Develop Bugs

how to use gps?

Hello all...
I've been using a HTC Prophet since it's been "misplaced" 2 weeks ago. I've then decided to go for an unlocked TP2 and been marveling at it since
So, here's the deal. I live in Mauritius and since this is my first GPS device, I have absolutely no clue on how to use it. The only two things I have GPS related is Google Maps and a QuickGPS app. First, I have to ask. Do I need a data connection for the GPS to work?
If I connect through wifi at home and launch Google Maps, I get a completely wrong fix on my location, sometimes Bolivia and sometimes India. I've tried using the QuickGPS and after it successfully downloads the update, I'm still pointed to a wrong location. I've tried enabling "Use GPS" in Google Maps and I get no satellite connections.
But if I'm on the road, is it right that I should have a data connection for the GPS to work? And what about the wrong location given out by Google Maps?
Thanks for helping me out here

Hi Jedi,
I'll try to help you out here...
So, the phone has a GPS receiver built in. This receiver will work independently of a data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WiFi) and will get a location fix from the satellites. The phone is also capable of A-GPS (Assissted GPS) which uses the mobile network to assist the GPS in acquiring a location fix. The QuickGPS application will download the latest satellite data to the phone which can help decrease the time it takes to get a location fix.
Now, if you are using Google Maps, you will need a data connection because the application does not store the maps on the phone but actually downloads them as needed. Your inconsistencies with the location fix is most likely because of the WiFi connection you are using. If you have a data plan on your account, you will have much better results getting an accurate location fix using the wireless data from your service provider. Also, if you are inside, the GPS may not be getting good signal from the satellites, so try it again next time you are outside.
Additionally, if you use an application such as Garmin Mobile XT, the maps are stored on the memory card and you do not need any data service to navigate. For example, I have used the Garmin app on my Touch Pro 2 to navigate in my car without a SIM card in the phone or any WiFi connection.
Hope this helps

Following up on Nick's post . .
Make sure your GPS is set to "On" in the location settings under phone. By default, it's probably set to "911". You'll have to do a reset and you'll get a warning about the GPS being enabled (on the first reset only).
In Google Maps, make sure the GPS is selected (Menu, Use GPS) and go outside for the GPS to get it's first lock. You may have to leave the phone outside for a while (half hour or so) to get your first lock, but locks should be within 30 seconds or so after that.

thanks a lot nick for all those helpful info! I'll try to find Garmin Mobile XT but I doubt that they'll have a Mauritius map...

Hi SecretAgentMan. If I go in the Phone settings in TP2, I don't see a GPS settings. I only have Phone (Ring Type, Ring Tone, etc...), Services (Call Barring etc...), Network (Automatic), Band (Auto), Pin1/Pin2, Time Zones, More (Auto pickup etc...) and Advanced (Reject call with message etc...) but no "Location" setting where I can set GPS to "On" and nothing where I can see "911". In Google Maps, I've already set "Use GPS" and will try to leave the phone outside for that long...
Thanks again!

hi all! it works beautifully! I've been using it with Google Maps and I have to keep an open data connection cause of the map updates but it works very well. I got around 5,6 and sometimes 10 sats. It keeps on tracking though even after the data cut which means the GPS is fully functional and it's just google maps that's not being updated so everything's cool. Thanks a lot to you all!

Hi Jedi,
I'm glad to see you got your GPS working. Google maps is great but the Garmin app has superior routing with turn by turn directions and voice prompts. I looked online and they do have maps for Mauritius but I'm not sure the cost. You can do a google search for "Garmin Mauritius" and you may find what you are looking for.

Very Slow (10 min +) GPS Fix after Froyo update

Hi All,
Any one experiencing slow GPS Fix on V2.2 please ?
I Leave GPS always ON on the power widget, but when i run any software that needs GPS (SportyPal, Sygic, GPS Status, Etc.) it takes some 10 Minutes to get a fix (outside)
On same postion using Samsung Omnia HD (symbian) I get a fix in 23 seconds (cold start) and 6 seconds
Thanks

I believe since froyo there is a new apn type for agps, and you may need to add it manually.
go to settings - wireless & networks - mobile networks - access points. Select the access point with the green dot, scroll down to "APN type" which should be "default" and replace that with "default,supl" (no quotes)
hit back and your gps should be working as before.

Hi,
Thanks for replying, The access point with the green dot is my 3g Internet connection from my mobile service provider.
The APN Type was already " default,supl "
Does GPS Needs to connect to the internet to get a fix ? . . (I keep Mobile Networks OFF)

SpideRMaN-17 said:
Hi,
Thanks for replying, The access point with the green dot is my 3g Internet connection from my mobile service provider.
The APN Type was already " default,supl "
Does GPS Needs to connect to the internet to get a fix ? . . (I keep Mobile Networks OFF)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS needs no connection to the internet to get a fix. AGPS is getting your rough position from the Internet and helps GPS to get a faster fix. If your network is off, then it cannot use it of course.
I never tested the GPS under 2.1 but with 2.2 its still faster than on my HTC Diamond 2 with AGPS and WinMo.

spamlucal said:
I believe since froyo there is a new apn type for agps, and you may need to add it manually.
go to settings - wireless & networks - mobile networks - access points. Select the access point with the green dot, scroll down to "APN type" which should be "default" and replace that with "default,supl" (no quotes)
hit back and your gps should be working as before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spamlucal,thanks for the tip,it worked like a charm.I've been going crazy about the GPS not locking.
Sent from my Archos5 using XDA App

I'm using Froyo 2.2 as well. I have mobile networks off most of the time - testing the GPS - it takes a few seconds to get a lock with mobile networks off - makes no real difference if it is on/off.

