Hi all
Theres alot of talk about GPS problems with this device.
Im a Navigational Officer with a marine survey company and GPS troubleshooting is in my day to day line of work.
The biggest problem i have with new units is well theyre built in Asia and then these units get shipped over to the USA and Europe. So when they first get turned on they are expecting a satalitte geometry for Asia.
These means it can take a long long time for devices to get a lock. Once it gets it though future times you use the device should be nice and quick an easy. Now the equimpment im using is completely different to the Tranformer Prime but the stuff i use is worth millions of millions of dollars. So its safe to say if it can take up to several hours for a first time lock to occure with a million dollar piece of gps equipment how long will it take for a tablet? Most of the time i have to reprogram the card and tell it its at a certain lat long this reduces first time start up to maybe 40-50 minutes before it gets a good strong signal. So bare that in mind when your saying GPS isnt working with the device have you really tested it?
Now i dont have my Transformer Prime yet ( preordered through amazon uk) and when i do there will be a extensive test done on wifi and GPS and some tweaking to improve them best i can. But here are some suggestions you might consider.
1. WIFI - yes turn your wifi . Yes i know this sounds stupid but it helps the tablet find itself that first time it tells it ohh im in this country and i need to look for this. Do this several times then turn your Wifi off and try GPS on its own.
2. Leave it alone - I know its hard to do but just turn your GPS on and then just leave it dont move it touch it play with it. Just let it find itself and the satalittes. After finding itself a few times it will become quicker.
3. Wait for Update - Im in not doubt that a good firmware update will fix this problem in the future even with masking from the aluminium shell of the transformer its still going to be able to get a GPS lock even if its just a handfull of sats and technially you only need 4. With a new firmware it will allow the device to find itself a little better. I do it in work all the time reprogram for different regions.
I hope this helps anyone. But the end of the day GPS isnt instant guys. Tom Tom and Garmin have made it look easy the end of the day but thats with the programing of the units in advanced that allows for fast geometry fixes. Just be patient.
fishbowl_00 said:
Hi all
Theres alot of talk about GPS problems with this device.
Im a Navigational Officer with a marine survey company and GPS troubleshooting is in my day to day line of work.
The biggest problem i have with new units is well theyre built in Asia and then these units get shipped over to the USA and Europe. So when they first get turned on they are expecting a satalitte geometry for Asia.
These means it can take a long long time for devices to get a lock. Once it gets it though future times you use the device should be nice and quick an easy. Now the equimpment im using is completely different to the Tranformer Prime but the stuff i use is worth millions of millions of dollars. So its safe to say if it can take up to several hours for a first time lock to occure with a million dollar piece of gps equipment how long will it take for a tablet? Most of the time i have to reprogram the card and tell it its at a certain lat long this reduces first time start up to maybe 40-50 minutes before it gets a good strong signal. So bare that in mind when your saying GPS isnt working with the device have you really tested it?
Now i dont have my Transformer Prime yet ( preordered through amazon uk) and when i do there will be a extensive test done on wifi and GPS and some tweaking to improve them best i can. But here are some suggestions you might consider.
1. WIFI - yes turn your wifi . Yes i know this sounds stupid but it helps the tablet find itself that first time it tells it ohh im in this country and i need to look for this. Do this several times then turn your Wifi off and try GPS on its own.
2. Leave it alone - I know its hard to do but just turn your GPS on and then just leave it dont move it touch it play with it. Just let it find itself and the satalittes. After finding itself a few times it will become quicker.
3. Wait for Update - Im in not doubt that a good firmware update will fix this problem in the future even with masking from the aluminium shell of the transformer its still going to be able to get a GPS lock even if its just a handfull of sats and technially you only need 4. With a new firmware it will allow the device to find itself a little better. I do it in work all the time reprogram for different regions.
I hope this helps anyone. But the end of the day GPS isnt instant guys. Tom Tom and Garmin have made it look easy the end of the day but thats with the programing of the units in advanced that allows for fast geometry fixes. Just be patient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great post. I know I haven't really really tested mines because I got impatient after a couple mins..lol plus never really took prime outside yet. thanks for the info. patience is a virtue.
tomorrow im going to cold boot from airplane mode, let it sit outside for like 30 minutes in navigation and see what happens
fishbowl_00 said:
Hi all
Theres alot of talk about GPS problems with this device.
Im a Navigational Officer with a marine survey company and GPS troubleshooting is in my day to day line of work.
The biggest problem i have with new units is well theyre built in Asia and then these units get shipped over to the USA and Europe. So when they first get turned on they are expecting a satalitte geometry for Asia.
