Develop Bugs

GPS/Location Problem

Hello,
Since I have rooted my myTouch 3G Slide I started to notice GPS problems.
But it's funny how some things related to GPS work, and some don't.
Examples:
- Weather: can determine my location perfectly and show weather from that region.
- Maps: can't determine my location, or shows it in completely random place, or maybe like 2-3 miles off. But now I just checked it works perfectly when plugged into usb (charge mode). But now if I unplug and use maps it will work perfectly. But sometimes it's just gay...
- Facebook Location: sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Pretty much same as maps
I have tried many roms and this happens on every rom there is.
Currently I am using stock rooted rom with su.
Possible thoughts: GPS doesnt work on full power when not plugged into usb and thats why it cant find location...
P.S. Off-topic question. Anyone knows good offline navigation with gps tracking?

Are you using a Froyo ROM? And if so, did you upgrade to the latest radio? In my experience, anytime I switched to a ROM that changes a major version of the software, the radio had to be upgraded. The latest is 7.09 still I believe... The "randomness" of location working is probably because you're not waiting for a GPS lock. When maps shows you not exactly in the same place, it is not "random", it has located you based on the cell towers in your area, as a "calculated" approximate location. Think of "triangulation" that was popularly used in the movies when they would track a person via cell phone. Almost all the apps that can use your locations can use either location by GPS or location by network.

fermunky said:
Are you using a Froyo ROM? And if so, did you upgrade to the latest radio? In my experience, anytime I switched to a ROM that changes a major version of the software, the radio had to be upgraded. The latest is 7.09 still I believe... The "randomness" of location working is probably because you're not waiting for a GPS lock. When maps shows you not exactly in the same place, it is not "random", it has located you based on the cell towers in your area, as a "calculated" approximate location. Think of "triangulation" that was popularly used in the movies when they would track a person via cell phone. Almost all the apps that can use your locations can use either location by GPS or location by network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I never updated the radio cause I have had no idea what it is, but I will look into upgrading it. And hmm, maybe GPS doesnt work at all and those apps that work use network to figureout location.
But anyway I installed CoPilot and it worked great so far.
Lokking forward radio upgrade, and thanks for info

GPS not working!!

Until few days back GPS was working like a charm.
Today I performed an upgrade of Google Maps to 5.9.
And GPS doesn't work!!! Searching and searching, not able to fix satellites!! Outside, sunny day...
Uninstalled upgrade, rebooted phone, reinstalled upgrade....
GPS doesn't work! On old and new version.
Any ideas what can cause that? Anybody experienced similar problems??!! What a disaster!

only in Google Maps or also in other apps (car dashboard etc)?

azaberl said:
only in Google Maps or also in other apps (car dashboard etc)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I use Google search it doesn't work either.
I don't use apps with location but just checked with WeatherBug and apparently it doesn't work either!

GPS working fine here on .368 update using Maps 5.9

This is crazy but after second reboot it works again.
It's so strange!

doministry said:
When I use Google search it doesn't work either.
I don't use apps with location but just checked with WeatherBug and apparently it doesn't work either!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't use GPS that often, a fix can take a long while. I'd suggest a tool like GPS Test to see if it's picking up a signal and what the quality is like.
https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.chartcross.gpstest/ss-320-0-5
Those bars will tell you about the GPS signal. If GPS would not be working at all the bars would be completely flat. If you get some bars, it should be a matter of time.

Private-Cowboy said:
If you don't use GPS that often, a fix can take a long while. I'd suggest a tool like GPS Test to see if it's picking up a signal and what the quality is like.
https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.chartcross.gpstest/ss-320-0-5
Those bars will tell you about the GPS signal. If GPS would not be working at all the bars would be completely flat. If you get some bars, it should be a matter of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thanks!!

I guess nobody needs 2 GPS test apps, but if you do then i can recommend GPS status.

[Q][GPS]Hey guys/gals need some help.[SOLVED]

The problem: GPS Can't find location. (Samsung Galaxy S II TMobile)
A friend of mine have SGSII from TMo and the GPS and any app that uses location can't find the location, the phone is stock gingerbread no root nothing. We already uninstall Maps updates and re installed it, Cache and data was cleared too, we force stop the app do several reboots, WiFi is enabled and GPS enabled all settings on Menu>Settings>Location Services are enabled. What could be happening? There is any code to reset GPS or VRAM on the TMo variant?
Edit: We Also Factory Reset the device nothing yet... frustrating...

well get off wifi because using wifi allows you to be pinpointed with the wifi not the GPS.
then go stand outside for like 5 mins with the gps on. If that doesn't work. Download Fasterfix, choose location and click GO or whatever. Then go stand outside for quicker lockon.

