GPS in airplane mode - Epic 4G General

Last time I flew, I tried to get a GPS lock while cruising (in airplane mode obviously), but was unable to get a lock. I assumed it was some kind of bug with EB13, since there where so many complaints of GPS issues with EB13, even though I've never had any issues. I have gotten good gps locks before with an old garmin I flew with long ago.
This morning, before taking off, I tried an experiment: get lock while not in airplane mode, then see if I could get lock in airplane mode. What I found was GPS would continue to function after turning airplane mode on until the phone goes to sleep. After it goes to sleep, or if you turn it on after entring airplane mode, gps does not work.
Is there any way to keep gps functional while the phone is in airplane mode? Maybe I'm weird, but I sometimes like to be able to see where we are when I'm flying. Only 'gotcha' is google maps needs data to function.... are there any map programs for android phones that can store maps on the sd card?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Airplane mode by it's nature means any and all radios are turned off, 3g, 4g, wifi, gps, everything. It'd kind of take away the point if you kept gps on

Not exactly. GPS is a passive radio, meaning it can receive, but not transmit. Airplane mode is meant to turn off the active radios (radios that receive and transmit) so as to not 'interfere with aircraft instrumentation' (which is a load of bull sugar, but that's not the point of the thread). In fact, I'm pretty sure, from long ago, that "GPS devices that do not transmit" where in the approved devices list.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Gps is one thing that is strictly prohibited for use on a commercial airline. Airplanemode is supposed to disable all transmit and receive function on your phone. Also the only good it would be is if you have maps stored in your phone because you won't have data either. What are you using it for?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

DexterDawg said:
Gps is one thing that is strictly prohibited for use on a commercial airline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I have a pic for you when I get where im going.
DexterDawg said:
Airplanemode is supposed to disable all transmit and receive function on your phone. Also the only good it would be is if you have maps stored in your phone because you won't have data either. What are you using it for?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the 'what are you using it for, please re-read my OP.
Since southwest has wif on their planes, we should add an "airplane with wifi mode"
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

The GPS wants to find some sort of cellular signal to it can estimate its location before giving you an exact satellite location. This is the same for any phone. GPS will detect satellites but will not lock if airplane mode is on. I've tried this on an LG Ally, HTC Droid Eris, and even the Samsung Epic.

SubnetMask said:
Not exactly. GPS is a passive radio, meaning it can receive, but not transmit. Airplane mode is meant to turn off the active radios (radios that receive and transmit) so as to not 'interfere with aircraft instrumentation' (which is a load of bull sugar, but that's not the point of the thread). In fact, I'm pretty sure, from long ago, that "GPS devices that do not transmit" where in the approved devices list.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say I knew there was a distinction, thanks OP

There's a navigation app called CoPilot that stores on SD. I don't know if it'd give you views of the ocean though. It might be land only.

DexterDawg said:
Gps is one thing that is strictly prohibited for use on a commercial airline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that the 4th one over in the top line of "Permitted Above 10,000 feet" says "GPS recievers"
When you get done wiping that egg off your face......
As for an Airplane with WiFi mode, I found that's not needed. Turns out while in airplane mode, WiFi will turn on and work.
So how about it? Think there's a way to modify airplane mode so it'll leave GPS on? If I had half a clue about programming and such, I'd try, but that kind of work is way over my head.

Does any GPS work when encased in an aluminum can....I mean airplane? i wonder if your original lock was from AGPS (tower assisted), once you lost tower data and the phone was in the can....er plane, it couldn't receive satellite data.

Yes, it does if youre by the window. I got a lock with my epic sitting at the gate, and a while back I got a lock with a garmin streetpilot iii.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Maybe I'm over simplifying this...but I just turned on airplane mode, then enabled gps & wifi from the pull down.
Opened maps, got a lock, working as usual.
Airplane mode afaik just keeps all cell signal off.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

....as one earlier post alluded to, needing airplane mode on in an airplane is a load of bull-hockey (bull sugar,lol)...the real reason they ask this is so that you're not distracted should something go wrong, like a wing being on fire, and you can then alert some one in charge. Straight from the flight attendants manual.
So long story short, there's your solution OP. Just leave the radios on, and keep it on silent so no one hassles you.
Another problem solved by repairman-man-man-man....
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Just enable gps after putting it in airplane mode...
I run my phone on airplae mode and wifi all the time
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

poit said:
Does any GPS work when encased in an aluminum can....I mean airplane? i wonder if your original lock was from AGPS (tower assisted), once you lost tower data and the phone was in the can....er plane, it couldn't receive satellite data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a lock with my watch next to a window.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Not sure what the deal is, but I'm pretty sure airplane mode affects GPS in some fashon. Sitting in the airport this am, when in normal mode, it would get a lock, and when I turned on airplane mode, it would work until it went to sleep or I locked it. Then when it woke up, it wouldn't pick up a single satelite, weather I had GPS on when I put it into airplane mode or if I turned it on after the fact.
Sitting in my mother's living room, it worked either way, then my phone got stupid, requiring me to pull the battery to get it to respond, then it started acting like it did this am. Wierd.