These means it can take a long long time for devices to get a lock. Once it gets it though future times you use the device should be nice and quick an easy. Now the equimpment im using is completely different to the Tranformer Prime but the stuff i use is worth millions of millions of dollars. So its safe to say if it can take up to several hours for a first time lock to occure with a million dollar piece of gps equipment how long will it take for a tablet? Most of the time i have to reprogram the card and tell it its at a certain lat long this reduces first time start up to maybe 40-50 minutes before it gets a good strong signal. So bare that in mind when your saying GPS isnt working with the device have you really tested it?
Now i dont have my Transformer Prime yet ( preordered through amazon uk) and when i do there will be a extensive test done on wifi and GPS and some tweaking to improve them best i can. But here are some suggestions you might consider.
1. WIFI - yes turn your wifi . Yes i know this sounds stupid but it helps the tablet find itself that first time it tells it ohh im in this country and i need to look for this. Do this several times then turn your Wifi off and try GPS on its own.
2. Leave it alone - I know its hard to do but just turn your GPS on and then just leave it dont move it touch it play with it. Just let it find itself and the satalittes. After finding itself a few times it will become quicker.
3. Wait for Update - Im in not doubt that a good firmware update will fix this problem in the future even with masking from the aluminium shell of the transformer its still going to be able to get a GPS lock even if its just a handfull of sats and technially you only need 4. With a new firmware it will allow the device to find itself a little better. I do it in work all the time reprogram for different regions.
I hope this helps anyone. But the end of the day GPS isnt instant guys. Tom Tom and Garmin have made it look easy the end of the day but thats with the programing of the units in advanced that allows for fast geometry fixes. Just be patient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice summary. I think the amount everyone here has learned about the workings of GPS is college equivelent. But other tablets don't require any priming or special conditions to work. They just do. And that includes Asus' own TF1 and Slider.
Quite true other devices dont have the same problem you are right. But you have to remmber Asus have rushed this tablet out on the Market so to beat the competition. The firmware might not be as up to date as they may like and some nessicary tweaks may need to be in order. Im sure Asus main concern are other areas of the tablet like getting it to power up and run. GPS fixes are more secondary.
I could be wrong and there could be a defect with the tablets ( i hope there arnt any problems) but im hopeing with new updates sat tracking and lock will become much quicker.
While waiting for Prime, I upgraded my OG Droid to Samsung Galaxy Nexus. No GPS issues. And compared the TF Prime to my wife's Samsung 10.1 Tab. No GPS issues.
Couple that with Asus Rep from TF1, and I expected better. Disappointed in GPS perf.
fishbowl_00 said:
Quite true other devices dont have the same problem you are right. But you have to remmber Asus have rushed this tablet out on the Market so to beat the competition. The firmware might not be as up to date as they may like and some nessicary tweaks may need to be in order. Im sure Asus main concern are other areas of the tablet like getting it to power up and run. GPS fixes are more secondary.
I could be wrong and there could be a defect with the tablets ( i hope there arnt any problems) but im hopeing with new updates sat tracking and lock will become much quicker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have tested it with an external Bluetooth receiver and it works well. If it was a general s/w issue I'd imagine it wouldn't. And remember, it's the OS that talks to the GPS chip not s/w that Asus had/has to develop on thier own. The chip itself is made by Broadcom and is similar to what's in the G-Tab and TF1 so there's nothing unique about the Prime compared to other HC devices (GPS wise).
as we speak my tablet was put into airplane mode i did a reboot now it is sitting in my window and running gps test looking for satellite not going to touch until 930 and see if we find anything
Fare enough put in my place hahaha. Well they are only suggestions with what ive observed with other GPS equipment. Truth be told im not familiar with Mobile and Tablet GPS, more of the high end gps surveys stuff. Thanks for the input
Good luck, It may or may not work but just thought id over some ideas for what ive observed in work
fishbowl_00 said:
Fare enough put in my place hahaha. Well they are only suggestions with what ive observed with other GPS equipment. Truth be told im not familiar with Mobile and Tablet GPS, more of the high end gps surveys stuff. Thanks for the input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you added was great - I didn't mean to seem negative. You're kind of coming in to the play in the fourth act. If you like GPS related stuff there's some really good info starting around page 33 on the big-ass GPS thread with the poll attached.
fishbowl_00 said:
Good luck, It may or may not work but just thought id over some ideas for what ive observed in work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well we will see and i will post results for sure
fishbowl_00,
Great thinking, but once you get your prime you may have a different line of thought. I've been testing mine for days, using every conceivable configuration imaginable. I've been using GPS since it was released during the LORAN days and have never seen anything this weak!
