State of the Compass on Vibrant? - Vibrant General

Big thanks to all the rom devs out there working hard on the sweet froyoish goodness. I've seen a lot of work on the GPS issues that have turned it into a trustworthy device, but very little mention of the compass.
What is the consensus on this? Is it just crappy hardware that won't ever get fixed? Bad gravity? I miss my google sky!

yeah, why is the Compass so twitchy like a crackhead

I wouldn't say it's twitchy. I've never noticed mine jumping around.
I did notice it pointing the opposite direction I was traveling yesterday down the interstate in Google Maps, though.
When I turned the phone, the compass didn't move (I was in the passenger side, for those wondering ).

I think it's just bad hardware that's very susceptible to interference. I've seen it work properly every now and then, but most of the time it jumps around like crazy.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Well, oddly enough the GPS was accurate that time, but the compass wasn't.
I think Google Maps had me about a block or two behind where I was on the Interstate, though (judging by where I was in the software when I got to curves or intersections/exits).
Bing Maps seemed more accurate, but it doesn't have a compas on the screen (or I haven't found the setting for it, don't think I've even gone into Bing Settings yet) and it lack Voice Guided Navigation on Android.
Isn't Google Maps Navigation still in Beta? Maybe something is wrong IRT the software. Last time I tried Catch Compass (which was admittedly over a month ago, before the JI6 update) it actually seemed rather accurate... It would turn as I'd turn and everything. /shrugs/ Dunno what the issue is with it.

Interesting. Some apps seem to pull heading info from the gpd, while others will attemp to use the compass sensor. Using something like tricorder shows the compass to show north regardless.
I guess it's just one of those things
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Related

