Database Info

[FIX] Updated: GPS Tracking Issues (Optional FIX)

Team,
boodies posted this in the General section and thought it should be here as well, due to its nature.
Props goes out to boodies, Great Find!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728611
I tried this and all GPS and compass issues are now fixed. GPS locks on accurately in just a few seconds.
***This fix may not work if you live outside of USA.***
##You can play with the settings if you want to. If you FUBAR your GPS a simple factory reset will return your setting to default. You can do this without going into recovery buy going to Settings / Privacy / Factory data reset.##
Edit:
***************************************************************
Tested Procedure:
1 - Disable "Use Wireless Networks" - Settings / Location & Security
2 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
3 - Under "Application settings" Change "Operation Mode" to MS Based
4 - Under "SUPL/CP Settings" Change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 [ Do not use www. in front of supl]
5 - REBOOT
6 - Turn back on the "User Wireless Networks"
********************************************************************
Original settings:
Operation Mode: Standalone
Server: www.spirent-lcs.com
Port: 7275
*****************************
Optional New Fix:
1 - Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
2 - Go outside to get an unimpeded GPS fix.
3 - Choose Delete GPS Data button.
4 - Choose Get Position Test button. Let it run for 3 min or until you have 10 to 12 Sat locks and back out.
Thanks goes to Onlyloki for this method.
Haven't had time to test it thoroughly. You may want to do this in conjunction with the first procedure and then do the optional if the first procedure did not work for you. I did both and my GPS is locking even faster. Let me know what you think...
Just some more info I dug up:
Quote from http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp
"In MS-Based mode, the network provides the satellite information to the device, based on a rough estimate of where the device is located, and the device acquires the GPS signals from the satellites and calculates its location. After the initial fix, the device operates like an autonomous GPS receiver, until the satellite information must be refreshed, at which time the device goes back to the network to update the satellite information. MS-Based mode is appropriate for applications that require the device location to be updated rapidly, such as a navigation application. Can the GPS work in autonomous mode? No, the GPS receiver requires the assistance of the network elements to acquire its initial location fix."
With the rapid updating we could see an increased drain on the battery. I have not confirmed that yet. If anyone can let us know.
Edit #2:
I was informed by a sales rep at T-Mobile that Samsung is aware of the issue and is going to fix the GPS and the compass issue in their first update.

Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.

I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?

I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

rabydanimal said:
I wasn't able to get a lock before or after the original fix above. After performing the second fix I was able to get a lock but the phone only picked up 8 satellites.
Any idea if I'll have do the second "fix" every time I want a GPS lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be pernament 8 sats is ok, good enough. Reboot and test in Google maps, should be set.

polarbee said:
I was finally able to get a lock using both procedures, but it couldn't track me if I moved.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reboot phone and go for a car ride. Use g-maps to get lock and the switch to nav app.

designgears said:
Mine seems to be working fine after flashing back to stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. I flashed the stock rom in the other thread, went outside and had a gps lock at 5m in less than 30 second. It locked at 30m in less than 10 seconds. Before this, the best I had was 30m after a long time and it wouldn't track me in my car hardly at all. I will test further tomorrow on my way to work.

Thanks! This worked great, I'm glad I have working GPS now.

Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...

abuthemagician said:
Can anyone post what the settings in Application Settings are supposed to be? I might have changed something in there that makes my GPS off by ~150 yards consistenly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do a factory reset and reset all the settings to stock

Blarg. I am really not in the position to do a factory reset after I just got my phone the way I like it... Anyone else?

I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275

what about the others under application settings? I think it was one of those.

Samsung GPS fix is coming in September
This is cool :
"Samsung is testing software to optimize GPS on Galaxy S phones. Look for updates in September. Details & download instructions to follow."
Source: Samsungservice twitter

meatrocket said:
I wrote them down before I started...
“Application Settings” change “Operation Mode” to Standalone & “Skyhook” to OFF
“SUPL/CP Settings” change “Server” to www.spirent-lcs.com “ServerPort” to 7275
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!

This is old info and does not fix tracking issue. It only helps lock times. This is already posted in general 3 or 5 times.

not sure if anyone else has addressed this issue but the AGPS is disabled according to the settings.db file. maybe thats the problem?

GPS Settings after update? -- Launcher Pro users

I'm wondering if anyone who updated successfully and is using Launcher Pro can list the GPS settings (app and supl, etc.) now.
The normal codes for LBSTestMode are, as I understand it, nonfunctioning, but in Launcher Pro you can create a homescreen shortcut to it (long press on screen, select "Shortcuts", then "Activities", and then scroll to and select "LBSTestMode")
Thanks!