Mine can usually get a fix outside with a good view of the sky. I even got it to lock on indoors a few times. The problem is it can't hold the lock. Sitting in the same position it will suddenly lose all eight or twelve satellites for no apparent reason and then slowly start searching and maybe finding them again after several minutes. The signals are always marginal. Driving around I can usually get a lock some of the time, if I hold the prime up to the window. Then for no reason it will show me driving out through the forest and then get lost! This is not a one time thing. It happens over and over again.
After several emails to Asus tech, I've been told everything to "it must have a Wi-Fi connection for GPS to work" to "meantime please try to use Google Maps app from the main menu by tapping APPS -> then MAPS icon, please check if your 'current location' is displaying correctly. If not I would suggest to have it exchanged with your place of purchase or you may proceed with a RMA service to have the issue corrected."
Now this morning, Asus has said "Please note that this product is not a professional GPS device and signal performance can be easily influenced by factors including, but not limited to: weather, buildings and your surrounding environment." Never mind that the other tablets and cheap receivers on the market aren't professional GPS devices either, but seem to operate without these problems.
The last straw was when then removed GPS from their specs online this morning on their website. Seems they think that if they pretend it isn't there no one can complain! After all *specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sorry if I sound a little bitter, but I've had it with Asus.
My test airplane mode on, reboot, open gps test, let sit for 30 minutes
Update 1: 10 minutes in we have a really cold prime from sitting in a window on a 20 degree night but we have zero satellites
Update 2: 20 minutes in the prime is now even colder and still zero satellites only 10 minutes left and we will see what happens
Update 3: tablet dropped to 61.7 degrees wow its freeezing but still no lock on gps my test is complete GPS = FAIL
thomslik said:
fishbowl_00,
Great thinking, but once you get your prime you may have a different line of thought. I've been testing mine for days, using every conceivable configuration imaginable. I've been using GPS since it was released during the LORAN days and have never seen anything this weak!
Mine can usually get a fix outside with a good view of the sky. I even got it to lock on indoors a few times. The problem is it can't hold the lock. Sitting in the same position it will suddenly lose all eight or twelve satellites for no apparent reason and then slowly start searching and maybe finding them again after several minutes. The signals are always marginal. Driving around I can usually get a lock some of the time, if I hold the prime up to the window. Then for no reason it will show me driving out through the forest and then get lost! This is not a one time thing. It happens over and over again.
After several emails to Asus tech, I've been told everything to "it must have a Wi-Fi connection for GPS to work" to "meantime please try to use Google Maps app from the main menu by tapping APPS -> then MAPS icon, please check if your 'current location' is displaying correctly. If not I would suggest to have it exchanged with your place of purchase or you may proceed with a RMA service to have the issue corrected."
Now this morning, Asus has said "Please note that this product is not a professional GPS device and signal performance can be easily influenced by factors including, but not limited to: weather, buildings and your surrounding environment." Never mind that the other tablets and cheap receivers on the market aren't professional GPS devices either, but seem to operate without these problems.
The last straw was when then removed GPS from their specs online this morning on their website. Seems they think that if they pretend it isn't there no one can complain! After all *specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sorry if I sound a little bitter, but I've had it with Asus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it...
People do not turn on your Wifi to test your GPS its a decoy. When you do this of course it will work because Google maps uses Wifi location as well this would just patch it.
If you really want to test the OP theory of the Asia region that is easy, we need some one with ROOT to download a GPS neuter app from the market. When running you can uninstall the current config and download the GPS data.
I would have done this myself but I do not have root with the firmware I received.
Can someone confirm with ROOT?
tylermaciaszek said:
My test airplane mode on, reboot, open gps test, let sit for 30 minutes
Update 1: 10 minutes in we have a really cold prime from sitting in a window on a 20 degree night but we have zero satellites
Update 2: 20 minutes in the prime is now even colder and still zero satellites only 10 minutes left and we will see what happens
Update 3: tablet dropped to 61.7 degrees wow its freeezing but still no lock on gps my test is complete GPS = FAIL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there somewhere outside it can get a clear view of the southerly sky? It should lock then because other's have gotten it to.
tylermaciaszek said:
My test airplane mode on, reboot, open gps test, let sit for 30 minutes
Update 1: 10 minutes in we have a really cold prime from sitting in a window on a 20 degree night but we have zero satellites
Update 2: 20 minutes in the prime is now even colder and still zero satellites only 10 minutes left and we will see what happens
Update 3: tablet dropped to 61.7 degrees wow its freeezing but still no lock on gps my test is complete GPS = FAIL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i recommend that u use gps status with wifi turned on to find satellites for the first time. it worked for me. will take 10+ mins. once u get a lock, next time is easier. also try this outdoors in open area and not from window sil
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Maybe they installed the Eastern hemisphere GPS chip instead of the Western one.
smrsxn said:
i recommend that u use gps status with wifi turned on to find satellites for the first time. it worked for me. will take 10+ mins. once u get a lock, next time is easier. also try this outdoors in open area and not from window sil
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And as soon as your Prime changes location and/or can't access Wi-Fi it will lose lock and not be able to reacquire satellites. For people that only need GPS when they have access to Wi-Fi this really isn't that big an issue. Mapping and navigation while moving (without a wireless signal) is pretty much impossible.
