idiots" complain about Samsung's suck ass GPS but you should pretty much just deal with it. It isn't too much to expect a brand new state of the art smartphone to have at least as good GPS performance as a freaking 3 year old Blackberry.
I am also am unhappy consumer related the poor GPS quality - I expected a high end phone to have an accurate GPS. With that said, I think everyone can agree that it could be better, however, the phone in my opinion is very great and boasts many other positive features.
I do believe the GPS will be fixed. Why may it be taking so long? - I think they are planning to roll out a large fix including a proper GPS update as well as Android 2.2. We may even have to wait as long as November for the release of Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) as I don't believe it would make sense for them to continue extensive work on Android 2.2 and update everyone to that and then weeks later force the switch to Android 3.0
For Captivate users, this wait may end up being for the better - Imagine being one of the first devices on Android 3.0; a completely redesigned and much better Android version.
More information gathered during research of Android 3.0:
This update would be limited to only the high end devices with recommended 1GHz processor, 512mb RAM and at least a 3.5" screen. Great news! We fit all of that criteria.
It has been rumored of a release date of Mid-October of 2010 - I would say at least November for us; with some luck maybe even October 15th!
The Android 3.0 system will incorporate a complete design overhaul and include a larger Android Marketplace - Basically no more TouchWiz, Motoblur etc.
Sources:
[http://phonereport.info/google-android-3.0-gingerbread-releases-in-october/]
[http://b4tea.com/information/review...3-0-gingerbread-features-release-date-review]
[http://thegadgets.net/technology-ne...gingerbread-details-and-release-date-leaked/]
Disclaimer - Obviously I am no expert, nor am i affiliated with Google or Samsung so I can not make any guarantee to the information provided in this less than extensive research. It is solely just for a moral boost!
My Nexus had no problem getting a GPS lock, even on the first floor of my house. Even if I stand by the window on the 2nd floor, the Captivate will not get a lock. So yes, the GPS is severely crippled
CougarBroker said:
Complain if you are outside with a clear sky and you can't get a lock, not if you are in your parents basement, in the cab of your car (not on the dash in a car mount), inside your office cubicle, they need a clear view of the sky to work properly.
Sorry, read too many idiots saying the GPS doesn't work IN their house... Duh!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to burst your bubble but GPS signals do penetrate light structures. Yes, you can get a GPS fix inside in many conditions.
The Galaxy S GPS is just terrible - why? We still don't know. But I can place it right next to any number of other GPS receivers and watch them work properly inside and out while the Galaxy S sits there wasting battery and my time.
CougarBroker said:
Sorry, read too many idiots saying the GPS doesn't work IN their house... Duh!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My crap Navigon unit gets a signal inside the house....Duh!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I'm with the original poster on this one. I have a variety of GPS devices, including a SPOT GPS messenger and a Garmin eTrek HC. While they can work in adverse conditions, the only way to truly compare one to another is under a clear sky, not even glass in between. There are SO many variables inside a building, in an alley or inside a car that anecdotal comparisons in varied conditions are useless.
Saying your GPS doesn't work indoors is like saying your shoes are uncomfortable when you're in bed. And saying you got a lock indoors is similarly unimportant. To test GPS properly, you should turn off all other triangulation services including Skyhook and AGPS and then get into a vehicle and drive.
A - B comparisons between different types of devices would be useful but really only with raw data taken under controlled conditions. Things like SNR for each bird, time to acquire lock, ephemeris and almanac data.
I don't think I am asking too much when I want the GPS to acquire a lock wherever my old iPhone and my old Nexus One can. I also don't think I am asking too much that the signal holds steady and doesn't throw me around on the map when I do have a lock.
I really don't understand why they don't just issue an actual fix. Samsung must have a skilled software team to deal with things like this. Or maybe not.
If you can get a lock indoors on other devices, the Captivate should have NO problem whatsoever
The BCM4751 is considered(by broadcom themselves...go figure) to be the "industry standard" in mobile GPS chipsets, it was designed to be able to find even the weakest signals whilst still being a power miser. That being said, its a little strange that ANY of my older GPS equipped devices have no (0, NONE) problem getting a lock indoors (waaaay indoors at that).
