I work in a downtown Dallas office building and am running radio 12.39a.60.19u_26.06.06.30_M on AOSPX ICS rom. My signal strength is at -89 dBm 12 asu, yet I have a difficult time getting a consistent transfer rate from my phone while at my desk. The data package also switches between "3G" and "H" occasionally. My battery life is okay, but Speedtest.net is reporting a download speed of anywhere between 512 and 781 kbps and upload speed of 739 and 1038 kbps. It's very inconsistent and sporadic.
echodun said:
I work in a downtown Dallas office building and am running radio 12.39a.60.19u_26.06.06.30_M on AOSPX ICS rom. My signal strength is at -89 dBm 12 asu, yet I have a difficult time getting a consistent transfer rate from my phone while at my desk. The data package also switches between "3G" and "H" occasionally. My battery life is okay, but Speedtest.net is reporting a download speed of anywhere between 512 and 781 kbps and upload speed of 739 and 1038 kbps. It's very inconsistent and sporadic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad signal, interference, los to tower issues, a lot of people on same tower during peak usage. Pick your poison.
How does it perform outside the building? If it performs properly then it's just any or all of the mentioned causes. If it's still bad, then we can work on that. I personally get no signal for the 9hrs im inside my building at work, walk outside, 3g with full bars lol.
There are little tweaks you can do, keep phone in upright position (creates antenna alignment'ish to the tower), you can remove the case as well, (each layer the signal has to go through reduces it's strength)
I figured as much
And it does seem to work fine outside of the bldg. The only problem is that most of my coworkers' devices work fine in the bldg. They are on different networks. I'm on AT&T.
echodun said:
And it does seem to work fine outside of the bldg. The only problem is that most of my coworkers' devices work fine in the bldg. They are on different networks. I'm on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are comparing apples and oranges. My company has a repeater installed in it for verizon, so all the verizon people get perfect signal. Something similar may be at your place. either way, i dont see a problem that can be fixed on your end, other than switching networks :/
Seems like every time I flash an AOSP-based ROM, the signal (at least the signal icon) is showing lower than a TW-based ROM. Curious what modem version people like best and if they notice a difference between AOSP and TW ROMs in terms of reception.
So far I've tried the LK3 and MA2 modems. Both seem about the same, in terms of reception.
bradys said:
Seems like every time I flash an AOSP-based ROM, the signal (at least the signal icon) is showing lower than a TW-based ROM. Curious what modem version people like best and if they notice a difference between AOSP and TW ROMs in terms of reception.
So far I've tried the LK3 and MA2 modems. Both seem about the same, in terms of reception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a slight signal degradation between TW and AOSP based ROMS. It has been mentioned in various places throughout these, and other forums, but as a quick recap:
AOSP & All other non-tw ROMS are forced to use RIL "workarounds" because Samsung owns the rights to that bit of code (more specifically, Qualcomm owns them). Due to this, data on non-tw ROMS has to take an extra step before it gets to you. Some people never notice any difference, others very little - however there are some people (myself included) that notice quite a big difference.
If you're like me, and the thought of going back to TW makes you shudder, you can try some of the other radios/modems and see if you have more luck. So far, the best radio for me (in the Phoenix area) has been VRBLK1 .... I had almost no signal using the OTA or the newest leaked radios.
Good luck!
bradys said:
Seems like every time I flash an AOSP-based ROM, the signal (at least the signal icon) is showing lower than a TW-based ROM. Curious what modem version people like best and if they notice a difference between AOSP and TW ROMs in terms of reception.
So far I've tried the LK3 and MA2 modems. Both seem about the same, in terms of reception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not the only one who posted this question on here. You're also like those others are unaware that your location and how well your phone handles cell reception plays a MAJOR role in the signal strength. This phone isn't the best in the signal strength department and improvements are based on your location. My previous phone had 4-5 bars in my apartment in New York compared to 3-4 on the S 3.
theresin said:
There is a slight signal degradation between TW and AOSP based ROMS. It has been mentioned in various places throughout these, and other forums, but as a quick recap:
AOSP & All other non-tw ROMS are forced to use RIL "workarounds" because Samsung owns the rights to that bit of code (more specifically, Qualcomm owns them). Due to this, data on non-tw ROMS has to take an extra step before it gets to you. Some people never notice any difference, others very little - however there are some people (myself included) that notice quite a big difference.
