[HOWTO] Check your GPS signal - T-Mobile LG G2x

1) Install GPS Status & Toolbox
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&feature=search_result
2) Run it
3) See how long it takes to get a location. Location appears in the spinning area under "mag field". Seems to take 9 to 11 more satellites to lock and works best outdoors.
Why do you need this app? Using Google Maps will not be accurate, as it uses Cell tower and wifi for triangulation (in addition to GPS). GPS Status & Toolbox uses GPS only. So while maps may have a location, GPS may not even be locked on whatsoever.
If GPS is not locked on, things like Maps Navigation and TeleNav won't work.

Took about a min to hit 8 locked on...turned wifi on and connected and locked in 20 seconds with 6 sats.... hmmmm will test more..
Both tested outside
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

nate420 said:
Took about a min to hit 8 locked on...turned wifi on and connected and locked in 20 seconds with 6 sats.... hmmmm will test more..
Both tested outside
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the slow gps fix in the dev forum. My GPS has always been pretty good but after changing the SUPL server in the hidden menu I get lock way faster than I already was.

Related

AT&T Mark the Spot app is GPS fix

Download this app from market, start it, it ALWAYS locks on immediately, then start google navigation. No workarounds, no fiddling with gps settings, no cursing samsung, no sh*t!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
cappysw10 said:
Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sends AT&T information on signal strength, etc. as well as your GPS location, so they can fine tune connectivity issues in that area. So it does have to do with GPS stuff. I suppose it's possible that it fixes the GPS stuff too, temporarily. Anyone else want to test and verify?
I installed the AT&T app and tried it and it worked! I haven't been able to get a GPS lock inside my house since I bought this thing, but I got one sitting in my office here in about 10 seconds. Launched the AT&T app first, then went to Maps and it popped right up. Until Samsung/AT&T can push a fix, I think this will work as a good work-around. Thanks!
I tried it and at first I thought it worked, but I had wiring on, so it was just using thuat... I turned it off and it returned to being four or more blocks away from where I am with a massive blue circle covering almost my entire town. Sigh.
cappysw10 said:
Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you click Install, it says:
This application has access to the following:
Your Location
coarse (network-based) location, fine (GPS) location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'd say it has something to do with GPS.......
that being said, I haven't seen an immediate change as the OP said, but I'll give it some time and not slam this based on the first 2 minutes of using it!
I installed it and using both wifi and gps settings it's still off by 5 miles! Come on AT&T/Samsung get you act together.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
The app probably set the GPS to 'MS Assited' mode because it needs the raw sat data and caculate your location from the server end, instead of on your phone. That's why it is fast and accurate (as long as you're not moving much). But it won't really cure your GPS problem because you will need your GPS on standalone or MS Based mode for your Nav app.
this is looking like it works, folks..... I have the GPS recommended fix settings from the stickied thread, and I'm getting good results with this! Connects fast and has not lost signal while driving - two very common issues people are having.... I haven't had anything to complain over, especially if you understand that you can't open and close a bunch of apps that use GPS at once while the other is trying to get a lock - for the first time EVER, Seesmic was able to find my location to post a tweet while indoors at home, it sure didn't do that before downloading this app!
GarciaM25 said:
When you click Install, it says:
So I'd say it has something to do with GPS.......
that being said, I haven't seen an immediate change as the OP said, but I'll give it some time and not slam this based on the first 2 minutes of using it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That permission request message actually a pretty good indicator that it goes through the same api that every other gps app on the market goes through. (locationProvider methods) I dont see how it could do anything...but hey who knows.
Tried it. Still not accurate. Off by approximately 4-6 blocks. I'm in my house with one/two bar's on 3g.
I've been telling samsung about this for about a week now. They have passed the info to their R&D folks working on the GPS issue.
Doesn't do a thing for me.
I'm pretty sure that the GPS software issues are at a lower level. All the apps that use location based services (Google Maps, Navigate, Yelp, Around Me, etc.) can use the same functions to activate the GPS and obtain a location. It is VERY unlikely that an app will write it's own low-level code to operate the GPS hardware - mostly because it costs more money to develop in that manner. Also, as a developer it's usually better to assume that existing code has been tested and is safe to re-use.
its from att so its not a fix
sent from a 42 node T.I. 89 cluster
I changed my gps server to supl.google.com and that with gps test (From the app store) really helps you lock on. If it locks usually pretty quick 20-30 secs its less than 16 feet... Lock first with gps test and then navigation... Locks 80% of the time pretty quickly and you see the triangulation of the satellites. Faster if you are outside obviously.....
I cant find this app neither the Market or AppBrain . Could you guide me to install the Mark the Spot. Tks
batis said:
I cant find this app neither the Market or AppBrain . Could you guide me to install the Mark the Spot. Tks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the AT&T app center in the market.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately, at this point I think my GPS is completely borked.
I had been using Runkeeper to prime my GPS for a couple days, but that stopped working. Mark the Spot isn't giving me a lock either. I'm outside on a clear day, and it's been trying to lock for about six minutes. Position Test is reporting eight satellites in view, but no dice.
It's great when these workarounds work, but it will be nice if and when Samsung is able to fix this.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I89dice7 using XDA App
Have read similar results in other forums about firing up AT&T Navigator, but not accepting EULA and starting Google Maps? Pretty close, but nowhere near acuracy of any three previous HTC devices I have owned. I also didn't update Google Maps as recommended elsewhere also
Flashed my phone to the JH3 firmware with SRE 1.2.1a and tayutama lag fix ext2. So far ive been getting gps lock in under 5 seconds outside and at the most 15 seconds inside my house or job with 5 meter accuracy. Still a little lag with the gps while using google navigation, but like 200% better then when i first got the phone.

