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GPS in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GPS without cell service?

Hi All,
Has anyone tried testing the GPS on a Captivate in an area with no cell coverage?
I discovered my wife's Solstice actually can't use the GPS unless she has cell service.... Kinda stupid if you ask me but that's the way it works. I'm hoping the Captivate does not suffer this same condition. Kinda pointless not be able to use the GPS unless you have cell service...
Thanks,
bja

What app are you using to show the GPS? If you're using something like Google maps, the maps has to have 3g coverage to download the maps to view on your screen. The GPS probably is working fine, but since the maps can't load, it won't show you where you are. Maps are not saved on your device.

radi0chik said:
What app are you using to show the GPS? If you're using something like Google maps, the maps has to have 3g coverage to download the maps to view on your screen. The GPS probably is working fine, but since the maps can't load, it won't show you where you are. Maps are not saved on your device.
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true dat. lol

dsjr2006 said:
true dat. lol
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What part do you LOL at?
Google maps can be and are saved locally on this Solstice... Multiple apps were tested, the Solstice cannot get a lock without coverage whether you are using a mapping app, or just an app showing position and speed. Other users have come to the same conclusion.
I'm just hoping someone can tell me if the Captivate can get a GPS lock with no cell service.
Thanks,
bja

Im sure it can, just like almost every other phone that has an actual GPS chip, but it's cold lock time without AGPS assistance could take 30 seconds or more.
I can't say for sure though since I don't have mine yet.

Yeah AJerman, you'd think it would would since it has a gps chip, but the Solstice and Eternity have gps chips and don't work without cell service.
I guess we'll find out Monday for sure, but I would almost bet it won't work without cell service.
bja

The A-GPS tries to get a rapid fix by getting Assistance from Cell data. The algorithms used by the software on some phones allow you to avoid getting hung up in the cell tower acquisition process by turning the phone and data OFF, turning the device off, then restarting. The IPhone 3GS, for example, then does not get hung up in a non cell environment, and works reliably offshore in a boat. This is very important to someone who relies on GPS. for Marine Navigation, like using Navionics software offshore.
I do not know about Galaxy S algorithms, but please try!!!!
Looking foreward to hearing solutions to the offshore GPS problems before I buy.

hmose said:
The A-GPS tries to get a rapid fix by getting Assistance from Cell data. The algorithms used by the software on some phones allow you to avoid getting hung up in the cell tower acquisition process by turning the phone and data OFF, turning the device off, then restarting. The IPhone 3GS, for example, then does not get hung up in a non cell environment, and works reliably offshore in a boat. This is very important to someone who relies on GPS. for Marine Navigation, like using Navionics software offshore.
I do not know about Galaxy S algorithms, but please try!!!!
Looking foreward to hearing solutions to the offshore GPS problems before I buy.
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ill test this out right now. Do i just need to turn off the radios and then try to get a gps fix?

Yeah, make sure the cell radios are off then try finding yourself on the map. You could even pull the sim to be really sure (as long as it will still let you use it without sim).

I think it may be important, after you have pulled the sim card, turned off the cell radio (Flight mode?) and any other steps, that you completely RESTART so that the GPS software reinitializes and starts off knowing it is on its own and should not refer to cell system, otherwise it may repeatedly hang up. That was my experience in the Bahamas with the 3gs. Galaxy will probably differ in the details but there should be a way.

Here goes... Wish me luck

GPS does work with no cell service. I live in a complete dead zone and the gps was able to acquire lock. Also, if I were in range of my wifi, it would update the maps from the wifi... Note, I was able to lock sat's with wifi off and no service also. This is good news because I was worried it would be like my wife's Samsung Solstice which requires cell signal for the gps to work. Not very good for boating or riding quads off the beatin' trail.
Thanks,
bja

Ok i turned all radios off and engaged airplane mode then reset the device. I was unable to get a gps lock with Google maps. I was indoors for the test and i am worried that gps may be turned off when airplane mode is on? Ill try again outside tomorrow

Don't use Airplan mode or turn off cell radio. The A-GPS chip on most phones are tied to cell radio chip. Not that it requires cell radio to work, but if you turn off the cell radio, you got GPS off as well.
I learnt this when I was using Samsung BlackJack 2. When I turn off the cell radio, the Garmin Navigation software can't locate the GPS hardware anymore. So I know the GPS hardware was off.

Systoxity, google maps requires access to online data, but your GPS does not. test your GPS with another app that just reads out Lat Lon.

foxbart, can you walk me through to what settings i should leave on for this test? And hmose shoot me a suggested app and ill dl it

systoxity said:
foxbart, can you walk me through to what settings i should leave on for this test? And hmose shoot me a suggested app and ill dl it
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GPSTest is a good app to try.
I tested already and it will lock on without cell service.
I live in a dead zone so I don't have to worry about turning off the
radio, etc.
bja

oh well nice. no need for me to test then

Keep testing, some dead zones are truly not dead. Some are deader than others. I'll check it out with a captivate when I get one. Do not want to get surprised out on the briney. I believe if we can get a IPhone to work, you probably can with those other android phones you mentioned.

I just tried gps test in flight mode with gps enabled and it works just fine...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Navigation and 4G Problems

I am stuck on the Evo Shift 2.3.3 I am having problems with my GPS and 4g.
I live in the heart of Boston and my 4g signal is horribly weak. Also whenever I use my gps (ANYWHERE) It can find me just fine, but when I do Navigation for driving, it just says "Searching for GPS"
Any help?
Is it possible to update Radios without a rooted phone?

