[Q] How to make GPS work ? - Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
Since I am new to the DHD I still do not know the correct way to get the GPS to work.
I have the GPS turned on, and I launched the Navigation app and it says "searching for GPS". It has been searching since the last 30mins without any luck.
Is this a hardware or software issue ? Anything I am doing wrong ?
MJ

You sat inside by any chance?

Yes I was inside my room but I was standing by the open window with the phone outside.

mjehan said:
Yes I was inside my room but I was standing by the open window with the phone outside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I have had similar problems and posted similar questions....
the first gps fix will take some time....the 2nd, likely a lot less...
What worked for me:
- I have setup gps to not work with network (wifi or 3G), this means it only uses the gps module....
to get a gps fix, especially in the car, it helps if you put the DHD near to the windscreen, so it is better able to pick up the GPS signal...
when I was inside my home, it took forever to get a fix, when I now put it in behind the windscreen, my DHD with silicon case gets a fix in about max 1 minute....if I use the Wifi or 3g network it is even less....
hope this helps

Try the miui site gps fix
http://www.miui-au.com/howtos/faster-gps-fix/
It works extremely well for me, and i do it every time i flash a new rom.
You could also try
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1252011
I don't see that much of a difference, but i guess its because i don't have a network connection on most of the time.
You can also try different navigation software. There are heaps of free ones on the market, and they seem to get a much faster GPS lock (Than google or HTC navigation).
I just realised that this thread was from ages ago :/
I'm also not too sure how i got to this thread in the first place...

Get gps fix or gps status & toolbox from the market to lock
Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191

try a few of the suggestions from Q14 from ARHD thread. Updating the gps.config file as described (Q14:5) sorted it for me. I get a sat lock in seconds now.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=840040

Related

GPS on desire

Am i doing something wrong or am i right to believe that the gps on the desire is pretty pants?
I have tried testing it several times on different journeys and i can't say that its reliable. I never had a problem when navigating using my son ericsson w900 with a bluetooth gps reciever. but this is just.......... i makes me want to throw the phone out the car window!
The desire is always losing gps signal, and im not 100% sure here but it seems to work better when its not plugged into the car charger but then we all know about the battery.. the phone locks onto gps whenever it wants to. ive used the gps test app and it doesnt really tell me much more than what i already know.
im using a stock unbranded desire.
can anyone clarify what the problem is here?
thanks.
Maybe you have an athermal windshield and something goes wrong. Have you tested the gps out of the car?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
i found the gps to be excellent when i was on stock rom
since i rooted and flashed custom roms i havent really used gps
I find the GPS to be brilliant. I get a GPS signal even indoors and only have small windows.
Mmm maybe ill give htc a call.. i cnt be arsed to send it off again though pffffff..
Do u guys use google nav?
I use the gps all the time and it's very precise and fast.
Maybe you have some specific problem that you need to fix.
since moving to r5/r6 (was fine on stock and mcr 3.1) mine;s crappy. 10 minute walk into work and normally it would lock on within seconds of leaving the house, now it goes 0/6, 0/8, 0/9, 0/10 - until i'm almost in work. about 6-7 minutes of walking till it finds me. that's pretty pathetic really.
when it locks on it's fine. problem is, i went from 100% to 85% since during my 8 minute walk trying to get the damn thing working. if i was driving i'd be going in one direction waiting for the damn thing to kick in before it tells me which direction i should take
I have found that the Desire with the Telstra ROM on it has some what inaccurate GPS. I know the GPS with most Desires is excellent, but the Desire with Telstra has had GPS issues from day one. It didn't even work when they first released the device. Wondering if a stock rom being flashed over the Telstra one would fix the issue.
I am sure if it is their ROM that is causing the problem, that flashing a different, stock ROM would fix the issues?
GPS on my Desire is excellent, fast lock and very precise. Drains the battery rapidly though
Yep my gps is bang on.. connects almost instantly and is precise.
..sent from my Nokia 3310 using voodoo...
siliconaddict said:
GPS on my Desire is excellent, fast lock and very precise. Drains the battery rapidly though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! My Desire is locking fast and it's very precise on the roads... I'm using unbranded Desire with stock 2.1-update1
A bit off topic here, but i would like to ask, if i wanna install a different GPS software on the Desire that is not being downloaded via the market, do i need to have my phone rooted?
mazinya said:
A bit off topic here, but i would like to ask, if i wanna install a different GPS software on the Desire that is not being downloaded via the market, do i need to have my phone rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't have to. As far as I know no commercial Android apps require root access.
I use GPS Essentials to get a view of what my Desire can see.
I found that it helps having the data connection ON. I guess that's what the A (assisted) in AGPS does: -)
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Torben said:
I use GPS Essentials to get a view of what my Desire can see.
I found that it helps having the data connection ON. I guess that's what the A (assisted) in AGPS does: -)
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS Status is the only app
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
The most recent update uses geoid height for altitude, which afaik no other app does, so the altitude reading wherever you are should be damn accurate
Yeah cant complain either, gps usally always works alright both in copilot and waze etc.. sometimes it can take time to lock in but its rare and it depends where u are.
and i use this program to check status, its the best one ive used so far.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.chartcross.gpstest
Mine doesnt connect when plugged into car charger, i guess this doesnt happen to anyone else?

