If your Nitro is like mine, then its' compass couldn't find North to save its' life. Or worse yet it might be in the vicinity, but is very sporadic...Makes it just about impossible to use apps like Google Star Maps or get a proper bearing on direction in Nav when you're at a stop.
If you're also like me, you've tried doing the compass calibrations with the whacky waving your phone in a figure 8 to calibrate. But this hasn't fixed my issue.
But then I tried the rotate-all-axis calibration method and now my compass is much better! Here's what to try:
1. Install GPS Status from the Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
2. Open the app, then bring up the Menu and choose: Tools > Compass calibration
3. Rotate the phone along the 3 axises a couple of times, like in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJJPeoG8lQ
4. Press okay and your compass *should* be better
NOTE: I just noticed that when I went to test on another phone to compare (I also have a Nexus One), that my Nitro went out-of-whack again and only after a short while from previous calibration! Another calibration and it's working again, but that sucks that it lost its' bearings so quickly like that.
Give it a try and good luck!
Didn't really work for me. I really think this is a hardware issue. Do you think we should demand some kind of rebate for this or something? I know (its somewhere on the threads) that LG officially acknowledged the problem and have yet to come out for a fix. They are knowingly selling a defected phone.
anybody test the phone with any of the new official software?
After calibration compass works correctly.
Wlld1 said:
After calibration compass works correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For how long? Work after a reboot?
After flashing a new ROM?
Yes, it works after reboot. But calibration will be lost after flashing new ROM. I dont know where its data is stored.
Wlld1 said:
Yes, it works after reboot. But calibration will be lost after flashing new ROM. I dont know where its data is stored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still sucks. all jumpy and not accurate.
I calibrated mine acouple of times yesterday. The compass worked, but it was very sluggish or spun too fast, and unless I put it on a table, wouldn't stop spinning.
I tried today, and it worked but was very slow to catch up to my movements.
Tried some sky map apps, and it just sucks. Same with the augmented reality apps.
wish there was a fix - or we at least new the problem.
thinking I may go back to stock and send it in to telus and see if there is a fix. Anybody have a working compass after a hardware swap? or repair?
The calibration did fix (even after reboot) the compass but I've noticed it takes sometime to settle after starting an application that use the compass.
At first it looks like the infernal spinning madness is about to start over again but after a few spins it stops at the correct position and stay there.
Weird...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Related
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321049
Could we use this GPS fix for our phone? It has really good reviews but I just wanna be careful about flashing stuff :/
Can any knowledgeable developer look into this file and see if it is compatible with our phones?
GPS issue is very prevalent among Epic 4G Touch users and I hope this file could fix our problem.
Thanks!
I hope so.. GPS is crap
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Well the fix seems to be for all Gingerbread phones, so it should work, right? Can any developers shed some light into this?
i gave it a try, but it doesn't seem to make any difference.
dunebuggydude11 said:
i gave it a try, but it doesn't seem to make any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dunebuggy. i wish a dev can come across and open the file and compare with our values..
Its threads full of people getting better lock ons!
Has anyone else tried it? I'm pretty desperate as I've tried everything.
I just picked up my replacement the gps works perfect. That is the only real fix. Some work some don't
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Doubt it will do much.. uses the s5pc110 hw library... Can't open up the vendor daemon and compare it tho at this computer.
I honestly didnt even realise that the epic touch had a GPS problem going on. Mine always locks in less than 10 seconds and says accurate within 6-2m. It usually says 2m but on occasion 4 or 6. what are the symtoms of bad gps? I know it will either not lock on quickly or it wont the correct location. But what tecknically is a slow GPS lock on time to within 6m? Like 30 seconds to a minute? And what is considered not being accurate? Like within 15-30m? Im oretty curious. Maybe my 5-10 second lock on time and 2-6m accuracy is considered a GPS malfunction? I just never use it so i cant really know what is considered good or bad. I know mine uodated my position every half second to tge longest taking a full second when i used the car navigation app after putting in my desired address. Please e, plain
GPS never locks on indoors, and it takes at least a minute to lock on outdoors. Also my gps never locks on in a moving car.
