Database Info

Help GPS Settings

I can stand the Gps issue anymore! Can anyone provide me with the best GPS setting Available? Im running the stock room with the JH7 update. Plz help before i shoot myself in the foot.
Sent From My Samsung Captivate.

Get a new phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

There are no one set of quick settings that will work in all instances. You have to search and try each one untill you find the one that works the best for your situation.
For what it's worth, since flashing Cognition Roms v2.3b4 has been the best I have seen so far.

Best GPS setting for this phone is to look at a street sign and cross reference a map
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

i really think u need to get a replacement. some guy has already said that the settings are just messing up with AGPS, which is no where real GPS and thus will never help to get a fix with 10m accuracy

I know I was the first to reply and said to get a new phone but I was kidding. I do have a fix that has worked for me on just about every ROM I have used. Feel free to try it out and I am not responsible if you become the proud new owner of a $200 paper weight.
1. Download these GPS files @ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=831725
2. Flash these to your phone using Rom Manager
3. Access LBS test mode. If on Eclair dial *#*#1472365#*#*. If on Froyo download SGS tools from the market and run the secret code for LBS Test Mode.
4. Once in LBS Test Mode go into SUPL/CP and change it to supl.google.com and the server port to 7276 and change the SUPL Secure Socket to OFF if it already isn't.
5. Click the back button and click delete GPS Data.
6. Go outside and click get position test and wait. Once it locks for the first time let it continue to scan for about 2 mins. After the initial 2 mins click the back button and click the get position test button again. This time you should get a lock within 15-25 seconds with at least 8-11 satellites providing your view of the sky is clear and unobstructed.
If you have any problems with this let me know and I will help you out.
Also, this is not just a fix for getting a lock. It will track you with great accuracy. Download MyTracks from the market if you need real proof.

well... i have no issues with stationary lock ( < 20secs)... but phone realizes i am moving very slowly and laggy... what to do? JH7

Yuna said:
well... i have no issues with stationary lock ( < 20secs)... but phone realizes i am moving very slowly and laggy... what to do? JH7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my above post and try it on if you need a fix. It works or I would not put my name on it per say. Everything you need is included. All you need to do is put in about 10 mins of work.

Fix the gps

How to fix the gps on the Samsung captivates GPS.
Insted of MS Based use MS assissted
Lbstestmode -> application settings -> operation mode-> MS Assisted
Let me know how it gose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

*facepalm*
This does nothing. It makes it marginally better at best (read: not better at all). If you're really having that much trouble, flash to KB1 and use the PlumbBob GPS fix. Those ACTUALLY do something.

For most your suggestion will give them the most lag and least accurate GPS positioning.
I suggest you in stall Adams GPS fix to your phone, that or use ga_D's. (gadnarf_gpstweak_att)
Both are much better than what Samsung has provided...
There is also plumbBob GPS fix, but when I tried his version 2nd Beta 6, my GPS only saw 2 sats with no locks even with 10+ minutes of waiting... I did not try version 1 of his fix.
As for the GPS settings, use either Standalone or MS Based(some drift with this setting, much less than ms assisted) . Set your support server to google, distance to 80 and good luck...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

mwiz123 said:
How to fix the gps on the Samsung captivates GPS.
Insted of MS Based use MS assissted
Lbstestmode -> application settings -> operation mode-> MS Assisted
Let me know how it gose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MS Assisted = uses cell towers only to determine position. Intended to be used for 'dumb phones' that are not GPS equipped or where only 'coarse' location data is required.
MS Based = uses cell towers to provide approximate location for initial fix, then GPS thereafter.
Thing of it is, Samsung's configuration interface for the GPS is so silly that changes in LbsTestMode don't always really affect anything. If you're getting good results after applying this 'fix' it's just coincidental, or perhaps that you'd finally used GPS long enough to get almanac and ephemerides downloaded over the satellite signal and your GPS was able to function unassisted.
What about this has anything to do with development?

crenshaw1979 said:
For most your suggestion will give them the most lag and least accurate GPS positioning.
I suggest you in stall Adams GPS fix to your phone, that or use ga_D's. (gadnarf_gpstweak_att)
Both are much better than what Samsung has provided...
There is also plumbBob GPS fix, but when I tried his version 2nd Beta 6, my GPS only saw 2 sats with no locks even with 10+ minutes of waiting... I did not try version 1 of his fix.
As for the GPS settings, use either Standalone or MS Based(some drift with this setting, much less than ms assisted) . Set your support server to google, distance to 80 and good luck...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.0 is in beta. It's still in development and is very much a work in progress and still has some issues. 1.0 is stable.

