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Has anybody tried the square up Credit Card Reader on this tablet? SquareUp.com?
I can't get it to work, But the sound in my tablet is Screwed up anyway.
Running vegan beta 3 here, unable to get square to work either. G tab recognizes the reader, but it just keeps asking to swipe the card again.
KinkyMunkey said:
Has anybody tried the square up Credit Card Reader on this tablet? SquareUp.com?
I can't get it to work, But the sound in my tablet is Screwed up anyway.
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Click to collapse
Just an update to anyone curious, I hooked up headphones while running the square app on my phone, and get no audio - doing the same on the g tablet, I hear audio pops constantly. If we can't get square to work on this, we'll be exchanging it for a galaxy tab (which is really too bad, otherwise we love the g tablet!)
-m.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
It doesn't work for me either, though I'm not really surprised. The kernels we're using on these tablets aren't exactly optimized for the hardware.
You shouldn't have any issues with the Galaxy tablet. Square works great with my Samsung Fascinate.
dumb questions... what do you use "square up" for?
Square is a CreditCard reader that plugs into the headphone jack. It's basically the end of checks! for example - if you are selling something on craigs list you can take a credit card as payment, instead of taking a check that could bounce.
If your kids are running a lemon-aid stand, they could take credit cards! no monthly fees, no start up costs - just 2.8% + 15cents for swiped cards
It's really pretty amazing considering a new credit card machine would normally costs thousands of dollars
Well, since time is running out I think we'll switch to the Galaxy Tab. And yeah, I'm running a Vibrant Galaxy S, and my partner has an Epic - but it's just more convenient to have our customers signing on something bigger than our phones
Yeah, if you have any need for it, Square is great. The card reader just uses audio, so it can (technically) work on anything with a 3.5mm jack, it doesn't even give me access to the credit card information after I've swiped the card (protecting the purchaser). It emails you a receipt if you'd like, which contains a google map of where you made the purchase at.
I hope to be back with another Viewsonic G Tablet at some time though, great piece of hardware, and hands down the best early android tab out there, and viewsonic seems really dedicated to it as well. Despite me having Samsung, they're not the best in keeping up with Android OS updates.
-m.
I am trying to load the Square up app on TNT lite but it won't show up in the market. Any idea how I need my device set up to make it appear?
I am not aware of any machine costing that much.
My cc reader / swiper at my busines cost a couple of hundred.
Never mind, did the market fix again and now it works.
Please report back if you can get the reader to work.
I forget the technical explanation for it, but someone on the Square forums explained it while the forums existed (they've since moved or disappeared, I have no idea).
Don't quote me on this, but it seems to be a hardware problem. The Square reader is compatible with phones/devices that have a certain number of conductor rings on a headphone jack (4?), as most commonly audio devices that use the same port have less rings.
I guess the extra ring enables Square to interface properly with their reader, so if the device/phone doesn't have the 4 rings, you'll encounter problems. Their website FAQ under "Is my device supported with Square?" (can't post outside links, sorry) hints at it being hardware compatibility, so those with incompatible hardware will have to either wait till they release an updated reader or some other method.
It needs the mic input in the headphone jack...thats where the input comes from.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Square Up
Square up works on my Motorola Xoom. Its pretty cool bought from Apple store. Paid 9.95. In side the box was a 10.00 gift card. I've used it twice all ready and it's great. they do the Pay-pal thing with making 2 deposits in to your checking account. The app is in the app store got it last night.
Mine works on my Droid X. Hadn't tried on my Gtab, probably will need it tonight though. I had trouble even getting the app until I switched to VeganGinger.
Will post later if it works or not.
Did you get Square Up to run on your G? I can't even get it to load on mine and I can't see it in the android market. What did you have to do to get it to install?
I travel a lot, and I'm a minimalist. In other words, I'll travel for a week and take a paper lunch bag as my carry-on with hopes that I can get by with wearing the same outfit the entire week. I don't like carrying a full Navigation system and use my phone. This isn't an 'iPhone lovefest' because honestly, I hate everything about Apple, but I never had problems like this on my iPhone.
