Database Users

[Q] Spica GPS problems

Hi all,
I am trying to find out how widespread the GPS locking problems are with this model. I am talking about non-assisted GPS, which can be tested using the "GPS Test" application on the market.
So, how is the GPS on your phone performing using GPS Test? Please give some detailed information like lock time, number of sattelites, urban/countryside location, and if possible firmware version of your phone.
---
My Spica cannot get a lock at all, will see up to 11 satellites but most of them with signal strength bars at zero. Firmware versions tested (all same result)
1.5 (XEJB2)
2.1 (XXJD1, XXJD4, XXJF2, XXJC3)

Same pb with my wife's spica. Samdroid version with FE7.
Can't lock withour assistance. What a pitty.

Go to your Settings -> Date & Time -> Uncheck Automatic and see if it helps
Or you can try this (need root)
http://forum.samdroid.net/f38/gps-speedup-1262/
http://forum.samdroid.net/f10/fasterfix-1747/ <-- same but easier

i can get a fix under 2 minutes if I stay still...moving, it can take an eternity

AfzalivE said:
i can get a fix under 2 minutes if I stay still...moving, it can take an eternity
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.samdroid.net/f38/gps-speedup-1262/ <-- if you're willing to root you can edit it to your location.

i just don't bother with that any more...I might do it again after a month without wiping any data
rooting is like breathing to me ... as it would be to most of the people here

Anyone found a solution yet?
My spica wont connect via gps either. It just keeps blinking and nothing happens...not even after 30min.
I've tried GPStest and it reports that 12 satellites are in view but non in use, and there is no bars everything is at 0...not picking any signal at all :S
I tried my friend's one too and he gets a signal imediatley and a lock after about 10-30seconds.
Any solution to this? Is it a software problem or hardware problem?

Zitko said:
Anyone found a solution yet?
My spica wont connect via gps either. It just keeps blinking and nothing happens...not even after 30min.
I've tried GPStest and it reports that 12 satellites are in view but non in use, and there is no bars everything is at 0...not picking any signal at all :S
I tried my friend's one too and he gets a signal imediatley and a lock after about 10-30seconds.
Any solution to this? Is it a software problem or hardware problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the alpha CyanogenMod 2.2 and GPS is working like a charm!
Problem was with the wrong libraries being used in many of the custom roms found at SamdroidMod. Devs found out about this issue and fixed it in this 2.2 release.

I'm running original firmwire which i got on the phone. (XXJE4)
I'm not willing to install alpha cyanogen of froyo yet...Is there really no other solution? I've had a chance to compare my spica to another one with original firmwire (JE4 too) ant that other spica worked while my gps had no lock. Also i had the chance to try one with samdroid on and it worked too.
Mine works from time to time. at the moment it works, earlier today it wouldn't get a lock no matter how long i waited.

First thing-delete /data/xtra.bin- this is data for agps which seems to cause gps locking problem. You can do it with RootExplorer/SUFBS or any file manager with root rights. Or use GPS Status and Reset agps data from setting. You can also try to swap libsec-ril.so, JF2 version works best for me. If you want I can provide update packages for libsec-ril.so

i have installed cyanogenmod 7.1 on mine, and can get a lock under 1min30s outside or under 3min in the bus near the window.

I have a rooted spica with android version: 2.2.2, baseband version: i570EXXJC1, kernel version:2.6.29 and Mod version:SamdroidMod-2.2.2-a9.
When I go to google maps app and click set location I always get an error saying: location temporary unavailable ! I checked the option on Settings->Location and security->Use wireless networks and use GPS satellites. And my phone is connected to the internet.
I just bought the phone last week, and its really embarrassing not getting this to work.

schermvlieger said:
I installed the alpha CyanogenMod 2.2 and GPS is working like a charm!
Problem was with the wrong libraries being used in many of the custom roms found at SamdroidMod. Devs found out about this issue and fixed it in this 2.2 release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the useful info, you saved my life by this post.
i thought my gps is wrong in my spica then it was just a bug in the cooked rom. cyanogen mod is cool and gps is working now perfectly.
thanks again!

With spicagenmod + hp/yonip kernel gps work very well.

