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Isn't GPS by definition line of sight. i.e. your phone needs view of the sky to get a a gps signal or satellite lock.
I have seen multiple posters saying that they are in their house or office building and not getting a lock or signal. Unless you are by the window or skylight, you shouldn't be able to get a signal by GPS alone. The only location information would be gotten from the network.
If people are having trouble getting location lock 'inside', doesn't that mean that there is a location problem in general, not just a gps issue?
I am definitely a noob, but I have been using GPS since the technology came out and my general understanding is that without a view of the sky, you will not get a signal. Or am I missing something?
Its radio based not light based so it will go through some materials. For example, I get sat lock in my second floor but I cannot see any sats downstairs.
Sorry, nope!
See this link:
electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/gps.htm[/url]
In the second paragraph it states that you need a CLEAR view of the sky.
On this link it explains it even further stating that NO GPS reciever is designed to work indoors.
gpsinformation.net/multipath.htm[/url]
Further, satellite TV isn't light based. But it still needs to be outside so that it can get reception from it's satellite. So your statement about it being radio based rather than light based does not answer the question.
Anyone else?
I'm not a GPS expert but I used to get a lock anywhere with my G1. W/O using network so yeah, this GPS officially sucks.
XDA Mobile
MonteCristo22 said:
Isn't GPS by definition line of sight. i.e. your phone needs view of the sky to get a a gps signal or satellite lock.
I have seen multiple posters saying that they are in their house or office building and not getting a lock or signal. Unless you are by the window or skylight, you shouldn't be able to get a signal by GPS alone. The only location information would be gotten from the network.
If people are having trouble getting location lock 'inside', doesn't that mean that there is a location problem in general, not just a gps issue?
I am definitely a noob, but I have been using GPS since the technology came out and my general understanding is that without a view of the sky, you will not get a signal. Or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Certain radio frequencies, including those used by the GPS satellites, are considered line of sight. That is to say, to get a good signal you need to have a clear path to the transmitter. Some radio frequencies actually bounce of a layer of the earth's atmosphere and can travel around the world, and are therefore not line of sight.
If a receiver is sensitive enough and a signal is powerful enough (and depending on the frequency), a signal can still penetrate some degree of cover, so it's possible to get a GPS signal indoors, but as you mentioned, it's usually when one is close to a window. Some GPS receivers are terrible unless you're well out into the open, some can pick up a signal under tree cover.
GPS satellites are something like 12,000 miles above the earth, so by the time a signal gets down to earth it's not all that powerful. Radio power dissipates over distance just like any other form of energy.
You will get the best signal with a clear sky view, but basically modern GPS receivers are now also able to work off reflected signals, as well as the very faint signals which may leak through building walls and so on. A relatively high number of signal errors just translates into reduced accuracy.
Furthermore, satellite-based GPS can be "enhanced" through short-term inertial tracking. Most in-dash nav systems do this (my Suburban will sometimes show a "GPS" icon with a slash through it, and then it relies on inertial nav until it gets a signal again). Your phone can do similar things with the tower signals and perhaps even WiFi SSIDs to help your sat-GPS cope with suboptimal conditions (and it ought to be able to use inertial nav via the accelerometers, but I don't know whether it actually does this).
If you want very high-res GPS, you still have to be outside with one of those backpack-mounted rigs. (A friend of mine does GIS and surveying, and under the right conditions they can get centimeter resolution with those.)
Satellite TV isn't a good comparison for many reasons. First of all, an audio/video stream is a gigantic amount of data compared to the relatively simple timestamped pings that GPS satellites emit. Second, there isn't any demand for electronics manufacturers to provide hyper-sensitive reception: mounting antennas on a roof or exterior wall (or in the case of something like XM, on top of your car) is fine with most people.
I ask because with my iphone 3g It was pretty much spot on all the time. My atrix on the other hand is about 4-5 blocks(WTF) off. This is only my second smart phone but this seemed really odd to me.
Anyone else with inaccurate gps with out wifi on?
