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Why does my GPS never find a satellite and what can I do to fix it?

Why does my GPS never find a satellite and what can I do to fix it?
Google Maps doesn't get a GPS signal. Footprints, etc. Nothing.
Anyone have a suggestion?

Is it just indoors or are you having problems outside as well? Oh and I assume you've turned on "use gps" in Google Maps options? If you haven't already, download satellite location data (quick GPS) and see if that helps

How long have you wait before you came to the conclusion it doesnt work?

Yes, indoors. I have not tried outdoors yet. I have only waited about 5 minutes. How long should I wait?
Do they typically not work well indoors?

Its unlikey that it would work indoors, try outside.

the signals from gp satellites is part of the visible wavelength, so is affected by things like thick cloud (especially mist/fog) trees and buildings.
whilst you can sometimes get a fix indoors, mostly you can't, or only a weak signal.
to test if it is working go outside with a decent clear view of the sky.

Mine is slow but works

I have dutty 1.4. On average, it'll lock in about 9-10 satellites within 10sec on either Gmaps or TomTom. Even when im in the kitchen (right in the middle of the house), it'll manage to lock in about 4-5 satellites

lude219 said:
I have dutty 1.4. On average, it'll lock in about 9-10 satellites within 10sec on either Gmaps or TomTom. Even when im in the kitchen (right in the middle of the house), it'll manage to lock in about 4-5 satellites
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same here but not 10sec more like <30sec but only with quickgps data otherwise it takes 1-2 minutes

tried setting polling to 500 (if not allready) in registry?

Try updating the satellite locations from internet.
Run the application "QuickGPS" from Start -> Tools > QuickGPS and then press "Download".
Quick GPS can speed up the time for determining your GPS position by downloading latest satellite data via an internet connection.
The next time you will use the GPS signal acquisition (Cold Startup) will be much faster.

ok after a while on my new HD2 , i have fathomed out that you need the version 7.916.9189 , which works a treat.... then in setting , slect all settings and disable a-gps and location sensing... then fire up tomtom ... you will after 5 mins max ( outdoors) , will pick up satelites... any other versions conflict with the bt stack and also the gps built into the phone.... good luck

I am trying not to write anything offensive but I find it hard to believe this is serious thread???! You're not aware that GPS stands for global positioning system and works by receiving radio signals from overhead satellites?
The satellite bit should give you a clue that it wouldn't work too well indoors. Go outside and see how fast you get a fix, then come back and give us your findings.

[Q] GPS Problems

Does anyone else have problems with gps. I have installed GPS test and sometimes I find 5 or 6 sattelites but it still says in use 0. When I go into an app that finds the location it always says location unavailable.

I do get GPS location sometimes. But I did experience what you describe.
Using Tricorder I could see ~5 satellites, but no location showed up, and mapping programs, such as MapDroyd didn't know where I was.
But maybe it is possible to detect 5 satellites, but not have a good enough signal to find your location?

ghostwheel said:
I do get GPS location sometimes. But I did experience what you describe.
Using Tricorder I could see ~5 satellites, but no location showed up, and mapping programs, such as MapDroyd didn't know where I was.
But maybe it is possible to detect 5 satellites, but not have a good enough signal to find your location?
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So are you saying that the majortiy of the time you do not get a location

TheUnknownOne said:
So are you saying that the majortiy of the time you do not get a location
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Sorry, I was very unclear. The majority of the time I do get a signal. When on a moving train, away from the window, I sometimes don't get it, even if I can detect 5 sats

I think I also have a similar problem: to get my current locatiom when I'm in my car (I use Sygic Mobile Maps 10) it takes lots of minutes!

[Q] Adam's GPS?

Does the Adam's GPS work without a Data Connection?
I know it's an actual GPS hardware Module, as seen on the tear downs.
Does it work as a "real" GPS does, stand alone?
-CC

clockcycle said:
Does the Adam's GPS work without a Data Connection?
I know it's an actual GPS hardware Module, as seen on the tear downs.
Does it work as a "real" GPS does, stand alone?
-CC
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It should.
The latest google maps allows for caching the routes and therefore using navigation without an internet connection.
If you don't have a data connection your GPS may take a little longer to get a fix though.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

@Albert, @Sim, @Ganapathy, @Srikanth, @Michael, @Gary, @Warren....Adam uses True GPS, as such; it's required to be under the Clear Sky. Moreover, after installing the GPS TESTER application, tap on SATELLITE STATUS and COLD START from OPTIONS/MENU.
Then, restart the Adam and open the same GPS TESTER application. Tap on the SATELLITE STATUS tab and wait for few minutes until the Satellites are detected and locked, the blocks will turn green, when locked. Please ensure that more than 4 Satellites with >35db Signal Strength are locked.
Finally, you can open the OSMAND application and download the maps for your region.
The Compass with an arrow will appear. Now, you can detect your location from the WHERE AM I? option.
Please ensure that WiFi/3G is turned OFF and the Adam is acquiring information from the Satellites.
Warm regards
Shahid
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SOURCE: http://conclave.notionink.com/showthread.php?68-Gps/page2

Gps test

What is the best way to test your gps? I know a lot of people use an app to find out how well there gps is working. What do you use.

Lemmee see what i can find for you

I Found "GPS Test" can help you out

download gps status from market to test the gps

Most screen shots of gps apps you see here in the vib section are from gps status, which I recommend.

GPStest is good for its signal strength bars and lock indication.
GPSstatus seems to do at least an Almanac GPS assist to network when first opened. It also has feature that allows compass and accelerometer calibration.
If you have not used GPS for several days, open GPSstatus first, just for network update. Close it after it does network update then open GPStest for search and lock indications.
Remember GPS antenna is near volume rockers so avoid holding phone in that area. Use GPStest to position phone to maximize signal strength bars will speed lock.

If you want to have some fun while testing...
Grab the "Tricorder" app (yes, star trek tricorder).
It's fully functional and will also do all the GPS functions.

GPS status

Grey flashing dot GPS unable to get location

So I've been having this issue for a while now and never got a clean answer on it. My GPS frequently gets a grey flashing dot in the maps app, when seeking for location on "data only" (not WiFi) when satellites are not visible.
This is indicating that GPS location is unobtainable without visible satellite reception, which shouldn't be the case.
I've tried two nexus 4's same issue.
Could it be APN settings?
Any ideas??

Are you in a big city? It needs line of sight to work well.

peedub said:
Are you in a big city? It needs line of sight to work well.
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GPS should be able to get a location indoors with 3G and no satellite reception.

UKROB86 said:
GPS should be able to get a location indoors with 3G and no satellite reception.
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That is entirely inaccurate. Cell phone towers and GPS satellite is completely different.
OP, download GPS test from the market and see how many it locks onto.