[Q] European ROM GPS problems - Vibrant Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

The problem is when you get European ROM on Vibrant, GPS dies.
Even if you put CSC and modem from original firmware and PDA part from i9000 it doesn't help make GPS work.
May be someone has any suggestions?

I don't know if I have the same issue as you, but ever since I got to Amsterdam my GPS "works" in that it shows in the status bar, but the location is never accurate by any measure. In fact, I think my location continues to be retrieved by the other means available (trianulation or whatever). I ended up turning GPS off completely since I'm only here for a limited time. It would be very nice to have GPS working though.

No, actually if you have stock firmware installed, GPS locates successfully. With i9000 firmware it never finds anything

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[Q] GPS Broken Broken

Hello well not sure but I think my GPS is "broken broken" like maybe something hardware related but just wanna to check with you guys first instead of doing anything drastic.
I think I first noticed when i was on a build of trigger(cm based) that the GPS kept searching for location and unscessfully tried the CM7 GPS script. I then just decided to Odin back to stock and getting the same results GPS wise. I also tried Nandroiding back to a ROM that knew GPS worked when i use to use it(toxic w7 clone) but still no luck. Also worth noting that while on Stock Odin I tried some different Market based GPS fixes(GPS Restore GPS Aids).
Any help would be appreicated thx
some people have working gps, some dont. mine kind of works but it takes forever to lock.
Big2hd said:
Hello well not sure but I think my GPS is "broken broken" like maybe something hardware related but just wanna to check with you guys first instead of doing anything drastic.
I think I first noticed when i was on a build of trigger(cm based) that the GPS kept searching for location and unscessfully tried the CM7 GPS script. I then just decided to Odin back to stock and getting the same results GPS wise. I also tried Nandroiding back to a ROM that knew GPS worked when i use to use it(toxic w7 clone) but still no luck. Also worth noting that while on Stock Odin I tried some different Market based GPS fixes(GPS Restore GPS Aids).
Any help would be appreicated thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your GPS work in the past?
I used a 2.2 build of Trigger a little bit back, and it did the same thing to my phone. I have a "fixed" hardware GPS antenna (since I did the FFC mod, fixing the GPS at the same time was a piece of cake), so when I suddenly couldn't get any GPS signal, I knew something was most definitely up. I tried the sgps "fixes" to no avail.
Eventually I flashed CM7 (since gps wasn't working either way, at that point), then Odin'd to stock, then flashed Bionix 1.3.1, and suddenly at some point it fixed itself. Now my GPS is back to working on CM7, as well as 2.2 roms.
So, if your GPS used to work fine, there was something software-wise which screwed it up.
Do yourself a favor and call TMobile. Tell them that your GPS doesn't work and you'd like a replacement. Do it three times and get a completely different phone for free.
The Vibrant is a POS at best.
sroach23 said:
some people have working gps, some dont. mine kind of works but it takes forever to lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. i did see a post where someone said it took 5 minutes to get a lock maybe I'll try the GPS test again for longer period.
reuthermonkey said:
Did your GPS work in the past?
I used a 2.2 build of Trigger a little bit back, and it did the same thing to my phone. I have a "fixed" hardware GPS antenna (since I did the FFC mod, fixing the GPS at the same time was a piece of cake), so when I suddenly couldn't get any GPS signal, I knew something was most definitely up. I tried the sgps "fixes" to no avail.
Eventually I flashed CM7 (since gps wasn't working either way, at that point), then Odin'd to stock, then flashed Bionix 1.3.1, and suddenly at some point it fixed itself. Now my GPS is back to working on CM7, as well as 2.2 roms.
So, if your GPS used to work fine, there was something software-wise which screwed it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry bout that I should of mention that GPS was working in the past, never tried Bionix I'll see if that does the trick.
spiz516 said:
Do yourself a favor and call TMobile. Tell them that your GPS doesn't work and you'd like a replacement. Do it three times and get a completely different phone for free.
The Vibrant is a POS at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this what I meant by drastic but probably my only real solution, wonder how that works though im pretty sure I'm paying for some replacement/warranty but that's only if they find out it is broken or defective right?
So glad i bought a Vibrant for my birthday as my 1st smartphone
Well I think I made some progress here, I Odin back to Eclair and to Bionix. GPS still wasn't working but GPS Test shows that there are some Satellites "in view" but not "in use" weird...

