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O2 XDA Serra (Touch Pro) - more GPS problems

Sorry - not a development issue as such but I'm hoping you guys can help with another HTC Touch Pro (A)GPS query. I have read a number of other posts on this but they appear to be inconclusive and I'm not sure if the problems widely reported elsewhere are supposed to have been resolved in the latest shipped ROMS.
I'm experiencing very long acquisition times with the internal GPS on the O2 XDA Serra (just released in the UK), to the point where the GPS is virtually unusable. Cold lock can take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes, even in open ground in good weather with a clear view of satellites. By comparison, a Garmin eTrex Vista in the same location gets a lock in seconds. I never expected the XDA Serra to equal the performance of a dedicated handheld GPS but I would have expected it to get an initial lock in less than 5 minutes in clear sight.
If and when a lock is acquired, it seems to hold OK and I've experienced no major lag problems.
I'm using Tom Tom Navigator 5, Memory Map Pocket Navigator OS 5 and Google Maps. I've also installed a couple of GPS utilities from this forum - Chartcross GPS Test 1.04 and the HTC GPS Tool v1.1.1.0. These are all configured to point to COM4 at 38400 baud (as per advice in this forum), and I've never had a problem detecting the GPS.
What is bizarre and frustrating is that there is absolutely no mention of GPS functionality in the supplied O2 manual, other than a brief warning about not operating a GPS while driving. The XDA Serra is not supplied with any GPS software or utilities out of the box other than an "External GPS" utility in the System folder, which is completely undocumented. I'm unclear in what circumstances you are supposed to use this utility, but I'm assuming it allows you to set a hardware COM port for an external GPS device (presumably bluetooth?) and select whether or not it is managed by Windows. I've tried turning this off but it appears to make no difference.
I'm aware that the XDA Serra is AGPS capable but I'm unclear exactly what this means in this context (i.e. which particular AGPS technique it actually uses), and how - in the absence of an explicit Program or System setting - my installed GPS applications are supposed to invoke it. I have checked the relevant registry settings in HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS:
EnableAGPS 0x00000000 (0)
GPSMode 0x00000002 (2)
Number Fixes 0x3b9ac9ff (9999999999)
QoS Accuracy 0x00000032 (50)
QoS Performance 0x00000059 (89)
Server IP 10.1.101.63
Server Port 0x00001cb6 (7275)
TimeBetweenFixes 0x00000001 (1)
... and can see that the AGPS function is currently disabled (the default), but is this supposed to be enabled programmatically by the GPS application, or do you have to set it explicitly? If the latter, how can you do this other than by hacking the registry?
I have followed advice in this forum about disabling GPS logging (it was disabled by default) using the Schapman Advanced Configuration Tool v3.3.0.0. I have tried enabling the AGPS function using a registry editor, but again it appears to make no difference. In addition, I could see no evidence of it having downloaded an emphemeris file anywhere (unless it's hidden in system ROM), which I presume is how it is supposed to work? If I enable it, doesn this necessarily mean that any of my GPS apps will actually use it?
I have tried using SeaSGEE to download emphemeris data to no avail - it downloads what looks like a good packedEmphemeris.ee file OK but it makes absolutely no difference to performance. I have since uninstalled this and deleted the //windows/packedEmphemeris.ee file.
Finally, if I connect an external bluetooth GPS adapter (the Emtac BTGPS) on COM6 I generally get a good cold lock in less than a minute. I used this all the time on my old XDA Mini S (HTC Wizard) and never had a problem.
So, basically, I'd like to understand how native AGPS works on the Touch Po, how it is supposed to be invoked by GPS applications, and whether there are any tweaks I can try to improve performance over and above the ones I've already tried. Is this a problem that is likely to be improved in subsequent ROM or Radio versions or is this simply a fundamental limitation of a crappy internal GPS chip?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

AGPS
AGPS is basically a utility for operator to be able to track your device for various local ads etc. It uses servers to track instead of GPS.For example Google maps would be able to track your position inside building but with tolerance of a few miles (I guess it is your closest tower) Seems to be some kind of bug when operating with regular GPS (in my case it shuts off GPS every 10-15 seconds making Tomtom unusable.You should see settings for AGPS at Settings-System-AGPS. Disable both tabs. On tomtom use other wired GPS receiver at Baud rate 38400 com port 4. restart after setting AGPS. It did work for me.I have Fuze - same as HTC Touch Pro. Let me know if it works better.

