Database Info

GPS in Europe

I've searched and searched most of the Android forums along with the Eris forums as well but I can't find anyone who has gotten this to work. The best I could find was someone in Puerto Rico with a Eris that even with a 1x connection wasn't able to get a GPS sync.
Has anyone traveled to Europe with a CDMA Hero and been able to get a GPS lock?
Were you able to use co-pilot or something similar with offline maps to be able to navigate around?
I tested putting the phone in airplane mode and turning on GPS and using GPS Logger to see if I get a sync and I do here in the US. In the settings I only had "Use GPS satellites" checked and not "use wireless networks". This leads me to believe it should work but I have to wonder if the last sync was cached which allowed it to work in testing.
So if anyone has and real life experience with this please let me know, otherwise I may have to drag out the old Mogul with a BT GPS dongle.

Good question! I am going to Japan for 2 weeks and was wondering the same thing.

It should work I think, cause GPS is supposed to locate you anywhere. Its just the maps but google maps has the whole world.

zeezey said:
It should work I think, cause GPS is supposed to locate you anywhere. Its just the maps but google maps has the whole world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing is, Maps requires a data connection to display the maps!
You'd probably have to get a europe navigation program for android (if one exists?)

lordofokra said:
Only thing is, Maps requires a data connection to display the maps!
You'd probably have to get a europe navigation program for android (if one exists?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's called CoPilet Live Navigation Europe, but its f***ing expensive lol
like $75 USD
Better pleasure me at the same time as navigating for that price

lordofokra said:
Only thing is, Maps requires a data connection to display the maps!
You'd probably have to get a europe navigation program for android (if one exists?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a hacked GMaps that works outside the USA...

I'm starting to think no one has any real world experience with this. I have a feeling my upcoming travel I will end up being a guinea pig.

gu1dry said:
There is a hacked GMaps that works outside the USA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't he still need data to use it? Europe doesn't use our CDMA and he wouldn't have signal.

I found a navigation app that doesn't need an interenet connection. It relies on OpenStreetMap so I am not sure how good that data is in Europe
http://www.andnav.org/
I also found this app which lets you download an area while you have an internet connection
http://bigplanetmaps.wordpress.com/
but it seems buggy.
There is also this one but it doesn't look like it has a navigation option
http://www.mapdroyd.com/
All the notable gps navigation apps that have mappacks cost $50 or more.
Another problem is that your phone uses the cell network as a "cheat" to get your initial location. So whenever you boot up a GPS nav app without cell towers it is going to take several minutes to get your location so just be aware it will take awhile to get your location. That fact is true for any GPS unit you start for the first time. This is why the newer units will ask for the city you are in so it can try to get a lock faster.

I was in Europe earlier this month and none of the pictures I took with the phone had any of the GPS data in it.
Hope your results are different.

ymsc said:
I was in Europe earlier this month and none of the pictures I took with the phone had any of the GPS data in it.
Hope your results are different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
y doesn't someone ask someone from Europe?

regaw_leinad said:
y doesn't someone ask someone from Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do not have the CDMA Hero in Europe

ymsc said:
They do not have the CDMA Hero in Europe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol wow I don't even remember asking that last night ?? what a dumb question haha

I think a good way to test if it will work is to do a complete wipe and as soon as the phone boots throw it in airplane mode. Then disable the network location by celltower. Disable Mobile network. Take it out of airplane mode and activate only the GPS(not the mobile network location... make sure that is off before you come out of airplane mode)
Then put one of those program on your phone (I am liking andnav) and see if it finds your location after several minutes.
You need to wipe it so your phone never gets your current location. This will be a similar situation to when you go overseas.
The big question here is does the Hero need that initial location from the towers or will it do like other GPS units and search until it find the location(which can take many minutes!)