Im thoroughly convinced this is not a hardware issue, I should be getting more than one satellite indoors (the same one satellite I get outside on a clear cloudless day)
It's gonna be another "wait and see" game. Hopefully sooner than later
ianwood said:
Saying your GPS doesn't work indoors is like saying your shoes are uncomfortable when you're in bed. And saying you got a lock indoors is similarly unimportant. To test GPS properly, you should turn off all other triangulation services including Skyhook and AGPS and then get into a vehicle and drive.
A - B comparisons between different types of devices would be useful but really only with raw data taken under controlled conditions. Things like SNR for each bird, time to acquire lock, ephemeris and almanac data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh. I'm not even going to respond to this anymore. While I appreciate your desire to add more rigor to the process you don't seem to have much experience with GPS.
My sampling is 3 Garmin GPS units, Holux, iPhone 3G and Captivate. With the exception of the iPhone none of them have any sort of AGPS. The Captivate should handily come out on top thanks to AGPS, improved circuits/amplifiers, firmware and filtering. Especially when considering some of those GPS units are nearing 10 years of age.
There is no need for "raw data" and "controlled conditions". Side by side is enough here because the performance difference is glaring. We are not talking about marginal differences in performance. We're talking about working vs. not working.
Fact is, every single GPS I have bests the Captivate under *all* conditions. The Captivate is the second GPS I've ever had that I was disappointed with the performance. (I've owned many others in addition to the ones I listed.)
Yes, GPS works indoors. It even works if your shoes are uncomfortable while taking a shower in your bed.
yeah, gps doesnt suppose to work indoor. but when compare to other phones, samsung gps is garbage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTOi82o56Tc
Sorry but your post sucks and so does the GPS on captivate. I used to have a Backflip before my Captivate and i could be in a bomb shelter and still get a GPS lock.
After applying cognition 2.1.5 & tweaking LbsTestMode, I could get a 8/8 satellites to lock indoors ~ its amazing! I'm so happy ^_^
honestly nokia phones are the best gps phones I've used. Downloadable maps, text to speech, voice navigation, personalize your own voice, accuracy is amazing! But on my captivate I can get a lock inside my home with 10m accuracy.
haydonxda said:
Sigh. I'm not even going to respond to this anymore. While I appreciate your desire to add more rigor to the process you don't seem to have much experience with GPS.
My sampling is 3 Garmin GPS units, Holux, iPhone 3G and Captivate. With the exception of the iPhone none of them have any sort of AGPS. The Captivate should handily come out on top thanks to AGPS, improved circuits/amplifiers, firmware and filtering. Especially when considering some of those GPS units are nearing 10 years of age.
There is no need for "raw data" and "controlled conditions". Side by side is enough here because the performance difference is glaring. We are not talking about marginal differences in performance. We're talking about working vs. not working.
Fact is, every single GPS I have bests the Captivate under *all* conditions. The Captivate is the second GPS I've ever had that I was disappointed with the performance. (I've owned many others in addition to the ones I listed.)
Yes, GPS works indoors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never said it didn't. I did say claiming your GPS doesn't work because you can't get a lock indoors is not meaningful i.e. it's not constructive. And most aren't doing the A-B comparisons you are. There are too many factors influencing getting an indoor lock for the forum to determine anything useful from it. It might be easier and more meaningful if we tested our devices outdoors with clear line of site to the sky so at least we eliminate the variables influencing getting a lock indoors.
BTW, I agree that the Captivate's GPS is utter rubbish. I've tested it on a number of trips in my car and it has never given consistent results. What the controlled testing and raw data might reveal is why it is rubbish. Is the ephermeris or almanac data corrupted? Is the antenna poorly positioned and therefore less sensitive than it should be? Is there noise/crosstalk?