Vibrant GPS patch improves I9000 ROM GPS performance a billion fold

Find the patch here:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782242
I mentioned this in another thread:
Prior to installing the patch I was getting only 4-6 satellites with a 50-100m accuracy (on a clear day) and I would constantly loose lock. I actually had to write down directions (so early millennium)!
Well after a quick nandroid, I decided to take the plunge and install the patch and guess what, it works great! I get 10 satellites (in my car) with a 30m accuracy in the cup holder. If I move the phone to the dash I get a 16m accuracy. Satellite lock within a few miles of driving and not a single loss of lock. And this was all on a cloudy, rainy midwest commute.
(first topic, so don't lambaste if its a repost. did a search no one to my knowledge has tried it)
[edit] Running JM5 international ROM, maybe useful for stock ROMS, already incorporated into SRE

Before diving in, can anyone confirm that they've had the same experience?

The files didn't work for me, I tried them when they were released.

OP, what firmware version were you on before?
Also, did you try cognition 2.1.X and copare your new results with that?
Please be detailed what you are comparing to.
Thanks...

the vibrant fix seemed to work for me. i am however sitting outside not driving. ill test it out later with driving around. did 5 tests with an average lock time of 10 seconds. im using 2.1.4 cog rom.

I am using JM5 with the captivate kernal which I have only used from day one. I have no lag fixes or any other mods installed. i have not tried SRE because I want to run the I9000 roms (i think this is the reason why I am still able to use my MediaNet unlimited internet and messaging, so I don't want to try an at&t roms).
I have had my phone for almost a month now and I have never been able to use the gps reliably with any of the international roms. I stuck to JM5 because I get the best D/U speeds.

I'll definitely try this because the international Galaxy S firmware and ROM I'm using isn't doing too well as far as GPS capabilities.

Installation aborted...
(On Cog 2.1.5 with Voodoo and HSUPA)

It's not working very well for me on 2.1.5..

This is my first topic, so I was a little short on the details.

LinuxNewb said:
I'll definitely try this because the international Galaxy S firmware and ROM I'm using isn't doing too well as far as GPS capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an issue with that at first, let me post up my settings. It would not lock on any sats with the google SUPL and only see one. The settings had carried over from previous nandroid backup.

vijtable said:
Before diving in, can anyone confirm that they've had the same experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does work. i couldn't even get a lock on my gps before and now i'm getting 5-6 locked with 9 detected. I installed the patch on my Captivate yesterday and did a 35 miles test drive going home from work where there only 3 times where the gps lost signal. This morning i didn't get any lost signal at all.
firmware info:
version 2.1
i897ucjh7
kernel version 2.6.29 [email protected] #2
Here's the gps settings:
Application settings:
Session Type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W test
operation mode: ms based
start mode: hot start
gps plus: on
dynamic accuracy: on
accuracy: 120
use skyhook: on
use pc tool: off
supl/cp settings:
server fqdn type: custom config
server: supl.google.com
server port: 7276
supl secure socket: off
agps mode: supl

You guys on Cog 2.1.5, I have the GPS files from JI4 in there, no need to add this in, wont help if its not working for you

I have sky hook on and using supl.google.com
I tested this on my 25 miles drive last night from work, and the same commute this morning for 12 miles but then my battery died because I didn't charge it last night.

designgears said:
You guys on Cog 2.1.5, I have the GPS files from JI4 in there, no need to add this in, wont help if its not working for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying. About to flash .5 here in a bit.

designgears said:
You guys on Cog 2.1.5, I have the GPS files from JI4 in there, no need to add this in, wont help if its not working for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't realize that, and I couldn't find any posts regarding it (maybe if I really really really searched hard) so this is good for international roms and maybe stock roms

agpsd isn't used for the Captivate
Captivate uses glgps_samsungJupiter
You can't just copy files over and assume it'll magically work.
The only file you're changing is libsecgps.so

What is really funny is the "config type" I've always done automatic and after a reboot on a cold lock it'll take 10-30 seconds but then on a warm lock it'll take 3-5 seconds which is WAY better than most of these fixes...
Once I get my phone back to 100% I will try this method and my old config.

I've been futzing all morning with this, and I had just updated the jupiter.xml to v003.
didn't help.
I then installed this patch, updated the SUPL settings to the google server, and supl instead of control plane, and got my first 7/7 lock.
Don't know which did the trick, or how long it will last.
I'm flying from NJ to California today, so it's going to be interesting to see if the phone can pick up the gps birds from a new location.
keep up the good work!

I take what I said back. It seems like libclientgps.so is a renamed libgps.so and it's highly important. Good stuff. There's a JI5 now. We should use those files. I don't find any agpsd references so I feel like we're missing something in this package.

very very poor gps...

Hi,
Im on darky 9.3 and very happy with the rom but Ive massive gps issues...
It takes about 5min to fix, sometimes more, as soon as Im start to move (car, feet) the signal stops at the last point...
In copilot Im gettin only 6 sat and no one is about the half...

