OK--people are talking all around this issue, and I am looking for a blunt answer. Hopefully this thread can be found easily via Google.
FACT: The GPS fix for stock Galaxy phones we all know about doesn't work for many people.
FACT: Some custom Vibrant ROMs, like Bionix, claim to have fixed the GPS issues.
QUESTION 1: Is the GPS fix in these custom ROMs the same as the one released by Samsung for the Captivate?
QUESTION 2: If not, can anyone verify the performance of the custom ROM fixes? I have seen threads on this site that suggest the GPS is even worse after using a custom ROM (including Bionix).
I am the minority it seems, but my gps is much worse after flashing Bionix 1.8 and 1.9.1. When I was stock JFD I actually created a thread complimenting my GPS.... and now it's useless. No matter how long I stay outside I can not get a lock.
I am not certain what the issue is, because some on the same ROM claim it is great. Not sure how I lost out.... and not blaming sombionix, his rom is so good I still use it even with this issue (and I consider it a big one).
I do not know enough about what he did, but I don't think much was altered from JI6.
Thanks s15274n!
I am going to do some testing...I have access to a stock Vibrant (with no GPS fix), and a stock Captivate (with recent GPS fix). I will do a "map my run" route with each (using my Nexus One and maybe even my G1 as an experiment control), then root the Vibrant with Bionix Fusion, and post my results--probably here and in a blog post. That will give me 5 separate results to compare.
The screenshots and data output should settle all the BS flying around, although I am sure that some people will claim that their particular phone has no problems whatsoever.
derfolo said:
Thanks s15274n!
I am going to do some testing...I have access to a stock Vibrant (with no GPS fix), and a stock Captivate (with recent GPS fix). I will do a "map my run" route with each (using my Nexus One and maybe even my G1 as an experiment control), then root the Vibrant with Bionix Fusion, and post my results--probably here and in a blog post. That will give me 5 separate results to compare.
The screenshots and data output should settle all the BS flying around, although I am sure that some people will claim that their particular phone has no problems whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add my two cents, I've continued to experience horrible GPS performance despite the fix in JI6. Quite simply, it's unusable if I don't open G-Maps before I drive away from my wirless SSID.
Unfortunately, questions posted here are routinely met with "reflash" and "why can't people search? these issues have been solved a million times!". Most people seem content to assume that since it was fixed on their phone, we're too stupid to figure out how to apply this particular "fix".
This is my fifth phone. My G1, MyTouch, and Nexus One all had GPS' which worked simply and reliably. My Galaxy S phones...not so much. It's gotten to the point where I'm seriously considering paying HTC to fix the busted AMOLED screen on my Nexus One so I can go back to that and sell my Vibrant and i9000 on craigslist.
Sorry for the rant. I only meant to chime in to say "you're not the only one". I'm just frustrated.
I'll be interested to see your results if you go through with your test.
Related
First, to all that have created and contributed to this site, Thank you.
Now I know I'm new here and I'm probably going to get murdered for posting this but I'm completely out of ideas. I've tried searching everywhere and I can't find any answers. I tried flashing the Axura 2.1 and 2.2 roms and my GPS stopped working completley. I've tried using several different modems with the roms. I tried flashing the macnut roms and had the same result.
I've tried searching but there are so many gps problem thread that I can't find the answer(unless I'm skipping over it). So now I'm hoping that somebody will be able to help me out.
Sorry for my ignorance but I really am desperate cause I really wanna get this $500 phone working like one
this needs to be in Q&A, but; ODIN to JFD/JI6, then run the GPSRestore app from the market. If your phone's GPS still doesnt work, then it's the GPS hardware.
I've run GPS on all TW roms, and each one locks quick and accurate.
JL5 and JL5 GPS are spot on.
jree said:
First, to all that have created and contributed to this site, Thank you.
Now I know I'm new here and I'm probably going to get murdered for posting this but I'm completely out of ideas. I've tried searching everywhere and I can't find any answers. I tried flashing the Axura 2.1 and 2.2 roms and my GPS stopped working completley. I've tried using several different modems with the roms. I tried flashing the macnut roms and had the same result.
I've tried searching but there are so many gps problem thread that I can't find the answer(unless I'm skipping over it). So now I'm hoping that somebody will be able to help me out.