matase said:
GPS never locks on indoors, and it takes at least a minute to lock on outdoors. Also my gps never locks on in a moving car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS should lock outside in a few seconds, it should lock or almost lock indoors within a minute, and it should definitely follow you while driving so that google maps navigation works.
if it is not doing that, take your phone to sprint and get a new one. my GPS was fine when i first got the phone, then a month later it started doing what people complain about, slow lock or no lock, and not following when moving. i complained to sprint twice, paid $35 and got a new phone and now GPS works fine.
the gps tool kit, flashing drivers from the wrong phone, and editing files never gave me a permanent fix. go exchange your phone.
^This except I didnt have to pay anything (tep)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I've had a lot better results by using GPS Status. Before I use anything that requires GPS, I let GPS Status lock on, and I have a lot better results.
elingreen said:
GPS should lock outside in a few seconds, it should lock or almost lock indoors within a minute, and it should definitely follow you while driving so that google maps navigation works.
if it is not doing that, take your phone to sprint and get a new one. my GPS was fine when i first got the phone, then a month later it started doing what people complain about, slow lock or no lock, and not following when moving. i complained to sprint twice, paid $35 and got a new phone and now GPS works fine.
the gps tool kit, flashing drivers from the wrong phone, and editing files never gave me a permanent fix. go exchange your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speculative on indoors.... Multiple factors to account for to get an accurate and true lock...
Well I've flashed it and it actually works in my experience. I've let me phone sleep for hours and it has been an improvement over previous fixes.
Still intermittent gps though.
How is everyone going about getting a replacement E4GT? I bought mine on launch day if that changes anything.
Is this something I can do over chat?
For those of you with GPS "problems"...try the following fix next time you have issues. Not sure what causes it, but anytime my GPS starts to suck I do the following and it fixes it instantly.
Menu->Settings>Applications>Manage Apps>
Click on the "All" tab
Click on "Maps" -> Clear cache
Back to list of programs
Click on "Network Location" -> Clear cache
Exit back to home and all should work much fast....at least it does for me
Let me know if this works for you guys...
I am not sure if it is a hardware problem or software but I rooted my phone within the first 24 hours of owning it. I run Calkulins ROM V2.6 [EL13 Kernel] and EL13 modem.
I have no problem locking indoor/outdoor fairly quickly. I did notice the indoor accuracy is slightly less accurate that the Evo 4g I had, but when it comes to locking time, and outdoor accuracy or moving "target" accuracy/lock I have ZERO complaints as of now **knock on wood**
mkuehn10 said:
I've had a lot better results by using GPS Status. Before I use anything that requires GPS, I let GPS Status lock on, and I have a lot better results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really helped. Thanked
Since the issue has officially been acknowledge, I thought this subject warranted a new thread.
In a nutshell, our Nitro's built-in Compass is screwed-up (at least a bunch of us Nitro owners). It was reported to LG in their official Forum and it seems they've finally official acknowledged the issue exists AND they've been able to reproduce it.
Now, some folks might dismiss this saying they don't do any hiking so the compass isn't that important an issue...BUT you should know the compass does a LOT more than just points an arrow north on a compass app!! Not the least of which is giving you a heading in your GPS app while you're not moving. Or if you like the Google Sky app, it's pretty much hosed without a properly working compass
LG's Official Forum page:
http://support.lgforum.com/lg/topics/lg_nitro_hd_compass_doesnt_work
The issue has been reproduced by support... Now I am wairing to hear what they are going to do next. Hopefully they can roll out a fix in a future update.
[from LG Product Pro]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a previous thread on the matter:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1407840
My telus optimus lte p935 has the problem too
I hope they come up with something soon... either give us all Optimus LTE 2's, or our money back
hereric said:
I hope they come up with something soon... either give us all Optimus LTE 2's, or our money back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's LG, they'll do nothing
any update yet?
is it a software issue? or HW?