Could not lunch
I tried adding the lbstestMode settings, it creates the icon but reports "Could not launch the requested activity"
-T
Update: Got in
Settings:
Session Type - Tracking
Test Mode - S/W Test
Operation Mode - MS Based
Start Mode - Hot Start
GPS Plus - On
Dynamic Accuracy - ON
Accuracy - 50 (Able to alter/update)
Use Skyhook - OFF
Use PC Tool - OFF
Server FQDN Type - Auto Confi
Server - h-slp.mnc410.mcc310.pub.3gpp (Which is now locked down and unable to overwrite)
Server Port - 7275
SUPL Secure Socket - ON
AGPS Mode - SUPL
Let me know if you need anything else.
-T

The default settings as described still fail to lock. Changing the setting based on the old "fix" (see below) seem to lock better than before the update, but still can't maintain the lock for navigation.
application
tracking
s/w test
ms assist
hot start
gps plus: on
dynamic accuracy: on
accuracy: 100
skyhook: on
pctool: off
supl/lcp
custom
supl.google.com
7276
secure socket: off
agps: supl

Settings:
Session Type - Tracking
Test Mode - S/W Test
Operation Mode - MS Based
Start Mode - Hot Start
GPS Plus - On
Dynamic Accuracy - ON
Accuracy - 50 (Able to alter/update)
Use Skyhook - OFF
Use PC Tool - OFF
Server FQDN Type - Auto Confi
Server - h-slp.mnc410.mcc310.pub.3gpp (Which is now locked down and unable to overwrite)
Server Port - 7275
SUPL Secure Socket - ON
AGPS Mode - SUPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not updated after seeing the problems everyone is dealing with. I DID change my gps settings to this and have noticed a significant improvement. Thanks!
EDIT
Of course I had to change "Server FQDN Type" from auto to custom in order to keep the new server.

travisryans said:
I tried adding the lbstestMode settings, it creates the icon but reports "Could not launch the requested activity"
-T
Server FQDN Type - Auto Confi
Server - h-slp.mnc410.mcc310.pub.3gpp (Which is now locked down and unable to overwrite)
Server Port - 7275
SUPL Secure Socket - ON
AGPS Mode - SUPL
Let me know if you need anything else.
-T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there really a dash in the server name between h and slp. (h-slp.) ?
Update:
Got it. If you put Server Type to Auto, it will auto populate the server name above

Thanks Travis. I own a Vibrant and was curious if the new settings would do anything for my phone. It picks up satellites a bit quicker (just a subjective impression), but it doesn't make for the marked improvement that many Captivate users are seeing.
Was worth a shot though.

Yeah, the activities shortcut worked for me even though I'm using TouchWiz. I do have LauncherPro installed, but it's not active - was still able to create the shortcut.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I have gotten the OTA update through Cognition...
I *have* messed with these settings in the past trying to fix the GPS but not for a while and not since many Odin restores.
I checked and was set to Standalone instead of MS Based and was set to Custom for the server, which was set to l-sperint or something.
So is it possible it kept what I changed even after doing factory restores in Odin?
I changed my settings to those in the second post in this thread and am about to take a drive to test this bad boy out. My fingers are crossed. (my GPS did NOT work properly after the update)

brandonb81 said:
I have gotten the OTA update through Cognition...
I *have* messed with these settings in the past trying to fix the GPS but not for a while and not since many Odin restores.
I checked and was set to Standalone instead of MS Based and was set to Custom for the server, which was set to l-sperint or something.
So is it possible it kept what I changed even after doing factory restores in Odin?
I changed my settings to those in the second post in this thread and am about to take a drive to test this bad boy out. My fingers are crossed. (my GPS did NOT work properly after the update)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here and with many others on this forum.
It seems that most people who had messed with the GPS settings before the update are not getting optimal GPS performance after the update (This is true even if they change the GPS settings to stock original that shipped with the update).

Well, like I said I changed the GPS settings back to the settings listed above and took a drive. It took a while, but wouldn't you know it, I saw something I have never seen on my phone before. The little GPS icon in the status bar stayed still. It's always blinked back and forth and it actually stopped leading me to believe I finally found that elusive GPS lock.
Well, it really is a lot better then it was, it actually followed me this time accurately. I took a turn (the one it told me to turn, mind you) and completely lost me. Kept going, then jumped back, jumped to three or four different streets around me before finding me again, and then the map stopped with the circle expanding, and then started to follow me again after a minute. I stopped the car and the GPS just kept right on going like I hadn't stopped.
It's such a shame. It's so screwed up.