BarryH_GEG said:
Is there somewhere outside it can get a clear view of the southerly sky? It should lock then because other's have gotten it to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will try tomorrow morning in the middle of my lawn for 30 minutes
Related
I just find it weird that some of you guys have problems with stuff such as ( I will include why I believe you have issues)
Wifi
You need to change your router settings just play around with it until you get better range usually you need to disable the wireless N function It may also be for you like the second replacement the andand tech guys got where their apple AP was interfering with the prime... Who knows but my router prime combo works wonderful! I can walk all the way to my mailboxes over 500 feet away from my access point through 6 inch walls
GPS
When you are doing a test you need to make sure that the little icon is flashing in the notification area if it is not then change your performance mode and do not touch the screen afterwards this is why you loose a lock! I can navigate for 2 hours without loosing a lock! But if I touch the screen (check email anything) I instantly loose the lock (This appears to me to be a tegra 3 powersaving feature as the GPS is a power vampire) I can drive for 2 hours and constantly keep a lock on 7-11 satellites
lockups+ reboots
( I have no idea why you have issues)
Unkown serial numbers
Seems like someone forgot to input your serial number before boxing it up
Just thought I would post this feel free to put in your own input on these issues
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Worst thread ever you fail lockup issues are 100% out of users control and has nothing to do with apps if your going to make a thread like this at least know what your talking about. I won't even waste my breath about the GPS
My own take on the reasons people are having these issues:
Wifi
You're not holding it properly...hold it over your head with your left hand.
GPS
You're not pointing it directly at the satellites.
lockups+ reboots
You only paid $500 for the darned thing...you want it working? That'll cost you at least $1000!!!!
Unknown serial numbers
It's a tablet..not a PC. You can't expect it to remember everything, can you???
Just trying to throw a little humour in.
wow.... just... wow!
I hardly know how to respond. I thought by the title of your thread that you were referring to HARDWARE differences between units. As in why some get crappy GPS performance, and others get HORRENDOUS performance (or NO performance) There is OBVIOUSLY some hardware variance at play here, with the screen banding, ICS failures with Lockups and reboots. A good deal of those updates were done after cold boots, and some even did a Data Wipe/Reset before updating. How would "Bad apps" have caused issues there.
Asus has released an interesting mix of quality, and it's obvious that there are differences. Support has referred in several cases to "Older hardware revisions" but I have seen no Serial number confirmation or otherwise to back that up.
Why is it you can get a lock, and keep it with GPS:
"GPS
When you are doing a test you need to make sure that the little icon is flashing in the notification area if it is not then change your performance mode and do not touch the screen afterwards this is why you loose a lock! I can navigate for 2 hours without loosing a lock! But if I touch the screen (check email anything) I instantly loose the lock (This appears to me to be a tegra 3 powersaving feature as the GPS is a power vampire)
when I can not GET a lock? I can, and have done a Data reset, and tested with a) Just Honeycomb 3.2 and b) Just ICS. NO OTHER INSTALLED SOFTWARE. Clear sky, middle of a 9 acre FLAT park with clear views of horizon. I get 2, and sometime 3 satellites of maybe 7-9 to lock, for a spit second, then they lose it. This is with the unit fully charged, powered, and in "Performance Mode" (what used to be "Standard" in Honeycomb) no other apps running.
What do you think the difference COULD be? It's not "bad apps" I will tell you that much.
EDIT: Almost forgot. This is not how to resolve issues:
Wifi
You need to change your router settings just play around with it until you get better performance
Sure you can tune for better performance, but why should you HAVE TO? All my other devices require no such tuning, they work fine out of the box!
Wordlywisewiz said:
I just find it weird that some of you guys have problems with stuff such as ( I will include why I believe you have issues)
Wifi
You need to change your router settings just play around with it until you get better performance
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're an idiot for thinking i'm going to change my wifi settings to get "better performance"
you're even more of an idiot for thinking i'm going to hack every router i connect to (including my school) to make sure their router is optimized for my TFP
biggem001 said:
you're an idiot for thinking i'm going to change my wifi settings to get "better performance"
you're even more of an idiot for thinking i'm going to hack every router i connect to (including my school) to make sure their router is optimized for my TFP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
opss did not mean to thank you but anyways your school would not be brodcating on the wireless n network unless you go to a super advanced private school!
