Related
New to the forums, and betting this is a stupid Question, but I was wondering if there was anyway to tap into the GPS locater(built in for emergency calls such as 911) and use that for a GPS application, If the Wizard even has one built in, I would imagine that it does, but anways wondering if its possible, and if anyone has any incite into how to use this/turn it on?
There's no GPS in the wizard.
markgamber said:
There's no GPS in the wizard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emergency services can locate your phone fairly accurately using triangulation from the gsm phone masts, using network data. There was a company selling a tracking service such as this for mobile users a while back, but I forget the details.
yeah ran into that service a while back, but the main way to get to it was to buy two handsets and pay for their cheap data service and put the other handset in someones car or whatever and use the 1st handset to track them...
I think that navizon.com has a program like that. theres a trial version for free. Doesnt google maps also use that technology?
hmm try google map 2.0 they show u wat ur location is without GPS
try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=349188
I've tried both of these apps and both aren't worth a crap to me. They get my location in the right state, heck even the right city...almost. But I can't get it to be consistent let alone even half right.
I tried em both out and would like to know what I have been doing wrong since everyone else says that they are "great."
Thanks,
Ivan
It's already been said, but get Google Map 2.0...I installed it a few days ago, and it's not bad. I'm usually within 2000ft. of the calculated location.
Bad Karma said:
I've tried both of these apps and both aren't worth a crap to me. They get my location in the right state, heck even the right city...almost. But I can't get it to be consistent let alone even half right.
I tried em both out and would like to know what I have been doing wrong since everyone else says that they are "great."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing you did wrong was expect triangulation to work like you're watching CSI. In the real world, there is signal bounce, interference from trees, buildings, and other radio transmissions, and a whole host of other nameless error-creating problems. Radio triangulation is severely limited, but considering this sort of feature wasn't even available as a free application (much less being built into a mapping software as robust as GMaps) until VERY recently, it's pretty good, if you don't have GPS. You can buy a dongle to attach to your MDA, or you can suck it up, and deal with generally inaccurate location.
Trying it again...I thought that I had 2.0 but maybe not...I'll let you know either way how it comes out this time.
-Ivan
Ok much better...however it is still like 4 miles!!! off.
Does it update when in travel or how/when will it become more accurate??
Thanks agian,
Ivan
Google Maps 2 has "My location"
I dunno if you knew but Google Maps has been updated now and it offers My location - which is pretty close what GPS does. It gets your position through cellular towers and then it locates you within half a mile if I'm not mistaken...
Try it and c if it works 4 u
Myrddin Wyllt said:
It's already been said, but get Google Map 2.0...I installed it a few days ago, and it's not bad. I'm usually within 2000ft. of the calculated location.
The only thing you did wrong was expect triangulation to work like you're watching CSI. In the real world, there is signal bounce, interference from trees, buildings, and other radio transmissions, and a whole host of other nameless error-creating problems. Radio triangulation is severely limited, but considering this sort of feature wasn't even available as a free application (much less being built into a mapping software as robust as GMaps) until VERY recently, it's pretty good, if you don't have GPS. You can buy a dongle to attach to your MDA, or you can suck it up, and deal with generally inaccurate location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually google maps DOES NOT use triangulation..it will just show ur position based on a single cell tower and the signal strength being calculated by your phone..
So I tried my Google Maps 2.0 on the fly today...
It told me that it wouldn't work because I did not have a "data connection" and that I needed to contact my "service provider" to be able to utilize that function... (Or some crap like that)
What am I doing wrong now??
Thanks guys,
Ivan
I have installed and uninstalled a number of firmware/mod combinations on my xv6800 in hopes to get the GPS working. I don't believe that's going to happen (saddly, I feel like there's a conspiracy out there to trick peeps like me into spending weeks on this problem without any positive outcome) so I'm currently focusing on what DOES work with this device.
One thing that's flakey is the wifi. At home I'm running WEP128. It connects sometimes, others it will not. When it does not automatically connect but sees it, it asks for the key each time. What's the deal with that? Entering my long a$$ key each time has made me memorize it, but it's still a serious PITA. I don't have the same issue at most other places - still using WEP128. Doesn't appear to have any issues connecting to open APs. Does have issues connecting to a friend's AP, i that it doesn't even SEE it as available any more, after the initial 3-4 connects.
Thoughts on why this could be happening? Not having the GPS makes me very angry, but then to not have reliable wifi practially makes the device pointless, as I have another phone, my own PED and an actual good camera... and a laptop.
thanks for any helpful thoughts.
Chris
Chris,
I'm assuming from your post that the "XV" indicates you have a Verizon Phone? If so you might look at this link pertaining to GPS
http://www.phonenews.com/how-to-add-gps-to-htc-mogul-xv6800-p4000-titan-2663/
I'm not sure what to tell you about the WiFi. Mine works fine...
iamchrismoran said:
I have installed and uninstalled a number of firmware/mod combinations on my xv6800 in hopes to get the GPS working. I don't believe that's going to happen (saddly, I feel like there's a conspiracy out there to trick peeps like me into spending weeks on this problem without any positive outcome) so I'm currently focusing on what DOES work with this device.
