Database Info

GPS annoyance

basically the only program i can get to work with my GPS location is google maps and its usually off a few city blocks. no other prgram can even get my location including sprint navigator. is there anything i can do to help fix this problem?

Have you downloaded the satelittes via quick gps? If so did you make sure to enable GPS in the programs? I know for google maps you have to do Menu > Settings > Enable GPS

This might fix all your GPS troubles
I used to have a big problem with my GPS too. I installed the GPS Mod Driver by Mach2003 and now applications like TomTom and Navigon are able to find my GPS far quicker and I have more control over my GPS settings.
How it works is by simply creating a layer between the GPS native driver and the application. This layer, communicates with both the native driver and the application and is pretty robust. It gets the job done better than the native driver could by providing extra options like cell tower triangulation and path guessing.
Try it, it might fix your problem.
The forum link is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4729010#post4729010
Mach2003 said:
This Driver installs between your gps application and the GPSID driver that reads the hardware gps data.
Lag is compensated, by guessing your position 'some number' of milliseconds in the future, current course and speed changes are included in the guess.
It corrects for invalid data in the gps strings, Out of range DOP values, and Heading values of 'NaN' (Not A Number). Position, Speed, and course are reported, even though the distance traveled is less than 30 meters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I know it might be stupid, but have you enabled the location settings on the phone. If its not enabled googlemaps will use triangulation to get the location within a few hundred to a thousand feet. With location enabled googlemaps will get my position within about 15-20 feet. I would check that then do the other things that are posted above.

My guess is that location setting needs to be changed from 911 only to on

GPS Settings: Performance Options (improvement)