Bad GPS lock with WIFI off.

My GPS stopped doing accurate readings when i flash roms with the ziggy gps fix. the only way that it gets accurate(within 20m) is with wifi on and connected, if its off it says accurate within 3700m. Thats not too accurate if i might say, anyone else having this problem/ found a fix for it?
Check the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025631
I've done that, and it knocks my gps off completely. Any clue why its attached to Google location services?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Interesting, I attempted the same thing and I am unable to get a lock when I disable the Google Location Services.
I'm running on Das BAMF 1.3.2 with the kernel update 3a which includes gps fix/enhancement from Ziggy.
I've been testing how quick I get locks when using the Navigation and I am still seeing a considerable amount of time before it finds a GPS signal. I've also used GPS Status from the Market to reset and download GPS data but I haven't really seen a difference.
DRGilroy said:
Check the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used this method and Ziggy's GPS mod and I get a lock within seconds as opposed to 10 minutes. If I turn on Google Services it goes back to a 10 minute lock time so I think it has more to do w/ the Google Services rather than modifying the GPS Config through Root Explorer.
Edit: I will add that initially my phone will say "GPS Location is Currently Unavailable" and 2 seconds later it gets the GPS lock /shrug
Well mine stays searching when the Google location is off, never gets a signal. What is the stock gps server so I can switch it back?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Well I just found that as long as WiFi is toggled on, the gps will lock on no matter if there's a connection or not. Tied into he WiFi somehow?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Joanni said:
Well I just found that as long as WiFi is toggled on, the gps will lock on no matter if there's a connection or not. Tied into he WiFi somehow?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is odd that WiFi affects the GPS locking. I'm trying to find anything I can on this. "Searching for GPS..." in Navigation is annoying as heck.
I also had a sneaking suspicion that toggling wifi on and off caused gps lock issues, I was using another rom at the time, but for some reason, all of those problems ceased when I flashed TeslaCoil and completed the gps conf fix.
Not withstanding, gps should lock quickly using only stand alone, and right now, my gps works splendidly
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk
Where can I find that gps conf fix at? I wanna give that a shot.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Joanni said:
Where can I find that gps conf fix at? I wanna give that a shot.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can grab it here:
Improve GPS lock - credit Ziggy471
It edits the gps.conf so the NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
That comes default on the roms I use tho. Still attached to WiFi switch. What's the closest lock you can get with your gps?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
i was having GPS issues with the last two bamf kernels. google maps seemed to lock onto my location after a few seconds or a minute, but other apps that tried to use the GPS would never lock on. i noticed when you go into google mapls, the GPS icon/animation appears on the status bar.
the GPS icon would never appear for other apps that tried to use GPS when using the bamf kernels.
with the stock TB kernel, all is well.
Ok, gps is definitely tied in to WiFi. Without WiFi on its 3400m away and with it on is within 20-50m. That only happened with the ziggy fix so maybe if anyone could show me the original settings for the stock gps server file I could change back and forth and test what the problem is.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
So I rewrote the gps.conf back to the original north-america setting and that fixed the problem. Any clue why ziggys rewrite of a word in that setting would mess it up so much? And how is it ppl are supposedly getting improvements with that, like what exactly?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I don't know what the rhyme or reason would be for this gps issue, because it's so random, there is no pattern to this mess:
1. Got the phone, gps worked great.
2. Rooted phone, still worked great.
3. Flashed first rom, Virus to be exact, still worked great.
4. Several days later, with no rhyme or reason, I noticed that Cardio Trainer had not picked up location
5. Factory reset, problem still persisted, could not lock on to any birds, confirmed with gps test app.
6. Flashed CWR of stock rom post root, still not working.
7. Flashed RUU stock from fastboot, working again perfectly.
8. Have flashed 2 non stock roms since, BAMF 1.3.1 and first TeslaCoil (current) and gps still working perfectly
I can't think of what could have possibly caused this, but now that gps has been stable for about one week and I haven't been using wifi, over the weekend I'm going to toggle between wifi and 3g and see if it causes any issues.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk
I'll be trying the new Das BAMF 1.4 to see how it behaves. Wish me luck!
Joanni said:
Ok, gps is definitely tied in to WiFi. Without WiFi on its 3400m away and with it on is within 20-50m. That only happened with the ziggy fix so maybe if anyone could show me the original settings for the stock gps server file I could change back and forth and test what the problem is.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joanni, I'm having the exact same issue that you've been having. With Google services on, I get the wide area. If I turn it off, I get nothing. The only way I get a lock is with WiFi on. I'm currently running Virus ROM.
I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to digging into my phone. I generally just follow well polished instructions. How would one go about trying your fix?
GutterIsATool said:
Joanni, I'm having the exact same issue that you've been having. With Google services on, I get the wide area. If I turn it off, I get nothing. The only way I get a lock is with WiFi on. I'm currently running Virus ROM.
I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to digging into my phone. I generally just follow well polished instructions. How would one go about trying your fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joanni just edited the gps.conf file to read NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org
That was the original setting. It has been said that changing the setting to us.pool.ntp.org has fixed peoples GPS locking issues but in my testing I found no benefit either way. What I have found, is that turning WiFi on will enable the GPS to have better accuracy in finding your location (20 meters to 50 meters in my case). This is exactly what the popup says, the first time you launch Google Maps.
If you wanted to check what your gps.conf file has set as the server, you can use Root Explorer and browse to /etc/gps.conf
There is also an app in the Market called FasterFix that will change the server to north-america.pool.ntp.org for you.

