How is the GPS ? - HD Mini General

What do you think about the GPS, which app would you recommand ?

People report back that TomTom version 7.915 is working fine......
Can recommend you TomTom

There's also a Copilot trial already in ROM, which is the other main option.

gps is excellent - better (more sats) than my rhodium and far far faster to lock than my kaiser. best yet in my opinion,

Does anyone know if IGO8 works with the mini? I am seriously considering this device since I at the point of being able to renew my contract.
Would love to know if anyone knows. Thanks!!!

Hi,
I have started a third party program which uses the gps.
When I turn off this program, the gps-icon in the tray doesn't go away.
I assume the gps is still running, but I can't find any settings to turn it off. Only thing that seem to work, is truning the phone off and on..
Anybody got an idea?

Hi stefanthege
I had this too with a little GPS app I use.
As far as I can see there isn't anything you can do to turn the GPS off, although it is supposed to shut down automatically if nothing is calling the GPS hardware.
For me, I noticed the application wasn't shutting down correctly, and was still listed in the task manager. Check there that your application isn't still running in the background when you think you have closed it.
Cheers
ow.

Hi,
Yes, I checked the task manager, and turned off ALL programs.. the GPS-icon was still showing in the icon-tray..
I don't think it's a big problem, because I don't use the GPS all that often.. but a little annoying..

Garmin
I'm using Garmin Mobile XT, Version 5.00.20wp, and is working well.
My ROM is 1.36.410.1 PTG.

GPS works great!
I've tested a lot of PNA & PDA devices with GPS and I'm very very satisfied with the GPS function on HTC HD mini, it works absolutely great! Finds satelites very fast, faster than some PNAs even it uses A-GPS. This can be problem when you are in roaming zones, for that, I use application DATA CONTROLLER (you can find it here in some forum).
I use iGO8 navigation software, with costumized DATA.zip archive, it works fine and I like it very much. Also iGO Primo is great solution.
HTC HD mini has totally satisfied my needs!

Hi Piona,
I was working several years ago with devices + external GPS units and devices with GPS inside (Pda, Notebook, smartphones,..)
I was working with GPS units from several manufacturers, kinds and versions (BT, serial, CF, SD, cable...).
In fact, several months ago, I was talking to HTC to know what is the brand what they included (Sirf,...) because it is a very interesting data to know if it works fine or not, in advance.
They did not confirm me this question but they informed me very good and send me tech. information in order to warranty a good perfomances.
Later, when we checked a couple of terminals (HTC mini) here, I could see is the best GPS what I checked.
Of course there is people with more experience than me but I can confirm you I invested days and days to check this question during a lot of years and GPS units and it is the best one.
It is a real GPS working in COM4 (Nmea, 4800bps)(remember it if you need to configure any software) but, the most important for me is it is very stable.
In short: fast, strong signal (I can work inside my office) and very stable.
Upon my point of view, the GPS is a very good argument from this terminal.
Have a good day

The GPS signal acquisition of my HD Mini is poor in comparison to my previous HD2. It can take 3-4 minutes to get a valid fix whereas the HD2 took only a few seconds.
This may be software related as I think it was better when I bought it, but until we can get the tools to update the Radio ROM I can only think of doing a hard reset to see if it improves.

My HD Mini (bought from Clove) came with a free copy of NDrive on a Micro-SD card.
It works very well. I find the HD Mini usually locks onto the satellites quickly when outside and holds that lock for longer, where my previous Sony Sat-Nav lost signal in the same position, in the same vehicle far faster.
If I had a criticism of NDrive it would be that it will sometimes instruct me to 'keep left' when what is really meant is 'turn left'.
Having said that recalculation of the route is almost instantaneous, it includes safety camera alerts and warns if I exceed the given speed limit for the current road.
I'd certainly recommend it and would probably buy NDrive next time I needed to.

I've now upgraded my ROM though still no new Radio ROM, but since then it has been far better. Fixes in about 20 seconds now from warm start.

GPS works great on HTC HD Mini.
Garmin mobile XT works like a cream.
Miero Via GPS Black edition is another one.

@ people who have the gps icon not removing itself as a status icon...
I myself have this problem using third party GPS navigation software...
try using google maps app after... then close google maps app ... with me this shuts down gps also...
Best of luck..
Joey

Garmin here also, flawless

GPS of HD mini is one of the best, if not the best. It acquires satellite signals and lock on very quickly. Even inside my office room. Takes seconds to lock. It out-performs the dedicated GPS device i bought earlier and installed in my car. So, now, the removed that device, and use my HD mini as primary navigation device.
I use NaviComputer instead of the built-in Google Map.
NaviComputer is a great app. It allows offline maps to be downloaded and saved on the phone. No need for internet access when i go out and use the phone as GPS device. This is a big plus, because in some areas -- especially in places when you most need to find your way back, GPRS/mobile internet is so weak and mostly non-existent. So that makes the wonderful Google map practically useless for me.

I use TomTom and also GPSTuner.
with both programs I haven't any issue

ozi
also oziexplorer works very well. I noticed it continues logging when the display switches off. this is really good for battery life!

