AGPS tip and quick Hello! - Thunderbolt General

Hello!
Just created this account to share what solved my Nav "Searching for GPS" and GPS toolbox "looking for GPS location" troubles, I was going to post this under the most recent AGPS thread in the developer section but alas it is forbidden territory for me.
So I'll take the chance to say hi to you guys and share here instead! :
I tried editing the gps.conf file.
I tried new radios.
I tried different versions of Google Maps.
NOTHING.
I saw someone added tinfoil to his battery cover with electrical tape, making sure it made contact with the phone's golden connectors to improve his signal.....
...That inspired me to try using a different battery cover. What the harm at this point? It went from nothing to 7/7 satellites IMMEDIATELY!!!
Navigation locks in instantly, GPS is accurate down to my street address without Wifi. Well....those were hours well spent.
Hope this helps someone. Long live the Thunderbolt!

Known solution but thanks for posting. The antenna are on the back cover so it usually means you need a new one if you are having trouble with a lock.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Related

AT&T Mark the Spot app is GPS fix

Download this app from market, start it, it ALWAYS locks on immediately, then start google navigation. No workarounds, no fiddling with gps settings, no cursing samsung, no sh*t!
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Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
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cappysw10 said:
Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sends AT&T information on signal strength, etc. as well as your GPS location, so they can fine tune connectivity issues in that area. So it does have to do with GPS stuff. I suppose it's possible that it fixes the GPS stuff too, temporarily. Anyone else want to test and verify?
I installed the AT&T app and tried it and it worked! I haven't been able to get a GPS lock inside my house since I bought this thing, but I got one sitting in my office here in about 10 seconds. Launched the AT&T app first, then went to Maps and it popped right up. Until Samsung/AT&T can push a fix, I think this will work as a good work-around. Thanks!
I tried it and at first I thought it worked, but I had wiring on, so it was just using thuat... I turned it off and it returned to being four or more blocks away from where I am with a massive blue circle covering almost my entire town. Sigh.
cappysw10 said:
Really? Straight from the market quote:
"AT&T Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on network user experience on AT&T"
How does this affect GPS?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you click Install, it says:
This application has access to the following:
Your Location
coarse (network-based) location, fine (GPS) location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'd say it has something to do with GPS.......
that being said, I haven't seen an immediate change as the OP said, but I'll give it some time and not slam this based on the first 2 minutes of using it!
I installed it and using both wifi and gps settings it's still off by 5 miles! Come on AT&T/Samsung get you act together.
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The app probably set the GPS to 'MS Assited' mode because it needs the raw sat data and caculate your location from the server end, instead of on your phone. That's why it is fast and accurate (as long as you're not moving much). But it won't really cure your GPS problem because you will need your GPS on standalone or MS Based mode for your Nav app.
this is looking like it works, folks..... I have the GPS recommended fix settings from the stickied thread, and I'm getting good results with this! Connects fast and has not lost signal while driving - two very common issues people are having.... I haven't had anything to complain over, especially if you understand that you can't open and close a bunch of apps that use GPS at once while the other is trying to get a lock - for the first time EVER, Seesmic was able to find my location to post a tweet while indoors at home, it sure didn't do that before downloading this app!
GarciaM25 said:
When you click Install, it says:
So I'd say it has something to do with GPS.......
that being said, I haven't seen an immediate change as the OP said, but I'll give it some time and not slam this based on the first 2 minutes of using it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That permission request message actually a pretty good indicator that it goes through the same api that every other gps app on the market goes through. (locationProvider methods) I dont see how it could do anything...but hey who knows.
Tried it. Still not accurate. Off by approximately 4-6 blocks. I'm in my house with one/two bar's on 3g.
I've been telling samsung about this for about a week now. They have passed the info to their R&D folks working on the GPS issue.
Doesn't do a thing for me.
I'm pretty sure that the GPS software issues are at a lower level. All the apps that use location based services (Google Maps, Navigate, Yelp, Around Me, etc.) can use the same functions to activate the GPS and obtain a location. It is VERY unlikely that an app will write it's own low-level code to operate the GPS hardware - mostly because it costs more money to develop in that manner. Also, as a developer it's usually better to assume that existing code has been tested and is safe to re-use.
its from att so its not a fix
sent from a 42 node T.I. 89 cluster
I changed my gps server to supl.google.com and that with gps test (From the app store) really helps you lock on. If it locks usually pretty quick 20-30 secs its less than 16 feet... Lock first with gps test and then navigation... Locks 80% of the time pretty quickly and you see the triangulation of the satellites. Faster if you are outside obviously.....
I cant find this app neither the Market or AppBrain . Could you guide me to install the Mark the Spot. Tks
batis said:
I cant find this app neither the Market or AppBrain . Could you guide me to install the Mark the Spot. Tks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the AT&T app center in the market.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately, at this point I think my GPS is completely borked.
I had been using Runkeeper to prime my GPS for a couple days, but that stopped working. Mark the Spot isn't giving me a lock either. I'm outside on a clear day, and it's been trying to lock for about six minutes. Position Test is reporting eight satellites in view, but no dice.
It's great when these workarounds work, but it will be nice if and when Samsung is able to fix this.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I89dice7 using XDA App
Have read similar results in other forums about firing up AT&T Navigator, but not accepting EULA and starting Google Maps? Pretty close, but nowhere near acuracy of any three previous HTC devices I have owned. I also didn't update Google Maps as recommended elsewhere also
Flashed my phone to the JH3 firmware with SRE 1.2.1a and tayutama lag fix ext2. So far ive been getting gps lock in under 5 seconds outside and at the most 15 seconds inside my house or job with 5 meter accuracy. Still a little lag with the gps while using google navigation, but like 200% better then when i first got the phone.

