Database Users

Updating Radio ROM - worth it?

I've still got the ROM the TD2 shipped with. Do the newer Radio ROMs actually improve 3G reception? Or do they just "tidy things up" (improve stability, make the signal indicator reading higher etc).
I'm trying to improve reception, specifically audio streaming, in weak signal areas, and wondered if sensitivity, seamless cell to cell handover etc have been improved. I can't find the definitive answer in the ROM development section.

I have not noticed much difference with 3g using different radio, but using the latest radio does give me much improved GPS reception and a slight increase in battery performance (5%)

Thanks, I suspected that might be the case.
Good that the GPS has improved. Actually I don't have a problem with GPS sensitivity, it's pretty good. But Google Maps still doesn't always want to start it, I have to use another program first. Strange!

i'm still using the original rom and radio. It works perfect so i don't need any other roms and radios. BUT i'm waiting for the official 6.5

I can answer my question now. Finally took the plunge, did Hard-SPL and installed Topaz_Radio_4.47.25.21.
It's definitely better than the stock radio as far as 3G reception is concerned. The improvements are:
a) better performance in weak signal areas. This doesn't show in the number of signal bars, which stays the same. But, you now get data even with no bars showing, and the speed is better all round too.
b) Cell changeover is much quicker. When signal is too low, it shows "no signal" straight away and reacquires it equally quickly. Before, it could take 20-30 seconds sometimes.
So, anyone streaming internet radio or downloading large files whilst on the move will get far better results. I was able to continuously listen to radio going through areas I couldn't even get a data link before.
If you're just web browsing, it'll be a quicker experience in weak signal areas. Highly recommended.
I didn't notice as much improvement to the GPS as other people's experiences suggested. It acquires satellites from a "cold start" a bit quicker, but still takes much longer than the proper stand-alone GPS units do. Still, at least it doesn't "hang" for several minutes as it sometimes did before when it hadn't been used for several days.

I don't get this. Can I upgrade the radio without upgrading the ROM and do I need HardSPL?
Also, sounds like it's impossible to know what the best radio is for where I live?

Yes and yes. You can upgrade the radio alone. If you don't HardSPL first your TD2 won't accept the new Radio ROM (or any other ROMs except HTC's official one for your phone). Once you're done, only the radio drivers (GSM, 3G, wifi, and GPS) will be upgraded, your "main" ROM won't be touched.
All details are here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276
As a general rule, the newer the Radio ROM the better it will be as more bugs have been ironed out, wherever you live. If, though, some aspect is worse, you can always "downgrade" to a different one by the same means. Check your present version from the boot-up screen.

Thanks Pete!

Pete_S said:
I can answer my question now. Finally took the plunge, did Hard-SPL and installed Topaz_Radio_4.47.25.21.
It's definitely better than the stock radio as far as 3G reception is concerned. The improvements are:
a) better performance in weak signal areas. This doesn't show in the number of signal bars, which stays the same. But, you now get data even with no bars showing, and the speed is better all round too.
b) Cell changeover is much quicker. When signal is too low, it shows "no signal" straight away and reacquires it equally quickly. Before, it could take 20-30 seconds sometimes.
So, anyone streaming internet radio or downloading large files whilst on the move will get far better results. I was able to continuously listen to radio going through areas I couldn't even get a data link before.
If you're just web browsing, it'll be a quicker experience in weak signal areas. Highly recommended.
I didn't notice as much improvement to the GPS as other people's experiences suggested. It acquires satellites from a "cold start" a bit quicker, but still takes much longer than the proper stand-alone GPS units do. Still, at least it doesn't "hang" for several minutes as it sometimes did before when it hadn't been used for several days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI Pete
i am also on t mobile (compact V rather than D2) iused T mobile stock radi which was poor poor poor. I have also used
4.47.25.31 which was quite good and kept a signal well but
4.48.25.13 was poor kept loosing a signal so am now trying your recommendation.
daljit (west london in poor signal area)

hali39 said:
HI Pete
i am also on t mobile (compact V rather than D2) iused T mobile stock radi which was poor poor poor. I have also used
4.47.25.31 which was quite good and kept a signal well but
4.48.25.13 was poor kept loosing a signal so am now trying your recommendation.
daljit (west london in poor signal area)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I used 4.47.25.21. because I downloaded it sometime ago, not because of any research I did, so i was lucky
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I tried the latest ROM tonight (4.49.25.17). It was OK, but no better 3G reception. Bit of a "con" actually,because the signal meter stayed at 4 bars a lot more, but in a weak signal area it drooped to no bars just as quickly! They've just been fiddling with the meter curve so it looks more impressive. In fact, I had trouble keeping an internet radio stream going, so I've gone back to your recommendation this time (4.47.25.31).
I could get a bit bored of this Radio ROM testing soon...