One thing that's flakey is the wifi. At home I'm running WEP128. It connects sometimes, others it will not. When it does not automatically connect but sees it, it asks for the key each time. What's the deal with that? Entering my long a$$ key each time has made me memorize it, but it's still a serious PITA. I don't have the same issue at most other places - still using WEP128. Doesn't appear to have any issues connecting to open APs. Does have issues connecting to a friend's AP, i that it doesn't even SEE it as available any more, after the initial 3-4 connects.
Thoughts on why this could be happening? Not having the GPS makes me very angry, but then to not have reliable wifi practially makes the device pointless, as I have another phone, my own PED and an actual good camera... and a laptop.
thanks for any helpful thoughts.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the verizon Titan and just use mac filtering on my wireless router. The encryption slows it down to much for me and basically need the same encryption scheme on both sides to get it to work properly. I don't do anything that it needs to be encrypted and the mac filtering keeps the neighbors out as well.
timm9 said:
Chris,
I'm assuming from your post that the "XV" indicates you have a Verizon Phone? If so you might look at this link pertaining to GPS
http://www.phonenews.com/how-to-add-gps-to-htc-mogul-xv6800-p4000-titan-2663/
I'm not sure what to tell you about the WiFi. Mine works fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, of all the tuts and instructions I've tried and read, that one has never crossed my screen - and I have tried at least 4-5 different ones. The phone's already unlocked and has a custom rom on it. I didn't get an impression either way if this method will reset the device/settings/files/etc in it again. I guess I could try it out. Thanks.
I'm getting to the point of just wanting to pay someone to get teh GPS working on it.
The Wifi issue is just weird and flakey. No rhyme or reason I can see.
Chris
jambrose said:
I have the verizon Titan and just use mac filtering on my wireless router. The encryption slows it down to much for me and basically need the same encryption scheme on both sides to get it to work properly. I don't do anything that it needs to be encrypted and the mac filtering keeps the neighbors out as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think of doing that often... but well... I don't have a but. WEP is hackable, but feels secure enough , considering I have a bunch of secure APs in my neighborhood... some obscurity helps as well.
I know that sometimes if I restart my AP (linksys wrt54g) the xv6800 will just find it and connect on it's own.
Chris
There is absolutely no reason why gps should not work on your device. In fact in this forum we really don't even discuss it too much anymore because it's really just an understood thing to be working. If you are on verizon use the latest alltel radio 3.42.xx I can't remember exactly, load dcd's 3.2.6 or 3.3.4 and start from there. Wifi on these roms have power saving features make sure if you are using wifi that you have strength up to full. Also, all the moguls that I have had, DO NOT COUNT ON THEM AUTOMATICALLY FINDING ACCESS POINTS, simply go to start->settings->connections "view all available access points" and select the one you want to use. I have heard cases of gps having trouble locking if wifi is on so make sure the switch is off and vise versa. Do the verizon qpst and registry settings change. On verizon you should have a lock within 30 seconds everytime if you are within the continental US. Good luck and take your time.
Sweeny Russ said:
There is absolutely no reason why gps should not work on your device. In fact in this forum we really don't even discuss it too much anymore because it's really just an understood thing to be working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha... yeah, that's what's so frustrating. So many people getting it to work and me not. I'm no dolt. I follow directions quite well.
If you are on verizon use the latest alltel radio 3.42.xx I can't remember exactly, load dcd's 3.2.6 or 3.3.4 and start from there. Wifi on these roms have power saving features make sure if you are using wifi that you have strength up to full. Also, all the moguls that I have had, DO NOT COUNT ON THEM AUTOMATICALLY FINDING ACCESS POINTS, simply go to start->settings->connections "view all available access points" and select the
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 3.42.something new within the last two months. My first attempt was with the DCD. Nada.
As for finding available access points, at my friend's place, it just shows it listed as unavailable. At home, it will SEE it and even attempt to connect, but often fails, except for those random times when it will connect.
one you want to use. I have heard cases of gps having trouble locking if wifi is on so make sure the switch is off and vise versa. Do the verizon qpst and registry settings change. On verizon you should have a lock within 30 seconds everytime if you are within the continental US. Good luck and take your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... will it maintain the lock with the wifi turned back on afterward? The whole point is to be able to use gmaps with the GPS. I can install other s/w that has it's own maps as well, bypassing the need for the wifi, but for starters, getting GPS working first is important.
It's a verizon phone, but I don't have service turned on yet. I'm not going to switch my number over until I'm happy with how it's set up. I do not intend on using a data plan - too expensive, so wifi when in range and other gps s/w when I'm not will be used.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have taken some serious time with this. The nice thing is that I don't have to rush, so I've tried MANY different things from the forums and even the PPCgeeks IRC channel. If I practice any more patience, I'll be sleeping.
Chris
iamchrismoran said:
Wow, of all the tuts and instructions I've tried and read, that one has never crossed my screen - and I have tried at least 4-5 different ones. The phone's already unlocked and has a custom rom on it. I didn't get an impression either way if this method will reset the device/settings/files/etc in it again. I guess I could try it out. Thanks.
