I am totally in love with having ICS on my Vibrant! Big thanks to our great dev community!
The only drawback with every ICS ROM I've tried is GPS. The ROMs I've tried all were able to get GPS locks after lots of massaging, but never worked when I needed them, even after reboots. Long lock times, weak locks, lost locks while driving, etc.
My GPS on 2.2 ROMs was great, so I know it's not insufficient hardware. I've tried all of the fixes and such I could find on the forums.
If anyone is running an ICS ROM and has usable GPS, I would love to know what you're using - ROM, kernel, modem, any flashable/manual edits to the GPS.conf, etc.
Thanks!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
my GPS works, by works i mean not just sattelite locks but in actual driving use and after deep sleep.
ROM: frankenKANG of AOKP, Slim ICS, and ICZ
Kernel: THS, modified splash image and added more governors / IO schedulers, no other changes made.
Modem: JI6 (Southern California)
GPS.conf: Custom -- posted -- extract from zip, push manually, rw-r--r--, reboot
cheers!
GPS Better than Ever!!
Look below to see what ROM I'm running, I get great reception and lock within 10 sec's 15 max, and I use it all the time to pilot my large car around for a living!!.
Of course I did the antenna contact mod using a piece of plastic shaped just right to keep contact pressure solid so the signal is strong!!
If you haven't done the GPS antenna Mod yet your never gonna get a good signal until you do, This is a known Samsung design flaw!
Once you do it and set the right SW up and region where you operate at, you'll see a huge improvement. That is if you have a T-959 Vibrant??
My GPS works like a charm, my ICS rom is also in my signature below.
xtone said:
my GPS works, by works i mean not just sattelite locks but in actual driving use and after deep sleep.
ROM: frankenKANG of AOKP, Slim ICS, and ICZ
Kernel: THS, modified splash image and added more governors / IO schedulers, no other changes made.
Modem: JI6 (Southern California)
GPS.conf: Custom -- posted -- extract from zip, push manually, rw-r--r--, reboot
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're using the kernel that comes with Slim? I'm currently using that, and my gps.conf is basically the same as yours. I guess it's time to try the hardware fix... Thanks for your help.
dseldown said:
Look below to see what ROM I'm running, I get great reception and lock within 10 sec's 15 max, and I use it all the time to pilot my large car around for a living!!.
Of course I did the antenna contact mod using a piece of plastic shaped just right to keep contact pressure solid so the signal is strong!!
If you haven't done the GPS antenna Mod yet your never gonna get a good signal until you do, This is a known Samsung design flaw!
Once you do it and set the right SW up and region where you operate at, you'll see a huge improvement. That is if you have a T-959 Vibrant??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I am running a T959 Vibrant. I'm working up the nerve to take my phone apart to try the hardware fix. Thanks!
I was in the same boat as you. I tried the fix posted here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370910 and it did the trick.
I am currently running ICS Passion v13.1 with icy glitch v14 6B kernel
dseldown said:
Look below to see what ROM I'm running, I get great reception and lock within 10 sec's 15 max, and I use it all the time to pilot my large car around for a living!!.
Of course I did the antenna contact mod using a piece of plastic shaped just right to keep contact pressure solid so the signal is strong!!
If you haven't done the GPS antenna Mod yet your never gonna get a good signal until you do, This is a known Samsung design flaw!
Once you do it and set the right SW up and region where you operate at, you'll see a huge improvement. That is if you have a T-959 Vibrant??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doih! i've done the GPS hardware bending thingy but NEVER thought of puting a tiny piece of plastic to keep the presure up .... maybe that will help with my accuracy.
thanks!!!
Wow - I just did the hardware fix, and it's like night and day! Thanks for the advice!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
GPS with ICS Passion - Different Kernels - Rebooting Seems to Work
With several Kernels I have been able to get a quick lock right after I flash. After a day or 2, I check and nothing. Tonight I checked after I had flashed Kiss 5.1 a few days ago and nothing, I rebooted and got a quick lock again. After a 1/2 hour or so, nothing again, rebooted and got another quick lock. I got my phone in Feb 2011 and have not tried any hardware fix. Any suggestions?
Have so far had time to try ICZen, ICS Passion, and just flashed SlimICS 3.1 a minute ago.
No problem here with GPS, I was running Glitch on ICZ and Passion. I'm keeping Slim on the stock rom kernels and GPS is quite snappy.
I've flashed all my roms after a clean wipe/format. I've had little to no problem every time I do.