Related

tom tom 6 + exec

how easy is it to install tomtom 6 on a O2 EXEC and get it working with a bluetooth gps reciver?
Are there any/many cracked coppies of this floating arround?
Cheers
Oblique
oblique said:
how easy is it to install tomtom 6 on a O2 EXEC and get it working with a bluetooth gps reciver?
Are there any/many cracked coppies of this floating arround?
Cheers
Oblique
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's an idea: try not stealing.
i don't nomaly steal but as i don't know how stable tomtom works on my phone or how stable bluetooth gps works on my phone i am reluctant to spend 80quid to find out.
works very well, you have to config your exec to get TOMTOM to work with bluetooth gps( you can find that on here somewhere).
It works fine, but slower than on a QVGA screen device.
I have used v5 and v6 on AKU 2, 3, and now Crossbow ROMs, it works fine on the Universal, so you can buy it without worrying.
jowett69 said:
works very well, you have to config your exec to get TOMTOM to work with bluetooth gps( you can find that on here somewhere).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't actually have to config anything if you have the TomTom GPS, it turns on BT itself, and finds it.
If you have a non TomTom BT GPS, simply pair it, and select an outgoing COM port, then when you fire up TomTom, tell it that it's a BT GPS on whatever port you chose.
All very easy.
cool, that is the kind of information that i was looking for, does anyone here use the live trafic update service? does it work well and divert you automaticly and how much does it cost to subscribe?
cheers
If I can remember, you and get 1 free month to try. Traffic is not always update!!!!!
It's good if there's a large incident, but in my experience you usually get stuck in things before they hit your device, and you see the road signs on motorways and things warning you anyway.
I stopped the subscripton, and just reroute myself if I see warnings, or hear something on the radio.
I am using TomTom 6 on my Exec now.
Previously used Navigon MN|5 which required *LOTS* of memory, so TomTom was a nice refreshment with its 7-9 MB memory trace.
Had problems setting up Bluetooth receiver. It wasn't showing up in the port list when I selected Bluetooth one. What I did was: added an incoming serial port, run TomTom and set port to this one (did not work yet!) then closed it and removed the port; after that TomTom just worked straight away At this point, an attempt to change port led to inability to get out of port selection, and you're buggered again. I'm sure that's some glitch, but I solved it anyway. May be there's a neater way of doing this.
But the software itself was good and stable, does what's on the tin, copy a directory to your card and you get Full Postcode navigation (very useful when finding businesses and not residential homes), and POI Warning function is built in now -- a *major* plus, never really got time to make POIWarner work properly. Tunnel mode -- progressive marker movement when lost GPS signal in a tunnel -- and that won my heart.
I do understand people's need to try BEFORE you buy, not after your money is tied up with some dud product and you get no refund. Go Trial, go.
Well in this case I'm pleased with TomTom 6 and its services. You can easily get a camera database each month from the Net and probably can live without Traffic service, but for me £33 a year doesn't seem too big a dent in my wallet - compared to £170-200 TMC receivers currently available on the market.
AlanJC said:
It works fine, but slower than on a QVGA screen device.
I have used v5 and v6 on AKU 2, 3, and now Crossbow ROMs, it works fine on the Universal, so you can buy it without worrying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AlanJC: Have you tried TT6 under WM6 and did all work well? Also, was TT6 happy after you upgraded the ROM - did you have any problems with TT6 thinking the Device Code had changed, thereby needing to re-register the software?