I just tried that andnav2 and it properly won't work for you.
Even if you download the mappacks you will still need to cache and area you are visiting while you have a data connection. Then you can't plan routes there unless you have a data connection. You can however pre-load routes and then don't need a data connection but you have to pre-plan stuff.
I am sorry to say but I think your best bet is to get a dedicated unit. The paid apps for the android might do the job for you if you want to save on how many electronics you carry around but they are so expensive that I say by then just buy a separate unit.
If you have or want to buy a TomTom then I can tell you how to get maps for your areas you are visiting but you will need to PM me. Not only am I not allowed to post but that would be way off topic since it has nothing to do with the Hero. I took a TomTom One when I went to Germany a couple months ago and it worked like a charm.

Just bumping this in case anyone has any further insight or has tried this.
I still planning on trying it myself. I'll have the old mogul with a bluetooth gps dongle as a backup.
Actually here is a question. Has anyone gotten a bluetooth gps dongle to work with their phones. I know the last time I was in europe my mogul would not pick up a gps signal with the internal chip but as soon as I fired up the bluetooth everything was good.

watzone69 said:
Good question! I am going to Japan for 2 weeks and was wondering the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
japan uses cdma. you'll probably have a nice strong roaming signal over there

feld said:
japan uses cdma. you'll probably have a nice strong roaming signal over there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I'm in Japan right now. As soon as I took my phone out of airplane mode I got a roaming notification for $1.99/minute. No thanks! I disabled mobile network and have just been using the camera and music functions.
I'm posting this from my father-in-law's computer. He lives in a small town outside of Tokyo and I haven't found a wifi hotspot yet. I'm going in to Tokyo tomorrow so I will try to find a free one somewhere and maybe download some maps.
Earlier today I tried getting a GPS lock w/google maps and it seems like it found my location (no map, of course) but now it says "your location is temporarily unavailable". Maybe the initial lock was cached data? I may try the wipe/airplane mode method that centron posted.
BTW, I have seen ads for WIMAX here. Hopefully next time I'm here I'll have the EVO.

Based on my experience traveling around Europe with my Sprint Mogul you will need to have a CDMA signal even if your phone has a dedicated GPS chip. Even TomTom wouldn't work without it. Granted this is a different phone running WM6, but I believe the result will be the same.
Please write us back when you test it out across the pond and let us know.

I'll try to remember in the am. I'm in the UK right now. I tried the other day, but was having issues getting a dhcp addresses from the wifi ....

Widget turned off 4g/3g, can't turn it back from 1x

So I was playing around trying to delete widgets and one of them took out my 4g/3g connection. The icon is stuck in 1x, and I can't find any setting to change it back.

dail *#*#4636#*#* . This will take you to the network settings. select phone information. And then scroll down to set preferred network type.

I did that, set it to both LTE mode as well as CDMA+LTE/Evdo, but then even when rebooting to toggle it, it shows Network Type as CDMA - 1xRTT
I'm seeing other threads with people having issues with being stuck in 1x, so maybe its just not me, and I disconnected and just happened to not get it back

I am having this issue as well. Rooted last night. In the process of removing system apps removed something I shouldnt have. Went to flash my back up created by Rom Man only to find out it wasnt made, fail, so i flashed the custom rom by Chingy. Since flashing the rom I only have 1X service no matter what I set the phone to on the toggle.

its not just you bro ive been having 3g and 4g problems all morning. I am in queens NY...if they dont get this fix before the 14 days I am returning this phone and going back to t-mobile

I had thus problem. Just turn airplane mode on for a minute, then turn it off and you should get 3g again.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

cnmsales said:
I am having this issue as well. Rooted last night. In the process of removing system apps removed something I shouldnt have. Went to flash my back up created by Rom Man only to find out it wasnt made, fail, so i flashed the custom rom by Chingy. Since flashing the rom I only have 1X service no matter what I set the phone to on the toggle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not even rooted, and I began experiencing this issue this morning after having my phone off and plugged in last night.
EDIT: I tested the above fix, and it didn't work for me. Every time the phone tries to turn 3g on it will appear in the status bar for a split second and then everything turns off, even 1x. weird.

It's a network problem on verizon's end. I'm in Cincinnati and data is not working at all.

