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
Related
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
Hi,
I've been constantly having issues with the GPS on my vibrant. I got a replacement vibrant from t-mo about 3 mos ago because the GPS rarely locked on my original phone. This new phone's GPS worked fine for a while with the stock Froyo ROM. It always seemed to lock in less than 1 min. After a few weeks, the GPS stopped locking reliably for me.
I tried an update to CM7.1 and didn't see any improvement with the GPS.
So, here's my quetsion:
1. What is the best ROM for GPS usage on the vibrant?
2. Is this GPS Fix still relevant?
I'm running CM-7.1.0.1-Vibrant.
Kernel version - 2.635.12-gdf10700 [email protected] #1 (that's a mouthful).
Thank you.
If GPS needs to be absolutely 110% working, then MIUI (if you want GB) or any 2.2 ROM will suffice. As for the other GPS fix relevancy, it can be really hit or miss. On some GB ROMs it works, on others it doesn't. It's really by chance that the planets align and the powers above grant you vibrant with working GPS
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I have a similar problem, I found a solution in ICS ROM.
When you turn on the phone, before it finds a network, you need to run any diagnostic applications of GPS, for example GPSLB TEST NB and immediately start the GET POSITION.
You will find that it finds satellites at once. Turn off the software.
you have GPS working until the next reboot...
The vibrant has always had gps issues. Theres a fix somewhere i cant remember where. Havent had a vibrant in awhile
sent from my Sensation XD
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?
I was messing around in the Android Apps and Games forum and found this post. So then I wanted to share it with you guys.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1239713
My question is... could this be used in any way to improve our development?
As if this "fix" could be built into our ROMs or radios or SOMETHING to connect to a GPS quicker?
Just a thought...
I think the agps pstch does the same thing. Also GPS status from the market can do the same thing.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
I think all these GPS fixes dont do anything personally....a long time ago someone suggested to get a satellite fix, then reinstall the ROM and it will lock almost instantly every time. And it has been working for over a year. I have done it to 3 different thunderbolts besides my own and worked. I never use these "fixes." Im no pro at this software stuff but trial and error is my expertise and when it works perfectly every time on multiple of the same device, id say thats the best way to do it.
ang1dust said:
I think all these GPS fixes dont do anything personally....a long time ago someone suggested to get a satellite fix, then reinstall the ROM and it will lock almost instantly every time. And it has been working for over a year. I have done it to 3 different thunderbolts besides my own and worked. I never use these "fixes." Im no pro at this software stuff but trial and error is my expertise and when it works perfectly every time on multiple of the same device, id say thats the best way to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mostly agree. I just went through this process, having gone from a Sense-based ROM (BAMF SOAB 1.4) to an AOSP-based ROM (Thundershed 1.6). Despite the new ROM having the AGPS fix baked in, I still wasn't getting a GPS, so I made a nandroid, flashed back to an old nandroid I had of SOAB, opened up Google Maps, to get a satellite, then opened up GPS Status (from the Play Store, free) to find the strongest lock I could (9 out of 9 satellites), then immediately went to reboot into recovery and restored my Thundershed nandroid. I then opened up Google Maps then GPS Status again, found I was locked onto 10 of 10 satellites, and I was good to go.
ang1dust said:
I think all these GPS fixes dont do anything personally....a long time ago someone suggested to get a satellite fix, then reinstall the ROM and it will lock almost instantly every time. And it has been working for over a year. I have done it to 3 different thunderbolts besides my own and worked. I never use these "fixes." Im no pro at this software stuff but trial and error is my expertise and when it works perfectly every time on multiple of the same device, id say thats the best way to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with him. GPS don't do much anymore. The 4g signal does more than the GPS. You could not run a GPS app without data connection. basically all they use gps for is to find exact location. And soon i think that they will probably discontinue gps in a phone!
UPDATE: Thank you guys so much for the help! My phone is running well so far! The GPS works well enough for navigation, and I should hopefully be able to limp through until my full upgrade. I can't tell you guys how thankful I am that you all took the time to help me answer my questions and get my phone going again!
what would you do? I have a Vibrant, and have done quite a lot of troubleshooting with it. Tmo's tech support said it's a hardware issue and that they've done all they can.
