[Q] Fail to lock GPS - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I (like many others) am having issues with GPS locks.
After much reading, I require some clarification on what actaully affects GPS signal:
ROM/CSC/KERNEL?
It would be useful to know before i start flashing
Running:
Lite'Ning Rom 6.1 (XXKH3)
Speedmod T40
Thanks!

Modem
But before you flash anything, try the usual app fixes first.
Faster Fix - set server to closest, or custom from http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/ give SU permission and reboot.
Then,
GPS Status - download fresh agps data, close and reopen app
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Ok I have flashed my modem from KH3 to KI3 and am happy to report it locks VERY quickly now!
However, it appears to be innacurate (IE: my actual postion is not even within margin of error)...
Any thoughts?

If not already, Try the app fixes as described above again. Don't forget to reboot.
Could also try without using wireless networks;
Menu / setting / location & security / uncheck use wireless networks
Edit: With the above enabled, sometimes I too get an inaccurate initial lock, but then jumps to where I would expect it. This only seems to happen when indoors. I think it has something to do with Google storing wifi mac addresses gps coordinates and cellphone tower positions, do when your connected, they know roughly where you are. Same approached is used in google search to give you "more accurate search results" or localised search results?
This has never happened outside where I get a quick accurate lock, even "cold lock" without agps data or assistance of wireless networks.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I have tried the gps.conf route (even before modem updating ).
I updated to KI3 (2.3.5) and it seems the accuracy problems have gone!
Thanks for your help, GPS is working normally!

Related

Gps Problems

Hi, I bought a Motorola Atrix in Amazon 2 months ago. Since start the Gps din't work at all, 0 in view in apps like "Gps test". I tried almost everything: changing gps.conf, flashing radios, using custom roms like Nottachtrix and CM7, and reverting back to stock via rsd. Btw, a friend of mine who bought the same phone at the same time, had problems with gps in stock rom, but after flashing CM7, it worked just fine.
So, I ask you to help me giving any ideas to fix this.
Maybe this can be useful: The Atrix came with Italian retail rom and N_01.100.00R radio.
Thanks a lot.
PS: Sorry if I don't write quite well, I'm not an english natural speaker.
djbeta66 said:
Hi, I bought a Motorola Atrix in Amazon 2 months ago. Since start the Gps din't work at all, 0 in view in apps like "Gps test". I tried almost everything: changing gps.conf, flashing radios, using custom roms like Nottachtrix and CM7, and reverting back to stock via rsd. Btw, a friend of mine who bought the same phone at the same time, had problems with gps in stock rom, but after flashing CM7, it worked just fine.
So, I ask you to help me giving any ideas to fix this.
Maybe this can be useful: The Atrix came with Italian retail rom and N_01.100.00R radio.
Thanks a lot.
PS: Sorry if I don't write quite well, I'm not an english natural speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anybody?
djbeta66 said:
Anybody?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use an app such as GPS status do you pick up any satellites? It seems to be a common problem to find the satellites but not to be able to get a lock.
Also is you install GPS Status it will allow you to update the agps files.
Did you try gps lock with data access enabled? And as eddhard said do you pick any satellites?
In the gps settings menu turn OFF the options to use mobile networks or wifi. Then use the gps status or gps test app outside in a clear view for a minute or two. If it reports an accuracy distance as 0 or an error there is an issue with your gps that I might have a solution for.
For no reason my gps straight up failed to get a lock. In the test apps, it would see 9-10 satellites with strong signal but never wanted to get a lock. Multiple multiple factory resets, formats, any other variable I tried to change and the issue persisted.
I've attached the file that fixed the issue for me. Extract the libnmea.so and place it in your /system/lib folder after you make a backup of the existing file. Let us know if that helps.
eddhard said:
If you use an app such as GPS status do you pick up any satellites? It seems to be a common problem to find the satellites but not to be able to get a lock.
Also is you install GPS Status it will allow you to update the agps files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zeljko1234 said:
Did you try gps lock with data access enabled? And as eddhard said do you pick any satellites?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
matthewvl said:
In the gps settings menu turn OFF the options to use mobile networks or wifi. Then use the gps status or gps test app outside in a clear view for a minute or two. If it reports an accuracy distance as 0 or an error there is an issue with your gps that I might have a solution for.
For no reason my gps straight up failed to get a lock. In the test apps, it would see 9-10 satellites with strong signal but never wanted to get a lock. Multiple multiple factory resets, formats, any other variable I tried to change and the issue persisted.
I've attached the file that fixed the issue for me. Extract the libnmea.so and place it in your /system/lib folder after you make a backup of the existing file. Let us know if that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answers, the problem isn't the locking of any of the sats. Test apps show "0 in view" even on outdoors.
I don't have a solution. But I've had a lot of difficulty with GPS on my Atrix as well. I can get a lock usually after a minute or so, but then the GPS would go to sleep. So if I'm moving or logging a route, it'll show me where I started even after several minutes. I flashed radios, updated gps conf, and used GPS Status & Toolbox to get a lock. Still no improvement. It helped me get the initial lock, and didn't resolve the freezing issue. I eventually gave up and bought separate GPS. So I'd be interested to know if you find a way to fix this.
Guys, if you don't see any satellites in GPS Status app, maybe is hardware issue. If you have warranty, use it. If you don't, try to disassemble your phone and look. Maybe just cable is disconnected or has bad contact. Of course be very careful with disassembling or ask someone with experiences. Youtube guide how to change digitizer on Atrix could be useful.
Good luck
I had problems with GPS fix on AT&T atrix 4g with N_01.100.00R europe radio. After flashing 37p at&t radio gps works perfectly, fix is really fast.
Also WiFi signal strength increased.