How To get GPS working

can anybody tell me how & what is the step to get the GPS works ?
thanks..
Put some GPS software on your Ameo and point it to COM4.
what are some of the best gps software for ameo?
I would think google maps with the ability to real time track your location would be great. Anyone try that?
Tomtom Navigator 6.
Coz it's free.
Edit - I in no way condone the use of pirated software, and I'll no doubt burn in hell for my sins....
Dopod U1000
Hey!
I have an Dopod U1000, which is the Advantage/X7500/Athena but on the Asian market.
THe first and biggest problem I have is that the GPS is not working. I cannot get a GPS-fix, but I have contact with the actual GPS-unit.
It doesnt matter where I am or for how long I wait - I have never got a fix and once every now and then I get 1 or 2 satellites with very bad connection - but never a fix.
I talked to HTC about this and they didnt know anything about it.
I then, when I asked around, got a weird answer from a company here in Sweden. They guessed that since U1000 is for the Asian market they may somehow have "preprogrammed GPS" information, so that they use Asian satellites. Sounds very strange to me - as far as I know they are not geo-stationary so the satellites goes around and thus there are not specific Asian satellites.
Anyways, anyone know about this issue? Suggestions?
Thx!
Regards
Ted
wagger said:
Hey!
I have an Dopod U1000, which is the Advantage/X7500/Athena but on the Asian market.
THe first and biggest problem I have is that the GPS is not working. I cannot get a GPS-fix, but I have contact with the actual GPS-unit.
It doesnt matter where I am or for how long I wait - I have never got a fix and once every now and then I get 1 or 2 satellites with very bad connection - but never a fix.
I talked to HTC about this and they didnt know anything about it.
I then, when I asked around, got a weird answer from a company here in Sweden. They guessed that since U1000 is for the Asian market they may somehow have "preprogrammed GPS" information, so that they use Asian satellites. Sounds very strange to me - as far as I know they are not geo-stationary so the satellites goes around and thus there are not specific Asian satellites.
Anyways, anyone know about this issue? Suggestions?
Thx!
Regards
Ted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got my DOPOD U1000 from Taiwan, and GPS works great. you need to set the post to COM4, signal is much better then the BT device i got before. It doesn't matter where you buy your device
wagger said:
Hey!
I have an Dopod U1000, which is the Advantage/X7500/Athena but on the Asian market.
THe first and biggest problem I have is that the GPS is not working. I cannot get a GPS-fix, but I have contact with the actual GPS-unit.
It doesnt matter where I am or for how long I wait - I have never got a fix and once every now and then I get 1 or 2 satellites with very bad connection - but never a fix.
I talked to HTC about this and they didnt know anything about it.
I then, when I asked around, got a weird answer from a company here in Sweden. They guessed that since U1000 is for the Asian market they may somehow have "preprogrammed GPS" information, so that they use Asian satellites. Sounds very strange to me - as far as I know they are not geo-stationary so the satellites goes around and thus there are not specific Asian satellites.
Anyways, anyone know about this issue? Suggestions?
Thx!
Regards
Ted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Global Positioning System is global, and should work anywhere on the globe !! apart from in war zones (and near US military bases) where the signal is sometimes deliberately degraded so enemies cant use satellite guided missiles.
wu5262 said:
i got my DOPOD U1000 from Taiwan, and GPS works great. you need to set the post to COM4, signal is much better then the BT device i got before. It doesn't matter where you buy your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should i install any third party software beforehand?
Help
My Device can find the GPS on com 4 but it will not work with Google maps or pocket streets can any one help?
Thanks
Ian
I've got Tom Tom Navigator 5 working (using COM 5), but I've also not managed to get Google Maps working.
GPS is not working with GM
edintao said:
My Device can find the GPS on com 4 but it will not work with Google maps or pocket streets can any one help?
Thanks
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also a big problem in Germany - it's not possible to get it working with Google Maps. We tried everything (also to disable the GPS-Splitter and use Com5 which helps with some programs, but not with Google Maps).
So we gave up for the moment waiting for an update (maybe Athena, maybe Google).
Teja
alanplum said:
Put some GPS software on your Ameo and point it to COM4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine working in TT6 by doing:
Other NMEA GPS Receiver
GPS Baud Rate: 4800
Com4
Is this what everyone else is doing ?
is the Baud rate correct?
Its quite chuggy/slow compared to tt6 on universal. i.e. 2-3fps as opposed to almost smooth on universal
Also, is it possible to change that tomtom icon thats on the today screen ? its so ugly and blocky - really detracts from the otherwise lovely Ameo screen
Mine is working great. By the way, i'm using MapKing10. When setting the port just select auto and the software should be able to detect the port in use. My unit can lock on into the satellite signal in less then 5s, thats impressive.
Hi
Does anyone know where to get a copy of the aforementioned TT6 for free? I had just bought TT navigator 6 with GB + Western Europe for my Mio A701 about 3 months ago but was gutted to find I couldnt transfer the licence to my new Ameo so i sold the boxed product with the Mio.
Anyone know where I can get one (strictly for "backup" purposes of course).
Cheers
Very easily found on torrent sites.
I won't give a link here as I assume that would be frowned on by the management....
ok, will have a look. not that familiar with all this torrent stuff!
ta
GPS Port
I looked in the registry and I found that com 5 is the official port. Strange enough com 4 and 5 work.
Getting GPS working
I purchased an A701 last week and had one hell of a time tring to get TT6 to work, even though MM worked fine. It appears that some software originally designed for ealier MS does not like Com4. I loaded a program called VisualGPSse, a freedownload, and set that to com 4 and bingo TT6 spang into life. Before using TT now I lauch that small app and it works fine. I,ll try and find the link if Google doen't find it for you.
ps. Does anyone know of an app that will allow me to use hands free, my Mio Rom R65 seems duff in this area.
getting GPS to work
I've installed my vehicle navigation software (copilot live v5) without any problem twice.
But when I tried to instal another GPS-based application called MobileGolfScorer, the system was simply unable to sense any satellite signal. Not only that, the system became extremely slow to the point of freezing up and not responding.
Then, I read about the post that says com5 is the default, so I said to myself may be I should use com5 instead of 4 in my start>setting>GPS.
After changing to com5, my MobileGolfScorer was able to recognise signal although the signal was extremely weak. Also, it was no longer freezing up. I thought that may be I've at least solved the problem and the weak signal may be due to the fact that I was not directly under the open sky.
The new problem is that after changing to com5, my copilot stopped working! When trying to reset GPS within copilot, it just said that I either did not have the GPS connected, or I was having the wrong com selection and/or baud rate. I tried all possible combinations of com and baud rate (including letting it find automatically) but unfortunately the results were the same.
Then I thought to myself may be copilot can only use com4. Since vehicle navigation is a more important application to me, I may have to sacrifice MobileGolfScorer until the problem is resolved. So I went to start>setting>GPS and reverted to com 4.
I then tried to get copilot to work but now it would not. MGS also would not work. So now I have two GPS applications that are not able to sense any signal. I can see the gsm led orange light(GPS) and green light(phone) alternating, which means that the GPS is supposed to be working, althoug the orange light disappears by itself after a while. The thing is, with or without the orange light, the software were not able to sense any GPS signal.
What do all these suggest? Any idea???
Chapter 2 to my story:
Since I'm also experiencing MD lost cluster problems, I had wonder if it could be that some system files used by the copilot program is corruptted. So I decided to hard-reset the unit and reinstall everything from scratch again. The first thing that I did after hard resett was to instal MobileGolfScorer. It did not work when I used com4 and baud rate 4800. Could not detect any GPS signal although the orange light was blinking. Then I installed Copilot live Pocket PC v5. This software has no problem detecting the signal right away. In my mind, it seems to suggest that the reason for copilot to have stopped working could be due to file corruption, while MobileGolfScorer still for some reason could not detect it. What I also failed to understnad is why for a very brief period it did detect very week signal (see chapter 1 above).
My fear: Once I was so confident that com4 and baud rate 4800 solves all problems. Now I'm less sure what is going on. If you're lucky, it works; if you not lucky it does'nt seems to work. You could be doing exactly the same thing entering the same setting but you could get different results. Is it due to file corruption? Why does it get corrupted so easily?
Let's hope some smarter mind could figure this out for us.
Its all about the sucky comport management in windows.
If one app is accessing a com port, no others can.
If windows GPS management is accessing the GPS on com5, then you shouldnt connect to com5 yourself. The whole point of the windows management is that the software port (often port4) it creates is meant to be able to be read by multiple programs.
However, most programs dont seem to like the software port. Eg, googlemaps.
I just turned off the MS GPS management and only use apps that directly attatch to com5, and only one app at a time.

best gps software and bt gps receiver...