One you have a custom rom ask the developer search in his pages read the faqs .
Two millions of posts on here about GPS use search and try the fixes posted .
jje

I recommend you try docs rom based on JP8 and the Q1 modem. My GPS is great now.

On some units, the precision of GPS is poor and often can't be fixed enough by software. Only 2 solutions:
- RMA for a new built unit
- make the hardware antena fix suggested in this forum (search here for the fix)
On bad units, despite all firmware/software hacks, precision is bad. It will be ok in rural areas but will jump streets in urban areas with high roads density.
Probably, the soldering on antenna varies from unit to unit on early models, explaining why for some it's ok and others not. Also, many live and try GPS in areas with lower roads density, giving them the impression of a good track despite a bad precision of the GPS. Also, tons of posts with only test of the fix speed. The fix speed was solved enough on some ROMs, but the precision will never be enough on high density urban areas

Well assuming that its not hardware I would try a different modem. I was on darkys rom and had a very bad GPS with the JQ1 modem but JVE works very well for me.
I suggest you try a couple different ones, you can get CWM flashable zip files from this nice person here: http://perka.zapto.org/

the galaxy s has always had poor gps but samsung will not fix it

dakine said:
Well assuming that its not hardware I would try a different modem. I was on darkys rom and had a very bad GPS with the JQ1 modem but JVE works very well for me.
I suggest you try a couple different ones, you can get CWM flashable zip files from this nice person here: http://perka.zapto.org/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fine, I downloaded JVE but CWM wont install always says an error...
Any help?

audino said:
Fine, I downloaded JVE but CWM wont install always says an error...
Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange it worked fine for me, what rom are you on?

even on stock ROM's the GPS was shocking. apparently Samsung fixed it but it still sucks

dakine said:
Strange it worked fine for me, what rom are you on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on darky 9.3
on the stock it worked better but not really fine...

audino said:
on darky 9.3
on the stock it worked better but not really fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I'm on Juwe's rom 3 gingerbread Jvk what is the best fix code for italy?
It's correct use fastfixer? And check with gpstest...or there is another way for check fixes sat european???
Thanks

Recent tests on cold boot ie fresh rom installed .
Clear line of sight to sky 5 mins to allow new satellite data to be picked up no wifi no mobile date pure GPS no APGPS etc .
Modem JPY 10 satellites found error 5-10 metres
Modem JVK 11 satellites found error 5-10 metres.
Both on Rom Kitchen XWJS8 with Hardcore kernel .
Tested with GPS status .
jje

Please go to the Darky´s forum, and check this [GUIDE] GPS QUICKEST FIX [SOLUTION]

Im not able to exchange the gps file on the system\etc Im not alowed even my phone is rooted ?!
The fix on the gps test programm works fine an im gettin 6-8 in use wie 18-32db...
But as soon as Im mooving the connection is loosing...

JJEgan said:
Recent tests on cold boot ie fresh rom installed .
Clear line of sight to sky 5 mins to allow new satellite data to be picked up no wifi no mobile date pure GPS no APGPS etc .
Modem JPY 10 satellites found error 5-10 metres
Modem JVK 11 satellites found error 5-10 metres.
Both on Rom Kitchen XWJS8 with Hardcore kernel .
Tested with GPS status .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that GPS is more complicated than that.. Just because it says "5-10 accuracy", how do you know that's true? You need tracks to work that stuff out.
Originally, there were a few people here who grabbed GPS status and pointed out their "GPS was perfect". But, after pressuring them for ages, they either admitted that their tracks were horrible (but found excuses), or disappeared. There was one guy though who I saw with a decent track, but I suspect he might have used a bluetooth GPS (I have never seen his results replicated)..
Test using tracks, preferably using a second GPS as reference (such as a fitness GPS). Number of satelites and claimed accuracy means very little, because satellites move around. How do you know if there were maybe a maximum of 11 the first time, and not 16 the second? Hence why you need a reference.. So you can compare the tracks accurately.

