Most Effective/Easiest Way to Disable GPS? - Touch CDMA Windows Mobile ROM Development

I just wanted a quick way to be able to do this in order to save battery when i dont need it.
i have read/heard that having gps enabled and active doesnt actually use any more battery until it is fed into a maps program (or something similar) which must then use that info to find a location from the internet.
so:
1) does gps really use extra battery when it is enabled/active but not actually being used at the time?
2) what is the best way to terminate the gps connection?
thx, Jim.

somewhere i read that if u go into settings...phone...services...location settings and turn that off (only 911 will use gps) it saves battery...but i havent even updated my vogue to use gps yet so i've only heard this in another thread...i wonder what happens if say u run googlemaps and try using gps while its off, will it enable or just not lock any satelittes?

t0mmyr said:
somewhere i read that if u go into settings...phone...services...location settings and turn that off (only 911 will use gps) it saves battery...but i havent even updated my vogue to use gps yet so i've only heard this in another thread...i wonder what happens if say u run googlemaps and try using gps while its off, will it enable or just not lock any satelittes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya i have read that about the location setting too, im just not sure if that really truly shuts gps off/terminates it completely....? anyone?
as for if it will work with the location setting disabled i am testing it now and...looks like it wont so..maybe that does the trick? hmm not sure...

alright well after another 10000 hrs of fooling around with roms and gps i have learned a lot. but the thing relative to this thread that i just checked is that you do not need location enabled to use gps. works just dandy w/o it. though i think that is where the agps comes in and therefore can/will probably help a bit to have it on, though it does drain more battery so i think im going to leave mine off for the time being.

Related

GPS Lock, anyone with issues?