I had the weird compass issue too (it was always spinning in circles)
I just downloaded the app: GPS Status & Toolbox from the Google Play store and used its "compass calibration" and "pitch and roll calibration" tools. Now my compass works fine
Note: You might have to do the compass calibration more than once. What I had to do was: compass calibration, pitch and roll calibration, and then compass calibration one last time. Was connected to GPS also if that makes a difference. YMMV
still doesn't work.
calibrate and it work ok for a couple of minutes - then it's back to being 120 to 180degrees off, which makes for a use less compass, very anouying gps (keeps redirecting because of wrong pointing direction), and other apps that use this. just sucks.
thought the new Telus update would fix it, but it kinda made it worse. So I think it is indeed a hardware fault.
mast3rvo said:
I had the weird compass issue too (it was always spinning in circles)
I just downloaded the app: GPS Status & Toolbox from the Google Play store and used its "compass calibration" and "pitch and roll calibration" tools. Now my compass works fine
Note: You might have to do the compass calibration more than once. What I had to do was: compass calibration, pitch and roll calibration, and then compass calibration one last time. Was connected to GPS also if that makes a difference. YMMV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried the app and it worked for me. Still testing to see if it sticks but its worth a shot.
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app
I've noticed on my new S3 that the compass is sometimes off by 90 degrees. Then, if I close the map app and open it later, the compass is accurate.
This this a known issue?
Thanks!
Not sure about this issue but I know there is a way to calibrate the phone somewhere in the settings. Not sure if it will help or is even related but might as well give it a try.
dmobbjr said:
Not sure about this issue but I know there is a way to calibrate the phone somewhere in the settings. Not sure if it will help or is even related but might as well give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't find a compass calibration, although I recall seeing a gyroscope calibration setting hidden somewhere (I'll have to find it again). Would that help at all?
I tried a compass calibration using the GPS Status app, but it didn't seem to help. It's strange. Tried it again on my way into work and it got some of the directions right, but wrong on others. It also seems to improve over time. I almost wondered if it didn't have a magnetic compass and was just using gps signals to guess at your direction. As far as I can tell, there is a real compass in there, although I suppose I can't be sure Samsung is actually using it.
Same problem here...
I'm having the same problem here on all my devices, so i'm thinking it is more likely a bug in android than a hardware issue.
Calibrating the compass with GPS Status (on the play store, can*t post a link yet) helps but never for long... quit google maps or navigation, and on next use I have to calibrate again.
I just verified this one someone else's S5, same there.
Another interesting detail:
I used to have the same issue on my Samsung S3, but with CM on it all is well now... so it really seems to be a software thing.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Free mobile app
interesting: there's a two year old bug entry about this on google: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=37771
...it has been closed as "obsolete".
nice going there.
I think my Magnetic Sensor is off. Try downloading a program called "Marine Compass" onto your Note 2. On my device, it doesn't stay on one heading. It bounces back and forth by 1 unit. I installed the same program on my SGSIII. On the SGSIII it is stable.
I entered the debug/test mode on both the Note 2 and the SGSIII. I ran the sensor test on both units. The Note 2 seems to be more sensitive than the other. Whats also weird is the "Lux" meter. It's in the hundreds on the SGSIII, while it's barely 10 on the Note 2.
Anyone else notice this on their Note 2 unit?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
I too have the note II and GSIII, and the compass is jumpy on the note II while on the GSIII it's stable.
yep, posted this in Q&A, compass is useless.
odd, my compass seems to be fine. doesn't the gps nav need compass to work correctly? i use gps all the time and it's a real blessing lol
boodies said:
odd, my compass seems to be fine. doesn't the gps nav need compass to work correctly? i use gps all the time and it's a real blessing lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when in motion the gps device does not use compass to tell the direction of travel. if the device is accurate then the direction or motion will be very accurate as well as the speed.
when motionless the gps device cannot tell what direction the device is facing and so some gps devices will use a compass sensor for this purpose.
that being said - I too have both SGS iii and the Note ii and noticed the same thing - that the Note ii north pointing needle is jumpy and it is not accurate.
there is a low wall in my back yard that is aligned almost exactly north south and using the Google sky map with SGS III the north star is perfectly aligned with the Google sky map. With the Note II, the north star and sky map not so much.
