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OK--people are talking all around this issue, and I am looking for a blunt answer. Hopefully this thread can be found easily via Google.
FACT: The GPS fix for stock Galaxy phones we all know about doesn't work for many people.
FACT: Some custom Vibrant ROMs, like Bionix, claim to have fixed the GPS issues.
QUESTION 1: Is the GPS fix in these custom ROMs the same as the one released by Samsung for the Captivate?
QUESTION 2: If not, can anyone verify the performance of the custom ROM fixes? I have seen threads on this site that suggest the GPS is even worse after using a custom ROM (including Bionix).
I am the minority it seems, but my gps is much worse after flashing Bionix 1.8 and 1.9.1. When I was stock JFD I actually created a thread complimenting my GPS.... and now it's useless. No matter how long I stay outside I can not get a lock.
I am not certain what the issue is, because some on the same ROM claim it is great. Not sure how I lost out.... and not blaming sombionix, his rom is so good I still use it even with this issue (and I consider it a big one).
I do not know enough about what he did, but I don't think much was altered from JI6.
Thanks s15274n!
I am going to do some testing...I have access to a stock Vibrant (with no GPS fix), and a stock Captivate (with recent GPS fix). I will do a "map my run" route with each (using my Nexus One and maybe even my G1 as an experiment control), then root the Vibrant with Bionix Fusion, and post my results--probably here and in a blog post. That will give me 5 separate results to compare.
The screenshots and data output should settle all the BS flying around, although I am sure that some people will claim that their particular phone has no problems whatsoever.
derfolo said:
Thanks s15274n!
I am going to do some testing...I have access to a stock Vibrant (with no GPS fix), and a stock Captivate (with recent GPS fix). I will do a "map my run" route with each (using my Nexus One and maybe even my G1 as an experiment control), then root the Vibrant with Bionix Fusion, and post my results--probably here and in a blog post. That will give me 5 separate results to compare.
The screenshots and data output should settle all the BS flying around, although I am sure that some people will claim that their particular phone has no problems whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add my two cents, I've continued to experience horrible GPS performance despite the fix in JI6. Quite simply, it's unusable if I don't open G-Maps before I drive away from my wirless SSID.
Unfortunately, questions posted here are routinely met with "reflash" and "why can't people search? these issues have been solved a million times!". Most people seem content to assume that since it was fixed on their phone, we're too stupid to figure out how to apply this particular "fix".
This is my fifth phone. My G1, MyTouch, and Nexus One all had GPS' which worked simply and reliably. My Galaxy S phones...not so much. It's gotten to the point where I'm seriously considering paying HTC to fix the busted AMOLED screen on my Nexus One so I can go back to that and sell my Vibrant and i9000 on craigslist.
Sorry for the rant. I only meant to chime in to say "you're not the only one". I'm just frustrated.
I'll be interested to see your results if you go through with your test.
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
momulah said:
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much every recent ROM I've used has had very good GPS performance. I'm currently on Master's Axura 2.2.5.9. But I've tried both Eugene's Gingerbread Clone and TW's Nero v3 and both have properly working GPS for me. I'm no dev so I don't know what files have it working so well but someone might.
Nero V3, Eugene's R2 both have properly working GPS.
I have trouble working gps on nero v3...very slow. I went back to jk6 modem and this solved all issues.
Try "GPS Restore" from the Android Market, published by Samsung for the Galaxy S phones. Worked wonders on my phone. Sats lock up in 2 seconds flat!
momulah said:
I am a captivate owner and I am using Dilligafs 4.0 in captivate section of site. Flawless rom except we havent been able to get GPS to work at all. Wireless works for location but GPS does not work whatsoever. If someone can post their gps files and state the folder it is located in for me to try it would be of great assistance to us Captivate owners. Thanks in advance. Please no flaming I know this is a Vibrant forum but we Galaxy S owners should all work together for the greater cause of romunity....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are in the wrong place my friend. You need to look on the captivate site on xda. you won't find a solution for your problem here
I had the same issue when i upgraded from JL4 to JL5 on Eugene's Ginger Clone. Flash the JL4 modem back over it and it will work flawlessly - I am living proof.
fF
nero v3 here, indoor lock with 20 seconds, usually within 5, 15 foot accuracy.