Hey guys,
I want to buy some gps software for my dopod 838pro and a bluetooth gps receiver. I was wondering what ones work best with your hermes devices and what problems arise when using them.
I was looking at the papago software and it seems pretty good. If there is anyone here using it I would like to know your feedback on how it performs and also what kind of gps reciever you are using.
Thanks for your time and input
oh I am also in Australia..I don't know if that makes much difference or not
Cheers
I suggest IBlue 737 with the latest MTK chipset, it has nice auto on/off feature an 25 hours of battery life. another more expensive option is the Garmin Gps10X (the new Sirf3 model only, the old one is crap)
Software that i use:
Garmin Que + Franson GPSGate
OZI Explorer
IGO
TomTom
sorry to threadjack.
but regarding the IBlue 737, will it or does it need anything else other then my 8525 to work?
I have google maps on the 8525. will it work with that alone or do I have to add something else?
Once again sorry to threadjack but I think it fits into the OP's questions.
if needed delete this and I'll make a new thread.
google map is good with any GPS. (just nmake sure you have unlimited data) else it could be expensive.
ive used iGuidance 4 and iGO my way plus 2006 with BT-Q818
GUI:
iGO rocks.. smooth.. and really nice...
iGuidance .. just plain and dull.. gps tracking not smooth as iGO is.
what i really like about iGuidance though is the TTS feature, and it tells you which side the destination is.. iGO does not..
if the features i liked in iGuidance would just be integrated in iGO, ill get it in a heartbeat.
Fantastic!
and yes I have the unlimited data plan, had it for a long time. I used to have a smt 5600 before the 8525.
one more question... will it also work with the yahoo go 2.0?
thanks guys, one more thing to spend money on
yes, it will work with yahoo go 2.0. i use one myself(live in UK). make sure u have a data package though.(unlimited would be the best). i use t-mobile wnw £7.50 and a BT gps.its amazing what you can do with this phone.i love it
The thread jacking is ok its all relevant
So any other suggestions with people who have the papago software at all?
And does anyone have any other gps receivers?
Cheers
My favorite GPS sw is TomTom, great features, easy to use and no bugs. I use it with a earthmate bt-20. Takes up 1gb of space but worth it. Tomtom automatically connects to my BT receiver, responds quickly and has nice smooth 3d graphics.
My next favorite is MSN streets. It is easy to use and has the most up to date maps of my area.
I really dont care for Google maps unless I'm in a G network. If you dont have internet reception which is often the case when you travel then Google maps is completely useless.
The Earthmate BT-20 receiver seems to work ok but it is the only one I have tried. Its a ugly yellow, blue, and black 2"x3.5" plastic box. I look forward to the day when GPS is built in.
im in aussie town too, tomtom 6 (soon 7) on the hermes with some bluetooth gps that i got off ebay works wonders.
also has no issues running on prophet (my wifes phone) and my now retired magician.
microsoft streets was good when running in offline mode however it looks like they dont support australia anymore with the only map set available being a few years old.
Thanks guys for the advice
Seems like tomtom might be the go..its what I've been hearing as being the best out there.
I think I will just get a gps receiver off ebay too
Cheers
I might as well throw in my .02 as well hehe
I'm in Australia and using Tomtom 6 with a Globalsat BT receiver and it works perfectly
Good luck with your decision
naughty said:
I suggest IBlue 737 with the latest MTK chipset, it has nice auto on/off feature an 25 hours of battery life. another more expensive option is the Garmin Gps10X (the new Sirf3 model only, the old one is crap)
Software that i use:
Garmin Que + Franson GPSGate
OZI Explorer
IGO
TomTom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the garmin GPS 10x and i get a weird error - ive only had it a week, long story short sometimes it wont turn on. --- how do you tell which model you have?
when it works, its awesome. tells you which turns to make, has a "recalculate" feature, good maps with a lot of detail
how do you connect it to google maps? i did it one time but haven't been able to do it since! would like to run it simulatneous with garmin XT the software that comes with it, google in satellite mode so you see from the sky where you travel to and hear from the garmin software which way to turn, would be pretty neat
i get confused which settings need to be put to which com port? i tried to add it in blue tooth and set up COM port 0 in there, and then go intot he GPS external setting (WM6) and set up both hardware and program port to 0 as well. cant get it to work alongside garmin XT software
Microsoft was offering a BT Pharos GPS for about $70 for PocketPC devices awhile back, not sure if they still are.
I got one and it works very well. The only difference between this and the typical Pharos offering is that it doesn't come with any software. Using it with Livesearch works perfectly -- the only thing Livesearch is lacking is vocal turn-by-turn directions and automatic trip recalculation. But of course you're not limited to just using livesearch with the GPS anyway.
Looks like it is still available:
http://www.amazon.com/Pharos-Blueto...6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187064734&sr=8-3
Nokia Smart2GO.. It's tomtom but for free worldwide. (with some very minor limits/payable extras)
Have a search for the word nokia and posts by me and youll find some info about it in one of the hundreds of other gps threads around the hermes
thank you for your info. I am thinking of getting a bt gps receiver with software
my favourite is Navigon (you can tinker soo nicely with all the settings 'under the hood' ).
Dunno whether Navigon has a AU map at all, but they sell under a different name in the USA.
I would recommend any sirfIII GPS antenna with a good review in one of the navigation fora. I am using a cheap Mainnav that is OK.(great reception even behind metal coated car windows)
Wait for a Natural Disaster!!
I use TomTom 6 with a Nokia Bluetooth GPS reciever.. i got it for 29.99 from Fry's!!!
I live in central texas and when Katrina was on its way to New Orleans fries had CRAZY discounts on GPS units, Maglites, Waterproof cases for pdas.. basicly almost anything that can be used for "survival" so i grabbed a bunch of other stuff... now that Hurricane Dean is on its way i'm pretty sure they'll have discounts again... Time to hit up Fry's!!
lol its "natural disaster" sales at frys...for every hurricane that comes along we drop the prices by 20%
Cheers
WM5, iGuidance 3.x, i.Trek M5+
Never a hiccup.

Touch HD same GPS lag as Touch Pro?

