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GPS Improvement Something Different!

I greatly improved my GPS performance by doing this: First, a brief background: I was always curious about the two electrical contacts mating to the aluminum battery cover; if they were a ground plane or part of the antenna. For the heck of it I tried improving the connections by cleaning the small square contacts on the inside of the cover with a pencil eraser (they looked like they had a thin coating on them) and then gently, slightly prying up the contact on the right with a small screwdriver (the left is spring-loaded) and thats it. I was surprised to see an immediate improvement in signal strength resulting in locks within a minute and spot-on navigation. As a side note I noticed a better signal if I held the phone by it's sides vs cradled in my hand. It may be my imagination but I also seem to get a better signal (more bars) on the phone itself. This was probably an issue with my specific unit but I thought I would share.
Edit: Wow! Looks like many have had a similar experience. Still seems too good to be true, would like to know if you see sustained results. I'm curious if oxidation may eventually occur on the bare metal contacts in the cover, might be beneficial to re-clean with an eraser periodically. Be careful, as there has been a report of a broken contact, pry gently! Keep posting your results and thanks to those who gave me a thanks!

Could be - everyone tried to see if the contacts effected cell signal - But i don't remember anyone checking GPS signal with them.

Interesting. I will check this out tomorrow and see.
The thing is though, there are times when GPS would work great and some when it won't. It's usually in different areas though. For instance, around NYC area and where I live, it always works. When I went to Mass over Thanksgiving, I could barely get anything. This is without touching the casing and having a hard plastic case on.

can you post pics of what you did?

Interesting. Scratched some of that top layer off the contacts on the door and used a screwdriver to pry up the contact on the phone a bit. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. Got a much higher mobile speed test result than I usually do, but that can vary wildly so it could just be coincidence.

I am very much interested, please do provide more test results and pictures, please. Ever since reverting back to eclair (with the minor update that "fixed" tethering... I mean GPS signal, it was horrible. I needed it badly today and lucked out when I just had barely caught enough to get me to my destination. Thank you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

jz3 said:
I greatly improved my GPS performance by doing this: First, a brief background: I was always curious about the two electrical contacts mating to the aluminum battery cover; if they were a ground plane or part of the antenna. For the heck of it I tried improving the connections by cleaning the small square contacts on the inside of the cover with a pencil eraser (they looked like they had a thin coating on them) and then gently, slightly prying up the contact on the right with a small screwdriver (the left is spring-loaded) and thats it. I was surprised to see an immediate improvement in signal strength resulting in locks within a minute and spot-on navigation. As a side note I noticed a better signal if I held the phone by it's sides vs cradled in my hand. It may be my imagination but I also seem to get a better signal (more bars) on the phone itself. This was probably an issue with my specific unit but I thought I would share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how much did you pry up the contact on the right? A small paper clip works well as your can actually slide it into the rounded up portion and use leverage from the side to lift up. I lifted it a little bit but i mostly settled back down into original position..maybe slightly lifted from original position. I can tell they have been making connection because there are worn spots on the corresponding contact points on the door.
The coating on the contact spots looks possibly to be some kind of spray coating similar to a thermal paste only dry? Wonder if the connection would be better without it or if it was removed and replaced with a very conservative amount of quality thermal paste. (Also when you cleaned them with eraser was the white film removed or still present?). Mine is still present although there are small worn spots where you can see the metal from where the contacts were touching.

bames said:
how much did you pry up the contact on the right? A small paper clip works well as your can actually slide it into the rounded up portion and use leverage from the side to lift up. I lifted it a little bit but i mostly settled back down into original position..maybe slightly lifted from original position. I can tell they have been making connection because there are worn spots on the corresponding contact points on the door.
The coating on the contact spots looks possibly to be some kind of spray coating similar to a thermal paste only dry? Wonder if the connection would be better without it or if it was removed and replaced with a very conservative amount of quality thermal paste. (Also when you cleaned them with eraser was the white film removed or still present?). Mine is still present although there are small worn spots where you can see the metal from where the contacts were touching.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pried it up just a hair worrying that it might break off. Mine looked like it was not making good contact as there was no wear marks. I first removed the film by scraping it with a knife then using an eraser. Underneath the film it is just the bare aluminum.

You could just move to Axura if you want great GPS without messing with the contacts.

adamholden85 said:
You could just move to Axura if you want great GPS without messing with the contacts.
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Click to collapse
That assumes there is no hardware issue. Due to the huge variations in GPS success with people on the same software, there is probably more involved. One possibility is antenna, another likely culprit is "disk" IO blocking GPS functions.
If the contacts and antenna are an issue on a phone, changing OS or tweaking softrware will not make things better.

