GPS Solid fix for Samsung Vibrant. - Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking

Hi everyone!
For some time now I have been researching on how to make my GPS on my phone (Samsung Vibrant T959 Froyo 2.2) work the way it should. I have tried everything with failure until a few months ago.
I wanted to share my success with everyone. I know this GPS bug has been a thorn on everyone's side.
I do hope this works for everyone who trys it. If you have my phone it will. If you have a different phone it should
As of today I finally found a rock solid configuration that actually works and I would not be posting my findings on this website if it was not a solid fix.
It does involve going into the phones GPS settings. You will only need to do this once. I have tested this only on my Samsung Vibrant (T959) for over 2 months. As of today I still receive 12 satellites with 5 to 7 fixes. For the first fix ranges from 1 second to a Max of 15 seconds. Accuracy ranges from 10 feet to 37 feet. Remember, this is inside my home and not outside. Outside is even better of course.
If everyone who trys this please post your findings along with your cell phone info. This way anyone who reads this can possablity benefit from it.
GPS FIX For Samsung Vibrant Galaxy S (T959):
Please follow to the letter.
Update your phone to froyo 2.2 if you can. I don't think its necessary.
Go to your dialer and enter
this line below
*#*#3214789650#*#*
You should now see your phones
menu(lbstestmode).
Select - Application Settings.
Check each setting and match
To what you see below.
Session Type = Tracking
Test Mode = S/W Test*Operation Session Mode = M S Based
Start Mode = Hot Start
GPS Plus = On
Dynamic Accuracy = On*
Accuracy = 100*
GPS Logging = Off
Go back once. This will bring you back to the main menu.
Now SELECT SUPL/CP
Match what you see here to the
settings you see on your phone.
Server FQDN Type
= Custom Configuration
Server = supl.google.com
Server Port = 7275
Secure Socket = On*
AGPS Mode = SUPL
Now go back until you see your dialer or home screen.
REBOOT YOUR PHONE!
Go into the Android Market and Search for Samsung GPS Restore.
Download and Install GpsRestore.
Now search for GPS Doctor. You will need to purchase this. If it does not work for you, you can get a refund as long as you quickly do the refund. I used the purchased one which I know works.
Once you install both apps run GPS Doctor first! This must be run first. Run this first then select manual fix. Do all three options first. Then select advanced operations and run each one. You should only need to run this once. Close out gpsdoctor.
Now run GPSRestore. Once you get all green, then your done.
REBOOT
Then
REBOOT AGAIN!"
Check out your GPS useing any or your GPS apps.
I hope this works for you. If you have a question Ill be glad to help.
BTW I do not own any of these programs or promote them.
John

It actually works
It works. You dont need gps doctor. You dont need samsung gps restore. Change the settings,reboot phone. You can use any gps test app to get the stats. Thanks alot for this worked great on the vibrant. Some early production vibrants have a gps antenna problem I doubt this would work on those.

Worked for me
I have a Samsung Vibrant I purchased new in July 2010. Earlier this year I upgraded it to 2.2. This solution fixed my GPS. The only issue I ran into was with GPS Restore. GPS Restore kept giving me a fail message but that doesn't seem to matter. My GPS is working great.
Thank you for posting this easy fix.

This worked for me on my stock 2.2. Thank you. First time i've been able to get GPS lock.
I didn't buy GPS doctor or get the restore app. Made the changes, rebooted, and now get a lock in about 20 seconds.

thanks, very usefull !

GPS fix
Works great, no need of other apps just make the mentioned settings....
locking on the satellites in less then 20 seconds

GPS works again thank you
The solution worked like a charm. I am not a programmer by all means so after following each step very carefully (except downloading the apps) my friggin GPS works again! I am super grateful to you guys and gals of the forums!!!
Jevation
Samsung Vibrant SGH-T959 Froyo 2.2 FROYO.UVKB5

Worked for me
Finally a GPS Fix that worked for me! Running ICS Passion 13.1 & kernel 3.1.10 ICS Kiss Yum Yum Good#2 and nothing worked so far. Hardware fix, other kernels etc. found that thread today and gave it a shot. I could not open the menu (lbstestmode) but I entered the information under Angry GPS.The phone finds birds now all the time. Could not believe it, but now the phone is finally as it should be. Perfect & Thank you

Related

[Q] gps.conf works for wildfire, not for DHD?

Hi,
I have a Desire HD with the stock everything, and by OTA it got the 2.2 so I can't temp root now(before you ask).
One mail reason I got a smartphone was for my love of using GPS. And all was working well, but recently, since almost last one month now GPS has almost completely stopped working. Sometimes I am able to see a fix of upto 4 satellites in GPS status, but the lock never happens. I have tried:
1) GPS status with reset and fresh AGPS data
2) disabling wifi/mobile data
3) removing battery and doing factory reset
4) Ensuring there is clear sky and keeping my phone stable for upto half an hour
5) Testing with Google maps
I read the gps.conf may be the common culprit but i see that the same NTP server of north-america is being used in my brother's Wildfire and it works perfectly and gets a lock within 10 seconds! So I would say rooting just to change gps.conf may not also help me out.
What else can i check? If possible I would want not to root and if required at all, would want to do a temp root if possible to save my warranty
Please help me guys to get my GPS back on my 2.2 DHD
I have read almost every forum post/article I could find which may help me with my GPS issue but none helped me and it seems more and more people are getting this issue. The last thing I would want is to send my dear phone to service center lest they take weeks to "fix" it.
So I was experimenting with any clue I could get. AND it seems I may have stumbled upon something here!
I THINK HTC Desire HD can boot into a safe mode which would help me find if there might be abackgrund process/app hurting my GPS. So to accomplish this I rebooted my HTC, and while booting up and kept the HOME button pressed till it booted up and showed the unlock screen.
GPS Status too about 5 mins but found 6 satellites and locked!!!
Not believeing what I was seeing, I started google maps, and within 5 seconds it locked on to 10 meter accuracy!!
2 questions now
1) Had I actually booted into safe mode, if not what happened here
2) If this was really about something interfering with my GPS, then which server/app is it? How to investigate?
I went into running services and found these running:
astrid backupservice
jbedvmnorunning service
calendar obexservice
htcsense immediatemodeservice
htcsense dashboardsvc
google cloud to device
google messaging
media
sound sdmsvc
cspeoplesync
google maps networklocation
market alarm
mail easappsync
touch input svc
Other 71 mb in 4, avail 247+241 in 43
I will try to find next day what services are running in regular boot, if gps stops working again
If this works for anybody else too, please comment as then we can try investigate together
Well, it turned out that my GPS working was more of a fluke. Didn't work again after that :'(
Not sure what else to try as I do not wish to take as I am not at all comfortable flashing etc. my phone just to make GPS work
hope this solves your problem
waveking9 said:
Well, it turned out that my GPS working was more of a fluke. Didn't work again after that :'(
Not sure what else to try as I do not wish to take as I am not at all comfortable flashing etc. my phone just to make GPS work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try FastFix from the market, its a free app, but i think it needs root access
alternatively, you can look in this thread, this helped many
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964333