My problem though is the GPS. I'm on my third phone because of the GPS. The first phone would never get a lock on GPS. I could be sitting outside with a GPS satellite dedicated to me directly above me, and it would still say "Searching for Satellite". That phone went back and I took on another one.
Second phone had a problem where every now and then it would work, then stop working and never start working again until I rebooted the phone and even then it was questionable if it would start working again.
I just got my third phone a couple days ago. I did a stock root w/ no bootloaders, used Entropy's 11/13 Kernel, then threw on UnNamed ROM. This morning, I started up my car to drive somewhere and decided to test the GPS/Navigation. It took it a couple minutes to find the Satellite, then all seemed to be working ok. Then 20 minutes later it dropped the Satellite and it spent the next 40 minutes of my drive into the office saying "Searching for Satellite" no matter what I did.
This is really important to me as is the ability to tether when I want to (hence the reason I want a phone I can Root). So what can I do. At the moment, I've (In my head, so I could be wrong) narrowed it down to a couple things that could be wrong.
1. It's the ROM that's the problem. Though unlikely, it is a factor and it's me messing with the way the phone was designed and distributed.
2. It's the GPS in general. Seems like 95% of the people on here aren't having problems at all. There does seem to be 5% that seem to be having the same problems I am.
3. My region has crappy Satellite Coverage. Doubtful since my iPhone worked fine, and unless Apple did something amazing like put in an entire dedicated Satellite network to work with Jailbroke iPhones then this kinds of negates this though.
4. My cars are interferring. While this is entirely a possibility (I never do think to test this out in the open not in a car, so i can't say for sure) if it is the problem, then the device goes back as it's much cheaper to get a new device than to replace 2 cars. Again, though, my iPhone never had a problem doing this in these cars.
I love the phone, the speed, the Android OS etc... I don't want to go back to an iPhone because I"ll shoot myself. I just want to be able to have GPS work on this as it's the only hold up on the device. Any help anyone can do?
Take it back then. Honestly you say you have tried 3 different phones and all 3 are broken. I call bull****.
Never had a problem with it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
You didn't mention if you've tried in ANY of the three (3) phones if the GPS worked before rooting?? I'm not saying it's the rooting that's causing the problem, but I'm still running stock on my SGSII and have had no issues with GPS? Not saying it's not possible but three phones is kinda stretching it a bit to all have the same issue.
Yes, I know you took it back to STOCK rom with #3 but who knows if the STOCK ROM is really *STOCK*, you should try a new phone #4 stock without ROOT for at least a day or two to determine if it is a DESIGN/HARDWARE issue rule that out first and then try from there... If this still happens with STOCK phone, you may have to switch to another phone (iphone or otherwise)...
Good Luck!
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
stalked_r/t said:
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
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Hi Stalk,
Keep in STOCK mode and drive around with it and see if this is still an issue then... Also if you have an aluminum case, this has been a known issue where the TARGUS (SP?) korean made BEAUTIFUL/GORGEOUS case affected the GPS antennae. Try it stock no case on the dash away from DIRECT sunslight and begin troubleshooting there...
UNFORTUNATELY it may boil down to Stock and working GPS or ROOT with Tethering... You ***MIGHT*** not be able to do both...
Good Luck...
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
Thanks for the replies. I did test just now on the way to and from lunch with stock everything. I do have a case that's part aluminum (Case-Mate). I didn't try it without the case. didn't even think it could affect this.
Running a stock setup, I attempted to get navigation to my lunch location The drive was about 6 miles each way. When I left the office, I started Navigation. It never found a satellite enroute to the restaurant. I never stopped it during lunch from looking, though I was in a building, so i didn't expect it to find anything. On the way home, same status. Searching for satellites. I'm torn. I want this phone bad, love the Dev support, and there's nothing coming from AT&T that makes me want to use an old Blackberry to wait for. I also don't know what I can do to test this further.
On the way home, I'm going to do something very simple. I'm going to wipe the phone. I'm going to skip all steps of the initial setup, just have service and that's it. I'll start navigation and have it direct me home. If it doesn't work, I'll look at my options. If it works, then I know it's an app that's causing the problem.
Unless someone else can think of something for me to try. I wish this just worked like I know it can.