Perhaps getting a lock at the gate is a lot easier for the phone than getting a lock at 600MPH?

poit said:
Perhaps getting a lock at the gate is a lot easier for the phone than getting a lock at 600MPH?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a scientist or nothing, but a satellite will probably have to adjust all of 5 inches to search a 600 mile area lol
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

I've tried GPS on an aircraft several times and could never get it to work. This is in full mode w/ airplane mode left off.
Celluars DO NOT interfere with aircraft, at all, and its a dumb ass law, supported by those who are more concerned with ripping you off by overpriced services. Civil GPS mode does however have a speed limitation which is what may be happening....not sure what aircraft you tried it in, or what speed.
I have had it work correctly in a cessna before though.

A_Flying_Fox said:
I'm not a scientist or nothing, but a satellite will probably have to adjust all of 5 inches to search a 600 mile area lol
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sigh......
The satellite doesn't care what you do or where you are, it is totally unaware of your GPS device. However, high speeds can make receiving any HF digital transmissions more difficult due to the rapidly varying multipath and phase errors. If the receiver in your GPS device isn't designed for use at high speeds you may not be able to get a lock. lol

Related

Turn off just the cell radio?

Can this be done? I tried switching on airplane mode, and then enabling Wifi/BT individually -- won't let me.
So, how do I turn off the cell radio, but turn on Wifi to take advantage in-flight wifi?
Also, when using local media, I'd like to sometimes turn off the cell radio to save power but listen with my BT headset.
I'm probably a total dufus and this is obvious, but I can't find it. This was easy to control on my WM Omnia II. I still like my Epic a bajillion times better, but this is a bit annoying.
Airplane mode cuts off all communications. Hence, "airplane mode"
There's some apps that'll let you do that, as well as Froyo when we get it officially, or if you want to run a leaked version.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Tasker will allow you to switch off the radio only. You would have to just set up a widget for that particular task.
In the leaked froyo, I had airplane mode on to test it and I put the wifi on byaccident and it was working with no cell signal, but I figured it was just a bug with it considering its beta and when ever I did tht before, airplane mode will cut off. I'm glad to know its a part of froyo now...that's going to come in handy
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
MrSickle said:
Tasker will allow you to switch off the radio only. You would have to just set up a widget for that particular task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Genius! Thanx!
Forcystos said:
There's some apps that'll let you do that, as well as Froyo when we get it officially, or if you want to run a leaked version.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running Android 2.2 and it isn't working for me -- once airplane mode is enabled, Wifi and BT will not turn on.
I would hope that in a future version of Android they will simply add the cell radio to the icons so it can be turned off like the others.
Can't you go to your settings, under wireless and networks, and disable 3g data?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Muckrak3r said:
Airplane mode cuts off all communications. Hence, "airplane mode"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since they offer wifi on airplanes this is wrong
Sent from my SPH-D700
rangerover_95 said:
Can't you go to your settings, under wireless and networks, and disable 3g data?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can however it will still be looking for a cell signal to use for voice.
Exactly. I don't get reception in the building I work in, so I don't want it to drain the battery trying to find signal.
I'm running stock EC05 and I can turn wifi on in airplane mode (I can't speak for bluetooth though). GPS, however, does not work once you turn airplane mode on.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
That's odd. I am running SFR 1.1.1 and if I turn on airplane mode and then push the Wifi icon, the text changes to "on" but the blue light never turns on -- it's as if it's trying to turn on but can't.
GPS works just fine -- it never switches off in the first place when I turn on airplane mode.
Nerva said:
GPS works just fine -- it never switches off in the first place when I turn on airplane mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because GPS is rx only. It doesn't need to tx to acquire a GPS lock.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Anyone know if Android 2.3 supports turning off just the cell radio?
Nerva said:
Anyone know if Android 2.3 supports turning off just the cell radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to figure this out as well as I'm going out of the country and will be carrying my phone.
Only way I found to do it is:
1. In the dialer press###
2. Click view, and write down your MSID# and msn#, than go into edit
3. You will see your phone number and a box on the bottom that says touch here. Touch there.
4. Keypad should appear. Just press enter.
5. Another screen showing your MSID number should come up almost instantly. Press enter again.
6. Back out of this menu and your radio will be off (may turn off sooner, once it's off it's off)
Done
*MUST USE AREA CODE WHEN INPUTTING PHONE NUMBER*
now for the important part.
Turn your radio back on.
1.same as previous steps except instead of just pressing enter when the key pad comes up, input your phone number than press enter.
2. Input your msid number on the second screen and press enter
3. Click done on the main menu. Phone will reset.
Process honestly takes 30 second once you have your msl.
Edit: only issue I have is after the reboot when u turn your radio back on, the phone asks for your gmail password again.