I am getting this too - according to tech support, there is a problem with the 4G network right now - however why it doesn't fall back to 3G I don't know (unless there is a problem with that too).
I too am in New York, so it might be localized to NYC - They even tried resetting something on my VZ profile.
I'm still on the call as we speak, but I get the feeling given the number of people reporting this, it is a VZ problem.

CorporateGoth said:
I am getting this too - according to tech support, there is a problem with the 4G network right now - however why it doesn't fall back to 3G I don't know (unless there is a problem with that too).
I too am in New York, so it might be localized to NYC - They even tried resetting something on my VZ profile.
I'm still on the call as we speak, but I get the feeling given the number of people reporting this, it is a VZ problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely not just a localized problem. I'm all the way out in Utah (no 4g service here yet) and the 3g is completely jacked.

Yup confirmed with tech support, there's a nationwide outage with 4g data and they are working it with the highest priority, the tech said. Ah the costs of new technology. Always will have issues at start.

Same thing here, Pensacola, FL. Just went out on my drive to work today, now it's 1x across the board for me and the gf...she has an incredible and I have the tbolt...

Add me to the list. Been on the phone with tech support for 52 minutes and counting. I'm on hold right now and thought I would check xda. Stuck in 1x if I even have anything. I am about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Phone is completely stock and worked perfect yesterday. Also, the tech said DO NOT dial *228 from the Thunderbolt. I didn't, but he said for future referece it will force the phone to use only 1x and 3g. Nice to know lol they didn't say that crap when I bought it. At least their tech support guys are super friendly.

Weird. Im in Akron Ohio and have full bars 4G. Just did speed test and getting 15Mbps down 20 up. Downloaded app off market just to be sure and downloaded without a hitch. This must not be affecting whole nation. (Yes my Wi-Fi is off lol)

Just got off the phone with VZ Tech support. He said there is not an acknowledge problem with the 3G network right now (unlike the 4G), but he's sure that soon there probably will be.
He could not use my phone as an example case (to raise the trouble ticket) because I was unwilling to perform the last step in the troubleshooting process (reflashing the phone) - but I'm sure there will be others willing to do that and this will become a known issue soon enough.

Worst part is, even my 1X support keeps going in and out - probably because the 1X network in NYC is overloaded, because all those users usually on 3G are all on 1X now, and killing it

Confirmed here, too...all 1x, must be a nationwide 3g issue

Same here south of Chicago. Guess I won't even bother calling about it. Thanks for the info.

This is definitely a widespread issue... I am in Miami and I can't even gey 3G here... I am only getting 1X.. The weird thing is, my friend has a Thunderbolt too and she seems to ne getting 3G fine.... If anyone receives any worse from Verizon, please post ASAP!!!

Yup im located in Manhattan New York having the same exact problem since 8:30am today No 4G or 3G i hope they get it fixed Soon Let's Go Verizon!

[fixed] Internet problem on sensation?

Hi,
To be clear: Internet is not the app, not over Wifi but over 4G/3G/H etc..
I got my sensation 3 days now and there seems to be a issue with the internet connection.
Mine keeps requesting data but it doesnt get any data back.
Apps like internet browser sometimes work and sometimes they dont (loading google), the weather app says there is no internet connection and manage to sometimes get the actual weather.
I tried restarting it serval times but no success..
Internet does work on my HTC Hero.
Edit:
Found the problem, had to enable data roaming..
Odd thing that it works sometimes without roaming tho..

4G internet issues
I am having the same problem with my internet, though enabling data roaming did not correct my problem. Internet and web based apps work fine over WIFI, but will randomly work over 4G. Is anyone else having a similar issue?

palehose80 said:
I am having the same problem with my internet, though enabling data roaming did not correct my problem. Internet and web based apps work fine over WIFI, but will randomly work over 4G. Is anyone else having a similar issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get a severe lag now and then when connected to 4G - seems to take a while for the connection to initiate. I've tried the "fix" posted in another thread, but that only seemed to resolve the issue temporarily.