A dedicated GPS device is always going to be better then a phone GPS. They have better antennas and usually more sensitive receivers. GPS signals are not as strong as other radio signals and are not designed to pass through buildings. If you get a lock indoors, you are lucky - or just have a house without a lot of interference.
When testing, everyone needs to make sure that they are not using AGPS or Skyhook type services (Google location services is another). AGPS uses cell towers, and Skyhook/Google location uses Wifi - even if Wifi is off. Skyhook and Google mapped all the Wireless access points they could find and use them for GPS location.
If you want to compare 2 devices side by side, you probably should put them in airplane mode and make sure Google/Skyhook location services are off. Also, be outside with clear view of the sky - no tall buildings or heavy trees.
Okay. I barely get a lock and can't hold a lock and if I had to navigate somewhere using it in a life or death situation people would be dead, outside.
I wouldn't rely on any GPS in a life or death situation - I can't even imagine a scenario.
I agree GPS is broken, but I would pull out my phone and use it to make a call to 911 - that is its primary function after all.
alphadog00 said:
I wouldn't rely on any GPS in a life or death situation - I can't even imagine a scenario.
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Click to collapse
Well, of course I am using hyperbole

Problems with location (GPS, cell, wifi, ...)

I've had the NS (i9023 on stock 2.3.3) for a few days now and I must say I'm generally rather impressed ... if only the GPS and other location sources didn't suck so much.
GPS (outside, on my top floor balcony):
With mobile data and wifi on it more often than not won't get a lock for tens of minutes, if at all. Even if it has a lock it'll lose it every few seconds. With both off it's actually somewhat usable - takes a while, the accuracy isn't too good (10 m does seem to be the best it can do), and the lock's rather erratic, but still, better than nothing. Makes the thing bloody useless for navigation, though.
For comparison: A Galaxy S (i9000 on stock 2.2.1) locks within 3-10 seconds, gets about a third more satellites and gives me 10-5 m accuracy. Almost no fluctuation in either accuracy or number of sats. A Desire S locks as fast if not faster and shows 8-3 m accuracy even, even though it generally shows the fewest sats.
Wifi- and/or cell-based location (indoors)
Even my trusty old i5700 (Galaxy Spica) puts me within 100-20 m of my true location even when GPS is disabled, using just cell towers, or that and wifi. Even more importantly, it gauges the accuracy correctly, that is, I'm always within the blue circle.
The Nexus S (and, to be fair, the Desire S) on the other hand puts me in a 1000-400 m circle - and I'm not even near that, it's a couple of kilometers off. What's with that?
Compass
Well, it's not strictly about location and the horse has been beaten to death but it still needs to be said: It doesn't work. At all. Instead it spins wildly, even when the phone's perfectly stationary.
On to the questions:
Is this a sw bug, a hw bug or just a defective unit?
If it is a sw bug, is there anything known about the eta of an incoming hot fix?
Are there any known workarounds?
I really hope there's a solution to this because I really like the thing generally.
+1
roughly the same here.
Same problem. We need help.
Enviado desde mi Nexus S usando Tapatalk
Yes .. I just don't know if I should return it over this issue or not, and I'm running out of time as today's the last opportunity.
Does anyone know if the GPS, network location and/or compass work flawlessly under CM7? That would at least tell us that a fix is possible.
yep, and i'm guessing as it's on stock it's not a software issue. it's a major issue for me as i want to dev augmented reality stuff and having the visual jump around when you're stood still is not cool.
Same thing here. Acquiring a lock can sometimes take forever. I think it's Samsung's crappy hardware, so we may all be stuck.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
I am also facing the same problem with my SNS here in Bangladesh.
Peculiarly the sets gets location data using Cell tower in some areas while it doesn't in many of the areas. As for example, I dint find any problem in checking in Facebook places ot Google Place in my Work.
But have never been able to do the same same in my Home. :-S !
This flaw is giving some hard time.
Is it bcz I've rooted my SNS and using CM7 ?
MarkusPO said:
i'm guessing as it's on stock it's not a software issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's dire news ... You'd think with all the problems the SGS's GPS had and all the attention the early reviews of the NS gave to the issue someone would have spotted it - yet most were quite positive the GPS was fine.