[Q] Nexus won't see GPS satellites

I've had the nexus toro (LTE) for 5 days now and have had issues with the GPS since the start. It simply says 'searching' all the time and will not lock. I've installed GPS status, and it shows that it rarely if every sees a satellite (one might pop up, be gray for a second, then disappear).
Here's a pic comparing my OG droid to the nexus right next to each other:
imgur.com/VFc3s
(sorry i'm not allowed to post links yet)
Anyone have any ideas? I've turned GPS on/off, reset the gps cache using GPS Status, and can't think of anything else.
I have the same problem gps locks less than 50% of the time.
Galaxy nexus s LTE.
Its the same on the GSM version. Not much you can do about it unfortunately.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1387263
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1393678
I feel like a dolt because I chatted with Samsung support and they had me soft-restart which fixed the issue.
thespot84 said:
I feel like a dolt because I chatted with Samsung support and they had me soft-restart which fixed the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't; that is not a solution. On my Samsung Fascinate soft restarts would help get a lock on, but shortly after the GPS would lose connection to satellites.
Having to restart your phone every time you need to use GPS is a ridiculous inconvenience. This seems to be a major flaw in the chips / radios that Samsung chooses for GPS.
i get gps locks in 2-3 seconds.works fine.
I'm glad to see others are noticing this problem. I posted a thread in another forum complaining about this:
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/ga...ssions/189067-problem-nexus-locating-gps.html
Does anyone know if this is definitely a hardware issue? Is it possible that it's a bug in Google Maps that's causing the problem with ICS?
It doesn't have to be Google Maps it self. I have it in other apps as well which use the GPS.
Might be hardware, might not.
One of the main reasons I upgraded from the Galaxy S (fassy) was that it's GPS chip went from working not very well to not working at all. If I'm paying for a smart phone, I would like a to have GPS and maps.
So far I have not been disappointed with the GNex's GPS at all. Maybe I lucked out. Try downloading GPSfix from the market and see if that helps.
I have the exact same problem here in Sweden, went for a run and it would not lock on to any satellites at all during half an hour. Really disappointing, thinking of returning it due to this...
Has anybody found a solution to the problem maybe???
was having same problem
Hello fellow GNex users having the GPS issue.
I was having a GPS problem as well where when using Google Maps or Navigation, the GPS status would say 'searching for GPS' forever.. maybe after 10 minutes it would get a lock and operate normally after that.
I downloaded an app from the android market called GPS Test to try to get some better idea of what could be going on.
When I ran the app, I noticed my phone would pick up a few satellites (satellites in view) usually 4 or 5 satellites, but it would never use them, they would just appear as in view without being used for a location, and the GPS test app was never able to report my location. From within the GPS app settings I was able to clear aGPS and update aGPS, but the same behavior would reoccur where the satellites would be in view but would not be used for location.
I tried toggling Wi-Fi, clearing out other location methods, and even going into airplane mode to use GPS only, but same behavior.
What I finally did was clear aGPS once more and then immediately power off the phone, pull the battery, wait a couple minutes and then replace battery and power back on.
Upon going back into GPS test, I did an update aGPS, and then I started to immediately pick up satellites and use them for location. Toggling all the same data connectivity settings (Wi-Fi, location using towers, airplane mode etc) I was continuing to get the same positive response.
I have tried to use google maps and google navigation again and am getting near immediate GPS locks. Comparing this to my Nexus One, the lock is much faster and with about the same accuracy.
This seemed to solve my problem for now, I hope it might help anyone else.
Phone information:
Verizon Galaxy Nexus
Stock Android ICS 4.0.2 Build ICL53F
subsonicbug got it right...
I had the same problem of never syncing GPS, I follow the suggested method and voilà 2 secs GPS sync...
You save my day
Thank you
My gnex was having similar issues, after reboot it would lock quickly, but after a while it would take forever and never lock
Been using this to reset / download agps and it helps a ton!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
subsonicbug's method was the only thing that got my GPS back to usability after several very frustrating days during which my GNex could barely see two or three satellites (and not get a fix on any of them) even under an open cloudless sky.
He or she is clearly on to something...now let's hope that we (and by "we" I mean people way more knowledgeable than me) can figure out why a significant number of Galaxy Nexus devices get so far out of whack that only a soft GPS state reset followed by a battery pull can get GPS working again.
there's actually an easier way that doesn't involve a battery pull. download the app "gps status & toolbox", press menu, tools, "manage a-gps state", reset, after a soft reboot go back into the app, follow the same process but instead of pressing "reset" press "download" after the download you should be good to go. hope this helps!
FasterFix works for me, make sure you have busybox installed.
The unit I'm currently using says location unavailable after resets, pulls, wipes. Hardware problem? I do get intermittent flashes of use.
Here is a fix that may work. I had the same problem and this worked for me, got a gps lock with gmaps in less than a minute. I have the VZW GNex, rooted bootloader unlocked, works with any rom.
Conditions needed:
1. Phone needs to be rooted, I believe, if you have success with out root please share.
2.file explorer, I use root explorer
Now follow these steps:
1. Open root explorer, or any other file explorer
2. Navigate to /etc
3. Ensure the system is mounted r/w, if using root explorer press mount r/w
4. Open gps.conf with text editor
5. The first line will say NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org. Where it says north-america it could list a different continent depending on your location.
6. Edit this line by removing the north-america
7. It should now read NTP_SERVER=pool.ntp.org
8. Save the file and exit
Now open open any app requiring GPS and you should get an instant lock, or pretty close to instant.
hmm my issues seems sorta wiered too -.-
http://g.co/maps/apn3k
tracks seem always loosing lock and so does navigation and other tools