As you have said before .
Post was really only a reference .
My GPS does what i want tracks i return are good enough for my use as is location etc .
My tracks have been posted before in the GPS thread .
Next time i use tracks i might remember to post them . But you ignored the last ones i posted .
jje

I played last night a little bit around with my gps because i had the same problem.
I found a code to get in the gps service menu *#*#3214789650#*#*.
I found the SUPL/CP Settings and there is the supl.google.com server, i remembered i had some gps problems on my Nokia E71 too, long time ago.
On my Nokia i fixed it easily with the supl.nokia.com server, and i changed from google to the nokia server and now i get the gps fix in a few seconds.
I tested it about 6 times, always deleted the gps cache, works for me.
Maybe you can test it and give a reply, you dont need to reboot your phone, it works immediately.

wudini said:
I played last night a little bit around with my gps because i had the same problem.
I found a code to get in the gps service menu *#*#3214789650#*#*.
I found the SUPL/CP Settings and there is the supl.google.com server, i remembered i had some gps problems on my Nokia E71 too, long time ago.
On my Nokia i fixed it easily with the supl.nokia.com server, and i changed from google to the nokia server and now i get the gps fix in a few seconds.
I tested it about 6 times, always deleted the gps cache, works for me.
Maybe you can test it and give a reply, you dont need to reboot your phone, it works immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt made a sense the fix is quite quick on both but as far as im moving the signal losts... On the google navigation im not able to navigat on copilot it works much much better but it still jumps around... And on copilot the screen seems to lag a bit:-(
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Ohh, i understand.

For me, the first Gingerbread modem (JVE) solved all my GPS problems. I even compared it with my Garmin Nuvi and they had same precision and speed/refresh rate, the only difference is that the Galaxy needed 2 or 3 min without data connection to lock satellites, while the Garmin only needed 30 secs. I can't complain

AGPS PATCH FOR ICONIA USERS (Works on Galaxy Tab 10.1!)

So I've had issues with my GPS not locking and constantly searching for a lock. I've always only managed to get about the most 4 sats but it would take forever to lock! When I had my Acer Iconia A500 I found this patch that immidietely fixed my locking issue and gained 11 sats which locked on within seconds! I have the Galaxy Tab 10.1 16gb Wifi GT-P7510 and I can confirm that this works on our Tab. (See attached images)
( I downloaded the GPS.config if curious as to which one worked for me)
Here is the linik to the OP:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267899
Hope this works for you guys as it did for me Though it says For Iconia Users it does work for Galaxy tab as well.
Steps I did:
-Downloaded Gps.config only build
-Extracted all
-Went into extracted folder and under system/etc/ copy gps.config
-In etc folder, replaced current gps.config with the copied one and reboot.
-After reboot I turned on GPS and opened GPS Status app and watched the sats pop up and lock
Edit: I used GPS Status app in market to view sats

Never had any problem with GPS on my tab, even inside the house. Coming from a Samsung Captivate, I'd be very wary of any AGPS 'patch' or work arounds. Most of them are snake oils. They will sometimes work for you but none will last over a week.
If you have problems with GPS like you said, exchange for a different unit is the only fix for a Samsung product.

If you are having GPS problems I would probably return it. The GPS on my Tab is probably the best mobile device GPS I've ever had. I could be in my living room, and if I leave Google Maps open for a minute I get a lock with a 5 meter accuracy.

I just used Co-Pilot to navigate a trip from Louisiana to TX. GPS locked while I was still in the multi-story concrete car rental garage. It never missed a beat on the four hour trip. The GPS on the G-Tab performs better than my SGS2.

I'll try this out for a week and see how it goes. Yeah I heard that SGT had really fast gps lock but never saw that when I first tried navigation. Only now after trying out this patch I can see how quick it is. Hopefully it stays like this.I can always exchange it if it doesn't. I'm still within my 90 days. Or if a better tab comes along within that span would be nice to.

Im thinking about buying a GT for my wife, can the GPS be used offline if I download maps? Im thinking about the wifi version...

a1qwyx20 said:
Im thinking about buying a GT for my wife, can the GPS be used offline if I download maps? Im thinking about the wifi version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maps will provide you with the directions. Navigation will not work if gps is offline. Maps will work fine offline. It will still give you the detailed list/maps like in navigation just not the turn by turn.

my gps only works on my stock TW rooted nandroid... if i flash any other ROM to my gtab the gps wont lock... so strange...

a1qwyx20 said:
Im thinking about buying a GT for my wife, can the GPS be used offline if I download maps? Im thinking about the wifi version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Co-Pilot. The maps reside locally and it's not dependent on a wireless connection for navigation. You can also cache routes through Google Maps but it's not a perfect solution and you need to connect again to make any major changes to your route.