Has anyone managed to get their GPS Locking in Google Maps?
I've used QuickGPS to download the database and set Google Maps to use GPS but it never gets a fix.
When in TomTom it knows theres satalites about but doesn't connect to any.
Wondering if I have a duff.... anyone else?
How fast do you connect to satalites?
Have you been out of the house? Some houses really interferre with the connection.
Also, maybe there are some settings in the application you have to change? It should get a fix pretty quick. (first time from 10 sec tot 60, after that, below 10 sec).
So you have updated the quick GPS? Did you (after running tomtom and getting the update for the first time) do a soft reset?
quarintus said:
Have you been out of the house? Some houses really interferre with the connection.
Also, maybe there are some settings in the application you have to change? It should get a fix pretty quick. (first time from 10 sec tot 60, after that, below 10 sec).
So you have updated the quick GPS? Did you (after running tomtom and getting the update for the first time) do a soft reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, did a soft reset after I turned A-GPS on in Advanced Config program. Have tried it in work which usually gets a fix, but will try outdoors, just thought I'd ask the question first
why did you do it on in advanced config? maybe that's where it went wrong. Can't remember me having to put A-GPS on in advanced Config program.
I had the issue in google maps where I could not get a lock. I had to manually configure connectivity to com port 4 in settings.
After that it has worked perfectly. I cannot say if TomTom works or not as I am waiting for my ne SD card to be delivered.
I have however noticed that everytime I sync with active sync QuickGPS always moans it is out of date even thoguh I might have updated it about 1/2 an hour ago.
Its not a major issue as its connected to my PC and just downloads the data again. i'm just ignoring it.
Do not use A-gps.
I have my TP2 fixing with no problem without it: first fix in 55", then always under 10".
Try and use for first fix Quickgps.
ninja.rogue said:
Do not use A-gps.
I have my TP2 fixing with no problem without it: first fix in 55", then always under 10".
Try and use for first fix Quickgps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant, turned off A-GPS and loaded TomTom 7.915/Google Maps, got a lock, even indoors.
Spot on, thanks for that!
Turn off A-GPS?
I keep seeing that to make the GPS work better, while also using QuickGPS, the A-GPS should be turned off?
How do I do this?
I have only had the Touch Pro2 for a few days, but have not been able to get a satellite lock in Google Maps even when standing outside away from many buildings.
If it would work better with A-GPS disabled, please tell me how to do this!
Thanks,
Dazzer
Dazzer said:
I keep seeing that to make the GPS work better, while also using QuickGPS, the A-GPS should be turned off?
How do I do this?
I have only had the Touch Pro2 for a few days, but have not been able to get a satellite lock in Google Maps even when standing outside away from many buildings.
If it would work better with A-GPS disabled, please tell me how to do this!
Thanks,
Dazzer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be turned off by default, I turned mine on using a program called Advanced Config.
nicelad_uk said:
It should be turned off by default, I turned mine on using a program called Advanced Config.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks, just going to go try Google Maps again to see if I can get a lock. Maybe I just wasn't outside long enough, or far enough away from buildings last time.
Hopefully I can make GPS work soon
Ok, I just sat outside for about 20 minutes, in the middle of a field, away from any buildings, and was unable to get any GPS lock!
What is wrong here?
I have not touched the GPS Port settings in the control panel, but Google Maps only says Seeking Satellites (0) all the time.
If I do change Google Maps to use COM 4 Baud 4800, it gets worse and says Seeking Satellites (48037656) or some other equally stupid number! At least 0 makes sense, as there are not millions of GPS satellites, only about 20!
Please help, surely there is some way to make GPS work?
Thanks,
DW
Hi all,
AGPS is not currently supported by any UK Networks, so should be turned off if in the UK.
Cheers,
Beasty
i think i ended up setting all mine to com0 but i think it wasn't working originally coz i was sitting in the car and it badly needs a wash (yes that bad). Just stuck it up by window for around 2 mins and it had 8 satellites but i've reset it so often since i last used the gps i wouldn't have been surprised with around 5 mins ... 20 on the other hand is a bit daft
Yeah, I'm beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with settings somewhere, as in 20 minutes outside it never indicated a single satellite in Google Maps.
I have downloaded the Advanced Configuration tool, and it says that A-GPS is Disabled, which is correct for the UK, so there is nothing to change here.
I have tried changing the Port settings, but I don't know what I should change it too. The Hardware GPS port is blank!
Getting close to giving up for the day, but I really want to get GPS working soon!
Dazzer said:
Yeah, I'm beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with settings somewhere, as in 20 minutes outside it never indicated a single satellite in Google Maps.
I have downloaded the Advanced Configuration tool, and it says that A-GPS is Disabled, which is correct for the UK, so there is nothing to change here.
I have tried changing the Port settings, but I don't know what I should change it too. The Hardware GPS port is blank!
Getting close to giving up for the day, but I really want to get GPS working soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I had the same problems, have you updated Quick GPS? Are you using Google Maps?
If you go into settings and go to External GPS my GPS Program Port os COM4 next page GPS Hardware Port is none and Baud Rate is 4800.
Make sure settings are same and restart phone.
Have you installed anything since getting phone? Might be worth doing hard reset and trying is "out of the box" so to speak.
I could confirm the GPS is working and flawlessly! Much quicker than my old HTC P3600i and the locking is done in the CBD area!
I used the QuickGPS (download the latest update) and then using my GPS software called TechrificWay for Australian (it's a rebrand of NavNGo iGo MyWay 8)
Very happy ^^
(I need to set the TechrificWay application settings to find the GPS unit on COM4 though)
I actually spoke to HTC today and they think it's actually a fault with the hardware, possibly the internal antenna for the GPS is not connected properly.
Slightly annoying as I now need to send it back to get a replacement, or have it repaired, but good in that it's not a problem with me using it! There definitely is something wrong that I can't fix, I just can't wait to get one that works now!
I can get a lock, but get bad lag, and it wonders off course regularly. I wonder if it could be that the radio is not that great for GPS, as many other HTCs have suffered with GPS performance that has gotten better with certain flashed radios?
HTC gave me a generic response of "check these settings" (which were all as they should be in terms of com port and baud rate etc... So I think I'll have to call them if it keeps crapping out on me
(Fortunately) For me it turned out to be a genuine hardware fault causing the GPS to not work. I spoke to HTC and they believe I was the first in the UK to need to get a replacement due to a genuine hardware fault, which I guess is an honor (just a very annoying one!).
Even with the GPS not working for the week that I used it, I loved the handset, can't fault it, and can't wait until tomorrow when I should be receiving my brand new replacement, hopefully with working GPS and no faults!
Thanks for the suggestions here though, I needed to make sure it was a hardware fault before sending it back for a replacement.
I've tested three over 30km trips with Tom Tom 7 installed on the device.
Haven't lost a signal once. So it works fine here in Finland.
________________________________________
Check out my in-depth review of HTC's Touch Pro2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgTjS...e=channel_page