Thread moved.

Plumbob GPS fix works.

After flashing continuum, my gps works great (for this phone ). If you check the OP on Continuum in development, it says which gps fix cezar used.
Sent from a place my wife doesn't know about (yet)

After flashing Andromeda v3, the gps works great! Gets a lock and STAYS locked for once!

My personal experiences with MS Assisted and supl.google.com etc are that it works great for a few days... Tracking and all. Then you start to only see satellites and never get a lock...

The GPS on my warranty replacement works great out of the box.

Hooligan63 said:
The GPS on my warranty replacement works great out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you please be so kind as to post the info on the phone?
What's under "settings-->about phone:
--> Model Number
--> Firmware Version
--> Baseband version
-->Kernel Version and
--> Build Number?
What's under the battery? (aka 1004, 1008, etc -- mine says "1010 rev. 0.4"
Thanks!!
DD

I decided to make this a separate post...
My original phone had all sorts of trouble - GPS was the worst. I don't know what my original one was, I do recall I'd applied the OTA update that was supposed to fix the GPS issue - it didn't.
So I got a warranty replacement phone - it worked fine out of the box, but the next day it was doing the same old crap.
This one came with the OTA update pre-installed. It's a "1010 rev. 0.4" if I'm reading the sticker under the battery correctly...
I read countless pages of stuff online, tried various "fixes" that were posted, all with similar results.
One discussion I read was posted by a guy who claimed some GPS expertise, and indicated that the problem was in the driver - to paraphrase from memory it was something like the cache was getting corrupted and the HW/driver wasn't cleaning it up.
He basically said that they needed to write a new driver, but until hen you could use a 3rd-party app to clear the cache and re-download clean data from the satellites.
I found a (FREE!) app called "GPS Status & Toolbox" by author "EclipSim" (Disclosure: I have NO CONNECTION to this guy, just like his app!)
It has 2 menu options:
"Tools -->Manage A-GPS State-->Reset" and
"Tools -->Manage A-GPS State-->Download"
After doing those, it will usually grab a fix within 15 seconds at most. Once it's "timestamp" is updating every second (you'll see, in the app) I can then switch to Google Maps and it too will get a fix before too long.
Another nice thing about the GPS Status app is that it shows you how many satellites you "see" vs how many you're connected to. When it only sees one or 2, or when it sees a bunch but isn't connecting, you can be sure you need to reset/download again...
This thing DOES eat battery - so it's a good idea to be plugged in, or to kill the app once you've got Maps working the way you need it to...
Yes - it's a PITA to have to do all this to get a basic function of this high-dollar phone to frigging work - but it beats having it NOT work...
Hope this helps someone!
DD

Dedicated_Dad said:
Would you please be so kind as to post the info on the phone?
What's under "settings-->about phone:
--> Model Number
--> Firmware Version
--> Baseband version
-->Kernel Version and
--> Build Number?
What's under the battery? (aka 1004, 1008, etc -- mine says "1010 rev. 0.4"
Thanks!!
DD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a refurb warranty replacement which came loaded with 2.2 Froyo
SGH I897
I897UCKB1
2.6.32.9
1008.
Tested again last night on two rides. Worked great even sitting in the cupholder. Major improvement over my original Captivate which was returned for speaker problems.

not really much better for me.

Connor1 said:
Plumbob GPS fix works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it dose try it

Plumbob didnt do much for me. I am pretty well convinced that with the utmost optimization, the crappy hardware in the captivate can operate marginally well at best.

Ryans Plumbob fix does work. Its a much better improvement over stock on defected models. I had a 1009 and it worked great but the tracking and navigation were still buggy unless the phone was placed on the dashboard. (Always had a larger blue circle and would skip at times).
Finally gave up and noticed that the local atnt is a device service center. Went in and got a refurbed 1008 with stock 2.2 and the navigation is excellent. Even sitting in my lap...
I mean you all should still have the 1 year warranty. Just find a service center and exchange your phone. Hell the refurbed one I got was in better cosmic condition then my original.