Quick GPS fix. From Samsung!

Samsung just wrote that apparently the use wireless networks, which is the option above use gps satellites must be selected to get proper locks.
I was skeptical because i just assumed that when I went exploring I selected it, but it actually wasn't.
Put it on, and agreed to the disclaimer and then right away the maps got my location and the live wallpaper map got my location.
you'll get an email saying google knows where you are and yeah its pretty ****ty that you have to do this, but it does work. at least for me.
not a real fix, I've had that on forever and still dont get a proper lock
Confirming that this does seem to work. It might merit mentioning that I've also messed around with my GPS settings quite a bit as well.
Regardless, I got a lock within two seconds after opening Google Maps. Cheers!
-deuX`
The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.
PuffinNugz said:
The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, good to know. Thanks for the info!
-deuX`
This is to assist in the GPS lock. This is not a fix.
True it isn't a real fix, hence the "quick" fix in the title.
it's just another way to help maps get a lock.
obviously this won't help in no service zones but if you're using the data anyways might as well use it to help.
plus it unlocks all the fun location based services, and that maps live wallpaper is pretty freakin sweet!
This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower. Unless you live under the cell tower all the time, I don't think this is useful. It might be useful for things like check the nearby stores and attractions. But will not give you navigatable fixes and does not speed up your GPS lock. If you're using Google maps, try to zoom out, and you will notice a big circle. Your location is anywhere inside that circle.
That's Samsung tip is pure BS and Engadet should be ashamed to even believe in that BS.
I not only allowed the use of wireless networks for location, but also changing the GPS setting to MS Based to allow for simultaneous use of triangulation and assisted GPS... before this change I NEVER got a successful GPS lock...after I changed the settings I finally can get a GPS lock after about about 3 minutes with direct line of sight outdoors.
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foxbat121 said:
This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. its actually doing cell tower triangulation, using the signal of all nearby towers your phone sees. In the city, this can be pretty accurate and is rarely off by more than a couple blocks. To see the accuracy, turn off GPS and click 'locate me' in google maps. The blue circle around your location shows the margin of error. The more towers you are in range of, the more accurate the fix.
As far as helping GPS, all this location can really do today is help you grab the most appropriate gps almanac/ephemeris info - if youve got an internet connection. I suppose it could possibly also be used in conjunction with the gps error in some kind of a filter to improve accuracy, but as far as I know that is not being done.
I actually started getting quicker locks with just using the GPS and having the wireless networks unchecked
Just an update:
I changed the SUP/LCP setting to Auto-config and the Operation mode to MS Based. I tend to get a gps lock within a minute or two with it sitting on my dashboard. I also tried it with the"Use wireless networks" setting turned off and it worked the same.
Also, I did try out the MS Assisted SUP/LCP setting and I was able to get GPS signal while indoors, but it was less accurate all around.
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I'm not saying it's completely 100% accurate, but much in the same vein that an iPod Touch can get a location using just the wi-fi this is using much the same.
it uses whatever a-gps it can and then it helps with the cellular data. triangulation. it's useful and if it keeps getting me a signal then its all good