I'm getting to the point of just wanting to pay someone to get teh GPS working on it.
The Wifi issue is just weird and flakey. No rhyme or reason I can see.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That phonenews article was VERY helpful in getting me started, but:
It is ancient. Those old roms have problem. Use the newest DCD roms and radios found here. (thanks DCD and everyone)
ALSO, on the GPS.
If you EVER, EVER, installed the new Verizon MR1 upgrade, the GPS is locked. No worky no more..... But, simply find the older Verizon rom, it can be found. Downgrade to it and run it. Then go straight to the DCD rom/radio.
worwig said:
That phonenews article was VERY helpful in getting me started, but:
It is ancient. Those old roms have problem. Use the newest DCD roms and radios found here. (thanks DCD and everyone)
ALSO, on the GPS.
If you EVER, EVER, installed the new Verizon MR1 upgrade, the GPS is locked. No worky no more..... But, simply find the older Verizon rom, it can be found. Downgrade to it and run it. Then go straight to the DCD rom/radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did try the MR1 upgrade based aGPS hack, but I then realized that aGPS only matters if you've got a working GPS at all. Anyway, I then downgraded again and started over from scratch. I got my phone in September and did my series of hacks/upgrades/unlocks over the course of two weeks or nightly tries and retries. It's nice to hear someone say it WILL work, but Murphy's Law is working overtime with me on this one.
It is my understanding that if you don't have internet access than gps will not just not work on mogul. The gps one chip I believe is strictly an AGPS chip and cannot lock without using agps. However I guess some people have done it and use it, although even if you get it to work the lock will take forever. The mogul really needs that emphemeris data from the north american gps servers to function correctly. I didn't realize these were your terms.
Sweeny Russ said:
It is my understanding that if you don't have internet access than gps will not just not work on mogul. The gps one chip I believe is strictly an AGPS chip and cannot lock without using agps. However I guess some people have done it and use it, although even if you get it to work the lock will take forever. The mogul really needs that emphemeris data from the north american gps servers to function correctly. I didn't realize these were your terms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never seen it written anywhere that one would be required to have a data connection with the service provider to get a GPS lock. Seems ridiculous to me. If I wanted to pay for a data connection, then why the heck not just pay for the VZ Navigator access??
I've never seen aGPS as a requirement either. If all the tuts were about aGPS, I'd see that having that data connection was important. Boy, I sure could use a definitive on this. If I KNOW for fact that GPS just doesn't work without a data connection, I'd have to suck it up and get an external bluetooth GPS device if I care enough. I have believed however all along that the whole point was to access GPS hardware without incurring data charges.
thanks,
Chris
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=47602
its not the mogul, but same idea.
iamchrismoran said:
I did try the MR1 upgrade based aGPS hack, but I then realized that aGPS only matters if you've got a working GPS at all. Anyway, I then downgraded again and started over from scratch. I got my phone in September and did my series of hacks/upgrades/unlocks over the course of two weeks or nightly tries and retries. It's nice to hear someone say it WILL work, but Murphy's Law is working overtime with me on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, not trying to undermind you, but why did you aquire the mogul if you weren't planning on using internet access? I mean you loose live search, google maps, pic and video messaging, skyfire, ie, youtube, and pretty much everything that makes a mogul a mogul. If you bought it for the soul purpose of using as a gps device you definitely bought the wrong device.
Sweeny Russ said:
Also, not trying to undermind you, but why did you aquire the mogul if you weren't planning on using internet access? I mean you loose live search, google maps, pic and video messaging, skyfire, ie, youtube, and pretty much everything that makes a mogul a mogul. If you bought it for the soul purpose of using as a gps device you definitely bought the wrong device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TOTALLY reasonable question.
I will use the phone when I have it set how I like it.
I got it so I could have a reasonably convenient way to freely check my email and surf when in wifi range without needing to lug my laptop around with me. I got a good price on it, much cheaper than an actual laptop.
Nice sized screen for when I want to actually watch a ripped movie or TV show and the option to install other software on a whim to have with me is just great. I got a ppc that can be a phone essentially. I'm not a phone person, too cheap to pay for a text plan, but wifi is key. The ability to open this phone up for GPS use was a major factor in picking it from lots of research before diving in.
Why does Google Map tell me that I'm 1000m from my current location? It's useless if I need street directions.
a_ok2me said:
Why does Google Map tell me that I'm 1000m from my current location? It's useless if I need street directions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is strange. I have the same problem with my Rhodium. My HD2 has the best GPS I have ever owned.
I use Waze not Google maps though. Last night I was on the highest bridge of a multi road exchange and took a 90 degree turn that confuses every GPS device I have ever used but this time Waze made the turn with me.
Are you using the stock ROM?
Does Google maps support GPS?
Snarksneeze said:
This is strange. I have the same problem with my Rhodium. My HD2 has the best GPS I have ever owned.
I use Waze not Google maps though. Last night I was on the highest bridge of a multi road exchange and took a 90 degree turn that confuses every GPS device I have ever used but this time Waze made the turn with me.
Are you using the stock ROM?