ICS Passion w/Kiss 5.1
I did the lifting of the GPS tab on my phone as a hardware fix and after phone settles for any time I have to reboot to view satellites and get a lock. Any suggestions?
Related
So a little about my phone. I am running a custom ROM Fusion 1.1 with a custom Kernel from Team Whiskey Core V3 2.1 also have OCLF. My phone right after flashing the new ROM seemed to lock on quickly to several Sats 5 plus every time. But for no reason and with no adjustments to the default settings I now have a very hard time locking on to any Sats. Takes 10 plus minutes and only can get a few to lock.
So the only things I have changed on my phone recently is trying a few different Kernels. Would this even effect the GPS sat locks at all? I would think not but??
Anyone have anything new that I have yet to read about that they have tried that seems to make the GPS better?
My phone's GPS might just suck who knows.
Thanks in advance!
Did you try digital toddys fix?
s15274n said:
Did you try digital toddys fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I did.. Just went outside and switched to Cold then delete GPS data ran fix for 10 minutes and got a lock on 4 sats. Switched back to Hot and didn't seem to help much.
You did the reboots and everything?
Odd man, if that didn't work I am at a loss. Hopefully others can chime in for you.
I would think the ROM is what affects GPS signal the most. I was running Bionix 1.9 with KK kernel and the GPS was money. Now running Obsidian V1 (didn't switch to V2 because I read people were having GPS issues on it), and GPS still works great. In fact, when using Car Home, it shows the exact street address I am at.
jonwilly said:
So the only things I have changed on my phone recently is trying a few different Kernels. Would this even effect the GPS sat locks at all? I would think not but??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what i understand, yes a different kernel can affect gps because the kernel contains the drivers. it is my understanding that this is why the 2.2 roms have working gps now: an 'official' kernel was leaked and the gps drivers were pulled from it. however the rom will also affect gps. for example, i was running bionix 1.9.1 and gps was great, flashed bionix final and gps went to ****, flashed fusion 1.2 and gps was working again.
Here's the story:
Had a vibrant, put Axura (Axura 205 Vibrant) on it. Worked great for many many months, until I broke the screen. I tried to replace it but that's another story.
Fast forward to now, I have a new Vibrant, with the same ROM on it, (flashed from stock).
I have tried 6 or 7 different ROMS of various release (Froyo/GB), but the GPS never shows satellites. I have done the access LBSTest fix as suggested elsewhere in the forums, but still not seeing satellites.
On my old phone this specific ROM (Axura) worked great. Same ROM, another phone, doesn't work.
It feels like the gps hardware is bad (I bought the phone used) but my business partner's phone does the exact same thing.
ANY diagnostic steps or outline would be great! I don't know how to determine if the GPS hardware is functioning properly or not. A link, list or other from someone who has dealt with this before would be a wonderful help.
THANKS!
(The only odd thing I have noticed is the stock rom won't connect to any cellular networks. Putting Axura (or any ROM) corrects that issue.)
EDIT: I should note that enabling "Use wireless networks" allows some data to be used, but I assume this is based off of hardware mac addresses of the wireless routers and google's location database rather than actual satellite data
I should also note the manufacture date is 10.10 and the current modem is JK2.
I have been researching various fixes (in spite of the anomaly stated above) and it seems the hardware soldering fix only relates to pre 10.10 and suggests a modem higher than JI6.
I am tempted to try some other ROMs but have exhausted my attempts and feel maybe this isn't something I can fix anymore. Help still appreciated.
sounds like you'll need to open it and do the HW mod for the GPS antenna contacts to be firm together, I used a piece of shaped plastic to keep the tab in an elevated position so it wouldn't lose tension after its snapped back. then DL heathens GB GPS fix , it works awesome for me, best GPS lock ever
Oh an one more thing, Aurora isn't the best choice of ROM, unless that's what you like. JMHO
Thanks. I'll do both, I am kind of apprehensive about soldering the gps, I have broken things before, although I am ok with a solder gun.
Any suggestions on ROMS? I am open for them, have tried a few (Cm7, SIMPLE, Revolution, + others) but since I couldn't get the gps to work I assumed it was rom related.