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!
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I think their point is that it is an advertised function of the phone and we would like to work properly.
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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!
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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.

GPS Time is wrong.

Explaining a little background.
GPS time is supposed to be collected from the gps signal, so any device that has the ability to recognize a gps signal, can sync their internal clock to the atomic clocks that are on the gps satellites.
GPS time is used on some activities, to precisely log the gps track. They are common on hanggliding and paragliding races, where we use gps tracks as the main method for measuring the performance of the competitors.
All the pilots have the same exact time on their devices.
There are some flight logger applications that uses the gps capabilities of the android devices, such as gaggle and xcsoar.
There´s also a nice application called gps time, that you can download for free from the market, in order to sync your internal android clock with the atomic clock of the gps satellite network. It does not use data but only gps radio frecuencies, so it will work without phone coverage, or without wifi on.
Last night I found out that my Inspire 4G android phone is not actually reading the gps time. I changed the internal clock of the phone on 25 minutes while unticked the autosync option.
Then when opening any gps application (gps test, gps essentials, gps status, gps time, xcsoar) the gps time would be the "wrong system time".
Testing the same on a Samsung galaxy tab without gsm capabilities (I.E. without 3g and without agps i´m guessing), the gps time would be the correct gps time, regardless of the system time that I use or miss-set.
I´ve double checked the gps time with an actual garmin gps (gecco) that I use for hanggliding, and while the samsung galaxy (android) would show the exact time, the inspire 4g will show the wrong one (all three devices were of course, having good gps readings with more than 6 sats).
So, I´m a little worried that the gps time is not being used on the Inspire, or somehow the internal clock is overruning the gps time sentences.
I´m hopping for a fix. I tried messing up with the build.prop to disable agps (set "ro.ril.def.agps.mode = 0") under \system to see if the agps was overwhelming the gps time signal, but there was no luck.
Any ideas or any help on this matter would be really appreciated.
I also invite you guys to try it for yourself.
Just download gps time, and clocksync (the last one would use network to sync the clock with an atomic clock, that should be pretty close to the gps time).
Try to see if the phone is actually using the gps time or the internal system time.
Wrong place for this buddy. This is is not development related
Ugh one of these threads again
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
No!!! Wait.
It´s different from the other "NO GPS SIGNAL" kind of posts.
I don´t have a problem with the gps signal.
I put it on the developer section as there has been some software related issues around gps and fixes that seems to be related to developers.
This is definitively an issue that can cause a lot of trouble on some software developers, as any syncing between multiple devices using gps time could lead to problems.
I was hopping that maybe one of the developers that have worked with the gps drivers or the parameters of the config files for the agps will give some insight on why this is happening and if this happens to everybody or just some custom roms.
If the problem affects all the roms, then It should be addressed by the developers, I´m guessing.
Mods please consider deleting or moving due to not being in The correct thread.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
cwhitney24 said:
Mods please consider deleting or moving due to not being in The correct thread.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Think I'm in wrong thread too.
If you can read this, I's been a drinkin

weak GPS signal problem?