It seems like location may have something to do with it as well. The tower closest to my home is where I experience the most issues. Though my G2X or my fiance's vibrant work without any issues.

palehose80 said:
It seems like location may have something to do with it as well. The tower closest to my home is where I experience the most issues. Though my G2X or my fiance's vibrant work without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could contribute to my issue. I seem to live near a cell dead zone.

Theres a few threads open on this issue. There doesnt seem to be a permanent fix yet, but it is extremely annoying.

Same here, my connection would send data but winter recieve sometimes. Kinda annoying. Hopefully, htc addresses this problem soon.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

Same issue - across multiple handsets
Hi, it's been a while since I posted in XDA but this issue has been a regular one with my T-mobile service, across multiple devices. I have searched far and wide for anyone else seeing this exact problem, and finally here you are. I hope this helps other users:
1) Purchased the original myTouch 3G; approx 1 year with zero connectivity issues. Loved it, exceptional for its time.
2) Purchased (upgrade) myTouch 3G Slide at launch. Following 3-5 months saw This issue with outgoing data, but no incoming response. 60/40 the internet would respond or not in any application (web, streaming, podcasts), it was a real crapshoot. Assumed the problem was isolated and performed a few master resets. Zero apps installed and continued to see the same issue. Decided it was either software or radio related and called T-mo for advice. They suggested a replacement unit after standard troubleshooting (re-seat SIM, master reset, check that you have substantial signal).
3) New MT3G Slide, same outcome. Called back. Finally received a reasonable suggestion: get a new (free) SIM from T-mo as the one I currently had was slightly older. Was sure this was the issue as the rep sounded very confident when I explained the situation. Received new SIM!
4) No change, issue persisted. Following day called T-mo and had a 'ticket' escalated to engineering dept. Was assured I would receive a call from eng. dept, but no such luck. Bothered by this whole mess and lacking in answers from T-mo, I sold the Slide and upgraded to the G2X.
5) The issue once again reared its head! If the stars were aligned and I did get In/Out data, it was 11KB/s (90kbps) tops. Ex: 5MB podcast would take 0.5-1.5 min (30-90 sec) to download prior to issue, now 10-15 min. This was with no apps installed, 4 bars of signal, 4G status icon, across multiple geographical locations, and fingers on both hands crossed. It was about this time I suspected that somehow T-mo's network was throttling my account. But, I had never used more than 1GB in a month, and they assured me I was not being throttled. A serious WTF was had
6) Realizing there were bigger problems in the world and finally at wit's end, I returned the G2X and am waiting patiently for my contract to expire in July, while using an old Nokia candybar in the meantime for calls and text only.
7) July: move to new carrier or stay with T-mo (if we can figure out what this issue is). 8 year customer, need internet on a smartphone though.

Apollo-2 said:
Hi, it's been a while since I posted in XDA but this issue has been a regular one with my T-mobile service, across multiple devices. I have searched far and wide for anyone else seeing this exact problem, and finally here you are. I hope this helps other users:
1) Purchased the original myTouch 3G; approx 1 year with zero connectivity issues. Loved it, exceptional for its time.
2) Purchased (upgrade) myTouch 3G Slide at launch. Following 3-5 months saw This issue with outgoing data, but no incoming response. 60/40 the internet would respond or not in any application (web, streaming, podcasts), it was a real crapshoot. Assumed the problem was isolated and performed a few master resets. Zero apps installed and continued to see the same issue. Decided it was either software or radio related and called T-mo for advice. They suggested a replacement unit after standard troubleshooting (re-seat SIM, master reset, check that you have substantial signal).
3) New MT3G Slide, same outcome. Called back. Finally received a reasonable suggestion: get a new (free) SIM from T-mo as the one I currently had was slightly older. Was sure this was the issue as the rep sounded very confident when I explained the situation. Received new SIM!
4) No change, issue persisted. Following day called T-mo and had a 'ticket' escalated to engineering dept. Was assured I would receive a call from eng. dept, but no such luck. Bothered by this whole mess and lacking in answers from T-mo, I sold the Slide and upgraded to the G2X.
5) The issue once again reared its head! If the stars were aligned and I did get In/Out data, it was 11KB/s (90kbps) tops. Ex: 5MB podcast would take 0.5-1.5 min (30-90 sec) to download prior to issue, now 10-15 min. This was with no apps installed, 4 bars of signal, 4G status icon, across multiple geographical locations, and fingers on both hands crossed. It was about this time I suspected that somehow T-mo's network was throttling my account. But, I had never used more than 1GB in a month, and they assured me I was not being throttled. A serious WTF was had
6) Realizing there were bigger problems in the world and finally at wit's end, I returned the G2X and am waiting patiently for my contract to expire in July, while using an old Nokia candybar in the meantime for calls and text only.
7) July: move to new carrier or stay with T-mo (if we can figure out what this issue is). 8 year customer, need internet on a smartphone though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same issue, and have gone through the same steps. New Sensation (exchnaged mine twice now) followed by new SIM, tried the *fix* posted, turned on data roaming, and still nothing. I have talked to Tmo several times, and they are supposed to be checking the towers in my area, an engineer is supposed to contact me in up to 72 hours. The Evo 3D comes out before my 14 day return period, so I may just jump ship if this problem persists. Hoping to find a fix though, as this phone is amazing when it's on Wifi