Seems like 4.49.25.17 is the best radio of all !!
Everyone is flashing this radio and getting full bars signal, great call quality and fast gps lock (including me) !!!

rom update - london
hi
i have had radio 4.47.25.21 on since yesterday and again found it lost signal really easily similar to 4.48.25.13
am now going back to 4.47.25.31 which is the best of the ones i have tried.
regards
daljit

@ haranbh:
Everyone is flashing this radio and getting full bars signal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's because they adjusted the bars so people wouldn't complain any more. See hermes77 report here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276&page=28. This is what I suspected, because on weak signals it's exactly the same.
@hali39: I don't find a difference so far between 4.47.25.21 and 4.47.25.31, at least as far as 3G reception goes. Biggest problem is t-mobile. Every month that goes by it gets worse. I used to download the occasional large file from rapidshare on 3G, I wouldn't dream of that now

Pete_S said:
@ haranbh:
Yes, that's because they adjusted the bars so people wouldn't complain any more. See hermes77 report here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276&page=28. This is what I suspected, because on weak signals it's exactly the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i'm very happy with 4.49.25.17 !!
GPS signal locks on 3-10 seconds and stays very good even arround buildings !!
Call quality is also great...

Using Radio 4.49.25.17 on T-Mobile MDA Compact V German.
WiFi is connected within 2-4 sec, also GPS is faster. 3G is at max signal strength (was 3/4 before with original 3.43.25.19).
Used it heavily last days with Tom's Leo R2 ROM, no probs.

Pete_S said:
@ haranbh:
Yes, that's because they adjusted the bars so people wouldn't complain any more. See hermes77 report here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276&page=28. This is what I suspected, because on weak signals it's exactly the same.
@hali39: I don't find a difference so far between 4.47.25.21 and 4.47.25.31, at least as far as 3G reception goes. Biggest problem is t-mobile. Every month that goes by it gets worse. I used to download the occasional large file from rapidshare on 3G, I wouldn't dream of that now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi thanks for the input. I stay in India and just flashed the Radio to 4.49.25.17 (was: 3.43.25.19) and looks like all Good here . Will continue testing and will let you know too...

Not wishing to "bump" my own thread, just reporting I've gone back to the original stock ROM for reasons of seemingly greater compatibility with T-mobile in the UK regarding data continuity between cells. Longer (yawn!) report here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=547276&page=38

Can someone please explain how to update the radio. I have installed the latest HardSPL and I downloaded Topaz_Radio_4.49.25.17.exe. The thread says "Rename radio to TOPAIMG.nbh, copy to your SD-Card, go to bootloader (Reset with VolumeDown pressed)". However, this is an executable file that runs on the PC. And when I run it, it wants to change the image version from 1.40.110.1 to 1.00.000.0. This looks to be an earlier version of something that is not the radio, so I got the willies and cancelled. What do I do?

You can use the .exe file to update your radio using USB. The version number refers to the non-existant main ROM file and not the Radio so whilst it's misleading, it does work fine. I did it last week.
If you want to update using the SD Card then you need to extract the nbh file from the .exe using WinRAR, or your favourite compressed file unpacker. Then it is that file that is renamed for placing on the SD Card.
John

japester36 said:
You can use the .exe file to update your radio using USB. The version number refers to the non-existant main ROM file and not the Radio so whilst it's misleading, it does work fine. I did it last week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again John. I have upgraded now. I had a few worries, though. The process stopped on the PC saying "ERROR[260]: CONNECTION", warning me that the usb cable was not connected. However, a couple of minutes later, the phone reported "Update Complete". I rebooted the phone and it loaded OK.

[SOLVED] Unable to "keep WiFi on during sleep"

Got a new SGS2 a week ago. Came with stock Samsung Android 4.0.3.
The WiFi connection keeps dropping when not actively used, which is unwanted because I can no longer receive SIP calls (or Skype/Viber/WhatsApp/Gtalk/... for that matter) at that point.
Please note that this is not the "Wifi During Sleep option won't stick" problem half of the similar threads are about, nor is it the "Cannot connect with Wifi" problem that most others are about like these:

Wifi problems with latest rom ICS, an idea!!

SGS1/SGS2 Wifi connects but no Internet data transfer

Galaxy S II Wifi Problem (Need to Restart It to properly work)
Experiencing Wifi Drops / problems? Try this solution....
.. plus a lot older similar threads.
I do not have those problems. The setting sticks perfectly, and my phone connects to WiFi perfectly.
This problem is that WiFi drops the connection (is suddenly totally disaboled) everytime nothing is happening (e.g. screen is off), even though it is set to stay connected.
I have tried this at 3 different networks, so it's probably not because of the WiFi router.
According to hwaddress.com I have a Samsung Electro Mechanics WiFi chip so there's no correlation with suspected trouble chips like the Murata Manufacturing.
I have tried the open source https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wahtod.wififixer]Wifi Fixer which claims to be able to keep the connection going, but it can't keep the connection alive either so it effectively just reconnects when the screen is activated, in stead of reconnecting manually.
I don't know if these readings are relevant, but interestingly, Wifi Fixer always claims that the "connection is bad" and shows a signal quality of -200 (I assume 0 is best quality). The indicator in the task bar shows no 'bars' at this point either, although at the same time the 'networks' tab from Wifi Fixer shows that this network has best quality. And the connection is perfect at this moment and I can stream video just fine. Some time later, the connection does show a valid quality, and bars in the taskbar.
Some pics to illustrate:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Any hints on how to tackle this issue?