Just wondering if the Touch HD will get the same laging GPS receiver the Touch Pro and Diamond got? I sure hope not. Its the only thing that dissapoints me with my Touch Pro.
utvol06 said:
Just wondering if the Touch HD will get the same laging GPS receiver the Touch Pro and Diamond got? I sure hope not. Its the only thing that dissapoints me with my Touch Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not an issue of hardware, but software. That's like asking if it will have the same laggy TouchFlo3D because of its processor... It's just the software. My Fuze didn't have any of the complaints of slow TF3D or GPS lag, but it had the same GPS receiver as the European Touch Pro.
Black93300ZX said:
It's not an issue of hardware, but software. That's like asking if it will have the same laggy TouchFlo3D because of its processor... It's just the software. My Fuze didn't have any of the complaints of slow TF3D or GPS lag, but it had the same GPS receiver as the European Touch Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the cause is the hardware, because some people tried with an external gps antenna, sirf3, and no lag at all. And changing software doesn't eliminate the lag. I use iGo and TT and the lag is always there...
onesolo said:
I think the cause is the hardware, because some people tried with an external gps antenna, sirf3, and no lag at all. And changing software doesn't eliminate the lag. I use iGo and TT and the lag is always there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully HTC will be able to fix the GPS Lag in the diamond and Pro with a rom update...they are supposed to be working on it. I just hope the Touch HD wont share the same lag problem and that HTC sees that it doesn't before release.
Isn't the difference between the built-in GPS and an external GPS antenna the method? The built-in GPS is (AGPS) and an GPS antenna uses "normal" GPS....
No, that's not it.
Assisted GPS is something extra for a normal GPS system, not a different system. A basic GPS system will have to download the satellites' position each time it cold-starts, and that will take time. An A-GPS system will have an additional way to download the current position of all GPS satellites, in order to speed up the process, by knowing the position of your phone in a GSM network or by downloading an updated file containing the satellites' current position, through a data network (wifi or 3g). That's why the "gps assistance" files you download through this kind of assistance application (in HTC's case, it's called "Quick GPS") are only valid for 2-3 days: in 2-3 days, they expire and the satellites' positions aren't valid anymore.
All GPS systems must have an antenna of some kind, either internal or external. Mostly all PDAs with integrated GPS have an internal antenna, which does the job in most conditions, but it's not perfect. I used an external antenna for car navigation, and in most situations I went from 4-5 detected satellites (with so-so signal) to 7-8 with full signal, only by having an antenna on the roof of my car. However, this shouldn't influence by all means the GPS lag, only the precision of GPS positioning on the map (coordinates).
That's not it either.
Quick GPS downloads a file prior to GPS initiation. When started the GPS works off-line.
A-GPS is a hybrid technology that auguments the GSM satellite signal with GSM signal on-line.
You can use Quick GPS without A-GPS, which is the case of most users today, for compatibility reasons.
As for the previous question regarding GPS lag, here are two points (depending on what you understand by GPS lag):
1. the GPS chipset has a built-in refresh rate, which should be something like 0.5 seconds. This is the same for all devices sharing the same chipset.
2. when saying that the GPS performance depends on software, it does not mean IGO or TomTom, it means the Radio drivers. Newer Radio versions come up from time to time and may improve GSM / GPS signal strength or battery life, and in the very best cases both.
Follow the ROM Development threads for more info.
dani31 said:
That's not it either.
A-GPS is a hybrid technology that auguments the GSM satellite signal with GSM signal on-line.
You can use Quick GPS without A-GPS, which is the case of most users today, for compatibility reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be a GPS-nazi but A-GPS doesn't necessarily imply the usage of a GSM network, but the usage of an assistance server. From Assisted GPS page on Wikipedia:
A typical A-GPS-enabled cell phone will use an internet connection to contact the assistance server. Alternatively, it may use standard non-assisted GPS, which is slower and less accurate, but does not lead to network charges for data traffic, which can be considerable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, it can be done either through GSM networks, or through a data connection; therefore, the Quick GPS app is simply another form of A-GPS.
dani31 said:
1. the GPS chipset has a built-in refresh rate, which should be something like 0.5 seconds. This is the same for all devices sharing the same chipset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I don't think would be visible to the end user. According to the NMEA/SiRF specs, the min refresh rate would be 1 Hz (one time per second), but the average among devices seems to be around 5 times a second, once every 200 miliseconds (5 Hz refresh). The GPS chip should do that without a problem (according to the manufacturer's specs), therefore the problem must be somewhere after the GPS data is sent to the device; either in communication to the CPU, either in the navi software. My 2 cents. We'll see.
Review from SlashGear
HTC Touch HD's review by SlashGear talks about the GPS lag..
this is the part about GPS performance of the Device:
"The HTC Touch Diamond has been criticised for its GPS performance, which can lag behind actual position when moving at speed. Hopes were high for the Touch HD to avoid such a fate, but unfortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case. Whether from the processor (the same 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A as in the Diamond) or the GPS receiver itself, when driving the indicated position is always 50-80ft behind. This makes navigating via the on-screen directions incredibly difficult. At lower speeds, such as when walking, the Touch HD has no problems, just like the Diamond. We’re still attempting to get hold of some alternative GPS programs, such as TomTom or Garmin Mobile XT, and will update this review when we’ve had an opportunity to try them out."
has anyone else bought the Touch HD yet who can confirm this?
i just hope the GPS lag isn't as bad as the HTC Touch Diamond/Touch Pro as i'm going to order one pretty soon.
For the sake of millions of readers and potential touch HD buyers like me,can someone who already own a touch HD,please be kind enough,do an experiment about this gps lag issue and give an absolute answer to this issue.Gps lag is very noticeble when you are navigating at high speed(eg:80-100km/h) or when doing multiple rapid turns(eg:driving on back alleys).at low speed(slow drive or walking),no lag is apparent.Currently i'm using ipaq 612c where it has this lag issue and its most noticeble when using Garmin XT.When using mapking or tom tom it is not that bad..Really waiting for all your answers.
Thanks in advance for all your help
iznee said:
For the sake of millions of readers and potential touch HD buyers like me,can someone who already own a touch HD,please be kind enough,do an experiment about this gps lag issue and give an absolute answer to this issue.Gps lag is very noticeble when you are navigating at high speed(eg:80-100km/h) or when doing multiple rapid turns(eg:driving on back alleys).at low speed(slow drive or walking),no lag is apparent.Currently i'm using ipaq 612c where it has this lag issue and its most noticeble when using Garmin XT.When using mapking or tom tom it is not that bad..Really waiting for all your answers.