Mine is usually accurate to within a few meters, but I don't let it use wireless networks for it basically ever
I played with this a bit more and for what its worth it turns out that if the gps cannot get a satellite connection it does not warn you. For me it was just defaulting to the center of the very small town that I live in. Which is pretty much within 4 block range no matter where I go. The 'Navigation' app does warn you if it cannot get a connection.
So yeah, the gps is good, when it connects
GPS is usually within 20' for me. Wifi is useless w/o a wifi source to connect to. No wifi when I'm out running on trails. And if I'm at home, don't really need the gps.
My GPS is dead on all the time. Only takes 3-5 seconds to get a lock at about 3m and that's indoors. Only time I've ever had a problem with it was while using shopkick in a deadzone inside Wal-mart.
Hi,
I'm having an ongoing problem with my Vibrant not locking onto satellites. I've tried every trick, mod and software update I could find to no avail. After visiting Samsung's web site I saw that every time somebody asked a question about the GPS not working, Samsung's response was that it's a hardware problem and to send the phone in for repair. So I did and this is what happened......
1. I call and give them the exact problem I'm having. That the phone will not see let alone lock onto a real satellite. She emails me a 2day shipping label. I taped a note to my phone also detailing the problem for the tech to see.
2. I get an email a week later saying that they're shipping my phone back to me and this is what they did (Copied from the actual email).....
Original Problem:
Technical Inquiry
GPS
Acquiring Location
Problem found:
DROP CALLS
SW,PRL,OTSL RESET
Solution:
Passed All Functional Testing
After Google'ing what SW,PRL,OTSL RESET meant and finding out that it's just software resets, I called Samsung support back. I asked them if and why the hardware wasn't repaired and reminded them that their web site, in many places says that it's a hardware problem and to send it in for repair and that my phone NEVER DROPPED CALLS. She states that it tested ok and to wait and see. She then tells me that if I receive the phone and still have the same problem, they will find another solution so I wouldn't have to send my phone in again.
3. I received the phone last night. I put my sim and battery back in and turn on the phone. I did nothing but add my gmail account back in so I can download GPSTEST from the Marketplace. After doing so I walked outside and sure enough, after 10 minutes, no satellites. Nothing. This morning I called Samsung and to make a long story short, after talking to level three support, they tell me all they can do is have me send the phone back again.
Here's my problem with Samsung.... I followed their direction and sent my phone in for repair. I twice gave them the EXACT problem I was having. Their own website states that there is a HARDWARE problem. So instead of fixing the exact problem, they find a totally different problem to "fix" instead. They never touched the actual hardware or fixed my problem. They won't take responsibility for their error and find a solution that works. They tell me they don't replace phones, only repair them so they can't send me another phone. They won't even send me a overnight shipping label so I will only be without my phone for 5 days instead of 10. The only solution to my frustration he can offer was to give me an address to send a letter of complaint.
I'm done with Samsung. Is there anybody who can offer a solution to my GPS problem. From what I can tell, it is a hardware problem. Are there any fixes out there or do I just have to get another phone (It'll never be another Samsung)?
Also.. What other recourse with Samsung do I have? It doesn't sit well with me that I just have to accept their excuses and policies that do more for them than the customer.
Thanks
I had the same issue and I just had them send me a replacement. Just go through the live chat on your account, choose the warranty/exchange option, and then tell the rep that you tried all the fixes and updates and nothing works. It took about 15 minutes before the person said they would replace mine. Also, I would talk like you know more about the phone than they do.
Hope Samsung didn't break your gps connector tab
Gps is a hardware issue on vibrant and the best you can get is 25 feet accuracy and 30 sec lock times mostly.
In your case, you do need a replacement that can at least do this much
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Why didnt you simply call tmobile and have it swapped?
Did you try the self hardware fix in this forum? Worked wonders for me and many others.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
frankwhitten said:
I had the same issue and I just had them send me a replacement. Just go through the live chat on your account, choose the warranty/exchange option, and then tell the rep that you tried all the fixes and updates and nothing works. It took about 15 minutes before the person said they would replace mine. Also, I would talk like you know more about the phone than they do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was this with Samsung or T-mobile?