[Q] Proper GPS hardware diagnostic

Here's the story:
Had a vibrant, put Axura (Axura 205 Vibrant) on it. Worked great for many many months, until I broke the screen. I tried to replace it but that's another story.
Fast forward to now, I have a new Vibrant, with the same ROM on it, (flashed from stock).
I have tried 6 or 7 different ROMS of various release (Froyo/GB), but the GPS never shows satellites. I have done the access LBSTest fix as suggested elsewhere in the forums, but still not seeing satellites.
On my old phone this specific ROM (Axura) worked great. Same ROM, another phone, doesn't work.
It feels like the gps hardware is bad (I bought the phone used) but my business partner's phone does the exact same thing.
ANY diagnostic steps or outline would be great! I don't know how to determine if the GPS hardware is functioning properly or not. A link, list or other from someone who has dealt with this before would be a wonderful help.
THANKS!
(The only odd thing I have noticed is the stock rom won't connect to any cellular networks. Putting Axura (or any ROM) corrects that issue.)
EDIT: I should note that enabling "Use wireless networks" allows some data to be used, but I assume this is based off of hardware mac addresses of the wireless routers and google's location database rather than actual satellite data
I should also note the manufacture date is 10.10 and the current modem is JK2.
I have been researching various fixes (in spite of the anomaly stated above) and it seems the hardware soldering fix only relates to pre 10.10 and suggests a modem higher than JI6.
I am tempted to try some other ROMs but have exhausted my attempts and feel maybe this isn't something I can fix anymore. Help still appreciated.
sounds like you'll need to open it and do the HW mod for the GPS antenna contacts to be firm together, I used a piece of shaped plastic to keep the tab in an elevated position so it wouldn't lose tension after its snapped back. then DL heathens GB GPS fix , it works awesome for me, best GPS lock ever
Oh an one more thing, Aurora isn't the best choice of ROM, unless that's what you like. JMHO
Thanks. I'll do both, I am kind of apprehensive about soldering the gps, I have broken things before, although I am ok with a solder gun.
Any suggestions on ROMS? I am open for them, have tried a few (Cm7, SIMPLE, Revolution, + others) but since I couldn't get the gps to work I assumed it was rom related.
You might also try a new modem with a Froyo ROM. Any of the KAx or KBx modems with a Froyo ROM should be an improvement.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
dseldown said:
sounds like you'll need to open it and do the HW mod for the GPS antenna contacts to be firm together, I used a piece of shaped plastic to keep the tab in an elevated position so it wouldn't lose tension after its snapped back. then DL heathens GB GPS fix , it works awesome for me, best GPS lock ever
Oh an one more thing, Aurora isn't the best choice of ROM, unless that's what you like. JMHO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something I've noticed with the hardware fix is the author of the post here states that the manufacture date is 9.10 or before, and mine (10.10) shouldn't need it. Is this true?
shrapnelx said:
You might also try a new modem with a Froyo ROM. Any of the KAx or KBx modems with a Froyo ROM should be an improvement.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running KB5 now. Which app do you recommend for seeing what/how many satellites have a lock? The one I am using now (Gps Status) just has a spinning icon on the bottom, with no info.
I am at a loss as to why this phone won't lock. I'm willing to paypal anyone who has the time and gumption to assist with a true repair.
Edit: Just went outside with the GPS Test app (disabled use WiFi for location) and it could "see" 1 satellite, but was using 0. Does this help in giving an idea as to why it won't work?
Maybe the antenna issue can still exist post the 9.10 manufacturer date.
:S

[Q] GPS Issues with CM7.1 (stable)