Is anyone experiencing problem with their GPS signal? Mine would lose the GPS lock constantly. Thanks.
Working fine on my end. Out and back, my drive was 5 hours total.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
No, no problems at all. And I used the GPS allot.
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Make sure yours is set to High accuracy. Mine was not after set up. I had to change.
Sent from my SM-T813 using Tapatalk
Even in high accuracy, I lose the gps signal frequently. Sigh
Do you have a case on your phone?
I just got my cases in and have noticed weaker gps performance since putting the phone in a case.
I've been having major GPS problems. Going for a run and expecting the phone to track my route and calculate my speed accurately shouldn't be too much to ask in late 2016. But my phone constantly loses the GPS signal (this was never a problem with my previous phone in the same location) and even when it doesn't, it can't figure out where I am. My run traces often show me two streets over in addition to thinking I'm jumping back and forth across a busy 5-lane road every 5 seconds or so. I run 6 miles and the phone thinks I've gone 8.25. Not useful for training for events.
Even if you don't want to use the phone to track exercise, there's another reason the bad GPS is annoying. It makes it impossible to take advantage of the feature allowing you to unlock the phone without using your fingerprint or pin based on your location. I have my phone set to be unlocked at home, but the phone apparently can't tell when I'm at home, making this setting completely useless.
As to GPS issues while driving, I haven't noticed them, but I've not used the phone for navigating either.
Would like to mention that while I have a case on it, it is quite light and doesn't seem like it should interfere so badly with the GPS. Will try checking the accuracy without the case and will update if this resolves the issues. Also, I have tried tinkering with the GPS accuracy settings but even selecting all the options to optimize accuracy has not worked for me.
The only thing you can do to test the case theory is to use the phone without that case. That said, it is possible you have a defective phone. I have read many articles about poor GPS being caused by a loose, internal connection. You might want to take your phone to a repair facility and have them check it out.
I have a US996 and, so far, GPS is nice.
how
wtharp2 said:
The only thing you can do to test the case theory is to use the phone without that case. That said, it is possible you have a defective phone. I have read many articles about poor GPS being caused by a loose, internal connection. You might want to take your phone to a repair facility and have them check it out.
I have a US996 and, so far, GPS is nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can you change it to high?
No issues on my end yet, I use it navigating on a daily basis (racking up Waze points basically) and walking around, can't think of maybe one time it lost GPS driving and that was only briefly.
Mine was misbehaving horribly. I tried using google maps to see if it was something to do with Navigon, (my normal gps app) and somehow it seems like just running maps fixed it. It has been working great with Navigon now.
Go figure.
GPS on my Sprint version has worked great in all 3 options since day 1
Sent from my LG V20 using XDA Labs
On my rooted VS995 software version VS99513A on notsostock kernel v1.2 the GPS seemed to never be able to locate my current location. When I used it before without root it picked up quickly. Am going to try nostock kernek v1.1 the updated version and see if I get a difference. Plus now am running magisk instead of supersu so will see if that makes a difference.
It's possible that the a-gps data is corrupt. I'm not sure how you'd go about clearing that. There must be a cache file associated with gps daemon.
Try installing this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
And when GPS isn't working, run the app and see if it's receiving/decoding any satellites at all (bar lengths indicate strength, colour indicates successfully received all ephemeris data from satellite and therefore has lock - it can take a while without a-gps).
---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------
P.s. I found that taking the back off my phone improves Wi-Fi. Metal blocks radio signals.
If you have low or no signals in a specific location, try popping the back of the phone and seeing if the signals become useable.
mmar3087 said:
Is anyone experiencing problem with their GPS signal? Mine would lose the GPS lock constantly. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to bring up an old thread. I just bought a used LG V20 (at&t version, H910) on Craigslist the other day, and have had GPS issues that made me highly annoyed like I bought a lemon phone, and was getting ready to call LG Support, and pay a lot of money for repairs.
Happily, I did discover a trivial solution that I haven't really seen, so I thought I'd share it.