If you're like me, and the thought of going back to TW makes you shudder, you can try some of the other radios/modems and see if you have more luck. So far, the best radio for me (in the Phoenix area) has been VRBLK1 .... I had almost no signal using the OTA or the newest leaked radios.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info! Thanks for doing that. I'll give VRBLK1 a run.
Anyone have a download link for VRBLK1? Its not on http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34053-modems-vrbma2-verizon-sgs3-sch-i535-recovery-flashable/
Unless I'm missing something... Haha
Sent from GS3 running CM10.1
sadf
Not sure if this will help you out
vickyz.com/vrblk1-update-verizon-galaxy-s3-4-1-1-install-jelly-bean-leaked-firmware/
As always I would back everything up on your phone using Rom Manager or whatever you like, let me know if this helps you or not.
Thanks
Although is says "I535VRLK1"
that is the one you want, I just flashed it and Baseband now says: I535VRBLK1
Just did a little test with the latest 3 modems while using Carbon Rom 1.4 and the 2/5 Anthrax CM Kernel. Results are below. Which is better?
LK1:
On Desk: -111 dbm, 29 asu
Handheld: -109 dbm, 31 asu
LK3:
On Desk: -110 dbm, 30 asu
Handheld: -106 dbm, 34 asu
MA2:
On Desk: -112 dbm, 28 asu
Handheld: -106 dbm, 34 asu
I have heard about more frequent data drops with the MA2 leak, so that concerns me a bit. Tried downloading a TW rom the other day and it kept dropping.
andybones said:
Although is says "I535VRLK1"
that is the one you want, I just flashed it and Baseband now says: I535VRBLK1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course! Haha I don't know why I didn't catch that. Thanks!
Sent from GS3 running CM10.1
bradys said:
Just did a little test with the latest 3 modems while using Carbon Rom 1.4 and the 2/5 Anthrax CM Kernel. Results are below. Which is better?
LK1:
On Desk: -111 dbm, 29 asu
Handheld: -109 dbm, 31 asu
LK3:
On Desk: -110 dbm, 30 asu
Handheld: -106 dbm, 34 asu
MA2:
On Desk: -112 dbm, 28 asu
Handheld: -106 dbm, 34 asu
I have heard about more frequent data drops with the MA2 leak, so that concerns me a bit. Tried downloading a TW rom the other day and it kept dropping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm certainly no expert in the field of radio/data signals, but FWIW here is a bit of information that I've gathered over the last couple years while obsessing over my data speeds! Hope it's not too jumbled, It is 3:30am after all!
The simple answer to the question regarding dBm "signal" numbers is this: The closer you are to a dBm of 0, the better your signal will be. For example; A dBm of -50 is BETTER/STRONGER than a dBm of -100. Unless something has gone horribly wrong, you will never see a dBm reading in the positive/above zero range - and if somehow you did, chances are it's the last thing you'd ever read on your phone before it melts/bursts into flames. (aka = impossible scenario). The "asu" reading isn't an important reading for our purposes, so I am going to ignore it.
Anything from -1 to -50 would be considered a great signal to most, from 51-80 would be considered solid, and 81-100+ would be considered poor.
However there are a few things to keep in mind:
1) The most common indicator of radio/signal issues aren't necessarily high dBm values. In a strong LTE market you shouldn't notice too many issues as long as your signal remains consistent. If you are seeing frequent, high-scale jumps in your dBm reading (IE: -51 to -100 to -41 to -78 over the span of 15 seconds) you should be concerned, as this is what will cause you to drop calls and data.
2) The difference between a dBm of -50 and -55 is not just "-5" .... I do not remember (or ever knew?) the math behind the scale, but I do know it's exponential.
3) As I am sure you have figured out, the "signal bars" on our/most devices is full of crap and shouldn't be trusted. I've had blazing download speeds on 1 bar, and I've had trouble loading simple webpages with 5 bars. I used to rely on the signal readings found in the system settings (about phone) but am now very skeptical that they are accurate. I have downloaded apps to see if I can get live readings, and have had the most luck with "Network Signal Pro". It's possible this app is inaccurate as well, but my increases and decreases in dBm (as shown in the app) have coincided with my DL/UL speeds.