[GPS Troubleshoot] Sprint ET4G GPS Fix discussion

Unfortunately, I've become a veteran when it comes to ET4G GPS problems.
This thread is intended to summarize ET4G GPS issues, reported fixes, troubleshooting advice, and GPS related conversation in hopes of determining the root cause. Could be fixable, could be hardware, but I really want to get to the bottom of it. Let’s try.
I have been all around XDA and the rest of the interwebs for solutions. My personal frustration has been that most GPS issue posts result in standard advice to: download GPS Test from the market, re-install your ROM, or get back to stock and start over. That's actually great advice, and I've pursued it - just doesn't make a difference for some of us. Still worth a shot though.
Several members have great threads concerning specific approaches, and I'll reference those members and threads here. I don’t know of a true fix, but some trickery/mods appear to help a bit.
I’ll do my best to keep this up to date – referenced threads will include their own updates. If/when a true GPS fix pops-up…that’d be super! Let me know so we can validate and kill this thread.
My reference of “True Fix” refers to getting a fast, consistent, nav worthy GPS lock as the default operation, meaning no special mods of config file edits or special software. Kinda like if the GPS functionality on the device actually did what it was supposed to do. Alot of these options assume that you have root, if you don't want to root your device, best to talk to your local sprint store instead of XDA. The bright side of this approach: it may be the best one if this is purely hardware.
SO, if you have crap GPS on your ET4G and you want to take ownership of the issue (including whatever hell breaks loose when you start changing stuff) here is a fairly comprehensive list of the hoops that you can jump through at your own risk:
#1 USER ERROR Maybe you messed it up. I’m no expert, so when I root a phone and load unsanctioned software on it…I look in the mirror when I have problems.
Go back to stock and play normal. Thank SFHUB for compiling a great thread with reference to root, revert and more.
Wipe and retry flashing a recent release of your favorite ROM. Thank BARNACLES10 who has compiled damn near everything here.
JUST_S has a thorough reference thread (including a GPS section) here.
QBKING77 provides another awesome resource. If you are like me, pictures help. Moving pictures help even more and Qbking makes scores of great preview and instructional picture shows for the community.​
#2 A-GPS tools Try augmenting your A-GPS by downloading apps that help your clear and refresh assisted GPS data and look for sats.
As I mentioned, Just_s has a GPS post on his reference thread listing apps and other goodies to try. I'm not trying replace that list, but will reference some of the same items as we'll refer to these in discussion of test results.
Here are the GPS helper apps that I've know of and have used:
GPS Test (has cool features even if your GPS is working great)
GPS Status & Toolbox
FasterFix
GPS Essentials
These apps are free and provide a myriad of GPS related stuff, including options to clear and update/refresh your A-GPS. ​
#3 Dialer codes
Some dialer codes may require you to enter your MSL (see Just_s thread for how to get yours).
It may be possible to reset the GPS with a dialer code. A code that we used in the past ##GPSCLRX## worked on the EVO 4g. Some users report it to be working on the ET4G, but I have been unable to confirm. This code requests my MSL, but does not appear to reboot after entry (which is what occurred on the EVO when entered).
I would LOVE to provide a link to the ET4G dialer codes here, but until I find a great source and will hold off. Several of the threads I have seen reference other phones and appear to by copy/paste from prior lists. I can get some of them to work, but not all (including the GPSCLRX). I don't want to keep publishing those - I'll list confirmed as working ET4G dialer codes as I validate. Of course, there is a chance (see #1 above) that I am doing something wrong here and will update this section as soon as someone sets me straight.
update: Here are the dialer codes and tests that I've completed. Don't mess with these for fun, just use if you know what you are doing and you need them.
*#2580# - ServiceMode - Works!
*#RIL# - Sec_RIL_Dump - Has the LogFileList Works!
##RTN# - Real-Time Network (RTN) Works!
*#DATA*SCREEN*# - DataCreate Works!
*#0BAT# - BatteryStatus Works!
##UPST# - PhoneUtil - UART/USB Works!
##GPSCLRX# - Reset the GPS - Requires MSL [does not work on ET4G]
*#1472365# GpsSetup [does not work on ET4G]
*#INFO*1111# Testing [does not work on ET4G]
*#0*# LCD TEST [does not work on ET4G]
##DATA# - Data Programming - Requires MSL [NOT TESTED]
##DEBUG# - Debug Menu - Requires MSL [NOT TESTED]
##AKEY# - Data A key menu - Requires MSL [NOT TESTED]
##<MSL># - Master Subsidy Lock - Requires MSL [NOT TESTED]
*#0VIB# - Device Test - Vibration Test [NOT TESTED]
*#0MP3# - MelodyTest [NOT TESTED]
*#7780# - Factory data reset [NOT TESTED]
*#232331# - BluetoothTest [NOT TESTED]
*#2664# - Touchscreen Accuracy Test [NOT TESTED]
*#0RTC# - RTCTimeRead - Displays Date and [NOT TESTED]
*#9900# - SysDump [NOT TESTED]​
Here are some options that are sprinkled throughout XDA, often in forums other than the ET4G.
#4 DRIVERS Leaving room for more here, but as of now there are reports that flashing an alternate GPS driver may do something. This could be a sasquatch siting, but perhaps the sasquatch knocks something into place when flashed from CWM.
EVO Driver. Tough for me to locate the origin of this one, but daryelv is credited elsewhere and ebuechler3 has this thread. This daryelv post includes the file for DL as well.
colorado_al provides a different file to flash in this thread. Thanks!
​
#5 GPS Config file edits
At some point during your ET4G GPS woes, you ask yourself "what more can I do?", which is good! Sniffing around, you'll find that there is a config file used by the device GPS. There are some very interesting and quite brilliant mods being made here, with reports of improvement.
This thread by AngelDeath is incredible. AngelDeath bumped up the logic and intelligence of the GPS config. Impressive stuff, complete with fantastic write-up with pre-made files for your flashing consumption.