A picture worth thousand words:
http://youtu.be/1AuYX2zXa1A
that video...LOL. but seriously a problem. i hope this is fixable with a software update. this issue makes me wish i didn't give up my Galaxy S III. this is almost as annoying as 'drifting' on an XBOX 360 controller due to an analog stick.
nick2k said:
that video...LOL. but seriously a problem. i hope this is fixable with a software update. this issue makes me wish i didn't give up my Galaxy S III. this is almost as annoying as 'drifting' on an XBOX 360 controller due to an analog stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually GS3 has the same issue, but it's not as bad though. And in my test's it would be little erratic only every other time, on N2 it's constant.
My compass is twitchy as well. Phone was built last month.
Hastily spouted for your befuddlement
I noticed this when I open up google maps and I'm not moving, the arrow for me is always pointing about 30-45 degrees off
achusaysblessyou said:
I noticed this when I open up google maps and I'm not moving, the arrow for me is always pointing about 30-45 degrees off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really?
I doubt that google maps uses the compass to tell direction while you are standing still. On my devices the arrow point is completely off whilst the device is at rest.
As I pointed out in post #5, a gps receiver cannot tell direction whilst it is not in motion and the fact that the direction while the device is not moving is inaccurate indicates that google maps does not use the compass, at all, to tell direction.
I hate how useless the compass is. I haven't tried any of the satellite or skymap apps, but ingress jumps around erratically. A friend with an AT&T phone has the same issue. Really sucks that such a great phone has such a glaring failure.
At least it's not like LG Nitro HD:
http://youtu.be/xxxS_HZsRLU
So it's not that bad
Hmmm (if you freeze stuff with TiB, make sure lcdtest is not frozen), open phone and dial:
*#0*#
It should show bunch of different buttons, go to sensor, and start rotating phone in x, y and z axis until circle on the bottom start showing 3 with blue line (it was 0 with red line first time I entered there).
After that it seems compass become much more stable and accurate, at least for a while.
my compass is off by about 15degrees. this is my third note2. my first two were exchanged because the roll axis was off by about 6degrees, making racing games really annoying.
I have another 2 days in my 30 day return window. I think I'm going to exchange again.
elouisyoung said:
my compass is off by about 15degrees. this is my third note2. my first two were exchanged because the roll axis was off by about 6degrees, making racing games really annoying.
I have another 2 days in my 30 day return window. I think I'm going to exchange again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try the fix shown in post previous to yours?
if you do try it - you get out of that screen by pushing the back button
Mine seems to be working fine. I turn off gps and set the compass to use magnetic only and it seems to be ok.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
I had the same problem for weeks.
I think I've finally found a fix for this. You have to be rooted.
1. Go to /data/misc/akmd_set.txt
2. Change permissions to -rw-rw-rw (or chmod 666)
Apparently the compass saves calibration values here. Because "system" doesn't have write access, every time you calibrate, it wont get saved.
Giving these permissions allows the compass to calibrate properly.
Results so far:
1. Compass finally works perfectly after calibrating.
2. Effects stay after a reboot.
(please hit thanks if this helped you!)
Lodd said:
I had the same problem for weeks.
I think I've finally found a fix for this. You have to be rooted.
1. Go to /data/misc/akmd_set.txt
2. Change permissions to -rw-rw-rw (or chmod 666)
Apparently the compass saves calibration values here. Because "system" doesn't have write access, every time you calibrate, it wont get saved.
Giving these permissions allows the compass to calibrate properly.
Results so far:
1. Compass finally works perfectly after calibrating.
2. Effects stay after a reboot.
(please hit thanks if this helped you!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, could you clarify? I can not find this file with root explorer. The folders are present, but not the .txt file.
Thanks!
[email protected] said:
Hmmm (if you freeze stuff with TiB, make sure lcdtest is not frozen), open phone and dial:
*#0*#
It should show bunch of different buttons, go to sensor, and start rotating phone in x, y and z axis until circle on the bottom start showing 3 with blue line (it was 0 with red line first time I entered there).