my S3's GPS not working

hi guys i have been testing my galaxy s3's GPS. i am using osmand app as my GPS app. sadly the app could not find any satellites and pin point my current location. even if i leave my S3's GPS active for a more than 5 minutes it could not get any satellites even if i am standing on a open area.
what should i do? how can i reset my GPS?
thanks in advance
Turn mobile data/wifi on and then try to use GPS. If GPS receiver doesn't have fresh AGPS data, cold start will take from 10 minutes to infinity.
YaDr said:
Turn mobile data/wifi on and then try to use GPS. If GPS receiver doesn't have fresh AGPS data, cold start will take from 10 minutes to infinity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you. Turn mobile data on. GPS or Glonass receiver use mobile network to fix the signal. When your position is done, you can turn off mobile data.
oh do you really need the mobile data active? was it possible to get your exact location without the use of wifi or mobile data? just your GPS? because osmand can download the maps offline then just use the GPs data to pin point your location. have you guys tried using the osmand app?
thanks
GPS receiver needs to download some (4-5 kilobytes) of data from server. This is called A-GPS, Assisted GPS. Without it, GPS still will lock onto satellites, but it will be 20-30 minutes instead of 2-3 seconds.
bossrobo said:
oh do you really need the mobile data active? was it possible to get your exact location without the use of wifi or mobile data? just your GPS? because osmand can download the maps offline then just use the GPs data to pin point your location. have you guys tried using the osmand app?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U only need data/wifi for first location fix and to dl. extra GPS data.when your location is found,u can turn of data/wifi and never use it again if u got downloaded maps.
Its just to get faster location fix on first GPS fix
I just tested my s3's GPS today in open air and got a lock within two seconds. phone locked 15 satellites. My phone is running completely stock rom and kernel.
So as others suggested, you should turn wifi or mobile data on so that A-GPS could work.
If you are worried about your app downloading more data and cost you money eventually then you may try app named "GPS Test". Its a very simple app and gives you some key info like satellites in view and locked to plus accuracy etc. It doesn't download any maps etc. Once you get locked, you can close the app and open your desired maps app.
samydroid said:
I just tested my s3's GPS today in open air and got a lock within two seconds. phone locked 15 satellites. My phone is running completely stock rom and kernel.
So as others suggested, you should turn wifi or mobile data on so that A-GPS could work.
If you are worried about your app downloading more data and cost you money eventually then you may try app named "GPS Test". Its a very simple app and gives you some key info like satellites in view and locked to plus accuracy etc. It doesn't download any maps etc. Once you get locked, you can close the app and open your desired maps app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey thanks, because last night i was testing my s3's GPS if i have wifi connection my S3 can fix my current location around 2~3 seconds. i also saw my cousin's s3 and he also gets a fix location within 2~3 seconds. but i am not sure if his mobile data is active. that i would like to ask him again.
hehe thanks guys
Hi there,
I also have an issue with my GPS. Navigation is stuck at Searching for GPS.
Also when I run GPS test, it does not see any Satellites. I have my mobile data and WIFI on, and also tried to update the agps data with fastergps.
I have found different threads suggesting to uninstall maps but that did not help either.
Any ideas? (the issue existed on 4.0.4 stock, and also on latest aokp 4.1.1 build 3)
Thanks.
Also the GPS icon flashes briefly (like twice) and then disappears. Watching the notifications the same thing happens - Searching for GPS- appears briefly and then dissappears.
Is this the normal behaviour?