I think you have the most current radios with 2.3.3. Pretty sure you can't flash with a locked bootloader anyway. Could be wrong on both counts tho, never been on the stock 2.3.
You try clearing data on telenav? How does google maps nav work for you?
Sent from my Shifty Speed Brick using xda premium

I always use the google navigation. I never bothered with telenav because I thought you had to pay for it.

Try turning on your WiFi when using GPS. It helps lock the signal quicker. As for your 4G you can try this THREAD . I use it with good results . Also , if you want to speed up your data you can try the info on HERE . Both of these can be done without Root. You just need your MSL. I usually just call Sprint and ask for it.

Followed the 4G and 3G tutorials, it was doesn't difficult to get the MSL number, quick call to Sprint, made a joke and stuff with the Tech and he gave it to me with no question.
*Note* I always make jokes and stuff with all the Techs.
Anyways, Turning on wifi even though I am no where near Wifi signals helps GPS? This is like my fourth Sprint Android device and I've never had so many problems with Navigation.

Yes turining on WiFi helps. Even though your not connected, it helps lock quicker. I can dig up the thread that explains it if you would like.

No gps while overseas in airplane mode

I am overseas and can not get a gps lock. I am using stock ep3h. I didn't think this phone was tied so closely to agps. anyone had this issue or solved the problem

If u can get to the market, download faster fix, and set the region to the country you are in.... requires root
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

fasterfix offers no help. any other suggestions

Faster fix will change your region if you can't use GPS after that you must have a different problem,
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

yes I have another problem. does anyone have any other suggestions

Airplane mode will turn off all radios including gps.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

unless the charge is different gps is not tied to airplane. I have a few other phones that work in airplane. I have also tried in non airplane but I still have no cdma service. can anyone confirm that there gps has worked overseas with no cdma service?

doesnt gps work with wifi or 3g/4g? cuz phone need to upload the map where u at it..

soondolee said:
doesnt gps work with wifi or 3g/4g? cuz phone need to upload the map where u at it..
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Not if you're using offline maps that are completely stored on your phone. There's no need for a data connection for those.

I also use the GPS in airplane mode all the time while I hike in the mountains where there are no cell towers or wifi, so I understand where you are coming from. I use google MyTracks all the time while running and hiking.
I am not sure how to fix your issue, but I have a few ideas for you to try.
First, when you move over 100 miles with a gps off and then turn it on generally you will need 45 minutes to 1 hour for the gps to realize it is somewhere new.
Download GPS Test and GPS Status. Give them each a try for 15 minutes outside. These apps have some strange magic that has fixed several of my phones just by running them for a bit.
Let me know how this works out.
Dave

I have had it outside for 2 hours with no lock. gps test is no help

any other suggestions

Lets get a little further into the issue then... You stated no lock. But did the GPS ever pick up any sats? If so what were the sat numbers?

I have seen 6 satellites only once without lock. I normally see 0 to 3 with zero most of the time. it is seeing some of the same satellites my other phone with a full lock is seeing but this phone will never lock. I just think the agps feature is so embedded that the receiver is lost without it's data. which sucks because I center still the offline gps features on this that my cheap world phone doesn't have.

Does the carrier affect GPS performance?

So I was with several AT&T MVNOs using my Moto G3 (rooted stock). No issue. I switched to a T-Mobile MVNO. Later I noticed my GPS acting up. The GPS just couldn’t come up with a solution even whith good signal from several sattelites. Even when there was a solution, the error was between 40-100 meters. I thought there was no way changing carrier would make a difference. I almost trashed the phone for a new one. I switched back to the AT&T MVNO because of cell coverage issues (not GPS issues). But I noticed my GPS is working just fine once again. Does this make sense to anyone? How could the carrier make a difference?

MrTooPhone said:
So I was with several AT&T MVNOs using my Moto G3 (rooted stock). No issue. I switched to a T-Mobile MVNO. Later I noticed my GPS acting up. The GPS just couldn’t come up with a solution even whith good signal from several sattelites. Even when there was a solution, the error was between 40-100 meters. I thought there was no way changing carrier would make a difference. I almost trashed the phone for a new one. I switched back to the AT&T MVNO because of cell coverage issues (not GPS issues). But I noticed my GPS is working just fine once again. Does this make sense to anyone? How could the carrier make a difference?
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Hi mate,
I am not 100% sure, but I believe GPS works without a carrier so I don't believe it would be affected by the carrier.
Have you tried looking for some firmware updates?

Most phones use cell towers and GPS for location unless you go into Location settings and change it to use only GPS, so if you don't have a good cell signal your location accuracy might be affected by that.

Telyx said:
Most phones use cell towers and GPS for location unless you go into Location settings and change it to use only GPS, so if you don't have a good cell signal your location accuracy might be affected by that.
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I was aware of that (strong signal in both cases), and of the AGPS which I routinely update. I can't figure it out. I even restored an old ROM when I knew the GPS was good, but the performance remained poor. And it was not a fluke as now with the AT&T MVNO the GPS remains good.

Curtis95 said:
Hi mate,
I am not 100% sure, but I believe GPS works without a carrier so I don't believe it would be affected by the carrier.
Have you tried looking for some firmware updates?
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I thought they were independent as well. I even tried location to Device Only, same results.. I am baffled,

MrTooPhone said:
I thought they were independent as well. I even tried location to Device Only, same results.. I am baffled,
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It's annoying mate, must be quite frustrating, maybe take it in to your local phone store see what they say. Sorry I coudlnt help much!

Curtis95 said:
It's annoying mate, must be quite frustrating, maybe take it in to your local phone store see what they say. Sorry I coudlnt help much!
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Not looking for help. Just trying to understand. The good part is I am using the service where I get good GPS. Thanks for jumping in.