Hi,
I've been constantly having issues with the GPS on my vibrant. I got a replacement vibrant from t-mo about 3 mos ago because the GPS rarely locked on my original phone. This new phone's GPS worked fine for a while with the stock Froyo ROM. It always seemed to lock in less than 1 min. After a few weeks, the GPS stopped locking reliably for me.
I tried an update to CM7.1 and didn't see any improvement with the GPS.
So, here's my quetsion:
1. What is the best ROM for GPS usage on the vibrant?
2. Is this GPS Fix still relevant?
I'm running CM-7.1.0.1-Vibrant.
Kernel version - 2.635.12-gdf10700 [email protected] #1 (that's a mouthful).
Thank you.
If GPS needs to be absolutely 110% working, then MIUI (if you want GB) or any 2.2 ROM will suffice. As for the other GPS fix relevancy, it can be really hit or miss. On some GB ROMs it works, on others it doesn't. It's really by chance that the planets align and the powers above grant you vibrant with working GPS
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I have a similar problem, I found a solution in ICS ROM.
When you turn on the phone, before it finds a network, you need to run any diagnostic applications of GPS, for example GPSLB TEST NB and immediately start the GET POSITION.
You will find that it finds satellites at once. Turn off the software.
you have GPS working until the next reboot...
The vibrant has always had gps issues. Theres a fix somewhere i cant remember where. Havent had a vibrant in awhile
sent from my Sensation XD

[Q] GPS Problems, wrong modem flashed?

Hello
A few months ago I got my galaxySII and installed CyanogenMod7.1 by following a tutorial. It was my first time and I did a mistake, I didn't write down my original modem/kernel version.
Now I notice that often my phone needs a VERY long time to find a GPS signal (e.g. when starting NAVIGON navigation app). (Of course I am outside and not in a building). Often it helps to turn off/turn on GPS or reboot the phone. Now I read here on xda that a wrong modem version can affect GPS performance. Everything else works fine.
My question is, can I find out, what version I should use, even if I already flashed a different one?
Here is my phone info:
img254.imageshack.us/img254/5622/screenshot1325505064671.png
img607.imageshack.us/img607/2411/screenshot1325505100114.png
Thanks for any help!
edit: I live and got my phone in germany if it helps
Try FasterFix from the Market. If that doesn't help, looks like the modem you're currently using is KI1, try some of the later modems from this thread until you find one that works better than the one you're currently using.

[Q] Seriously this GPS is now pissing me off..

Okay, I have done the following things:
1. I have soldered the connection inside the phone. (Yes very nicely I might add as I solder a lot at work.)
2. I have the Sub-Zero build 75 kernel.
3. I am using Slim ICS Rom from the android development forum.
Why in the hell does the GPS lock on instantly sometimes, and other times I have to restart the phone 20 times before it will even thinking about locking on again?
What is wrong with this phone's GPS? What else can I do to get this GPS to work all the time. The programs that "clear the GPS data" or the phone code that does it, does not work. There is no message and no sign that it cleared anything. The "secret code" program just crashes of course, when I try to use the GPS clear data.
Is there anything else I can do, besides throwing this phone against the wall. I actually NEED the GPS sometimes because I travel a lot, and I can't even rely on this phone.
Here is how I understand this:
Since we never got an official release for gingerbread we won't be getting one for ICS either. The problem is that all releases for our phone for GB+ are hacked together from the source released for the other phones in the Galaxy S family. Also, since the actual guts are slightly different between models, we don't have the actual Samsung drivers for these releases on our phone.
Another problem is that the GPS chip they used on this phone sucked and was sub par at best when released. Most vibrant owners had issues.
The only way to guarantee the best GPS performance on this phone is to stick with the stock Froyo firmware. Everything else is hit or miss since we got the step child phone off the Galaxy S family.
I was lucky enough to buy my vibrant several months after release, so my GPS was revised by then and better than the release models, but it still flakes out on custom ROMs sometimes.
For now, I am on Slim 3.5, and sub zero 80 kernel.
-------------
GlobeSpy detailed this in his post here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1550327
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I flashed the yags and experia GPS fixes, made sure to install angryGPS and faster fix.
Angry GPS settings changed to MSBASED, cold start, and Xtra=off.
In supl settings, I selected Google server.
In Fasterfix: selected custom and set to us.pool.ntp.org
After rebooting the phone, open GPS test and let it lock birds.
After that, I can exit out of GPS test and run navigation. GPS will lock later in day too.
The same settings worked on the stock slim kernel to, so sub zero isn't a requirement, but I have made it work on both kernels. In my expewrience the stock Slim kernel worked better for GPS.
Hopefully this helps, but each phone is so different, the results are not guaranteed.
It really is too bad that Samsung dropped the ball on the GPS in this phone. It's the only weak bit of the device.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium

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