After that it seems compass become much more stable and accurate, at least for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to thank you enough for this, and it's working even on a note 3 I thought it had a faulty magnetic sensor. Did what you suggested and now it really is stable and accurate. :good::good::good:
So at some random point my Gyroscope, Accelerometer AND compass all stopped working. I first realized web pages weren't changing orientation so I tried turning Smart Rotation on and off. No luck. Auto rotate is turned on. I also tried recalibrating my Gyroscope in the settings and still no luck. Everything from games to the browser and even apps to show info on all 3 of these things will not work and the compass reads North/NW all the time. I can't find a decent app that just says yes/no the gyroscope/accelerometer are/are not working, but I can flip my phone around and move it fast, etc etc and the readings don't change on the apps I have found. I wouldn't think it's a hardware issue unless all 3 of these are on the same part? I'm no too keen on the hardware end so I'm kind of blind, but I wouldn't be posting for help if I didn't try everything I could think of. Any help or suggestions would be incredible!
Oh, and also good to know: I even tried full wipe and changing to the AT&T CleanROM coming from v6? of the Jedi ROM thinking it could just be some random thing I missed... Although I did use Titanium Backup to restore everything... Anyways, I'll try any and all ideas. Thanks in advance!
Bliznade said:
So at some random point my Gyroscope, Accelerometer AND compass all stopped working. I first realized web pages weren't changing orientation so I tried turning Smart Rotation on and off. No luck. Auto rotate is turned on. I also tried recalibrating my Gyroscope in the settings and still no luck. Everything from games to the browser and even apps to show info on all 3 of these things will not work and the compass reads North/NW all the time. I can't find a decent app that just says yes/no the gyroscope/accelerometer are/are not working, but I can flip my phone around and move it fast, etc etc and the readings don't change on the apps I have found. I wouldn't think it's a hardware issue unless all 3 of these are on the same part? I'm no too keen on the hardware end so I'm kind of blind, but I wouldn't be posting for help if I didn't try everything I could think of. Any help or suggestions would be incredible!
Oh, and also good to know: I even tried full wipe and changing to the AT&T CleanROM coming from v6? of the Jedi ROM thinking it could just be some random thing I missed... Although I did use Titanium Backup to restore everything... Anyways, I'll try any and all ideas. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=zausan.zdevicetest&hl=en and see what is and isn't working. :good:
hope this helps
Edit: btw if you use APEX Launcher, did you enable "lock desktop" option by any chance? Don't know if that keeps your screen from rotating or anything... just a thought!
*#0*#
Then select Sensor and see if they display readings.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Get into the diagnostic screen by typing *#0*# into the dialer screen and check the sensors if they are gathering the right data.
Sent from the Rabbit Hole
Okay, I did the number thing and a bunch of different things came up...
"UPC-A
EAN-13
EAN-8
Code 39
Code 128
Interleaved 2 of 5
Codabar
GS1 Databar"
Do I need to do something here? Thanks for the responses!
*UPDATE*
So it must be a software thing. I used the app retrorom posted about and it seems like the compass doesn't work. But the accelerometer and gyroscope work on both the green and red axis but the blue seems to stay in position.. Not sure which is which (x/y/z). Still unsure if this is a software or hardware issue... I'm running Nova Launcher, by the way.
Bliznade said:
Okay, I did the number thing and a bunch of different things came up...
"UPC-A
EAN-13
EAN-8
Code 39
Code 128
Interleaved 2 of 5
Codabar
GS1 Databar"
Do I need to do something here? Thanks for the responses!
*UPDATE*
So it must be a software thing. I used the app retrorom posted about and it seems like the compass doesn't work. But the accelerometer and gyroscope work on both the green and red axis but the blue seems to stay in position.. Not sure which is which (x/y/z). Still unsure if this is a software or hardware issue... I'm running Nova Launcher, by the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm ok. I just tried the compass feature with ZdeviceTest and when I move the NoteII left to right and up and down I can see all three lines moving. So that seems not normal that your "blue line" on the compass feature doesn't move. Maybe it really is a hardware issue then, I hope not...