Unfortunately reports on this and other forums are very mixed on the question if and when the NS GPS started acting up.
I guess I'll just have to send it back for now, after all I can always get another one if there's an update that fixes GPS and the rest of the location providers.
like i said in my own thread: exactly the same problems. really sucks. especially GPS and Compass are pissing me off, really doesn't work at all..
bought this new phone and expected a perfect device but got a device full of bugs, i even had a HW problem and had to give it to the support here..i thought i have a completly defective device but since others got this problems i have a little more hope.
and i really hope for a fix soon and really hope this is a SW and no HW bug.
Has anyone with a sucky GPS tried this trick (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1043034) or a similar one on the Nexus S?
I haven't had any issues with my GPS, however sometimes it may take 30sec-1min to find a solid signal. My experiences have been with stock rom and also SupeAosp 6.2 (which I'm currently using).

Nexus S GPS problem?

I bought a T-Mobile nexus s to try out at best buy before committing to dish out 600$ on the att version and noticing that my GPS is having a difficult time locking a signal. Could this be because I'm on edge signal or it shouldn't matter?
I had that captivate before and I had the same issue, does this problem also exist on the nexus s also? It's a great device but I don't think its worth it to me if the GPS isn't reliable
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
If the GPS is having trouble finding your location, then it's not your network's fault. It's your GPS's. Anyway, 2.3.4 should fix that, so just manual install 2.3.4 and you should be good to go.
i do note though, i have problems around areas densely populated with buildings and trees.
Not trying to be an ass, but do you even know how gps works? There's nothing to do with edge cellphone towers or anything... The phone receives signals from satellites that orbit earth and by comparing the time delay it takes to receive the signal from at least 3 different satellites it locks your location.
Now, because the signal is very weak you need to have a clear view of the sky. Buildings, trees, clouds, anything aside a blue clear sky can prevent your phone from getting a gps signal.
So every phone first use radio strength from cellphone towers to triangulate your position faster, but again it has nothing to do with 3g or edge stuff since it just compare the strength of radio signals from differents cellphone towers that have know locations.
So try out getting a gps fix in a clear day, if even in perfect conditions you don't get squat than replace the phone.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Well I was trying to use the gps on the express way with nothing but blue sits and I wasn't able to achieve a lock until half way to my destination. As much as I like the nexus s if I have to update my rom to get the gps to work then im thinking about returning it. Plus I bought the attic 4g and the gps works wonderfully!! And even though its not as open to run the latest roms I find it far smoother then the nexus s aside from the screen im really impressed with the phone.
gratti said:
Not trying to be an ass, but do you even know how gps works? ...anything aside a blue clear sky can prevent your phone from getting a gps signal.
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Click to collapse
Not trying to be an ass, but do you even know how gps works? it also works if the sky is black.
doug0365 said:
Well I was trying to use the gps on the express way with nothing but blue sits and I wasn't able to achieve a lock until half way to my destination. As much as I like the nexus s if I have to update my rom to get the gps to work then im thinking about returning it. Plus I bought the attic 4g and the gps works wonderfully!! And even though its not as open to run the latest roms I find it far smoother then the nexus s aside from the screen im really impressed with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the GPS lock time is decreased when you try to get it whilst moving. So if you were on express way, then that explains it. Just try to get a GPS lock in the park or standing still in an open environment. See if that helps.
MarkusPO said:
Not trying to be an ass, but do you even know how gps works? it also works if the sky is black.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had to try hard to make that joke, eh?
There are 21 satellites up there sending signals at any giving moment, and yeah, that includes night time
Now back to topic, I don't think that you speed effect lock time since no matter how fast you are moving in your car it won't make a difference since area covered by a satellite is huge and the time stamp on those signals are in the order of 1x10^-6 seconds. And ofc a electro magnetic wave move practically at the speed of light.