Sorry for my ignorance but I really am desperate cause I really wanna get this $500 phone working like one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you're going to get murdered for posting a question. It just needs to be in the right forum. Next time please post questions in the Q&A forum to keep the Dev forum clutter free.
As far as your problem goes, when you say not working is your gps seeing satellites and just not locking or not seeing any at all.
Is your roof made of solid tinfoil???
Just kidding, but seriously, Odin back to JFD or some other 2.1 firmware and download GPS restore or something like that from the market and go stand OUTSIDE and test it.
If this fails, then you have faulty hardware. Send it to Samsung.
bobbbb said:
Is your roof made of solid tinfoil???
Just kidding, but seriously, Odin back to JFD or some other 2.1 firmware and download GPS restore or something like that from the market and go stand OUTSIDE and test it.
If this fails, then you have faulty hardware. Send it to Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. or your house or where ever you are is getting bad GPS signal. my gps worked flawlessly for a while now. it's just with newer modems, they lock faster.
I had similar issues to what you describe. My GPS would not work with any ROM combination. Sometimes I could see satellites but I would never get a lock. Tried anything with no luck. Finally- I did three things, and I can't tell you for certain which fixed it- but at the end it was fine.
First thing was I followed the hardware fix guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970 and then I installed a JL4 ROM (I hear JL5 works great too), left settings as stock and made sure Server FQDN Type was set to Auto config instead of www.spirent-lcs.com. Then I went outside and waited like 10 minutes in LbsTestMode "Get Position Test". Now my GPS works!
I haven't had a real problem with the GPS ever since JI2, and the GPS performance in the Froyo-based ROMs is even better. If it's not working for you at all, then you need to exchange your phone for a new one. You should be able to arrange that with T-Mobile at not extra cost to you.
If you bought your phone through T-Mobile you need to contact them. Jump through their hoops and get a replacement ordered.
Sorry for not putting this in the right forums. If a mod has to move it....
This is exactly whats happening. Whether I'm outside or not, the little gps icon blinks but it says my location is temporarily unavailable. I don't think its hardware cause this is a brand new phone that was working yesterday before I installed the ROM. Thanks for the suggestions. Some more are welcomed
no rom or modem fixed my gps completely till i was on eugene's ginger clone r2 and flashed the JL5 Modem WITHOUT doing the Samsung GPS restore from the market. In fifteen seconds i was locked with less than 10m.
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Android Development
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
This is a brand new phone. Its my 3rd one in lest than a week. This GPS was working to some extent right before I installed the Axura rom. I just did a the GPS restore and now it still won't lock onto my position but it will do the navigation(poorly just like before) to a spoken destination with voice guidance. If I ask it for a map of something it will bring those destinations up also. I'm at a complete loss but I do like this ROM better than Eclair.
samsung restore isn't in the market anymore.
Can someone upload the .apk please ?
Thanks
G
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
momulah said:
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much every recent ROM I've used has had very good GPS performance. I'm currently on Master's Axura 2.2.5.9. But I've tried both Eugene's Gingerbread Clone and TW's Nero v3 and both have properly working GPS for me. I'm no dev so I don't know what files have it working so well but someone might.
Nero V3, Eugene's R2 both have properly working GPS.
I have trouble working gps on nero v3...very slow. I went back to jk6 modem and this solved all issues.
Try "GPS Restore" from the Android Market, published by Samsung for the Galaxy S phones. Worked wonders on my phone. Sats lock up in 2 seconds flat!
momulah said:
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are in the wrong place my friend. You need to look on the captivate site on xda. you won't find a solution for your problem here
I had the same issue when i upgraded from JL4 to JL5 on Eugene's Ginger Clone. Flash the JL4 modem back over it and it will work flawlessly - I am living proof.
fF
nero v3 here, indoor lock with 20 seconds, usually within 5, 15 foot accuracy.
Nero V3 perfect GPS. Less than 3 seconds!
nero v3 and M9 gps working
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Master's Axura 2.2.5.9 is the only ROM that worked for me for the GPS. Why don't you download the ROM and check the GPS files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=891657
i duno..my GPS indoor never lock up as you guys~~on Nero V3. i duno wut's wrong with it. living in brooklyn, nyc. with the wirless it lock me on 2 blocks away where i am...><
What next? G2 owners posting in the dev section having touchscreen issues, justifying their actions because the vibrant and G2 both have touchscreens? Every time I visit these forums this crap gets more and more depressing......