I had much the same experience with Samsung as cconnell11. I last talked with Samsung a month before 2.2 was available. They assured me that 2.2 would fix it, and there was no point sending it in since they didn't have a repair procedure for it and it would come back the same way it was. I asked what would happen if 2.2 didn't fix it. They said all I could do would be to send a complaint letter.
Naturally 2.2 didn't fix the GPS. I'm thinking about what to do next.
I tried the hardware fix today and I still do not see a big improvement. I have gotten mine down as low as 6 meters but no less. My old MT3G would get really accurate compared to the Vibrant. I have more issues with Wifi than I think I do GPS. I adjusted both antennas this morning but my wifi still isn't stellar. I wish Samsung and T-Mobile would just send you a replacement phone up front and repair your phone and re-use it as a replacement after they repair it. The whole 2 day shipping thing sucks when you need your phone for work.
cyberpyr8 said:
I tried the hardware fix today and I still do not see a big improvement. I have gotten mine down as low as 6 meters but no less. My old MT3G would get really accurate compared to the Vibrant. I have more issues with Wifi than I think I do GPS. I adjusted both antennas this morning but my wifi still isn't stellar. I wish Samsung and T-Mobile would just send you a replacement phone up front and repair your phone and re-use it as a replacement after they repair it. The whole 2 day shipping thing sucks when you need your phone for work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I only get 10m accuracy most of the times. I know other phones can get upto 6 ~ 9 feet
You can check here http://www.n2yo.com/whats-up/?c=20 to see what satellites are in your view.
If you get a different set you will have zero chance of locking on. If you show no sat numbers initially you are getting no or incorrect GPS assist to give you at least almanac info. If that is case try GPSrestore.
Do you get any grey bars on GPS test app? They need to be greater then 30 db/No to get initial data lock. It appears that Broadcomm GPS firmware does not report any sat lock until at least 3 satellites are locked enabling a 2D fix.
The only significant HW issue reported is the antenna contact. If for some reason the GPS TCXO calibration value has been lost it could take a very long time to get a lock, maybe never. Once it does it will establish a new TCXO calibration value which is then saved for future use. GPSrestore may retrieve factory firmware stored TCXO calibration.
GPSstatus does a network request for assist data that should get you at least correct sats to look for. Use WiFi if you have it with GPSstatus. Just use GPSstatus for assist download, then close and open GPS test.
I have not tried any of the hardware fixes (yet), but have tried the software reset from Samsung with not much change. When I notice that my GPS is having a hard time locking, I turn off Wifi and it locks almost instantly. I can then turn Wifi back on and it seems to keep a lock.
As an example, I can have a lock/see of 0/2 in "GPS Status" app for minutes. I turn off wifi, wait about a minute and get have 5/12. After turning wifi back on (after lock), I still have 5/12.
By comparison, my Galaxy Tab quickly goest to 7/10 with or without Wifi on.
Accuracy (according to Google Maps) is 10m on the Vibrant and 4m on the Tab.
I am thinking that my new golf GPS app is not going to be too useful with only a 10m accuracy.
thank me later
buy a bluetooth gps receiver such as globalsat bt-359 or any sirfIII or better. Next download bluetooth gps provider from the app market. let their powers combine and you vibrant may become a fully functional gps with the purchase of onboard gps vavigation. hehe
My solution
Since originally posting this I've tried the bending the pins up hardware fix to no avail. If I'm outside with a clear sky GPS status shows several satellites and after about 5 minutes will lock onto maybe three or four of them with about 10m accuracy. Maintaining that lock though is tricky. If I get into the car, it looses it. If I turn the phone upside down and have the bottom face the sky I get a lock on 7-10 satellites with about 7m accuracy. Either way it isn't good enough and I found a new problem. Google Maps just doesn't work with the default settings. It locks the phone up no matter what updates you've done. I fixed that though by changing the Operation Mode to MS Based and the Server FQDN Type to AUTO Config. Now it doesn't lock up and works fine with the exception of the GPS problem. I looked at the Samsung car cradle and noticed that it holds the phone sideways so the internal GPS antenna is facing the sky. This should work great but I don't want it attached to my windshield.