[TEMP][FIX] Potential GPS fix Froyo. 12/02/10

So after reading around and trying things and discovering that LbsTestMode.apk doesnt exist for our phone, I just editted the file directly.
So without futher ado follow the below steps to see if it fixes YOUR gps.
MOST of the credit for this goes to the guys in the captivate and vibrant forums.
1. Copy the following into a file named secgps.conf
Code:
#Generated by GpsLocationProvider.
#Thu Dec 02 13:09:21 EST 2010
SSL=1
SSL_TYPE=0
POSITION_MODE=7
OPERATION_TEST_MODE=0
ACCURACY=50
SESSION_TYPE=1
SERVER_MODE=0
ENABLE_NMEA=false
START_MODE=HOT
GPS_LOGGING=0
AGPS_MODE=0
DYNAMIC_ACCURACY=1
ADDRESS_MODE=1
TIME_BTW_FIX=2000
OPERATION_MODE=MSBASED
USE_DEFAULT=true
DYNAMIC_ACCURACY_VALUE=50
SUPL_PORT=7276
ENABLE_XTRA=true
SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
NUM_OF_FIX=999999999
TIMEOUT=3600
2. adb push secgps.conf /sdcard/secgps.conf
3. adb shell
4. su
5. remount rw
6. cat /sdcard/secgps.conf > /data/gps/secgps.conf
or copy it with root explorer of esfile explorer
7. reboot
Secondary fix to help speed up gps locks.
Code:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
Now go to some place you should normally get a gps signal and launch maps.
this should correct it.
Couple of notes, this file appears to be dynamically generated, so if we can someone get a LbsTestMode.apk that works with the epic, or a script to copy the file over cron based through to make sure the settings stick that would be best.
if your gps stops working as it did after the fix, simply copy it back to /data/gps/ and reboot.
This is entirely a beta attempt and may not correct anything..
this is also for ADVANCED people, do not bother posting if you dont understand how and what you're doing above as we're not here to hold hands we're here for a solution.

art3mis-nyc said:
So after reading around and trying things and discovering that LbsTestMode.apk doesnt exist for our phone, I just editted the file directly.
So without futher ado follow the below steps to see if it fixes YOUR gps.
MOST of the credit for this goes to the guys in the captivate and vibrant forums.
1. Copy the following into a file named secgps.conf
Code:
#Generated by GpsLocationProvider.
#Thu Dec 02 13:09:21 EST 2010
SSL=1
SSL_TYPE=0
POSITION_MODE=7
OPERATION_TEST_MODE=0
ACCURACY=50
SESSION_TYPE=1
SERVER_MODE=0
ENABLE_NMEA=false
START_MODE=HOT
GPS_LOGGING=0
AGPS_MODE=0
DYNAMIC_ACCURACY=1
ADDRESS_MODE=1
TIME_BTW_FIX=2000
OPERATION_MODE=MSBASED
USE_DEFAULT=true
DYNAMIC_ACCURACY_VALUE=50
SUPL_PORT=7276
ENABLE_XTRA=true
SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
NUM_OF_FIX=999999999
TIMEOUT=3600
2. adb push secgps.conf /sdcard/secgps.conf
3. adb shell
4. su
5. remount rw
6. cat /sdcard/secgps.conf > /data/gps/secgps.conf
or copy it with root explorer of esfile explorer
7. reboot
Secondary fix to help speed up gps locks.
Code:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
Now go to some place you should normally get a gps signal and launch maps.
this should correct it.
Couple of notes, this file appears to be dynamically generated, so if we can someone get a LbsTestMode.apk that works with the epic, or a script to copy the file over cron based through to make sure the settings stick that would be best.
if your gps stops working as it did after the fix, simply copy it back to /data/gps/ and reboot.
This is entirely a beta attempt and may not correct anything..
this is also for ADVANCED people, do not bother posting if you dont understand how and what you're doing above as we're not here to hold hands we're here for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol... i'll hold ur hand. Plus it seems that the GPS locks faster now. but like u said it's temporary

I was playing around with this at work yesterday (also saw this on the captivate forum), but didn't have time to give it a test last night.
Here is a reference for more info on the captivate discussion http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383
Edit 20101203:
There are four major things going on in this fix, so lets talk about each one separately.
============================================================
1) Operation Mode - Switch to MSBASED
Standalone - The handset has no connection to the network, and uses only the GPS satellite signals it can currently receive to try and establish a location.
MS Based - The handset is connected to the network, and uses the GPS signals and a location signal from the network.
============================================================
2) Switching from WARM to HOT
Should make getting a fix faster provided you have cache money.
##GPSCLRX# if you aren't feeling as fresh as you would like to be
============================================================
3) SUPL server change for SUPL
Broadcom's Hosted Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) offers Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and service providers all the functionality of the most precise wireless location technologies including Assisted GPS (AGPS) without the need to make investments in Location Based Services (LBS) infrastructure.
SUPL is the emerging standard developed by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) for AGPS using existing IP networks as the underlying data bearer. SUPL lends itself very well to a hosted
solution where the vendor takes responsibility for providing a specified quality of service, assured by Service Level Agreement.
Doing a quick pingarooski, the google SUPL servers seem to be faster
============================================================
4) Time server
Do-whatcha-like but if you are in the US, the pool us.pool.ntp.org is probably going to be the fastest. But hey be my guest. If you want to run a time server from your phone you could always put in localhost.