Compass super lag

Anyone notice the compass as well as other sensors respond SUPER SLOW. Fire up skymaps and find mars. Go on ill wait... Broken GPS is getting all the talk.
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There's an app called "Android Sensor Data" that can calibrate the accelerometer, but you have to run it at every boot. It doesn't fix the compass, which I expect us just broken.
The future looks so... Vibrant
Yup, it was one of the first things I noticed about the phone. The compas is definitely either broken or just not very good.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Its not only sky maps but also layer as well, once you stop moving the phone it takes a good 10 to 15 secs to position itself, very laggy, just patiently waiting for the fix now -_-"
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
one would think with Samsung preinstalling Layar on the phone the compass would work without a hitch... im hoping its a software issue not updating as frequent.
Based on how a compass works, (magnetism) I would hazard a guess that there is NO software fix. Buy a compass. If it doesn't work, it will never work. Software can't fix a bad magnet. I COULD be wrong...I HOPE I'm wrong...I DOUBT I'm wrong.
Magnets are not software. ):
The future looks so... Vibrant
I asked T-mobile if there would be a fix for the compass along with the GPS on Twitter. This was their reply:
"TMobile_USA: @fjohnette That's what is believed causing the GPS problem so its possible we will keep you updated. ^SG"
--http://www.twitter.com/TMobile_USA/status/20225466968
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant using the XDA app
fragimar said:
"TMobile_USA: @fjohnette That's what is believed causing the GPS problem so its possible we will keep you updated. ^SG"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this means it's possible that they will NOT keep you updated??
Anyway, I think we now have the word of every t-mobile CS rep and tech support person and most (if not all) don't really have any idea. I guess it's worth the effort to keep pestering. It'd sure be more comforting to have an official response.
bryon13 said:
Based on how a compass works, (magnetism) I would hazard a guess that there is NO software fix. Buy a compass. If it doesn't work, it will never work. Software can't fix a bad magnet. I COULD be wrong...I HOPE I'm wrong...I DOUBT I'm wrong.
Magnets are not software. ):
The future looks so... Vibrant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are completely correct in how a compass works... Basic magnetism... However. Just because our compass doesn't work doesn't mean the magnet bit isn't detecting north as it should. It could easily be that the other sensors that detect which way that magnet is oriented are reporting incorrect data, which is possibly fixable via firmware update. Or that the android itself is doing something wrong with that data, or any combination of the above. And these possible causes are far from exhaustive, just a few possibilities off the top of my head.
Sent from my Vibrant using the XDA app.
Typos, incorrect words, gibberish, and other nonsense brought to you courtesy of Swype.
bryon13 said:
Based on how a compass works, (magnetism) I would hazard a guess that there is NO software fix. Buy a compass. If it doesn't work, it will never work. Software can't fix a bad magnet. I COULD be wrong...I HOPE I'm wrong...I DOUBT I'm wrong.
Magnets are not software. ):
The future looks so... Vibrant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, but every single thing about how that data is collected, interpreted, and passed on to the operating system is software, not to mention the interaction with the accelerometer sensors as Arr mentioned. Lots of potential points of failure here that have everything to do with software. Fingers crossed that it's not just a borked magnetometer.
Very true. As I said, I REALLY REALLY HOPE they can fix it... I'm just worried that we're going to be stuck with broken hardware. I'll never buy a phone on launch-day again...
The future looks so... Vibrant
bryon13 said:
Very true. As I said, I REALLY REALLY HOPE they can fix it... I'm just worried that we're going to be stuck with broken hardware. I'll never buy a phone on launch-day again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is my fear as well. It bugs the **** out of me to see people all over the forums violently defending samsung and saying with absolute certainty that a firmware fix is coming.
How do they know it can be fixed with firmware? I'm not saying that it's impossible, I'll be the first to admit I have no idea how the compass actually works, but to post saying that it will be fixed is so unbelievably stupid and irresponsible that I can only attribute it to buyers remorse manifesting itself as post-purchase rationalization.
Too many idiots to have any sort of productive discussion anywhere.
hollabax said:
this is my fear as well. It bugs the **** out of me to see people all over the forums violently defending samsung and saying with absolute certainty that a firmware fix is coming.
How do they know it can be fixed with firmware? I'm not saying that it's impossible, I'll be the first to admit I have no idea how the compass actually works, but to post saying that it will be fixed is so unbelievably stupid and irresponsible that I can only attribute it to buyers remorse manifesting itself as post-purchase rationalization.
Too many idiots to have any sort of productive discussion anywhere.
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7252169&postcount=21
The compass is definitely the one thing that annoys me about this phone. I really like Google Sky Maps and 3D compass and right now they are worthless.
DaMaDo said:
The compass is definitely the one thing that annoys me about this phone. I really like Google Sky Maps and 3D compass and right now they are worthless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. The GPS issues are getting so much attention that the borked compass is falling by the wayside. I actually use the compass, so this is really annoying.
you guys are brave
I returned the phone after a few days and decided to wait for a fix.
When/if the fix comes, I can easily buy the phone again.
To keep the phone is the same thing as keeping you anxiety level high, waiting for a fix, checking every board twice a day.
Is it worth it?
DaMaDo said:
The compass is definitely the one thing that annoys me about this phone. I really like Google Sky Maps and 3D compass and right now they are worthless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Sky maps works fine for me. It does lag slightly when rotating, (which seems to match what others are saying about compass lag), but i don't see how it's worthless. It's dead on for me.
Have you tried Google Street View (Compass Mode) or Yelp's 'Monocle' / Layar?
The compass will sometimes point to magnetic North. But most times, it spins around wildly, or simply points to the wrong direction and does not update correctly.
Morbo66 said:
Google Sky maps works fine for me. It does lag slightly when rotating, (which seems to match what others are saying about compass lag), but i don't see how it's worthless. It's dead on for me.
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Click to collapse
A friend and I bought our phones on the same day. Date on the stickers on the box (which I assume is a build date) is 7/17 on both of them. Side-by-side, Google Sky works perfectly for him, and doesn't work at all for me.
My compass points south no matter what orientation the phone is in, or what direction I face. Sometimes if I just stand still for a very long time, it'll slowly sort of drift in one direction or another, but I haven't had the patience to just wait and see whether it ever actually aligns with where I'm facing or if it's just random variation.
Check my little video on youtube about this issue demonstrating how slow the compass reacts.
YouTube, search for: SvAJrR5Gmy0
or "Samsung Vibrant Compass Issues"
still won't let me post links yet....
I did end up getting the other phone working instead of pointing in only one direction. I factory data reset the phone and tried agan and it started pointing in the correct direction at least, still very slow.
I also suggest looking at sensor data to see how your phone performs:
*#*#1472365#*#* >> Test Application >> Show Sensor data

GPS STILL wonky?