ASK: How to keep "Data Connection", OFF!!!!!!!!!!

How in the crap to i keep this dam phone from switching this on by its dam self? Im sick and tired of it flipping it on whenever a program wants to talk to the Internet or whatever, and Doesnt tell me, ask, me or what ever. I just checked my account and the %$&^#%^& has already used nearly half a MB of data. So, how can i force it, when i turn OFF the Data connections, to STAY OFF until i go back, and turn it back on manually?
Also, Since when does the GPS use data? WTF?
probably using A-GPS ??
anyway, download and install nodata, perfect for your situation
Have you tried the tiny and useful app no-data?
http://www.apptodate.org/nodata.cab
somethingdope said:
probably using A-GPS ??
anyway, download and install nodata, perfect for your situation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may have been, i turned it off. I didnt think Agps would use Data, only look for towers, which i thought the dam phones did anyway.
I haven't tried nodata, but ill give it a shot. (long as it doesnt kill my wi-fi)
I think he meant quickGPS, where the phone downloads the gps satellites' information for a faster lock. This does require a connection so it's logical the phone'd be trying to connect. But from what I understand it only needs to download the lists once in a while, not every time you check your position. I even read somewhere that the lists it downloads are good for seven days, which would mean it'd try to connect once a week if that info is correct.
Hi!
It can be the Facebook app, build in the manila. Try to go People -> More -> Actualisation and Events -> Settings and turn off the automatic actualisation of state. I had mine turned on as default.
It also can be a Google maps or any other application that have feature to automaticaly connect to the net.
Hope it will help.
Sry for my english.
Sorry, forgot to report back. Nodata seems to have solved the issue. Sucks it was nessessary. You would think if you turned off Data in the phone settings, it would stay off.
Thanks guys.