[Q] Big GPS problem with HTC Deisre

I have HTC Desire from 2 months. I don't remember when i check first the GPS but i think that all was OK. 2 days ago i install some GPS programs, but when i start then and they try to connect to satellites - nothing happen. I wait 4-5 minutes - nothing. Someone told me to install GPS Test from market to see did the telephone receive any GPS info from satellites. The program show that there are 8 satellites, but all stay in GRAY color (not in use). Does someone have a solution for this problem?
PS: Excuse me for my bad English.
I had the same problem and thought that my GPS unit was defective.. but it appeared that NDrive was having issues with the GPS chip and couldnt lock any sat no matter what.. On Google Maps it locked successfuly as on the GPS Test app from the Marketplace.. The only Nav App i've found to be working perfectly is Sygic Maps 10.. Its locking sat's and all is working well..
But since the GPS Test app doesnt lock on any of the satelites.. maybe you have a defective GPS unit overall.. When you connect to the sat's do you have a wi-fi connection running? because it helps since it has a-gps and it can download data for where the sats are located so it can lock on easier and faster.. if that doesnt help at all.. then send the phone back for service and get a new one...
with WiFi ON and GPS ON - it get coordinates on the 5th second, but it show that i am in the center of the city - WRONG!!!
only GPS ON - it doesn't take coordinates
I don't wish to insult your intelligence, but are you testing the GPS indoors or outdoors? It is very hard to get a GPS lock indoors. (almost impossible)
El_Zilcho said:
I don't wish to insult your intelligence, but are you testing the GPS indoors or outdoors? It is very hard to get a GPS lock indoors. (almost impossible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope he did the tests outside.. or at least at his house's balcony...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
chichoko said:
I hope he did the tests outside.. or at least at his house's balcony...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or even a window. I got a GPS lock from the window of plane once at full speed. (on a Nokia n810)
i try it outdoor 10 meters away from any building.
When I updated my Desire to the 2.1 the gps has stopped to work. I upgraded to the 2.2, hoping there was a fix for the problem but also now the gps is not working. I tried one small utility to check the signal from the market but there was no signal detected.
I was using Copilot live 8 and the program was working good after the update but I had still the gps unable to work; inside copilot there is in the settings one utility to see if the phone is receiving signals from satellites but all was dead ________no signal.
Any suggestions?
I'd like to roll back to the version before the 2.1 where all was working but I don't know how. My phone is unbranded and unlocked from factory.
ducet1 you give me hope that i am not the only one. if someone have solution please tell.
idownload said:
ducet1 you give me hope that i am not the only one. if someone have solution please tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to turn from WCDMA to GSM only.That worked for me.When i'm on Hspda i dont get a gps signal but on Edge i get it in 10 sec.
ducet1 said:
When I updated my Desire to the 2.1 the gps has stopped to work. I upgraded to the 2.2, hoping there was a fix for the problem but also now the gps is not working. I tried one small utility to check the signal from the market but there was no signal detected.
I was using Copilot live 8 and the program was working good after the update but I had still the gps unable to work; inside copilot there is in the settings one utility to see if the phone is receiving signals from satellites but all was dead ________no signal.