Teo032 said:
well get off wifi because using wifi allows you to be pinpointed with the wifi not the GPS.
then go stand outside for like 5 mins with the gps on. If that doesn't work. Download Fasterfix, choose location and click GO or whatever. Then go stand outside for quicker lockon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks I'll try that. It worked How I did not think of that? lol

glad it worked, you would be surprise how many people overlook the simplest logic lol

Offline GPS.. completely reliant on cellular or could I not hit the satellites in JA?

I went to Jamaica last week and downloaded an offline cache of most of the island for Google Maps. I figured if the cell phone has GPS I could use it.. I guess I didn't realize how dependent the GPS was on cell signal because it never found a location. I still had airplane mode enabled because I was paranoid about incurring accidental roaming charges, but I just tried it here and it doesn't work with airplane mode enabled either.. makes sense I guess. I disabled airplane mode while I was there and it still didn't work. I had the Google Maps cached data so I just navigated by looking at street signs. Just thought the GPS should work. Did I assume incorrectly or maybe do something wrong?

o8oedo8 said:
I went to Jamaica last week and downloaded an offline cache of most of the island for Google Maps. I figured if the cell phone has GPS I could use it.. I guess I didn't realize how dependent the GPS was on cell signal because it never found a location. I still had airplane mode enabled because I was paranoid about incurring accidental roaming charges, but I just tried it here and it doesn't work with airplane mode enabled either.. makes sense I guess. I disabled airplane mode while I was there and it still didn't work. I had the Google Maps cached data so I just navigated by looking at street signs. Just thought the GPS should work. Did I assume incorrectly or maybe do something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was in a Jet of all places I opened up GPS Speedometer to see how fast the Jet was going at 30,000 feet. I never got a signal but as soon as we got closer to ground and picked up AT&T for a few seconds at a time the gps started to work. So to test it again before I took off the second time, I opened up GPS Speedometer and had it lock onto my location. After take off and at 50,000 feet it was accurate the entire way. So my guess is it has to have a data connection temporarily or something.

i tried this when i was in a similar situation with BRUTE google maps (same style of downloaded cache of maps) and it was very inconsistent and buggy. in the end, i downloaded a gps app (copilot) and it worked perfectly the entire time with my phone in airplane mode.
hope that helps

wang1chung said:
i tried this when i was in a similar situation with BRUTE google maps (same style of downloaded cache of maps) and it was very inconsistent and buggy. in the end, i downloaded a gps app (copilot) and it worked perfectly the entire time with my phone in airplane mode.
hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best solution. CoPilot is the best navigation app and doens't rely at all on cellular networks or Data

Perfect! I should have done more research before leaving

Just got back from Mexico and had a similar experience. I precached my location assuming I can use navigate offline over there, I was mistaken. First, I turned off data cause roaming data costs an arm/leg so I had no data, just voice roaming. With my GPS on, I literally had to stick my phone out the window so it could lock on some satellites. When it finally did, I was able to see my location on gmaps. When I tried to navigate, that's when the app complained about needing data. All I could do was just see where I was, unable to navigate. I think I'll have to find another solution for offline navigation.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

el_chiefo said:
Just got back from Mexico and had a similar experience. I precached my location assuming I can use navigate offline over there, I was mistaken. First, I turned off data cause roaming data costs an arm/leg so I had no data, just voice roaming. With my GPS on, I literally had to stick my phone out the window so it could lock on some satellites. When it finally did, I was able to see my location on gmaps. When I tried to navigate, that's when the app complained about needing data. All I could do was just see where I was, unable to navigate. I think I'll have to find another solution for offline navigation.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst case find an open wifi and connect to it to start navagation..

GPS problems only in my country?!

I'm constantly losing the GPS signal during navigation.
I've already replaced the phone two times through warranty and the mainboard got replaced each time.
The last time was just one month ago.
The problem always remained though.
The last days I could observe that this issue seems to be caused by my provider. Is this possible?
I have travelled through 4 bordering countries the last few days. The GPS worked great.
As soon as I passed the border to my country and the network switched to my home provider the GPS signal got lost shortly after and lost signal continuously frequently.
We were joking a lot about it because it happened every single time.
Is it possible that my provider's network can somehow cause theaw GPS drop outs?
Can I fix?
I'm happy about any help!
Thanks

I guess I am alone with that

TheLostOne said:
I guess I am alone with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using this app to clear or update assistance data (AGPS).
I have also found that a GPS connection is made much faster when the data is turned on.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2&hl=en_GB

Thank you, but unfortunately this doesn't help. I've already tried it many times.
I only have the problem in my country or rather with my provider.
I should try a friend's SIM to confirm it.

The problem really seems to be related to my mobile connection.
As soon as I turn on the airplane mode the GPS works perfectly.
Anyone got an idea what the issue may be?

TheLostOne said:
The problem really seems to be related to my mobile connection.
As soon as I turn on the airplane mode the GPS works perfectly.
Anyone got an idea what the issue may be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to set LTE/4G to 3G and tested?
Do you use Custom Rom?

