GPS isn't working with any ROM - Vibrant Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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

Related

GPS issues?

I know the Vibrant doesn't come out for a few more days but one thing that has made me very hesitant about purchasing this device are the GPS issues found on the international Galaxy S. Supposedly the phone wont lock on more than 8 satellites or any satellites with less than 20 snr. People are reporting the nav cursor will quite often jump around if it loses signal. I use Google Navigation a lot and this would be a huge problem.
Anyone else concerned? Hopefully the US firmware will have fixed this.
I'm also curious about this. Can somone who has gotten their hands on the vibrant early comment?
I've got mine... it seems to work better then the G1, locks really fast.
check the other threads - the issue does seem to have been firmware version related
the one user, sdjean - his phone did a 180 in terms of gps reception, and there's another interesting comment from another user that experienced gps reception / sat lock issues at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=725748
i had the same concerns but after seeing the issues resolving from firmware updates and other postings as the above, i'm going ahead
And months later, the GPS still has problems.
SamsungVibrant said:
And months later, the GPS still has problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL true story.. sadly..
SamsungVibrant said:
And months later, the GPS still has problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was horrid when running stock 2.1 JI6.
Running Bionix-v for the last few days and the GPS has been right on the money. First time since owning the phone that it locks on and nails my position in under 30 seconds.
Yaz75 said:
Mine was horrid when running stock 2.1 JI6.
Running Bionix-v for the last few days and the GPS has been right on the money. First time since owning the phone that it locks on and nails my position in under 30 seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I was running JI6 stock until I upgraded to KA6 via Mini Kies a few days ago. The GPS was HORRIBLE. No lock at all no matter how long I left it.
BUT I decided to do a factory reset before turning the phone in and it turns out that fixed everything. I get locks indoors now.
jimmynguyen91 said:
Actually, I was running JI6 stock until I upgraded to KA6 via Mini Kies a few days ago. The GPS was HORRIBLE. No lock at all no matter how long I left it.
BUT I decided to do a factory reset before turning the phone in and it turns out that fixed everything. I get locks indoors now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to learn how to make the gps stop drifting.
SamsungVibrant said:
I would like to learn how to make the gps stop drifting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much drift/variation are you talking about?
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
Can anyone help me out? I'm very familiar with running custom roms on captivates. But did a vibrant for a friend yesterday and installed Bionix-v as it seems like that is a popular rom that is supposed to help GPS. But his GPS will not lock at all. I was going to post something in that thread but didn't want to get flamed to hell. Are there any roms that are better for GPS? Or maybe I should try flashing Bionix again? I also read somewhere that there is some sort of hardware fix for the vibrant?
Thanks
Download Samsung GPS Restore apps from the Market and after install reboot your phone then run apps when its done then reboot your phone, then try open your GPS Navigation and test it, mine works after upgrade my Samsung Vibrant official froyo from t-mobile.
slmhofy said:
Can anyone help me out? I'm very familiar with running custom roms on captivates. But did a vibrant for a friend yesterday and installed Bionix-v as it seems like that is a popular rom that is supposed to help GPS. But his GPS will not lock at all. I was going to post something in that thread but didn't want to get flamed to hell. Are there any roms that are better for GPS? Or maybe I should try flashing Bionix again? I also read somewhere that there is some sort of hardware fix for the vibrant?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed Bionix V and the GPS works fine, but if it doesn't, I would try a factory reset first. The Samsung Restore App made mine worst when I was still on stock JI6. It might work for you though, it gives different results. There is a thread in General forums for Vibrant that shows you how to hardware fix the Vibrant. It's called Correct GPS Fix or something like that.
slmhofy said:
Can anyone help me out? I'm very familiar with running custom roms on captivates. But did a vibrant for a friend yesterday and installed Bionix-v as it seems like that is a popular rom that is supposed to help GPS. But his GPS will not lock at all. I was going to post something in that thread but didn't want to get flamed to hell. Are there any roms that are better for GPS? Or maybe I should try flashing Bionix again? I also read somewhere that there is some sort of hardware fix for the vibrant?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this has helped some
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=912777

Samsung Vibrant GPS Woes

Can anyone tell me what ROM version/Kernel Version works best for GPS. I had an emergency yesterday and needed GPS to get to a doctors office. The phone took more than 10 minutes to lock and once It did obtain a lock, the GPS kept rerouting sending me in circles. I selected/unselected the Use with wireless networks option but nothing seemed to work. It was almost a disaster and I am ready to ditch the vibrant.
I am using the FranklinTwiz update 3 ROM. Any assistance is appreciated.
likingandroid said:
Can anyone tell me what ROM version/Kernel Version works best for GPS. I had an emergency yesterday and needed GPS to get to a doctors office. The phone took more than 10 minutes to lock and once It did obtain a lock, the GPS kept rerouting sending me in circles. I selected/unselected the Use with wireless networks option but nothing seemed to work. It was almost a disaster and I am ready to ditch the vibrant.
I am using the FranklinTwiz update 3 ROM. Any assistance is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, but I can tell you what forum you should post questions in (hint, it is titled Vibrant Q&A...I know that can be tricky, especially with that big sticky thread at the top of this forum that says not to answer questions here )
Flash JI2 (get that rom off of your phone) to your phone and disable use wireless networks & put the GPS on Cold Start. Read up on how to do that in the thread above.
I have very good results after flashing forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782242[/url]
GPS files ripped from one of leaked ROMs. It is small zip file that I installed using ClockworkMod Recovery app.
I have tested GPS in many occasions after all and it worked very well.
Before that I was very upset with Samsung and was going to return my phone did not. I used to use GPS on MyTouch 3g a lot and it was very reliable.
I would recommend to use install it. It is simple and easy.
Good luck

[Q] A simple blunt question about Vibrant GPS fixes

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.

[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.
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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

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