Xenova also has a great thread, providing instructions on making your own mods.
interloper also has a config file post here
#6 REPLACEMENT
Of course, taking the device back to Sprint and obtaining a replacement is an option. Might be a really good option and many members have reported it to resolve the issue.
If you took this approach, please share the experience. Specifically:
Did it resolve the issue or did you have to seek a 2nd replacement?
If resolved, did you notice anything identifyably different about the replacement like a different hardware version (menu>settings>about phone) or physical change?
How was the Sprint experience? Did they give you hell? Did they admit that they knew of an issue and were obliged to replace? Any information you can provide here could make it easier or faster for others.
If you have no GPS issues at all, congrats! For those of us that do, let's solidify what works and what doesn't. As great as it would be to find a fix, it will be equally rewarding to pin it down to certain devices so we can at least know that our only option is to exchange the device.
If you do jump in and post something along the lines of "my gps is working great ", please share your ROM, Baseband and Kernel in the hope that we'll discover a combo that is devoid of GPS bug.
I've personally clogged up other threads with meandering GPS talk, I hope this thread can help alleviate that issue while providing a place to discuss GPS specifically.
Will incorporate other information sources here.
The below video (by lattisimo) offers some evidence supporting hardware as the issue source. He received a replacement and demos GPS locking on the old and replacement :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpkiJeUQpvQ​
Test results:
Re: #1
Here's what I did to mitigate issues that I may have caused:
1. used sfhub's back to stock
2. After allowing everything time to settle down, I turned GPS on and popped into the accuweather on first screen and tried to use my location. Was unable to obtain location.
3. Cleared GPS (##GPSCLRX# from dialer, entered my MSL). Hit OK to clear, but it did not reboot. Since there was no reboot, it is not clear if this did anything at all. I let it sit for 10 min then rebooted manually.
4. Went to GMaps after reboot (GPS on only, no network location) and got the standard "current location is temporarily unavailable" message.
5. Went ahead and cleared VRAM/Sprint login info (##72786# dialer, enter MSL, activation process. Reboot.
6. After reboot, still stock - let her sit for 5-10 mins. Got a notification for update (which is the EK02 2.3.6 official update). DLed and installed. Reboot, let it sit for 5min.
7. Back to maps, hit the location button - waited - after about 60 secs, I was found, accuracy was within 100 meters. Exit maps, back in, was located within 40 meters.
8. Exit maps - turned on sensor aiding, but left wireless network location OFF. Back to maps, "current location is temporarily unavailable", waited and hit it again- "current location is temporarily unavailable".
9. Exit maps, turned sensor aiding off, back to maps. Location found in about 20 secs, within 20 meters. Not too bad - no f'in idea why sensor aiding seemed to screw stuff up for a second. Sats cycled through found and dropped, still flaky.
Finding= GPS issues don't appear to be caused by my meddling​
Re: #2
I used fasterfix initially (which BTW does reset your GPS config file back to original state). This is important to know if you are using GPS config file mods as fasterfix will overwrite them. Quick to find sats, but not a big help when it comes to NAV. Still lost signal a couple of times and flowed in and out of proximity (based on the number of sats connected).
Essentially the same result with all of the others.
Finding= AGPS updates help find sats, but doesn't seem to help keep them locked.​
Re: #3
##GPSCLRX# doesn't work, don't have any leads to pursue here.
Finding = no dice​
Re: #5
The use of custom GPS config files definitely improved my GPS function. AngelDeath's area-customized files are really nice work.
That being said, even while sitting still in my office, I see my location drifting over an area of about 500 meters. When using navigation, I was able to maintain a lock of 5-6 sats, which was useful. Unfortunately, this did cause the NAV to think I was on access roads (when I was on highway) or on the incorrect cross street at an intersection. Impressive work, and a major improvement, but still not solid.
FINDING= Improves lock speed, automates A-GPS refresh, but does not provide enough stability to count on your navigation. You'll get to your location - which is an improvement - but you may have a few missed turns or U turns along the way...​
NICE WORK!
Nice work putting this together. Hopefully some positive things will come from it.
Like you, I have tried everything. Coming to this phone I knew that Samsung was known for crappy GPS performance. From day 1 the GPS has been hit or miss. Seems to work best after a reboot. I never get a lock indoors and outside it's hit or miss. So far I've ran stock, ViperRom and currently on Calkulin's 2.7 ROM. I've tried difference drivers, the config files and all the apps. Things seem great at first and go to crap within a day or so.
Considering that it always seems to be better after a reboot, I've wondered if there could be script or something to reset the GPS automatically. Much like Viper's LOS script and more recently the LOS Repair Daemon by Trifthen.
I'll be watching this closely.
every phone reacts differently to different solutions. the ultimate solution is to just have sprint replace it with a new one that doesn't have gps problems.
This is a pretty major issue so I'm glad you took the initiative to start a GPS specific thread. IMO, this is the last major issue on this phone (LoS and sound/ games bug having been resolved in the latest leaks.)
I'm going to link this thread in the Toolkit because I think it is going to get some good movement. I'm also going to list any new methods that may arise. Don't think you can have too much information on this type of issue. And every phone reacts differently so many options is a good thing. Thanks for doing this.