Any suggestions?
I'd like to roll back to the version before the 2.1 where all was working but I don't know how. My phone is unbranded and unlocked from factory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this also, please post your software number (menu, settings, about phone, software information) mine is; 2.09.405.8
zorantoma said:
Try to turn from WCDMA to GSM only.That worked for me.When i'm on Hspda i dont get a gps signal but on Edge i get it in 10 sec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried me too to do this but I've still no signal
cardiak said:
I have this also, please post your software number (menu, settings, about phone, software information) mine is; 2.09.405.8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My software number is the same of your 2.09.405.8 CL218634 release-keys.
My only stupid thing was to update to the 2.1 and 2.2; before of the updates everything was perfect and also my 32GB microSD card was working better. Sometimes now I cannot find my videos or photos until I don't reboot the phone.
I don't know how to turn to GSM only, but my software number is 2.09.405.8 CL218634 release-keys.
I have just got the new version if Co Pilot live 8.2 and a copy of south Africa maps. Running LeeDroid 1.8b Rom. Everything working great. Even get GPS Signal inside at some parts of the house.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
yes i too can get a lock inside. outside the performance of gps lock is astonishing. literally seconds when enabling gps outside even inside car
far far faster lock than any sat nav i have had before
leecavturbo said:
yes i too can get a lock inside. outside the performance of gps lock is astonishing. literally seconds when enabling gps outside even inside car
far far faster lock than any sat nav i have had before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seconds after you turn it on it connects What a dream, i can not believe.
leecavturbo said:
yes i too can get a lock inside. outside the performance of gps lock is astonishing. literally seconds when enabling gps outside even inside car
far far faster lock than any sat nav i have had before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have the same situation here... in seconds I get a lock.
And I live in Brazil.
Actually I noticed something similar this past weekend. We (gf and I) rented a car to up north for the weekend (Yorkshire Dales to those in the UK, beautiful place) and in the Dales network reception is quite bad (it's a national park afterall).
I was using my Desire as navigation unit using Google's app and only got GPS signal whenever I also had network signal. If the phone lost network signal the GPS wouldn't work. If I for example switched off GPS (and wifi) for when we weren't in the car, turning it back on later, still without network signal, the phone wouldn't lock onto any sattelite.
Kinda defeats the purpose of GPS no?
DaaT said:
Actually I noticed something similar this past weekend. We (gf and I) rented a car to up north for the weekend (Yorkshire Dales to those in the UK, beautiful place) and in the Dales network reception is quite bad (it's a national park afterall).
I was using my Desire as navigation unit using Google's app and only got GPS signal whenever I also had network signal. If the phone lost network signal the GPS wouldn't work. If I for example switched off GPS (and wifi) for when we weren't in the car, turning it back on later, still without network signal, the phone wouldn't lock onto any sattelite.
Kinda defeats the purpose of GPS no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried going into airplane mode and then turning the gps on? I dont think the gps unit has anything to do with the radio of the phone :S
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

GPS stopped working... any idea before i'll send it for RMA?