This is exactly how the Fuze is acting. Cold locks (after a soft reset or power off/on) take up to 30 minutes to get. But once you do get a lock, things work as they should. Even AT&T sales reps sat there with me, with 3 different Fuzes and witnessed all three phones doing the same thing. It must be the built in GPS chipset. The Sprint Touch Pro I had for a week, never had any cold lock issues.

I was worried that O2 had modified versions without the GPS module becuase I have never managed to get a lock with the device. Nomatter what I do GPS doesn't seem to work.
It is annoying as I've managed to fix every other problem the Serra ships with. Including getting rid of the default home page for opera when launched vial TFL3D. That was a huge pain in the ass as the XML file cannot be deleted or modified easily, it is an undying file. Damn file protectiona and access rules on WM devices.

is there still isues with gps on this phone?
i'm due an upgrade, currently using a diamond, and find gps is fantastic, locks in a couple of seconds nearly everytime, even after not using it for week still seems to get a fix in under 20 seconds, was looking at the touch hd as i thought it was essentialy the same phone, buf beefed up a bit, but i use gps 3-4 hours everyday, so far this phone seems perfect apart from the gps issues..
i've tried searching but can't find any clear information about it, seen various tweaks but no one can confirm it definatly works, my phone's primary use is gps, would i be a fool to upgrade to the serra?

Tyr said:
I was worried that O2 had modified versions without the GPS module becuase I have never managed to get a lock with the device. Nomatter what I do GPS doesn't seem to work.
It is annoying as I've managed to fix every other problem the Serra ships with. Including getting rid of the default home page for opera when launched vial TFL3D. That was a huge pain in the ass as the XML file cannot be deleted or modified easily, it is an undying file. Damn file protectiona and access rules on WM devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I had the same problem, never got locked on GPS.
It is ALL software issue. Flash different rom, new radio (recommend 20M1) and use tomtom7. Older tomtoms for some reason do not invoke gps receiver on touch pro. GPS on serra works perfect, on mine it takes about 20-30 seconds to get satellite lock. Relax Just flash rom different that the o2 one.

The GPS is rock solid on my XDA Serra with fast GPS start-up times with the PROven ROM - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=444653.
I did have GPS problems with the standard O2 ROM, as others have said it's a software issue.

All issues have been SOLVED
Hi. just go to this post and you will have a gps lock in a matter of seconds. enjoy. thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=467374

Go to http://www.my-xda.com/software_updates.jsp to download the latest software updates for every O2 XDA mobile!

Yes I just updated my ROM and the difference is HUGE. Almost instant connection with my GPS.

Yes, apparently O2 removed QuickGPS because at some point they planned to enable their own AGPS servers, but did not get round to it and forgot to add back QuickGPS.......

The Avatar said:
Yes I just updated my ROM and the difference is HUGE. Almost instant connection with my GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi the avatar
which ROM did you go for on your serra, i am having similar probs
just when i thought i had sorted it following other suggestions on this forum, beginning to think the gps was single use
cheers
r