Thanks in advance for all your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I have performed an experiment. Hopefully it will help you and "millions" of readers to decide if GPS lag is a problem or not on this device.
Test setup:
PDA 1: Mitac Mio A701, GPS chip: SIRF III, navigation software: IGO8
PDA 2: HTC Touch HD, GPS chip: Qualcomm, navigation software: IGO8
Experiment:
I start IGO8 on both devices and select the same destination. They both pick up GPS signal and the show starts..
Result:
PDA 1: depending on your speed, there is a GPS lag. This is between 0-2 seconds. In distance I would say about 20 to 50 meters. Again, all depending on your speed. When you stop (which unfortunatelly happens a lot in the netherlands due to high traffic ) the GPS gives the right position.
PDA 2: see PDA 1. There is practically no difference. Sometimes PDA 1 is more ahead, sometimes PDA 2 wins. The voice commands start virtually at the same time "take a turn left", "leave the highway" and so on. Maybe PDA 2 is a bit faster (less GPS lag) since I heard the voice like a 10th of a second earlier than on PDA 1.
Conclusion:
GPS lag is a problem that practically all "cheap" GPS devices have, specially in a moving vehicle. Since your GPS data is refreshed every second, you would be one second off every time. Moving at 100km/h, that means an offset of 27 meters. Moving at 150km/h that is about 41 meters (and yes, I know I should not drive that fast in the netherlands ). Add to that the GPS errors and you will get an impression on how hard it can be to predict where you will be in a second.
You could then say that the navigational software should take that into account and predict where it would be, but that also has a negative side. Have you noticed what happens when you do not follow the course laid ahead by the navigational software? it stays on course for a couple of seconds and then it notices you actually turned left or right, thus the direction should change.
The more aggresive the prediction is, the more you will have a problem when deviating. The less prediction, the more GPS lag you will have.
Is this a problem while driving? I have never considered it a problem. On the highway you do not decide to take a turn within 50 meters (I hope ). In the city, you should have way less problems with GPS lag...
Last, for all the "millions" of readers, please read these two articles:
Article 1, an abstract about navigational state estimator
Article 2, a forum discussing this very problem in the i-Blue receiver. Pay special attention to the answers given by JakeRich
I hope this helps you all out...
David,
I am so very pleased you had these two devices with the software mentioned.
It just so happens that I too have a Mio A701 with iGo and my next purchase will be the Touch HD.
Your test served as a good starting block for me to build upon.
I did wonder how well the Touch HD would fare against my A701.
Many thanks.
Beards
Thanks for your test. What about TMC info with iGo8 ?
gergy said:
Thanks for your test. What about TMC info with iGo8 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The device finds the TMC receiver (using 8.0.x version, 8.3.x version does not find anything) but then it does not find a channel. This would need a TMC expert to work out...maybe you need to change something in the sys.txt file of IGO8
Something I would add is that until last week I was using a SirfStarIII equipped BT GPS receiver linked to my Hermes and running TTN 6.03, now I'm using the Touch HD internal GPS and TTN 7.45. I have found that the GPS signal appears to be significantly weaker on the Touch TD. However, it does have the capability to pick up more satellites it seems.
In my standard journey between home and work the BT GPS receiver never picked up more than 8 satellites but never picked up less than 4 and spent most time tracking 5-6. The Touch HD at times picks up 10, maybe even 11(!), satellites but often drops to 2 and spends most time tracking 3-5.
Impression
I'm using Tomtom 7,451 now on my HD.
I tried it with the internal GPs and even with an external bleutoth GPS receiver from Tomtom itself.
The so called lag is the same in both cases.It is caused by the slow refreshing rate ( almost 1 second ).That is not a major problem and is the same that I experienced already with the Polaris,Cruise and Diamond.
So when driving try to think at least 1 second ahead.
When you're not moving I got a pefect lock on my position with Tomtom but with Googlemaps i'm of by almost 150 meter to the East.
So that's software I think.
BerreZ said:
I'm using Tomtom 7,451 now on my HD.
I tried it with the internal GPs and even with an external bleutoth GPS receiver from Tomtom itself.
The so called lag is the same in both cases.It is caused by the slow refreshing rate ( almost 1 second ).That is not a major problem and is the same that I experienced already with the Polaris,Cruise and Diamond.
So when driving try to think at least 1 second ahead.
When you're not moving I got a pefect lock on my position with Tomtom but with Googlemaps i'm of by almost 150 meter to the East.
So that's software I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get my touch hd today. looks like I wont be installing Google maps at all on it. I'm going to buy Co-Pilot 7 when I get the chance. I also like Windows Live search GPS app, but it may lag like google.
utvol06 said:
I get my touch hd today. looks like I wont be installing Google maps at all on it. I'm going to buy Co-Pilot 7 when I get the chance. I also like Windows Live search GPS app, but it may lag like google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google maps is already preinstalled, at least on my Touch HD it was (Netherlands)
last word on gpslag?
Hi to All,
Personally, i start realizing the limitation of forums in producing real information.
First of all, most "commercial" and consumer GPS update their position every second, as correctly pointed out in this forum. Said this, faster position updates are possible for professional devices, see
http://www.dsprelated.com/showmessage/22833/1.php
but we can probably forget about it for the time being.
so, don't be surprised if - driving at 100 km per hour alias 30 m/s - you will miss the exit by 30 meters. Be reassured: Felipe Massa will miss the box by 100m if he would drive by looking to the GPS - and your braking distance was anyway 60 m....aaaghh....i hope i will never meet any of you while making the test.
My firm and conclusive opinion after extensive evaluation with Igo and Tomtom and gwatch:
The GPS LAG on the touch HD is a metropolitan legend invented by i-members!
If you check on igo8, there is a small dot representing the actual position, and the arrow or the car is the position compute by software interpolation/filtering etc. Everybody can notice that the dot moves instantaneously. It is a matter of software to decide how to filter this data, and how "reactive" you want the position change to happen. On top of this, it is obvious that updating a VGA or WVGA screen will be heavier than updating a small screen, so there should be a lag which is dependent on the navigation software you use and on the load on your telephone.
However, there is definitely no lag on tomtom....the problem is: how to buy version 7?
Here is video comparison omnia vs hd
It seems to me there is little lag on hd.
Colud somebody translate it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v45--rkRgjk