Nero V3 perfect GPS. Less than 3 seconds!
nero v3 and M9 gps working
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Master's Axura 2.2.5.9 is the only ROM that worked for me for the GPS. Why don't you download the ROM and check the GPS files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=891657
i duno..my GPS indoor never lock up as you guys~~on Nero V3. i duno wut's wrong with it. living in brooklyn, nyc. with the wirless it lock me on 2 blocks away where i am...><
What next? G2 owners posting in the dev section having touchscreen issues, justifying their actions because the vibrant and G2 both have touchscreens? Every time I visit these forums this crap gets more and more depressing......
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
No more responses unless you can answer his question
He just wants to know if someone can point him to the gps files in any of the roms. If you can do that, respond, if not no point talking about x rom locks in x secs!
Indoor lock that quick?...how? Did you perform the hardware fix or have a newer vibrant?
harabinger66 said:
He just wants to know if someone can point him to the gps files in any of the roms. If you can do that, respond, if not no point talking about x rom locks in x secs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the deal, the GPS files for the captivate, ARE NOT the same as the Vibrant, so it is pointless to post in the vibrant section.......
And he probably has a driver issue, we have no idea what he really wants, and i believe even he has not idea..... What are the "gps files"??? Does he means drivers (inserted in the kernel?). So yes this post is absolutely pointless in this site
While stefan.buddle may have been a little rude, he is right!
Essentially there are 2 basic problems with ALL the SGS phones. One the software was not 100% when released, now they have a patch that supposedly fixes the GPS, but it works for a while then get flaky.
The other is a hardware issue. The way the antenna in the SGS is made it is a spring clip that pushes against the antenna that is mounted on the backside of the internal case. alot of the phones especially the earlier manf.dated phones ,,,this clip doesn't touch completely resulting in a poor or inconsistent contact to the GPS antenna so poor locks.
So, to correct you have to go open the phone up and CAREFULLY bend this clip up to engage. To assist this not Squashing back down (my fix) cut a piece of the peanut cell foam to wedge in between the clip opening (the flat area) this will give you proper contact and WOW way better reception. Perfect? no way but it will be usable for sure !! also you clean the contact etc... common sense stuff....
Now remember this is not a tom-tom it even in the best working condition will not be as good as that (Samsung calls this GPS assist). But, you will be way happier......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970 This is the sticky that shows how t odo this. Hope this helps.........if so give a thank you
oka1 said:
Essentially there are 2 basic problems with ALL the SGS phones. One the software was not 100% when released, now they have a patch that supposedly fixes the GPS, but it works for a while then get flaky.
The other is a hardware issue. The way the antenna in the SGS is made it is a spring clip that pushes against the antenna that is mounted on the backside of the internal case. alot of the phones especially the earlier manf.dated phones ,,,this clip doesn't touch completely resulting in a poor or inconsistent contact to the GPS antenna so poor locks.
So, to correct you have to go open the phone up and CAREFULLY bend this clip up to engage. To assist this not Squashing back down (my fix) cut a piece of the peanut cell foam to wedge in between the clip opening (the flat area) this will give you proper contact and WOW way better reception. Perfect? no way but it will be usable for sure !! also you clean the contact etc... common sense stuff....
Now remember this is not a tom-tom it even in the best working condition will not be as good as that (Samsung calls this GPS assist). But, you will be way happier......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878970 This is the sticky that shows how t odo this. Hope this helps.........if so give a thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That fix is for the vibrant, are you sure is also for the captivate also?????
I have had a captivate apart they look the same in the inside The Epic is different I have not pulled a Fascinate open to know what is what with them I would guess they are closer to the Epic
I enclosed a picture so you can see the tab touches a piece on the back internal case. I like taking things apart, if you do take it apart go to a music store and get 2 medium flat guitar picks it makes it easier and you do not damage the chrome trim. Take the screws out and then slide between the snap case connection with one get it in then put the other in and work them around about 30 % of the separation and voila' !!! it will open pretty easy. putting back together is way easier snaps in just make sure you get the little radio wire antenna out of the way
gagb1967 said:
That fix is for the vibrant, are you sure is also for the captivate also?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the Captivate forums, they have a thread with the equivalent hardware antenna fix.
hi guys first I want to apologize for my terrible English
and second:
since i am not a developer and i am afraid to mess around with roms and stuff ,so locked bootloader is not something that should interrupt me but i looked alot lately at the forum and it is look like no one is happy with the Atrix...
over heat battery,finger scaner placed badly,the screen isnt smooth as they expected,the music stop in the middle,no software for the fm radio,No WiFi signal,or no signal at all and more...in shortly a huge motorola software Failure
so my question is should i buy it?
because as i said i dont want to deal with the software so much and beside that when you get a new phone you dont want to start with solving software issues
my current phone is samsung 514 or r220 so it will be a huge jump for me but i dont mind to jump so hight =D
Go to a store and try one, its the only way to know for sure. Its worked perfectly for me. Everyone who's seen my phone has commented on how beautiful the screen is. Even galaxy S owners.