How did you switch from hot to cold start? The old dialer code doesn't work in froyo.
Is this file erased with #gpsclrx## dialercode?

Hi, I have a broken GPS. Im running the Froyo Stock(ish) ODIN Tar that has the built in root and clockwork.
I was running 2.1 Epic Experience before and GPS worked fine. I wiped my data and cache and then used ODIN to flash the DK17 Froyo.
My GPS has not worked and I have not gone back to other roms just to perform a workaround.
I did try as you suggested with the secgps.conf file but it still will not give me a lock.
Thanks for all your efforts on this.. I really want GPS working
Brian

Gps would not work at all, before.
This fixes it for me.
For those wondering, it didn't work until I did both fixes. do both fixes...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

brian_hoffman said:
Hi, I have a broken GPS. Im running the Froyo Stock(ish) ODIN Tar that has the built in root and clockwork.
I was running 2.1 Epic Experience before and GPS worked fine. I wiped my data and cache and then used ODIN to flash the DK17 Froyo.
My GPS has not worked and I have not gone back to other roms just to perform a workaround.
I did try as you suggested with the secgps.conf file but it still will not give me a lock.
Thanks for all your efforts on this.. I really want GPS working
Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue. I put on stock..got a gps fix. the applied a froyo ROM Quantum over my stock..got another GPS fix. THEN I wiped the froyo ROM.
All good now. I use ##GPSCLRX# to reset the GPS if it's taking to long too lock. I get lock in about 10 seconds now. 9 satellites and more.

ZenInsight said:
I had this issue. I put on stock..got a gps fix. the applied a froyo ROM Quantum over my stock..got another GPS fix. THEN I wiped the froyo ROM.
All good now. I use ##GPSCLRX# to reset the GPS if it's taking to long too lock. I get lock in about 10 seconds now. 9 satellites and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hesitant to format my phone.. I just got it up and going and customized and synced. Not that its THAT big of a pain..
I guess I just hoped I could run this build till the official froyo comes out without re-doing everything.
On a side note, I did try both the above fixes as it was mentioned that it worked for someone else.
I also tried your ##GPSCLRX# to clear my GPS.. But it didn't work.
At this point it may be best to start over again.
I tried downloading some GPS test app, flashing some update.zip (gps Fix) from a different thread, manually changing the files mentioned here and clearing my GPS from the dialer code.
I'm feeling defeated, I'm not sure why we need to lock in a from a different modem. I'm guessing it generates some file? that sticks on a system upgrade?
I really hope this gets resolved the right way.

My GPS was working wonderfully using Mammon's Froyo 1.0.3 (I went through a bit of a process inspired by the first Froyo GPS fix post, involving flashing to DI18 and getting a lock before flashing Froyo)
Then today the nav program started to lose the GPS signal (going back to maps or toggling the GPS off and on seemed to get the signal back, but it was still flaky). I tried parts of this mod (I left start mode on warm and operating mode on standalone, going to experiment with each setting one at a time to look for any noticeable changes)
So the only thing I changed so far is the uml server and port, and while I am getting roughly the same performance as before the change, now my position is off - it used to be almost spot-on when reporting anything lower than 4m accuracy, but now it claims 1m and is still a good 15 feet (roughly 4 - 5m) north east of my actual position. It's still plenty accurate enough for navigation, so this is simply an observation - the google server appears to be slightly off, whether it's an (admittedly tiny) location error, or the maps aren't quite in sync with the GPS data on the server (I don't know much at all about how GPS works, so if anyone can explain the uml's role in the locating process, or anything else about how GPS works under the hood, please enlighten us)
That being said, I do think that I'm getting a lock ever so slightly quicker, but I was already getting a fairly rapid lock pre-mod so it's hard to be certain.

fastmikey1969 said:
How did you switch from hot to cold start? The old dialer code doesn't work in froyo.
Is this file erased with #gpsclrx## dialercode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no dialer code(or associated program) in froyo on the epic for some reason hence the need to automate a cron to replace this file once it's been editted.
you can switch it just by editing the file directly and changing but im still not sure under what circumstance s the file gets regenerated dynamically.

brian_hoffman said:
I'm hesitant to format my phone.. I just got it up and going and customized and synced. Not that its THAT big of a pain..
I guess I just hoped I could run this build till the official froyo comes out without re-doing everything.
On a side note, I did try both the above fixes as it was mentioned that it worked for someone else.
I also tried your ##GPSCLRX# to clear my GPS.. But it didn't work.
At this point it may be best to start over again.
I tried downloading some GPS test app, flashing some update.zip (gps Fix) from a different thread, manually changing the files mentioned here and clearing my GPS from the dialer code.
I'm feeling defeated, I'm not sure why we need to lock in a from a different modem. I'm guessing it generates some file? that sticks on a system upgrade?
I really hope this gets resolved the right way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no real reason to format the phone, give the above settings a try thoruhg whatever file explorer you use and see how it works.
if nothing else it may work for a few hours