Currently I'm using CypherOS 4.2, because I was hoping that the GPS will work better.
I am using 3G because my plan doesn't include LTE.

TheLostOne said:
Currently I'm using CypherOS 4.2, because I was hoping that the GPS will work better.
I am using 3G because my plan doesn't include LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do You urgendly need GPS With 3G or is only GPS enough? Have you Tried only GPS?

I usually don't have offline maps and I'd like to be connected while navigating or be able to receive messages.
Besides that it's a fault that shouldn't happen with the phone. Using GPS should work without limitation.

TheLostOne said:
I guess I am alone with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've being using Navigon Europe for the last 6 years. First in LG-P880 and last 2 years with G4 H815. Sometimes, but only sometimes, maybe weather, high buildings, I don't know.... I have problems with GPS.
I've use it in Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Luxembourg.
My location is set for "High Accuracy" (GPS and Networks), no matter if DATA is ON or not.
Of course that when DATA is ON my location is detected almost instantly.
But if you see that network is messing with the GPS, try to limit network access on your network settings. Maybe it works.

RuedasLocas said:
I've being using Navigon Europe for the last 6 years. First in LG-P880 and last 2 years with G4 H815. Sometimes, but only sometimes, maybe weather, high buildings, I don't know.... I have problems with GPS.
I've use it in Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Luxembourg.
My location is set for "High Accuracy" (GPS and Networks), no matter if DATA is ON or not.
Of course that when DATA is ON my location is detected almost instantly.
But if you see that network is messing with the GPS, try to limit network access on your network settings. Maybe it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I meant.
Yes GPS should work without limitation, but if Your provider has messed something up,its his fault.
And like You said it works in other countrys so its not Your device.

uweork said:
Exactly what I meant.
Yes GPS should work without limitation, but if Your provider has messed something up,its his fault.
And like You said it works in other countrys so its not Your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or GPS is fine but the software not... I mean, the apk might not be the best.
How can a provider mess with the GPS? The signal are where they are, not possible to shake, move them, hide them...
Maybe the lack of signal from the provider might counts concerning the maps. If the data needed to navigate is downloaded and how fast.
Also, with no data, how it's possible to use GPS without offline maps??

RuedasLocas said:
Or GPS is fine but the software not... I mean, the apk might not be the best.
How can a provider mess with the GPS? The signal are where they are, not possible to shake, move them, hide them...
Maybe the lack of signal from the provider might counts concerning the maps. If the data needed to navigate is downloaded and how fast.
Also, with no data, how it's possible to use GPS without offline maps??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use GPStest from play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chartcross.gpstest and make sure you are getting enough satellites. Also with that app you can reset and retrieve the a-gps data.
Just a thought

My GPS is fine!
Stop answering my posts as if I have an issue.
Thank you

It's definitely not a faulty device since the motherboard got replaced already two times.
It's somehow an incompatibility between my provider's network and my phone's GPS.
I am using GPS test since many years and love it. It doesn't help in this case though. The GPS status there also freezes when the GPS stops working.
To answer the question how I can use navigation without data:
Google Maps caches the maps so I can use it also offline.

TheLostOne said:
It's definitely not a faulty device since the motherboard got replaced already two times.
It's somehow an incompatibility between my provider's network and my phone's GPS.
I am using GPS test since many years and love it. It doesn't help in this case though. The GPS status there also freezes when the GPS stops working.
To answer the question how I can use navigation without data:
Google Maps caches the maps so I can use it also offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install a navigation apk like "Navigon" or "CoPilot", something like that.

I know these apps but I don't want to turn off data when using GPS.
I was hoping that someone is familiar to this problem and knows a fix.

TheLostOne said:
I know these apps but I don't want to turn off data when using GPS.
I was hoping that someone is familiar to this problem and knows a fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you don't have to turn OFF data while using them.
And once again, maybe there's nothing wrong with your device or carrier, maybe the app that you're using, or how accurate and updated are the maps of a specific country.
In Portugal, there are places where the GPS goes crazy, just because of the maps.
In Poland, sometimes I'm driving on the grass. The roads where deviated but the map was not updated. So, I know that is a problem of the map because I know how the roads where before and now.
Someone who don't will say that the GPS is crazy...
BTW, in The Netherlands, 6 years ago, I use to drive over the water most part of the time :silly:

Hi,
have you found a solution to this?
I notice very similar issues now and then during road navigation, gmaps (and others previously). GPS signal repeatedly disconnects and then reconnects after a while, and velocity reading becomes 0 or odd.
I thought it was overheating, but a carrier incompatibility issue seems plausible,.

Hi!
No, unfortunately I didn't find a solution. Replacing the motherboard didn't help either. I have a new phone now and don't have the problem anymore.