GPS is not Very good

The gps is not very good atleast it is not working very well in my phone.
I tried using cardio trainer. And the gps jumps about. Plus the gps signal shown is very low can anyone put their phone gps through the paces and then tell me should I ask for a replacement or its in all phones
Mines fine.
Mine works fine, GPS is actually pretty good as navigation tells you the road names..!
Dopedangel said:
The gps is not very good atleast it is not working very well in my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you clarify if you're talking about hardware or software?
And did you compare GS with other GPS at the very same time and place?
I too am seeing poor performance with the GPS. Seems to be a hardware issue.
I did a test over the weekend comparing my Galaxy S with a friend's HTC Desire. Using one of the many GPS utilities the Desire was consistently seeing and locking more satellites when stood in an open area outside. When running Google maps and showing the current location I found that the "accuracy circle" (for want of a better description) was growing and shrinking several times a minute causing the map to zoom in and out.
I've also noticed that the compass is almost unusable and showing a much lower signal compared to the Desire. I did perform the figure of 8 calibration several times.
Not tried the GPS yet, but I'm amazed how accurate network location is on this thing.
On my old G1 network location was laughable, but this thing knows pretty much exactly where it is without GPS.
MarvinTheAndroid said:
Not tried the GPS yet, but I'm amazed how accurate network location is on this thing.
On my old G1 network location was laughable, but this thing knows pretty much exactly where it is without GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably having wifi on? google can locate you more precise cause it has registered every wifi network during the streetview picture taking.
tommy34 said:
probably having wifi on? google can locate you more precise cause it has registered every wifi network during the streetview picture taking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this is with wifi turned off.
tommy34 said:
probably having wifi on? google can locate you more precise cause it has registered every wifi network during the streetview picture taking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol what kind of anti-google propaganda have you been reading?
Google streetview cars collected data of open wifi networks.
Besides from the fact that google doesn't use the data (which it isn't allowed to have), there are by far not enough open wifi networks to find your location.
Also. You have to have at least 3 networks to be able to determine a location using wifi access points.
So the statement you just made is rubbish and ofcourse nonsense...
BasieP said:
Lol what kind of anti-google propaganda have you been reading?
Google streetview cars collected data of open wifi networks.
Besides from the fact that google doesn't use the data (which it isn't allowed to have), there are by far not enough open wifi networks to find your location.
Also. You have to have at least 3 networks to be able to determine a location using wifi access points.
So the statement you just made is rubbish and ofcourse nonsense...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont care about it, i like it.
hmm. just figured this because where i live there arent any open networks and with wifi on it knows my exact location. Without wifi it has a 1600 m radius.
The GPS seems to work flawlessly for me at least.
BasieP said:
Google streetview cars collected data of open wifi networks. Besides from the fact that google doesn't use the data (which it isn't allowed to have), there are by far not enough open wifi networks to find your location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google collected the SSID and MAC addresses for all of the wifi networks they found, with the explicit intention of using them as an additional source of location data. They also inadvertently collected more data from open networks, and that's what they're in trouble for.
googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wifi-data-collection-update.html
yes and the new google navigation api in the i9000 and android appears to use this data as the damn thing turns on your wifi even when off when gps tries to get a fix!
lgkahn said:
yes and the new google navigation api in the i9000 and android appears to use this data as the damn thing turns on your wifi even when off when gps tries to get a fix!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can disable it in location settings then it wont look for wireless data
Dopedangel said:
you can disable it in location settings then it wont look for wireless data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope it is disabled and try to get a gps fix.. wifi still comes on and then goes off.. not sure what it is doing.
I got mine and tested.
In the beginning I had a perfect fix on location. When I started moving, however, I experienced this "jumping around" issue with a huge loss of accuracy. The circle of accuracy was also changing constantly. I think I show something about the wifi seeing (or not being able to see - can't remember) some hotspots although my wi-fi was turned off.
Maybe indeed - the phone detects wifi networks even if the wifi as such is off and possibly compares it to an internal database (thus explaining the persistence of the problem even when the radio is off and the phone is not connected on the net).
Do you know any good free program that would allow me to get some test data - e.g. number of satellites / signal quality etc (unless there is already one somewhere in the interface - I am new to Android).
Can someone else run a test? Can some one run a test in an area where no wifi exists.
That's bad news,i'm really interested in this phone (money-forgiving for a while ),but i need great gps performances...
Evans_Prophet said:
Do you know any good free program that would allow me to get some test data - e.g. number of satellites / signal quality etc (unless there is already one somewhere in the interface - I am new to Android).
Can someone else run a test? Can some one run a test in an area where no wifi exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try "GPS Test" its on the market for free. From my test the GPS is actually quite nice, several 18-25 SNR connections and a few 26-30 SNR ones ( When outside I even find one or two 31-40 SNR ones which is really great).
Anyway I notice that GPS had become far more accurate when I disabled the Wifi-location option. The only problem is that locking down takes some time ( about 10-20 seconds max) in my area.
kitsune223 said:
Try "GPS Test" its on the market for free. From my test the GPS is actually quite nice, several 18-25 SNR connections and a few 26-30 SNR ones ( When outside I even find one or two 31-40 SNR ones which is really great).
Anyway I notice that GPS had become far more accurate when I disabled the Wifi-location option. The only problem is that locking down takes some time ( about 10-20 seconds max) in my area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok - i will test with that and revert..
By the way, in my wm6 Touch HD there was a utility called quickgps which would download data from server instead of having them downloaded from a satellite with a low speed connection. This increased speed of cold lock. Furthermore there was also another option to enable assisted gps (not sure whether this was different from the quick gps application and what this did exactly). I wonder whether these application / features are automatically enabled in our case.
Evans_Prophet said:
I got mine and tested.
In the beginning I had a perfect fix on location. When I started moving, however, I experienced this "jumping around" issue with a huge loss of accuracy. The circle of accuracy was also changing constantly. I think I show something about the wifi seeing (or not being able to see - can't remember) some hotspots although my wi-fi was turned off.
Maybe indeed - the phone detects wifi networks even if the wifi as such is off and possibly compares it to an internal database (thus explaining the persistence of the problem even when the radio is off and the phone is not connected on the net).
Do you know any good free program that would allow me to get some test data - e.g. number of satellites / signal quality etc (unless there is already one somewhere in the interface - I am new to Android).
Can someone else run a test? Can some one run a test in an area where no wifi exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can also be a problem of google navigation beta?? Did anyone try another gps navigator?
i felt the same thing about GPS, as it is not that good , as there's no wi-fi Google can detect hear. the performance was not that good at all!.
but tonight i used the GPS without the Wifi (i turned it off) and for a surprise the performance was amazing, I was with my friend in his car watching the road as he drive and watching the google map in my phone and was very good indeed.
that's strange!.