Which GPS software to use

Which version of which GPS software works on the Touch HD ? i used to use the Miomap and IGo8 on the Touch Cruise but cannot get them to work.
Perhaps with a tweak ?
thanks, yves
Just search the forum.
There are threads for iGO8, TomTom and Navigon. All of them work on the HTC Touch HD (with some tweaks).
http://www.66.com/route66/index.php?cid=UK&act=1&prodid=5723 works without tweaks.
iGO works but is not really useable in my opinion
there is no "programm close" button in expert mode, only one in simple mode.
program nearly never really gets closed by command.
voice from the navigation continues in programm-volume-setting, even after you are back in touchFlow and used task manager to stop the program.
it still runs and runs ..
a next problem is the standby mode.
you cant set it up, that while iGO is active, standby wont happen.
at the moment, you start navigation, wait some seconds without doing anything, but listening and the HD drops in standby.
and NO i dont want to set new windows standby settings everytime i want to use a navigation tool :/
I believe you can get them all working with the right tweaks.
I've used TomTom for years, without any problem. Currently using v7.910 on my Touch HD and it looks nice.
For fun I also downloaded Navigon (there's a two week free trial with full functionality) and with the help of a couple of xml files have it running. Different look and feel to Tom Tom but I like it. Probably worth a look for the two week free trial if nothing else.
Have seen iGo8 and I must say I like the look of it. Have seen a thread with details of a tweak, though that may have been for an earlier release.
Currently waiting for my TomTom services to run out (speed cameras and traffic) and then I may switch. The UI looks fantastic, but have to justify the cost to the missus .....
loadme said:
iGO works but is not really useable in my opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you have messed up, but for me it works just fine. Not a single "bug" you mentioned has occured, maybe you are just using the wrong version / configuration.
I had also some problems in the beginning (dropping the gps), but after setting up the right configuration it works just fine for me now.
johnpatcher said:
I don't know what you have messed up, but for me it works just fine. Not a single "bug" you mentioned has occured, maybe you are just using the wrong version / configuration.
I had also some problems in the beginning (dropping the gps), but after setting up the right configuration it works just fine for me now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, it works fine. However, occasional GPS drop does happen, and, from what I understand, it happens with all softwares, not just IGO. I would also be curious to know what configuration could possible effect GPS dropping issue?
Thanks
michael_r said:
I would also be curious to know what configuration could possible effect GPS dropping issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it was the wrong baud rate. It must be set to 9600. As I was using GPSGate I had to change the baud rate within GPSGate and not in iGO8.
loadme said:
iGO works but is not really useable in my opinion
there is no "programm close" button in expert mode, only one in simple mode.
program nearly never really gets closed by command.
voice from the navigation continues in programm-volume-setting, even after you are back in touchFlow and used task manager to stop the program.
it still runs and runs ..
a next problem is the standby mode.
you cant set it up, that while iGO is active, standby wont happen.
at the moment, you start navigation, wait some seconds without doing anything, but listening and the HD drops in standby.
and NO i dont want to set new windows standby settings everytime i want to use a navigation tool :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda strange that you are incapable of setting up a navigation software like igo on the Touch HD.
I myself only had to set the resolution and voila, all worked perfectly.
All the so called 'failures' are entirely untrue from my point of view.
Cause they work perfectly ! (yes also shutdown in expert mode), maybe your failure is using the correct settings in the sys.txt file...
Therfore I have to disagree with you completely on the IGO satisfaction scale.
I give it a 9,7 out of 10 (cause it can always be improved).
Tomtom is great and also is IGo in my opinion (havn't tried the rest om my HD).
with regards,
Ikkezelf
I am using Garmin Mobile XT, and it looks and works a treat.......
IGO8, does look good but there seems to be a lot of screen size problems for the HD. I too have tried IGO8 and all the stuffing around to get the correct screen resolution files sent me nuts.
I am using co-pilot 7, working well so far, especially when I remember to switch it from walking mode to car
A quick summary of my experiences with iGo 8, TomTom 7 and Garmin Mobile XT on the HD, in the UK.
iGo 8
Pros:
Has the nicest looking graphics, with terrain elevation and 3D models of major landmarks (and many more buildings too, in major cities) and a good variety of views.
Text-to-speech support for reading out road names, if you have enough memory (sometimes needs a reboot or to disable TouchFlo to get enough - sadly it doesn't default to the normal non-TTS if there's not enough memory, so you have to turn it back manually).
Routing between multiple maps installed.
Cons:
Long startup time.
Incorrect speed limits in my area (30 instead of 60-70 on some roads!)
The voice directions have been misleading when crossing a roundabout over a motorway, telling me to incorrectly take the first exit from a roundabout, when the direction arrow clearly shows the second. I verified by plotting a route on to the motorway that it also said "first exit" for that exit too. Very strange - I haven't seen problems with other roundabouts, yet.
Bad default POIs, listing the nearest cash machine as 25 miles away, when I was standing right next to one and no shops that I was looking for.
TomTom 7
Pros:
Reasonable across the board.
Cons:
Average default POIs, finding cash machines but not most shops.
Garmin Mobile XT
Pros:
Great default POIs, being able to track down most shops, etc.
Great free online services, such as Google local search, cheapest petrol
prices nearby, weather, traffic reports, flight status and Panoramio.
Being able to install subsets of maps, to reduce space on the device.
Cons:
Very slow graphics engine.
arghness said:
[*]Text-to-speech support for reading out road names, if you have enough memory (sometimes needs a reboot or to disable TouchFlo to get enough - sadly it doesn't default to the normal non-TTS if there's not enough memory, so you have to turn it back manually).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the latest iGO8.0.x release and haven't noticed any memory problem at all. I think it is a problem of the 8.3.X release(s), as they are not optimized for our devices yet. There are some sys.txt tweaks regarding to the tts functionality out there, maybe they will fix it for you.
arghness said:
Long startup time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by that? Mine is up and ready after 10 seconds (or something like that).
arghness said:
Incorrect speed limits in my area (30 instead of 60-70 on some roads!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not iGO8's fault at all. The speed limits are integrated in the card material, mostly coming from tele atlas. For Germany the cards are really good.
arghness said:
Bad default POIs, listing the nearest cash machine as 25 miles away, when I was standing right next to one and no shops that I was looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't noticed any lacks of pois yet. But you can easily add pois (look for poi plaza).
johnpatcher said:
I'm using the latest iGO8.0.x release and haven't noticed any memory problem at all. I think it is a problem of the 8.3.X release(s), as they are not optimized for our devices yet. There are some sys.txt tweaks regarding to the tts functionality out there, maybe they will fix it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a look, thanks. The normal voices are fine, just not the tts. It could be due to the high quality tts rather than the 11KHz pack.
johnpatcher said:
What do you mean by that? Mine is up and ready after 10 seconds (or something like that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not unusable, it just takes longer than the others. Sometimes I want to quickly look something up. My usage scenario and my opinion of course
johnpatcher said:
That's not iGO8's fault at all. The speed limits are integrated in the card material, mostly coming from tele atlas. For Germany the cards are really good.
Haven't noticed any lacks of pois yet. But you can easily add pois (look for poi plaza).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did say it was my experience in the UK. Also, I think that they do count as negative points against iGo as they make it less useful to me compared to the competition. Giving incorrect voice directions is bad, especially when the visual direction is correct. I'm glad you're happy with it - the graphics engine, buildings and terrain really are good. I'd love to see some online integration like Garmin, especially Google local search, which would make the POIs less of an issue.
Gps sofware in uae
Just for anybody here in UAE ... Sygic Drive 2008 from ORION MIDDLE EAST.. works great on my HD.. and its maps are more updated for the GCC regions.. atleast here in UAE..
My comparison between Garmin mobile XT Vs Mapking R12
hello
yesterday i have chance to fully try out my GPS function on my new HD
This is my findings...
I have expirient using Mapking R12 with my Tytn2 and it is much faster in the term of rerouting if u miss any turn,the accuracy is much better but the graphic is quite "cartoon"... anyway it is quite simple to use and straight forward....
With garmin mobile XT i found that, graphic is cool, many additional information such as speed limit, traffic light and ETA....time...
but it is not that easy to handle in term of finding your destination, etc...
it is slow responding and this can cause u miss some turn since u been passing that turn about 5-10 meters then only in the graphic u will reach there... the speed indicator also slow 10 Kmph...then my speedo meter
anyway i'm not really sure this is due to the sofware or the GPS chip... since i'm comparing my expirient with 2 different device that running with 2 different sofware
anyway i will try to run my HD with mapking and look the different....
Comparison TomTom 7, IGO 8 and INAVI
TOMTOM 7:
It has the most user-friendly interface and most stright-forward menu. You get whatever you want in just several pushes of buttons. Maps are very precise in west Europa and I think in the USA. In other countries maps aren't that good if they exist. It computes almost the best way. Better than all other programs.
IGO 8
It is the most complete navigation program. It has plenity of options. The drawback of this is that you will need more time to do the same thing. The most useful function not available in TomTom is easy moving and zoming map during navigation. It has maps for much more countries for Israel, Eastern Europa and they are more precise (there are even 3D buildings) and they take less space. If you travel outside Europa and USA or like exploring options then it will be the best choice.
INAVI
It is good. It's the only choice for eastern Europe and some other countries. It has many options (more than TomTom and less than IGO) but navigation is less easy and less precise than others. You can choose it if there is no maps for the country where you go.
Personally I choose TomTom 7 because of it's stright-forward interface. In the car you don't have a lot of time to play with options. 3D buildings don't interest me (I can see them through the window) and I live in west Europe.
Just installed Garmin Mobile XT
Updated to version 5.00.20wp
I'm impressed, works full screen and very smooth, Garmin Online is very well integrated, the interface is clean and easy to navigate, you can really just install and drive/walk off (I did not have to do anything to activate the GPS just plug in the MicroSD card and it automatically installed the soft and I could start navigating)
This does not mean that things cannot be customized, from my first look at the settings it looks like just about anything can be customized.
The integration with WM seems very complete too, from the large "Where to" button I can select a contact and it will have a large "Go" button to start navigating to it.
This morning I tested it in my car and I even got a phonecall during navigating which went flawless, the phone screen came on but I went back to Garmin Mobile via the Start menu and it continued navigating (the data connection was stopped so no more Garmin Online service but it did not stop the navigation)
Voice prompts and warning signals were quite clear through the HD speaker.
The only thing is that the location of my car holder might not be ideal on the open road it was ok but the GPS connection became quite erratic when I entered the city, the GPS info screen showed only 3 satellites that flickered on and off, when I took it out of the holder and held it to the windscreen things got better.
hijamir said:
the speed indicator also slow 10 Kmph...then my speedo meter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is normal, the speedo in your car is set slower than the actual speed by design (so you don't think you're driving the speed limit but you're actually speeding). If GPS connection is good GPS speed can be accurate to about 0.1km.
On road GPSes there is always a 1 second lag (1Hz, professional and aviation GPSes can have multiple Hz updates) so accelerating/decelerating will not be correct but for constant speeds the GPS indication is superior to most cars speedos.
I've never had a gps device before, and am pretty new to the whole Winmo scene in general. I saw someone mention that Route 66 worked without tweaking so I bought a discounted version of their Route 66 Navigate 7. I wasn't able to install it directly from the CD, but their customer support responded within an hour or two telling me to copy the memory card directory from the CD directly to my HD's card and run the .cab from the phone.
Works great. Now I just have to fool around with it so I know how to actually use it effectively.. lol.
From their website they list the HD as compatible for their latest "8" version too. I just decided to get the old one for cheap since I don't really have a need for gps. Maybe I'll upgrade at some point if it's worth it.

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