I have now factory reset and flashed to Paranoid Android (based on CyanogenMod 9), and I still have this problem. I haven't seen anyone with a similar problem.
Wifi disconnects after going to sleep, even though it is set to always stay connected.
Other SGS2's does not do this, even with the same firmware. I need to use Wifi Fixer again to restore the connection when the screen goes back on.
At this point, the connection is immediately perfect, but as you can see in the first picture, the indicator in the taskbar is indicating no connection, and I am also not mislead by a data connection over 3g, which is disabled. Wifi Fixer itself also sais there is no connection.
After 5 minutes, both the indicator and wifi related apps suddenly say there is a connection, as you can see in the second picture.

Solved
After six days, I found out that SIPdroid, the app I use for receiving SIPcalls, which I usually install without giving it a second thought, just like inserting my SIM card, is actually causing WIFI to disconnect after 15 minutes of inactivity, completely ignoring the Android sleeping policy setting for WiFi.
Anyone using SIPdroid - or anyone feeling sorry for me talking to myself as a n00b in my own lonely topic without anyone throwing me a bone - should star THIS ISSUE** to bring this under attention of the developers.
**) -edit-
This anti-spam noobs-cannot-post-links thing is starting to piss me off. So the issue in old-skool plain text url:
code.google.com /p/sipdroid/issues/detail?id=1058
I think the difference between wifi indicator connection and actual connection on reconnect are some kind of software latency and are actually irrelevant to the disconnect problem.

Redsandro said:
After six days, I found out that SIPdroid, the app I use for receiving SIPcalls, which I usually install without giving it a second thought, just like inserting my SIM card, is actually causing WIFI to disconnect after 15 minutes of inactivity, completely ignoring the Android sleeping policy setting for WiFi.
Anyone using SIPdroid - or anyone feeling sorry for me talking to myself as a n00b in my own lonely topic without anyone throwing me a bone - should star THIS ISSUE to bring this under attention of the developers.
-edit-
This anti-spam noobs-cannot-post-links thing is starting to piss me off. So the issue in old-skool plain text url:
code.google.com /p/sipdroid/issues/detail?id=1058
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollllzzz, good post!! A bit of usefull info, and quite funny! We're nOObs on XDA and we know it!!

Have u found the solution? I also have the same problem and I haven't found solution yet... please inform me for the solution..

wongsumber said:
Have u found the solution? I also have the same problem and I haven't found solution yet... please inform me for the solution..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I found the solution. I had to uninstall SipDroid. I am not kidding. I use SIP a lot so that's the one single app I installed immediately. But with CyanogenMod you can have SIP from within the contact list so I am not missing the app.
A design flaw causes SIPdroid to force Wifi off. Logic dictates that the apps should follow wishes set out in global options, but they did not agree with me on this.
It took me a while to figure this out, so I hope you have this app installed, otherwise you'll have to find yourself a completely different reason, and you're gonna have a bad time. But even so, I am 93,5% sure that it is caused by an app. If you do have the correct settings, there will be no system problems. Only app-induced problems.

From the opening post "I do not have those problems. The setting sticks perfectly, and my phone connects to WiFi perfectly.
This problem is that WiFi drops the connection (is suddenly totally disaboled) everytime nothing is happening (e.g. screen is off), even though it is set to stay connected."
I have this same problem (at least I realized it with 4.1.2 LSD rom). Wifi is running and shows it has reception but connection is lost. And because it shows it has reception it doesn't switch to mobile data. Quite annoying problem.

Like I said in my previous answer, it was an app that caused this totally unintuitive seemingly broken behaviour. I almost sent my phone back.
Took me a week to figure out it was SIPdroid.

Redsandro said:
Like I said in my previous answer, it was an app that caused this totally unintuitive seemingly broken behaviour. I almost sent my phone back.
Took me a week to figure out it was SIPdroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on STOCK ROM JB 4.1.1 rooted, I use VIBER, WHATSAPP, NIMBUZZ, TANGO, SKYPE etc....which app is causing this guide me Please...

For me it was SipDroid. I don't know/use Tango and/or Nimbuzz. I hope you'll find the problem. With some bad luck it could be your rooted firmware. You can try a clean CM or PA and install one app per day until you notice Wifi is broken again.