I've had no issues whatsoever.
so i guess it is just a matter of luck?
hmm and if i am going to buy it is only on the internet because we dont have it over here...no Wifi/regular signal problems?
The store demo model did have an issue with losing its network connection when I turned on/off its wifi radio, but my device has not and I've been fooling around with it pretty much constantly.
Most of the store demo models weren't activate properly, unfortunately. The usual thing is that an older phone comes down and the new model goes up. They just swap the sim and the hspa+ data plan may not be provisioned properly.
I've had absolutely zero issues with my Atrix. My battery life is great, reception is solid and it's silly fast. Once Tegra 2 specific games and apps become readily available it's going to be that much better.
Play Dungeon Defenders on it and it's insane.
waltah! said:
Most of the store demo models weren't activate properly, unfortunately. The usual thing is that an older phone comes down and the new model goes up. They just swap the sim and the hspa+ data plan may not be provisioned properly.
I've had absolutely zero issues with my Atrix. My battery life is great, reception is solid and it's silly fast. Once Tegra 2 specific games and apps become readily available it's going to be that much better.
Play Dungeon Defenders on it and it's insane.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so evry thing is ok with your atrix too?
so why all the hate for him...do you know if a software update that will make the fm radio work will come soon?
Mine has been perfect. I think people get excited and sometimes expect too much. No phone is perfect all of the time, but the Atrix has been for me.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I have had the captivate for over a year now and have been plagued with terrible gps performance.
Anyhow I am considering an upgrade to the sgs2. But before I upgrade I'd like to know how the performance is on the sgs2's gps. I'm sure samsung improved the gps for this model, but I was hoping to confirm it here.
Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
I also had a captivate for a year. I never had too big of issues with it. It always got a lock ... eventually. The GPS on the SGS II is definately better, but to me still feels like its slow to get a lock. My wife's iPhone 3GS locks faster than my SGS II.
You have 30 days up decide if you want you keep it. I don't think it will be possible for this phone to disappoint you.
Sent from my SGS II
A simple search would have shown a dozen or so threads on GPS performance. They all say the same thing.
the GPS on this phone is eons better than the captivate. On a 3 hour trip from NY to PA, it dropped the signal once. I had to actually reboot the phone to get the GPS to pick up again but it was fine after that. That was the first time I had to reboot to get the GPS to work. Otherwise, its fine.
I get very fast locks ... Even in my house
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
OK. So it gets fast locks which is good but the real acid test is navigation. And not on big straight highways but on surface streets with lots of turns. Does it do this well? Does it need to sit in line of sight to the sky in your car (i.e. on the dashboard) to work or can you drop it in a cup holder and have it track you accurately? GPS was the Achilles heel of the Captivate. I nearly threw mine out the window several times. This was the Captivate experience:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXM_g3mqew
we all agree, GPS on the captivate was not good, although the model i got was OK but still took some time to get a lock and forget about starting the cappy GPS from a moving vehicle.
BUT - the GPS on the SGS2 is SICK !
Samsung went all out to make it a non issue. Will be interested what they did this time - did they use a better chip from a better maker or what, maybe soon we will know.
I had an unlocked vibrant for awhile and similarly to the captivate, the gospel was spotty.
The GS2 has substantially better gps. I haven't used it consistently to give you a full impression about it;however, it seems to lock and track well from past experience. My Atrix has excellent gps as well.
ianwood said:
OK. So it gets fast locks which is good but the real acid test is navigation. And not on big straight highways but on surface streets with lots of turns. Does it do this well? Does it need to sit in line of sight to the sky in your car (i.e. on the dashboard) to work or can you drop it in a cup holder and have it track you accurately? GPS was the Achilles heel of the Captivate. I nearly threw mine out the window several times. This was the Captivate experience:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXM_g3mqew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my 3 hour trip was 75% highway and 25% city (philadelphia and its surrounding areas). The city had a glitch once where it thought i was a block or two off but it self corrected within 10 seconds.
Cool, thanks for ask of the replies. It appears samsung improved gps for the sgs2. If I get one I will definitely test the gps thoroughly within the first 30 days.