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Reboots, crashes can very much be an apps issue. I had a very smooth TFP, which suddenly started misbehaving.
I was pretty frustrated as well, however I started doing my research, for e.g. I went into running apps and could see my available ram drop after boot (from 300 mb used, 700 free to around 700 mb used). By eliminating apps one by one, I got to the culprit and deleted it. Things were soon back to normal. Some apps just haven't been updated to work properly on ICS and that's that. However, if there are crashes off of a fresh install, then thats different.
biggem001 said:
you're an idiot for thinking i'm going to change my wifi settings to get "better performance"
you're even more of an idiot for thinking i'm going to hack every router i connect to (including my school) to make sure their router is optimized for my TFP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After changing the settings on my router not only did my TFP work better but all my other devices did too! Never knew about the different setting but Im glad I do now. Before nothing worked in my garage now everything does
Wordlywisewiz said:
opss did not mean to thank you but anyways your school would not be brodcating on the wireless n network unless you go to a super advanced private school!
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're body naturally "thanked" me cause i was right.
no, i go to a normal school, they brodcast g and n, the signal in most areas is average, some really good, and some very poor. i only have good speeds when im close to the routers around campus, if i don't have excellent reception, its snail speed..yet my phone right next to it can connect fine with primo speeds
ammarr said:
Reboots, crashes can very much be an apps issue. I had a very smooth TFP, which suddenly started misbehaving.
I was pretty frustrated as well, however I started doing my research, for e.g. I went into running apps and could see my available ram drop after boot (from 300 mb used, 700 free to around 700 mb used). By eliminating apps one by one, I got to the culprit and deleted it. Things were soon back to normal. Some apps just haven't been updated to work properly on ICS and that's that. However, if there are crashes off of a fresh install, then thats different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a valid point....but mine will do it after a complete wipe clean stock factory reset.....with 0 apps loaded.
Wordlywisewiz said:
I just find it weird that some of you guys have problems with stuff such as ( I will include why I believe you have issues)
Wifi
You need to change your router settings just play around with it until you get better range usually you need to disable the wireless N function It may also be for you like the second replacement the andand tech guys got where their apple AP was interfering with the prime... Who knows but my router prime combo works wonderful! I can walk all the way to my mailboxes over 500 feet away from my access point through 6 inch walls
GPS
When you are doing a test you need to make sure that the little icon is flashing in the notification area if it is not then change your performance mode and do not touch the screen afterwards this is why you loose a lock! I can navigate for 2 hours without loosing a lock! But if I touch the screen (check email anything) I instantly loose the lock (This appears to me to be a tegra 3 powersaving feature as the GPS is a power vampire) I can drive for 2 hours and constantly keep a lock on 7-11 satellites
lockups+ reboots
( I have no idea why you have issues)
Unkown serial numbers
Seems like someone forgot to input your serial number before boxing it up
Just thought I would post this feel free to put in your own input on these issues
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore the nerd raging haters. Good thread bro!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I understand the GPS is a major problem for many Prime owners.
I have ICS on my tablet and it has detected, at most, 1 satellite, for about 5 seconds. This is with and without wifi, and in and out of the house. It has been overcast here so I haven't tested it under clear skies yes. I live in a rural area with no large buildings.
Is this what most people's experiences are or should I exchange the tablet?
Please read the forums a bit more, GPS issues have been already discussed.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
*Sigh*... Really? Read around, been discussed plenty of times
dagrim1 said:
*Sigh*... Really? Read around, been discussed plenty of times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the post. I have spent the last 3 hours on this forum and a couple more else where trying to determine the breadth of the issue.
I am being very clear: My GPS, for all intents and purposes, does not work at all.
Is this the current state of the GPS post-ICS update for most Primes or is mine especially bad and worthy of an exchange? If the consensus is yes, most Prime's GPS are this bad, then I will return it. If people can generally get a few satellites most of the time then clearly mine is a particular breed of bad worthy of an exchange.
killswitch1968 said:
Read the post. I have spent the last 3 hours on this forum and a couple more else where trying to determine the breadth of the issue.
I am being very clear: My GPS, for all intents and purposes, does not work at all.
Is this the current state of the GPS post-ICS update for most Primes or is mine especially bad and worthy of an exchange? If the consensus is yes, most Prime's GPS are this bad, then I will return it. If people can generally get a few satellites most of the time then clearly mine is a particular breed of bad worthy of an exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you spent three hours on this and still made this thread? haha
No that is NOT the case for everyone. Some work better than others. Mine works OK but not as good as my Galaxy 10.1 with is very fast. It takes a while to lock onto the satellites (10-30 seconds) but seems to work fine after that. It doesn't lock on well in a moving car but maybe the Galaxy doesn't either. Not the kind of tool that is easy to use while driving anyway and have not done much testing that way. I too am in a rural area and have tested it in heavy overcast.
i can sympathize, i too had some varrying results when i first started reading here.