[Q] Android GPS Navigation, Long duration while determining current location

I've been testing copilot 8 on my Desire G7 lately. I keep the GPS turned-off, when I'm not planning on using the navigation application and I activate it before i start the navigation app (copilot). At start up, it always takes the app 1-3mins or a longer time to determine it's current location.
Could anyone with off-line GPS experience tell me whether this kind of performance is within the normal boundry? A friend told me that leaving the GPS activated at all time will solve the problem. Is it true? If I do that will the GPS constantly sync satelite signals and causing it to wear out faster than usual?
yrneh122 said:
I've been testing copilot 8 on my Desire G7 lately. I keep the GPS turned-off, when I'm not planning on using the navigation application and I activate it before i start the navigation app (copilot). At start up, it always takes the app 1-3mins or a longer time to determine it's current location.
Could anyone with off-line GPS experience tell me whether this kind of performance is within the normal boundry? A friend told me that leaving the GPS activated at all time will solve the problem. Is it true? If I do that will the GPS constantly sync satelite signals and causing it to wear out faster than usual?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you keep your gps enabled, it will already have a satellite fix before you run your gps apps, so there will be no waiting time, the gps dosent constantly sync satellites, it just keeps a fix, it will use more battery, and it will also use the gps for "my location" but it isnt a noticeable battery drain!! try it, if you think it drains your battery you can always disable it
AndroHero said:
if you keep your gps enabled, it will already have a satellite fix before you run your gps apps, so there will be no waiting time, the gps dosent constantly sync satellites, it just keeps a fix, it will use more battery, and it will also use the gps for "my location" but it isnt a noticeable battery drain!! try it, if you think it drains your battery you can always disable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to know that keeping the GPS activated will solve the problem. I'm not too worried about battery drain, since I can charge it frequently and the battery is at least replacable. My understanding is that if the GPS can maintain a "fix" on my current location, it should be synchronizing location data with satelites. My location varies throughout a day. It would mean to me that the "fix" on my location a GPS has is dynamic information. For a machine to maintain dynamic information, it must be processing some type of data at a particular frequency, which means that the GPS will be frequently operating. Is there anything wrong with my speculation?(I'm new to these stuff. Sorry if i'm wrong.)
My biggest concern is that whether keeping the GPS activated 24/7 will cause it to wear out at a abnormal rate. Have you had experience in taking such a practice with your mobile phone for a long period of time while your GPS hardwares still function at normal performance.
Thank you for helping me with my questions.
I've been using Co-pilot with my Desire ever since I got it (end of March) and GPS has always 'fixed' in less than 30 secs.
Recently I was trying out different radio ROMs (for non-GPS related issues) and there was one that took an awful long time to obtain a GPX fix. I switched to another one and all was fine again.
NB: My GPS is off and only switched on if and when an app requires it.
sh500 said:
I've been using Co-pilot with my Desire ever since I got it (end of March) and GPS has always 'fixed' in less than 30 secs.
Recently I was trying out different radio ROMs (for non-GPS related issues) and there was one that took an awful long time to obtain a GPX fix. I switched to another one and all was fine again.
NB: My GPS is off and only switched on if and when an app requires it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask what rom/radio you've been using? Do you still remember which rom/radio didn't work quite well with your copilot? How often do you use your copilot?
I was having the same problem with the stock ROM & radio (2.2 latest OTA). Haven't tried yet with the new ROM (Leedroid 2.2d), but I was wondering if there was an Android application similar to QuickFix, Ephemeris or such on WinMo (downloading some satellite positioning data every few days to keep an approximate mapping of satellites, thus helping for a quick fix).
I also keep my GPS off unless an application requires it (e.g. navigation).
yrneh122 said:
May I ask what rom/radio you've been using? Do you still remember which rom/radio didn't work quite well with your copilot? How often do you use your copilot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well even with a stock ROM and radio (T-Mobile UK), which I had running for about 1.5 months, Co-Pilot still used to have a fast fix.
Later I upgraded to the earlier MCR ROMs (leaving the stock radio) and it was still fine.
After that I went to Froyo LeeDroid ROM (v2.1a) and upgraded the radio to meet minimum requirement (I forget what version it was). With this same ROM I am now using 32.48.00.32.
I can't remember what radio version didnt work well with GPS, but it was one that many threads stated it had a 'better battery life'.
I don't use Co-pilot that often but whenever I do, the fix is reasonably quick.