Ok. So an update. Wiped phone, not even associated with Google, Removed my 32 gig SD card for the heck of it, removed the case. Started nav and INSANTLY inside a building it had me pinpointed and was directing me to the next turn point to get home.
Here's the case I have: http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...rsion-Barely-There-Brushed-Aluminum-Cases.asp
In one of the reviews, this is said:
As much as I wanted to love this case, I couldn't. I've used many Case Mate products before and I am just disappointed in them for the lack of quality of this case. There is a noticeable issue with the case fitting the bezel on the top right corner of the phone. The lip of the case fails to properly wrap around the front bezel. There is also the connectivity problems that come with this case. GPS has especially weakened with this case on. Other than that, I like the quality material that this case is built out of and feels very sturdy. Unfortunately though as of this writing, this is really the only choice for a decent case for this phone on the market. Time will tell if better choices come about.
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Click to collapse
I'm going to keep this setup through tomorrow, then root the phone if there's no difference in performance and all is well. If that works fine for 2 days, I'll throw the Kernel on and throw UnNamed on. If that works, I'll throw the case on and see what happens. I now feel like this could be the problem. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll continue my abuse of the "THANKS" button and thank you all.
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
Entropy512 said:
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
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Click to collapse
I haven't gotten enough free time to log the NMEA output, but I don't think our "SirfSTAR IV" chipset is actually even using DGPS/WAAS. Which makes the accuracy it get's even more impressive. The chip definitely supports WAAS, but who knows exactly how the implementation is done between Android & Samsung...
I've also owned a SirfStar III based Bluetooth GPS, a MTK-based GPS (also the best I've found), and several phones with dedicated and integrated GPS chipsets. Have to agree our GS2 is one of the best. I can't exactly wander around the house and have it track my every movement like my Bluetooth pucks can (also having a large ceramic patch antenna helps a bit no doubt), but my GS2 locks fast, and stays locked. What else can you want from a GPS?
Might be worth it to look into WAAS either way though. On any standalone GPS unit, WAAS is the difference between 15-30 meter accuracy, and 3-5 meter (or better) accuracy. That is unless you have a military GPS unit, and the appropriate keys to receive the high accuracy P(Y)/M signals...
If you want to get a good idea of how the GPS is doing, this app will show you the strength of your GPS lock:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
Also, upon further research, the NMEA output is reporting that WAAS/DGPS is not in use.
Example: "$GPGGA,222520.000,4218.460926,N,07111.901869,W,1,06,1.2,77.1,M,-33.8,M,,*53"
Where the bold "1" should be 2, and the null field right before the checksum "*53" should be the age of the DGPS/WAAS info if it were in use.
The chipset in our phones (http://www.csr.com/products/35/sirfstariv-gsd4e) clearly states that it supports WAAS. And since the choice of DGPS or not is solely in the hands of the chip and software (wiring/antenna connection/configuration is irrelevant) perhaps there is a way to enable the DGPS mode? If so, I'm sure we would all see MUCH better position and accuracy information.
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
I was having problems with my gps losing its lock for the longest time, i got a replacement phone and it started doing it again AFTER root. Im thinking some app might be causing the issue. I read somewhere that ROM Manager can cause issues. I deleted it and so far my gps has been working. I am really baffled on to what can be causing it.
stalked_r/t said:
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the case man. Great looking case, but kills the cell signal and terrible GPS. Mine went back after 3 days.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Yep. Ride into work today lost signal once. After letting it sit for a couple minutes, I rebooted. After reboot it worked flawlessly. Definitely the case at this point. Putting Root/Kernel/ROM on it today and seeing how the drive home is. If it's good, then the case can be tossed and I'll find a different one.
Entropy512 said:
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good catch. Interesting. Haven't checked out the sources, but I'm assuming all the GPS binaries are blobs? And source is not available?
Always wondered why mobile phones never have WAAS support... course then again, if the hardware was developed in Korea, that would make a little bit of sense. Seeing as there isn't WAAS coverage there, although I do believe there is an alternate DGPS solution for Asia.