Does Google maps support GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...I no longer have the hd2 because it does not pick up 3G 95% of the time and it can't find a GPS satellite. Google Map supports GPS. It was also stock ROM. I must have done a million hard resets. Basically, it didn't work for $450 + $50 tax.
Did you even turn on the GPS option in Google maps? If not then it was finding your location throught GPRS which is triangulation from cell towers.
I have both a Fuze and HD2 and both work just fine for me. Also when was the last time you tried runner Quick GPS to update the tracking files?
Google Maps, by default, won't connect with GPS, but find your estimates location from cell towers. that's why you're always a little off.
press menu and use GPS, and the GPS will track your location accurately from there on.
rickyoon.vegas said:
Google Maps, by default, won't connect with GPS, but find your estimates location from cell towers. that's why you're always a little off.
press menu and use GPS, and the GPS will track your location accurately from there on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close but the newer version is Menu/Options/GPS
Wil Badger said:
Did you even turn on the GPS option in Google maps? If not then it was finding your location throught GPRS which is triangulation from cell towers.
I have both a Fuze and HD2 and both work just fine for me. Also when was the last time you tried runner Quick GPS to update the tracking files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rickyoon.vegas said:
Google Maps, by default, won't connect with GPS, but find your estimates location from cell towers. that's why you're always a little off.
press menu and use GPS, and the GPS will track your location accurately from there on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I turned on the Google GPS option. It just tries to find a tower forever, but never finds anything. I also ran Quick GPS after the Google GPS option didn't work. Similarly, I rarely ever get 3G. But, stick in my sim card to my old phone and everything is fine.
I think there is a big issue with the HD2.
a_ok2me said:
Yes I turned on the Google GPS option. It just tries to find a tower forever, but never finds anything. I also ran Quick GPS after the Google GPS option didn't work. Similarly, I rarely ever get 3G. But, stick in my sim card to my old phone and everything is fine.
I think there is a big issue with the HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read that leather cases have something to do with this sometimes. Are you using one?
MirasHD2 said:
I have read that leather cases have something to do with this sometimes. Are you using one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes & no. Yes, I do when I'm on the road. But, no because I would try it at home - without any case - to see if it's accurate but it can't pick up any satellites.
I was only able to get a reading of my home position the first 2 days of owning it.
a_ok2me said:
I think there is a big issue with the HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you mean with your particular HD2. Because as I said before, I've never had a better GPS device... ever. Any GPS device that can actually follow me on a 90-degree turn without missing a beat is just lightyears beyond anything else I've found so far.
Even with stock ROM there could be a number of things causing trouble:
You could have a bad phone. It happens. Manufacturer's defects will occur in even the best runs, that's why there are warranties to cover it.
Something may be interfering with your GPS receiver. Even if other devices perform flawlessly in the same location in your vehicle, one device may be more succeptible to radio interference than others.
You could have battery issues. A bad battery can cause all sorts of problems. When your phone can't get a good cell reception, it just boosts juice to the hardware, which in turn drains your battery faster. A bad battery just can't keep up. Again, this is why there are warranties.
Please don't just assume that the HD2 is a bad phone just because you had problems with yours. I've heard of people curse a phone maker because they got two or three bad phones in a row. The thing to remember is that when a plant makes a bad batch, the entire shift's production could easily be sent to the same area, meaning that multiple returns for the same issue from one customer are not unheard of.
I would return it and get a replacement. It may take a few times of swapping around, but you should get things worked out. Trust me, this is the best phone on the market today. Hands down.
#ListMaster
Snarksneeze said:
I think you mean with your particular HD2. Because as I said before, I've never had a better GPS device... ever.
Please don't just assume that the HD2 is a bad phone just because you had problems with yours. I've heard of people curse a phone maker because they got two or three bad phones in a row.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...conversely, you can't assume the other direction because many, not only my phone, can't get 3G. Further, my phone can't pick up satellites even after many hard resets and no non-OEM apps installed. As I keep on reading threads, it tells me the HD2 is poor with reception. There's something to be said about this.
After selling my phone, I'm tempted to buy another one. But I'll hold out for awhile as more feedbacks come in.
MirasHD2 said:
I have read that leather cases have something to do with this sometimes. Are you using one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[OFF-TOPIC] Congratulations on your 100th post! You're a Senior Member now [/OFF-TOPIC]
a_ok2me said:
Well...conversely, you can't assume the other direction because many, not only my phone, can't get 3G. Further, my phone can't pick up satellites even after many hard resets and no non-OEM apps installed. As I keep on reading threads, it tells me the HD2 is poor with reception. There's something to be said about this.
After selling my phone, I'm tempted to buy another one. But I'll hold out for awhile as more feedbacks come in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lack of 3G can't be blamed on the phone, you know. I live in the center of Austin, TX and my 3G is constant. I've driven 100 miles south to a small community there and couldn't get anything higher than Edge.
Also, T-Mobile won't kick you from a tower that doesn't belong to them. At least, I've never been able to catch them doing it. I always get the closest tower and best reception possible. Problem is, T-Mobile simply doesn't have enough money to ensure that every corner of every city has third-generation towers.