I've tried just about all the Froyo ROMs on it, and things seem to work well for a while, then it gets odd. I regularly clear my call logs, messages, and browser cache. I use wifi whenever I'm at home, and whenever I'm in the minivan I have my phone plugged in.
I am currently running Axura - Moped/FishmanMod v1. This has seemed to work the longest.
Lately, though, I've been missing phone calls...as in, no notification, no log, nada. I rebooted last week and suddenly had a voicemail icon...I had 7 new voicemails. One from my son's teacher. I never knew she even called. I've since reinstalled Tmo Visual Voicemail and at least now I think I'm getting my voicemails. Missing phone calls can't happen though. We don't have a landline, and we have a child with health issues. I have to be available.
Other issues:
*My battery died about halfway through the day yesterday, even though it had charged fully overnight.
*This thing is slowing down. As in, taking a photo with my phone isn't really viable. By the time it finally snaps the picture, my kiddo has grown an inch.
*Lag! I'm using Swiftkey X and it often hangs on a key for several seconds before finally typing it. It's very slow to open apps, etc as well.
Does anyone have any more advice for me? I'd love to run an ICS or JB ROM, but having the ability to call 911 is not negotiable for me. Woodrube and some others have given me some great advice, which has helped, but I'm still having some issues.
I could pare down the apps and use it just as a phone, but what would be the point of having an Android...and data? I need the calendar, email, task list, etc. to keep track of everyone.
I'd love to try to figure out how to make this phone last longer. I could upgrade now, but our checkbook doesn't like the idea.
Personally I'd Odin back to stock JFD and either do a reflash or pick a new ROM (bionix comes to mind).
Could do a fresh install of the apps you want on your phone. Your battery could be going bad and may need to be replaced, and if your sim card is getting old, you may need to stop by T-Mobile and have them replace it.
Not sure if that could be the trouble with your notifications or voicemail, but they are all quick things to try that should be cheap and quite possibly very effective.
The_MamaBee said:
what would you do? I have a Vibrant, and have done quite a lot of troubleshooting with it. Tmo's tech support said it's a hardware issue and that they've done all they can.
I've tried just about all the Froyo ROMs on it, and things seem to work well for a while, then it gets odd. I regularly clear my call logs, messages, and browser cache. I use wifi whenever I'm at home, and whenever I'm in the minivan I have my phone plugged in.
I am currently running Axura - Moped/FishmanMod v1. This has seemed to work the longest.
Lately, though, I've been missing phone calls...as in, no notification, no log, nada. I rebooted last week and suddenly had a voicemail icon...I had 7 new voicemails. One from my son's teacher. I never knew she even called. I've since reinstalled Tmo Visual Voicemail and at least now I think I'm getting my voicemails. Missing phone calls can't happen though. We don't have a landline, and we have a child with health issues. I have to be available.
Other issues:
*My battery died about halfway through the day yesterday, even though it had charged fully overnight.
*This thing is slowing down. As in, taking a photo with my phone isn't really viable. By the time it finally snaps the picture, my kiddo has grown an inch.
*Lag! I'm using Swiftkey X and it often hangs on a key for several seconds before finally typing it. It's very slow to open apps, etc as well.
Does anyone have any more advice for me? I'd love to run an ICS or JB ROM, but having the ability to call 911 is not negotiable for me. Woodrube and some others have given me some great advice, which has helped, but I'm still having some issues.
I could pare down the apps and use it just as a phone, but what would be the point of having an Android...and data? I need the calendar, email, task list, etc. to keep track of everyone.
I'd love to try to figure out how to make this phone last longer. I could upgrade now, but our checkbook doesn't like the idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, although it isn't too helpful to say...I honestly believe that if you simply must be available because you have a child with health issues, you definitely should not be tinkering with your device. True, my phone runs better, faster, stronger, and longer (ha daft punk) than it did running stock, but I have certainly had the occasional issue such as data issues, force closes, battery drains, SODs, etc, etc...it's simply a fundamental part of the life of modifying your phone. It's not to say that you won't have issues if you kept it stock, but you really shouldn't be messing with your phone if you don't have a land line and you NEED to be available for something so important.