Ok, There are a lot of posts and information regarding the GPS issue that some are experiencing. I am starting (yet) another post in the interest of compiling and maintaining information regarding that information in one location. As users/devs find out information I will update this post so everyone doesn't have to go looking everywhere for the information. I am hoping that the Moderator will sticky this post.
Some users are experiencing very long lock times for their GPS. Everyone, after reading A LOT of posts/threads it seems to be the consensus that this is a software/settings issue - NOT, a hardware issue. However, results from tweaking the following settings are very mixed. Most seem to get great results by tweaking the following settings while stationary - but, moving is a whole different ball game. I use the below settings and have great results while stationary. However, my G1 blows the Captivate completely out of the water!!! My G1 gave 3-10m accuracy while driving. This device can barely keep me on the correct highway and always seem lagging behind my current location. The G1 was spot on no matter what. What hasn't been determined is if these issues are hardware or software. For whatever my opinion is worth - I think it is a firmware/software issue. Here are some things to try.
Here is the info:
To get to your GPS settings open you dialer and dial the following number. This will not call anyone - it is a code shortcut to the settings:
*#*#1472365#*#*
Once entered you will observe a screen that has five buttons:
Get Position Test
Application Settings
SUPL/CP Settings
Test Application
Delete GPS Data
We will be interested in three of these initial buttons.
Get Position Test: This will be what one uses to test the results of your changes.
Application Settings: Exactly what it says.
SUPL/CP Settings: settings that determine specific data connectivity with the satellites.
In Application Settings the following are some that you might consider adjusting:
Operation Mode - Standalone, MS Based, MS assisted, Network Provider
Accuracy - defaults to 50. Don't set it below 10 (and only use increments of 10's)
SkyHook - not sure what it does. But, someone on a thread mentioned it and it DOES effect satellite lock times.
In SUPL/CP Settings one we'll be interested in the following:
Server FQDN Type
Server
Server Port
The following are the options provided on other threads:
Original/Stock Settings:
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Custom Config
Application settings/Operation Mode/Standalone
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/www.spirent-lcs.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Port/7275
Second suggested setup (from other posts and claimed to have great results):
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Custom Config
Application settings/Operation Mode/MS Based
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/supl.google.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Port/7276
Other settings that I have played with:
Application settings/SkyHook/On (and Off)
SUPL/CP Settings/SErver FQDN Type/Auto Config (and Custom Config)
You can play around with these to see what gives you the best results. If your GPS doesn't work better with whatever changes you made - than you can always put it back to the orginal settings above.
However, it has been recommended and I concur (for whatever that is worth) that you NEED TO SET THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU START PLAYING AROUND: Settings/Location and security/uncheck (turn off) "Use Wireless Networks). Most likely this won't really effect anything while your testing within the GPS settings - however, this will effect your results if you test using Google Maps, etc.
Now, having duly noted all of the above and having played around with the settings for several hours I found the best results FOR MY DEVICE IN MY AREA AT ONE LOCATION was the following:
Note: I adjusted these settings from earlier as the earlier settings proved to be very accurate when stationary - but, very inaccurate while moving. The latest settings I'm using are below. Also, look to the bottom of this post regarding changing your gps configuration file. That also helped A LOT. The bottom section of information is from the Official websites that run the time servers(effects GPS performance).
Application Settings/Operation Mode/MS Based
Application Settings/Operation Mode/SkyHook/ON (VERY IMPORTANT)
SUPL/CP Settings/Server FQDN Type/Custom Config
SUPL/CP Settings/Server/supl.google.com
SUPL/CP Settings/Server Port/7276
SUPL/CP Settings/SUPL Secure Socket/Off
Turning "SkyHook" ON assisted in faster locks with ALL of my tested settings when stationary!
My test results with the above would lock on up to three satellites in under four seconds and between 7 and 10 by eight seconds. Google Maps would locate me in about 6-8 seconds.
Using "Get Position Test" the settings in the three lines above consistently gave the not only the fastest locks and the most locks - but, also STRONGER SIGNALS!
I used at least seven different combinations of the above settings and some of them were just as quick - but, not as strong. Most of them were slower.
If anyone has better information to add then please PM me and I will add it to this top post.
LASTLY, I will make some guesses as to what some of the other settings do as I have heard different information:
Application Settings:
Session Type: Tracking or Singleshot - obvious (use Tracking)
Start Mode: Hot or Cold Start - someone posted on a thread that Hot uses data from your last read to get started. Cold start will start all over. So, Cold start SHOULD increase the time for you to get a lock unless you went left the area to an area that had different satellite to look up.
Test Application:
Performance Test: worked for me - but, I found the test above to work faster and give me quicker results for what I wanted.
Hardware Test/Sensitivity Test: Pretty cool - went on forever and I stopped it.
CNO Test: Seemed to test the average satellite signal strength.
Antenna Test: Never worked for me and I received errors.
H/W Test Settings: Settings for the above tests - I didn't mess with them.
NOTE: WANT TO SEE HOW ACCURATE YOUR ACCELEROMETER/COMPASS/ORIENTATION settings are? Check this out:
Test Application/Show Sensor Data - there is no way to calibrate it here... But, you can see just how sensitive your instruments are!!
Delete GPS Data - I didn't select this button and I don't recommend anyone else doing so either unless someone from Samsung tells us what it does. LOL!
FINALLY: Keep in mind that if you are seeing GPS lock times that are in the 3-8 second range (which was what I was getting) this WILL NOT be how long it takes for Google Maps to get the GPS data! Expect 8-15 seconds or a little longer (but, under 30 seconds) for Google Maps to pick up your location. Although the GPS sensors might pick up the satellites - you still have to give the software time to evaluate the data and apply it to the software.
Hope this helps someone out there.
Update/Additional Information (http://androidforums.com/1194187-post197.html):
Hot Start - The GPS receiver remembers its last calculated position and which satellites were in view, the almanac used, and the UTC Time. It then performs a reset and attempts to acquire satellites and calculate a new position based upon the previous information. This is the quickest re-acquisition of a GPS lock.
Cold Start - The GPS receiver dumps all information and resets. It then attempts to locate satellites and then calculate a GPS lock. This takes the longest because there is no known information. The GPS receiver has to attempt to lock a satellite signal from all of the satellites, basically like polling, which takes a lot longer than knowing which satellites to look for. This re-acquisition of a GPS lock takes the longest.
Thanks to Shadow77895 for the link to this info. I altered the settings above. Doesn't effect my results much at all.
MSBased Operation Mode(http://www.vzwdevelopers.com/aims/public/menu/lbs/LBSFAQ.jsp#GenQues11):
What is MS-Based mode of operation?
In MS-Based mode, the network provides the satellite information to the device, based on a rough estimate of where the device is located, and the device acquires the GPS signals from the satellites and calculates its location. After the initial fix, the device operates like an autonomous GPS receiver, until the satellite information must be refreshed, at which time the device goes back to the network to update the satellite information. MS-Based mode is appropriate for applications that require the device location to be updated rapidly, such as a navigation application.
And email thread regarding using the Google settings for GPS(http://osdir.com/ml/android-platform/2009-08/msg00386.html)
NEW INFORMATION!!!
ALSO! Check out this page: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html:
As pool.ntp.org will assign you timeservers from all over the world, time quality will not be ideal. You get a bit better result if you use the continental zones (For example europe, north-america, oceania or asia.pool.ntp.org), and even better time if you use the country zone (like ch.pool.ntp.org in Switzerland) - for all these zones, you can again use the 0, 1 or 2 prefixes, like 0.ch.pool.ntp.org. Note, however, that the country zone might not exist for your country, or might contain only one or two timeservers. If you know timeservers that are really close to you (measured by network distance, with traceroute or ping), time probably will be even better.
Find your optimal pool server here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/zone/north-america
For US the optimal server is: us.pool.ntp.org
Reference other threads I (http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731462) I recommend you do the following:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
If you are NOT in the US go to here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html and look at the links in the center of the page to navigate to the closest pool to your geographical location and use that pool for the top server entry.
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Many are suggesting that we do NOT leave the Secure Socket ON. How will this effect data security with our devices? I don't understand how it could hurt us... But, there must be a reason for it. If someone could let me know I would appreciate it.