All that said, as mentioned in the post above mine, based on everything I've learned, I really believe this is a hardware issue. A return may be the only real fix.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Just_s said:
This is a pretty major issue so I'm glad you took the initiative to start a GPS specific thread. IMO, this is the last major issue on this phone (LoS and sound/ games bug having been resolved in the latest leaks.)
I'm going to link this thread in the Toolkit because I think it is going to get some good movement. I'm also going to list any new methods that may arise. Don't think you can have too much information on this type of issue. And every phone reacts differently so many options is a good thing. Thanks for doing this.
All that said, as mentioned in the post above mine, based on everything I've learned, I really believe this is a hardware issue. A return may be the only real fix.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - agree as to it being the final issue, a shame as I really love the phone. I'm certainly leaning the way of hardware as well. I hope to prove it...somehow...
**** trying to fix it just return yours and get a new one. i did and my gps works absolutely perfect.
paniro187 said:
**** trying to fix it just return yours and get a new one. i did and my gps works absolutely perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya, will be taking mine in soon enough, just want to get to the bottom of the issue (if possible). When you exchanged yours, how did that go? Curious to see if they admitted that it was a known hardware issue - what information did they offer?
I've really let Sprint have it mad more times than I can remember, but it expends alot of time and energy. Since there are many people with the issue, if we can collect enough info from experiences like yours, perhaps we can provide some ammo for them to expedite the replacement when they commence the "confrontation".
It seems like GPS craps out after the phone goes to sleep for me. Looking in GPS Status, it's finding satellites but not locking onto any of them. I've tried to disable and re-enable GPS but that doesn't help, only a restart does.
Edit: Found a fix for my issue! Opened Terminal Emulator, typed gpsd, hit enter and the GPS service came back. Not sure what's causing it to die in the first place but I imagine it can be fixed in an update.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
paniro187 said:
**** trying to fix it just return yours and get a new one. i did and my gps works absolutely perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to do that except for the fact that I don't want to pay the deductible because of the ****ty GPS. Sigh.
Undervolting really messes up my GPS and Data Speeds. You might want to add this to the list of things to check.
I'M NOT YELLING said:
I'd love to do that except for the fact that I don't want to pay the deductible because of the ****ty GPS. Sigh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what I did go to Odin then Odin a kernel in the phone slot. This creates a soft brick. If you want to unbrick Odin a modem in the phone phone slot. Take it to sprint say say I don't know wat happened. (When it tries to boot it will just say you have to update drivers. They sent me a new one to the store with no paying a deductible.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
The CM7/EVO driver was the only fix I tried, but currently works for me. May be a placebo effect, but it only takes a few seconds to lock on now. (used to take up to a minute if at all) This is on EK02 rooted stock btw. I'm gonna test it some more once I move back to my college town.
EL29 locks very quickly for me
Korey_Nicholson said:
EL29 locks very quickly for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had you experienced issues prior to EL29? I am on Calk's 2.8, EL29 all the way. No change for me.
EVO driver was the only fix that reliably works for me. Tried it with all radio/modem updates and first fix is now within 10-20 seconds and GPS position is also more accurate. This is the one I used with my EVO and have been using with the E4GT.
Edit - different driver than posted by OP but is what I used for my CM7.1 EVO and works for my E4GT - this is qualcomm 1.1 driver
I normally don't use any scripts or other GPS setup programs but if a fix is not found within 30 seconds I do try GPS Status. Fix is fastest in GMaps, but also good in GNavigation and TeleNav
PS- must flash after flashing ROM or ROM updates
Curently on Calk's 2.7 and modem EL29
Currently running CM7/EVO driver + a gps script and it's been running way better. Prior to installing driver I just had the script. With the driver, it seems to lock even faster with stronger locks. I'll keep testing it out the rest of the week.
Knock on wood that this is a fix for me. Like others have said, getting a new phone is the only real consistent option.
I've never had GPS issues, running EL29 modem and kernel and Blazer ROM. I guess I got lucky. I used to have so many issues with my old EVO, especially on AOSP. Glad I dodged the bullet on this one
colorado_al said:
EVO driver was the only fix that reliably works for me. Tried it with all radio/modem updates and first fix is now within 10-20 seconds and GPS position is also more accurate. This is the one I used with my EVO and have been using with the E4GT.
Edit - different driver than posted by OP but is what I used for my CM7.1 EVO and works for my E4GT - this is qualcomm 1.1 driver
I normally don't use any scripts or other GPS setup programs but if a fix is not found within 30 seconds I do try GPS Status. Fix is fastest in GMaps, but also good in GNavigation and TeleNav
PS- must flash after flashing ROM or ROM updates
Curently on Calk's 2.7 and modem EL29
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, driver testing is next for me. I've updated the postings and actually had some improvement with AngelDeath's config file for my area. Not perfect, but certainly better than before. I kinda hate the config file approach though - I travel for work and need GPS to avoid getting lost (which is a talent of mine). Just want GPS to work. When I was overseas with my good 'ol EVO, the geotagged pictures worked flawlessly - was not connected to any network or wifi the whole time.