The "gps fix" post by BThomas22 does some of this (modifies the /system/etc/gps.conf). I'm curious about "secgps.conf" as it doesn't exist on the filesystem at all typically, and there's already a "gps.conf" with those settings in it. Are you sure that tool didn't just do backups to a secgps.conf or something? Are we sure this file is actually read?
This also seems more likely to help with slow locks and cache issues some people are facing, but is almost certainly not the solution to the no GPS at all issue some people are having after flashing a froyo modem.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=839710 has an inexplicably working solution (verified by several people including myself) for at least some of the people who get no lock ever. If you're on a froyo modem, install "GPS Status" or "GPS Test" from the market and if you don't get any sats in view, you'll likely be fixed by those steps.
I haven't had the cache/slow issue, so I can't speak to whether this helps that or not, but the AGPS parts seem as though they would.

drunix said:
The "gps fix" post by BThomas22 does some of this (modifies the /system/etc/gps.conf). I'm curious about "secgps.conf" as it doesn't exist on the filesystem at all typically, and there's already a "gps.conf" with those settings in it. Are you sure that tool didn't just do backups to a secgps.conf or something? Are we sure this file is actually read?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope not at all.
This also seems more likely to help with slow locks and cache issues some people are facing, but is almost certainly not the solution to the no GPS at all issue some people are having after flashing a froyo modem.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=839710 has an inexplicably working solution (verified by several people including myself) for at least some of the people who get no lock ever. If you're on a froyo modem, install "GPS Status" or "GPS Test" from the market and if you don't get any sats in view, you'll likely be fixed by those steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method has also not worked for a lot of people as well, so it's rather hard to say. I suspect that the only reason the modem flash "works" is because it caches data that the dk17 modem then reads as far as sat position and other things to basically give directions without actually "locking". No sats in view could also mean you just dont have a good line of site either(happens to me at work until i move near a window)
I haven't had the cache/slow issue, so I can't speak to whether this helps that or not, but the AGPS parts seem as though they would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the ntp part is meant to speed up caching and lock but the rest of it is more to configure it correctly.
I don't have the gps problem at all so couldnt say for sure.
PS: did you try this on your phone completely without other gps "fixes" or did you just come in to post a rather meaningless post about a bunch of stuff we're already aware of and attempting to dealing with, and not offer any solution or any new information or even just results?

brian_hoffman said:
I'm hesitant to format my phone.. I just got it up and going and customized and synced. Not that its THAT big of a pain..
I guess I just hoped I could run this build till the official froyo comes out without re-doing everything.
On a side note, I did try both the above fixes as it was mentioned that it worked for someone else.
I also tried your ##GPSCLRX# to clear my GPS.. But it didn't work.
At this point it may be best to start over again.
I tried downloading some GPS test app, flashing some update.zip (gps Fix) from a different thread, manually changing the files mentioned here and clearing my GPS from the dialer code.
I'm feeling defeated, I'm not sure why we need to lock in a from a different modem. I'm guessing it generates some file? that sticks on a system upgrade?
I really hope this gets resolved the right way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same/similar issue with GPS not working at all. Sound 0 satellites. Tried all of the stuff, but the only thing that I found to fix it was to redo the ODIN flash of froyo. I hope that helps.

ZenInsight said:
I had this issue. I put on stock..got a gps fix. the applied a froyo ROM Quantum over my stock..got another GPS fix. THEN I wiped the froyo ROM.
All good now. I use ##GPSCLRX# to reset the GPS if it's taking to long too lock. I get lock in about 10 seconds now. 9 satellites and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get a good lock as well(most of the time). How do you see how many satellites are locking? I get accuracy reading of 8ft but nowhere does it state how many satellites...

1deviant said:
I get a good lock as well(most of the time). How do you see how many satellites are locking? I get accuracy reading of 8ft but nowhere does it state how many satellites...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get the app GPS Status, that will show ya all the infos

art3mis-nyc said:
The "gps fix" post by BThomas22 does some of this (modifies the /system/etc/gps.conf). I'm curious about "secgps.conf" as it doesn't exist on the filesystem at all typically, and there's already a "gps.conf" with those settings in it. Are you sure that tool didn't just do backups to a secgps.conf or something? Are we sure this file is actually read?
Nope not at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you delete secgps.conf and reboot, the file is regenerated. This would seem to indicate that it is being used, as it is recreated upon reboot if it is missing. If it exists, it isn't overwritten however.
Also, gps.conf does not have the same settings as secgps.conf.

plapczyn said:
If you delete secgps.conf and reboot, the file is regenerated. This would seem to indicate that it is being used, as it is recreated upon reboot if it is missing. If it exists, it isn't overwritten however.
Also, gps.conf does not have the same settings as secgps.conf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phil, you're very smart! Thanks for the info!

chillaxtodamax said:
Phil, you're very smart! Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Yuhan. I was waiting all semester for you to tell me that.

plapczyn said:
Thanks Yuhan. I was waiting all semester for you to tell me that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. See you in homeroom on Monday!