YoungGun821 said:
After flashing Andromeda v3, the gps works great! Gets a lock and STAYS locked for once!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running Andromeda3 and my gps sucks!! Could it be google maps?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

DaWongOne said:
I'm running Andromeda3 and my gps sucks!! Could it be google maps?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know everyone will tell me im wrong but try running the samsung gps restore app once then remove it from your phone. it is free in the market. and i assure you t doesn't revert to stock settings. atleast not in any location that i am aware of. i have checked the jupiter .xml and secgps.conf and lbs test mode before and after running the app and it doesn't revert anything. but it does seem to clear errors that may be caused by messing with settings without haveing a proper jupiter.xml or config file first. for instance on old roms if i chose msbased mode in lbs test mode it would work for 6 minutes and turn off. even after reverting the settings and clearing gps data the gps would turn off after 6 minutes. running gps restore or doing a factory reset were the only two things that would make my gps work again.
also yes google maps and captivates dont agree with each other 100% of the time. it is thought by some that the gps is recieving interference from the cell antenna (that's one theory at least) so the more data you use as you navigate the more issues you might see if that is true. try a gps app that downloads the maps to the phone. it takes up alot of space but if the app agrees with the phone it is worth it. in the past i had trouble with some aftermarket apps as well while others swore the same apps had solved there navigation problems, so try a few and find one that works. navdroyd is great on my phone.
also, though people are raving about plumb bob's fix, i have more blue circles with it. the problem is the msbased mode. it doesn't work on my phone very well. (back to the data/interference theory) i instead use Da_g's fix the control plane version with lbs test mode supl settings set to control plane and i turn off dynamic accuracy. and i use the kc1 modem. there are other modems with good gps but kc1 has the best call quality of them.

[Q] GPS takes long to lock in - Galaxy S 4G

I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.

Locks quickly for me without any "special" settings or apps. I even have network-based location always off on my phone since I don't want Google tracking me all the time.
The first lock may be causing you problems if the orbital data hasn't been loaded recently enough.
I have read that GPS Status has helped some by causing the orbital data to be refreshed.

jdjs said:
I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Samsung Galaxy S 4G and a Vibrant, both are horrible with GPS, they both take forever to get a lock and many times they never get a lock and Samsung is less than helpful. They had my Vibrant for three weeks and sent it back with nothing changed.

mine has never taken more than ~30 seconds to get a lock, even if that 30 seconds sometimes feels like "forever".
this is my first GPS-equipped phone, so i don't have anything to compare it to, but once it's locked, subsequent locks take less time. maybe i just got a "good one"?

I have a Vibrant and an sgs4g. There is no comparison between the two. The sgs4g takes about 5 seconds to lock, The Vibrant I've waited literally 40 mins and still never got a lock. It could be the app. Are you having any trouble with google navigation taking along time or just the gps test app?

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I share the same GPS problems.
This issue occurs in all GPS Apps, including Google Navigation. It simply says acquiring GPS....
The GPS icon flashes like it's working, but its not doing anything.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Looking in the market there's an app called GPS Aids V2...anyone try it? Supposed to help all Galaxy S phones with GPS problems.
Before buying, I want to see if it's worth it......
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Just kidding, I bought the app. So far it seems to be working well; after doing everything my phone was actually picking up FIVE satellites.
Not working right now, though. I contacted the developer for some help, and I'll post his reply/an update soon.

Problem Solved for FREE!
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: http://www.samsunggalaxysforum.com/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to/gps-problem/
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about ten minutes straight.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
If you have any questions feel free to reply.
Remember, credit goes to "Bade" (which credited XDA forums anywho) of samsunggalaxyforum.com
Running Copilot Live (GPS Application) and finding location took less than 5 seconds indoors.
To check some info out, I ran GPS Test, and saw "In View" Satellites was 9, and "In Use" was 7. (both were 2, to 0 respectively...previously.)
Running GPS Test (another app, different) came up with my location in less than a second.
I'd call this a success
This guide will also be on my site, here
http://www.cyclopscomputers.com/gs4g