For example: My current "bar" level is a 2 out of 5, my dBm (in about phone) is 104, and my dBm per the Network Signal App is 71.
The most important factor to consider is the ridiculous number of variables that can/will/do affect our signal strengths. It has been interesting (almost fun) to log my signal and speeds throughout the Phoenix metro area - and I have definitely noticed BIG differences when it comes to radios! My averages over a one week period (logged by the app I mentioned) were as follows:
VRBMA2: dBm 102 - frequent jumps in dBm and frequent, rage-inducing disconnects (several per hour)
VRBLK3 dBm 91 - less frequent jumps in dBm, almost no data drops
VRBLK1 dBm 71 - most consistent connection, fastest speeds, zero drops so far.
VRALHE dBm 84 - no data drops, but speeds seemed slower.
I hope some of this information helps you out - It was a longer reply than I had intended, but I've been going crazy over this stuff myself so I figured if I could help one person understand his S3's signal quirks, it would all be justified! Good luck finding a radio that works best for you!
Also - If I am wrong on this, or somebody has a better explanation, don't hold back - I feel this is the best way to learn something! (just don't tell my fiance that....)
:good::good:
theresin said:
Well, I'm certainly no expert in the field of radio/data signals, but FWIW here is a bit of information that I've gathered over the last couple years while obsessing over my data speeds! Hope it's not too jumbled, It is 3:30am after all!
The simple answer to the question regarding dBm "signal" numbers is this: The closer you are to a dBm of 0, the better your signal will be. For example; A dBm of -50 is BETTER/STRONGER than a dBm of -100. Unless something has gone horribly wrong, you will never see a dBm reading in the positive/above zero range - and if somehow you did, chances are it's the last thing you'd ever read on your phone before it melts/bursts into flames. (aka = impossible scenario). The "asu" reading isn't an important reading for our purposes, so I am going to ignore it.
Anything from -1 to -50 would be considered a great signal to most, from 51-80 would be considered solid, and 81-100+ would be considered poor.
However there are a few things to keep in mind:
1) The most common indicator of radio/signal issues aren't necessarily high dBm values. In a strong LTE market you shouldn't notice too many issues as long as your signal remains consistent. If you are seeing frequent, high-scale jumps in your dBm reading (IE: -51 to -100 to -41 to -78 over the span of 15 seconds) you should be concerned, as this is what will cause you to drop calls and data.
2) The difference between a dBm of -50 and -55 is not just "-5" .... I do not remember (or ever knew?) the math behind the scale, but I do know it's exponential.
3) As I am sure you have figured out, the "signal bars" on our/most devices is full of crap and shouldn't be trusted. I've had blazing download speeds on 1 bar, and I've had trouble loading simple webpages with 5 bars. I used to rely on the signal readings found in the system settings (about phone) but am now very skeptical that they are accurate. I have downloaded apps to see if I can get live readings, and have had the most luck with "Network Signal Pro". It's possible this app is inaccurate as well, but my increases and decreases in dBm (as shown in the app) have coincided with my DL/UL speeds.
For example: My current "bar" level is a 2 out of 5, my dBm (in about phone) is 104, and my dBm per the Network Signal App is 71.
The most important factor to consider is the ridiculous number of variables that can/will/do affect our signal strengths. It has been interesting (almost fun) to log my signal and speeds throughout the Phoenix metro area - and I have definitely noticed BIG differences when it comes to radios! My averages over a one week period (logged by the app I mentioned) were as follows:
VRBMA2: dBm 102 - frequent jumps in dBm and frequent, rage-inducing disconnects (several per hour)
VRBLK3 dBm 91 - less frequent jumps in dBm, almost no data drops
VRBLK1 dBm 71 - most consistent connection, fastest speeds, zero drops so far.
VRALHE dBm 84 - no data drops, but speeds seemed slower.
I hope some of this information helps you out - It was a longer reply than I had intended, but I've been going crazy over this stuff myself so I figured if I could help one person understand his S3's signal quirks, it would all be justified! Good luck finding a radio that works best for you!