Good, guide, think you meant hot start should be faster though.
I'll be linking to this.
Sent from my Samsung Captivate using XDA app

Great, but doesn't address the problem
I need to point out that while this information is helpful it doesn't really address the problem that the GPS is facing.
What the above settings are doing is enabling multiple different A-GPS technologies to help compensate for the Galaxy S's poor GPS performance. A properly functioning GPS unit would not need these crutches except to acquire a faster fix.
I had my GPS outdoors today, with the first set of recommended settings, and was unable to achieve a fix while seven satellites were in view (according to it) with sufficient signal strength. This is a GPS firmware issue!
The above post is very helpful for people to get some better performance - however - the core GPS issues need to be addressed by Samsung.
I hope people will refrain from saying "It's perfect now!" and let up on Samsung. Unless you know what what the following are you're tweaking settings blindly and declaring victory: ephemeris, PDOP, SBAS, WGS-84, 2D fix, 3D fix (And the conditions one is chosen over the other.) and finally SA
I'm betting this phone would never achieve a fix in an SA environment! It's also clear that the person(s) who originated this information knew exactly what they were doing..!
If anyone is interested in learning how GPS works there are tons of great resources on the web that Google will point you to. Of course they're written for all sorts of different levels.
In short, the above settings may help, but please don't become convinced that things are "fixed"!

I'd suggest you read my posts on the subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7244888#post7244888
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7289539#post7289539

@haydonxda - I agree that this does NOT address the potential problem that the firmware and/or hardware is inadequate! And, we should put pressure on Samsung to fix this issue. However, the phones have already been produced and I'm just trying to do the best with I have.
@Shadow77895 - thanks for the info. Added a bunch of further information after looking into your posts and references from them.

Try this fix (from 4pda.ru), working on Galaxy S, root access required:
$su
#cat /data/gps/secgps.conf > /sdcard/secgps.conf
#rm /data/gps/secgps.conf
#reboot
After reboot, new (correct) secgps.conf appears.
At your own risk!

shaneaus said:
NEW INFORMATION!!!
ALSO! Check out this page: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html:
As pool.ntp.org will assign you timeservers from all over the world, time quality will not be ideal. You get a bit better result if you use the continental zones (For example europe, north-america, oceania or asia.pool.ntp.org), and even better time if you use the country zone (like ch.pool.ntp.org in Switzerland) - for all these zones, you can again use the 0, 1 or 2 prefixes, like 0.ch.pool.ntp.org. Note, however, that the country zone might not exist for your country, or might contain only one or two timeservers. If you know timeservers that are really close to you (measured by network distance, with traceroute or ping), time probably will be even better.
Find your optimal pool server here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/zone/north-america
For US the optimal server is: us.pool.ntp.org
Reference other threads I (http://ip208-100-42-21.static.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731462) I recommend you do the following:
Use Root Explorer or some other method (I use Root Explorer as it has a built in Text Editor and automatically backs up the altered file.) to go to here:
system/etc/gps.conf
Use the text editor to alter the gps.conf file to this (if you are in the US):
NTP_SERVER=us.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=north-america.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
If you are NOT in the US go to here: http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/use.html and look at the links in the center of the page to navigate to the closest pool to your geographical location and use that pool for the top server entry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you use the text editor in Root Explorer. I can see the text but it won't allow me to edit it.

Hello, the code:
*#*#1472365#*#*
starts a GPS Test Application.
The settings inside this application are only for this application.
You can test your GPS in different modes.
But the settings are not relevant for other applications.
It is a simple illusion that it helps to manipulate this settings.
GPS is very time-dependent.
And:
I don't know where we can change the default GPS Mode/s...