I am running an unrooted stock vibrant. I got the Ji6 update a few weeks back, and I was told that it would improve my GPS. But apparently my GPS still doesn't work. I know there are alot of tweaks and hacks here on xda that supposedly fix the gps, but id rather wait and get the official fix from samsung. But if the ji6 was it, then im quite dissapointed. Does your stock vibrant still have a wonky GPS? Or did the update fix it for you?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
GPS works great!
I am running Bionix 1.9. Last night on my way home, I was in an unfamiliar area on a small side street and got a little lost. I turned on my GPS and opened up Google Maps. Within two seconds it locked me in and gave me directions home. I noticed the address at the top of the screen where it said I was. I looked over at the house number and street I was on and it was exactly right.
JJG2 said:
I am running an unrooted stock vibrant. I got the Ji6 update a few weeks back, and I was told that it would improve my GPS. But apparently my GPS still doesn't work. I know there are alot of tweaks and hacks here on xda that supposedly fix the gps, but id rather wait and get the official fix from samsung. But if the ji6 was it, then im quite dissapointed. Does your stock vibrant still have a wonky GPS? Or did the update fix it for you?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never rooted either, and for me it's still not perfect. Sometimes it works well, but other times the location jumps around, or the phone hangs and has to be rebooted.
I've seen an improvement since the JI6 update, but my experience is if you use it enough you will encounter flakiness still.
Would be nice if subsequent updates improve things, but right now that's just a hope.
Yes I had a similar experience, with my stock vibrant which has the j16 update. Took over 5 mins to lock on to the gps signal.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
What kind of GPS fixes did you do? Or did you just flash the bionix rom? Sorry im new to the whole hacking scene. If the GPS really works as well as you said, I might just consider rooting then..
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
JJG2 said:
I am running an unrooted stock vibrant. I got the Ji6 update a few weeks back, and I was told that it would improve my GPS. But apparently my GPS still doesn't work. I know there are alot of tweaks and hacks here on xda that supposedly fix the gps, but id rather wait and get the official fix from samsung. But if the ji6 was it, then im quite dissapointed. Does your stock vibrant still have a wonky GPS? Or did the update fix it for you?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it's just plain bad hardware, and it's not competitive with most other current smartphones.
I've tried a bunch of ROMs, with similar results. The update gives you a faster lock and an accurate report on the number of satellites, which is nice, but it doesn't do anything for the core accuracy problems which plague the device and cause tracks/navigation issues. It doesn't help that the compass is also still very wonky, which causes Google Navigation to flake out when I'm stopped at a light.
All in all, it's very disappointing. I'm thinking of switching to the Nexus One due to this issue.
I've got an unrooted Vibrant bought in July 2010 whose GPS rarely worked and almost never locked on any satellites. After J16 I get a quick lock on 6-9 out of 11-12 satellites. I am satisfied with it now 99% of time for navigation purposes. I do sometimes get wandering of the target from Google Earth even when standing still.
JeremyNT said:
I believe it's just plain bad hardware, and it's not competitive with most other current smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not so sure about that. I hooked it up to my bluetooth GPS and it looked good for a little while, maybe a few minutes, when sitting at my desk. Then it started going wacky, progressively bouncing the pointer farther and farther from the real position. It might be the software that's bad. I'm going to experiment with it tomorrow on a long trip and try various settings.
Its a hardware problem..
JeremyNT said:
I believe it's just plain bad hardware, and it's not competitive with most other current smartphones.
I've tried a bunch of ROMs, with similar results. The update gives you a faster lock and an accurate report on the number of satellites, which is nice, but it doesn't do anything for the core accuracy problems which plague the device and cause tracks/navigation issues. It doesn't help that the compass is also still very wonky, which causes Google Navigation to flake out when I'm stopped at a light.
All in all, it's very disappointing. I'm thinking of switching to the Nexus One due to this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I had the built in car navigation and the vibrant side by side. The vibrant is 200 yards behind while moving. Even when pointing on the current location, it is wondering around the neighborhood on a 200 yard range.
So what's your explanation for what I see with an external GPS which works fine with a laptop? That a phone hardware problem too?
As far as using the internal I've seen it work for an hour fine and then start flippin out. Then again I've seen it flip out in 5-10 minutes.
Gps is one of those things I rarely think about until I have to actually use it. I just came from a week trip to Atlanta and it connected once during my week stay. The GPS on this phone is crap, I feel bad for anyone that has to use it daily. Luckily I got 3g there and was using google maps to help me find locations. My recent devices Milestone and HD2 connected within seconds. This thing is always searching for a signal with a clear view to the sky.
Im in North Florida if that means anything.
i ran bionix final which i think is the ota ji6, not the kies leak ji6 and the gps didn't work well. but the ji2 gps flash worked great, and the ji6 gps in bionix fusion works great.
you are posting on xda, if you just want to complain go to tmonews or something, otherwise there are a lot of easy fixes that are like 5 clicks away...
GPS works fine for me on JI6, however there seems to be a communications error between certain Google apps and the GPS. I use CoPilot. On Bionix Final my GPS went from good, to ok, to bad, to horrific in a matter of days.
heygrl said:
GPS works fine for me on JI6, however there seems to be a communications error between certain Google apps and the GPS. I use CoPilot. On Bionix Final my GPS went from good, to ok, to bad, to horrific in a matter of days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen some issues with Google Nav as well. Did some Googling and it's not just the Galaxy S or Samsnug phones. Many users with different brands and models have reported recent problems with the Nav and Map apps.
Very wonky
Here's a may I did yesterday. All was good fo awhile until I stopped for a turn and it went ape [email protected]*#.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201142930973527917117.0004944eca8f57406c83e
I can assure you that at no time did I ever go 118 mph. This is just one sample. It does it all the time. I've tried every different firmware I can load including stock and I get the same results. I've tried all of the GPS fixes and nothing. Some days it never even locks. I'm convinced that it is a hardware issue.
GPS works for me most of the time. Sometimes it will show I'm in my house. Sometimes my neighbors. Sometimes down the street. A few times across the city.
I wish it was half as good as the wifi. This thing can pull in an access point like it had a high gain directional antenna built in.
I'm even more convinced it's the software. Now my external GPS won't lock either. Sees 12 sats, I can see the data coming in, but it never locks any sat.