danstheman7 said:
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: http://www.samsunggalaxysforum.com/samsung-galaxy-s-how-to/gps-problem/
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about three minutes.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
If you have any questions feel free to reply.
Remember, credit goes to "Bade" (which credited XDA forums anywho) of samsunggalaxyforum.com
Running Copilot Live (GPS Application) and finding location took less than 5 seconds indoors.
To check some info out, I ran GPS Test, and saw "In View" Satellites was 9, and "In Use" was 7. (both were 2, to 0 respectively...previously.)
Running GPS Test (another app, different) came up with my location in less than a second.
I'd call this a success
This guide will also be on my site, here
http://www.cyclopscomputers.com/gs4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS was working but I wanted to mess around and check on your findings. I tried to get this to work but it took quite long looking for Satellites.
I noticed when I went in to modify the SUPL settings, it was set to custom config. Made the changes according to your post and like i said before, it took a while so I stopped it. changed the settings to auto conifg and BAM! pulled 13 satellites and locked in within seconds. I do not know if its due to my location but Im working great on Auto Config.
this post is more of an FYI rather than a fix. Hope you guys get yours fixed either way.

fknfocused said:
My GPS was working but I wanted to mess around and check on your findings. I tried to get this to work but it took quite long looking for Satellites.
I noticed when I went in to modify the SUPL settings, it was set to custom config. Made the changes according to your post and like i said before, it took a while so I stopped it. changed the settings to auto conifg and BAM! pulled 13 satellites and locked in within seconds. I do not know if its due to my location but Im working great on Auto Config.
this post is more of an FYI rather than a fix. Hope you guys get yours fixed either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the first try, you have to let "Get Position Test" run for around 10 minutes (The 3 minutes on the original post I said might've been a stretch).
Trying Auto Config, I'm getting similar results, though with the custom settings I had more satellite lock-ons.
Custom:
12 SAT, 10 CONNECT
Automatic:
11 SAT, 7 CONNECT
After doing this, the GPS data should stay downloaded on the phone so future satellite searches are MUCH quicker.
Thank you for your input by the way..I appreciate it

My phone has always find satellites and locked within 30 secs. One day I started messing around with settings and came to find out my gps was no longer locking on any satellites at least for 10 mins. I bought the gps aids v2 app from the market then tapped on gps doctor and tapped on "regenerate" (it regenerates the gps data folder) it made my phone boot up. Since then my gps has been workin excellent after that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

ssmokey727 said:
My phone has always find satellites and locked within 30 secs. One day I started messing around with settings and came to find out my gps was no longer locking on any satellites at least for 10 mins. I bought the gps aids v2 app from the market then tapped on gps doctor and tapped on "regenerate" (it regenerates the gps data folder) it made my phone boot up. Since then my gps has been workin excellent after that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the same thing, except with that app I couldn't download the XTRA data once resetting the settings :/

Me neither, it couldn't seem to download the xtra data, but just by tapping on gps doctor and "regenerate" and in my case that fixed it. Good luck!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Still no GPS connected until I put in the custom settings.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

danstheman7 said:
On the first try, you have to let "Get Position Test" run for around 10 minutes (The 3 minutes on the original post I said might've been a stretch).
Trying Auto Config, I'm getting similar results, though with the custom settings I had more satellite lock-ons.
Custom:
12 SAT, 10 CONNECT
Automatic:
11 SAT, 7 CONNECT
After doing this, the GPS data should stay downloaded on the phone so future satellite searches are MUCH quicker.
Thank you for your input by the way..I appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i get bored ill try it again, I live on a tiny island out in the middle of the pacific so GPS is not that big of a deal for me. lol
Thank you for the update. 10 Sat connects is way better than 7