So when I walk outside my office there are like 7 satellites, and I still cannot get a lock. This is sad.
Out of the box it worked great, navigated from BB to my house with relative ease. Inside my house when I showed my parents it worked great. I rooted and deleted some ATT apps. I have yet to get a lock.
I have also changed the NTP servers and no dice. This is pretty saddening performance.

I still don't get why my Nexus One, sitting right next to my Samsung Captivate, is able to get a aGPS location (via My Location in maps) that is pretty damn accurate despite not having a GPS lock and my Captivate is unable to even get an aGPS location and just says my location data is temporarily unavailable.
Nexus One: Can get approximate location very easily
Samsung Captivate: Cannot even get approximate location using WIFI/Cell Towers.
Foursquare never knows where I am until I go outside in the middle of a parking lot. This is BS.

Won't anyone try GPS NMEA MONITOR App and see if the data sentences are correct? If the GPS chipset is putting out the correct Lat/Lon, then you can fiddle and fiddle what Captivate does with the information

Has anyone tried to contact Samsung about the issue yet? I tried yesterday and was on hold for an hour and half and then my call dropped. I'm joint to try again today.

SkyHook isn't a "feature" persay, it's a corporation: http://www.skyhookwireless.com/
Same one Apple uses. Not sure exactly how it works but they do wardrive and use WiFi and triangulation to pick up your position as well, so leaving that OFF will perhaps be better for calibrating your GPS settings, but you certainly want it back ON when in normal use.

TexUs said:
SkyHook isn't a "feature" persay, it's a corporation: http://www.skyhookwireless.com/
Same one Apple uses. Not sure exactly how it works but they do wardrive and use WiFi and triangulation to pick up your position as well, so leaving that OFF will perhaps be better for calibrating your GPS settings, but you certainly want it back ON when in normal use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of aGPS does the Nexus One use? I tried to dial the code and it didn't bring up the same menu on the Nexus (it may be different). My Nexus is great at figuring out where I am without a GPS signal.

I changed all my settings last night and it seemed to fix the issue. I was getting a lock within 10 seconds or less. Now I cannot get a lock with the exact same settings and reboot. Has anyone contacted Samsung over this? Anyone get an answer from them? I love this phone but the GPS issue sucks.

Every time I try one of these new fixes it seems to work but then when I go somewher else it is broken again they need to fix this asap. I use that feature a lot

superscientific said:
I changed all my settings last night and it seemed to fix the issue. I was getting a lock within 10 seconds or less. Now I cannot get a lock with the exact same settings and reboot. Has anyone contacted Samsung over this? Anyone get an answer from them? I love this phone but the GPS issue sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed

Jreitnauer7 said:
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about most important but I agree, it's very important. This HAS to be fixed

Jreitnauer7 said:
I just got off the phone with Samsung galaxy s support. They knew nothing!!!!!! Said I was the first one to call with the issue.
I'm thinking about returning the phone... GPS is the most important part of a smartphone to me... I'm very disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't give up hope, i'm sure that guy doesnt know anything. Engadget and a few sites are aware of the issue and i'm sure Samsung took notice. i'm sure a firmware fix is in the works.

Location
I have tried all the settings. And I don't really notice any difference. I live in the heart of Manhattan, NY., so I am sure roaming around int he concrete jungle trying to get a lock surely has a lot to do with my GPS issue. I do however, get a lock in every setting that has been written up in this forum, and other forums. The difference to me is hardly any, since it always takes many minutes for me to get a lock. I never have used any other GPS device since living here in the city, so I would like to ask other who live in a large city if it is taking them several minutes as well? Because it seems as though people are saying it is taking them only seconds to lock on. Hmmm.....

[Q] GPS on transformer

Hi guys,
Noob here so my apologies in advance if this is a silly question but can anyone clarify how exactly the GPS system works on the transformer? I understand that if I am connected to a Wi Fi network then that network is somehow used to calculate my position, but what happens if you move outside of wifi range? Does GPS stop functioning or does the built in GPS chip somehow pull data from somewhere else?
Thanks!

All the gps chip does it reads the location data from the gps satellites, the way that google nav works is that it uses the data as reference and then uses the internet to download the relevant map tiles. I haven't tried but i think the new version of GMaps caches that data locally if you have data access while planning a route, otherwise you will need to either find an app that can cache that data for you, or you need to use a program with locally stored maps like copilot or sygic aura.
The gps chip does not depend on data to pull location, but the maps for your nav app has to come from either the internet or local storage.

lacrossev said:
All the gps chip does it reads the location data from the gps satellites, the way that google nav works is that it uses the data as reference and then uses the internet to download the relevant map tiles. I haven't tried but i think the new version of GMaps caches that data locally if you have data access while planning a route, otherwise you will need to either find an app that can cache that data for you, or you need to use a program with locally stored maps like copilot or sygic aura.
The gps chip does not depend on data to pull location, but the maps for your nav app has to come from either the internet or local storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! So basically this means, that if I'm using the transformer on the road and assuming no wi fi connection, Google Maps with voice navigation is potentially useless unless i can use my phone to feed the transformer with internet access right?