I think you stubbled on something here, I'm picking up sat. in my home, have not tried it on the road yet, but I am excited to test it out. I've been fighting this
GPS problem since day one. It is the only problem I have with the phone. Thanks for posting your discovery. Man, I think everyone should at least try this and post your results, because I am getting extraodinary results.

alphadog00 said:
That assumes there is no hardware issue. Due to the huge variations in GPS success with people on the same software, there is probably more involved. One possibility is antenna, another likely culprit is "disk" IO blocking GPS functions.
If the contacts and antenna are an issue on a phone, changing OS or tweaking softrware will not make things better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not saying Axura will help everyone but boy has it helped quite a few. Check the poll I put on the OP.

If you're gonna do this, use an INK (white) eraser. They work much better at cleaning electrical contacts.

adamholden85 said:
You could just move to Axura if you want great GPS without messing with the contacts.
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Click to collapse
nm... I can't count.

I cleaned off the 2 contact points on the lid using my pocket knife. There seemed to be some white coating on it. My gps is working real well now.

1 sat in an office building (no lock but actually see's it) .. 5x5 bars 3g download 1889kbps/ up 517kbps (was lucky to get 900kbps before..) so yah it is both the Cell ant which is the spring loaded one and the other is the GPS. The coating isn't actually a coating just the oxidation at assmb. emery paper prob works the best just don't try to make it too shiny or remove to much metal.

Wow!! You may have really got something here. I just spent 2 minutes cleaning off and prying up the contacts and the results were instant! As soon as I booted the device back up my 3G signal strength increased by two bars! Not only that but I got a GPS lock in record time - only a few seconds. YMMV
Thank you for posting this!!

Long time browser here. Just made a forum account to post my results of doing this.
Let me first say that you might really be onto something here. I powered my phone down then scraped the white coating on the cover contacts to bare metal using a pocket knife. Then pyred the right contact up to about a 45-50 degree angle. About putting it all back together and powering the phone up and killing all the apps afterward I launched gps test ap. I got 7 sats and a lock under 10 seconds sitting here at my desk. Beforehand I would've been lucky to ever see 1 sat sitting here and even more luckier to get 5+ or a lock holding it against the window to my right.
Haven t tried this outside but I will on my trip to the phili airport this even.
Thanks a bunch!
+Getting 7-10 locks with 32-49feet accuracy here at my desk. Never ever got a lock here before!
+5:30 est. Just did a speed test on 3g. Usually getting around 600-700kbs here at my desk. Getting 1.5-1.7k+ Now...
Also should I be concerned about scratching up the back tabs while removing the coating. Looks like I took sandpaper to them. I mean the its aluminum so rust isn't a problem. And nothing will be touching or getting on them to cause any type of corrosion.

Wow, I normally have 5 bars where I'm at so I couldn't see any change in that obviously, but GPS is perfect sitting here in my house, can't wait to try it out on the road! By the way, I gotta say this again, when I say GPS is perfect, when I zoom in all the arrow is sitting exactly on the portion of the house that I'm in. I'm amazed.
Edit - Just did a speed test and WOW immediate speed increase, ping was 100 below normal, did 1mb/s up AND down! This is definitely a nice little trick you've found.

First time posting. I just tried this, and am getting a lock inside the house for literally the first time.
However, I also got a lock while driving this afternoon for the first time (my GPS experience has been exceedingly poor), before I cleaned the contacts. Maybe it's just a good.day for GPS signal in my neck of the woods today.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Why Certain Cases Of Case Mate And Otterbox Degrade Wi-Fi Signal?

I ordered Case Mate Tough for my smartphone and signal degrades by 5 to 10 dBm (2 bars) when in this case. Many people reported such problem and what is interesting, it does not happen with every HTC smartphone.
One person reported that the smartphones this happens with have software or firmware issue/glitch and that HTC are aware of it and working on a fix.
Does somebody here have Wi-Fi signal issues with Case Mate or Otterbox or even other brands' cases?

I do have a case-mate barely there for my DS but not noticed any drop off in anything. Used a case-mate pop (at least i think thats what they're called) for my DHD and wifi dropped by around 50%. My worst one is with a cheapo silicone off feebay. My wifi signal goes so low it disconnects. Take off the case and its full. Annoys the hell out of me but then i prefer any phone without a case anyway so dont mind taking it off just wish i didnt have to put it back on again!
Si

i'm use otterbox for my DS, and didn't face this problem...