danstheman7 said:
I have the solution and some confusing steps to fix your phone.
Right now as we speak i've followed ALL the steps and have 4 satellites currently showing on the phone while INSIDE my house, in under three minutes time.
Credit to: (url removed)
-Download LauncherPro first.
-Tap and hold on your homescreen, and select shortcut.
-Click Activities.
-Scroll to LbsTestMode.
-Tap the first one, LbsTestMode (with gray saying com.sec.android.app.lbstestmode.LbsTestMode
-Click okay when "edit shortcut" comes up.
-Open the shortcut.
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Change the following fields to...
Server -> supl.google.com
Server Port -> 7276
SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Reboot your Phone.
-Click Settings, then Location & Security.
-Check "Use Wireless Networks"
-Go to your Launcher, and open LbsTestMode again
-Click "Delete GPS" Data
-Exit the App, and close it with a task killer.
-Open it again, and click "Get Position Test"
-It might take a while for something to show up....but it eventually will. Let it run for about ten minutes straight.
-Close the App again, and you should be good!
Upon Position test....I got:
Accuracy: 41 (meters)
Number of Satellites (INDOORS!): 9
Speed: (m/s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just came across this when I was freaking out about my crappy GPS lock. Just got this phone to use on Mobilicity and was concerned there was some T-Mo setting that needed to be changed. Anywho, this works wickedly. Thanks a lot.

jdjs said:
I'm aware of the GPS issues with the Samsung Galaxy S. I have the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and I'm wondering if anyone with this phone is experiencing difficulties getting GPS to lock in.
Within approximately 10 minutes, I can see in the GPS Test app about 3 satellites in view. Given enough time, it picks up a few more and eventually locks in.
I've read about the Super GPS fix and the hardware fix but I'm not sure if it would be wise to try it on this phone since the fix was meant for a different model and I don't see any mention of anyone trying it on the GS4G:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=974702
Please share your thoughts and experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the gs4g and tried GPS AIDs with some improvement . At the most I would lock onto 7 satellites when it felt like working. I lifted the contact as indicated in the thread above. I then deleted the old GPS data. Then in GPS AID I regenerated the DATA and rebooted. Now i get 12 locks on satellites all with green signal status. Very please. Google maps Locks on with in seconds....

fideli. said:
Just came across this when I was freaking out about my crappy GPS lock. Just got this phone to use on Mobilicity and was concerned there was some T-Mo setting that needed to be changed. Anywho, this works wickedly. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I spoke too soon. I tried this in Calgary and it was great. I'm now in Toronto and I haven't gotten a lock since I got here on Monday. Tried messing around with the settings again, but just won't lock on. Also tried auto config to grab SUPL info from my provider, but that didn't work either. Still working on it.

Start over and flash krylon deoxed with odin, cwm, bionix. This resolved my 10-15m lock times completely. Now I get a lock in seconds.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Amazing!
I tried this and got accuracy within 3 meters off 10 satellites. Before, it was about 80 meters. Just awesome.

You don't need launcher pro to get into LbsTestMode. In your phone's dialer, just type *#*#3214789650*#*# and it'll go into it.
As for what you suggested about going in and messing with the settings, the first lock takes forever because you've wiped out all the ephemeris data by deleting. It starts looking for satellites for your first lock which takes a while with no ephemeris data. Once it gets a lock, it starts downloading ephemeris data and subsequent locks are significantly faster because your phone now knows where the satellites are.
AGPS helps reduce the lock time a bit (by using mobile location and the SUPL server), but not by a huge amount. The largest reduction in time is due to the fact that you have updated ephemeris data. If your ephemeris data is outdated, your lock times will go up again.
If you don't believe me, try this: get your lock. Then shut off your GPS by using the pull down panel. Leave it off for at least 24-36 hours. Then try to get a lock again. It's going to take a long time again...
I've been tinkering with the GPS on this phone for a while now as well as my GF's Vibrant. There's no doubt in my mind that the SGS4G is improved over the Vibrant, but it's still not great.
I've also pulled apart both of these phones and done the hardware fix by bending the little tab every so slightly. Made a significant difference on the Vibrant which was having a problem maintaining locks and the GPS signal was bouncing all over. No noticeable difference on my phone.
My only conclusion is that the antenna on these things are poorly designed and just take a long time to get an initial lock. Once locked, it's pretty solid. Other phone manufacturers have GPS that work better though. No reason why Samsung couldn't do better.

