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Hi everyone, I've had my Vibrant since mid-December and I love it except I get VERY spotty reception in my house.
I know it's not a carrier issue, as my mom and friends have the same carrier (Wind Mobile) and they seem to have decent/good reception at my place. My reception drops consistently in my main floor and is non-existent in my basement.
I'm running TW Bionix V with KA7.
Is anyone aware of a hardware fix (similar to the GPS fix) that might be do-able and works?
Thanks
Have you tried flashing different modems to see if any of them make a difference?
You may also be experiencing bad reception due to the fact that the antenna is located at the bottom of the phone so our hands block it when we hold the phone in portrait orientation. Why Samsung chose to be it there is beyond me.
I know what u r going thrugh, my 2 brothers have vibrants aswell and for some ****ing reason my vibrant has significantly worss signal then their vibrant. I already tryed opening it and puting an external antenna but it only helps if the antenna is going straight ought of the phone, as soon as I try to close the cover it losses its usfulness.
I've tried different modems in the past.
KA7 so far has been the best, but that isn't saying too much.
I have actually just opened up my phone and located the 2 copper connectors at the bottom right (when my phone is turned back-up). I read in the Correct GPS Fix thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970) that these are the cell reception connections.
I put a small piece of rubber underneath the connection and SO far it actually seems to have improved it.
I will report back throughout the day. Typically I lose reception while walking through my house so I'll see if that happens as well.
*Sigh*
I think it may have been a placebo effect. The reception is still dropping off on my phone while in the house.
Doesn't seem like bending the copper connection does very much.
I'd just try different modems. For me, KA6 < KA7 < KA5/JL5 and KB1 has been great for download speeds.
You're holding it wrong! Hold it the correct way (at the top).
Just kidding, but yeah, try different modems. KA5 and KB1 gave me the best reception. Or maybe Tmobile has poor coverage in your area.
Why dont you use wifi calling feature at home. Then you shouldnt have a problem unless you dont have internet at home.
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
My phone have a hardware defect when i'm holding the phone on it's bottom left.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
PaiPiePia said:
When you say your mom and her friends have great reception, just curious, are they using Smartphone?
Because if they are using feature phone then the phone might be displaying 2g network strength oppose to 3g which your phone by default tries to get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are on the same network (Wind), my mom is using a Blackberry Pearl 9100 and my friend is using a Moto XT720. Both are set to only use the WCDMA network. So it wouldn't be a problem with them on 2G.
I just find it odd, some people are reporting great reception with the phone, but my reception has been half a$$.
Moved of: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant General
To: Samsung Vibrant > Vibrant Q&A
Please put your questions to: Vibrant Q&A
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
nuke777 said:
**** I wish I knew what makes my vibrant reception worse then other vibrants. if it is the internal antenna then I might work something out but if it is a defective motherboard then I'll be waisting my time.
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I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
muchelaguito said:
I have noticed that my reception has improved when I started using a ruber/plastic case... somehow direct contact with my skin affected reception. I have an Otterbox Commuter.
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Actually I have noticed this also with my otterbox. Use to get 1 or 2 bars in parts of my house now i keep 3 or 4.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
rangercaptain said:
The otter box lowers reception? What reception would you get with the back phone cover off?
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Click to collapse
No, actually, the other way around. I have BETTER reception with the Otterbox, as weird as it may sound.
mattchew008 said:
I wish I could use wifi calling!
I'm actually in Canada using Wind Mobile (not T-Mobile), and it doesn't work unless you're on the T-Mobile network/using their SIM if I'm not mistaken.
The coverage in my area is decent (my mom and friends get steady reception, while I do not).
It seems to be specifically for my Vibrant.
I will try changing the modem to maybe KA6 (I can just flash with CW?) and see if that fixes anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally just load the modem into the internal sd card, then reboot into recovery and then install by "choose which to install> select it and say YES
That never has problems sometime CWM can hang it it is a hassle.
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
oka1 said:
Also, there is a patch that allows to use wfi calling doesn't matter that carrier doesn't like it it works........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you happen to know where to get this patch?
I'd love to give it a try, it would definitely make my life much easier
My phone was acting odd today, so I went to an AT&T store. The phone would constantly switch between HSPA/+ and EDGE, or it would have no signal. The first rep I spoke with gave me a new SIM. That worked for a few minutes, but then it stopped. I went back and told them about it. The AT&T network is working fine in m area, so its something on my end. This is interesting: they took my SIM and put it into another Galaxy S II i777 and that one started acting the same way. I asked them to try putting the SIM into a non-Galaxy phone, and that one worked fine.