I use a rubber case, and yes, the signal for both WIFI and the network drops. I think the reason behind this is that the only parts of the phone which can act as an antenna are the soft rubber parts, as the phone is unibody. WIFI signal has the worst drop though, and sometimes I cannot get a signal at all.

spagmuff said:
I use a rubber case, and yes, the signal for both WIFI and the network drops. I think the reason behind this is that the only parts of the phone which can act as an antenna are the soft rubber parts, as the phone is unibody. WIFI signal has the worst drop though, and sometimes I cannot get a signal at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "network drops"? Cellular signal?
I have only problem with Wi-Fi signal. I have noticed that when i move away only top half of silicone, signal improves a lot. I have spotted 2 holes on top - left and right (looking from back). When i cover left, right or both with finger or silicone, signal drops, but silicone has 2 appropriate holes that allow signal to pass through which don't work right.

Hi, I don't know if my point is relevant to this post. If you hold the top part of the phone, the signal will degrade. It is true for my phone and I don't have a casing.

Your point is relevant, this is why i don't hold phone by the top when using internet.
Hold top = degrade/lose Wi-Fi
Hold bottom = degrade cellular signal

wow, HTC didnt think through the DS very well did they
Im not certain but i dont think my cell signal has ever degraded as a result of holding (always hold the bottom of the phone) but im not certain, but my wifi signal definately degrades when i hold at the top or put a silicone case on. It was only a dirt cheap case from feebay but im looking for another that wont degrade it, any recommendations?
Si

Boris_yo said:
Your point is relevant, this is why i don't hold phone by the top when using internet.
Hold top = degrade/lose Wi-Fi
Hold bottom = degrade cellular signal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same behaviour for me.

Something tells me that degradation of Wi-Fi is a cost for using silicone/cases. For some yes, for some no.

i got a silicone tpu 2$ case, and the signal drops 5dbm

Wifi Death Grip

I just tried the death grip at the Bell store and the wifi indicator quickly dropped one bar. I was quite disappointed, until in a whim I tried on my N1. Lo and behold, it dropped TWO bars, not to mention it's in a quality Deodorant case. So I guess the issue has been blown out of proportion. But I do find the horrible viewing angle annoying, compared to my N1 and IS. So I'm still deciding...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Walk away from the router and try again. Not blown out of proportion at all ...

You'll notice the death grip only if u wanna see it... You'll never be disconnected untill u'r holding the phone normally, both in portrait and landscape...
But if you hold it intentionally at top right corner around camera, u'll notice death grip..

pnyppon said:
You'll notice the death grip only if u wanna see it... You'll never be disconnected untill u'r holding the phone normally, both in portrait and landscape...
But if you hold it intentionally at top right corner around camera, u'll notice death grip..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so fast. Simply placing the phone down on a flat surface (screen side up) is enough to cause a significant loss in wifi signal. This signal loss is not an issue if you are very close to your router, however this is not always possible. I have noticed that this signal loss is often enough to cause unreliable wifi communication, but not enough to disconnect wifi entirely and fall back to mobile data. This results in no connectivity and missed notifications which can be quite frustrating.
The solution is to observe one or more of the following:
1) Stay close to the router.
2) Turn wifi off unless actively using it.
3) Place the phone face down instead of face up.
4) When holding the phone, keep your greasy paws away from the antenna.

Buy a rubber case with some rubber backing like the case-mate. That should solve whatever issues you have.

m918v said:
Buy a rubber case with some rubber backing like the case-mate. That should solve whatever issues you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how exactly do you propose that a rubber case will solve this issue? This isn't an iPhone 4 external antenna issue.. A case on this phone will likely cause an additional small reduction in wifi signal.

smacman said:
Not so fast. Simply placing the phone down on a flat surface (screen side up) is enough to cause a significant loss in wifi signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this and it caused zero loss in wifi signal. Tried it with and without the case, no difference. So, your observation would appear to only be true for some phones or some routers.
I do see about a 20-25dB signal loss if I wrap my hand around the top of the phone, but that's easily avoided, so for me it's not a serious problem.

*something witty about this being the nine millionth thread about the death grip and how this is redundant*
Thread closed.