I think I read that future updates of nav will allow a full download of a route cached to phone or tablet to allow 'offline' navigation to a destination. The new vector graphics for maps make the data sizes much smaller and presumably would allow for enough data to be stored for route deviation.

samiur666 said:
Thanks! So basically this means, that if I'm using the transformer on the road and assuming no wi fi connection, Google Maps with voice navigation is potentially useless unless i can use my phone to feed the transformer with internet access right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, potentially it may not work, but if you can get that map data cached you should be good.

Cheers! Appreciate the help.

Check out coPilot
It has maps that are stored on your tablet. Not as fancy as Google maps but works when you have no wifi.

I have not used my Transformer on the road yet. I find that the GPS on the Transformer is about on par with the Galaxy Tab I had. Using GPS Status I do get a lock on 8 or 9 satellites, but the error of margin hovers between 10 or 40 meters.
As for navigation I can confirm that I used the Navigation app on the Galaxy Tab (no 3G). My route was cached (not the best route selected) but it did work and it did get me to my destination with voice commands. Google maps will cache. So it should work just fine on the Transformer.

I kind of have to object to some of the statements above. I find that the GPS-chip in the TF is inaccurate and not very usable for navigation purposes. To support my conclusion, underneath are two screenshots of GPS Test.
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One is taken on the TF and one is taken on my HD2 (Android ROM). The pic taken on the TF (the first one) is at the best possible accuracy. Most of the time it is around 25-30 feet. My HD2 at the exact location has a steady 7 feet. There seems to be a big difference and 30 feet is especially for navigation too much. That 30 feet is the difference between driving on the highway or on a paralel road. Other cellphones also have a accuracy of 5-10 feet.
So it looks like there is a difference between 'regular' GPS-chips and the one on the TF.

Did you have the TF indoors, or outside under open sky when you tested it?
25 ft is accurate enough for street nav, not great, but will get the job done. Back when I first started using GPS nav (10 years ago), 20 - 25 ft accuracy was common, and it still got the job done.
Although, I really don't know why anyone would want to use a 10" tablet sitting loose on their seat for street nav. Screams "bad idea" to me.

ELTinos said:
I kind of have to object to some of the statements above. I find that the GPS-chip in the TF is inaccurate and not very usable for navigation purposes. To support my conclusion, underneath are two screenshots of GPS Test.
-------------
One is taken on the TF and one is taken on my HD2 (Android ROM). The pic taken on the TF (the first one) is at the best possible accuracy. Most of the time it is around 25-30 feet. My HD2 at the exact location has a steady 7 feet. There seems to be a big difference and 30 feet is especially for navigation too much. That 30 feet is the difference between driving on the highway or on a paralel road. Other cellphones also have a accuracy of 5-10 feet.
So it looks like there is a difference between 'regular' GPS-chips and the one on the TF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an unfair comparison, first 16 feet accuracy is more than good enough for navigation purposes, second the HD2 has A-GPS which allows for more accurate positioning. This isn't possible with the transformer because it doesn't have a cell radio.

seshmaru said:
It's an unfair comparison, first 16 feet accuracy is more than good enough for navigation purposes, second the HD2 has A-GPS which allows for more accurate positioning. This isn't possible with the transformer because it doesn't have a cell radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nor do stand-alone GPS receivers but they still have a more accurate reading than >20 feet. Having said that though, I used mine purely as a test to see if it would navigate OK. I did this with no wi-fi connection and then I deliberately went off the navigation path. It re-routed without any problems and I never had any issue with the TF telling me I was on a different road, despite being in a neighbourhood where the streets are very close together.
So, my own findings tell me that if I ever needed to use my TF as a navigation system then I would have no such problems with inaccuracies. I do agree with some other posters though. Using a 10" tablet to navigate isn't really practical.
When I'm at home I sometimes load Google Maps purely to see how accurate my location is. Every time I do this the best I can get is accuracy to within 20 feet however, the blue arrow is almost always right on top of my head. Perhaps the GPS chip is more accurate than the 20 feet indication suggests???