Thanks for the Information!

Here's a solution: Don't use SipDroid. If you want the best quality with Google Voice/Android, use this method. I made a 12-part video tutorial on how to set it up. So far, I've had many people confirm this method is by far the best option.
I mention the hardware and software requirements in the first video, so you'll know if this is ideal for you.
FreePBX VoIP 12 Part Video Tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9DzN1Pu6-Q&list=PLE_de-PBwrTSUMm-Y48aiOOHt_YyT69t0

Better fix.
Download the app advanced wifi lock. Save u so much time mucking around

Good ,people found the answer for their problem !!!

SM-G900F. UK BTU Firmware no GPS

This is a summary of my post I have already made on sammobile.com forums.
My GPS isn't working. I have tried several custom roms & the stock BTU firmware & it just seems to keep searching for GPS but never gets a lock.
Phone Details
Original CSC btu
PDA Version g900fxxu1ane2
CSC Version g900foxa1ane2
Baseband Version g900fxxu1ane2
Android Version 4.4.2
I have tried the phone is safe mode
If I have Wifi & Location on at Home Google Maps does find my location approximately on the map. However, the searching for GPS locator blinks but never locks on a Satellite. This is the case at home or in the car. For example if I put a journey into waze or google maps & start driving I never get location lock. I never had these issues with my S3 LTE on either software.
I tried:
power off the phone
remove sim card
power on
power off
replace sim card and power on
I downloaded GPS Status for the play store. It keep searching but never gets a lock.
The phone was bought brand new in a sealed box from someone local who won it in a competition. The phone was rooted so therefore my knox counter is 0x1
Any thoughts what I might try to sort this?

..

fffft said:
Yup. There are way tooooo many variables that could cause a GPS fail. It's worth looking at the most likely causes at the outset as you have been doing. But at this point it would be useful to try and narrow this down to a software vs hardware issue.
You said that you acquired the device brand new. So the obvious question would be: did you try it full stock i.e. confirm that the GPS worked when you first got it? If so, hardware problems just became a lot less likely.
At what point did you first notice GPS issues?
Have you dropped it? If so, how long ago. And did you have any GPS quirks whatsoever start to crop up after the impact?
In an effort to discern software vs hardware, I would normally suggest doing a backup, then do a 100% version to stock, which I gather is BTU. Confirm that the CSC matches the baseband and see if the GPS works then. It's unclear from your post if you did that. If so, describe how you went about it in detail. I suspect you did this, but perhaps not thoroughly. It's worth looking for essential bits that you might have missed there.
In particular, I highly doubt that you reset NV /NAND and so forth where any non-volatile GPS misconfiguration may persist.
And have you done an extended search to see if anyone else is having GPS issues with the particular custom ROMS that you had installed?
.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot remember if the GPS worked out of the box. I noticed a few weeks back when I tried waze that it couldn't get a lock. So thought it might have been a bug in waze. Within the last week or so I tried Google Maps with the same result.
The phone hasn't been dropped or knocked.
I have done several full wipes & flashed the stock rom from odin. I did attempt to flash other UK specific network roms ( vodaphone, o2) but that fail on ext4 which from my research indicates that it will not allow me to downgrade the fimware.
I have googled & searched & not found anyone with this particular model with the same issue.
I have tried many custom roms in the hope that one of them might allow working gps. I read somewhere of someone with a different phone doing a 'dirty flash' when gps was operational back to a stock rom & getting it working.
Have spent quite a few days trawling threads & trying things to no avail

..

fffft said:
It's unfortunate that you don't know if the GPS worked when it was brand new.
Regardless, you still need to narrow it down to software vs hardware. Trouble shooting is nothing if not attention to detail. So it's not enough to say that you tried going back to stock. We need to know exactly, in detail how you went about that. Because almost everyone misses some steps that should be done but they missed. Usually that doesn't cause grievous problems. But when issues like this arise, then we need to know if you crossed all the T's and dotted all the I's because they could impact your issue.
So you're going to love my suggestion to do it again if you didn't keep notes the first time. No other step is as likely to resolve or at least shed key insight onto what is going on. And Odin has extended capabilities to wipe the NAND, etc that I'm sure you didn't invoke the first time.
The key issue is not searching for posts of whether anyone with your specific model has GPS issues. That would be ideal but there could easily be commonality between models. Did anyone, with any device have GPS issues with those particular custom ROMS. If so, can you link to the GPS posts?
The bottom line is that software issues are much more likely than hardware ones. And distinguishing the two pivots on reducing as many variables as we can. So we want to go back to full stock firmware. Methodically. Go back to stock, then wipe the /data partition in that order, clear the system cache, confirm the write e.g. CSC, et cetera. And wipe NAND NV as well, if necessary. If you do that carefully, then you have a reasonable basis to move into the hardware realm.
Concurrently, I'm concerned that you may have overlooked or ruled out of hand posts on the custom ROM GPS issues that could give insight on what is going on.
Troubleshooting sure is fun, isn't it?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure is fun
Will try another stock flash with the setting you suggest & report back. Thanks :good:

109
AlistairS said:
Sure is fun
Will try another stock flash with the setting you suggest & report back. Thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so I tried another flash of the stock rom with everything ticked in ODIN. Still no GPS. I have gone through the custom rom threads on on here & the only thing that might work is downgrading the firmware which would require a pit file & involve a lot of risk of bricking the device permanently
Have asked in another thread for a pit file.