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
No more responses unless you can answer his question
He just wants to know if someone can point him to the gps files in any of the roms. If you can do that, respond, if not no point talking about x rom locks in x secs!
Indoor lock that quick?...how? Did you perform the hardware fix or have a newer vibrant?
harabinger66 said:
He just wants to know if someone can point him to the gps files in any of the roms. If you can do that, respond, if not no point talking about x rom locks in x secs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the deal, the GPS files for the captivate, ARE NOT the same as the Vibrant, so it is pointless to post in the vibrant section.......
And he probably has a driver issue, we have no idea what he really wants, and i believe even he has not idea..... What are the "gps files"??? Does he means drivers (inserted in the kernel?). So yes this post is absolutely pointless in this site
While stefan.buddle may have been a little rude, he is right!
Essentially there are 2 basic problems with ALL the SGS phones. One the software was not 100% when released, now they have a patch that supposedly fixes the GPS, but it works for a while then get flaky.
The other is a hardware issue. The way the antenna in the SGS is made it is a spring clip that pushes against the antenna that is mounted on the backside of the internal case. alot of the phones especially the earlier manf.dated phones ,,,this clip doesn't touch completely resulting in a poor or inconsistent contact to the GPS antenna so poor locks.
So, to correct you have to go open the phone up and CAREFULLY bend this clip up to engage. To assist this not Squashing back down (my fix) cut a piece of the peanut cell foam to wedge in between the clip opening (the flat area) this will give you proper contact and WOW way better reception. Perfect? no way but it will be usable for sure !! also you clean the contact etc... common sense stuff....
Now remember this is not a tom-tom it even in the best working condition will not be as good as that (Samsung calls this GPS assist). But, you will be way happier......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970 This is the sticky that shows how t odo this. Hope this helps.........if so give a thank you
oka1 said:
Essentially there are 2 basic problems with ALL the SGS phones. One the software was not 100% when released, now they have a patch that supposedly fixes the GPS, but it works for a while then get flaky.
The other is a hardware issue. The way the antenna in the SGS is made it is a spring clip that pushes against the antenna that is mounted on the backside of the internal case. alot of the phones especially the earlier manf.dated phones ,,,this clip doesn't touch completely resulting in a poor or inconsistent contact to the GPS antenna so poor locks.
So, to correct you have to go open the phone up and CAREFULLY bend this clip up to engage. To assist this not Squashing back down (my fix) cut a piece of the peanut cell foam to wedge in between the clip opening (the flat area) this will give you proper contact and WOW way better reception. Perfect? no way but it will be usable for sure !! also you clean the contact etc... common sense stuff....
Now remember this is not a tom-tom it even in the best working condition will not be as good as that (Samsung calls this GPS assist). But, you will be way happier......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970 This is the sticky that shows how t odo this. Hope this helps.........if so give a thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That fix is for the vibrant, are you sure is also for the captivate also?????
I have had a captivate apart they look the same in the inside The Epic is different I have not pulled a Fascinate open to know what is what with them I would guess they are closer to the Epic
I enclosed a picture so you can see the tab touches a piece on the back internal case. I like taking things apart, if you do take it apart go to a music store and get 2 medium flat guitar picks it makes it easier and you do not damage the chrome trim. Take the screws out and then slide between the snap case connection with one get it in then put the other in and work them around about 30 % of the separation and voila' !!! it will open pretty easy. putting back together is way easier snaps in just make sure you get the little radio wire antenna out of the way
gagb1967 said:
That fix is for the vibrant, are you sure is also for the captivate also?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the Captivate forums, they have a thread with the equivalent hardware antenna fix.
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
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
So what are the pros and cons.... I know about the partition. Are they any other issues with the conversion? If you came back from N4 what made you come back? Cos after the SD card, NFC and LTE fix what else was broken? Thanks in advance.
Googler_1976 said:
So what are the pros and cons.... I know about the partition. Are they any other issues with the conversion? If you came back from N4 what made you come back? Cos after the SD card, NFC and LTE fix what else was broken? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main reason for doing the conversion was to get hybrid ROMs like Rootbox or PACman (which weren't available natively on LGOG at the time). To me, really the only pro is a larger selection of ROMs. This isn't necesarily a better selection, just bigger - it depends on what you are specifically looking for in a ROM as to whether this makes it worth it or not.