Give give up on the GPS working right!

I mean WTF is it going to take for my GPS to work right? Tried every freaking tip, trick and app avail. Still takes forever to find my location. I dont live in a freaking cave or a valcano! Trying to get this to work is like trying to find the cure for cancer. I give up >:-(
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
darkside79 said:
I mean WTF is it going to take for my GPS to work right? Tried every freaking tip, trick and app avail. Still takes forever to find my location. I dont live in a freaking cave or a valcano! Trying to get this to work is like trying to find the cure for cancer. I give up >:-(
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Company has even supplied a fix. What does it do? Reset everything back to default. From Samsung itself:
"During online surveillance, there is an abundance of GPS tweaks that impair GPS performance. Often times, no backup is performed to restore values prior to modifications. Samsung has released an application that restores GPS settings to recommended factory defaults for optimum performance."
http://ow.ly/3hEM1
You are not alone op. The GPS on this phone is broken and after taking it apart numerous times and applying every fix known the GPS barely works with a horrible accuracy and then stops working completely after a day or so. Sure, if I do a cold reset I can get it working again for a bit but again the accuracy is so bad it can't be used for navigation in any area with more than one road. You will get some confusing reviews on here from some people in the midwest using there navigation 20 miles from the nearest road or building taller than 2 stories but for those of us that don't have a 360 degree line of sight to the sky are pretty much screwed.
I used GPS on my 4 year old blackberry daily and I can't believe I am debating going back to it.
The GPS on this phone is broken! It is a hardware issue and is not going to be fixed on this forum. Samsung is unable to fix this issue without a recall and don't kid yourself...they are not going to do that.
Recall is such a cute word, consumers like to throw it around when they have a problem... if you think the phone is going to be recalled you've got another thing coming. "recalled" LOL
It sure is a hardware issue. My G1 if left on the flooboard of my car behaves exactly like my S with a clear satellite view. This GPS radio has a poor signal/noise ratio that no software can fix. QA missed this one.
I picked up a HTC G2 yesterday. I ran gps status on it. The gps had never been used before and it locked 9 sat's in less than 5 sec's for 9ft of accuracy. I knew my vibrant wasn't the greatest gps device, but I didnt know it was that bad. on the bright side, I never had any real navigation issues with the vibrant, so it still served a purpose. I understand some people have real lemon gps units, so I guess im lucky.
Mine gets a gps lock as soon as maps gets open and gps was turned off so that was just with cell networks finding me, turn on the gps and boom 9m accuracy, and samsung will not recall these for it.
^ mine too... I really do not understand all of these GPS threads....
well, actually I do.. darkside makes most of them.
s15274n said:
^ mine too... I really do not understand all of these GPS threads....
well, actually I do.. darkside makes most of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe if you had one like I do you would understand.. Makes you want to rip your hair out when some ppl have great gps and you look at yours and say pos
GPS works perfect for me right out of the box, since I bought it, only takes about 5-10 seconds to get a lock, even in bad weather. I also live in the south though which makes me closer to the satelites, so I take it the people with issues live up north?
proresearch said:
GPS works perfect for me right out of the box, since I bought it, only takes about 5-10 seconds to get a lock, even in bad weather. I also live in the south though which makes me closer to the satelites, so I take it the people with issues live up north?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locks are one thing, Accuracy is another. Look at this map. Zoom in on it. It rarely has me driving on the road. I even took a train track for a little distance.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201142930973527917117.0004965a1c506459779a6
When I first got the phone the GPS sorta worked, after JI6 it worked better but not the greatest. Now I've reverted back to Stock JFD and have used GPS in many situations, even used it to drive 1.5hrs to the Cities with Navigation, never lost signal, was dead on (except starting out because I didn't follow it until I got onto the highway) and on my way home I used it too, no loss of signal or anything.
I've used it to check in on FS and have no problems finding my location.
I got my phone maybe a after it was released? Just saying..
My Fascinate takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes to get going. If I don't gave a general sense of direction when starting my trip, I must wait.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Thanks Lodingi...now I can add the fascinate to the list of phones I won't be buying when I dump this one.
To those of you who can't seem to find anything wrong with the GPS try using it in any densly populated area. Even the mightiest of the GPS fanboys on here aren't getting any better than about 100 feet of accuracy. 100 feet of accuracy is crap and makes the GPS totally unreliable for the majority of the US population that live in dense areas.
Minneapolis/St. Paul is "Heavily Dense" population. I picked up a signal that was dead on in a few seconds.
Lol sure you did. What software were you using and how many feet accuracy? chirp...chirp...
snowdogging said:
Lol sure you did. What software were you using and how many feet accuracy? chirp...chirp...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, you're a little prick aren't you?
I'm using Stock JFD, with GPS/Use Wireless networks checked. Navigation/Maps locks on with in a few seconds.
does it piss you off that it works on my phone and not yours or what?
Just tested accuracy INSIDE my office, connected to 6-10 sats and within 150FT This is inside.
Do you know what use wireless networks checked even means? You also failed to answer the how many feet question. You can keep calling me names but it doesn't mean your gps is working.
I am not the emotional one here.
snowdogging said:
Do you know what use wireless networks checked even means? .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I do , It uses the Wireless Networks/Towers to Triangulate your location.
@samsungservice told me to do a factory format reset which actually wipes the phone clean...
After the factory format, my phone lag is gone.
GPS is once again locking within 10 seconds, however now when I come to a stop in the car, GPS wonders 100's of yards off causing the MAPS to recalculate the route which totally screws you when you lost.
I also ran run GPSrestrore app which didn't fix the wondering issue.
This GPS issue really bites. STILL