AGPS patch for rapid GPS lock doesn't work with Endomondo sports tracker!

I have applied the patch as given in the below thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032
and I'm using Reaper v1.3
Yesterday when I went for a run, 'Endomondo pro' never got a lock (in 20 minutes) though it was showing that the GPS was excellent and I was good to start my workout. Can someone check the same on other sports trackers like Runkeeper.. etc
Another weird thing I observed with the AGPS patch is that I get a GPS lock and Google Maps gives my exact position even when I'm deep inside my home (nowhere near any window). Thanks to the dev - With the patch the GPS lock times have become really fantastic but I suspect something amiss.
note: I can't post in the dev thread as I'm still new, but if this is a valid issue and faced by many we can ask someone to post the same in dev section and try and get it resolved. Thanks.
batmobile_bang said:
Another weird thing I observed with the AGPS patch is that I get a GPS lock and Google Maps gives my exact position even when I'm deep inside my home (nowhere near any window). Thanks to the dev - With the patch the GPS lock times have become really fantastic but I suspect something amiss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have turned on wlan? google is saving the position of your wlan, so it can give your home as position very fast!
try an app like "gps test" to watch how many satellites you get connected to!
I wasn't connected to WLAN, only gprs, so weird right?! I have used GPS test and yes I do see more satellites with the patch. I use sports tracker applications more frequently than navigation so its kinda more important to me that the patch is compatible with Endomondo pro.
batmobile_bang said:
I wasn't connected to WLAN, only gprs, so weird right?! I have used GPS test and yes I do see more satellites with the patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
r u sure to get connected to satellites inside your house?
i get connected to 2-4 satellites when i'm at a window, but deep in the house i can't find anyone!
batmobile_bang said:
I use sports tracker applications more frequently than navigation so its kinda more important to me that the patch is compatible with Endomondo pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm on MIUI using runtastic, and haven't any problems, try if u can get connected with the liteversion outside!
mouzzza said:
r u sure to get connected to satellites inside your house?
i get connected to 2-4 satellites when i'm at a window, but deep in the house i can't find anyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At office I tested again, don't get GPS lock with gprs only, but with wifi there is an instant lock, that's ok I guess
mouzzza said:
i'm on MIUI using runtastic, and haven't any problems, try if u can get connected with the liteversion outside!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed RunKeeper and tested it with Endomondo on a 10 min walk to lunch from office. Both endomondo and Runkeeper reported a gps fix within a couple of seconds but when I checked the embedded map in the respective sport app there was a big blue circle - similar to AGPS fix. My take on the issue is that these sport tracker apps are being reported of a gps fix much before a fix is established and they are not trying for a better fix?!
Anyone else facing this issue? I love the GPS patch, its making the GPS usable on my Desire S, but this is a deal breaker.
batmobile_bang said:
At office I tested again, don't get GPS lock with gprs only, but with wifi there is an instant lock, that's ok I guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the lock on wifi in my opinion is senseless for the sportapps!
batmobile_bang said:
Both endomondo and Runkeeper reported a gps fix within a couple of seconds but when I checked the embedded map in the respective sport app there was a big blue circle - similar to AGPS fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give a chance to "Runtastic".