Yes, that is normal. Some people can connect to GPS after a few seconds, my last prime couldnt hold a solid connection even with GPS fix installed, facing south, the whole nine yards. The best fix i had was three sattelites and within 300 meters. garbage. I returned that prime, maybe this new one is better, have yet to test it
I stood outside today with a friend, we received our Primes on the same day at the end of December, both came from BB.. He was able to lock on to multiple satellites within seconds without wifi.. I didn't even see any satellites, much less lock on, and using wifi didn't help.. What DID help was me rebooting. After I did that, but I saw 16 satellites and locked onto 8, but only with wifi.
My gps strength has fluctuated with OTAs.. I think. Hello I don't know anymore but I know I used to be able to sit in my chair 5 feet from a window an eventually get a lock with wifi on.. Now I can't..
Have you tried 11.1, have tried rebooting, did you ever lock on Before?
I am on 11.1 and have been able to lock onto 10 satellites in about a minute. It is weird how different it can be from prime to prime.
45 threads on GPS and another one? Where are the moderators?
Don't you understand that multiplying threads multiply places where you have to search when you want to have info I the subject? The more threads you have, the less informative they are, and that push people to open new ones?
Bought a 32gb grey prime, serial starting with BCOK from Office Depot. I'm noticing that I hardly ever get more than 2/3 the signal of the computers in my house, and no GPS (as expected). Lately I have seen from this forum that SOME people are getting C1 serial number primes and are reporting that their wifi is great and that their GPS is fully functional (something that people seem to have all but given up on).
The quality seems to vary from prime to prime, but at least people are reporting perfectly functional tf201 primes out there.
Any thoughts on whether I should start playing the return game until I get the perfect one? Observed any trends in what company seems to be selling the better primes?
Note: First xda post- after the forum intro video, I must that you be nice to me if this seems to be a silly question to ask on here
Maybe try this fix. Might work might not...or might just be temp.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1467964
otherwise if you can get an exchange right away I would exchange it. Or return it and buy another one if you see it somewhere else.
Does your wifi work? Yes, just not as strong as other computers in your house. Do you really need the GPS? Probably not, but you paid for it.
I think the return game just screws it up for others that really are looking to get their hands on a Prime but can't because of all the useless returns. Yes, some people have issues, but I'm sure 90% of the returns are pointless.
Looking into the fix aznmode . Currently combing the forums to see if I can get exact measurements as to where I should squeeze. I am unsure about the envelope method across the whole top of the screen, as I have no clue what else is under there (mind I am still researching).
I completely respect your stance 05GT. As I get the time, I am testing my wifi in different conditions, and am steadily developing an opinion as to whether this is going to be a real problem with me. Naturally, it just feels safer to have a more efficient machine, since these devices are so exclusively integrated with the internet. With my college lifestyle jumping from network to network it may be, might not. Its why I plan on dragging my trial period out a little longer to see if I can just get on with my device or if a fix will spring up.
I've tested a BC Prime, made in December. And Asus sent me a C1 Prime made in January. With the exception of a tiny bit of light bleed on the C1, they seemed identical.
mt6272 said:
Looking into the fix aznmode . Currently combing the forums to see if I can get exact measurements as to where I should squeeze. I am unsure about the envelope method across the whole top of the screen, as I have no clue what else is under there (mind I am still researching).
I completely respect your stance 05GT. As I get the time, I am testing my wifi in different conditions, and am steadily developing an opinion as to whether this is going to be a real problem with me. Naturally, it just feels safer to have a more efficient machine, since these devices are so exclusively integrated with the internet. With my college lifestyle jumping from network to network it may be, might not. Its why I plan on dragging my trial period out a little longer to see if I can just get on with my device or if a fix will spring up.
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In your tests, it may be good to use wifi analyzer mentioned in that video. It's actually very useful in determining how well your device picks up wifi around you. I have another tablet I compare mine to and for the most part they're almost the same. I do notice from time to time my other tablet will have slightly longer reach as it can pick up 1 more wifi than the prime but its a very weak signal so I just discount it.
Such a first world problem hey? Kinda disgusting... No one wants a bad unit, im not judging anyone but some people can't even get their hands on one.
reNeglect said:
Such a first world problem hey? Kinda disgusting... No one wants a bad unit, im not judging anyone but some people can't even get their hands on one.
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So we should be happy we have units that see no GPS satellites and have intermittently non-functional vibration motors because at least we have a prime? Right. That's just stupid.