I just thought it was sad that my sons cheapo htc aria had excellent gps compared to the captivate. It would lock and track better than most dedicated gps devices.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
sblees said:
Cool, thanks for ask of the replies. It appears samsung improved gps for the sgs2. If I get one I will definitely test the gps thoroughly within the first 30 days.
I just thought it was sad that my sons cheapo htc aria had excellent gps compared to the captivate. It would lock and track better than most dedicated gps devices.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was not just the us variants of the sgs that had issues the i9000 phones had crappy gps, and even my launch captivate had decent but nothing like my i777 sgs2. All the time it took me to type this, my phone's gps now states I am in the correct building via google maps lol where as my Captivate would usually say I am a block to 5 blocks away!
HTH,
Charlie
This has the best GPS performance I've ever had on a device. Mine consistently locks on in under 7 seconds .
axis01 said:
A simple search would have shown a dozen or so threads on GPS performance. They all say the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yet you link to none of them.
So, I got a Rezound last week, kind of hoped that it would still have GB on it, but found out it had that recent ICS build on there. I didn't think much of it until a couple days ago...
First, I think I know the answer already, but since I have this "leaked build", I'm guessing there's no going back to stock GB? What was upgraded besides the ROM (baseband, firmware, etc)?
Second, people are saying that when I talk, it starts out at normal volume, then sounds like I'm holding the phone about 2 feet in front of me while talking (in other words sounding very distant), and coming back... Now, the only person who has actually described the problem is my dad, who has a Thunderbolt. My wife has an Inc2, and has not mentioned any problems, however she may not know what to listen for, as well as others, etc... I've also tried disabling 4g and using 3g only. I am wondering if this is some kind of radio issue?
Third, the bluetooth doesn't seem to have a lot of range. I have a couple bluetooth devices I use often. The first one is a Panasonic KX-TG6581 cordless phone which utilizes bluetooth on the handset to be used as an extension to the cell phone. On previous phones I got whole house coverage (I live in a single level 3000sq ft home). On the Rezound it disconnects at the ends of the house... I also have a Turtle Beach headset equipped with bluetooth. It seems to work fine when initially calling or getting a call, but then there's there's this weird static (kind of sounds like old dial up negotiating tones?). I wonder if this is because of bluetooth 3.0, but not ruling out the headset and rf/bluetooth interference
Last, even running with the extended battery, unless I shut off mobile data altogether when at home (which I should probably be doing anyway, but coming from other 4g phones I never noticed until now), I can stare it for 5 min and watch the percentage dropping. On wifi, not too bad. Just worried if I'm in 4g all day with no wifi will the extended battery last, say 12 hrs? I have no problems keeping it on AC power when at home.
Hope I didn't sound too noobish LOL... thanks for any suggestions.
diehardbattery said:
So, I got a Rezound last week, kind of hoped that it would still have GB on it, but found out it had that recent ICS build on there. I didn't think much of it until a couple days ago...
First, I think I know the answer already, but since I have this "leaked build", I'm guessing there's no going back to stock GB? What was upgraded besides the ROM (baseband, firmware, etc)?
Second, people are saying that when I talk, it starts out at normal volume, then sounds like I'm holding the phone about 2 feet in front of me while talking (in other words sounding very distant), and coming back... Now, the only person who has actually described the problem is my dad, who has a Thunderbolt. My wife has an Inc2, and has not mentioned any problems, however she may not know what to listen for, as well as others, etc... I've also tried disabling 4g and using 3g only. I am wondering if this is some kind of radio issue?
Third, the bluetooth doesn't seem to have a lot of range. I have a couple bluetooth devices I use often. The first one is a Panasonic KX-TG6581 cordless phone which utilizes bluetooth on the handset to be used as an extension to the cell phone. On previous phones I got whole house coverage (I live in a single level 3000sq ft home). On the Rezound it disconnects at the ends of the house... I also have a Turtle Beach headset equipped with bluetooth. It seems to work fine when initially calling or getting a call, but then there's there's this weird static (kind of sounds like old dial up negotiating tones?). I wonder if this is because of bluetooth 3.0, but not ruling out the headset and rf/bluetooth interference
Last, even running with the extended battery, unless I shut off mobile data altogether when at home (which I should probably be doing anyway, but coming from other 4g phones I never noticed until now), I can stare it for 5 min and watch the percentage dropping. On wifi, not too bad. Just worried if I'm in 4g all day with no wifi will the extended battery last, say 12 hrs? I have no problems keeping it on AC power when at home.