Also - If I am wrong on this, or somebody has a better explanation, don't hold back - I feel this is the best way to learn something! (just don't tell my fiance that....)
:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good explanation couldn't have said it better myself.
theresin said:
Well, I'm certainly no expert in the field of radio/data signals, but FWIW here is a bit of information that I've gathered over the last couple years while obsessing over my data speeds! Hope it's not too jumbled, It is 3:30am after all!
The simple answer to the question regarding dBm "signal" numbers is this: The closer you are to a dBm of 0, the better your signal will be. For example; A dBm of -50 is BETTER/STRONGER than a dBm of -100. Unless something has gone horribly wrong, you will never see a dBm reading in the positive/above zero range - and if somehow you did, chances are it's the last thing you'd ever read on your phone before it melts/bursts into flames. (aka = impossible scenario). The "asu" reading isn't an important reading for our purposes, so I am going to ignore it.
Anything from -1 to -50 would be considered a great signal to most, from 51-80 would be considered solid, and 81-100+ would be considered poor.
However there are a few things to keep in mind:
1) The most common indicator of radio/signal issues aren't necessarily high dBm values. In a strong LTE market you shouldn't notice too many issues as long as your signal remains consistent. If you are seeing frequent, high-scale jumps in your dBm reading (IE: -51 to -100 to -41 to -78 over the span of 15 seconds) you should be concerned, as this is what will cause you to drop calls and data.
2) The difference between a dBm of -50 and -55 is not just "-5" .... I do not remember (or ever knew?) the math behind the scale, but I do know it's exponential.
3) As I am sure you have figured out, the "signal bars" on our/most devices is full of crap and shouldn't be trusted. I've had blazing download speeds on 1 bar, and I've had trouble loading simple webpages with 5 bars. I used to rely on the signal readings found in the system settings (about phone) but am now very skeptical that they are accurate. I have downloaded apps to see if I can get live readings, and have had the most luck with "Network Signal Pro". It's possible this app is inaccurate as well, but my increases and decreases in dBm (as shown in the app) have coincided with my DL/UL speeds.
For example: My current "bar" level is a 2 out of 5, my dBm (in about phone) is 104, and my dBm per the Network Signal App is 71.
The most important factor to consider is the ridiculous number of variables that can/will/do affect our signal strengths. It has been interesting (almost fun) to log my signal and speeds throughout the Phoenix metro area - and I have definitely noticed BIG differences when it comes to radios! My averages over a one week period (logged by the app I mentioned) were as follows:
VRBMA2: dBm 102 - frequent jumps in dBm and frequent, rage-inducing disconnects (several per hour)
VRBLK3 dBm 91 - less frequent jumps in dBm, almost no data drops
VRBLK1 dBm 71 - most consistent connection, fastest speeds, zero drops so far.
VRALHE dBm 84 - no data drops, but speeds seemed slower.
I hope some of this information helps you out - It was a longer reply than I had intended, but I've been going crazy over this stuff myself so I figured if I could help one person understand his S3's signal quirks, it would all be justified! Good luck finding a radio that works best for you!
Also - If I am wrong on this, or somebody has a better explanation, don't hold back - I feel this is the best way to learn something! (just don't tell my fiance that....)
:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man, great write-up! I'll give LK1 a try for a while and see how it goes. I agree that MA2 had rage-inducing disconnects in terms of using it to download large (a ROM) files.
Should be interesting to see what VZW gives us with the latest official release - MB1.
theresin said:
There is a slight signal degradation between TW and AOSP based ROMS. It has been mentioned in various places throughout these, and other forums, but as a quick recap:
AOSP & All other non-tw ROMS are forced to use RIL "workarounds" because Samsung owns the rights to that bit of code (more specifically, Qualcomm owns them). Due to this, data on non-tw ROMS has to take an extra step before it gets to you. Some people never notice any difference, others very little - however there are some people (myself included) that notice quite a big difference.
If you're like me, and the thought of going back to TW makes you shudder, you can try some of the other radios/modems and see if you have more luck. So far, the best radio for me (in the Phoenix area) has been VRBLK1 .... I had almost no signal using the OTA or the newest leaked radios.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is it about the RIL that makes it something we have to workaround? Is it that its just proprietary so we can't include the code without paying for a license? Or is it that we just don't have the code. If we don't have the code where is it located, wouldn't it be in the TW framework? If that's the case why can't we have a separate flashable zip that's installed afterwards, much like dvd support in Linux? Sorry if these questions have already been answered somewhere else, but the search on my phone isn't very good. I'm just trying to get an understanding why this is a problem.