You might also try a new modem with a Froyo ROM. Any of the KAx or KBx modems with a Froyo ROM should be an improvement.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
dseldown said:
sounds like you'll need to open it and do the HW mod for the GPS antenna contacts to be firm together, I used a piece of shaped plastic to keep the tab in an elevated position so it wouldn't lose tension after its snapped back. then DL heathens GB GPS fix , it works awesome for me, best GPS lock ever
Oh an one more thing, Aurora isn't the best choice of ROM, unless that's what you like. JMHO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something I've noticed with the hardware fix is the author of the post here states that the manufacture date is 9.10 or before, and mine (10.10) shouldn't need it. Is this true?
shrapnelx said:
You might also try a new modem with a Froyo ROM. Any of the KAx or KBx modems with a Froyo ROM should be an improvement.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running KB5 now. Which app do you recommend for seeing what/how many satellites have a lock? The one I am using now (Gps Status) just has a spinning icon on the bottom, with no info.
I am at a loss as to why this phone won't lock. I'm willing to paypal anyone who has the time and gumption to assist with a true repair.
Edit: Just went outside with the GPS Test app (disabled use WiFi for location) and it could "see" 1 satellite, but was using 0. Does this help in giving an idea as to why it won't work?
Maybe the antenna issue can still exist post the 9.10 manufacturer date.
:S
I know there's plenty of GPS problems with this phone, but after reading that GPS works in both the roms i've tried, i think im doing something wrong. This is where i'm at:
After using both of these roms on 2 different vibrants, i can't figure out for the life of me why i cant get the GPS to do anything at all on these roms.
I've used ODIN to go back to stock, and then tried flashing the roms but with no luck.
I dont have any clue how to use Angry GPS either, so i haven't messed with that at all. If i need to change some settings within the app, please enlighten me.
Thanks for anyone who helps me with this problem. The only Rom i know of that i have 100% working GPS is with Team Whiskey's Bionix-V 1.3.1.
Anyone? I dont want to be pushy, i just wanna figure out the problem.
And on a side note, i know i posted in the wrong section.
GPS works but it is also a work in progress as no one knows what is really going on with GPS in the Vibrant. The ROM seems to have little effect on weather the GPS works but the "kernel" that underlies it is where the effort is being placed for a fix. While the GPS works on all the kernels it eventually stops working after some time. It is believed to be an issue with how Android starts and stops different services to save power.
Most users have reported great GPS using Kiss 2.2 kernel in combination with either of the Team-Passion Roms (Passion, Euphoria). The most recent kernel is Kiss 8.2. Get it here:http://team-passion.com/index.php/downloads/galaxy-vibrant
For info on each kernel see here: http://team-passion.com/index.php/forum/2-about-team-passion/283-test-kernels
Keep in mind that the developers in my opinion have been working on these ROMS and Kernels like it was their full time job. And they are determined to make GPS work consistently so give them some encouragement to hopefully keep them motivated as they are likely our only hope.
Passion is a faster more responsive but Euphoria has more customizations baked in. The kernels are interchangeable between these ROMs but they have different performance characteristics.
GPS working after deep sleep on Euphoria
After going through 10 ROMs and 20 Kernals I think I may have a semi working GPS. Running Euphoria RC2.1 with stock KB5 modem and gingerbread bootloaders. Installed these gps fixes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1550327
Ran ultimate cleaning script then flashed Glitch then the subzero kernel in the same recovery session
CM9-vibrantmtd-Glitch-V14-B6.zip
cwm-subZero-vibrant-1.1VC_build61-CFS_BLN.zip
Lock immediately after boot with angry gps and phone has deep slept multiple times and gps picks up after granted after 50 seconds
I really appreciate the help guys, the Kiss 8.2 kernel fixed the problem in the Euphoria 2.1 ROM. I get locks within 10 seconds, and also better battery life.
So now as far as im concerned, this is the best combo there is.
droidtomtom said:
Most users have reported great GPS using Kiss 2.2 kernel in combination with either of the Team-Passion Roms (Passion, Euphoria). The most recent kernel is Kiss 8.2. Get it here:http://team-passion.com/index.php/downloads/galaxy-vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8.2 did the trick for me. Locked up in under 20 seconds, and I'm inside my house (by a window) Don't know about deep sleep recovery, but I'll let you know.
You really need to change to Chimera v2.2
Okay, I have done the following things:
1. I have soldered the connection inside the phone. (Yes very nicely I might add as I solder a lot at work.)
2. I have the Sub-Zero build 75 kernel.
3. I am using Slim ICS Rom from the android development forum.
Why in the hell does the GPS lock on instantly sometimes, and other times I have to restart the phone 20 times before it will even thinking about locking on again?