Hope I didn't sound too noobish LOL... thanks for any suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have leaked ics (3.11.605.22) on your phone, you won't be able to return to stock gb.
how about re-flashing the leaked ics to see if the radio, bluetooth, and battery issues can be fixed.
Did the phone come brand new with leaked ics or did you buy it used
diehardbattery said:
Second, people are saying that when I talk, it starts out at normal volume, then sounds like I'm holding the phone about 2 feet in front of me while talking (in other words sounding very distant), and coming back... Now, the only person who has actually described the problem is my dad, who has a Thunderbolt. My wife has an Inc2, and has not mentioned any problems, however she may not know what to listen for, as well as others, etc... I've also tried disabling 4g and using 3g only. I am wondering if this is some kind of radio issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny you say that as I have people telling me that now and I'm stock gb. Maybe I need to take my Rezound in.
Sent from the HTC Rezound of Akuma
taptaptouch said:
Did the phone come brand new with leaked ics or did you buy it used
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the ad did say "never used", but I find that hard to believe since the leaked rom was on it... so I would say used
qudwis said:
if you have leaked ics (3.11.605.22) on your phone, you won't be able to return to stock gb.
how about re-flashing the leaked ics to see if the radio, bluetooth, and battery issues can be fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got the phone, we did the sale inside a VZW store, the salesperson turned it on, and it was at the Welcome to Android screen... Thought it looked like ICS but wasn't 100% sure (should have double checked, I know)... even the rep didn't check... So, I'm guessing it was a fresh flash? Of course, not knowing exactly where it originally came from... don't know if that would make a difference?
diehardbattery said:
Well, the ad did say "never used", but I find that hard to believe since the leaked rom was on it... so I would say used
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try returning?
qudwis said:
did you try returning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean to the seller? No, I bought it off Craigslist so I think I'm stuck with it. Doubt I would have any recourse at a VZW store... not 100% sure about a replacement since the tech will want to know software version, etc...
diehardbattery said:
You mean to the seller? No, I bought it off Craigslist so I think I'm stuck with it. Doubt I would have any recourse at a VZW store... not 100% sure about a replacement since the tech will want to know software version, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fry the phone an tell them it dont turn on!!
Don't fry it. It sounds like with some patience and care the phone can be functioning great
Sent from my HTC Rezound with Tapatalk
buckifvr said:
Don't fry it. It sounds like with some patience and care the phone can be functioning great
Sent from my HTC Rezound with Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't planning on frying it LOL... but what about the patience and care... should I start by reflashing? Is there anything else to try or look for at this point?
diehardbattery said:
Wasn't planning on frying it LOL... but what about the patience and care... should I start by reflashing? Is there anything else to try or look for at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull battery, hold down volume down + power. What hboot and radios do you have?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
HBOOT is: 2.21.0000
Radios are: 1.22.10.0310r/1.22.10.0300r
Also forgot to mention that I'm getting this SMS every time I power down and boot the phone...
900080001007: //MIM:android:31110LO 0 30 OK.Sending a lot of IM's? Call *611 to add a CDM messaging bundle if you have not signed up for one!
I'm on unlimited so I don't understand this LOL
diehardbattery said:
HBOOT is: 2.21.0000
Radios are: 1.22.10.0310r/1.22.10.0300r
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not on the latest ICS leak. Your on an earlier leak. I suggest at this point installing the latest RUU.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
nosympathy said:
Your not on the latest ICS leak. Your on an earlier leak. I suggest at this point installing the latest RUU.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay.. I'm a bit confused. Were there earlier leaks that would just let you install on a stock phone? I'm not rooted and saw that it was S-ON when I was in the bootloader?
Is the latest ICS the one that was released around 3/17? I just want to make sure I got the right one here...
diehardbattery said:
Okay.. I'm a bit confused. Were there earlier leaks that would just let you install on a stock phone? I'm not rooted and saw that it was S-ON when I was in the bootloader?
Is the latest ICS the one that was released around 3/17? I just want to make sure I got the right one here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah there have been a few leaks. The older ones didn't run so well and didn't have the updated radios or hboot. The RUUs are supposed to be run on a locked phone. They are signed releases from HTC. Yes it was leaked around 3/17. I am on it as are many others and it runs fine.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
looks like u just need to flash 2.01.605.11 ruu and you will be stock non-rooted
http://www.scottsroms.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=76
Okay, I flashed with what I think is the latest leak. All bootloader info is the same except I have a radio of 1.22.10.308r is this the latest now?
Still having the same issues.... guess I'm stuck till the official ICS comes out so I can get a replacement?