GPS on Archos 101G9

anybody can use gps on archos 101g9? can't get no sat fix. app gpstest does not show any satellite. is this a further bug in ics?
running rooted ics 4.05 for sde (surdu_petru).
I have a Archos 80(same hardware though) and my GPS works fine on firmware 4.0.5
And if I may say so wow is it good, I get a GPS lock inside my house after about 20-30 seconds
Sent from my ice cream powered Nexus S
DarkhShadow said:
I have a Archos 80(same hardware though) and my GPS works fine on firmware 4.0.5
And if I may say so wow is it good, I get a GPS lock inside my house after about 20-30 seconds
Sent from my ice cream powered Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmh, where is my mistake? can't get gps lock with google maps, navigation and so on. car navigation is impossible. gps search is endless inhouse and outdoor
settings location + security:
"use wireless networks = off"
"use gps satellites = on"
"use location for google search = off"
edit:
found this in another forum
http://www.forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=64272
can anybody confirm?
Mine works great. I'm using 80g9. My archos is now my traveling/adventure teblet. I have two and like the screen size for jps etc in my jeep?
Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using Tapatalk
It's little bit mystic...
Hey guys,
last week i also thought about open up a thread related to GPS issues on the Gen9 series, because i had some trouble to get a fix as well.
I'm using an Archos 80 G9.
4carlos said:
mmh, where is my mistake? can't get gps lock with google maps, navigation and so on. car navigation is impossible. gps search is endless inhouse and outdoor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same with my device at first.
I used the rooted ICS 4.0.5 and GPS Status from the market and started some experiments.
There'd been no response from the GPS part at all.
After some time i used a serial port api tool to directly connect to ttyO0.
Though the GPS part uses some hex protocol i had been able to get a response from the chip, but it was not human readable.
So this way i made sure there's no hardware damage on my UART interface or GPS chipset.
Afterwards i did some hard resets and checked settings of the UART by typing:
Code:
stty -F /dev/ttyO0
I started to run GPS Status again and also deleted my AGPS data by using the tools menu. Then i changed GPS Status setup to stay active and prevent device from sleep.
I took a while, but then the first satellite came in sight, still no fix.
Next day i did the same after some time more and more satellite where seen, but still no fix.
I restarted my device again to boot stock firmware.
Same again... more and more satellites became visible... but then... suddenly a fix. In fact it took very very long and i'm not very satisfied with the situation.
After i re-booted to rooted firmware again i was able to get a fix here as well.
The signal reception is still far from being nice though.
Try to get a fix with stock firmware first, then reboot and check again with rooted firmware.
4carlos said:
settings location + security:
"use wireless networks = off"
"use gps satellites = on"
"use location for google search = off"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be no problem with this setup.
AFAIK, these three settings address different services.
GPS should be set of course.
4carlos said:
http://www.forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=64272
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice thread, but people start to mix things up at some point.
Though the GPS and location service on Android OS is quite mystic, i'll try to concentrate on some facts.
Hardware:
- NL5550 chipset used on Archos Gen9 is up to date and not that bad
(merged into WL1283 chipset, see http://www.murata-ws.com/com7.htm)
- Due to hugh shielding areas, GPS reception is not the best with tablets (if compared to handsets).
- GPS antenna and position of the antenna seems to be problematic
Software:
- Firmware setup changed form HC to ICS
- size of the patch file for the chip had grown in ICS
(mabye they wanted to make thinks better, but they got worse)
So what could be done...
Hardware:
- I started searching for a better antenna to be placed in the housing
(e.g. helical/helix antenna)
- Place a HF-connector on the mainboard to use an external antenna
Software:
- Extract the firmware files from HC and try this setup for ICS
- try to find other devices based on the navilink chipset and compare their firmware setup
Basically GPS works on ICS and things in fact are not related to ICS itself.
Some firmware tweaks might be the cause of these issues.
The basic construcion of the hardware could have some side-effects on this as well.
Some people seem to have no trouble at all, so at least GPS reception is of course little bit depended on the weather and the area you live in.
I may post the HC firmware files here, if you like to try the HC setup on your device.
Cheers,
scholbert
GPS lib loops
Hi,
I can ONLY get my GPS to lock on if the wifi and location services are enabled and working.
This is because, the gpslib tries to speed up the lock and position information by going out on the internet and firstly fetch the time from the main European ntp server.
Looking at the system logs, it appears to get into an infinite loop waiting for a time update.
Therefore my gps WILL NEVER WORK if actuated with NO wifi.
However..... If I start the GPS application, (I am using mmaps) with the wifi on and the locaation services on I get a good lock, with 10-12 satellites with the Archos INSIDE my house, within a few minutes. (There is nothing wrong with the sensitivity of the GPS engine!)
If I then stop the app and turn off the Wifi and location serves and restart the app it will get a lock in a few seconds and stay working until I power down the Archos.
This is OK apart from the problem that I want to use the Archos in my car with no wifi.
cheers
Patrick
Hey superpat999!
superpat999 said:
I can ONLY get my GPS to lock on if the wifi and location services are enabled and working.
This is because, the gpslib tries to speed up the lock and position information by going out on the internet and firstly fetch the time from the main European ntp server.
Looking at the system logs, it appears to get into an infinite loop waiting for a time update.
Therefore my gps WILL NEVER WORK if actuated with NO wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thanks for pointing at this.
Try to disable automatic time sync in time & date settings menu and check again.
You should definitely get a fix without setting the other location services or having wifi enabled all the time.
superpat999 said:
However..... If I start the GPS application, (I am using mmaps) with the wifi on and the locaation services on I get a good lock, with 10-12 satellites with the Archos INSIDE my house, within a few minutes. (There is nothing wrong with the sensitivity of the GPS engine!)
If I then stop the app and turn off the Wifi and location serves and restart the app it will get a lock in a few seconds and stay working until I power down the Archos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O.k. this is also very helpful information. I must admit that sensitivity is not that bad, but could be further improved... that's why i also talked about hardware in my last post.
superpat999 said:
This is OK apart from the problem that I want to use the Archos in my car with no wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated above... getting a fix without wifi should work, i'm pretty sure.
Thanks again for this detailed descriptions!
Regards,
scholbert
big thanks for descriptions!
seems like a complicated science for a simple functionality
my older external sirf 3 receiver need only 5 minutes for sat fix after cold start (very cloudy!) and 10 up to 15 seconds in warm state. i wonder why the archos is much slower.
ok, i will give a new chance an try it again and again and again...and report later.
regards,
4carlos
Assisted GPS !!!!!
Hi,
Unfortunately The Archos uses assisted GPS
I am not allowed to post links yet so see:- the wikipedia entry for assisted GPS
The Archos "might" use the Qualcomm chipset "GPSONE" , I am not sure but a lot of phone makers use it:-
see the wikipedia entry for GPSONE
Like I said in a previous post in the other place, I wish Android tablets were not still so mobile phone centric.
cheers
P
superpat999 said:
The Archos "might" use the Qualcomm chipset "GPSONE" , I am not sure but a lot of phone makers use it:-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please refer to my post above:
Hardware:
- NL5550 chipset used on Archos Gen9 is up to date and not that bad
(merged into WL1283 chipset, see http://www.murata-ws.com/com7.htm)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Archos uses TI NaviLink chipset. GPSONE is Qualcomm only and there's no Qualcomm chip inside our units.
TI NaviLink supports AGPS as well but it does not rely on that.
In other words even without assisted data you'll get a fix... sooner or later
Assisted GPS is always an option to get faster fix.
Did you try again with disabled automatic network time setting?
Regards,
scholbert
libgps loops!
Hi Scholbert
Thanks for correction re type of gps chip. Why I thought there was a GPSONE chip in the Archos was because the /etc/gps.conf uses the Qualcomm extra server site , see below.
However I still maintain there is an infinite loop in the ICS (or Archos modded) libgps. I have left the machine on for 8 hours and never got a lock without wifi.