So while I am waiting (and waiting, and waiting, LOL) for my Keyboard Dock, i remembered that I bought the USB adapter for the TF101 (fits into the proprietary charging/dock connector port, provides 1 USB port)
A soon as i attached it, I put a USB Mouse receiver/transmitter and it worked really well. The mouse tracked MUCH better than it even did on the TF101.
Until I went to the browser, and went to type a URL. The onscreen keyboard wouldn't come up (none of them, I have the two stock, plus Swiftkey X Tablet)
Stranger still I see the keyboard icon in the taskbar, and suddenly it hit me! The goofy thing thinks that the dock is attached! Sure enough as soon as I pulled the adpater out, the freaking keyboard popped right up.
None of this is going to cause any major issues, as I have a dock arriving tomorrow (I hope), but it's just another one of those overlooked items, and one that is SURE to get just about NO attention, LOL!
While I appreciate Asus wanting to get the flagship Tablet out there, and get ICS on it (has to be the #1 directive in tablet development at Asus at the moment, Asus needs to do a LOT more testing.
Also, and I have said this before, Asus needs to a) Try and get workable GPS functionality since it was they who put it in the tablet and b) Asus needs to repair the hardware on whatever percentage of tablets that get NO GPS signal at all. There is obviously a software component, since quite a few folks had, then lost SOME GPS function, but I have never had any, and I want it. Even if it is sub par, and works marginally, they advertised the spec, I wanted it, I bought it, I don't have it. End of story, as far as I am concerned.
Nobody has GPS working. Some may say they do but they do not know what they are talking about.
Also since the latest update, wifi location gets turned on automatically when a GPS app is trying to get a location.
Pretty much sweeping it under the carpet, it may work on those that don't know any better but for those that do know the difference it a pretty pathetic attempt.
jzen said:
Nobody has GPS working. Some may say they do but they do not know what they are talking about.
Also since the latest update, wifi location gets turned on automatically when a GPS app is trying to get a location.
Pretty much sweeping it under the carpet, it may work on those that don't know any better but for those that do know the difference it a pretty pathetic attempt.
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Click to collapse
Dude, Jen, seriously you are such a tool. Most everybody's GPS works. It is just not working well enough to navigate (which I agree is unacceptable). He is saying his won't see a single satellite in any condition. That is not working by definition. You insist on stating things as if they are fact when they may only apply to you. I can cold boot in airplane mode with nothing switching on my wifi and lock satellites in a windowless room in my house. I cannot however navigate. Those things are facts. If I were to continuously post that 'everyone can lock satellites with their prime and those who say they can't are just too stupid to know it' I'm guessing you would get annoyed at some point right? So please, if you have nothing constructive to say or you are too dense to know that just because something is happening to you doesn't necessarily mean it's happening exactly the same way to the whole community, then stfu. Please and thank you.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Hi folks,
I wanted to find out if the HTC One X "squeeze fix" potentially works to address some of the signal issues some of you may be having. It will help us understand if we have a hardware issue, merely a network issue, or possibly both.
Here's a thread that explains the issue and the fix for the One X:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688538
If you all could so kindly attempt to do the same (we have a few points of connection, so take off your battery cover to make sure you are squeezing the correct point to address the appropriate signal issue you are having) and report back.
If you DO NOT have a signal issue, this thread does not apply to you, so please kindly refrain from derailing the thread.
Thanks all!
Demo video for One X WIFI signal issues:
The two phones have completely different chassis so I'm not squeezing my phone.
We have identical prong connectors. Take off the plastic cover and have a look. Like I said, this is an inquiry poll to find out if we have a potential hardware issue since some people have been experiencing signal issues (in layman terms, this is fact-finding thread).
If we do not, great. Nobody can continue to argue that we have a build quality issue.
If we do, at least we can track it somewhere. There is no need to call this "non-sense" or to tell me that I'm holding my phone wrong. Jesus...
neoshi said:
We have identical prong connectors. Take off the plastic cover and have a look. Like I said, this is an inquiry poll to find out if we have a potential hardware issue since some people have been experiencing signal issues (in layman terms, this is fact-finding thread).
If we do not, great. Nobody can continue to argue that we have a build quality issue.