GPS Fix - new possible settings

This might be my first post ever, however, long time lurker on the boards.
I think I have a potential fix for the GPS issue with the Captivate. I don’t think this is the same as the “quick fix” found elsewhere on these and other the boards. I am not sure what (if any) 'side effects' there are to this.
My phone previously had the AT&T/Samsung fix from late September applied, although it didn’t seem to help.
Get to the Lbs test menu; previous available through *#*#1472365#*#*. However, if you previously installed the recent AT&T/Samsung (supposed fix) for the Captivate, you can’t get to the menu through the dialer. Use Anycut from market to get to the Lbs test screen.
My GPS now gets a great lock about 30 seconds.
BTW, I am not root….
YMMV. You should record your original settings prior to making these changes, just in case you need to revert.
Standard Disclaimer; I am not at fault for any issues this causes your device…..
Now, down to the settings that I use:
In Lbs test menu:
I “deleted GPS data”
Application Settings
– Session Type: Tracking
– Test Mode : S/W Test
– Operation Mode: MS Based
– Start Mode: Cold Start
– GPS Plus: Off
– Dynamic Accuracy: On
– Accuracy: 50
– Use Skyhook: Off
– Use PC Tool: Off
SUPL/CP Settings
- Server FQDN Type: Auto Config
- Server [leave what is autopulated]
- Server Port [leave was is autopopulated]
- Supl Secure Socket: On
- AGPS Mode: SUPL
Reboot.
Use GPS Test from Market, or the The “Get Position Test” menu from Lbs screen to validate.
WIFI Problem:
One thing I have noticed is that depending on the settings above, wifi (if on) sometimes inhibits the ability to see more than 1 satellite. I think the problems with GPS are overall related to Wifi in some way.
If you do not have luck with above settings, turn wifi off and see what happens.

I only had to change a couple of the settings but this is working nicely so far...Ill try again over the next day or so in various situations and report back.
Changed:
Op Mode to MS Based
Start Mode to Cold
Turned off GPS Plus
Secure Socket to off
Thanks!

I'll admit some of this seems counter-intuitive, but at this point anything is worth a shot.I'll let you know how it goes!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You don't need to download anything to access the Lbs test. Just type *#*#3214789650#*#* in the dialer and you will get access. Works with JH7 and Froyo.

Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.

Nope, it's definitely not fixed...but it did give me a better lock than before. Same old...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.

l7777 said:
Before anyone else reads this and declares their GPS fixed, they should read at least the first post of this thread completely. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789383 If you understand what is being said by that post, then you can offer GPS solutions. The only thing you have changed is AGPS settings. While those settings will get you a lock, they don't help out with accuracy. If you really want to test your GPS, you have to turn off the use wireless networks feature, take it outside and see how well it works then.
Everything that has been said in this thread has been said elsewhere and is not a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Additionally, a lock is not enough to say it works. Take it for a drive along with another GPS device - use Google my tracks or some other tool to record your path. Even use GPS test and watch your MPH, direction and location.
You will find that it is not fixed. It works OK sometimes, but many times it is behind or inaccurate.

msinkovich said:
Well if its not a fix then it is most definitely better...I can get a lock in ~20 seconds where as before it might not even come close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to do that every week as your cached GPS data expires. And you can literally use any settings as long as you can use the lbstestmode to accquire a lock. That's all you need to do (accquire your first lock and it will cache the data for 5 to 7 days).

Any "fix" that involves "settings" isn't a "fix" at all since it demonstrates an utter lack of what the real problem is and how GPS fundamentally works.
The real "fix" won't come in the form of settings. Any purported settings "fix" is snake oil.

I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.

I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough. It may not be perfect but everytime ive used it it has got me where i need to go no problems. It may jump off track or be slow to turn for a second but it still gets me to wherever just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

If I read this correctly your turning off skyhook ? I read this http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/, and to me you need it turned on for urban areas and in the city need wi-fi turned on because of the occlusions caused by buildings and such...?
Mac

roadrash7 said:
I never have "use wireless networks on" and gps works good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option has nothing to do with GPS. 'Use Wireless Networks' is actually quite useful for location aware apps like Google Maps, Places, Speed Test etc. where an accurate but slow GPS lock may not be needed (or even possible if you're underground or inside a concrete building). This option enables those apps to use cell tower or wi-fi signal trianglation to get a quick estimation of your current location so that apps can give you relavent information, i.e. nearby gas stations or resaurants. It has nothing to do with aGPS either.