..

fffft said:
You aren't providing any details which precludes us from helping you in any meaningful way. A one line summary does nothing to confirm that you haven't missed key steps or any opportunity to offer you useful advice. It's simply not possible to confirm or rule out a lot of things without a detailed description.
I also think that we'd be having a different conversation if you had really checked everything in Odin.
Do you see any difference between the two examples below?
I tried another flash of the stock rom with everything ticked in ODIN.
vs.
With the phone starting at a baseband of g900btuu1ane2
I cleared the system cache from the stock recovery mode
Used Odin v. 3.09 with f. reset & auto timeout checked
to flash BTU 4.4.2 G900BTUV1ANF2 (entered in the AP line)
Odin completed without any errors
Wiped data partition from recovery mode
Tried to get a GPS lock outside without success
Used application mgr to force stop, clear cache, data for location services
GPS still won't lock (waited 15 min in open terrain)
Requested a pit file here: http://link... et cetera
I wish you luck either way. But I don't understand how you think you can get good advice from people who have no idea what steps you took along the way?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so I am running stock recovery & cleared system cache as you said.
Odin 3.09: F Reset Auto Reboot both ticked
G900FXXU1ANE2_G900FOXA1ANE2_G900FXXU1ANE2_HOME.tar.md5 entered in the AP Line
Odin Completed without any errors
Wiped data from recovery & rebooted.
Phone setup.
No gps lock - tried google maps, setup a test journey no gps lock.
Rebooted to recovery again & wiped cache.
Ran Odin 3.09 again with additional options ticked: Nand Erase All, Phone Bootloader Update, Phone EFS Clear.
G900FXXU1ANE2_G900FOXA1ANE2_G900FXXU1ANE2_HOME.tar.md5 entered into BL, AP, CP & CSC Lines
KLTE_EUR_OPEN.pit entered into PIT Line & therefore RE-Partition Ticked
Odin completed once more without issue
Wiped data from recovery & rebooted.
Phone setup.
No gps lock - tried google maps, setup a test journey no gps lock
Does this help?

..

fffft said:
It does help a lot. We can't spot the pitfalls and pots of gold that we know about; or understand any degree of nuance without detailed descriptions.
Some follow up questions about details that the description didn't cover, so that we can eliminare some possible culprits -
Does your baseband (BTU?) match the new stock firmware (FOX)?
If not, is there a specific reason that you didn't revert to BTU?
Are you testing the GPS in open terrain i.e. not in a valley or city with tall skyscrapers?
How long did you wait to see if it would lock?
Requisite silly question ----> is Location enabled in the quick settings menu?
In the settings menu > connections location.. what is listed for each category.. e.g.
Mode? Recent location requests? Location services? Location sources?
Can you install this free GPS app and see if it reports a GPS lock?
Even if does not fix a location, does it show a signal from any satellites?
If not, go to settings menu > applications > application mgr > all > location services
Choose force stop > clear cache > clear data
Reboot and see if the GPS status app reports any satellite signals now?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file I downloaded from sammobile was G900FXXU1ANE2_G900FOXA1ANE2_BTU.zip It is the btu file as far as I can see? I am testing GPS outside it is not a built up area & on my old phone I was able to get a lock quickly in the same locations. I downloaded GPS Status & ran it it. It keeps looking for a GPS locations but never locks on to any satellites. Location is enabled with High Accuracy settings. I have also set it to GPS only & Power Saving with no difference.
I am able to force stop location services but there is no cache/data to clear. Rebooting made no difference

AlistairS said:
The file I downloaded from sammobile was G900FXXU1ANE2_G900FOXA1ANE2_BTU.zip It is the btu file as far as I can see? I am testing GPS outside it is not a built up area & on my old phone I was able to get a lock quickly in the same locations. I downloaded GPS Status & ran it it. It keeps looking for a GPS locations but never locks on to any satellites. Location is enabled with High Accuracy settings. I have also set it to GPS only & Power Saving with no difference.
I am able to force stop location services but there is no cache/data to clear. Rebooting made no difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get an instant lock even indoors with 15 sats connected out of 22. It might be a hardware issue in your case if you allready tried reflashing a stock rom and have the correct gps settings

..