I cannot post the /etc/gps.conf and the log here because I am too noob yet.
Instead have a look at my post here:-
forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=64272#p396064
regards
Patrick
Hey superpat999!
superpat999 said:
Thanks for correction re type of gps chip. Why I thought there was a GPSONE chip in the Archos was because the /etc/gps.conf uses the Qualcomm extra server site , see below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah no problem, i'm a hardware addict... so if you need some info about the chips of G9 ask me
superpat999 said:
However I still maintain there is an infinite loop in the ICS (or Archos modded) libgps. I have left the machine on for 8 hours and never got a lock without wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you're right... I made some further tests and must confirm, that i observed the same behaviour. This in fact is really annoying...
The GPS receiver receives satellite information (satellites can be "seen"), but there's no fix without beeing connected to the networks.
This is acceptable. We should contact the Archos developer's, especially user courville who has joined this forum for bug fixing.
He's an employee of Archos and one of the chief developer's, very friendly and helpful as well!
superpat999 said:
forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=64272#p396064
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a view at this thread and read your posting.
If the described behaviour is compiled in the lib, we can't fix it ourselfs.
Archos needs to fix this problem by tweaking the library.
If it is related to a setup option, we might easily fix it at least on a rooted device using a customized image.
Had anyone tried the 4.0.6. firmware test release yet... maybe GPS got fixed as well.
Regards,
scholbert
scholbert said:
If the described behaviour is compiled in the lib, we can't fix it ourselfs.
Archos needs to fix this problem by tweaking the library.
If it is related to a setup option, we might easily fix it at least on a rooted device using a customized image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since GPS is integrated into wlan chip it may be necessary to power on wifi to power on also GPS part.
scholbert said:
Had anyone tried the 4.0.6. firmware test release yet... maybe GPS got fixed as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On 4.0.6 GPS works exactly the same.
Some observations (GPS Test)
-it takes quite a while to aquire lock even with "fresh" aGPS data
-lock is not stable- it likes to dissapear even if I don't move tablet
-catching new sattelites "unlocks" the lock
-accuracy seems poor- GPS Test didn't report anything less than 80 meters (Xperia Arc S in the same spot has <20m)
I get a lock within 10 seconds with my G9 inside my house. The accuracy has gotten down to under 4 meters. On my particular tablet, it works fantastic. I never had to clear AGPS data. I think this is luck of the draw. Some work great, some not.
My ASUS TF101 has all the issues you guys describe. Unreliable and slow. Most people with the TF101 do not have my issue.
My wife's LG Optimus One GPS works great, locks in under 20 seconds and never unlocks. My Samsung Galaxy Ace struggles to get a lock but can maintain it once lock is achieved.
All these devices are running different Android versions so I agree that it is not a software issue. I tend to believe it is the fact some get better build quality antennas than others making some of the same devices work better than their twins.
i have tested copilot on 3 different archos G9 80s. All have gotten a lock in my house. I have tested one while driving to work and it maintains the lock.
anybody want an archos 101g9 ?????
hi,
i'm back here after testing my 101 and i'm not really lucky
thanks to all here first. i pursued the discussion with interest.
my archos did not work with gps at all!. i checked with gpstest and gps status apps indoor and outdoor several hours/days. no satellites found! nothing, zeroooooooooooo. clear sky, no clouds and NO satellites. i'm alone in the universe
what i did:
- device cold start (many times)
- switching on/off date and time from ntp server
- wifi on/off
- google location service on/off
no idea what happen. this is not my first archos. my older g8 had broken usb ports and was changed 2 times. the g9 freezes very often in cpu state "hotplug", run stable only with half speed and gps don't work. why gps need an internet connection?? i have no 3g stick in my tablet and no wifi in my car. yes, i can connect my phone with wifi tethering but sorry, that's not what i have planned. puuh archos, what do you think what customers tolerate. i love android, but the next tablet should be better an ipad
seems, there is a defect. how can i check my hardware before i put it in the trash?
thanks,
4carlos
by the way, my htc legend with froyo works great. it beams my to every point i wish!
Sorry to hear all you guys are having such problems with gps lock.
I have an original 8gb 9g classic. I have taken it through Honeycomb and up to the last ICS update. I have rooted it, over-clocked it and it has taken everything that I have thrown at it!
In every case, the gps has been first class. Using gpsstatus from the market, it locks on to 9 sats from inside my house within 30 seconds.
It was originally set to europe.pool in the gps.cfg file and I got a good lock with that. When I changed to rooted custom fw, I downloaded fasterfix from the market and used it to change the gps.cfg to uk.pool. This speeded up the lock and increased the number of sats to 11.
One thing that may help, has anyone tried toggling airplane mode on then off again. Whenever I install a new rom, on phone or tablet, I reboot the system at
least twice after setup and then toggle airplane on/off. This was an instruction in some roms that had wifi issues and I now do it as a matter of course.
It may be worth a try.
I use Co pilot live as satnav and it has never failed to lock on within seconds of being set up.
GPS on G9 still behaves strange...
First of all, thanks for posting your observations.
The GPS issue remains little mystic though
uphall said:
In every case, the gps has been first class. Using gpsstatus from the market, it locks on to 9 sats from inside my house within 30 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got a fix within a minute, yesterday it was a no go!
The device actually needed a reboot before. What is responsible for this locking???
I got the fix by...
- deleting the AGPS data in the settings menu of GPStool
- setting the data update interval to never
- unchecked set system time from server in the device settings
- Wifi and 3G were disabled as well
So it's possible to get satelite fix without network connection.
But something may lock the interface. Afterwards it seems to be impossible to get a fix again... at least things get worse.
BTW, GPStool and the AGPS "framework" of the G9 use definitely different data bases for the assisted data. Maybe this causes locks as well...
So from what i can tell... disabling the AGPS function in GPStool definitely helped to get a fix.
uphall said:
It was originally set to europe.pool in the gps.cfg file and I got a good lock with that. When I changed to rooted custom fw, I downloaded fasterfix from the market and used it to change the gps.cfg to uk.pool. This speeded up the lock and increased the number of sats to 11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O.k. might try fasterfix... though it seems to set the timeserver to another domain... What else does it do?
We need more understanding of the mechanism in general.
Did anyone try the Gingerbread setup on ICS yet?
I may post the files here...
uphall said:
One thing that may help, has anyone tried toggling airplane mode on then off again. Whenever I install a new rom, on phone or tablet, I reboot the system at
least twice after setup and then toggle airplane on/off. This was an instruction in some roms that had wifi issues and I now do it as a matter of course.
It may be worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's worth a try but maybe it won't help anything.
As far as i can tell, a reboot certainly fixes some kind of lock on the interface.
But as long as we always guess there will be no improvement, nor we'll find the real reason for the missbehaviour.
uphall said:
I use Co pilot live as satnav and it has never failed to lock on within seconds of being set up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lucky guy
Cheers,
scholbert
Scholbert
I can't find GPStool in the market - is that the correct name?
I would like to try your procedure to find out if my GPS is working at all.
Thx.
Don.
bufflehead said:
Scholbert
I can't find GPStool in the market - is that the correct name?
I would like to try your procedure to find out if my GPS is working at all.
Thx.
Don.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess :
GPS Status & Toolbox (author EclipSim, can delete agps data)
also nice
GPS Test (author Chartcross Limited)
GPS Status (author espresso3389, nice graphical tool but only portrait mode)
btw.
upgrade to firmware 4.06 (fix for increasing gps stability) did not help in my case. only my problem has more stability now. still no satellites in sight. my htc legend shows a minimum of 5 satellites with the tools from above at my location (indoor) but still nothing with my archos. disappointing.
the better way is to check the gps functionality before rooting the tablet (loosing guarantee!). seems a weak point of tablet.
i'm searching for an external bt mouse. any recommendation? the mouse should be bought in germany.