Nexus S and Satellite Navigation / Google Navigation

I'm interested to know everyone's experiences of navigation on the Nexus S.
My experiences are that Google Navigation on the Nexus ONE was faultless. On the Nexus S though I have the following issues:
Weak GPS lock. Either loses satellites completely or not accurate enough at busy junctions where the device may put me on the wrong road, exit etc.
Secondly, the Navigation app freezes completely regularly enough to be a pain.
Third, the GPS fix seems to be impaired when the phone is in a cradle (powered).
This is a real deal breaker for me as I do travel for work and don't want to revert to Tomtom.
So, is this the general experience? Or is my device faulty?
Thanks in advance.
veggiop said:
I'm interested to know everyone's experiences of navigation on the Nexus S.
My experiences are that Google Navigation on the Nexus ONE was faultless. On the Nexus S though I have the following issues:
Weak GPS lock. Either loses satellites completely or not accurate enough at busy junctions where the device may put me on the wrong road, exit etc.
Secondly, the Navigation app freezes completely regularly enough to be a pain.
Third, the GPS fix seems to be impaired when the phone is in a cradle (powered).
This is a real deal breaker for me as I do travel for work and don't want to revert to Tomtom.
So, is this the general experience? Or is my device faulty?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have had some ****ty experience with the S.... HOWEVER... after this 2.3.3 i am seeing much better/faster GPS lock, and it is on par with the GPS from my old Nexus One... i am even able to get a stable GPS lock indoor at floor 4 in a 6 story building... so i am very impressed with the 2.3.3 update.
veggiop said:
I'm interested to know everyone's experiences of navigation on the Nexus S.
My experiences are that Google Navigation on the Nexus ONE was faultless. On the Nexus S though I have the following issues:
Weak GPS lock. Either loses satellites completely or not accurate enough at busy junctions where the device may put me on the wrong road, exit etc.
Secondly, the Navigation app freezes completely regularly enough to be a pain.
Third, the GPS fix seems to be impaired when the phone is in a cradle (powered).
This is a real deal breaker for me as I do travel for work and don't want to revert to Tomtom.
So, is this the general experience? Or is my device faulty?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me. I have not updated to 2.3.3 so i can't tell if the issue has improved.
I have used the nav about 7-8 times and its been perfect for me with no faults. I'm in south Florida. Not sure if my location matters
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I've been using Navigation while mounted in my car every day since launch day. It has never frozen up and has dropped the sat lock maybe twice.
There were a few days where it could not download a route for any destination, but I was flashing CM7 Nightlies + gapps on a daily basis without wiping. A wipe before the next flash fixed it.
Otherwise flawless.
mylexon20s said:
I have used the nav about 7-8 times and its been perfect for me with no faults. I'm in south Florida. Not sure if my location matters
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here except I'm in central FL. I've used CM alpha builds and currently using Gcollab builds. Never had an issue. Once it's locked, it's locked.
I've always used navigation on my nexus one and when I used with the S I was disappointed. It use to took even 10 mins to get a gps lock if I got one at all.
But after 2.3.3 update everything turned around, now I get a full lock with 10 sats in seconds and the navigation it's smooths and flawless.
Aside the weird colors, there's not one bad change after I updated to 2.3.3
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I constantly use my Google Navigate in Anchorage, Alaska and so far it has been nothing short of perfect. Although, any city in Alaska is probably way more simple than a larger city in the lower US.