MikeyMike01 said:
I've given up on GPS a while ago.
It's a fringe feature anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be kidding saying its a feature right? I can't believe how many say that its a feature and that it is ok that Samsung is screwing them ( along with placebo updates) . I myself love and would like a Galaxy S phone or even the new Focus 7, but its looking like it too has GPS issues from early reports with the Omnia 7.
I know most of you guys are already locked in with your carrier and don't have much choice with the GPS issue but its not a feature, its a valuable function just like placing calls, sending emails, texting, etc.. If you don't care about this, then you should of bought a Razor flip phone.
I have been keeping up with this because I really want to see Samsung resolve this and make right.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I think their point is that it is an advertised function of the phone and we would like to work properly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

GimpyLeg said:
So the only reason you need a phone is for the GPS? Otherwise just stay with my 1996 model flip phone? Just...wow!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.

Oh, I agree that it should work as advertised. Can't say Samsung is ' screwing' me because they can't get it right. Would have bought the phone if I knew about it beforehand anyway. There are many other features that led me to the Cappy. Samsung does need to fix the problem and I hope they do so soon. Buy I won't try discourage anyone from Samsung products in the meanwhile.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

wsantiagow said:
My reasons for a working GPS are as follows:
Pinpoint your location, get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants, businesses and other destinations, location-based mobile games, social networking sites, real-time position tracking, lost or stolen phone tracking, etc., etc., etc..
What I am saying is just quit making excuses for Samsung and demand what you paid for! There are people on here who would really like for their GPS to be working and rightfully so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution to the GPS problem is quite simple, but most people still don't see it.
If 100% accuracy and < 10 second fixes are more important to you than the rest of the Galaxy S features, then you do not want a Galaxy S phone. Either return the one you have or don't buy it. For most people, that good of a GPS is a bonus and not a requirement.
The GPS problems are not undocumented, anyone reading any reviews for the phone will realize that the GPS is not as good as other devices. Even if they don't realize it before they buy it, they have 30 days to return it. Samsung may or may not ever get the problem worked out since phones have such a short life cycle. *****ing about it in thread after thread, online petitions, and idle threats of legal action will have absolutely no impact on Samsung.

Nexus S GPS

Hi guys! New to the forum and the Android OS. I've just purchased the Nexus S a couple of weeks ago and the phone is great except for a couple of minor details, but one thing really bothers me is the GPS. When I'm connected to wi-fi, Google maps is able to tell me my location fairly accurately. However, outdoors with no wi-fi, I try to have the settings to locate me based on satellite, but that always give me a "your current location is temporarily unavailable" message. I'm basically completely outdoors with view of the clear blue sky and it will always give me this message. Is something wrong

I've searched on the forum but nothing that answers my question. Anyone?

Hi,
Based on your question I am not shure if you are aware of the following:
GPS is only one of several location detection methods used by your phone. Another one is based on WIFI hotspots in range. Basically the phone scans the wifi frequencies to look for ALL hotspots in range and then sends this list of hotspots to google (only if some kind of internet access is available to the phone!). When this combination of hotspots is known to google, your phone gets an estimated location back from the google server. So from what you write, it is possible that you never had a gps fix, even when you got a (fairly good) location based on wifi.
I suggest you install some gps software other than google maps to check the functionality of your device. I use "GPS test", should be on the market. All it does, is scanning for satellites and displaying the list of discovered satelites. When the signal is good enough, you get a "U" in the column "flags" for the locked satellites.
Attention! You must start the scan manually from the apps context menu.
cheers

Yeah you gotta turn on your GPS for a more accurate reading if you're using maps or other navigational app
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

Just an update. I haven't needed to use the GPS lately, but this week I decided to try again, and before, I have gotten a GPS fix with the GPS Test app. But that signal never lasts very long and it also takes a really long time for the app to use the satellite to lock on to my location. The GPS indicator on the top left of the app is usually yellow and only after a long time does it turn green, but sometimes it never turns green even with 7 or 8 satellites in view. Is this just a limitation of mobile GPS in cell phones?
I don't have a data plan so I can't connect to the internet while on the road, hence the need for GPS without having internet access.

As long as you have the SIM inserted, not on airplane mode and gps is turned on, and nothing is wrong with your phone hardware I don't see why it shouldn't get location fix outdoor.
There are some good offline maps like Osmand and MapDroyd.