Show your support for getting this feature back!!

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15031
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15022
Access to MODIFY_PHONE_STATE
(Turn on and off 3g and such)
Star and respond comment these issues! Show google we want this back!
It wouldn't hurt if you'd give us some kind of clue what features "they" are.
I'm sure plenty of people won't bother clicking the links..
He just said it. Turn 3G on/off.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Got my vote!
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
??
aimbdd said:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15031
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=15022
Access to MODIFY_PHONE_STATE
(Turn on and off 3g and such)
Star and respond comment these issues! Show google we want this back!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why dont you just use airplane mode? It does turn everything off then just go behind it and turn wifi back on and its just fine??
alraune said:
Why dont you just use airplane mode? It does turn everything off then just go behind it and turn wifi back on and its just fine??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol really? .... airplane mode turns off ALL phone radios.
Thanks for the love (these are my issues), but it's too little too late. Android has written us off and closed the issue again.
I'm giving up on this one and won't be opening a replacement issue. Clearly the Android team has some hidden agenda (my guess would be a carrier wants to stop users from doing this) and is acting shady about it.
Game over.
aimbdd said:
lol really? .... airplane mode turns off ALL phone radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
airplane mode will not disable wifi. after enabling airplane mode you can connect to a wifi connection. airplane mode is to disable cellular connections...for airplane travel.
tailsthecat3 said:
airplane mode will not disable wifi. after enabling airplane mode you can connect to a wifi connection. airplane mode is to disable cellular connections...for airplane travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Airplane mode disables ALL radios, the permission in question allowed you to keep voice on and data off.
Voted.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i have that ability.
i took the widget that is under the settings and put it on my #2 home screen. a swipe to the right and tap ....its off
aimbdd said:
lol really? .... airplane mode turns off ALL phone radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try it... wifi works on top of airplane mode.
skylar.sutton said:
Airplane mode disables ALL radios, the permission in question allowed you to keep voice on and data off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny, last time I flew American, I had my phone in airplane mode, but was still able to connect to wifi. As a matter of fact, I'm sitting in my house with airplane mode on and connected to my wifi network as I'm typing.
I understand that the option is to keep data off and voice on, but don't be such a jerk about something.
Wifi mode gets turned off, but can easily be turned back on even while airplane mode is on.
This topic has nothing to do about wifi! No one cares what you can and can't do... it's about turning off the 3g radio for better battery life and leaving voice on still.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
I like how the topic all of a sudden went toast discusiom about WiFi.
facepalm.....
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[Q] Wonky GPS on AT&T S4?

Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!
Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...
slider2828 said:
Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.
burhanistan said:
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.
TwistedMexi said:
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less drastic than returning it. I suppose it depends on how attached you are to your current setup - but I would say if you're experiencing that issue repeatedly, the factory reset is exactly what you'd need. I doubt the OTA will address it since it appears to be an isolated problem.
burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be my guest but to get the quickest results please just turn off all gps settings then do a battery pull. Restart it and turn the gps services back on... Viola
If that's to drastic for you then your SOL
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps
mcmb03 said:
You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the issue is with ANY app that requests GPS data.
So, yeah. Today's OTA update did indeed fix this. i would press my own Thanks button, but that would be sinning!
burhanistan said:
Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here and it's driving me INSANE. lol I am on stock rom just rooted and unlocked. If i ever want to use Gps I need to turn on/off the toggle. Very annoying. Wasn't like this from day one so something must have changed. I have tried clearing the cache for Google Maps as well as re enabling all of my location settings downloading aGPS data data did not work
Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I do not have yahoo weather installed. Another bit of info I forgot in last post:
I do sometimes, in a quick glance, see the gps icon running out of the blue. The notification of "acquiring gps signal bla bla" is present as well.. only to disappear within seconds. So it seems as if a specific service or application is using the gps in a faulty manner, blocking other services/applications from using it. May be why resetting the gps allows the application your trying to use access it. (my only fix)
If someone could read a logcat of what's going on I could post one up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
I've actually been combing through the logcat output and see a line reappearing often referring to "no secgps file" I do remember on my previous devices messing around with that file and others for GPS configurations. Does anyone know if this file is supposed to be included in the stock rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
BUMP
Seeing a few other posts in this sub forum for GPS locking issues, and most the others see the fix to turn on and off via the toggle.
tyshemi said:
Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was Yahoo Weather for me! As soon as I deleted it the GPS started to work well with apps that need it such as Waze and Google Navigation. Wow. Thank you. I was going crazy. Tmobile GS4 btw!
Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
tyshemi said:
Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely no yahoo weather installed. I've disabled yahoo news and yahoo finance so far
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Sucks man faulty phone then I've had zero issues after the yahoo incident
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
It does suck.. I'm starting to get the feeling its Google now. I love it and use it extensively
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Gps won't grab a lock