What is wrong with this phone's GPS? What else can I do to get this GPS to work all the time. The programs that "clear the GPS data" or the phone code that does it, does not work. There is no message and no sign that it cleared anything. The "secret code" program just crashes of course, when I try to use the GPS clear data.
Is there anything else I can do, besides throwing this phone against the wall. I actually NEED the GPS sometimes because I travel a lot, and I can't even rely on this phone.
Here is how I understand this:
Since we never got an official release for gingerbread we won't be getting one for ICS either. The problem is that all releases for our phone for GB+ are hacked together from the source released for the other phones in the Galaxy S family. Also, since the actual guts are slightly different between models, we don't have the actual Samsung drivers for these releases on our phone.
Another problem is that the GPS chip they used on this phone sucked and was sub par at best when released. Most vibrant owners had issues.
The only way to guarantee the best GPS performance on this phone is to stick with the stock Froyo firmware. Everything else is hit or miss since we got the step child phone off the Galaxy S family.
I was lucky enough to buy my vibrant several months after release, so my GPS was revised by then and better than the release models, but it still flakes out on custom ROMs sometimes.
For now, I am on Slim 3.5, and sub zero 80 kernel.
-------------
GlobeSpy detailed this in his post here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1550327
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I flashed the yags and experia GPS fixes, made sure to install angryGPS and faster fix.
Angry GPS settings changed to MSBASED, cold start, and Xtra=off.
In supl settings, I selected Google server.
In Fasterfix: selected custom and set to us.pool.ntp.org
After rebooting the phone, open GPS test and let it lock birds.
After that, I can exit out of GPS test and run navigation. GPS will lock later in day too.
The same settings worked on the stock slim kernel to, so sub zero isn't a requirement, but I have made it work on both kernels. In my expewrience the stock Slim kernel worked better for GPS.
Hopefully this helps, but each phone is so different, the results are not guaranteed.
It really is too bad that Samsung dropped the ball on the GPS in this phone. It's the only weak bit of the device.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
I want a device that "just works". But I also want a relatively current version of Android (4.1+).
I don't like spending more time trying to get my device to work than actually using the device.
I've been getting rid of my older devices, and I'm probably getting rid of my Galaxy S 4G next. There has never been an official CyanogenMod release for it, and the current software doesn't work with the GPS.
I noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant had official CM and AOKP releases. Great! I can install a stable release and be done with it... But then I started reading about the GPS issues. From what I've read:
GPS doesn't work right. There are patches you can try, but then they break 911.
Is that the current situation? I have to pick between GPS or 911 if I want to use a Jelly Bean ROM on the Vibrant?
From what Iv heard the 911 issue is compleatly fixed. And GPS on this phone is complete and total s*it
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app
OK, I've been playing with the Vibrant/SGH-T959 on CM 10.1.2 for a few days.
GPS will usually see 10-13 satellites and get a lock within a few seconds. Accuracy has been as good as 20 feet. (I've only been testing this indoors.)
...If it works.
Twice now it seemed like GPS just "died". I had to reboot to get it working again. I see on the CM bug tracker (http://code.google.com/p/vibrant-cm/issues/list) that GPS can randomly crash.
^Try the gps hardware fix, my gps was absolutely awful before but now it works great. There is a tutorial in the Bible thread showing how to do it. You basically bend the copper conductor up slightly to help it make contact. Samsung really messed up the design or rushed it , simply bending the copper up fixes the issue.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2
iTz KeeFy said:
^Try the gps hardware fix, my gps was absolutely awful before but now it works great. There is a tutorial in the Bible thread showing how to do it. You basically bend the copper conductor up slightly to help it make contact. Samsung really messed up the design or rushed it , simply bending the copper up fixes the issue.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My T959 has a "10.10" date on it, which should be new enough to have whatever improvement Samsung implemented (mentioned in the hardware fix thread).
I'm not too concerned with the the reception. When it works, it can get a lock from a fresh reboot in under 2 minutes. The signal ain't so bad. I don't expect to use this for navigation.
The problem is when GPS "dies". I don't know if it happens after deep sleep, or what. I'd rather it work all the time, even with a bad signal, than sometimes work well, and sometimes not work at all.
Edit, here's a description of what it does:
http://code.google.com/p/vibrant-cm/issues/detail?id=5
That's from August 2012. It still does this, even with the latest CM10 August 2013 builds.
Yea I personally use a Froyo ROM and jilette's gps fix, which has everything working. I also have issues with gps on Jelly bean ROMs. It's give and take really, that's why I prefer Froyo, it has everything I need.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2