Gps issues can't find a single sattelite with GPS

Hey Guys
I am using now my Desire s for 1.5 year. Before i rooted my Desire s. The gps just Works fine... No issiue or anything wrong. After root gps won't work... I tried every custom and stock rom but still my gps wont show my possesion in sygic or Any gps app. Iam looking for a sulotion. Could someone please help...
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium

Location Acsess
Make sure that location access is ON in the settings.
Also this patch might help you. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032&highlight=gps+patch

tech_gooner said:
Make sure that location access is ON in the settings.
Also this patch might help you. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032&highlight=gps+patch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the patch but the gps still won't work

Maybe this helps
:
Kingdomds said:
I flashed the patch but the gps still won't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this thread,it has the same problem.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032
hope it works on your DS
sorry gor my english. :silly:

Nope.... the problem is it can't find any satellites....
And i want offline gps works. not online AGPS.
tried this one twice but still my gps can't find any satellites

I am in the same situation. My GPS used to work and then it stopped. I can't even remember what I flashed or whether it stopped straight after rooting.
I've tried a whole lot of different ROMs (JB/ICS/GB, AOSP/Sense) so its not a ROM issue. I've used the AGPS patch and all those other GPS apps that are supposed to diagnose and fix the GPS, non have worked. I have eventually put it down to a hardware fault and conceded that my GPS will not work.
I'm not wondering about flashing another radio. Will that make any difference ?

No, radio has nothing to do with GPS. If it's faulty - it might just be a disconnected antenna.

Enable data
I know its not the perfect solution but by enabling mobile data and the GPS you do get a precise fix on your location and it barely drains your allowance.

Mobile data doesn't affect GPS. All it does - it enables downloading almanac and ephemeris (satellite path charts, that tell the GPS where to look and for which satellites) instantly from the dedicated internet servers, and it also allows more precise clock synchronization - all that to make the lock faster. It doesn't help maintaining the lock.
And even without mobile data, at least 1-2 satellites should be visible almost immediately.

[Q] GPS issues

I read a while back that there was something that can help your phone lock on to GPS faster. Recently I have been having issues locking on to GPS without restarting my phone. When I restart it, it picks up GPS right away. But if the phone has been running for a few days it always says "searching for GPS" in Maps. Is there something I can flash to make it lock on quicker? So I dont have to restart my phone when I want to use GPS or Maps/Navigation? It has always done this on whatever ROM I flash.

I don't know if it will help with your situation or not but I use an app called GPS Test. Tons of useful info and such. Also allows updating of agps data. My GPS seems to lock quickly
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chartcross.gpstest
Good luck
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

GPS test didnt do anything. I thought there was something that was posted that you could flash that would make it lock on faster? But I cant find it now. I always have to restart my phone to get driving directions in Navigation. But the thread did have to do with a-gps. i just cant find it...

itsLYNDZ said:
GPS test didnt do anything. I thought there was something that was posted that you could flash that would make it lock on faster? But I cant find it now. I always have to restart my phone to get driving directions in Navigation. But the thread did have to do with a-gps. i just cant find it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a patch for HTC devices that uses an alternate data source for AGPS data. It *might* work on this phone-- I don't know why it wouldn't. Perhaps that's what you read.
Also, the updated Play store fixed an AGPS lock issue with HTC devices. Again, it appears this is only an HTC fix, but it could be what you came across elsewhere and are referencing above.
I haven't used "GPS Test", but there are two different apps named "GPS Status" in the play market. Both allow for AGPS location data to be refreshed, and produced satisfactory results on my HTC Sensation. They appear to be device agnostic, and would be worth a try. I went from a maximum fix of 4-6 satellites on my Sensation up to 12-15 satellites (under ideal circumstances).
Wifi and bluetooth can also cause occasional fix issues-- make sure both are turned off. I get massive GPS lock problems with Wifi turned on-- not so much with bluetooth.

I know this is a old thread but I thought it would be useful if I would share this. It was a fix for the Hercules but since its like our big brother (lol) I think it should work for our here blaze..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9923176
Sent from my Carbonized Blaze

I think the OP is talking about the AGPS Lock. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2016611