Possible GPS Fix

Hey guys,
I have been playing around with my GPS settings for a few days now to get the fastest fix. Everyone in most of the threads suggest to change the server to supl.google.com. Listed below are the settings i've been using with better results:
-Enter LbsTestMode.(*#*#3214789650#*#*)
-Tap "SUPL/CP Settings"
-Set Server FQDN Type -> AUTO Config
-SUPL Secure Socket -> OFF
-AGPS Mode -> SUPL
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Tap "Application Settings"
-Set Operation Mode -> MS ASSISTED
-Start Mode -> HOT START
-GPS Plus -> ON
-Dynamic Accuracy -> ON
-Accuracy - > 20
-GPS Logging -> OFF
-Click Back (it saves it)
-Tap Delete GPS Data
-Reboot Phone
Try Using Google Maps after this and see how long it takes to connect. Let me know if this gets you a faster fix.
Thanks!

I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.

mikeflash said:
I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a fix a while ago, if you want to try it.
Download SGSTOOLS from the market.
Open SGSTOOLS and Apply the GPS fix for north America. This will set the FQDN server name.
Open Maps (not navigation), it should pick up your location quickly. Once your location is showing on the map, open navigation and enter a destination. It should lock on within a few seconds of entering your destination.
let me know if that works for you.

mikeflash said:
I normally don't use GPS because my car charger somehow is not working anymore. Anyway, I tried today (after a long time) to get a GPS fix using telenav, foursquare or google maps and didn't get any... in like, serveral minutes. I didn't try for longer.
So I tried your method here, but it FC whenever I enter the code at the dialer. It's not the dialer, but the service app that's causing problem it seems.
What can I do?
Currently I use kg6 stock rom with kg4 drhonk kernel and kh2 modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the confusion. That code only works in Froyo so you can enter the LBS Test Mode.

shotchacokov said:
I posted a fix a while ago, if you want to try it.
Download SGSTOOLS from the market.
Open SGSTOOLS and Apply the GPS fix for north America. This will set the FQDN server name.
Open Maps (not navigation), it should pick up your location quickly. Once your location is showing on the map, open navigation and enter a destination. It should lock on within a few seconds of entering your destination.
let me know if that works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work. Still can't get a fix.
I'll probably update to kh2 soon, and try again.

Try this.
http://blog.photoframd.com/2011/02/09/gps-problems-on-your-samsung-galaxy-s-android-phone-try-this/

Just use GPS aids v2 donate. Will fix all problems
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Did anyone try these settings on their SGS 4G to see if they worked? Just curious.
Thanks

tested with my moms phone that had no gps issues.. ummm it makes the gps worse doing the op if your gps actually does work properly...
before 5 second lock held sat's gps worked smooth and as it should.
after trying this gps hardly picks up sats when does looses sat after 10 seconds will not recover drove home with this ( had to test before she left for camping yes i reverted her gps after the test) 20 min drive home after it lost sat status would not recover even tried rebooting gps...

RaverX3X said:
tested with my moms phone that had no gps issues.. ummm it makes the gps worse doing the op if your gps actually does work properly...
before 5 second lock held sat's gps worked smooth and as it should.
after trying this gps hardly picks up sats when does looses sat after 10 seconds will not recover drove home with this ( had to test before she left for camping yes i reverted her gps after the test) 20 min drive home after it lost sat status would not recover even tried rebooting gps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd.... it worked really well on my phone. Oh well, it was worth a try. Anyhow, I've finally decided to move on to GB. Can anyone suggest a ROM that works well with our GPS? I use my GPS a lot. Thanks in advance!