We're not sure what the problem is, but just giving you all a heads up that it could be a flaw with the Galaxy S II i777.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would be happy to listen. Oh, btw I am rooted but no network setting or mods have been done.
Not a problem here. I would get a new phone, warranty. Sucks. Personally the signal strength has been amazing, thnk God, cause I fought signal issues with my inspires.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
this is why I'm testing out my phone without touching it, for a week or two.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
The phone idles in 3G and HSPA+ kicks in only when data is active. There's a feature called fast dormancy that shuts down all activity until needed in order to save battery. It's pretty seamless so it shouldn't be impacting your performance.
Does anyone this it could be because it is rooted? I don't want to un-root if its not needed.
Also, it just started happening today. I rooted the phone the first day I got it (Tuesday).
BarryH_GEG said:
The phone idles in 3G and HSPA+ kicks in only when data is active. There's a feature called fast dormancy that shuts down all activity until needed in order to save battery. It's pretty seamless so it shouldn't be impacting your performance.
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Click to collapse
Fast dormancy is not supported by AT&T's network and the phone doesn't have it enabled by default for this reason.
Also, if on a stock ROM, when in a UMTS mode or greater, it lies and always disables H+. However, it shouldn't be dropping to EDGE or no signal.
speedking261 said:
Does anyone this it could be because it is rooted? I don't want to un-root if its not needed.
Also, it just started happening today. I rooted the phone the first day I got it (Tuesday).
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Click to collapse
Nope, not related to being rooted. No problems here.
I have the unlocked version and its doing the same. The phone is stock and not rooted
I have no probs...
And im rooted
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
samomamo said:
I have the unlocked version and its doing the same. The phone is stock and not rooted
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Click to collapse
Is yours the I777 or the international?
Entropy512 said:
Fast dormancy is not supported by AT&T's network and the phone doesn't have it enabled by default for this reason.
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Click to collapse
Huh? An AT&T engineer confirmed they support FD in the international SGS2 forum. I've been using an international SGS2 on AT&T since May with FD enabled and never had an issue. You can tell when you're on a network that doesn't support it because the battery drains like crazy. I've seen it happen when roaming in Europe.
BarryH_GEG said:
Huh? An AT&T engineer confirmed they support FD in the international SGS2 forum. I've been using an international SGS2 on AT&T since May with FD enabled and never had an issue. You can tell when you're on a network that doesn't support it because the battery drains like crazy. I've seen it happen when roaming in Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the star command to check the status of fd? I do recall.seeing it disabled on the sgs2
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App
My infuse did this a ton and I dropped calls like mad. This has only done it a couple times. I live on the edge of "4g" so it bounces.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
BarryH_GEG said:
Huh? An AT&T engineer confirmed they support FD in the international SGS2 forum. I've been using an international SGS2 on AT&T since May with FD enabled and never had an issue. You can tell when you're on a network that doesn't support it because the battery drains like crazy. I've seen it happen when roaming in Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the ROM developers in the Infuse forum enabled FD and got that EXACT symptom - major battery drain.
I'll try tomorrow evening as a test. I've changed too much today for a valid test this evening though, other than verify the day's changes.
Entropy512 said:
One of the ROM developers in the Infuse forum enabled FD and got that EXACT symptom - major battery drain.
I'll try tomorrow evening as a test. I've changed too much today for a valid test this evening though, other than verify the day's changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only difference I can think of is that the vast majority of international SGS2 users are on 3G plans using the Cingular APN. Both the Infuse and AT&T SGS2 are routed over the 4G servers via a unique APN. Maybe the 4G servers don't support FD?
Anyone have any suggestions for my problem? If not, I think that I'll get a replacement from amazon.
speedking261 said:
Anyone have any suggestions for my problem? If not, I think that I'll get a replacement from amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say Amazon, are you using an international SGS2? If it's on a 4G plan using the 4G APN you might try disabling fast dormancy like Entropy512 suggested. The code to access the menu is *#9900#. If it's on a 3G plan make sure you're using the Cingular APN - the 4G APN doesn't work with a 3G plan.