If we do, at least we can track it somewhere. There is no need to call this "non-sense" or to tell me that I'm holding my phone wrong. Jesus...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in Annapolis and for me, the signal is fantastic (whether I pinch the back, squeeze the right side, left, hold upside down with my left foot in the air, with my right eye closed..) Seriously, for me I am very happy. Today for example, regular CDMA tested with Speedtest resulted in near T1 speeds and that...was actually inside an elevator! Yes, I am very happy with almost every aspect of the EVO LTE. Fyi, I am rooted with Fresh 1st version, stock kernel etc, just so I could get the application links fixed.
If there is any hardware issues with signal, wifi or CDMA, I don't see it and have had the cell for two weeks tomorrow. My wifi connects to my wireless-N Netgear dual band around 30mb down and whatever up. Both CDMA/wifi work well, no matter how I hold it etc. Hopefully there isn't a bad batch of cells out there but maybe there is.
Thanks for your input. Really appreciate folks like you who give useful feedback!
Sent from my EVO using XDA
Service is kinda funky where I live so I tried this to see if there was a hardware issues and I can confirm there is no issue with my phone. Squeezing, pinching, pushing.....didnt change anything with the signal on the analyzer. Just confirms thats the service blows here.
1.) Has anyone with the "Bluetooth Problem" rooted their phone and found that it fixed the BT issue.
2.) Did the first OTA cause the BT problem on the Amaze.
I bought my HTC Amaze in January 2012. I didn't have my access to my Plantronic headsets at the time. Before I was able to test the Bluetooth on my Amaze, the first OTA came out. I did the update and all was good. Then my headsets came in and I tried them all (3 total -Voyager Pro HD and Explorer.) The range with the Voyager and Explorer was about 1-2 Ft. I basically had to hold the handset next to the Bluetooth headset. The Explorer had a better reception, but both headsets were distorted with the sound of static and would drop connection with a mere turn of the head. After ICS I now get about 8-10 Ft. with lots of static at anything over 3 feet.
My HD2 running CyanogenMod 7 still gets 30 ft. line of sight. And 15-20 through doors and walls.... I guess I'm spoiled.
Thanks for any answers guys.
Nope. Mine works. I have a jawbone prime. No issues with connection.
Sent From My HTC Amaze 4G Via Someone's Room
Maybe there's an issue with your BT antenna? It could be something as similar to the wifi fix (where you add a small piece of aluminum foil to the back of your case where the antenna is).
I have spent alot of time on the T-mo forum in the last few months. For the most part there seems to be a BT issue with at least "some" of the phones. When I updated to ICS the BT did without question get better. Not great.. but marked improvement. The fact that ICS made it better, along with a few posters stating that their phones BT worked fine prior to the first OTA but went bad after the update, led me to believe that the problem may be software related ...ergo the first OTA. The other people that are having this problem also saw a difference when they too updated to ICS.
One update "allegedly" messed up BT on the phone (some anyway) and another made the BT problem better. Strange....
hasoon2000 and kered424 are you guys running stock ROMs? I haven't rooted a custom ROM up to this point because I wasn't sure if it would actually fix the problem. That is why I was seeking a confimation or denial that rooting the phone would fix the problem. My dilemma is returning the phone. I have not unlocked the phone...but I did do the "Leaked ICS." But that is off topic...
I've been running stock for the longest time, but recently switched to NRG's stock-look rom. I've never had an issue with bluetooth (gb, ics, or nrg). When I was running stock, I was rooted, but I doubt rooting will fix your problem.
kered424 said:
I've been running stock for the longest time, but recently switched to NRG's stock-look rom. I've never had an issue with bluetooth (gb, ics, or nrg). When I was running stock, I was rooted, but I doubt rooting will fix your problem.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for you reply kered424.
I guess what I am really looking for is someone that actually recognized they had the problem and notice a change when rooting a custom ROM onto the phone. I may not find that person here...most people here root without need. I'm all about rooting...I have an HD2 that I still root (my digitizer just went out.) I just do not want to go through the hassle of rooting only to find out that it was the hardware and not the software. I would not even post about this and root the phone...if it were not for the marked impovement when I updated to "Leaked ICS."