However, there was one time it told me to take a right turn onto a one-way street, and then it proceeded to tell me to go in circles and my destination will be on the left. Weird.
Only happened once, never happened again.
GPS locks happen incredibly quickly, and I have never lost a lock.
Using CM7 RC1.
I had same GPS issues. I haven't really used much on 2.3.3 yet but it does seems a little better.
I've found the Nexus S to be quite slow to get a GPS lock.
I sat the Nexus S side by side with my old HTC Hero near a window and the Hero got a lock quickly and Nexus S didn't get one at all.
Tried the Nexus S in the car today and it did get a lock but slowly.
Running Stock 2.3.3 Rooted
I use nav almost every weekday and on the days I use it, I use it a lot. Getting a lock on isnt typically an issue. Sometimes it lags, usually it seems like its fast enough. My biggest gripe is that the onscreen position usually lags around 30-50ft behind my actual position on the road.
Also, this doesnt happen often (but regularly enough to be irritating) I will be driving on a route and all of a sudden the navi will think my position is on some other road and will re-route me. Very annoying!!!
My N1 had perfect nav. What sucked about it was the screen was not big enough, too dim and generally sluggish when moving maps around. The NS corrects all those things but now the nav is kinda sucky
7/8 visible satellites locked, indoors, with 10m accuracy, with wifi off in less than 15 seconds here just now. This was with the GPS Status app. I did notice it downloaded almanac data over 3G as soon as I started it up, so that's a bit of an assist for a lock from just a cold start.
GPS never been much of an issue on the Nexus S for me. The Galaxy S i9000 and Vibrant, that's another story.
I also have never had a problem with the GPS. I use it regularly for work and have never encountered any of the things mentioned. Could be an area issue?
I wish it was an area issue... but never had a problem with my N1
My Nexus S running the 2.3.3 OS takes very long to get a GPS lock, and at times I would reach my destination before it even get a fix.
I wonder if my phone is at fault here or some kind of bug.
I am thinking of calling the tech support to see if they can offer some help.
mine works immediately as i turn on the car, in all kind of nasty weather
99.999999999% accurate
Wonder if getting a Bluetooth GPS reciever would help
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Using a Nexus S with Android 2.3.3:
my GPS does get a fix but loses the fix quite often! Compared to my old htc tattoo phone, the gps on my nexus s is not working well.
While navigating in my car, the htc never loses the gps fix while the gps of my nexus goes on and off... :-( The weird thing is that both phones have almost identical signal-to-noise ratios (per satellite) but the nexus simply does not get a fix while the htc has no problems...
I have to say, I am really disappointed regarding the gps performance of the nexus s!
sorry to hear that guys,
maybe I'm a bit more lucky in this but I'm very happy with the navigation on my SNS.
I have recently upgraded my i9020 to 2.3.3 stock rom (was running stock 2.3.1 also without any problems) and my navigation works perfect. I'm even surprised about the accuracy of this device. This one brings me up to a few meters accurate to required destination. I didn't belive this myself as phone nav cannot realy compare with the "real" TomTom's or Garmins.
Actually, the whole phone works perfect (wifi and 3G as wel) and hopefully I will keep it this way.
greetz
BTW. Since GPS problems on my previous phone (i5800 Galaxy3) I use a GPS Booster Lite from Octy. Maybe this is the trick. I'd say, try it, dosn't cost anything.
Nexus S 2.3.2 here
Whenever I enter downtown Houston, my nav completely fails, no GPS, nada
and it's terribly frustrating because I hate navigating downtown Houston
I may just go 2.3.3 to see if it's better... won't hold my breath