My main problem is that I want to use the phone for Geocaching like I did with my LG Optimus. That was a great phone and the GPS was accurate to 5m consistently. So I went ahead a bought a bluetooth GPS receiver. After a lot of research I decided that the Gosget SB-369 was the best option and it was only $30.00 online. This thing is great. I get a good steady lock on 7-10 satellites with 3m accuracy. This is perfect for Geocaching and was better than my Magellan when it worked right (don't buy anything Magellan). It has a hole in it and is small and light enough to be worn around your neck with a lanyard while Geocaching. You could also just put it in your pocket. It's antenna isn't a standard patch type. It's internal, but round and omni-directional and maintains the same lock no matter what way it's facing. I would recommend this to anyone who needs good accuracy for things like golfing and Geocaching.
I'm going to use this as a solution. I get great accuracy that I need at the expense of having another little gadget to carry.
Hey guys. Coming from 3 HTC Android phones, I never had any problems regarding fast locking and accuracy on my GPS, may it be indoors or outdoors.
With my SGS2, I wasn't really happy with its GPS performance.
Aside from very slow GPS fixing / locking in satellites outdoors (tested with GPS Status app), I get a very jumpy GPS location indoors. Even with downloaded AGPS prior to that.
I created a screen cast of my Google Maps app below for reference. The star on the map is my actual location. Notice how my location jumps from one place to another every few seconds.
Even turning on the sensor aiding made no difference.
Video
I know some of you might say that of course checking it indoors and relying on wifi alone will make it inaccurate. But even my iPod Touch which doesn't even have a GPS chip have no issues locating me.
I'm running Cognition 1.15 and flashing a stock ROM and kernel also made no difference.
Can you guys test yours with my setup: Only Wifi indoors and do not get gps lock outdoors.
I will do further testing.
Welcome to the club m8. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1173683
I think it's jumpy because it's not using gps, but fixating you postilion from you network and wifi. That's why it jumps.
Does your gps show lock at the top icons bar? Or does it just keeps flashing?
Mines going back for sensation or lg.
Hi. My GPS icon is flashing. Yep, I'm aware that it is till looking for a satellite to lock in. Which is a problem in itself by the way ^_^
My point here is that I've done this similarly on my previous phones and with my iPod Touch, same setup. But they didn't produce this problem.
UPDATE: Tested out the GPS outside. It won't lock to any satellite (after like 10mins) unless I turned on WiFi. GPS should work independently, right?
Once I had it locked to 6 satellites at max, I went indoors and same thing happened to the screnario on the video, my location jumps from one place to another. Shouldn't it take the previously GPS locked satellite as reference?
chobie said:
UPDATE: Tested out the GPS outside. It won't lock to any satellite (after like 10mins) unless I turned on WiFi. GPS should work independently, right?
Once I had it locked to 6 satellites at max, I went indoors and same thing happened to the screnario on the video, my location jumps from one place to another. Shouldn't it take the previously GPS locked satellite as reference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is using the satellite position from last lock to help getting a new lock, but it still needs to have stable reception from 3 satellites in different parts of the sky for a certain time in order to lock, it probably doesn't get this indoors.
But you seem to have some problem getting a lock with your GPS, some people are helped by doing a factory restore when they're having such issues. (beware, wipes your data!!!)
What do you mean by turning on Wifi by the way? Do you mean turning on "Use wireless networks" in Location and security menu? This is not something wifi specific, in fact since you're outdoors it normally uses your 3g connection to get approximate satellite positions and your approximate position from network operator. So please doesn't call this turning on "Wifi", because that means turning on/off you wifi receiver, that is another setting
EDIT: added "in different parts of the sky" above, 3 satellites close to each other is usually not enough for a GPS lock.
tjtj4444 said:
It is using the satellite position from last lock to help getting a new lock, but it still needs to have stable reception from 3 satellites in different parts of the sky for a certain time in order to lock, it probably doesn't get this indoors.
But you seem to have some problem getting a lock with your GPS, some people are helped by doing a factory restore when they're having such issues. (beware, wipes your data!!!)