Now, onward!
I will look into similar occurrences of your problems and report back..(sorry in class atm, then off to a meeting). Until then, Gl!
you could try and use a cyanogenmod based Rom. They are one of the best roms out there except you can't as of right now call 911 (some phones can and some cant ) also gps is semi-broken.
blizzardproof said:
you could try and use a cyanogenmod based Rom. They are one of the best roms out there except you can't as of right now call 911 (some phones can and some cant ) also gps is semi-broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, but not an option. I have to have 911 capability, and we're pretty active geocachers, so my GPS gets used a ton. I've been so tempted by CM Roms, and my husband is rocking one on his One S, but going without 911 isn't an option.
After this last round of my phone's slowness, we did ODIN back to stock, then did the ((*^&^%$*&^) updating it to Froyo. (Yay!) We were hoping that taking it back to stock would help our issues, but it actually seemed slower. (And oh, the agony of using TouchWiz!) I very, very carefully added back ONLY the apps I used on a daily basis, watching carefully to see if there were any issues. It was crazy slow.
We then went to this last ROM and I added back apps even more slowly. I noticed that I had issues after I put the Zedge app back on, so it's gone. I also noticed that it acted funky after I put Google Goggles on, so it's gone as well.
I am not, by the way, storing any music on my device. I stream it through Google Music.
I do have another battery for it. I'll put Battery Calibration on and swap batteries to see if that helps. Good idea.
Also, my SIM is pretty old. I hadn't thought about seeing if I could get a new one! I know it solved some issue LONG ago with my BlackBerry. I'll see if I can do that at our TMo store today. Appreciate that suggestion.
I've been just about the give up on this phone altogether and just going with the One S like The Hubs, but forking over the money for it (not to mention that it would be $200 for me and $49.99 for a new contract!) is just not in the budget now. Might be getting close to something we just can't avoid though.
Try flashing back to stock 2.1 with repartition checked. Then flash one of Fishman/Moped 2.2 ROMS ( he has odin files if you prefer that method). I think you may still have some "ghosts" left behind from the last ROM or two you had on your phone. A fresh odin to stock with repartition checked should get rid of any "ghosts". Also when restoring apps make sure you restore app only, not app+data. Remember, after installing a ROM allow your phone to sit for a good 10 minutes then reboot before you use the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2
iTz KeeFy said:
Try flashing back to stock 2.1 with repartition checked. Then flash one of Fishman/Moped 2.2 ROMS ( he has odin files if you prefer that method). I think you may still have some "ghosts" left behind from the last ROM or two you had on your phone. A fresh odin to stock with repartition checked should get rid of any "ghosts". Also when resorting apps make sure you restore app only, not app+data. Remember, after installing a ROM allow your phone to sit for a good 10 minutes then reboot before you use the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could definitely be it. I used to just restore all my apps+data with My Backup Root. I'll see if I can convince The Hubs to help me work on the phone this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!
Okay, we did the repartition flash, then put it on FishmanMod Blue 2.2 Frankenstein Slim. Seems to be running a little better, but now my GPS won't lock at all. I've rebooted, tried Samsung GPS Restore (never locks) and GPS Test. Test sees 4-5 satellites but doesn't ever lock on. I've tried Nav as well and it is not able to lock on.
I've checked our forums and I see a lot of fixes, but no recent fixes and most of them are for 2.1. I've tried dialing the *#*# numbers, but they don't do anything.
I sure could use some suggestions. I'd like to be able to use my GPS. I know it's generally an issue with Vibrants, but mine has never failed to lock on before. Might be slow, might take it until the end of the block, but it always locks. Until now...
Thanks in advance!
Go to the Dev section and look for a thread called GPS Fixes by Solisfiend. It'll be buried way back and I'm mobile so I can't link it. It has directions and app to fix Froyo GPS.
I have 2 posts in there, 1 is clarification of some things and the other is a download app you can use. Should work well for you.
Thank you, Woodrube. I'll do just that.
ETA: Found the link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1393991&highlight=gps+fixes
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda app-developers app