So I the only thread I found on this was really old with no resolution so I'm starting a new one.
My gps will show like 0/24 on gps status immediately and not fix any. Earlier I got 2 satellites to fix ad that was all. This is outside in my car with a clear view of the sky. has anyone had any luck fixing gps issues?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
th3drow said:
So I the only thread I found on this was really old with no resolution so I'm starting a new one.
My gps will show like 0/24 on gps status immediately and not fix any. Earlier I got 2 satellites to fix ad that was all. This is outside in my car with a clear view of the sky. has anyone had any luck fixing gps issues?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the GPS Status app (developer MobiWIA)? I ask since that app allows you to add all the extra details in the notification bar while the GPS is searching for a lock. If so, have you tried getting a GPS lock in any other app (like Maps)? I can get a lock in all my other apps, as well as other GPS diagnostic app EXCEPT for the one developed by MobiWIA for some reason. I keep it installed though as I like to see the status in the notification bar.
I'd suggest downloading the GPS Status app if you already don't have it (the MobiWIA one), and go into Menu > Tools and click on Manage A-GPS State. Then click on Clear Cached GPS Data. Then click on the button that says Download Additional Files (well, says something similar to that). Then open up a different app and see if you can get a lock. I had to clear my GPS data and download those additional files before I could get a timely lock as well, but now I get a lock within 10 seconds while inside the house. This assumes that you haven't rooted tour phone. If you're rooted, you can do all this (and more) manually. Just clear GPS Cache and Data, and open up /system/etc/gps.conf to add any additional servers to the list, as well as tweak other GPS setting.
ya i tried those before, it's acting even dumber now, the top bad with the gps icon is solid indicating a lock. However any gps status app that I use will show no satellites locked. I get it to lock a couple after sitting there for a while on gps status sometimes though but its really shady
My past g2 did that, I returned it. Got a replacement, afraid to even root this beast.
unfaix said:
My past g2 did that, I returned it. Got a replacement, afraid to even root this beast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so after you replaced it the problem was solved?
Same issue. The GPS on this phone sucks. It'll be 4 miles off sometimes and that's even if I can get it to lock.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Looks like the Verizon G2's GPS reception was compromised with the addition of wireless charging. T-mobile D801 here and I get a lock within a few seconds indoors.
th3drow said:
so after you replaced it the problem was solved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, still as ****ty as ever.
Although it doesn't happen as often, it still more often than others.
I'm past the remorse period.
So yeah.
Here's one from yesterday where I needed to get directions while driving, it locked but didn't do jack ****.
unfaix said:
Nope, still as ****ty as ever.
Although it doesn't happen as often, it still more often than others.
I'm past the remorse period.
So yeah.
Here's one from yesterday where I needed to get directions while driving, it locked but didn't do jack ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess atleast that means it most likely isn't completely hardware related.
Mine (T-Mobile) locks in just a few seconds, even indoors!
I always have data on, so it makes the process even faster (A-GPS makes use of the cellular antennas to acquire a lock faster). It works really well actually. I have at times the GPS off and even then, my location gets pin-pointed very quickly!
Cheers!
I have the GPS lock issue sometimes. What I have found to work for me is I turn airplane mode on let it sit for a second, then turn airplane mode off. By the time airplane mode is off and BT, LTE/CMDA signal notification are coming back to life my GPS has a lock and is working like it should.
YMMV on this, but it does work for me.

finding location even though GPS is off?

has anyone gotten this? I have GPS off, but the finding location notification and reticle comes up and just never goes away since GPS is obviously off. how can I figure out which app is doing this? it just started, but i haven't installed any new apps lately...
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
jayochs said:
has anyone gotten this? I have GPS off, but the finding location notification and reticle comes up and just never goes away since GPS is obviously off. how can I figure out which app is doing this? it just started, but i haven't installed any new apps lately...
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u could install a firewall app where u can enable every app by its own. first shut all apps off, than on one by one to find out which makes this. this is what i would do. yes the app is not for GPS, but mostly when an app starts trying to find out ur location than it wants to deliver the data somewhere. so it could work like this. i have "android firewall" from the play store. its the icon with the blue shield an an android logo on it.
@jayochs GPS toggle switch actually leaves wifi and mobile network location on(Google). Just drops hardware/verizon* GPS. You can long press toggle to check. Not sure if this is your problem, but I found this odd testing and just making sure you are aware. I don't get GPS pops when completely off, I do when I toggle the switch.

Categories

Resources