Under open sky. In-car the inaccuracy is more then 20 feet, more like 30-40.
Although I had some little problems with wrong positioning while on the road due to the inaccuracy, my point was that there is a big difference between GPS-chips. Before the TF was launched, there was already discussion whether it was real GPS of aGPS that was on the TF. I read some threads on it and the conclusion was that there supposedly is some sort of aGPS+ in the TF.
As long as you're able to get from point A to point B without any accidents, it's fine by me. Advantage btw of a 10" screen is that you can watch a movie when stuck in traffic ;-)

Accurate enough to get a really good idea of where you are, and how to get where you need to go.
As someone above mentioned, navigating with a 10" tablet isn't really all that practical.
I do have a potential use - there's a nautical navigation application (forgot the name) for lakes and such. A good buddy just got a boat, and has the app on his iPhone. It helped us find some gas up at the far end of the lake where we were. Also had average depth (topographic) type maps - all preloaded so you don't need a data connection.
One of the biggest uses I can see for a tablet when I'm away from home will be on motorcycle trips - when stopping for lunch or whatever, I can whip out the tablet and check my location and review my route. I'm pretty darn forgetful, so checking routes a few times is a good thing.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if Google Maps would allow you to selectively cache map data, such as being able to select a whole state or multiple states. Maybe only the map data (no satellite images and such), which wouldn't take up too much space.

[Q] MTK GPS and EPO solution

I wonder when someone will ever find a real solid solution to the MTK GPS issues.
I think i have tried any possible solution out there. I went over any possible internet forum and site. Really.
I have EPO enabled with automatic download. I have AGPS enabled. I used FasterGPS, GPS test, GPS status and all other kinds of similar applications. I have rooted my device, tried endless settings in the gps.conf file, etc
I have Star N9500 device.
Its not that i do not have a GPS reception. I do !!!!
And i can also use maps navigation quite well !!!
The only problem is that in order to get a fix on satellites in a reasonable time i always have to go into engineering mode -> YGPS -> Information and download full EPO. Only by doing that, i can get a normal TTFF time and get back to the navigation application. Otherwise, the navigation application (like Waze) never succeed to get a fix by its own (at least not before 10 minutes are past).
I have noticed that in engineering mode->Location Based Service->EPO there is a parameter called "Update Period Setting". Its default value is set to 21600 minutes. I don't know if it is relevant, but i tried to set it to lower value like 360 minutes, but it keeps on returning to the default after restart the device. Does someone know how to make the value permanent? Is it relevant at all?
HELP please. I am starting to give up
Thanks

Anyone. Please help
zvikagol said:
I wonder when someone will ever find a real solid solution to the MTK GPS issues.
I think i have tried any possible solution out there. I went over any possible internet forum and site. Really.
I have EPO enabled with automatic download. I have AGPS enabled. I used FasterGPS, GPS test, GPS status and all other kinds of similar applications. I have rooted my device, tried endless settings in the gps.conf file, etc
I have Star N9500 device.
Its not that i do not have a GPS reception. I do !!!!
And i can also use maps navigation quite well !!!
The only problem is that in order to get a fix on satellites in a reasonable time i always have to go into engineering mode -> YGPS -> Information and download full EPO. Only by doing that, i can get a normal TTFF time and get back to the navigation application. Otherwise, the navigation application (like Waze) never succeed to get a fix by its own (at least not before 10 minutes are past).
I have noticed that in engineering mode->Location Based Service->EPO there is a parameter called "Update Period Setting". Its default value is set to 21600 minutes. I don't know if it is relevant, but i tried to set it to lower value like 360 minutes, but it keeps on returning to the default after restart the device. Does someone know how to make the value permanent? Is it relevant at all?
HELP please. I am starting to give up
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone? Please?

zvikagol said:
Anyone? Please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check this:
http://chinaphonearena.com/forum/Thread-Get-your-MTK6589-GPS-Working-Method-B

Still no luck with GPS in a116 CHD
First of all, thanks for the link. Tried all possible solutions suggested here. Still GPS in my CHD A116 is not fixing. It never got fixed in my phone. using the phone for more than 6 months. Installed 4.2.1 Stock ROM, Canvas 4 ROM and now this Turbo ROM.
Tried MTK Tools > Engineer Mode...tried EPO download, Faster GPS app, editing the gpsconfig file...etc., no luck yet ...
I am happy for the people it is working... Shall I reflash the ROM and try??? Is it an option???
Or Is there any patch for GPS fix issue? Will try to upload few screenshots of whatever I tried soon.
Dev's pls help.
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View attachment 2447586
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intrax said:
check this:
http://chinaphonearena.com/forum/Thread-Get-your-MTK6589-GPS-Working-Method-B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