while testing the apps, you should look that there r no skycrapers, trees,... around you
Runtastic works fantastic and it never lost the lock during the workout.
However, I upgraded the ROM to reaper v1.4, reinstalled endomondo pro and did a few tweaks. In the endomondo location settings I disabled the 'use wireless network' option - this solves the erroneous gps lock shown on endomondo before workout starts.
One curious observation about the AGPS patch though - there was no AGPS position lock (without gps assistance) for the first time after applying the patch, but it's fine once you acquire the position through GPS assistance. I'm still evaluating the same as I find it interesting.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App

[Q] Can I get my location using Cell towers only

Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).
fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need internet to locate yourself only GPS.
Apps like Tasker and Llama can use cell tower location without draining your battery and requires a network connection but not data.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
xda_fanboy said:
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"
Pretty sure the only way for that to work is if you have "WiFi always scanning" turned on.
You can set your locations to Device Only and it will just use the GPS and nothing else.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
fleen said:
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.
jsgraphicart said:
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.
fleen said:
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?
jsgraphicart said:
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery
fleen said:
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.
theesotericone said:
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.
fleen said:
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell tower triangulation is not precise at all. It's only used to help your device catch GPS fix faster. If one would only use cell towers the accuracy would in most cases not got below 300-500m...
One cell tower can provide signal for a very large area. It can not be used for precise tracking as you need.
When I drive away from my house it can take over 5 minutes to leave the area of my 3 "home" cell towers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
So its not what I want ok guys thanks how can I close this thread now?

GPS fix

For several weeks now, the compass was broken, but I could live with the view from top at the maps. Now it won't even find my GPS. Also, when I activate to check in to a location to Instagram, it shows a different location than where I am, and I have to use the search. How can I fix it? I live in Greece.
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I am facing issues with GPS as well. I am facing issues with Google navigation. GPS doesn't fix. It takes too much time. I used GPS fix app which fixes GPS in 1-2 min. Still Google map takes 15-20 mins to figure out where I am on the map and start navigation correctly. Is it a ROM problem? Currently i am using resurrection remix. When I was using Blisspop, navigation was slower than the car speed. Means few mins after I take a turn, Google map would instruct me to take a turn. Any idea what could be the problem? I recently did a clean flash. But that didn't fix the issue.
Missed one more point, after 15-20 mins GPS locks and Google navigation starts working. But frequently it would announce GPS signal lost. To test, I kept running my nexus 4 in parallel. Nexus 4 locks GPS instantly and on the same route never losses GPS signal.
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Any one?
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Try GPS Status to calibrate the compass and Faster GPS to set your continent and region.

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