This is the same gripe coming from iPhone users; they say that AT&T just isn't investing enough in putting out more towers.
Snarksneeze said:
The lack of 3G can't be blamed on the phone, you know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but the thing is - as I originally mentioned - I get 3G on my BlueAngel using the same sim card. Without this test, I would not have been able to point my finger at the HD2. The BlueAngel is something like the first PDA/phone ever and I still get 3G with it. I can't believe PDA technology has not advanced so much until now that I'm still using it after all these years.
a_ok2me said:
Yeah, but the thing is - as I originally mentioned - I get 3G on my BlueAngel using the same sim card. Without this test, I would not have been able to point my finger at the HD2. The BlueAngel is something like the first PDA/phone ever and I still get 3G with it. I can't believe PDA technology has not advanced so much until now that I'm still using it after all these years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. Well, I certainly can't say what the problem is. As I said before, you may have just gotten a bad phone, which would suck but it does happen.
I've never dropped 3G here in Austin since I've gotten my HD2 in. Of course, the icon switches between [3] and [H] all the time, but it won't drop to [E] unless I manually turn off the "Data connection" toggle under Settings->Comm Manager.
Sorry but, our GPS on our Hd2 only works when in 3g? Just wondering because im on Edge at home and it dont work. havent tried in 3g coverage yet though.
starkall said:
Sorry but, our GPS on our Hd2 only works when in 3g? Just wondering because im on Edge at home and it dont work. havent tried in 3g coverage yet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. I was associating poor 3G reception with my phone's inability to find a satellite.
i live in long beach, ca and my phone finds gps even on edge. It also connects to 3g and has a stable connection. try replacing ur phone by using ur warranty.
starkall said:
Sorry but, our GPS on our Hd2 only works when in 3g? Just wondering because im on Edge at home and it dont work. havent tried in 3g coverage yet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, GPS has nothing to do with 3g or your cellular connection. The GPS will work even if you have no sim card in and don't use it as a phone.
Also, I have to say, the GPS on my HD2 is one of the best I've used. I've had 4 other GPS enabled phones, 2 handheld standalone GPS devices, and 3 different bluetooth gps devices and the HD2 is definitely as good or better than all of them. I was very impressed... never thought a phone could work so well with gps.
google maps
GPS CONNECTION ERROR??!
am i the only one ?
No GPS receiver was found maake sure you have a gps receiver (built in or bluetooth that is turned on and configured towork with google maps for mobile. ??
UMM? is this so that i can bluetooth a tomtom or something like that and use their satelites ? cuz i ran quick gps why wouldnt gmaps use that ? my location is a little off but i am inside a brick apartment building. and its only off several blocks?
any way to configure gps to gmaps ?
oi guys ive had a look at a few of those suggested threads about gps and yeah nah they dont really answer my question so feel free to link me to a thread if it answers my question
ok so, what the go.. the phone has gps.. but it doesnt work like a gps device eg navman, tomtom etc.. or does it? i've tried stock froyo and cyanogenmod using that google car app and then going to navigation, but it just keeps searching for a signal for ever. i dont want to use data cause it costs money and defeats the purpose of having a gps.. that is if the phone gps actually works like a gps device. if not then thats pretty bad advertising. anyways let me know, cheers
Mine gets connected to satelites on few seconds,performs as good as my Tom Tom does,i am using Navigon app&maps.
the latest google maps has offline support so you wouldnt need data...
what??! thats rediculous! i left mine in that navigation mode where it was looking for navigation or something like that and the gps symbol was flashing for like 15 min straight as i drove to work and nothing! is it meant to take that long?
EDIT: ok i opened up maps with wifi and it went through all that first time use crap. and so it was using wifi and gps it looked like and that was working. but then when i disabled wifi none of the maps load. only the maps that i had previously loaded while on wifi. wtf? arent maps installed..????????? therefore it should just load them.. what the #%^% im starting to get really pissed off with how stupid this design is. the maps are there, cause theyre installed, and the gps is there so.............. what the ^%#* is its problem?
your right it will only save maps you have browsed while on wifi...i believe there is a setting that overrides this though...
nolook said:
your right it will only save maps you have browsed while on wifi...i believe there is a setting that overrides this though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you know where this setting is? oh and i got the gps to work ie i got it to find me and all that. i did some reading and with gps on most phones the first time they connect it takes a while cause its gotta do all this satellite scanning and then eventually it goes yep ok hes in this part of the country, lets set him up with these satellites and so from then on it connects with gps a lot faster
First of all: the design is just great, you are the stupid.
How GPS work on dah phone ? well just like any other GPS: it receives signal from a few satellites around and it find your position based on the time laps between the reception of each signal (signal come with a time sync).
Now, how WELL does the Legend's GPS work ? as good as any other GPS: very nice in a car or outdoor, but very badly indoor and if it was unable to find your position for 15 minute I'm pretty sure you were indoor (or maybe outdoor in a big city).