[REF] Tweaking the GPS for Speed and Accuracy

I don't take credit for this, I'm just basically confirming that if you are inside the US, the following tweak should improve lock speeds and accuracy. I was able to lock on inside my house < 10 secs, with a 6 meter accuracy. It's been done on a number of phones -- just posting it for the folks here who haven't found the tweak yet.
It requires root - see the threads in this forum.
To install it, you should create a backup of your /system/etc/gps.conf file before doing anything. The easiest way is to use Root Explorer and then copy the file to somewhere on your sd card. (Make a directory, or put it in a safe place).
[ Edit: Sorry, I'm having trouble getting the new file attached - the links below work (I think) but look sort of funny ]
Download and unzip the file View attachment 784134, then copy the attached file to /system/etc/gps.conf. Reboot or power off/on and you are done. (Again, use Root Explorer if you aren't comfortable enough with terminal/adb shell to do this on your own.)
Alternately you can edit your existing file with the text editor of your choice. All you are doing is replacing the NTP server and adding the SUPL lines at the bottom.
Code:
# Thanks to Da_G from the xda-forums for additional information on data for
# the below changes. Switch to the us.pool.ntp.org for better time resolution
# inside the US, but the xtra1 servers are good worldwide. You can
# Also just choose one of the below *.pool.ntp.org areas for where you plan
# to use your GPS.
########################################
###Uncomment only one NTP_SERVER line!##
########################################
##### US Time Servers
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
##### Worldwide
#NTP_SERVER=xtra1.gpsonextra.net
##### Continental Servers
##### Asia
#NTP_SERVER=asia.pool.ntp.org
##### Europe
#NTP_SERVER=europe.pool.ntp.org
###North America
#NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
# DEBUG LEVELS: 0 - none, 1 - Error, 2 - Warning, 3 - Info
# 4 - Debug, 5 - Verbose
DEBUG_LEVEL = 5
# Intermediate position report, 1=enable, 0=disable
INTERMEDIATE_POS=0
# GPS Capabilities bit mask
# SCHEDULING = 1
# MSB = 2
# MSA = 4
# default = MSA | MSB | SCHEDULING
CAPABILITIES=0x7
# The SUPL_HOST and SUPL_PORT lines below can be commented out if
# you will be using your GPS outside the AT&T network and/or outside.
# the US. The Skyrocket is configured to use the AT&T servers by
# default, and Da_G's says that the AT&T has a more accurate
# geolocation database.
#SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
#SUPL_PORT=7276
After you have made the changes reboot your phone. (power off/on)
Here's the gps.conf file - just unzip it and replace. It is *NOT* something that can be flashed, just the conf file: View attachment 784134
Enjoy.

tejones36 said:
I don't take credit for this, I'm just basically confirming that if you are inside the US, the following tweak should improve lock speeds and accuracy. I was able to lock on inside my house < 10 secs, with a 6 meter accuracy.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone already does this, even while indoors. Has anyone been having worse GPS quality?

Mine was at 25ft previously. It's been reported on quite a few forums to improve both lock time (mine improved here as well) and accuracy.

Two seconds to first lock with 3 sats. 4 seconds later floating between 9 and 10 sats locked.
F'n sweet. No tweaks needed.

gheck911 said:
Two seconds to first lock with 3 sats. 4 seconds later floating between 9 and 10 sats locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine improved from 5m to 3m accuracy indoors and better lock times so I thought I'd share something I found useful.

Daedalus_ said:
My phone already does this, even while indoors. Has anyone been having worse GPS quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. We shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has accuracy issues.

Dranakin said:
Same here. We shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has accuracy issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By that logic, we shouldn't be building custom kernel's or ROMs - we shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has UI or development issues right?

tejones36 said:
By that logic, we shouldn't be building custom kernel's or ROMs - we shouldn't be scaring people into thinking that the SR has UI or development issues right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know that's not even a logical analogy. Don't be a douche now.

Does this file work on all GB devices, or at least Samsung devices, or at least least an Infuse?
thx

Yup, pretty much everything that I've seen so far.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

(nothing to see here, move along...)

How is the GPS Lock and Tracking say compared to HTC or Motorola? Just wondering because I am debating on going back to BB tomorrow and swapping out my HTC Vivid for this phone. Just slightly worried as I have hear horror stories about Samsung and horrible GPS.

malickie said:
How is the GPS Lock and Tracking say compared to HTC or Motorola? Just wondering because I am debating on going back to BB tomorrow and swapping out my HTC Vivid for this phone. Just slightly worried as I have hear horror stories about Samsung and horrible GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about either of those phones, but I had the Captivate which was pretty horrible. both the SGS2 and the skyrocket are excellent right out of the box with none of those problems.
This post was meant to be about getting that last couple percent of accuracy and lock time, or to possibly help if someone had a restricted view of the sky via the SUPL lines at the bottom of the config along with closer geographic time servers. I've used the GPS heavily in the last couple of weeks and it's been terrific.
( Obviously the Skyrocket was only released this past Sunday, but I was using the OGS2 prior to returning it for the Skyrocket upgrade. )

tejones36 said:
I don't know about either of those phones, but I had the Captivate which was pretty horrible. both the SGS2 and the skyrocket are excellent right out of the box with none of those problems.
This post was meant to be about getting that last couple percent of accuracy and lock time, or to possibly help if someone had a restricted view of the sky via the SUPL lines at the bottom of the config along with closer geographic time servers. I've used the GPS heavily in the last couple of weeks and it's been terrific.
( Obviously the Skyrocket was only released this past Sunday, but I was using the OGS2 prior to returning it for the Skyrocket upgrade. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good to know. I am actually one of those that has issues getting gps lock in my house not sure even this will help considering I have a tin roof. Still good to know that this has good GPS out of the box.