[Q] NS4G GPS issues in Germany

Last week I flew from the U.S. to Germany for a month-long business visit. I brought my Nexus S 4G (Bugless Pete's ICS ROM/kernal) knowing that I wouldn't be able to use the phone, but figured I'd still be able to get wireless and GPS.
The GPS worked fine in the U.S. but has been terrible here. I was able to get a single lock on my location the first day, but ever since have been unable to get anything. I also have an HTC Flyer which doesn't have any problems with GPS, so it's not the signal.
Is there any reason why the NS4G specifically would have poor GPS in Europe? Any tweaks that can be made?

I wonder if Hitler had something to do with it

I found some stuff that might help. One app is FasterGPS. It works by changing your region for a faster lock, so it should help...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsIm9yZy5mYXN0ZXJncHMiXQ
Another app I use is QBANIN GPSfix, which I activate after turning GPS location on but before actually using the Navigation or Maps app.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12406555&postcount=11
Someone said this worked too:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22088356&postcount=1534

fwald said:
Last week I flew from the U.S. to Germany for a month-long business visit. I brought my Nexus S 4G (Bugless Pete's ICS ROM/kernal) knowing that I wouldn't be able to use the phone, but figured I'd still be able to get wireless and GPS.
The GPS worked fine in the U.S. but has been terrible here. I was able to get a single lock on my location the first day, but ever since have been unable to get anything. I also have an HTC Flyer which doesn't have any problems with GPS, so it's not the signal.
Is there any reason why the NS4G specifically would have poor GPS in Europe? Any tweaks that can be made?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US it's able to use wifi and cell tower A-GPS triangulation data to help get the initial location determined. When that data is factored in, the lock is a lot easier to get.
If you can happen to hop on a wifi network out there, I bet you'll be able to get a lock pretty quickly too.

gullu101 said:
I found some stuff that might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give those a shot.
superm1 said:
In the US it's able to use wifi and cell tower A-GPS triangulation data to help get the initial location determined. When that data is factored in, the lock is a lot easier to get.
If you can happen to hop on a wifi network out there, I bet you'll be able to get a lock pretty quickly too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're absolutely right. When I did get the lock, I was on wifi.
And now that I think about it some more, Google Maps and Navigation must need an active data link to work, right? The map info isn't stored locally.

fwald said:
Thanks, I'll give those a shot.
I think you're absolutely right. When I did get the lock, I was on wifi.
And now that I think about it some more, Google Maps and Navigation must need an active data link to work, right? The map info isn't stored locally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a lab setting that lets you cache map tiles for like 10 mi square areas I think. I've never actually tried it. I expect it will just get you map information but not actually get you directions and navigation working though. Those I think will require an active data link.