gee2012 said:
I get an instant lock even indoors with 15 sats connected out of 22. It might be a hardware issue in your case if you allready tried reflashing a stock rom and have the correct gps settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, its looking increasingly like that is the case. However, want to exhaust all possibilities before having to return to samsung

fffft said:
Thanks for the information. Getting closer to conclusions.
Just to clarify.. does the GPS status app show any level of sattelite signals? Even if doesn't lock. Or does it show absolutely zero signals? If you are uncertain, can you make a screenshot after it has been searching for 5+ minutes?
And what was listed in the settings menu > connections location?
e.g. Mode /Recent location requests /Location services /Location sources
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Recent Location Requests
GPS Status
Gallery
Google Play Services
Google Search
Maps
Waze
Location Services
Google Location Reporting
Location Sources
My places

..

fffft said:
@AlistairS
Thanks for all that. No one can say that you haven't jumped through all the hoops.
You've done just about everything possible to assure that you are 100% reverted to stock and checked a cadre of likely suspects along the way. The upshot of which is that you've checked all the firmware nooks and crannies.. and the most likely system level settings and it all adds up to there being no sign whatever that you are receiving any satellite signals. I'll talk about a few long shots in a moment - because that is about all there is left that you can still test for without a service manual and bench equipment.
Although software issues are far, far more common with GPS, all of the ducks are lining up to say that you have a hardware issue. That usually means a loose or damaged antennae connection, but unless you are comfortable disassembling your phone - it seems to be at a point where all I can suggest is sending it in for service. Hopefully under warranty i.e. I have no idea if you are within your warranty or not.
I wish I had an easier solution for you, but given that we are working with a stock configuration, the usual sort of sundry misconfigurations and app related conflicts are ruled out of hand. Wiping the data partition earlier was to ensure that no user settings were interfering and as you wiped the NAND as well, we've reset the NV as well to the degree that we are able to do so. I suppose that ten or so satellites above your horizon may have just all died today. Or that you may be perched on a 100,000 watt radio tower (i.e. exceptionally strong interference), but both situations seem unlikely.
So.. long shots, if you want to go the extra mile:
I have a little lingering doubt about your firmware being a BTU image. I'm not saying that you are wrong, it's just a naming convention that is atypical of the firmwares I usually use. Have a look at some of the other firmware images (from the same site - I believe you said Sammobile) and see if they are named consistently. Only if your image is an oddball would I counsel installing yet another image. You'e tested at least two different ones, so the odds of both having serious GPS bugs is vanishingly small.
It's a long shot, but you could search and see if anyone in the forum has posted about serious GPS bugs on the 900F. The likely fix if there are any is flashing an alternate radio (modem). Newer or older, just trying to find a working radio at this point.
And I will explain how to open the S5 service menu as there are a few GPS settings there that you can check. Other than that I can only say good work on checking all of the possibilities, but it appears that you have a hardware issue.
Service menu (GPS)
On the phone keypad dial *#0011#
That should bring up an information screen.
In the upper right corner, click on the menu icon (3 dots)
On the pull down menu click on back
Then open the menu again and select key input, then type a capital Q into the box and press OK
Then open the menu one more time, select key input, type 0000 in the box and press Ok
Wait ten seconds and then the screen should refresh to the service mode menu
It should look something like this:
ServiceMode
[1] PROTOCOL STATE
[2] UE SETTING & INFO
[3] ETC
[4] DEBUG SCREEN(OPEN)
Press [2], then {1], then [1].. and then you should see a [6] GPS
Press [6] on the GPS menu, then
Press [1] Smart assistant, then
Press [2] Control
This brings us into the GPS menu
Press [1] Cell info monitor. It should say something like State Initialized
Press menu > back, then [2] Enable module
Press menu > back, then [8] which may say Gathering mode to (Normal or Dumb). Click it regardless (it's a toggle)
Then exit the menu, reboot, cross your fingers and see if your GPS works. Keep in mind that this is a long shot, a prayer and faint hope rolled up into one. I don't expect it to work. But it's all we have left to check.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash a virgin mobile UK firmware but the GPS result was the same.
Ok so going through to the GPS service menu: State is Terminated. I enabled the module I have it now on State Finding. But nothing beyond that. Rebooted. Went back into service menu & its showing as terminated again Re enabled again. However, never gets beyond this.

..

fffft said:
Most GPS issues are software based and on most phones you would have solved the GPS issue by now. You've checked everything that you can. There is nothing left to check. You wiped all of the user settings, went back to 100% stock. Tried three different firmwares. And checked all plausible related settings. That eliminated any third party app conflicts, user setting problems and the possibility that a given release had a serious GPS bug.
Your phone's location services are running but it shows no hint that it is receiving any satellite signal at all. You now have a solid basis for assuming that it's a hardware issue, that needs a shop to test the actual hardware directly.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it

Meant to update this thread. Phone was sent back to Samsung for repair. No problems

..