Also on smartphone's GPS the data connection can help the GPS itself by downloading some data which will speed up the localisation by satellite, but this is not mandatory and if you're not connected you will end up being positionned. It will only take a few minutes (less than 15)
Finally about the navigation system (which is a bit different of GPS itself) Google's is fairly different than other software because it doesn't come with maps but it download them as you need them:
pros:
-maps are always up to date
-you don't have to waste 2Gb or more on your microSD to store them
-it's free !
cons:
-requires data connection (unlimited download recommanded)
If you prefer usual navigation software, feel free to use co-pilot or navigon or tomtom or any of the other regular software. But you'll have to pay (or crack) them.
Nashan said:
First of all: the design is just great, you are the stupid.
How GPS work on dah phone ? well just like any other GPS: it receives signal from a few satellites around and it find your position based on the time laps between the reception of each signal (signal come with a time sync).
Now, how WELL does the Legend's GPS work ? as good as any other GPS: very nice in a car or outdoor, but very badly indoor and if it was unable to find your position for 15 minute I'm pretty sure you were indoor (or maybe outdoor in a big city).
Also on smartphone's GPS the data connection can help the GPS itself by downloading some data which will speed up the localisation by satellite, but this is not mandatory and if you're not connected you will end up being positionned. It will only take a few minutes (less than 15)
Finally about the navigation system (which is a bit different of GPS itself) Google's is fairly different than other software because it doesn't come with maps but it download them as you need them:
pros:
-maps are always up to date
-you don't have to waste 2Gb or more on your microSD to store them
-it's free !
cons:
-requires data connection (unlimited download recommanded)
If you prefer usual navigation software, feel free to use co-pilot or navigon or tomtom or any of the other regular software. But you'll have to pay (or crack) them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whoa whoa whoa hang on now. lets not go throwing the word stupid around especially if you didnt even understand what i meant or you assumed i didnt know how gps works in the first place.
my general question was that it wasnt connecting to gps and the maps werent showing so im thinking you need data for the maps to show even though you have the maps installed, and secondly im thinking something is wrong with my gps or maybe it doesnt work like a normal device navman, tomtom etc because its been half an hour and still no connectivity. then i answered my own question as usual via the internet from other forums i found using google which explained what i said above.
basically with normal gps devices they are already setup with a region.. thingy or whatever it is built into the gps device. this means the first time you connect its actually quite quick because it already has an idea where you are in the world. however with phones, they apparently dont have this so the process of connecting for the first time can range from 3 min, instantly or up to 3 hours like numerous people claimed it had taken for their phones. as for mine it took just over half an hour and now it works fine.
the only question left over now is apparently you can get the maps to show without a data connection through some option change in the settings as someone mentioned a bit earlier.
dont go throwing stupid around mate or assuming anything cause now who looks stupid. besides the design is quite silly since none of this was explained. when they say the phone has gps people (like me) generally go oh wow like those car gps' and expect them to work like that. so when they dont we become a bit skeptical and i was right to do so because look at all this crap ^^^that ive discovered. anyways like i said theres still one stupid thing left about all this which is why data is needed to view maps that are already installed. its like those video games that you install and require you to be on the net to play
You were the one throwing stupid at the design while you still seem to misunderstand how google nav (quit calling it GPS please) works.
Maps are not completely loaded, they're only stored in the cache and that's true only for one scale, and around one place. You can hardly use that to explore the map offline not even mentionning navigating.
The new feature only allow google nav to keep guiding you if you lose connection for a little while. But you can't really use it offline.
I think that design is just awesome, although I have an unlimited data connection. If you don't have that kind of service you should take a look at usual GPS softwares.
And I'm not assuming anything, you asked "how GPS works" not "how google nav works"
Nashan said:
You were the one throwing stupid at the design while you still seem to misunderstand how google nav (quit calling it GPS please) works.
Maps are not completely loaded, they're only stored in the cache and that's true only for one scale, and around one place. You can hardly use that to explore the map offline not even mentionning navigating.
The new feature only allow google nav to keep guiding you if you lose connection for a little while. But you can't really use it offline.
I think that design is just awesome, although I have an unlimited data connection. If you don't have that kind of service you should take a look at usual GPS softwares.
And I'm not assuming anything, you asked "how GPS works" not "how google nav works"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ugh forget it, i already answered my own question and now you're just being picky and all technical when no one really cares. i think 99% get what i mean so i dont care
GPS is working great. Google Maps is the "problem", more precisely not a real problem but the way it was designed. Unlike other GPS navigation software, the maps are not stored locally but in a cache. The latest version seems to have an offline mode but I didn't tested so I can't say if it's totally offline or not. If you want navigation without using your data connection or WiFi, switch to TomTom, iGO, or similar instead.
That's why Google Maps has only couple of MB and iGO for ex. has over 2 GB with all maps loaded...the difference is the space occupied by the maps.
P.S. And yes, first GPS lock is acquired a little bit later.
Rapier said:
GPS is working great. Google Maps is the "problem", more precisely not a real problem but the way it was designed. Unlike other GPS navigation software, the maps are not stored locally but in a cache. The latest version seems to have an offline mode but I didn't tested so I can't say if it's totally offline or not. If you want navigation without using your data connection or WiFi, switch to TomTom, iGO, or similar instead.
That's why Google Maps has only couple of MB and iGO for ex. has over 2 GB with all maps loaded...the difference is the space occupied by the maps.