superm1 said:
There is a lab setting that lets you cache map tiles for like 10 mi square areas I think. I've never actually tried it. I expect it will just get you map information but not actually get you directions and navigation working though. Those I think will require an active data link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've tried it, it's pretty useful. You can download the maps via WiFi and it'll save them to your phone

[Q] 4g data drops often...too often

i have to reboot in order for the 4g data to work again but it only stays on for about a minute and then it stops working again. everything else on the phone works ( text, voice, wifi etc...) I read somewhere that flashing different radios might fix it but im not sure about that. anyone else experience this and have a work around? i am currently on baseband i535VRLG1
Thanks In advance
i called Verizon and they said it may be the sim card thats damaged. if that were the case wouldnt voice and text fail as well?

frunas80 said:
i have to reboot in order for the 4g data to work again but it only stays on for about a minute and then it stops working again. everything else on the phone works ( text, voice, wifi etc...) I read somewhere that flashing different radios might fix it but im not sure about that. anyone else experience this and have a work around? i am currently on baseband i535VRLG1
Thanks In advance
i called Verizon and they said it may be the sim card thats damaged. if that were the case wouldnt voice and text fail as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same issues recently. I've always gotten a 4G signal at my house (albeit not the strongest one) but lately, my phone will not hold on to the connection. When coming off of wifi, my phone will not acquire a data connection at all most of the time. I can still send/receive texts and calls but there is no 4G or 3G icon, no MMS, and no data. I have to toggle the radios on/off, or change from CDMA/LTE to Global (or GSM) and back, put in airplane mode, or restart.....there is no guarantee any one of those steps will work. Sometimes I have to do it repeatedly until I get my data connection back but it is only temporary.
I'm on the i535VRBMF1 baseband and updated to the ML1 modem to try and resolve but to no avail. I have replaced my sim card (as I initially though that was the issue) but it has not helped either.
The only thing I can think of is that my PRL may have been updated (it is currently 15310) and it's causing issues with the towers in my area.
I just got back from Hawaii and was also in San Diego for a few days and had absolutely no issues. It seems to only be an issue now when I'm at my house which makes me think it is something VZW network related and nothing to do with my phone per say. It's really driving me nuts though.
BTW, I'm in Southern California (Irvine).

I seemed to have fixed the issue by reverting the baseband back to vrlf2. I had to switch from global to 4g/LTE because I vegan to inch roaming charges lol. Verizon credited me and no dropped 4g signal. So I'm happy.

frunas80 said:
I seemed to have fixed the issue by reverting the baseband back to vrlf2. I had to switch from global to 4g/LTE because I vegan to inch roaming charges lol. Verizon credited me and no dropped 4g signal. So I'm happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM are you running? I'm just curious what the implications are of running an older baseband (from the ICS days) on a newer ROM/Kernel.

I'm running cleanrom8.1 core edition. Slightly buggy but tolerable.

I was finally able to somewhat resolve my issue so I thought I'd post in case anyone else is experiencing something similar.
By using a few different apps and testing techniques, I was finally able to deduce that my issue had to do with EHRDP hand-off with the towers in the immediate vinicity to my house. I'm not sure what VZW did to them lately but it doesn't appear to be a problem in other locations so it seems like the issue is on their end (and not something to do with my phone).
In any case, it seems that when my 4G connection is weak and EHRDP is detected, it is dropping the connection entirely instead of handing if off to 3G (EVDO). The connection is also never transferred back when a 4G signal is detected either until I reset the connection where there is a moderate 4G signal.
Again, this only seems to be an issue when connected to the towers near my house and doesn't occur when traveling abroad.
To fix this, I have disabled EHRDP by doing the following:
1) Open the dialer and type *#97328640#
2) Select "[2] CDMA"
3) Select "[2] Data"
4) Select "[7] eHRPD e/disable"
5) Select "[2] Disable(*)"
6) Reboot the phone
Now my phone switches between EVDO revA. for 3G (using the native protocols) and LTE rather than relying on the broken eHRDP protocols. This workaround will have to suffice until VZW fixes stuff in my area but at least I don't miss MMS messages anymore.
Hope this helps anyone running into similar situations.