Hello all...
I've been using a HTC Prophet since it's been "misplaced" 2 weeks ago. I've then decided to go for an unlocked TP2 and been marveling at it since
So, here's the deal. I live in Mauritius and since this is my first GPS device, I have absolutely no clue on how to use it. The only two things I have GPS related is Google Maps and a QuickGPS app. First, I have to ask. Do I need a data connection for the GPS to work?
If I connect through wifi at home and launch Google Maps, I get a completely wrong fix on my location, sometimes Bolivia and sometimes India. I've tried using the QuickGPS and after it successfully downloads the update, I'm still pointed to a wrong location. I've tried enabling "Use GPS" in Google Maps and I get no satellite connections.
But if I'm on the road, is it right that I should have a data connection for the GPS to work? And what about the wrong location given out by Google Maps?
Thanks for helping me out here
Hi Jedi,
I'll try to help you out here...
So, the phone has a GPS receiver built in. This receiver will work independently of a data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WiFi) and will get a location fix from the satellites. The phone is also capable of A-GPS (Assissted GPS) which uses the mobile network to assist the GPS in acquiring a location fix. The QuickGPS application will download the latest satellite data to the phone which can help decrease the time it takes to get a location fix.
Now, if you are using Google Maps, you will need a data connection because the application does not store the maps on the phone but actually downloads them as needed. Your inconsistencies with the location fix is most likely because of the WiFi connection you are using. If you have a data plan on your account, you will have much better results getting an accurate location fix using the wireless data from your service provider. Also, if you are inside, the GPS may not be getting good signal from the satellites, so try it again next time you are outside.
Additionally, if you use an application such as Garmin Mobile XT, the maps are stored on the memory card and you do not need any data service to navigate. For example, I have used the Garmin app on my Touch Pro 2 to navigate in my car without a SIM card in the phone or any WiFi connection.
Hope this helps
Following up on Nick's post . .
Make sure your GPS is set to "On" in the location settings under phone. By default, it's probably set to "911". You'll have to do a reset and you'll get a warning about the GPS being enabled (on the first reset only).
In Google Maps, make sure the GPS is selected (Menu, Use GPS) and go outside for the GPS to get it's first lock. You may have to leave the phone outside for a while (half hour or so) to get your first lock, but locks should be within 30 seconds or so after that.
thanks a lot nick for all those helpful info! I'll try to find Garmin Mobile XT but I doubt that they'll have a Mauritius map...
Hi SecretAgentMan. If I go in the Phone settings in TP2, I don't see a GPS settings. I only have Phone (Ring Type, Ring Tone, etc...), Services (Call Barring etc...), Network (Automatic), Band (Auto), Pin1/Pin2, Time Zones, More (Auto pickup etc...) and Advanced (Reject call with message etc...) but no "Location" setting where I can set GPS to "On" and nothing where I can see "911". In Google Maps, I've already set "Use GPS" and will try to leave the phone outside for that long...
Thanks again!
hi all! it works beautifully! I've been using it with Google Maps and I have to keep an open data connection cause of the map updates but it works very well. I got around 5,6 and sometimes 10 sats. It keeps on tracking though even after the data cut which means the GPS is fully functional and it's just google maps that's not being updated so everything's cool. Thanks a lot to you all!
Hi Jedi,
I'm glad to see you got your GPS working. Google maps is great but the Garmin app has superior routing with turn by turn directions and voice prompts. I looked online and they do have maps for Mauritius but I'm not sure the cost. You can do a google search for "Garmin Mauritius" and you may find what you are looking for.
Is it advisable to leave the location service to "ON?" As opposed to 911 only like it comes default. I use google maps and I need to set the location service to on. But I usually turn it off to "911 only" after I use google maps. What happens to the battery usage if I just leave it set to "ON?" does it drain more juice? Does it matter?
Searched the forums and couldn't find what I was looking for so I pose this question to you all: Is there a way to use my deactivated Epic as just a dedicated gps device? I have no data connection (being deactivated obviously) and while wifi will still help the agps I wouldnt have a nice wifi signal following me everywhere.
I also think i remember seeing, once upon a time, there was a way to disable it as an agps device and just use gps only. I could be wrong. Thanks in advance.
tl;dr: how do i turn my old phone into a gps unit?
solved by disabling "use wireless networks" in location settings. thanks kenny
To disable the data part of the GPS Settings>Location and security> Uncheck Use Wireless networks and check use GPS satellites and see if it works.
that method should work.
kennyglass123 said:
To disable the data part of the GPS Settings>Location and security> Uncheck Use Wireless networks and check use GPS satellites and see if it works.
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This did the trick! thanks a bunch. works great using aura sygic.
Hi guys. I'm sure this has been asked over and over, but I didn't find something that would be helpful in my case. The problem is simple. GPS won't fix on to my location without a data connection. I have saved a map offline (in Google Maps), and whenever I'm travelling and want to see my location, I turn the GPS on (mobile data and wi-fi is off) and press the location button in Google Maps. In a couple of seconds, I get the message "Your location could not be determined".
Turning on mobile data helps, it locks in about 15-20 seconds. But switching from Google Maps to some other app and back causes it to forget the lock and it has to search for my location again. Once again, it takes around 20 seconds.
On Wi-Fi (and no mobile data turned on), although it shows 'Searching for GPS' in the notification bar and the GPS icon shows that it isn't locked, it estimates my location correctly.
I've tried running GPS Status, downloaded AGPS data using the app, still no use (I expected this to work, since i guess the problem is about obtaining AGPS data, that is why it locks quickly when either mobile data or wifi is on). I don't get a lock while running GPS Status, nor do I see any satellites in the app, regardless of whether Wi-Fi or mobile data is on or off.
In short, I just want to be able to use GPS in Google Maps without anything else- without Mobile Data, without Wi-Fi
Hope that's clear. Thanks in advance
Bumpity bump...
iPhoneNexus said:
Bumpity bump...
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What baseband are you running? You might wanna try FH05.
I also have this problem,use u-center which will get a GPS lock then open maps,you should get a GPS lock within seconds,not sure if the baseband version will make a difference.
Hi I recently bought an m8 on ebay. I noticed that the gps doesnt lock on even though the location settings are set to high accuracy. As of now there is no service on the phone. When i connect to wifi it gets my location through A-GPS but without wifi it doesnt track my location even with offline maps. I tried calibrating my compass using the 'GPS Status' app, but it doesnt seem to work. Does anyone know if this is a software problem or hardware? can i replace the gps in the phone?
Thanks in advance for your help.
On the GPS Status app, do you see satellites being locked on? On the circular display, you should see dots, and bar graph below will show signal strength. You can typically lock onto several satellites very quickly, unless there is a hardware issue or in a poor location (sky is blocked).