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

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

I have done this, and it works perfect!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problems with GPS

Hey guys, i had a question, and forgive me mod's if there is already a thread for this. Let me know and i'll post in there. But i was wondering if anyone else was having this problem. My shift's gps is not working, nor has it since i got it about a month ago. I've tried everything from downloading gps toolbox, to trying to to update the gpsone tab in qpst. Now, when i go to enter in the server ip address in gps, and the other settings, i write them to the phone, try turning on gps toolbox, standing in one place for 5 or so mins, nothing, not one damn satelite. I go back into qpst, and all my settings in gpsone tab are gone. Wtf? Anyone having this same problem?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

When you flash a rom, do you first thing connect up to your wifi before you sign in to your google account?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

FdxRider said:
When you flash a rom, do you first thing connect up to your wifi before you sign in to your google account?
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
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Usually, yeah
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

In GPS settings turn on "Use wireless networks". Problem solved.

VICODAN said:
In GPS settings turn on "Use wireless networks". Problem solved.
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I wish it was that easy. My phone picks up no satelite whatsoever

cbernardo13 said:
I wish it was that easy. My phone picks up no satelite whatsoever
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I figured out GPS for the most part. Please read my earlier post:
VICODAN said:
2) After spending lots of time on GPS I found that getting the first lock is the most important thing and then it just works.
As of this time my opinion on GPS is that I am still unsure as to whether or not fasterfix changes anything but wireless assistance is definitely needed to get a good first lock and is used by some apps in acquiring location.
If you don't get more than 2 satellites in GPS status and it takes a long time to get those 2 satellites GPS hasn't gotten it's proper first lock yet.
This has nothing to do with having the GPS getting a lock in sense. It seems the GPS needs to use wireless assistance first to get the lock (contact sprint servers or something) and then it works pretty well. Still experimenting to figure out how exactly the GPS works and what the optimal settings are for it.
Click to expand...
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So yeah, try fasterfix and set to north america NTP Server and then in GPS status hit the menu button -> tools -> reset AGPS data and then menu tools -> download gps assistance data

VICODAN said:
I figured out GPS for the most part. Please read my earlier post:
So yeah, try fasterfix and set to north america NTP Server and then in GPS status hit the menu button -> tools -> reset AGPS data and then menu tools -> download gps assistance data
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Hey, Vicodan, thanks buddy. I'll give that a shot a little later tonight and let you know. Thanks a lot
Sent from my bad ass Supreme Shift - gtalk [email protected]

cbernardo13 said:
Hey, Vicodan, thanks buddy. I'll give that a shot a little later tonight and let you know. Thanks a lot
Sent from my bad ass Supreme Shift - gtalk [email protected]
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Click to collapse
Haha no problem and good luck! Make sure you keep us updated! GPS has frustrated the heck out of me for the past month. That's the best I can come up with at this point. Need to have wireless assistance on and the first time you boot the phone on any rom you should be outside and get a good lock with a clear view of the sky. After that it's good to go.

VICODAN said:
Haha no problem and good luck! Make sure you keep us updated! GPS has frustrated the heck out of me for the past month. That's the best I can come up with at this point. Need to have wireless assistance on and the first time you boot the phone on any rom you should be outside and get a good lock with a clear view of the sky. After that it's good to go.
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So, should I flash my rom again? and avoid setting up google account, then run the apps?

cbernardo13 said:
So, should I flash my rom again? and avoid setting up google account, then run the apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No just go to GPS settings, turn on use wireless networks, use faster fix, then open maps and try and get your location while outside and with a clear view of the sky. The GPS icon will stop flashing in the status bar when it has a lock. It will stay in the status bar as a solid icon, meaning that it is locked.
Then run GPS status and see how many satellites you get. You should get at least 4-5+ (up to 9) when GPS is working properly.

VICODAN said:
No just go to GPS settings, turn on use wireless networks, use faster fix, then open maps and try and get your location while outside and with a clear view of the sky. The GPS icon will stop flashing in the status bar when it has a lock. It will stay in the status bar as a solid icon, meaning that it is locked.
Then run GPS status and see how many satellites you get. You should get at least 4-5+ (up to 9) when GPS is working properly.
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any idea how long it takes to get a lock? i've literally waited 5 to 10 minutes before

cbernardo13 said:
any idea how long it takes to get a lock? i've literally waited 5 to 10 minutes before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No longer than 30 seconds if you have good reception.

Spoke with OP via IRC, he is flashed on Metro PCS. Seems like he isn't flashed properly and also doesn't have MMS working. If anyone has any Metro PCS knowledge please feel free to chime in.