After I purchased the phone, I factory reset it. It seemed like the device would be able to triangulate a position, but it would be unreliable, move around, and the accuracy would be highly variable. (observed in Google Maps and Waze). These symptoms seem to be consistent with other people's experiences. The useful and highly recommended "GPS Status" and "GPS Test" apps, that normally show visible satellites were showing ZERO satellites. As suggested in various places, I used "GPS Status" to re-download the A-GPS databases, set "sensor filtering" to medium. Still, zero satellites, but a semi-functional GPS, which is confusing. I found the hidden menu code for the H910 (*#546368#*910#), and SAAT->"Manual Test"->"GPS/BT/Wifi test" and ran the hardware-level GPS diagnostics. I was getting signals of 0.0 db for GPS and GLO satellites, kind of suggesting the GPS hardware was faulty, and made me even less optimistic/more annoyed.
I was basically convinced GPS on my phone was kaput, and would need to be serviced, until I discovered ........
Rebooting the phone solved all of the GPS problems, and made GPS and GNO satellites visible and now GPS is 100% functional. It seems that since I initially factory reset the phone and did my normal installation, I never did a simple reboot. Since I haven't seen that kind of obvious solution on any of the forums, I thought it would be useful to report. I'm cautiously optimistic that was my only problem ......
good luck
=mxasf=
Bought a used one and having problems: it'll fix on several satellites but it's usually unable to acquire the specific location (latitude and longitude). Depending on the program, it will say "waiting for GPS fix" in osmtracker or "looking for GPS location" within 'GPS Status' (the app).
When it does get a 'Lock' (a specific location), its accuracy is 200-300m off. :/
I tried some of the other common tips and tricks:
I've downloaded new A-GPS data (using the 'GPS Status' app); tried using the GPS without my case on; doing a simple reboot, none of them work.
After more searching, I found this guide: https://imgur.com/a/VxeaU which recommends to place copper tape on the GPS antennas of your phone.
i have 2 V20's.. the one i bought back for myself is 12/2016 and another one is another batch 3/2017 for my wife..
What i'll found is the earlier one ( 12/2016 ) have the following issue :
- overheat
- kaput gps
- screen burn
While the one i bought for my wife ( 3/2017 ) doesn't even have the following issue above.. Furthermore, the screen also different.. my wife V20's tend to have a more saturated color, brighter screen and doesn't overheat as much as mine..
My conclusion is, only those with earlier batch of production have all this defect.. and to those who own it ( including me ).. i guess, we're unlucky!
i'll use my wife V20's as gps since mine V20 is good for nothing when GPS is a needs.... if she's not around, i'm totally doomed !
-----
if you guys wonder, there was no different in camera.... unlike G6 ( pheww~ )
both my and my wife V20's produce the same images quality..
mxasf said:
Rebooting the phone solved all of the GPS problems, and made GPS and GNO satellites visible and now GPS is 100% functional. It seems that since I initially factory reset the phone and did my normal installation, I never did a simple reboot. Since I haven't seen that kind of obvious solution on any of the forums, I thought it would be useful to report. I'm cautiously optimistic that was my only problem ......
good luck
=mxasf=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an old common fix
skorasaurus said:
Bought a used one and having problems: it'll fix on several satellites but it's usually unable to acquire the specific location (latitude and longitude). Depending on the program, it will say "waiting for GPS fix" in osmtracker or "looking for GPS location" within 'GPS Status' (the app).
When it does get a 'Lock' (a specific location), its accuracy is 200-300m off. :/
I tried some of the other common tips and tricks:
I've downloaded new A-GPS data (using the 'GPS Status' app); tried using the GPS without my case on; doing a simple reboot, none of them work.
After more searching, I found this guide: https://imgur.com/a/VxeaU which recommends to place copper tape on the GPS antennas of your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed that guide (credit https://www.reddit.com/r/lgv20/comments/7fx2gz/becareful_buying_the_top_plastic_bezel_of_the_v20/)
and bought copper tape (https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Conductive-Adhesive-1inch-12yards/dp/B018RDZ3HG) off amazon.
For me and my VS995; there were metal contacts (see picture 1 of the imgur album) and the metal contacts were silver, not gold.
Nonetheless, I put some copper tape only on the first contact as shown in picture 1 and my signal improved dramatically. The lowest accuracy that I can get (lower is better) now is about 8m and it has been hovering around 15m; and still takes a few seconds to
This is compared to my s5, where I could get an accuracy as low as 4-5m and usually hovers around 8-10m and could obtain my location within 10 seconds after turning on GPS.

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