What do you mean by turning on Wifi by the way? Do you mean turning on "Use wireless networks" in Location and security menu? This is not something wifi specific, in fact since you're outdoors it normally uses your 3g connection to get approximate satellite positions and your approximate position from network operator. So please doesn't call this turning on "Wifi", because that means turning on/off you wifi receiver, that is another setting
EDIT: added "in different parts of the sky" above, 3 satellites close to each other is usually not enough for a GPS lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand that. I referred to Wifi because it's the only connection I was connected to in asstistance to my GPS. My mobile data is turned off. But I did test it by isolating only mobile data on to check if AGPS by 3g will get me faster lock on it -- No difference.
I have also flashed a stock ROM and Kernel and fully wiped my phone data but it is just producing the same problem.
To be honest m8 this phone is good on the spec, and looks good too. But poor internal hardware lets it down. I went down to my local shop to see if it was me or something and asked for a demo test for phone they had and they also couldn't get it to lock the gps on it's own.
I feel for andriod, it can give it a bad name. But it's not androids fault it's Samsung, if your phone is new replace it with sensation or lg 3d.
I've even had the opportunity, to try it with CM7 now, so it seems it hardware afterall.
Guys chill down ur balls, gps readings r very subjective and u cant judge on them
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126122
Still really disappointed that my iPod touch can get a very accurate gps fix in less than five seconds considering it has no GPS chip and only using wifi. This has aGPS and sensor aiding and yet it's not very accurate and is jumpy still.
In case you didn't know, the Note can use GLONASS instead of GPS (Click on the words to read more).
People use GPS like "Xerox", "Coke", or "Kleenex"... but nevermind that.
What is your GPS/GLONASS lock time with A.GPS (Assisted GPS (network location)) and sensor aid on??
Please describe whether you are outside or inside. I am also particularly interested the lock time from a fresh boot or if you're using GPS from a new location.
IMPORTANT: Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Why do I ask? My Note takes anywhere from 3-12 seconds to lock when GPS is "hot" and takes 10-25 seconds to lock from a reboot in doors while stationary.
Compared to my Sprint Evo 3D, GSM Galaxy Nexus, or the iPhone4s that I never use, that is slow. When I powered up the Galaxy Nexus for the first time, it locked under 5 seconds! My Evo 3D would lock from a boot in under 5 seconds. The 4s is super fast also. The Note, with GLONASS, is supposed to be faster and more accurate...
Thanks.
Edit: Interesting discovery today--the slow lock and low precision in my car may be because of my car--but it may also be revealing limitations in GLONASS:
Every piece of glass on my car is double-paned (twice as thick as the typical car glass), sandwiched with a polymer layer, along with an IR rejecting coating. This is designed to keep the interior very quiet, makes the glass theft resistant, and the IR coating reduces the heat that enters the cabin (heat travels in the form of infrared). The IR coating, unfortunately, also rejects other radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. That, along with metallic particularized tint, causes a reduced radio performance for any device that is in the interior of the vehicle.
I usually don't have any problems with the GSM/UMTS or CDMA phones, and GPS has no problems either (although I notice a reduced s/n ratio). As I indicated before, other GPS-based phones lock fine, and the GPS+GLONASS iPhone works fine also.
As I was driving home today, I tried opening the window. I noticed that every time I opened, the phone would get a quick and solid lock. Every time I closed, the uncertainty circle appears.
Is it possible that GLONASS, operating at 1.6Ghz, using FDMA is less able to penetrate certain objects than GPS operating at 1.57Ghz using CDMA? I presume civilians are still only using the coarse channels so that doesn't help. It is interesting to see that GPS have no problems in my car while GLONASS does. I will drive another car tomorrow and see if there is a difference.
My Note locked within 2 seconds this morning, on my way to work. I was outside in my car.
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I lock before apps load that can use it such as maps/nav. I came from a Vibrant that even after numerous "fixes" it still could take a couple minutes to lock.
Wow... That is what I expected from my phone. Are you guys all using the stock ROM? If not, what ROM are you using and who is your carrier?