If AGPS works the same way on Android as on Winmo then turning off mobile network and then testing time to fix isn't really testing the effectiveness or otherwise of AGPS as the data is only updated once every 3-4 days and cached
I always have mobile networks on, but only switch GPS on when I need to use it, fix never take more than 30 secs or so, same on 2.2 and 2.1 for me...
P

I'm not sure about data and A-GPS. As I understand it, there are 3 factors in play here: normal GPS location, approximate location based on your IP/gsm cell etc, and assisted GPS information where the GPS Ephemeris data is downloaded over the network, which primes your GPS receiver with the approximate coordinates of the satellites for the next 3-5 days. The latter results in a faster fix.

I can now confirm that if I enable Mobile Networks and then access any GPS software the fix is almost instantly (5 Sec. or less) I can switch off the mobile networks after the fix and all works fine as before
Thanks to All

SpideRMaN-17 said:
I can now confirm that if I enable Mobile Networks and then access any GPS software the fix is almost instantly (5 Sec. or less) I can switch off the mobile networks after the fix and all works fine as before
Thanks to All
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's A-GPS for you! It'll download the latest ephemeris file, which is good for about a week. Without this, it needs to download the info over the gps satellite receiver - which can take 10-15 mins with a clear view of the sky.

landwomble said:
That's A-GPS for you! It'll download the latest ephemeris file, which is good for about a week. Without this, it needs to download the info over the gps satellite receiver - which can take 10-15 mins with a clear view of the sky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it's true, but it is lasting only for the session. to get a quick fix i have to do it every time . . is this normal ?

WP7 - GPS/Location based services

Am currently using an HTC Trophy and location based services are not working. Maps won't locate me - just perpetually displays "Searching ..." - and no other app can make use of GPS.
The available settings aren't especially granular in WP7 and I don't see any options besides having GPS ON or OFF. Toggling this setting has no effect.
Any ideas?!
Thanks!
UPDATE: It's the o2 SIM. Swapped out SIM with Vodafone and Orange SIMs and GPS works both on those two networks. I don't understand as the same o2 SIM does GPS just fine in an HD2 and an HD Mini.

tostaky10 said:
Am currently using an HTC Trophy and location based services are not working. Maps won't locate me - just perpetually displays "Searching ..." - and no other app can make use of GPS.
The available settings aren't especially granular in WP7 and I don't see any options besides having GPS ON or OFF. Toggling this setting has no effect.
Any ideas?!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time I've been unable to get a fix is when I'm not using a SIM card. So it could be that you're required to have a working data connection as well?

Yeah, that's one thing you might think. But data connection is fine. GPS doesn't work when there's a 3G data or Wi-fi connection present either ... which makes me think it might be hardware ...

[Q] Stand Alone GPS or A-GPS only.

Recent, convert from Android. I got the LG Quantum from ATT. On specs it says GPS and A-GPS but it doesn't have option to turn on GPS in settings only location on and off. Anyone knows how I can figure out whether the phone actually comes with a standalone GPS chip or A-GPS only? It's important cause I am waiting for 3rd party navigation apps to come out.

it's all managed under "location". it's both GPS and A-GPS. It uses A-GPS for quick general positioning, and the GPS to fix the lock on. so when you turn on/off location, both get turned on/off with it.

Thx for the reply. I guess the real question is if all Windows Phone 7 phones have a dedicated GPS chip not just using cell phone tower triangulation for location calculation (AKA A-GPS).

I think so. GPS chip was a requirement for WP7 handsets. And the accuracy of my Focus makes me think it does have a real chip.

Yes, all Windows Phone 7 devices has a real dedicated GPS chip inside. Although, A-GPS is used as an assist. Actually, on LG devices you can set the A-GPS to use 2G, 3G, or both, and what purpose each would play. I think this is why the tracking and positioning on WP7 devices are faster and more accurate than most other phones.

[Q][SOLVED] Use as a dedicated GPS device?

Searched the forums and couldn't find what I was looking for so I pose this question to you all: Is there a way to use my deactivated Epic as just a dedicated gps device? I have no data connection (being deactivated obviously) and while wifi will still help the agps I wouldnt have a nice wifi signal following me everywhere.
I also think i remember seeing, once upon a time, there was a way to disable it as an agps device and just use gps only. I could be wrong. Thanks in advance.
tl;dr: how do i turn my old phone into a gps unit?
solved by disabling "use wireless networks" in location settings. thanks kenny

To disable the data part of the GPS Settings>Location and security> Uncheck Use Wireless networks and check use GPS satellites and see if it works.

that method should work.

kennyglass123 said:
To disable the data part of the GPS Settings>Location and security> Uncheck Use Wireless networks and check use GPS satellites and see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This did the trick! thanks a bunch. works great using aura sygic.