spljoe said:
First of all, thanks for the link. Tried all possible solutions suggested here. Still GPS in my CHD A116 is not fixing. It never got fixed in my phone. using the phone for more than 6 months. Installed 4.2.1 Stock ROM, Canvas 4 ROM and now this Turbo ROM.
Tried MTK Tools > Engineer Mode...tried EPO download, Faster GPS app, editing the gpsconfig file...etc., no luck yet ...
I am happy for the people it is working... Shall I reflash the ROM and try??? Is it an option???
Or Is there any patch for GPS fix issue? Will try to upload few screenshots of whatever I tried soon.
Dev's pls help.
View attachment 2447585
View attachment 2447586
View attachment 2447587
View attachment 2447588
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I own a B94m phone with mtk6589. I get pretty fast fixes by clearing AGPS data by gps test app. My problem is that navigation apps get a "jumping" position between correct location and some meters aside, recalculating the routes very often...
Sometime Waze seems to work properly, sometime it doesn't.
Google maps navigation never works correctly.
Someone suggests Sygic, but I don't wanna pay for it...

GPS for No.1 N3
bradstallion said:
Hi,
I own a B94m phone with mtk6589. I get pretty fast fixes by clearing AGPS data by gps test app. My problem is that navigation apps get a "jumping" position between correct location and some meters aside, recalculating the routes very often...
Sometime Waze seems to work properly, sometime it doesn't.
Google maps navigation never works correctly.
Someone suggests Sygic, but I don't wanna pay for it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any word on why the epo file won't download?

ZachThomHayes said:
any word on why the epo file won't download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have such problem

gpd.conf and EPO dowload method does not work for me. My phone is HDC N9006 Note3 clone with MTK6589. I'm thinking maybe poor antenna design or they don't even put antenna to safe cost. Anyone know how the gps antena looklike and located in HDC note3 clone?

finally got mine working
Hi guys i finally got my gps working properly when i first got the phone, it was terrible, all i did was download gps test clear the agps and wait, note: the fix in the image ive attached was in my car in a town centre, surrounded by buildings no data, or epo, agps etc just pure gps, guess i have a 1 in a 1000 device its a fienteng gtn9300 s3 clone mtk6577, let me know if i can help guys thanks

zvikagol said:
I wonder when someone will ever find a real solid solution to the MTK GPS issues.
I think i have tried any possible solution out there. I went over any possible internet forum and site. Really.
I have EPO enabled with automatic download. I have AGPS enabled. I used FasterGPS, GPS test, GPS status and all other kinds of similar applications. I have rooted my device, tried endless settings in the gps.conf file, etc
I have Star N9500 device.
Its not that i do not have a GPS reception. I do !!!!
And i can also use maps navigation quite well !!!
The only problem is that in order to get a fix on satellites in a reasonable time i always have to go into engineering mode -> YGPS -> Information and download full EPO. Only by doing that, i can get a normal TTFF time and get back to the navigation application. Otherwise, the navigation application (like Waze) never succeed to get a fix by its own (at least not before 10 minutes are past).
I have noticed that in engineering mode->Location Based Service->EPO there is a parameter called "Update Period Setting". Its default value is set to 21600 minutes. I don't know if it is relevant, but i tried to set it to lower value like 360 minutes, but it keeps on returning to the default after restart the device. Does someone know how to make the value permanent? Is it relevant at all?
HELP please. I am starting to give up
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the fix :
What you need is Mobileuncle mtk tools,root explorer,gps test download them from play store.
THIS SHOULD BE DONE OUTDOORS.
1. Turn GPS off on your phone.
2. Open Root Explorer and find the mtkgps.dat file in /data or /data/misc
3. Delete mtkgps.dat
4. Reboot phone
5. Open Mobileuncle Tools
6. Tap on 'Engineer Mode'
7. Tap on 'Engineer Mode (MTK)'
8. Scroll across to 'Location'
9. Tap on 'Location Based Service'
10. Tap on 'AGPS' and then make sure 'A-GPS On/Off' is checked
11. Tap on 'EPO' and then make sure 'Enable EPO' is checked
12. Swipe down (notification bar) and turn GPS on
13. Hit back and then tap 'YGPS'
14. Wait until you get position lock (mine took about 6 seconds).
15. This process should create a new mtkgps.dat file.
16. Hit home button and open GPS Test.
17. You should get a position lock reasonably quickly.
This works fine for me . You can enable or disable agps and epo in settings it does not matter but after this fix your gps should lock under 20 seconds.