P.S. And yes, first GPS lock is acquired a little bit later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you. that clears it all up
now to that other guy, wouldnt it have been easier to just say that ^
I use Igo for my offline nav. It works just like a tom tom. For my geocaching needs, I use geobeagle.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
Does the Tablet Really Require the Wifi to be On to use it? Only way we can get it to work is if we turn the Wifi on and then it uses AGPS.
Downloaded GPS Status and it sorta seems to confirm this. Ive read other sites of people returning the product and getting another and GPS works outta the box w/o Wifi?
Thoughts? Solutions?
--Solved -- Issue seems defective Equipment. GPS works Fine in Airplane Mode with GPS on. Tablet was returned for another and now works.
Haven't checked this, but it seems a bit silly. Why would you need a (static) wifi connection when u use the GPS (for moving around). Doesn't make any sense. I will test this tonight.
spaanplaat said:
Haven't checked this, but it seems a bit silly. Why would you need a (static) wifi connection when u use the GPS (for moving around). Doesn't make any sense. I will test this tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the one we have here I can Confirm the only way i can get it to work is with WiFi on. And Acer Support confirms this..
But there is so much conflicting information out there that Id like to see if it can get cleared up.
If people are returning them and their new ones are working fine with normal GPS then did ACER have a Bad Lot? Or are these folks just making rumors.
I've just quickly checked this with Chartcross GPS Test. With WIFI on I could see one satellite indoors. I switched off WIFI and then saw four satelites, so it would seem that WIFI does not have to be switched on for GPS to work. However, having a data connection is always a good thing to get AGPS data with.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
From my experiance, no it doesn't . I have been using mine with the wifi off with no problems. I use Copilot Live USA to get around all day at work. One thing is, is that Copilot freezes on me if I try to go into the settings menues.
Acer Says Yes
I chatted with an Acer rep this morning and was informed WIFI or 3G is designed to work with the GPS. GPS will not work if there is no data signal. Being hardheaded I called hoping to find someone with more knowledge on this matter and was told the exact same thing, NO WIFI/3G = NO GPS. With this set back I have decided to return.
But I am curious why some peoples are working and others are not?
Im sure my Buddy will post here soon.
but he called Acer and they are saying that it requires Wifi for GPS by Design.
So if everyone else is able to do it.. and he isnt and Acer says thats the way it should be..
Then either some folks have an "added' feature design flaw or they are Fibbing about it. Or Acer just dont know what they are talking about and my buddy has a defective one.
I do not seem to need to be connected to Wifi for GPS to work. I did notice something interesting while researching this though. 22% of my battery usage was coming from cellular. Thats a huge amount of power being used up to poll for a cellular signal that a wifi device isn't doing anything with.
I added about two hours to my battery life by turning the tablet on Airplane mode and then enabled Wifi. Thankfully the little airplane icon in the status bar is only there for a few seconds
The issue is not GPS need WiFi. It is the map need WiFi or 3G datalink in order to be updated with the GPS signal. Your tablet does not preloaded a map like a portable Garmin or TomTom GPS device does.
The GPS does not require Wifi to work, however if you are using an app like Google Maps, this app DEPENDS on wifi to download map and pois. Google Maps is not like your GPS software on your TomTom or Garmin GPS, it downloads the data using the cell modem or in this case the wifi on the device.
To summarize, if you use an app like Copilot or another GPS app that has maps predownloaded then the GPS works just fine on it's own without Wifi.
I hope this clears it up.
john0dean said:
The issue is not GPS need WiFi. It is the map need WiFi or 3G datalink in order to be updated with the GPS signal. Your tablet does not preloaded a map like a portable Garmin or TomTom GPS device does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neoprimal said:
The GPS does not require Wifi to work, however if you are using an app like Google Maps, this app DEPENDS on wifi to download map and pois. Google Maps is not like your GPS software on your TomTom or Garmin GPS, it downloads the data using the cell modem or in this case the wifi on the device.
To summarize, if you use an app like Copilot or another GPS app that has maps predownloaded then the GPS works just fine on it's own without Wifi.
I hope this clears it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then Why Doesn't Foursquare, Gowalla, Or even the GPS Icon Activate.. Or Even using GPS Status.. Using GPS Status It wont do anything unless WiFi is on.
Totally Understand that you need wifi For Map Downloading. But when you have a Static Predownloaded Map using like MapDroid or Even TomTom Software the Maps are preloaded nothing to download.
So you all Are SERIOUSLY saying that your GPS works Fine with out WiFi I ask you to download GPS Status and Try it with out Wifi Being on and See if you can get your GPS to come on and get a Lock.
Because Acer Support has already said that the GPS is WiFi dependent.
sammyboy405 said:
Then Why Doesn't Foursquare, Gowalla, Or even the GPS Icon Activate.. Or Even using GPS Status.. Using GPS Status It wont do anything unless WiFi is on.
Totally Understand that you need wifi For Map Downloading. But when you have a Static Predownloaded Map using like MapDroid or Even TomTom Software the Maps are preloaded nothing to download.