BarryH_GEG said:
When you say Amazon, are you using an international SGS2? If it's on a 4G plan using the 4G APN you might try disabling fast dormancy like Entropy512 suggested. The code to access the menu is *#9900#. If it's on a 3G plan make sure you're using the Cingular APN - the 4G APN doesn't work with a 3G plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's an I777 US model. I bought it off of wireless.amazon.com (their official cell phone store).
I'll test FD on my i777 all of today and let you guys know. Maybe it's an antenna specific thing?
shishir95 said:
I'll test FD on my i777 all of today and let you guys know. Maybe it's an antenna specific thing?
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I'm gonna test it overnight tonight - since I've got a fairly decent baseline of what to expect for overnight drain.
I bought an s3 a week ago on ebay. That was my first mistake the signal strength is awful browsing the internet without wifi is really bad it can take up to 5 secs to load google. Now my wife has an S3 with tmobile uk and hers is fine. Mine was originally on vodaphone but I am on O2 I have put her sim in mine flashed to the same stock rom and my s3 has still a poor signal normally two bars. Just tested I get -105dbm and 4asu. I can only conclude that after trying every network rom combination my phone is faulty. I had no joy with the ebay seller I am not sure I could take it to vodaphone as I was not on the original contract. Any idea guys how a resale affects warranty, ideally I would like the handset replaced or repaired. Lessen learned not to try and get an ebay bargain
How much did you pay for the phone??
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I've just looked at the status of my phone and I'm getting 95dbm and my phones fine, where do you live?? I live in hampshire on vodafone and the signal here is variable, despite living within a cats throwing distance to the cell tower (5mins walk)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Have you tried flashing a different modem. I flashed lf2 modem and my signal strength was back to normal it was bad with lfb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
uronfire said:
Have you tried flashing a different modem. I flashed lf2 modem and my signal strength was back to normal it was bad with lfb
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or their is that option.....+1 buddy
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
As stated, try an alternative modem which has resolved my network issues previously.
If it is still not resolved, contact Samsung - don't mention eBay purchases - the serial number will show up fresh on their system (tested with known blocked handsets lol) they will organised a repair; and 9/10 times will not request a proof of purchase unless referring you to a local center; but this issue would be hardware related so they will request sending it in. Just ensure you go back to stock.
thanks for the info. I expect Samsung should repair anything as long as the iemi number is not reported as stolen.
tried the LF2 modem and its made no difference, however I have used an tmobile sim this morning, signal strength is the same but 3g/H data is working really fast, now I am wondering if my data on my o2 sim is poor as its cut down microsim. going to get a proper 02 microsim and test again
commodore65 said:
thanks for the info. I expect Samsung should repair anything as long as the iemi number is not reported as stolen.
tried the LF2 modem and its made no difference, however I have used an tmobile sim this morning, signal strength is the same but 3g/H data is working really fast, now I am wondering if my data on my o2 sim is poor as its cut down microsim. going to get a proper 02 microsim and test again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the gold contacts on the bottom have not been damaged it will have no effect - plus it wouldn't effect data tbh as all the phone will do is read your networks information and they send/receive the data. But feel free to try; I personally have noticed that 3G/HSPA/+ is a lot slower on O2 compared to any other network tbh - but then again these data connections for O2 has only recently been added to my area, up until a few months ago the fastest we could get was Edge on O2, while the rest of the networks in my area has had 3G for at least 2 years lol.
Hi all,
Has anyone updated their Orange S3 to 4.1.2 through KIES? Does it include any bloatware or anything useful (unlikely).
Also, has anyone taken a dump of the FW?
Just wondering as I have not seen much coverage of this other than that it has been released, eventually.
Cheers
MS
I think most people on here will have flashed the unbranded firmware to be honest.
Could be wrong though....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Probably...
You are probably right, I am running the latest and greatest stock release, but live in hope that Orange will include Signal Boost in an update, one day.
mikep99 said:
I think most people on here will have flashed the unbranded firmware to be honest.
Could be wrong though....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt EE will go to the trouble of a bespoke radio firmware for their network, the XXELLA modem is working fine for me on EE with 12Mbps speed recorded on occasion (why bother with 4G when H+ is delivering that?).
I'd suggest you try flashing a few of the 4.1.2 radio variants to see if your signal improves, but this may also decrease your battery life.
boomboomer said:
I doubt EE will go to the trouble of a bespoke radio firmware for their network, the XXELLA modem is working fine for me on EE with 12Mbps speed recorded on occasion (why bother with 4G when H+ is delivering that?).