Worked perfectly !
Arrowblue said:
Here is the fix :
What you need is Mobileuncle mtk tools,root explorer,gps test download them from play store.
THIS SHOULD BE DONE OUTDOORS.
1. Turn GPS off on your phone.
2. Open Root Explorer and find the mtkgps.dat file in /data or /data/misc
3. Delete mtkgps.dat
4. Reboot phone
5. Open Mobileuncle Tools
6. Tap on 'Engineer Mode'
7. Tap on 'Engineer Mode (MTK)'
8. Scroll across to 'Location'
9. Tap on 'Location Based Service'
10. Tap on 'AGPS' and then make sure 'A-GPS On/Off' is checked
11. Tap on 'EPO' and then make sure 'Enable EPO' is checked
12. Swipe down (notification bar) and turn GPS on
13. Hit back and then tap 'YGPS'
14. Wait until you get position lock (mine took about 6 seconds).
15. This process should create a new mtkgps.dat file.
16. Hit home button and open GPS Test.
17. You should get a position lock reasonably quickly.
This works fine for me . You can enable or disable agps and epo in settings it does not matter but after this fix your gps should lock under 20 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man You saved me and my PHONE. many greetings to YOU !

mordy-g said:
Man You saved me and my PHONE. many greetings to YOU !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem man glad that i could help.

Ulefone T1
Hi! I really hope that someone see this Post.
I have problems with my GPS from my ulefone t1. The typical problems: no fix or max. 4-5 fixes and fixes are lost at any few meters and jumping from road to road. I really tried anything, any app, EPO Update,agps update and optimized GPS.conf for Germany. Sometimes it was bit better but not much.
State Now: ulefone t1 with Android 7.0. I had no GPS.conf file in system/etc. I don't know why. Now I
I have a optimzed GPS.conf copied.
In Data/misc/GPS there I found epo files and I update these and there I found mtkgps.data too.
After that I made the tutorial of this post and after I start GPS I had 20 fixes in ygps!!!!
I tried to start my navigation and it works, but not for long time.
I don't know why but after few time or if I start navigation the GPS is bad like before.
I tried it several times and every time I delete mtkgps.data the GPS works perfectly! And sometimes if I start navigation directly after the procedure it works but if I restart the app, anything lost and Max. 4 fixes in ygps. What change my mtkgps.data???
How can I get my GPS stable. I don't want to make the procedure everytime I want to use GPS.
But: thank you, now I know it's not hardware because for short time it works perfectly, but only for short time...
Hope for help
Thank you!

GNSS : glonass and beidou available but not used in fix

Hi,
It's long time that I try to find a way to activate glonass fix on my n910f
long time ago, before beidou sats were covering my area, I used to have fix provided by GPS and Glonass,
since then after one android major version update, I was able to see GPS and Glonass stats, but only GPS was used,
I remember reading somewhere that google decided to deactivate Glonass fix if GPS stats are available, for some obscure reasons...
the issue is that GPS stats can be available but conditions for location fix and precision can be bad, I remember that when both GPS and GLONASS were used, the fix was amazingly fast and precision could fall as low as 2m even in baddest conditions (bad weather, cold start, trees and even cliffs around)
now most of my cold fix require 10 min, which is unacceptable, I don't want to be forced to use other location services than passives ones (eg no WiFi nor 4g meshing.... and more, NO DATA requirements and other "GOOGLE" location)
I found a setting in developer settings today (translated from french to English so might be inaccurate) "Force Full GNSS computations" that seems to have improved the FIX time a lot (less than 43s for cold fix, accuracy <4m in city environment) but still no glonass used....
as well, since the first time, beidou stats number slowly increased, and now reach >10 stats in view and 5 displaying C/NO information and azimuth/elevation.... so about 30 sats where available today, with azimuth/elevation, with about 10 GPS, 10 Glonass and 10 Beidou....
BUT only GPS is used.... I don't like to rely on only one GNSS because it's highly problematic when mountaineering... a bad fix can be dramatic.... and sometimes waiting a fix in not an option...
so my question : how can I reactivate computing fix from others GNSS? it's not an HW issue, since all GNSS reports stats, so decoding signals works, and If I correctly read AOSP sources, fix is computed on ARM core and not by HW, and I remember this information saying google decided to ban other GNSS if GPS is available, which I don't like...
if someone can help me either refinding the information about when google desactivated the use of other GNSS so I can revert the changes in AOSP, or give me a way to do it without need to patch the sources... I'll be greatfull
Thanks and regards
JLM