Thanks.
welchertc said:
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same experience here,running stock
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Chief Geek said:
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... maybe it's *my* screen protector that is killing the GPS...
A follow up to those who responded:
Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Thanks for the information.
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
johnus said:
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation, however the more you lock onto the more acurate you are. This is why "quick" on and off checks are rarely very accurate. however, with weather, the phone grabs your location and then queries the closest whether center, which is very rarely in your neighborhood. Typically it's your closest airport or military base, so this will atleast be 20-30 miles away, but often in same or neighboring zip codes.
For the indoor, thing, I never expect (nor really use) reliable GPS signal indoords. Just because you get a lock doesn't mean it'll be enough locks to do much. I rarely get lost going from my kitchen to the latrine anyways, but I suppose with enough beer it could happen. I would suggest (and you probably already have) check to make sure you make use of "use sensor aiding" option.
If all else fails, I will loan you my vibrant and you can experience a man-tantrum in your car when the fking thing wont lock after 5 minutes and your lost as **** and late as hell and google maps keeps freezing and FCing. That'll make you want to wine and dine your other devices for treating you so well.
Chief Geek said:
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you need at least 3 for triangulation (location) and 4th to give elevation.
Another interesting thing I noticed about my Note--even if it locks quickly while I am stationary, it looses lock when I am moving (driving). I had my Sprint Evo 3D, Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Sprint Galaxy S Epic 4G, GSM Galaxy Nexus, and the Note side-by-side on the dash. The only phone that keeps losing and reacquiring the lock the the Note (especially while traveling at freeway speeds).
my note locks on really fast
under 10 seconds for sure.
If im out side its within 5 seconds.
My Skyrocket usually locked in around 10-15 seconds
my inspire....30 seconds.
my nav in the car....30 sec
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Chief Geek said:
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
snovvman said:
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
littlewierdo said:
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so excitable and quick to judge? "Give me a break..."? "Good Lord..."? Really?
Your TomTom uses GPS, not GLONASS and does not have Assisted GPS. GLONASS and A.GPS should allow a faster fix. With these new and additional technologies, the phone SHOULD get a much faster fix than your TomTom. You're comparing apples and oranges.
My Evo 3D, Galaxy Nexus, and other phones I metioned, with GPS (no GLONASS) and A.GPS will almost ALWAYS get a fix in 2-5 seconds. If enough research is done here at XDA, you will find that many newer devices, if working properly, *should* get a lock in under ten seconds. Your "DEDICATED GPS Tomtom" [sic] is a different and arguably less advanced animal.
Another example--the built-in GPS in my two vehicles lock IMMEDIATELY when the car is on. Why? Because they remember the last location, use brake sensors, steering angle sensors, and accelerometers to determine location. If they do not lock immediately, something is wrong.
If you re-read my original post--I am trying to figure out if others have the same problem, and attempting to understand what others are experiencing. At the same time, I provided information on GLONASS, in case other owners didn't know they had it.
For a just-released, $650 device, I expected mine to perform on-par with other phones. Perhaps mine is defective? I wanted to find out if I need a replacement. Last checked, this forum is about people asking questions, sharing information, and learning something. To that end, I am puzzled at your comments--it seems like *you're* the one who is complaining...
So yes, really!
littlewierdo said:
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Really?!
Chief Geek said:
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
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Click to collapse
Yes, I suppose...
While I'm her--there is also F GPS (fake GPS, provides coordinate of your choice to the location manager), GPS to MMS (allows you to send a text/MMS with your current coordinates), and GPS Speedo (a nice GPS-based speedometer).
See the edited OP. I made an interesting observation today. It seems like GLONASS signals are less able to penetrate objects...
My Note's GPS performance is flawless and is my most loved feature of the device. Superquick and very accurate.
I use the GPS all the time for backpacking, motorcycling, running and of course general finding all the stores my wife makes me take her shopping on the weekend.
Even better than my previous iPhone 4 and 3g.
My Samsung Infuse's GPS was a disaster taking forever getting a lock, loosing it, placing on the next road over, and not performing if sitting in the middle of my car...constant frustration so I REALLY am happy with my stock Notes GPS.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.