Very slow GPS

Anyone know how to speed up the GPS on S8500 Bada 2?
Sometimes, it doesn't even connect and makes me crazy.
I think GPS is useless on Wave
Yes, GPS is very slow. For me, that is one of the two big 'let downs' of the Wave. Don't get me wrong, I think the Wave is a lovely piece of hardware, except for the GPS. To find out if the GPS is working at all, do the following:
1. Enter *#7092463*# (This will get you into the internal menu)
2. Select 4. Module Setting > 4. COMM > 2. Lbs (This is your starting point for several adjustments)
3. Select 4. Settings > 5. Assist Method. Select AGPS (This will make sure, that the phone uses only the internal GPS, and it's not aided by network location)
4. Now go back to the Lbs menu (starting point as mentioned earlier). Select 1. Tracking test. (Start it preferably outside or close to a window, this will help with reception).
You'll see a list of data: GPS-time, Latitude, longitude,.... position source should be GPS. Now you just have to wait. This could take longer than 10 minutes, the first time. So just be patient. After that, it probably takes 2-3min, depending on reception.
What is also suggested by many others, is using the app "GPS status". If you want to get a quick(er) lock for navigation or some sports tracker, start that app up first. Wait to you get the lock and then start the app you want.
Hopefully this will help you. Good luck!
Vangarm
have you ever seen the one from galaxy s3??
that one is faasst
GreekBlood said:
have you ever seen the one from galaxy s3??
that one is faasst
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On a phone at least twice the price and couple years younger, I expect it to be better too
@Vangam thanks never tried like this,Worked perfectly
hero355 said:
@Vangam thanks never tried like this,Worked perfectly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. I've had some trouble with getting a GPS fix too and found several possible solutions via google. This was the solution that worked for me. So when I saw the call for need, I just helped out
Thank you Vangarm
can someone please give me a network connection because when i flash my wave 2 .. all setting was deleted..
Thx best Regards
GPS is working already THX love it
Well, the GPS is still weak/slow even in AGPS mode

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