There's always a visible delay when you are moving, like the position on the map is always a bit behind of where you really are, but that's because the phone only reflash your position each 2 to 4 seconds to save some battery.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Oh, ok gratti, thanks for the input. It was just a thought. So then what would be his problem ?
i'm gonna recommend you download gps status, go to the menu / tools / manage gps, and download the gps data - which is the location of the satellites. and this will help you get lock faster.
you're welcome.
lambda30 said:
Oh, ok gratti, thanks for the input. It was just a thought. So then what would be his problem ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, hard to say. Most likely it's software related. He can try download "gps status" from market and use it's tool clear and redownload gps data. That seems to work most of the times... even tho I'm not sure it actually do something or if it's more like a placebo effect. If his phone can never get a location than better replace it and be done with it.
I had gps issues with all my phones at one point or another and most of the time it resolved by itself. One day it didn't worked the next worked like a charm.
As an electrical engineer it piss me off when my phone's gps simply can't locate me even with ideal conditions. It should work. Period. But like Lewis CK says "the ****tier cellphone is a god damn miracle" sooo...... yeah
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Please, watch here : http://forum.frandroid.com/topic/52821-fix-gps-full-speed/
It's my topic (in french :/) but it's a fix full speed gps.
8/8 satelites in 15s !

Poor GPS?

Does anyone find this phone has poor GPS reception? I have been on many ROMS since i've had my phone and the GPS locking is not good compared to an iPhone. Inside my house my iPhone 4 can lock on and get a perfect signal where as my desire can only lock onto like 3 sats and cant pinpoint me.
Venturing outside I can get a lock but it sometimes takes a while, compared to my iPhone 4 which is instant. When trying to lock on in a moving car also causes difficulty.
Is this normal for this phone? Its becoming quite frustrating now - When I just want to go on maps in the street and instantly know where I am I end up standing there trying to get a lock. I'm wondering if my phone has been damaged due to dropping it or something?
I agree, I have found the GPS on this phone to be terrible - I get faster and more accurate results just by having wifi enabled.
I have changed radios and ROMS and used different apps (actually, try Google Navigation - for some reason that seems to get a lock when maps or any other app can't). I have used the app FasterFix to make sure the phone is searching for the right satellites. Nothing makes any difference. Thankfully I'm in a city and wifi location is accurate enough for me.
1. update radio
2. use faster fix to change the area to where you are
3. use gpsfix to find your location
= no more then 5-10 sec to fix outside
INDEED ! it sucks.
This Desire S which so many people love (why??) has really dissapointed me and this GPS reception is one of the poor criteria. Coming from a HTC Diamond I have so say that the GPS reception and battery consumption was waaaaay much better,
My next phone will not be HTC anymore, too much trouble with the damn thing.
bongo1 said:
Does anyone find this phone has poor GPS reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tik_Tak said:
1. update radio
2. use faster fix to change the area to where you are
3. use gpsfix to find your location
= no more then 5-10 sec to fix outside
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done each of those steps multiple times in lots of ROMS, and it rarely gets a lock at all, even after minutes of waiting.
I have tried to make the excuse that in the UK the weather and cloud cover is often responsible, and GPS does connect faster on the rare sunny days but like the OP said, other phones work. To be honest the GPS on my old Huawei Pulse was better than I get from the Desire S.
I'll have to agree with OP is well. GPS reception is realy bad on DS. Nothing to compare to my previous phone - Galaxy S 2.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
4myphone said:
I've done each of those steps multiple times in lots of ROMS, and it rarely gets a lock at all, even after minutes of waiting.
I have tried to make the excuse that in the UK the weather and cloud cover is often responsible, and GPS does connect faster on the rare sunny days but like the OP said, other phones work. To be honest the GPS on my old Huawei Pulse was better than I get from the Desire S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also tried different roms, steps and apps, GPS status is a good app as it shows you the sats locking on etc. Generally i can only get about 2-3 sats between tall buildings which is not enough for a accurate lock on where as other phones can get an instant lock fine. Also shouldnt be required to have to take steps and use apps to get a lock every time. I think its hardware and not software related.

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