Watching the notifications the same thing happens - Searching for GPS- appears briefly and then dissappears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That usually means the phone has stopped searching for satellites for any reason, these usually are app-related.
Please download GPS TEST from Play store and report if it can find and lock on any satellites. If not or if it keeps loosing the connections, then something is wrong.
Make sure you don't let the screen turn off during the fix since that will disable the GPS.
d4fseeker said:
That usually means the phone has stopped searching for satellites for any reason, these usually are app-related.
Please download GPS TEST from Play store and report if it can find and lock on any satellites. If not or if it keeps loosing the connections, then something is wrong.
Make sure you don't let the screen turn off during the fix since that will disable the GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried GPS Test and it sees 0 satellites. I have also tried a couple of other apps with no success.
Even with GPS test running, display on, I still observe the same flashing of the icon and notification popping up, then disappearing after 2 seconds and reappearing again...
Have same problem. I tried GPS test. It take about 5-10s to lock the GPS. However, it will dropped after sometimes.
If some of you guys are not running stock ROM, then there might be kernel related.
I tried Temasek's newest kernel yesterday on my AOSP MIUI ROM, but couldn’t get a gsp fix.
Went back to siyah kernel and got fix within seconds.
Also try setting your regional pool with fasterfix
mjolne said:
If some of you guys are not running stock ROM, then there might be kernel related.
I tried Temasek's newest kernel yesterday on my AOSP MIUI ROM, but couldn’t get a gsp fix.
Went back to siyah kernel and got fix within seconds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the issue on stock Rom 4.0.4 before I flashed aokp build 3. But maybe I'll try a different Kernel then... just to make sure that this is not the problem
slaphead20 said:
Also try setting your regional pool with fasterfix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried that, did not help.
Update:
Tried flashing latest Siyah kernel, but GPS is still behaving the same odd way,
Thanks for the suggestion anyways
manormachine said:
I had the issue on stock Rom 4.0.4 before I flashed aokp build 3. But maybe I'll try a different Kernel then... just to make sure that this is not the problem
I have tried that, did not help.
Update:
Tried flashing latest Siyah kernel, but GPS is still behaving the same odd way,
Thanks for the suggestion anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, me tried syriah and faster fix now. See any improvement
Fasterfix , faster gps and new kernel cant solve the problem.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
pah8000 said:
Fasterfix , faster gps and new kernel cant solve the problem.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then its hardware return to service centre .
jje
Aluminum Case
I thought my GPS was busted as it showed which satelites were available (agps had downloaded) but it woudn't lock.
I then took my aluminum case off the phone and discovered that this was interfering with the GPS lock.
So take your case off before assuming that the GPS is buggered. *sigh*
"My gps wasn't working on my phone. I took it to the Verizon store after I had flashed back to stock, they messed with it for a little while and then ordered me a refurbished one. I received it the next day and when I powered it on guess what the gps didn't work. So I called tech support and to my surprise the person that answered the phone actually knew what she was talking about.
She told me the gps issue is a Samsung issue, (even though is only effects Verizon and sprint phones) they are working on an update to fix it. But in the mean time she told me how to do a work around to get it working. Here is what she had me do."
Go to Settings
Application manager
click all at top
go to Google services framework
clear data
go to settings
Application manager
click all at top
go to maps
clear data
uninstall updates
Go to location services
turn off VZW Location service(leave it off to)
Power cycle phone
update maps from android market
now the gps should be working.