[Q] Standby time. Wifi vs 3G, why 3G is better?

This problem has been bugging me for a long time.
One of the battery saving tips is to always use wifi whenever possible because the 3G antenna uses more power than the wifi ones.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1630947
http://www.speedguide.net/faq/2g-vs-3g-vs-wi-fi-battery-usage-on-mobile-phones-362
but my real world experience is different.
standby time is awesome on 3g and abysmal on wifi.
below is data comparing wifi and 3g.
wifi loses 10% while 3g loses 2% over 6+ hours
(refer 1st image below)
Initially i thought that 3g is more efficient because i disable background data for many apps on 3g.
In the data usage monitor, i mark my home wifi as a hotspot, so it will be treated as 3g and background data will be restricted as well.
but look at screenshot below. nothing's change and power lost is still 10% over night.
(refer 2nd image below)
What i really want to know, is this normal for other phones as well to have better 3g standby time?
anyway to improve wifi standby time?
please let me know your thoughts
extra info of my phone
samsung note 3 n9005
rooted, stock rom and kernel,
120+ samsung bloatware uninstalled
using xposed framework
First image: standby time wifi vs 3g
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Second image: standby time on wifi, marked as hotspot to restrict background data for apps

mtxx1 said:
This problem has been bugging me for a long time.
One of the battery saving tips is to always use wifi whenever possible because the 3G antenna uses more power than the wifi ones.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1630947
http://www.speedguide.net/faq/2g-vs-3g-vs-wi-fi-battery-usage-on-mobile-phones-362
but my real world experience is different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on many factors:
- The power level of the transmitter (3g/wifi)
- The distance from your phone to the transmitter
- The settings in your phone (e.g Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep, ...)
- The data volume is actually sent/received during that time
- . . .

vndnguyen said:
It depends on many factors:
- The power level of the transmitter (3g/wifi)
- The distance from your phone to the transmitter
- The settings in your phone (e.g Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep, ...)
- The data volume is actually sent/received during that time
- . . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this in different house with different router.
The results are the same. Battery drops alot faster on Wifi then on 3g in standby.
I'm worried something is wrong with my wifi module.
Is this suppose to be normal? How is your battery standby time differs in Wifi n 3g?

mtxx1 said:
I tried this in different house with different router.
The results are the same. Battery drops alot faster on Wifi then on 3g in standby.
I'm worried something is wrong with my wifi module.
Is this suppose to be normal? How is your battery standby time differs in Wifi n 3g?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I personally don't use wifi so I don't know. My device is on 3G/H+ almost time.
One thing I forgot to tell you, it may be due to software issue (modem, or baseband).
Check if you have the latest Baseband installed?
(install Phone INFO ★Samsung★ app, look in the FIRMWARE INFO section).
You may need to update your Baseband, or flash another Baseband!

You can alo check baseband version from Settings - General - About device.
No need do install any "one-time-use" apps

vndnguyen said:
Sorry, I personally don't use wifi so I don't know. My device is on 3G/H+ almost time.
One thing I forgot to tell you, it may be due to software issue (modem, or baseband).
Check if you have the latest Baseband installed?
(install Phone INFO ★Samsung★ app, look in the FIRMWARE INFO section).
You may need to update your Baseband, or flash another Baseband!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi....... Almost how long does your phone battery last while continuously on 3G and screen on?

On wifi my battery life is almost doubled! You should see if there are some local network services running on your phone, something related to media servers or automatic updates of some applications via wifi only.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Free mobile app

i figured out the reason. i turned off wifi power saving mode in *#0011#, once turn it on it's as good as 3g for standby time.

mtxx1 said:
i figured out the reason. i turned off wifi power saving mode in *#0011#, once turn it on it's as good as 3g for standby time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you change the wifi power saving mode in *#0011#?
Please step by step. Thanks.

*#0011# press menu button, Wifi, tap the on button

mtxx1 said:
*#0011# press menu button, Wifi, tap the on button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I see. Mine was turned ON by default.
I don't know why this WiFi Information menu is available in ALL service menu's, e.g. *#2263#, *#1111#, *#2222#, *#0011# ...

T-Mobile has Finally released the Android 11 Updgrade for OnePlus 8 5G

The wait is OVER! T-Mobile OnePlus 8 5G Android 11 update has been released (well to select few with issues for sure). This is not official but I can confirm that I do infact have it. No root. Yes I am unlocked and came from Sprint but that played no part in the Update I received.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Go ahead and check now. I was a former Sprint - Tmobile Failed TNX Transfer. After months of being told complete nonsense, they proactively called me, troubleshot and without notice I checked again and there it was. This could be a TS Procedure, however, see attached Screenshots and I believe everyone will see it Feb 2-4th. My experience as one of the initial transfers has been anything but smooth. However, I commend their Customer Service and their Tech SUpport for owning the issue and this may have saved me as a customer. Mind you I will absolutely not buy from them again, however, I will sell this oneplus 8 5g that is unlocked for the 8t/8Pro or 9 Pro unlocked and stick with them for the outstanding customer service!