No WiFi issues on my TF201-B1-CG, WiFi is great on this thing. GPS is a hit or miss for me.
deltatux
beavertank said:
So we should be happy we have units that see no GPS satellites and have intermittently non-functional vibration motors because at least we have a prime? Right. That's just stupid.
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Vibration motors work fine, go to market, and download a vibrator app and test it. I'm sure with custom roms it will be fixed. As for GPS well you could just use your phone or if you really want to use it on a tablet just wait for the next android tablet to hit the market instead of complaining and complaining.
I thought I would follow up on my situation. My last day to return my prime is tomorrow.
I have done more extensive wifi testing, and I can conclude that the wifi is just weak. Close to the router it gets 2/3 signal. On the other side of the house where my sisters computer is getting 24mb/s, my prime is getting 1 mb/s.
Against my every wish ( everything else on the tablet is wonderful) , I am returning tomorrow. Good wifi is just something I need. Every store around is sold out on primes
So, what I will do is get a replacement tablet until ASUS gets things together ( best buy has a generous 45 day return policy).
As a college student, what will be a good replacement?
I was looking at the htc flyer ( a low end price replacement) or the lenovo thinkpad 1838 ( a higher end replacement..) as they both seem to have responsive touch screens that are good for writing. Would anyone recommend one of these, or something else within this price range for me?
So i sent my Prime to Asus to get the gps and Wifi Issue fixed. I get no sats inside or out and 3 bars on wifi when im in the same room as my router. So now its a waiting game. I'll update when i get it back to see if they fixed the issue or if they re-issue me a new one.
I think they never fix the GPS problem! But I don't really need it and Wifi works fine.... so i like it
Are they actually going to fix the GPS issue? I thought their official stance on that was that it was not a "professional" GPS?
I get a few birds outside but they are all in the grey, however their SNR sometimes stays above 30 (on my og Droid 20 is enough to get/keep a lock!). Occasionally I'll see yellow but not for long and once the car starts moving the birds drop like flies. The most I've had in view are 7 and while moving I'm lucky if any stay in view.
Right now (indoors) on my Droid I'm seeing 6 birds ranging between 18-30 SNR and locks on 4-6 of them. I'm inside of an old brick building near a window facing north with another brick building next door. The TFP gets nothing.
Wifi is worse than the Droid, staying around -55 dbm in the same room as the router and around -75 two floors up. The Droid consistently adds 5dbm to those values in the same spot.
I'm nearing the end of my return period and I have to decide what to do. I really want this to work out but it seems as if ASUS doesn't care much about the issues. I can understand that it takes time to fix these things (I'm a developer) but they're more or less leaving us in the dark here. And having to pay return shipping is also ridiculous...for ANY under warranty service, let alone problems on the scale that we're seeing.
To sum it all up, the fact that a 2+ year old phone is outperforming a state of the art full sized tablet in the RF department is a joke.
Feiwen said:
So i sent my Prime to Asus to get the gps and Wifi Issue fixed. I get no sats inside or out and 3 bars on wifi when im in the same room as my router. So now its a waiting game. I'll update when i get it back to see if they fixed the issue or if they re-issue me a new one.
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Join the club.
You are going to get it back with a note saying nothing is wrong with it. People with reboot problems are getting them back and not having it fixed. Waste of money.
Exactly^^
Outside of XDA mods there isn't a fix. The best fix is exchange, return, XDA do it yourself, refund, buy a 2.4ghz WiFi extender, another brand of tablet or TF700t.
kdn102 said:
I'm nearing the end of my return period and I have to decide what to do. I really want this to work out but it seems as if ASUS doesn't care much about the issues. I can understand that it takes time to fix these things (I'm a developer) but they're more or less leaving us in the dark here. And having to pay return shipping is also ridiculous...for ANY under warranty service, let alone problems on the scale that we're seeing.
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Personally, I _never_ keep a product beyond its return period if it doesn't meet my needs. I _never_ think to myself, "Well, it doesn't work for me now, but maybe they'll fix it." That's virtually guaranteeing disappointment.
The Prime works for me because I never intended to use it as a navigation device, and mine works for whatever stationary geolocation I need it for. And the wifi works fine in the areas I need it to work. But if it didn't _today_, I'd return it.
wynand32 said:
Personally, I _never_ keep a product beyond its return period if it doesn't meet my needs. I _never_ think to myself, "Well, it doesn't work for me now, but maybe they'll fix it." That's virtually guaranteeing disappointment.
The Prime works for me because I never intended to use it as a navigation device, and mine works for whatever stationary geolocation I need it for. And the wifi works fine in the areas I need it to work. But if it didn't _today_, I'd return it.