[Q] Smart Protect

Is there a "Smart Protect" or similar available for the GalaxyS?. I do have the sim swap security enabled but would like to track the phone if it's lost or stolen. I have SP on my Omnia and it's been brilliant.
i use 'lookout mobile security' there is a free version and a paid version (or 30day free trial) and i think its awesome..... i can quickly go to the website mylookout.com if my phone is lost or stolen. i can switch gps on,,, track it down ,,, do a complete wipe of the phone,,, block the phone and loads more.. all from my pc..
and it doesnt drain my battery either (i keep mine active 24/7) cause i never know when im gunna get jumped by a load of chavs when im walking my doggie lol
Thanks ADazzle I installed lookout and it works well but...............
GPS needs to be turned on all the time (cell locate too inaccurate). GPS uses google maps so consumes data all day ? GPS consumes battery all day? or am I missing something
well i never have gps activated on my phone. but when i activated it thru mylookout.com it turned gps on and tracked it down quite well... there are a few 'gps fixes' out there that could improve the accuracy.... just put it in the search bar...
ive never looked this up as im happy with my gps accuracy
OK, thanks, maybe I was confusing GPS enabled with turned on.........you are correct......from Lookout FAQ
"Yes! Lookout makes use of the Android phone’s GPS receiver as efficiently as possible. When a locate is requested for an Android device, Lookout can remotely turn on the GPS while the locate is running and then turn it back off again (locates can run for a few minutes to get the best location results). This helps to conserve your phone’s battery life. Lookout only uses the GPS to get your location when you explicitly request it.
It should also be noted that if your GPS is enabled, that only means apps have the ability to use it. It does not mean it is being used continuously or that your location is constantly being tracked"
Where in the world are you? For some countries the built in security does just this plus remote lock/wipe.
Tehpriest, I'm in South Africa. I think I misunderstood 'Remote Tracker' as being activated only by a sim swap. Probably because of the way the description is written. Having read carefully once again as a result of your post, it appears it's a full function tracker.
I'll follow up and test it. 'Lookout' is working well and has back-up and a virus scanner too.
Tried it and web responds......."for legal reasons this service is not in service in some countries"
Checked with service provider and they confirm RT not enabled in RSA
I use Prey, it works by sim swap or activation text, never had reason to use it yet, but you can use it for multiple devices so have it on my iMac and my kids phone as well.

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