[Q] GPS performance issues Australia

Hey Guys,
Loving my galaxy s3 however something strange is now happening. I used to live in Brisbane and recently moved to Sydney, whilst I was in Brisbane I often used the GPS and google maps navigation (google navigation whatever you want to call it ) and it performed amazing! it locked onto location instantly and would guide me and track my position superbly.
Now I've been in Sydney for 3 days, and I tried to use the navigation several times and it was terrible! It would take a minute or two to lock onto my position but would still be fairly innacurate and would not engage the navigation, just sat in that screen where it is zoomed out and roughly shows the route to take, sometimes it would engage into the navigation but then would stop tracking me and just say it lost GPS location.
Has anyone experienced this problem? or know what I can do to fix it!! Thanks
Couple of suggestions:
Have you changed your Google location? Whenever I've changed ROM's I get asked to let Google use my location - maybe there is something in the Google set up that still thinks you are in Brisbane and has to keep scanning for your new location?
Have you got the map for Sydney - I know you can get maps on your phone but maybe only your home location is auto-downloaded, so you get a zoomed out version for other places? Maybe go into the Maps app and select Sydney and see if it brings down a more detailed version?
Maybe check for Maps/Navigation updates? I got a Maps one a few days back.
I hope this helps - not sure at all if any of them are applicable but it is what I'd be checking...
For the google location, I sort of reset it, I turned it off (the option to let google use your location) and turned it back on. Not sure what else you can do in that department.
Ive got the map for sydney and my maps and navigation are up to date! Thanks for the suggestions but, its just really frustrating as it used to work so well
Use either GPS test or GPS status to see how well your GPS is working. Both are available free in market. They will also download agps data to help with a faster fix.
Check that you do have satellites switched on in settings.
If you are rooted you could try the wildfire agps patch. I think it is posted in the development thread.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
thanks for the suggestion! just downloaded GPS status and one of the reviewers had the same issue that was resolved by clearing and downloading agps data (just like you mentioned). So will try tonight and hopefully problems will be gone, thanks!
AGPS Patch Galaxy In development may be of use .
jje
dk125 said:
thanks for the suggestion! just downloaded GPS status and one of the reviewers had the same issue that was resolved by clearing and downloading agps data (just like you mentioned). So will try tonight and hopefully problems will be gone, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method always worked for me on the S2 when I was in a different location. Takes seconds to reload the new data.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I can't really help but my s3 in sydney has almost instant lock, except when in a tunnel.
By a strange quirk of fate I have just experienced the same issue that you faced.
After a lot of frustration I found a simple fix.
Turn off GPS and other location settings in main settings, power of and reboot. Switch everything back on in settings and all should be well again.
Hope this, belatedly, helps.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
If you are on a custom ROM then the first line of the GPS.conf file in system/etc will be set to "north-america.pool.ntp.org". Change the "north-america" part to "au" and restart. Then reset/redownload gaps data.using GPS status. Hope this helps.

GPS does not work (tried everything)

Hello,
I am using SGH-i777 outside USA (in Kosovo). I purchased it unlocked so everything works as expected, except GPS. The phone came with Gingerbread (not rooted). I tried GPS through google maps but i was getting "You location is temporarily unavaliable" and the scan was taking ~10 minutes without any results. Applications such as AccuWeather were also not able to find my location.
After this dissapointment, i decided to root the phone and install a custom ROM. I followed the guide posted at this link and followed the steps there 100% without making any changes/mistakes. I installed the Siyah 2.6 Kernel and the ROM that i choose to install was Aberration. I also followed the guides for this and did everything as advised. I turned the phone on but the GPS was still behaving the same. After this, i purchased GPS Doctor and clicked "Quick Fix". After this i downloaded GPS Test to see if the signal was alive, and after ~2 minutes of scanning, GPS Test found around 7 satellites and the signal appeared green within this app. I followed this by opening Google Maps and i got the correct location after ~2 minutes scan. This made me happy and i believed the GPS issue got fixed. But after trying after few hours, i saw that maps was again facing the same issues and apps that require location access were not being able to do so.
And the last step that i did was install a gps fix as posted on this thread. I know this thread states that they do not officially support sgh-i777, but i was out of options so i had to try something else. I followed all the instructions and downloaded and installed the Google Specific v 1.3 from that website. But this did not fix the problem either.
To conclude; the GPS is simply not working as expected. Finding the location takes to long and i was able to get the location in Google Maps only 10% of the time (my old iPhone 3gs finds the location in 3seconds!). I have tried this indoors and outdoors but the problem remains the same. During all the times, Wi-Fi, GPS and Data were turned on
Currently i have un-rooted the phone (followed the guides here) and am currently running the official ICS which i installed through Odin. Tried GPS again and it still does not work.
Sorry for the long thread but i wanted to explain all the details.
Hope someone can help me.
Looks to me like one of 2 problems:
1) You're not getting a good time from NTP server, try downloading FasterFix and selecting your area (need root). Not very likely, since with good GPS you'll still have a fix within 1-2 min.
2) HW problem, possibly antenna contacts.
So any go around for hardware problem?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
HW problems are solved in HW. You can't "go around" and make the bulbs light in your house when the power has been cut off, can you? So how exactly can you "go around" a bad contact with antenna, that practically equals a missing antenna?
Just fix it.
In settings under location services did you check "use internal GPS" ?
Not even sure if aberration has that option. Jelly Bean ROMs do.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
All the ROMs do. It's a stock Android option, equals to toggling the "GPS" toggle on in pull-down toggles.
And of course if he didn't have it toggled, he wouldn't see any satellites at all.
Plus, the original post is 2 months old. I believe the OP has already solved the problem or moved on.

[Q] In Europe, no GPS fix, why? And how to resolve this?