It leaves me going: "Hardware?..software?...hardware?...software?"
From your description, it sounds like hardware. Have you tried the aluminum foil trick? That's the only thing I can think of.
Solution to Amaze 4G Bluetooth Issues. Possibly.
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
You are right...I could not find anything showing a diagram or pic of where the antenna is/are located. Hopefully somone will provide you with something. Have tried emailing HTC and outright asking for a diagram?
BlackeyedBandit said:
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still Still No Adequate Solution to Amaze 4G Bluetooth Issues.
badgerdave said:
You are right...I could not find anything showing a diagram or pic of where the antenna is/are located. Hopefully somone will provide you with something. Have tried emailing HTC and outright asking for a diagram?
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Click to collapse
Me too. I asked them for a service manual as I am a PC technician to let me figure it out but just like Toshiba laptops. Not a chance.
Update: Unfortunately my Bluetooth antenna mod/fix seems to only have solved the connectivity issue indoors as my headset still cuts out every few seconds outside and drops calls like crazy. I feel as though we've all been suckered by HTC as they will neither let us exchange for a smartphone that works properly or provide a solution to those of us who purchased this factory defective off the shelf phone.
I will still continue my efforts to find a way to enhance the antenna but I will probably never buy anything from HTC again seeing as how they've chosen to not deal with and dodge this widespread problem. T-mobile is no longer selling the Amaze that was the Sales person's response when I told them they were selling a defective product today at one of their stores, However, on the T-mobile website they are giving them away for free with new contracts. Those poor unfortunates that take them up on that offer who know no better.
I am going to demand a refund from either T-mobile or HTC but I doubt I will get one.
The salesman at T-mobile said "Nothing beats a wired headset." jerk!
Again I am sorry for jumping the gun but I was certain I had made a significant breakthrough in solving the Bluetooth problem on the Amaze.
BlackeyedBandit: I once read that the very first OTA is what messed up the Bluetooth on the Amaze. Unfortunately I am unable to comfirm this, or deny it. When I purchased my Amaze in Janaury 2012 my BT devices were being shipped to me. Before these devices got to me, my Amaze prompted me to do an update. I did it. When my BT devices arrived none of them had a range of more than 1-3 Ft. without static and/or terminated BT connection. When the ICS update came out the range increased to about 8-10 Ft.
I want to revert back the ROM that was first released to see if in fact it is better. But....I don't want to go through all those changes to find out it doesn't work any better. My phone is still completely stock...because I want to be able to return it soon. I love the phone and only want the BT to work in a manner that I have become accustomed to with HTC products. And to get the video stereo sound quality fixed too.
This is my second HTC device. The first was the HD2. It was a nightmare with WinMo 6.5 on it. I returned that thing 5 times and never got one that worked right. I eventually...with the help of xda members and others, learned the art of rooting. Once I got that down and rooted Andriod onto it, I was in love. I thought that even with all it's faults, HTC made an awesome device. I just needed to figure out how to "tune it up."
So I believed that the Amaze would be super awesome and looked forward to getting it. I feel let down because BT is a must for me. I'm not sure I will buy another HTC product either. This is the second time I have been burned.
BlackeyedBandit said:
Me too. I asked them for a service manual as I am a PC technician to let me figure it out but just like Toshiba laptops. Not a chance.
Update: Unfortunately my Bluetooth antenna mod/fix seems to only have solved the connectivity issue indoors as my headset still cuts out every few seconds outside and drops calls like crazy. I feel as though we've all been suckered by HTC as they will neither let us exchange for a smartphone that works properly or provide a solution to those of us who purchased this factory defective off the shelf phone.
I will still continue my efforts to find a way to enhance the antenna but I will probably never buy anything from HTC again seeing as how they've chosen to not deal with and dodge this widespread problem. T-mobile is no longer selling the Amaze that was the Sales person's response when I told them they were selling a defective product today at one of their stores, However, on the T-mobile website they are giving them away for free with new contracts. Those poor unfortunates that take them up on that offer who know no better.
I am going to demand a refund from either T-mobile or HTC but I doubt I will get one.