I'd suggest you try flashing a few of the 4.1.2 radio variants to see if your signal improves, but this may also decrease your battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Orange Signal Boost is a UMA application for Orange -- it allows you to make/receive calls / SMS over wifi when you have no signal. It was in the GS2, but not in the GS3, unfortunately. I was really hoping it would come out as well as I have practically no signal where I live unless I am right next to a window.
arghness said:
Orange Signal Boost is a UMA application for Orange -- it allows you to make/receive calls / SMS over wifi when you have no signal. It was in the GS2, but not in the GS3, unfortunately. I was really hoping it would come out as well as I have practically no signal where I live unless I am right next to a window.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likewise, it is a shocking oversight that they have not brought this out for the S3. I have to stand in my kitchen if I want to use my phone! Sometimes that doesn't work either, so I have an excuse to go to the pub (I get signal there!).
Indeed
XXELLA does give good performance and I have tried modems galore, but when there are many houses between you and the base stations sometimes you just need some help!
On a slightly off topic note has anyone tried the BT Smartalk app? Although its just for outgoing calls its pretty handy for making calls against your BT allowance over WIFI.
If only we could have a seamless phone / wifi handover for calls.....I live in hope (and know that its been punted as a future before)
And I completely agree about the Signal Boost UMA side of things, its was super handy in my S2 when I occasionally ran a stock ROM or installed while rooted, plus I could make calls on the WIFI on the Underground in London, I do miss it!
boomboomer said:
I doubt EE will go to the trouble of a bespoke radio firmware for their network, the XXELLA modem is working fine for me on EE with 12Mbps speed recorded on occasion (why bother with 4G when H+ is delivering that?).
I'd suggest you try flashing a few of the 4.1.2 radio variants to see if your signal improves, but this may also decrease your battery life.
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Hey all,
I and many other Galaxy Mega owners on this forum have been experiencing issues with poor/spotty signal that in return drains battery life.
This is an issue that is very real. I have tested in different places a Mega next to a Note 2 and an iPhone.
The results shows that while Note 2 and iPhone have full signal strength, the Mega struggles to keep 3 out of 4 bars, and most of the time it stays at 2 bars. I noticed this issue and returned the Mega for a new one, the new one had the same issue.
Someone on here had a theory that it was only a problem that occured with European users, but I dont know why that would be.
Anyway, is there someone out there that could help us noobs out and look into this issue?
I really love the phone, but the spotty signal issue is quite annoying to say the least.
For those of you who share the same issue, please raise your voice.
If you have a serious problem talk to your carrier, it could be a setting or something their end
Sent from my GT-I9205 using Tapatalk 2
Kangburra said:
If you have a serious problem talk to your carrier, it could be a setting or something their end
Sent from my GT-I9205 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont believe this is a carrier issue. Ive had the same carrier with all my phones, and Mega is the only one with spotty/poor signal strength.
Other threads on this forum are reporting the same issue.
I have the i527m version here in Canada and i have no problems at all with having a low signal as it always is strong and the LTE/4g works awesome..not sure on some other models why this is happening, maybe the moden/radio is forsure different in the i527m version then others, but i am not sure if the signal strength is good all across Canada or not, but i know my area it is good.
starmaster10 said:
I have the i527m version here in Canada and i have no problems at all with having a low signal as it always is strong and the LTE/4g works awesome..not sure on some other models why this is happening, maybe the moden/radio is forsure different in the i527m version then others, but i am not sure if the signal strength is good all across Canada or not, but i know my area it is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an AT&T Mega and I have not had this issue at all! I went from a Note 2 and I have the same or better signal strength with the Mega.
Later
hdbueller said:
I have an AT&T Mega and I have not had this issue at all! I went from a Note 2 and I have the same or better signal strength with the Mega.
Later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is good to hear also..and the rooting should come hopefully soon for the i527 version. :good:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2335242
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2335242
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415577
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2401386
Just some examples of people experiencing the same thing.
Is there any possible solution for this? Like flashing the modem or something? (and in that case, which modem? Im european).
My signal is so much better on the mega..... I used to get on 2meg downloads now I download at the minimum of 8....
Mega for the win
Sent from my GT-I9205 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
MegaObsessed said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2335242
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2335242
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415577
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2401386
Just some examples of people experiencing the same thing.
Is there any possible solution for this? Like flashing the modem or something? (and in that case, which modem? Im european).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try all the modems, what works for one will not for another.