In summary (due to limited/slow internet access via wifi)
* Phone is a stock Samsung Galaxy S2 - v4.1.2 (UK Three network stock ROM)
* I'm from the UK and GPS works fine over there.
* I'm in Europe for holiday and GPS does not work at all.
Changes so far:
- Changed SIM card
- Added new APN, which includes this line for APN Type, which is default,supl,mms,agps and while Roaming Data works fine, GPS is not connecting at all (e.g. Google Maps, Co-Pilot, etc).
Using an app called GPS Test - it CAN find sats (up to 5 or 6 different sats) but NEVER get a fix at all.
Used an app called Fasterfix and set the server to Europe (I have root) - still no luck.
It CAN find a fix (well sort of, location is incorrect but is close by) if I enabled WiFi from our hotel. But useless when I'm out and about.
What else can I try to resolve this as I will need to use GPS in the next few days time (driving using satnav on my phone)
I have tried to do a search here but the hotel's wifi is pretty crappy/slow. :/
I'd be grateful if anyone could help me to resolve this.
Many thanks!
tsutton said:
In summary (due to limited/slow internet access via wifi)
* Phone is a stock Samsung Galaxy S2 - v4.1.2 (UK Three network stock ROM)
* I'm from the UK and GPS works fine over there.
* I'm in Europe for holiday and GPS does not work at all.
Changes so far:
- Changed SIM card
- Added new APN, which includes this line for APN Type, which is default,supl,mms,agps and while Roaming Data works fine, GPS is not connecting at all (e.g. Google Maps, Co-Pilot, etc).
Using an app called GPS Test - it CAN find sats (up to 5 or 6 different sats) but NEVER get a fix at all.
Used an app called Fasterfix and set the server to Europe (I have root) - still no luck.
It CAN find a fix (well sort of, location is incorrect but is close by) if I enabled WiFi from our hotel. But useless when I'm out and about.
What else can I try to resolve this as I will need to use GPS in the next few days time (driving using satnav on my phone)
I have tried to do a search here but the hotel's wifi is pretty crappy/slow. :/
I'd be grateful if anyone could help me to resolve this.
Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a new rom!
-Root the phone via CF-Root or the App "Framaroot" from XDA , then install CWM through ROM Manager.
-Then download the ROM.zip you want and install it in CWM.
kevinrus123 said:
Flash a new rom!
-Root the phone via CF-Root or the App "Framaroot" from XDA , then install CWM through ROM Manager.
-Then download the ROM.zip you want and install it in CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, but in case you've missed it, I am in Europe... I cannot risk doing it in case I brick my ONLY phone that I will need for the rest of my holiday. And I got sucky wifi access to download anything anyway.
BTW, seems overkill to do this... does it REALLY work? If so, why does it work when my stock ROM does not work? I'm just curious...
tsutton said:
Thanks for the reply, but in case you've missed it, I am in Europe... I cannot risk doing it in case I brick my ONLY phone that I will need for the rest of my holiday. And I got sucky wifi access to download anything anyway.
BTW, seems overkill to do this... does it REALLY work? If so, why does it work when my stock ROM does not work? I'm just curious...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh , sorry.
Try to make a backup via GO Backup (best backup without root acess).
Then make a factory reset and restore the backup.
me too past two day.
I tried many rom: CM 10.1, 10.2, stock 4.1.2...but get same problem.
OK. Here's what's always worked for me so far as GPS is concerned, obviously YMMV & there's no flashing/risk of bricking your phone involved.
If you don't already have GPS Status, get it from Google Play. Go outside to a place that has good line of sight in all directions. Turn mobile data & GPS on & fire up GPS Status. Go into tools/manage A-GPS state & reset A-GPS XTRA Data. Then go back into the same setting & download new ephemeris data (which is essentially tables of satellite positions/where they'll be & when), then close GPS Status. Turn off mobile data & put the phone into flight mode (leave GPS on), then fire up GPS Status again. Wait for as long as it takes (normally not more than 5 minutes) for it to get a good/accurate fix (down to a few mtrs/with plenty of satellites).
Once I do this, it's always enabled me to get accurate/fast fixes for anything up to a couple of weeks until the ephemeris data gets old, in which case you repeat. Obviously if you have network connectivity this will help getting a fix, particularly in 'crowded' urban areas (cities/lots of buildings/poor LOS).
Edit - Also, if the above doesn't work, try this. I understand your reluctance so far as flashing anything goes, but you either want your GPS to work or you don't. Yes, it should 'just work', but there's lots of things in the world that should 'just happen' & they don't for whatever reason. This is how it goes with smartphones. The GPS on the SGS2 is particularly notorious for issues that simply can't be resolved easily for some people.
Flashing another rom or kernel may/may not work, if the GPS drivers are messed up, doing so will give you fresh drivers & may fix the problem if that's what's causing it.

Categories

Resources