The salesman at T-mobile said "Nothing beats a wired headset." jerk!
Again I am sorry for jumping the gun but I was certain I had made a significant breakthrough in solving the Bluetooth problem on the Amaze.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Piece of S was offered as a replacement to FIVE HTC Sensations, followed by a Samsung Galaxy S Blaze?, followed by THREE HTC Amazes...all in 11 months. WiFi doesn't work right. Bluetooth is practically useless on the Amaze, and worse when combined with WiFi. I've used it with three different high-end Bluetooth devices (Plantronics (best-I forget the name), Samsung's best, and the Motorola Sliver Elite. All work find with friends' phones when I've tried to troubleshoot. I've used several WiFi routers, access points, repeaters,etc...still the signals fluctuate, the sound warbles, and the calls get disconnected.
I have LITERALLY spent 49:25 hours on the phone with T-Mobile, and 16:30 hours on the phone with HTC. There has been no resolution. T-Mobile...offered...me...the option (get this...) to pay MORE money and get a different phone. I've spent countless hours on websites (I'm a software developer and systems integrator, so I know my way around) and was unable to get anything working. I've had to hold the phone...in my hand...about 1-2ft from my Bluetooth devices to get them to work at all.
The device is FULL of known issues. Bluetooth & WiFi being the only ones about which I care.
I've also gone back to the T-Mobile store twice (which dialing 611 or the 800-number tells you not to do...but after the HTC Sensation, and then the HTC Amaze issues, I had to choice but to go to the face-to-face supervisors and beg for help.) The first supervisor left T-Mobile and the second one "Jodi" was INCREDIBLY rude to me.
T-Mobile's 611/800-number "customer service" has three times not documented anything - and I was on the phone for 1:30 hours/each.
notperse said:
This Piece of S was offered as a replacement to FIVE HTC Sensations, followed by a Samsung Galaxy S Blaze?, followed by THREE HTC Amazes...all in 11 months. WiFi doesn't work right. Bluetooth is practically useless on the Amaze, and worse when combined with WiFi. I've used it with three different high-end Bluetooth devices (Plantronics (best-I forget the name), Samsung's best, and the Motorola Sliver Elite. All work find with friends' phones when I've tried to troubleshoot. I've used several WiFi routers, access points, repeaters,etc...still the signals fluctuate, the sound warbles, and the calls get disconnected.
I have LITERALLY spent 49:25 hours on the phone with T-Mobile, and 16:30 hours on the phone with HTC. There has been no resolution. T-Mobile...offered...me...the option (get this...) to pay MORE money and get a different phone. I've spent countless hours on websites (I'm a software developer and systems integrator, so I know my way around) and was unable to get anything working. I've had to hold the phone...in my hand...about 1-2ft from my Bluetooth devices to get them to work at all.
The device is FULL of known issues. Bluetooth & WiFi being the only ones about which I care.
I've also gone back to the T-Mobile store twice (which dialing 611 or the 800-number tells you not to do...but after the HTC Sensation, and then the HTC Amaze issues, I had to choice but to go to the face-to-face supervisors and beg for help.) The first supervisor left T-Mobile and the second one "Jodi" was INCREDIBLY rude to me.
T-Mobile's 611/800-number "customer service" has three times not documented anything - and I was on the phone for 1:30 hours/each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro I think you have been extremely unlucky with the amaze. Although it does have some issues (capacitative light bleed, camera flash bleed, lower battery life than one would like, and slow development) most of these have been overcome to a great extent. If you are using a case you will have WiFi issues and possibly Bluetooth (I had WiFi issues with cover on, no BT issues) but that's fixible with a silver cigarette foil (or gold as well Iguess) placed in the battery back cover right beside the camera hole in the cover.
BlackeyedBandit said:
I've been reading XDA forums and modding my phones for years and now and at last I may actually have a contribution to make.
Alright all of you suffering with this enormous Bluetooth problem on the Amaze 4G that HTC pretty much refuses to acknowledge or address.