With the available fixes already posted, there really aren't any huge cons either - GPS works, camera works, you get full internal storage and external SD support. However, there were cases I ran across where I couldn't get certain fixes working with certain ROMs - things like touch key lights not working and the like. I'm sure they are fixable in these cases, it just takes someone smarter than me to figure out how.
I think the main reason the conversion is frowned upon is that there isn't a compelling, across-all-ROMs improvement or feature that would be available on a converted device that isn't available on the 'native' track. So why risk a brick monkeying with partition layouts and potentially dangerous N4 install scripts (apparently some of them flash using partition numbers rather than names, and this will kill ya dead - gotta read carefully. I never ran across one).
I had minimal issues when running converted ( I think I was running that way for 3 weeks or so maybe?? Can't remember). Most of the issues were things that were more annoyances, rather than real usage problems. However, as my main reason for converting was to get a hybrid ROM, once houstonn brought Rootbox to the LGOG natively, I decided to come back. I'm usually a little short on time, and it was getting difficult to keep up with all the LGOG threads, plus all the N4 ROM threads, plus figuring out how to fix the ROMs for use on the LGOG. It's easy here, a one stop shop for LGOG learning, if you will...
I suspect with the native 4.2.2 stuff running around here now, there will be a steady decrease in the amount of 'development' on conversion stuff - it seems quite a bit quieter now than it was a month or 2 ago. I'd rather stay where the action is, as that's usually where the little remaining issues get solved first.
FWIW, I had no issues either converting to, or back from, N4. The threads here do a good job of spelling out the process - it's just a matter of reading through them enough times to understand what is going on and what to expect at each step.
Thanks for writing up your experience... The main reason I asked this question was... Some of the (if not all of them) AOSP Roms have major issues like if GPS works something else will be broken and if something else worksworks other is broken. But I did not see that in N4 conversion. (At least to my knowledge) I'm just talking about just pure aosp Roms. ..is this a trurt statement I'm making? Thanks in advance.
Googler_1976 said:
Thanks for writing up your experience... The main reason I asked this question was... Some of the (if not all of them) AOSP Roms have major issues like if GPS works something else will be broken and if something else worksworks other is broken. But I did not see that in N4 conversion. (At least to my knowledge) I'm just talking about just pure aosp Roms. ..is this a trurt statement I'm making? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say for certain - most of these 'tradeoff' issues, at least from what I've seen, seem to revolve around which modem you choose to run. I believe, at the moment the only 100% no issue setup is and ICS ROM with ICS modem. I believe these issues persist whether you are on N4 conversion or native LGOG setup - but I could be wrong here.
Here's the basic breakdown - somebody correct me if I'm wrong on these, I haven't run most of these setups personally:
If you run ICS modem on JB ROM, you get broken GPS.
If you run .33 N4 modem you get good GPS and Data speeds, but occasional data drops. Also, apparently you can't make outgoing calls in LTE coverage. You can fix the data connection by toggling airplane mode. This isn't a huge issue for most people, but is for me as I use Google voice and IM apps for messaging (rather than SMS) so if I don't notice the data drop and toggle, I'm missing messages.
If you run ATT JB modem on JB ROMs you get working GPS, decent data speed, and working LTE calling. All Outgoing calls drop to a background process after initiation, so if after hitting dial you need to interact with the call, you have to open the notification drawer and then click on the call to foreground it. Does not impact actual functioning of the call. Network name is reported as 'maritime' rather than AT&T.
I think there's another N4 modem that will work with LTE (.27 maybe - somebody jump in here) so that might be another option...I haven't tried it. there is one N4 modem that breaks LTE support.
I've been almost exclusively on houstonn's RootBox since coming back to native setup - so I may have missed issues with other ROMs - I do try to keep up with all the threads though. Hopefully someone else on one of the others can chime in with other issues, if there are any, that I missed. FWIW, I have never lost GPS on my device...I'm not sure why some have and some haven't...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270319
One stop shopping for all your radio needs.
Thanks again both of you... t I wanted to know why and I think I got what I was looking for.. Anyway, I guess I will stick with my rooted stock JB for now till some of these issues get resolved. Thanks again for all your time.