So you all Are SERIOUSLY saying that your GPS works Fine with out WiFi I ask you to download GPS Status and Try it with out Wifi Being on and See if you can get your GPS to come on and get a Lock.
Because Acer Support has already said that the GPS is WiFi dependent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this is what I did. Turned off wifi and ran GPS status. It locked on to 3 of 6 sat so I guess it works. With wifi on it seems to locate more sat and locks on quickee.
Just to make sure in settings you do have GPS on under location and security correct?
Reply
I tried using MapDroyd with all preloaded maps, it would not give me a Red X for location until I flipped on wifi. That was the only reason I contacted tech support and both chat and phone told me the same thing. There is no power to the GPS until 3G/WIFI is active. Sounds stupid I know, I like the tablet and what nothing more than to keep it but I just refuse to keep something that is configured in such a way. I can live with the AdHoc issue since I know that can eventually be resolved.
Disclaimer - These are not my words but the words directly from Acer tech support.
Trust me I was very clear that I had maps pre-downloaded and the person on the phone was very clear what they told me about how the hardware was configured.
michaelg1030 - YES
T0yman said:
I tried using MapDroyd with all preloaded maps, it would not give me a Red X for location until I flipped on wifi. That was the only reason I contacted tech support and both chat and phone told me the same thing. There is no power to the GPS until 3G/WIFI is active. Sounds stupid I know, I like the tablet and what nothing more than to keep it but I just refuse to keep something that is configured in such a way. I can live with the AdHoc issue since I know that can eventually be resolved.
Disclaimer - These are not my words but the words directly from Acer tech support.
Trust me I was very clear that I had maps pre-downloaded and the person on the phone was very clear what they told me about how it the hardware was configured.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I believe what they said.
I just did one more test. I turned wifi off. Reset my tablet. Made sure wifi was still off. Opened up GPS Statues and it locked on to 5 of 7 sat in less than a min indoors. I dont have any nav software with maps so I can't test that. If GPS status shows nothing with wifi off for you I'd exchange it for a new one.
sammyboy405 said:
Then Why Doesn't Foursquare, Gowalla, Or even the GPS Icon Activate.. Or Even using GPS Status.. Using GPS Status It wont do anything unless WiFi is on.
Totally Understand that you need wifi For Map Downloading. But when you have a Static Predownloaded Map using like MapDroid or Even TomTom Software the Maps are preloaded nothing to download.
So you all Are SERIOUSLY saying that your GPS works Fine with out WiFi I ask you to download GPS Status and Try it with out Wifi Being on and See if you can get your GPS to come on and get a Lock.
Because Acer Support has already said that the GPS is WiFi dependent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of those programs work without a data connection. Once you use a program that works without requiring some sort of data, the GPS will work.
I don't really care what Acer says - if you call acer and ask 10 people the same question, there's a possibility you'll get several different answers.
I know what I've experienced, and that is that the gps works with wifi disabled.
I'm confused on what you're debating exactly though, are you saying that the gps does not activate/work without wifi or that it doesn't lock on to satellites?
If you want a simpler test to see if it works/activates simply refresh your weather widget manually and with no wifi connection - you'll see the gps icon pop up and it will say searching for satellites. It won't work, since the weather can't update without data but you'll see that it activates the gps.
In essence, the gps in the A500 works exactly like our cell gps, there's no difference. It's Assisted GPS (aGPS) and requires a data connection to locate the satellites quickly vs. standalone or autonomous GPS found in our Garmin/Tom Tom/etc. Without data it's going to take you 10m-20m to find a lock, with data, 3-5m. This might be what's messing with people. The good thing is if you lock on when you get into your vehicle with help from your wifi for example, then you won't have to wait for it to lock on at some other point. Since my gps is on in the tablet all the time, it's locked in and I suppose that's why I'm not having a problem in my tests.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the GPS in use on these devices uses aGPS (assisted GPS) - which uses a combination of cell tower info (if using 3G) and/or known WiFi hotspot locations to help nail down the starting location and speed up the discovery of satellites.
Y'know, the stuff that Apple & Google are getting in so much trouble for having recently
michaelg1030 said:
Not sure I believe what they said.
I just did one more test. I turned wifi off. Reset my tablet. Made sure wifi was still off. Opened up GPS Statues and it locked on to 5 of 7 sat in less than a min indoors. I dont have any nav software with maps so I can't test that. If GPS status shows nothing with wifi off for you I'd exchange it for a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I will be heading that way for an exchange and update the info once I am back home. Thanks everyone for your input, like I said I like the tablet but the no GPS thing just never made since.
T0yman said:
OK I will be heading that way for an exchange and update the info once I am back home. Thanks everyone for your input, like I said I like the tablet but the no GPS thing just never made since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Luck.
you can get app fasterfix from market t
it worked great for me.
i also can not keeo co-pilot from crashing locking up sent them email hope its fixed
soon
Replacement
Ok I am back home after going to BestBuy and picking up a replacement Acer A500. This one grabs my current location using current setup.
Airplane Mode On
WIFI Off
GPS On
I will be going in to the city tomorrow and run a few more tests, will post a new update after but this is looking promising. Thanks again for the feedback!