I too purchased an Amaze a couple months ago and was quite satisfied with its overall performance. That is until I received a Bluetooth ipad game controller and set of S9-HD Bluetooth headphones for my birthday. Then the nightmare began. Constant signal loss. If I were trying to text someone the sound would cut out on every key press. The ipad game controller would lose connection before getting through level one on Metal Slug Three played with NEO.emu (an awesome app by the way for its support of that controller). The in call signal quality was terrible and this was after trying multiple headsets. I read about a foil trick to correct this problem but never once found a tutorial on how to do it and the Bluetooth antenna prongs often spoke of were never actually pointed out anywhere. I looked all night for a diagram that would indicate which ones they are. I am guessing the they are the ones on the upper left. Not the top two immediately above the camera. If I am mistaken please make haste to correct me as it will determine the solution I detail. I had to guess I could find no real confirmation of this as they are both top left. Would someone send me a picture of the actual phone with the backing taken off and indicate which leads are to the Bluetooth antenna? As soon as I can confirm this I will post the fix.
I design and repair custom PC's in my free time for the elderly, disabled, and low income and I used that background to do a little experimenting the result was two more 4G bars in my basement and the the headset cutting out once during a three paragraph text. In game sounds were flawless and in call performance was perfect without a single cut out of signal.
As soon as someone discloses where those actual Bluetooth prongs are. I will post the how to and materials needed to perform this very successful solution. Not a 100% but 90% which is certainly better than the 20% us Amaze users have been putting up with.
I'd also like to thank all the developers for all knowledge and effort that goes into making all the cool enhancements and themes I had on my old HD2 and am now leaning how to apply on the Amaze. Hours of fun. You are all very much appreciated and Keep people like me learning new things.
Oh, I am running NRG's latest Aug 6, 2012 ICS Themed ROM release for the Amaze, Stock Kernel, 4EXT (the best!) S-ON, (Bricked my first Amaze with S-OFF).
As soon as I get confirmation of the antenna location and do a little more testing I will post the fix right here (next week or two). I don't want to look like an idiot or give misinformation if I have it incorrect or cause any damagage to anyones phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have the bluetooth connectivity issues. The only reference I could find to an "aluminum foil fix" was actually wifi antenna related. However, the thumbnail image is in this post by darll, 15th November 2011: (Wifi signal affected by phone case) in the Amaze 4g General forum.
BT MAC addresss
hasoon2000 said:
Nope. Mine works. I have a jawbone prime. No issues with connection.
Sent From My HTC Amaze 4G Via Someone's Room
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Click to collapse
Where does the bluetooth get it's MAC address from? (the one under settings/ about/hardware info/ bluetooth address)
chevycowboyusa said:
Where does the bluetooth get it's MAC address from? (the one under settings/ about/hardware info/ bluetooth address)
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Click to collapse
I think it is on the chip, but I'm not certain. It could also be programmed into the part of the phone firmware that is not touched when flashing.
I also want to report that I've had no issues with BT connectivity, and I have connected with about 8 headsets / handsfree over the past year.
My Amaze can get into a problem state with the BT, where the phone does not acknowledge a change in BT from off to on or vice versa. When this happens the phone starts to overheat, and I have to power completely down, and then power on again - at which point it will show the actual BT status. I've been on NRG almost from the start, so I don't know if this is a hardware issue or a ROM issue. I haven't had it happen in a while - I'm now more careful about turning on the BT (the problem seemed to happen when I was accidentally hitting the switch twice). Since I know how to avoid it, I haven't pursued any fixes.
Have you tried replacing the back cover? That seems like the most probable fix.
bluetooth
bluetooth problems?!
Hi, I have a rooted and s-off amaze with nightmare rom. everything is working but bluetooth. I can turn it on and switch to visibility but the problem is it can not find any devices and also it can not be found by others. I flashed some kernels but it did not work. please if u know a kernel that fixes bluetooth i can try it. thanks
BT
artur-x said:
bluetooth problems?!
Hi, I have a rooted and s-off amaze with nightmare rom. everything is working but bluetooth. I can turn it on and switch to visibility but the problem is it can not find any devices and also it can not be found by others. I flashed some kernels but it did not work. please if u know a kernel that fixes bluetooth i can try it. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This have anything to do with it?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54112028&postcount=6