AOD doesn't have the all day function like global does, modem cant switch from 5g to 4g without a reboot or airplane mode toggle, wifi calling works when if "feels" like it.

@esjames so just to confirm are you saying that you're having issues with the automatic transition from 5G to 4G or vice versa? Cuz that would be a very big problem for me especially since I am 99% of my time on my home Wi-Fi and have been missing calls ever since doing the upgrade. Can you confirm that if I do do a global conversion will that result in error and if so do you happen to have a guide on how to convert from Android 11?
Thank you in advance.

It doesn't appear to have AOD? that's the one feature I wanted. Ugh

I went and got the iphone 12 pro yesterday, and yes "all day" aod isnt there and 4g-5g switching works only sometimes. Got tired of it dropping signal. Global firmware doesnt have stand alone 5g but at least it didnt drop signal.

Missing features aside (it seems several releases back from what I'm seeing in OnePlus' forums, where several devices are on 11.0.3.3 and 11.0.5 is in beta testing) how is it overall? Stability, battery life, Android Auto, etc?

Most says beta 5 is more stable than the stable release. The global release is pretty good. Battery life kinda sucks though

Are you guys having issues with YouTube and twitch mini screen hiding on the bottom of the screen and not appearing on recent apps?

I just updated. I hope I don't regret this

grabber5.0 said:
I just updated. I hope I don't regret this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like with the exemption of YouTube and maps mini floating screen disappearing

I'm not too thrilled with the update. Very laggy and buggy, wiped cashed data and it seems to have helped.... Slightly. Missing some text after a little while I'll get 3-4 all at the same time. I'm going to unlock and throw rhe international version on it very soon.

My first test of Android Auto in the truck was not great. At first everything seemed fine, but it got extremely slow after checking out 3 or 4 apps. I'll clear cache on related apps and see if that helps. The phone itself has been fine so far.

So first real test of Google navigation on AA today, and it wasn't good. When I searched for a place and selected directions, it showed three options, but the routes were not highlighted on the selection screen or while navigating, no matter how many times I closed the app and re-did the search. Finally I gave up and used Waze, which worked fine. I tried Google Maps again partway through, and that time it showed the route, but I cancelled it. When I got where I was going and unplugged the phone, it was very warm and there was a temperature warning - actually it said device temperature was back to the safe range. It's never done that before. Also the phone still had a persistent navigation notification shown that didn't want to go away. I am really disappointed right now. Normally I would also stream music while navigating, but didn't this time, and it still made the phone really warm on top of the other issues.

I don't care for the update either. Has crazy lag with screen transitions. Android Auto works fine for me. Freezes up when phone screen is left on. Turn off phone screen and android auto is responsive again. Did notice the missing navigation route issue once or twice. Forgot how I solved it but it's working now.
Otherwise just got the update yesterday. I will also say I think the maps issue is the actual maps app. Mine did it on android 10 not 11.
Also keyboard has round corners now?

Ever since I've updated there has been a problem with texting and I'm hoping someone might have an answer.
After I updated I noticed I could receive group text but my one on one text don't arrive (and I have timed it 15 20 minutes later.
I tried different texting apps (I use Textra) but nothing changed.
I did a factory reset and nothing changed
I called T Mobile and replaced sim card and after talking to technicians - nothing changed
I've changed settings and texting apps again - nothing changed.
Can anyone help?
I cannot get one on one text or app verification codes quick enough to install certain apps but I can still receive group maeesages quickly.

Am I the only one have trouble connecting in FlashMode? No matter what I've tried, debugging on, debugging off, the "Adb devices" command doesn't see a da** thing. I could've sworn I had connect to this phone with the android 10 version.
BTW, I had to laugh, 'cause it took me a minute to find the Flashmode option in the new Power menu. They sort of hid it.
Just wondering because I've been trying all afternoon. Probably just something stupid I'm doing but I gotta get this going so I can debloat thing. This rom is so loaded with bloatware, it's crazy. After I got finished paring down all the Sprint apps that were on my LG V50 it weighed about 5lb less and this one's is way worse.

February Patch for T-Mobile is out!! Hopefully with AOD and bug fixes.

JeremyM52 said:
View attachment 5235165
February Patch for T-Mobile is out!! Hopefully with AOD and bug fixes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. just february patch with bug fixes.

Still no AOD, pathetic. Who do we complain to - Tmobile or OnePlus?

Things have been better since I cleared the cache from the recovery menu. I don't remember the phone charging at only 1A in the car before. Seems to be the same whether I use Android Auto through the radio's USB port or my car charger. I guess the OnePlus 8 doesn't support Quickcharge?