[Q] Looking for good case w/ low signal interference

After a lot of testing, the four different types of cases I bought (cheapos on Amazon) have horrible degradation of signal.
GPS signal is almost entirely wiped out by all cases. Tower signal has a small, yet identifiable, loss as well. I tested both signals with Marketplace apps: "GPS Stats" and with "OpenSignal".
Any cases out there that don't have interference or are very minimalist in doing so?
Two cases that I've tried and have GPS signal loss to the maximum are:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PNAXXW/ref=wms_ohs_product_T2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PN7DRG/ref=wms_ohs_product_T2

How exactly do you quantify signal strength for GPS?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side

Well, that's a fair point. I've based it on how many satellites I lock onto both indoors and outdoors. I let it "lock" and then wait a couple of minutes to see the number that actually stayed locked.
For example, without the case I can lock onto 7 sat's indoors, but with the case I'm currently only getting 1 sat. Outdoors, I can get 5-6 with the case and 9 constant without.

With my Otterbox Defender I see no difference in GPS or cell signal. I lock 9 says inside on or off as well as get the same signal strength for cell.
The first two shots are naked. The last two are in the Defender. That's actually the first time I ever saw double digit sats.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side

The Otterbox Commuter is another good case. It might have a small amount of attenuation - a couple of months ago I did some testing and I got a lock on 8 satellites with the case on, and 9 satellites with the case off. Not enough difference to worry about, and my results may have been within the margin of error.

Thanks for the input. There are a lot of factors for GPS issues....

The Seidio innocase II works well for me...
I tried the casemate tough and it def degraded my gps signal..

Seidio case I'm in love with. My sis ran over my phone and it's fine! I've haven't had problem with the signal.
It's always good to have a good radio flashed in too.

Yeah, this ****ty case has definite issues with GPS. With the patch I provide in the Android Development, I can only get 4 sats with it maximum and it takes forever to get past 1. But, I get instant 7 with it off and gain a few more seconds later.
Now, there are two cases that look to be the same
http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-Innoca...PTB0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1316740449&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/Seidio-SURFAC...RWU2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1316740449&sr=8-9
It's as if they are calling them two separate things even though they appear to be the same?
In looking at those cases, the design may be why some say it's fine with GPS. The GPS spring-connected antenna is on the backplate that holds the LED. If it's opened nicely, you get a clear shot. If it's covered with crap (as mine only has a hole for the led), it sucks. Just an assumption until I figure out which to buy.

I personally have the S-wave black case. If I need the navigation on my phone, I just take the case off. Problem solved

popupstoppa said:
I personally have the S-wave black case. If I need the navigation on my phone, I just take the case off. Problem solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm tired of taking this case off every time I need to test my patch!

tell me about this device

singforpain said:
tell me about this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about it?
FYI: The innocase is awesome!

I use the Speck Candy and have zero issue w/ either GPS or Cellular signals. My only complaint is the thin piece(specifically the plastic portion, the rubber stays in tact) at the bottom below the front bezel tends to crack, but the case is warranted for a yr. I've replaced mine for this piece breaking w/out issue at the ATT store.
The piece I'm referring to is the thin section that's against my leg in the photo.
Here's with the case on.

Aluminum back plate

I just w the aluminum back plates. If I buy the qi sticker, would wireless charging work through the aluminum back?

I'd be more concerned with getting a useable mobile signal with the aluminum back...

Mate, Do a search on net for this topic.
I saw numerous posts and you tube vids where people showed they went from 4-5 bars signal strength to 1-2 in same place when putting an Al back plate on their phones. I hate to think what call clarity or connection stability would be like with that low a network connection.
Those back plates may look great but they cause major problems like this.
Here is one-
http://jetcityninja.wordpress.com/2...-cases-will-affect-cellphone-signal-strength/
the new iphone 6 that all the fan boys leaped over has a metal unibody design in which there are those white plastic inserts at each end of the case, that is to allow transmissions thru the case.
You will notice the Note 4 has 4 plastic inserts thru the metal edge frame too, can be seen on chamfered edges, the rest of each one is covered by the paint on edge. That breaks up the metal of the frame and prevents it forming an unbroken loop that can also interfere with the signal pattern.

Exactly, so the back cover would really have no effect on signal because of this reason.... Right?

big70tom said:
Exactly, so the back cover would really have no effect on signal because of this reason.... Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it and see but don't say you weren't warned

The answer is no.

big70tom said:
Exactly, so the back cover would really have no effect on signal because of this reason.... Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said above a solid back plate WILL most likely cause significant loss of signal strength as many have reported in the you tube clips I mentioned in my previous post.