(wave) Hi
On the topic of this thread,
I did some disassembly on the GPS kernel module, and it is looking at 3 seperate config files for configuration infos. /etc/gps.conf, /data/data/angryGps/secgps.conf (i think there's a com.android in there, have to go double check, don't remember from memory) and /etc/loc_parameter.ini.
loc_parameter.ini appears to be the most interesting one, with a number of previously undocumented configurations. Notably the GPS is always defaulting to start up in "driving mode" vs. "pedestrian mode" which anyone familiar with the function of GPS will know means there is a filtering algorithm active to prevent some GPS updates from getting to the user (if the location has not moved more than 5 meters in any direction since the last update, assume this falls within the margin of error and report no movement)
Pedestrian mode is desirable in many cases as there are no GPS reports filtered out and you get the constant position updating every second.
Also the GPS driver reports 1Hz update mode, which is common for consumer level GPS receivers. More expensive/higher level receivers can report as fast as 3 times per second. It might be possible to tweak our GPS to perform similarly (boy wouldn't that be sweet)
Lastly, the GPS driver defaults to full verbosity in logcat output. This might be slightly detrimental to performance and flipping a simple bit in loc_parameter.ini cuts the amount of output by a large amount with every position update.
Out of box the GPS daemon is configured to use AT&T's SUPL server, so switching to google's SUPL server should actually be detrimental to GPS time-to-first-fix performance, since AT&T has a much more accurate geolocation database driving their SUPL platform vs. google. Outside of the US however, I imagine google's SUPL server will perform better. Also, outside of AT&T's data network their SUPL server is not accessible, so this is another case switching to google's SUPL server would be advantageous.
Further disassembly tonight

Da_G,
Thanks for the very informative post! Glad to see someone well versed in the subject commenting.
Da_G said:
I did some disassembly on the GPS kernel module, and it is looking at 3 seperate config files for configuration infos. /etc/gps.conf, /data/data/angryGps/secgps.conf (i think there's a com.android in there, have to go double check, don't remember from memory) and /etc/loc_parameter.ini.
loc_parameter.ini appears to be the most interesting one, with a number of previously undocumented configurations.
.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does sound pretty interesting and worth playing with. Is there an easy way (like killing a process, like in system panel or from a terminal) to get the process to reread the config file short of a reboot? I have no idea if mobile phones can take a kill -HUP <pid> and reread, or just a -TERM and the system restarts it.
Pedestrian mode is desirable in many cases as there are no GPS reports filtered out and you get the constant position updating every second.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does sound interesting - I wonder if the "pedestrian" routing on google maps actually does something besides changing how it routes - maybe it also changes the gps functionality as well?
It might be possible to tweak our GPS to perform similarly (boy wouldn't that be sweet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely!
Lastly, the GPS driver defaults to full verbosity in logcat output. This might be slightly detrimental to performance and flipping a simple bit in loc_parameter.ini cuts the amount of output by a large amount with every position update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'd like me to include that file with instructions in the first post, I can certainly do so (and properly accredit you of course).
Out of box the GPS daemon is configured to use AT&T's SUPL server, so switching to google's SUPL server should actually be detrimental to GPS time-to-first-fix performance, since AT&T has a much more accurate geolocation database driving their SUPL platform vs. google. Outside of the US however, I imagine google's SUPL server will perform better. Also, outside of AT&T's data network their SUPL server is not accessible, so this is another case switching to google's SUPL server would be advantageous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. What amount of time do you think the first fix might be delayed, order of magnitude wise? (1s, 10s, etc.) I'd trade a short period of time for better global/rural data possibly, but it's good to know the trade offs.
Further disassembly tonight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the info!

So I tried to download the attachment didnt work. Then I tried to put in that information and rebooted. But it still doesnt lock on with google maps.

atomoverride said:
So I tried to download the attachment didnt work. Then I tried to put in that information and rebooted. But it still doesnt lock on with google maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've included the full file now in the main post, it's working on my phone. Here's a copy of the file as well - I'll try to relink it in the original post.
gps.zip - gps.conf replacement: View attachment gps.zip

@Da_G
Is the 5 meter update condition meant to filter out noise from inaccuracy? Does increasing the Hz on the position update compromise battery life?
@tejones36
Earlier I wasn't trying to be rude, I was just saying that my GPS works fine and if yours isn't it might've been broken.

What is the address for AT&T supl? Or does it default to this if you have no supl lines?