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Honest and to the point. Well said.
Return it. I informed Asus of my limited return timeframe and they promised a 7 day turn around. They've had it for 21 days and I called today to discover they haven't looked at it yet. I'm now 3 days past my return period.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
Well who wants GPS just to spot you on a map? GPS is used for other purposesthan just putting a dot of your location on a map!
Hello:
Yesterday, I spoke with Aaron at ASUS about my GPS problems. This is the new department that is devoted to GPS issues (maybe WIFI too). I was very pleased that he offered me a full refund (including accessories). It was the right thing for ASUS to do. That was great yesterday, but today I considered what it might be like to part ways with my ICS 4+1 tablet, and had second thoughts about the refund.
So I called them back again today and spoke with Aaron. I asked if there are in fact any units that have functioning GPS in them. He said "Yes, I have one in front of me right now". Aaron reassured me that if I did go through the RMA process again, the next tablet would be 100% tested prior to shipping. He said that everything would be sent to his attent 7ion in California and shipped overnight to me. I asked, "How can I be sure?" I didn't want to do RMA again unless I know the next one has working GPS.
Aaron offered to take screenshots of his working GPS and send them to me via email. From there, I could decide if I did want to RMA again. Great idea!
Are these results any good? How do they compare to other "working" TF201s or other devices in general?
Thanks.
If all you want to do is geo-location, that's fine. Notice in all those screen shots the speed indication is zero.
I get that kind of results outdoors with my prime, but as soon as I start moving, it drops lock. It can see birds, but it just can't lock while moving.
So, depending on what you want to do with the GPS, it's good or bad.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
I have screenshot, many posted around here, where I have better numbers than that... sitting still... like him... then I tried to drive
That's the type of reception I get with my Prime. Not a strong signal but it does lock onto a number of satellites. I don't think it would be strong enough to navigate with as the signals are pretty low but you might be able to.
Jeff
i have had two primes with working gps first one with c10kas sn, which i returned n exchanged due to stuck pixels after 2 weeks of usage.
second one is with c20kas sn also has working gps, but suffers from the reboot issue after the .14 update (waiting for the .15 update to be released which hopefully address the reboot issue).
but i can tell you that, dont expect to be able to use turn by turn gps navigation even when u get a prime with working gps.
your best bet would be to tether gps from your phone via blue tooth if gps navigation is what you are trying to do with the prime.
gd luck.
Interesting, so this is what ASUS defines as 'working.'
Hey guys, I need to take down these photos because there was a disclaimer in the email that said they shouldn't be posted. Oops . Sorry.
But it seems that locking 5-10 satellites at 20 or so signal strength is normal. And to not expect to be able to hold that lock if you move.
Thanks for posts.
I have had as many as 15 sat,s with locks on 10 of them accuracy to 24.2 feet in the house than the very next day I can maybe only get 2 sats and no locks. I think its very location and weather dependant.
ohwell said:
I have had as many as 15 sat,s with locks on 10 of them accuracy to 24.2 feet in the house than the very next day I can maybe only get 2 sats and no locks. I think its very location and weather dependant.
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No its called the alumnium back is such kryptonite to GPS signals thats its always on the edge of locking and not locking which is also the reason when it moves it cannot stay locked. Think of it like listening to a radio station in your car and your driving out of state and you start losing the station cutting in and out fading out etc....
alanhzl said:
i have had two primes with working gps first one with c10kas sn, which i returned n exchanged due to stuck pixels after 2 weeks of usage.
second one is with c20kas sn also has working gps, but suffers from the reboot issue after the .14 update (waiting for the .15 update to be released which hopefully address the reboot issue).
but i can tell you that, dont expect to be able to use turn by turn gps navigation even when u get a prime with working gps.
your best bet would be to tether gps from your phone via blue tooth if gps navigation is what you are trying to do with the prime.
gd luck.
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That doesn't work with all phones. Definitely doesn't work with Tmobile galaxy s2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
GPS Test
Sorry wrong thread, please delete
GPS will never be as good as on a phone with the Prime. Why do people still think sending it n will somehow fix it?
I want to add to the OP. Since last week, Aaron from ASUS took more screenshots for me, this time while he was driving to work. The TF201 he used had about 20-30 signal strength while driving about 30 MPH. Again, really impressed with this new hotline. I'm not a fanboy. This is my first tablet and android product. But it's really cool that Aaron actually knows me by name and responds very courteously to my concerns.
I am gonna test mine today for you guys. My new Prime, had many lol. Gets 12-15 Sats easy while in my house even on rainy days. With the wifi off. Gonna take it with me today for a ride and see how it does. I will take a picture too of course proving i am in the car driving.
For me the GPS does not matter. But testing is the fun part.