.torrented said:
my gps only works on my stock TW rooted nandroid... if i flash any other ROM to my gtab the gps wont lock... so strange...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had issues with locks even when it wasn't rooted. But since I did this patch I've had zero issues. I can easily get 11 sats to lock on vs standerd 4 sats. This patch is better then the original imho.

thanks
good app

[Q] a501 gps problem

i tried 3 diferint navigation softwares (sygic , ndrive , copilot live...all the latest verisions)... when navigating i get a 2-3 seconds stop like it loses gps signal .... every 20-30 seconds i get that loop... and then it jumps to where i am on the street...it's like a frame drop..... sorry for the bad english .... i even tried the gps fix that is on this forum ...the same thing.... can anybody help.?..thx.....

What rom are you using? Version?

yours ) alexandra II rev4 ...and i must say that is one of the best roms.... had no problem with it ...just this gps problem ...but i do not think that is rom related becouse the same thing hapend whit taboonay 2.2 , my previous rom ...... aaa...by the way Alexandra was the name of my ex girlfriend who left my for a rich old men .... and i said lets try this ***** one more time ..... and......your rom is beter then my ex girl )

stumpyalin said:
yours ) alexandra II rev4 ...and i must say that is one of the best roms.... had no problem with it ...just this gps problem ...but i do not think that is rom related becouse the same thing hapend whit taboonay 2.2 , my previous rom ...... aaa...by the way Alexandra was the name of my ex girlfriend who left my for a rich old men .... and i said lets try this ***** one more time ..... and......your rom is beter then my ex girl )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to know it works better than your ex
And, BTW, it's named after my soon to born daughter
Well, I'm An old guy. Better check the names of my girlfriends
But with Navigation, especially from a car, I really can't help you much with the "drop-outs". Mainly I don't own a car. (I use metro). I'm not sure just how powerful the gps radio is in the Acer. It works fine for me in the streets, and it will drop for a couple seconds, but always acquires again. Usually within 10 meters.
I'll probably look into some different scripts in a couple weeks. See what I can come up with.

my very best wishes to your soon to be born daughter .... thx for the reply ... hope this can be fixed.... i need the navigation more than facebook

one question ....does your rom has agps support properly enabled? after reading a litle bit more i belive it is rom related.... thx

stumpyalin said:
i tried 3 diferint navigation softwares (sygic , ndrive , copilot live...all the latest verisions)... when navigating i get a 2-3 seconds stop like it loses gps signal .... every 20-30 seconds i get that loop... and then it jumps to where i am on the street...it's like a frame drop..... sorry for the bad english .... i even tried the gps fix that is on this forum ...the same thing.... can anybody help.?..thx.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same problem.
I tryed the stock 3.0.1, the stock 3.1 as well as the taboonay and the thor ROM.
I have the same issue with Copilot Live and Google Navigator, It looks like they loose the fix.
I made some tests with GPS TEST, I can fix up to 4/5 sats indoor (more outodoor) with a signal strenth around 45 with no lost.
When I look at the satelite signal within Copilot, I can see that the power of the signal is just around the line in the middle (does that mean if the signal is too low, Copilot don't take it in account?)
So, all help is welcome, even for testing!
At least if some one can confirm that with a A501 and these apps/rom they d not have the issue, I can then suspect a hardware PB and ask for a replacement!

Taboonay vs Alexandra
Hi there,
I love the Taboonay rom; as you prefere the Alexandra one, can you give me/us are the main diference for you?

the biggest difference for me is the 3g module .... whit Alexandra I get a much better signal .... in my bedroom with taboonay I bearly get 3g signal ...but with Alexandra I get hsdpa+ ..... maybe it just me ....but I bealive the internet is a lot faster with alexandra..... but I will try all the roms until I find one in which the GPS works well .....for me the GPS navigation is the most important....

stumpyalin said:
the biggest difference for me is the 3g module .... whit Alexandra I get a much better signal .... in my bedroom with taboonay I bearly get 3g signal ...but with Alexandra I get hsdpa+ ..... maybe it just me ....but I bealive the internet is a lot faster with alexandra..... but I will try all the roms until I find one in which the GPS works well .....for me the GPS navigation is the most important....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I am looking into some better GPS Nav scripts. I am not "Garmin" and don't have a dedicated device.
And I have no car.
And I am an old fart, so I can only run at 52kph
But, if you find something that works, without 2 second interruption in GPS signal on occassion. Please, Send me a PM. I would appreciate it.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1456694
will this help?

So am i. My tab A500 can't use GPS

I've been having the same problem with my a501, I've tried all the fixes I have found on here to no avail. I would get a fix very quickly, but then lose it. After ripping out what hair I have left, it seemed to me that the GPS and cell tower locations were fighting for location (I'm using WAZE). I have disabled the network-provided time setting and the use wireless networks setting in location. It is now much better, not as good as my a100 with a wifi hotspot, but it was completely useless before.