Thank you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Hey guys,
I am currently on Synergy and I'm looking to go to an AOSP ROM. My phone was on 4.0.4 before it was rooted (this was a CLNR device and shipped with the old OS). VRLG7 is what I see under baseband.
My question is, would it be okay to flash a JB baseband on top of my ICS baseband without doing the VZW OTA updates?
Thanks!
kl323 said:
Hey guys,
I am currently on Synergy and I'm looking to go to an AOSP ROM. My phone was on 4.0.4 before it was rooted (this was a CLNR device and shipped with the old OS). VRLG7 is what I see under baseband.
My question is, would it be okay to flash a JB baseband on top of my ICS baseband without doing the VZW OTA updates?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there - sorry it has taken me so long to respond ... I got t-boned by an obscenely drunk woman leaving a Phoenix Coyotes game the other night and have been too busy yelling at various insurance representatives to check XDA
If you're anything like me (impatient as hell) I would imagine you've already found the answer you were looking for, but I'll answer it too:
Yes. I would flash the JB baseband and RPM of your choice and then flash into the ROM of your choice. I'm not sure if the order is important, but I wouldn't recommend booting into a 4.1 - 4.2 AOSP with the old ICS baseband. Come to think of it, I was flashing all sorts of JellyBeans before we ever got the official JB OTA.
Hope you had that figured out before I got to you!
---------- Post added at 05:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:15 AM ----------
ironmanisanemic said:
What is it about the RIL that makes it something we have to workaround? Is it that its just proprietary so we can't include the code without paying for a license? Or is it that we just don't have the code. If we don't have the code where is it located, wouldn't it be in the TW framework? If that's the case why can't we have a separate flashable zip that's installed afterwards, much like dvd support in Linux? Sorry if these questions have already been answered somewhere else, but the search on my phone isn't very good. I'm just trying to get an understanding why this is a problem.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hit the nail on the head. From what I've read (been following development on the SGS3 for some time) the RIL code is proprietary to Samsung, but it's trickier than that... I've also heard that Samsung wouldn't mind licensing it out but can't/won't because it was licensed to them by Qualcomm and is considered to be one of their (Qualcomm's) most prized/profitable developments. So, as long as Samsung is using Qualcomm chipsets, I wouldn't expect this to change.
With that being said, CM has come a really, really long way towards making this a moot point. The first CM 10 releases were almost unusable because of the data issues (in my case they were unusable) - now, while I do still notice a slight difference between TW and CM, It isn't enough to consider CM a non-daily driver candidate.
Hope this answered your question!
bradys said:
Wow man, great write-up! I'll give LK1 a try for a while and see how it goes. I agree that MA2 had rage-inducing disconnects in terms of using it to download large (a ROM) files.
Should be interesting to see what VZW gives us with the latest official release - MB1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are your results so far? I'm rocking the new OTA radio/rpm for the moment - so far so good, but then again ... I"m also running a TW ROM for the first time in a while so we'll see if that changes when I get back over to AOSP!
gonna bump an old one
What of the new bmf1 radio? Good? Bad? Aosp worthy or not? I am a long time lurker. This is my first root and custom ROM experience. I Love Aosp. Personally if I could have the stability I would run PA... but alas a run beanstown as it is TW with Aosp flavor.
Lord_Tardis said:
What of the new bmf1 radio? Good? Bad? Aosp worthy or not? I am a long time lurker. This is my first root and custom ROM experience. I Love Aosp. Personally if I could have the stability I would run PA... but alas a run beanstown as it is TW with Aosp flavor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF1 is the recommended firmware for the 4.3 cm10.2 builds, so i would say that's the best one. I'm all for using the latest, unless otherwise told.
So does it provide better service on AOSP? Have you noticed a difference? I uped to beans 18 an aside from some subtle changes I dont see much. If anyone noticed a difference between them on Aosp shout out.
Sent from my SCH-I535