So does your GPS work?

Mine works with S.GPS fix and with Darkys rom
It is also made after OCT 2010
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Mine works with S.GPS fix / with Darkys rom
It is made on JUN 2010
The GPS always "worked", it's the matter of how "well" it works. Drifting all over the place at red light and have accuracy > 50 meters is not considered working well.
I am also using Darky's rom, and my gps is spot on. It pinpoints me in my house. on navigation, it is alway right there. mine was made june 2010
Mine works after the hardware fix with solder. Before that it was unusable. Now it "works" as well as the software allows. With Bionix V 1.3.1 and Jellete's patch it usually locks within 20 seconds, but accuracy varies greatly. Sometimes its flawless, sometimes its unusable.
If you are having problems, use Heathen GPS fix, Masters GPS fix or download the app GPS Aids from the market. they will resolve your gps issue (one will) OR just get a decent rom that has it in it already like the Trigger or Axura
I have had two Vibrants. I've tried every fix out there while the fixes improve the GPS nothing truly fixes the GPS. I've tried the Hardware fix (bending the antenna) and all sorts of software and setting fixes. Currently with my new vibrant is better with the hardware fix, darky's rom and Jellett's GPS fix, but is it close to my G1 or G2? No, there is no comparison.
As an earlier poster said and I agree, the GPS is not broken but it barely works, it loses signal and does not pin point your location is a respectable time.
GPS with this phone is a C- at best.
Mannymal said:
Mine works after the hardware fix with solder. Before that it was unusable. Now it "works" as well as the software allows. With Bionix V 1.3.1 and Jellete's patch it usually locks within 20 seconds, but accuracy varies greatly. Sometimes its flawless, sometimes its unusable.
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Click to collapse
if that is the case then IMO, it's unusable or defective. GPS should be reliable all the time, well as long as it can see the satellites. If the phone dropped calls or failed to sent txts at much as the GPS gave issue would you still have the phone?
I really like my Vibrant, but GPS is useable but that is all. My HTC phones gps would locate me within a 5 foot radius as I took a walk. I don't think the Samsung gps ts capable of that. The Vibrant GPS has never shown better than 18 feet accuracy and it comes and goes as you move.
Much to my surprise, no it doesn't. I tried flashing the s.gps fix but its still useless. I'm running trigger 2.8 with its recommended trigger kernel and both are supposed to improve the gps not screw it up, what's wrong!
Btw, it was functional before so its nit a hardware problem.
Sent from my full Trigger powered SGH-T959 using XDA App
Not before the hardware fix. Now it works wonderfully. Quick locks, good accuracy, no drifting. My combo is Bionix 1.3.1 with Heathens GPS fix and the hardware fix.
I have tried everything to get this phone gps to work. And when I say work I mean work like a normal gps ie.. less then 15 foot accuracy lock in 10 sec hot start everytime and no wondering at all. On top of a parking garage at work with a 360 horizon view and no clouds at all I can get 8 says to "lock" but it shows the blue circle 50+ feet away from my actual position and the center of the circle 70+ feet away. The gps on my phone has never worked and I have done every fix out there including hardware, which I thought fixed it bit then found out it did not. Right now I am hoping that the t-mobile gx2 wont have these issues as that will likely be my next phone. So those of you that think your gps os fixed let's see some "my tracks" in comparison to a known working phone like the nexus one, my other phone that blows the galaxy out of the water on gps. I am betting that you will see that it really doesn't work at all.
Abu-7abash said:
Much to my surprise, no it doesn't. I tried flashing the s.gps fix but its still useless. I'm running trigger 2.8 with its recommended trigger kernel and both are supposed to improve the gps not screw it up, what's wrong!
Btw, it was functional before so its nit a hardware problem.
Sent from my full Trigger powered SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe yours has a hardware issue. I run Tigger 2.8 with os kernel. My gps is not great but it is usable and serviceable.
reddragon72 said:
I have tried everything to get this phone gps to work. And when I say work I mean work like a normal gps ie.. less then 15 foot accuracy lock in 10 sec hot start everytime and no wondering at all. On top of a parking garage at work with a 360 horizon view and no clouds at all I can get 8 says to "lock" but it shows the blue circle 50+ feet away from my actual position and the center of the circle 70+ feet away. The gps on my phone has never worked and I have done every fix out there including hardware, which I thought fixed it bit then found out it did not. Right now I am hoping that the t-mobile gx2 wont have these issues as that will likely be my next phone. So those of you that think your gps os fixed let's see some "my tracks" in comparison to a known working phone like the nexus one, my other phone that blows the galaxy out of the water on gps. I am betting that you will see that it really doesn't work at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask for a replacement. The GPS on my phone was crap, would lock on after a few minutes then lose position, could see 12 birds in the sky but won't lock on any one of them, and if it did work I would magically fly through houses and roads when I was driving my car. I got a replacement and it works flawlessly out of the box. Locks on within 30 seconds, accuracy depending where I am is anywhere from 10 meters to 4 meters. It has a few hiccups but I attribute that to where I live. Only problem now is that the GPS fixes in Bionix 1.3.1 kills my GPS. I am unsure why.
nomadrider123 said:
Maybe yours has a hardware issue. I run Tigger 2.8 with os kernel. My gps is not great but it is usable and serviceable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, it was working fine before on stock. Not great but functionable while now its useless.
Sent from my full Trigger powered SGH-T959 using XDA App
Abu-7abash said:
The thing is, it was working fine before on stock. Not great but functionable while now its useless.
Sent from my full Trigger powered SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried any of the fixes by the devs?
My GPS works like Sprint's network. Many claim its great, but it kinda works and it really sucks.
I don't have a problem with it locking when I'm stationary. The problem comes when I'm driving. GPS loses lock easily and jumps around. This leads to unnecessary reroutes and general confusion. It's borderline unusable in unfamiliar areas where you actually need the GPS help because of the random reroutes. The fact Samsung gets away with this kind of product defect is a reflection of current govt incompetence/corruption.
Mine works perfect with Trigger.
Spoke w/ Tmo rep, they said to download "GPS Restore" (a samsung app) from the market to fix gps issues. Don't know if anyone else has tried this but I have and it actually helps a lottt.

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