Hi all
Few days ago i realized that GPS on my Defy is not working anymore...
It cannot get fix in any location, and GPS status tells me that is actually sees few satellites - 3-7 but readings are not stable (they dissapear from time to time) and it can not get fix...
I am on Froyo - official.
Any ideas?
I just tried it out again - it got fix, but after 130 seconds..... ...normally on a cold start it used to get a fix in below 30 seconds....
Same issue here, stopped working Thu 21st or Fri 22nd. Couldn't get any fix. Restored to factory with no success. On Sun it was working, after a few days it got better, but sometimes the startup time is long, the signal fluctuates and the accuracy (with GPStest) jumps between 4.5m and 45 or even 98m)
Also the GPS indicator sometimes doesn't show up on the status bar while gps is working.
Official Froyo here as well.
Must be some conspiracy
Maybe to get us buy Defy+
Same problem, GPS was working until last week... On Motorola forum there are some other people, which GPS stopped working this month, what's going on? By "stopped working" I mean, that I can not get GPS fix ie. with data connection off or I need to wait 30 minutes until I get GPS fix. For those 30 minutes I see 10 satellites, but no fix. Before month I had GPS fix w/wout data in 30 seconds.
Also been reading about this on the Motor forums. I have not been having the issue (California). Bought mine in November US when they first became available. Official 2.2, T-Mo. Green lens, FWIW.
Same problem here. Bought it in January but around June it stopped being able to hold a lock on any satellites. It can see 10 satellites very easily, and it will lock for a few seconds, but then it drops all of the sats and starts over.
It stopped working on official Froyo, but no joy on CM7 either.
There are a number of article on the net about GPS jamming. In the US Homeland Security routinely cuts GPS and if you are a pilot you will receive an advisory. But there is this:
http://www.economist.com/node/18304246
May not be related. Also, on another pilot forum, they are blaming certain types of GPS antenna for being jammed by cell towers.
I have the same issue. It worked ok for me yesterday while driving a long distance, but lost GPS after about an hour.
I can sometimes get a good enough fix to check in on foursquare, but not often.
I'm on official tmobile us froyo and have done factory reset, but it didn't help any.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
tlongren said:
I have the same issue. It worked ok for me yesterday while driving a long distance, but lost GPS after about an hour.
I can sometimes get a good enough fix to check in on foursquare, but not often.
I'm on official tmobile us froyo and have done factory reset, but it didn't help any.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you located?
scrannel said:
Where are you located?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iowa, USA. My standalone GPS device works perfectly here.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
My gps seem to be faulty too. In uk.
Sent from mobile.
I always read this stuff just before I buy a phone:/ So it's a wide spread issue?
Might be getting that HTC 7 pro now
tlongren said:
Iowa, USA. My standalone GPS device works perfectly here.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A link on a pilot forum tested (not sure if it was a phone or other device) a GPS drop-out the pilot was having consistently on the way to his airfield. He finally noticed that when he drove between two cell towers his GPS dropped signal. He retested this several times and with the same result.
John Deere is fighting a 40,000 cell tower development which would disrupt GPS on farm tractors which rely on GPS for movement. This is a Sprint deal with LightSquared.
Look around this site for more GPS woes: http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/GPS_Side_Issue_LightSquared_Broadband_204980-1.html
My gps actually worked today! Figured I'd try it going from hotel to water ski show, took about 2 minutes to get a gps signal. But once it did, it worked well and got us to our destination.
Nothing has changed with phone setup, so it's a bit inconsistent it would seem.
Will be trying it again in a few hours. Wish me luck.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
Mine (UK stock Froyo 2.2) was the same, with A-GPS and data and WiFi all switched off it was struggling to get a fix, intermittently.
All GPS Status/Monitor apps showed that it finds many satellites but no locking.
Yesterday I got this app GPSFix from the Android Market and it locked in 1 min. After that all apps and monitors lock without any problem. I need to try more to be sure it was due to the app...
That's interesting Aeron_11. I'm gonna give GPSFix a try. Here's the market link if anyone is interested in trying it:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.androidlab.gpsfix
The reviews seem to be very good.
GPSFix doesn't do any good for me. It's the same old story. Sees lots of satellites but can't hold a lock on any of them for more than a couple of seconds.
Running CM7
Well, I did some more tests, and I think GPSFix wasn't quite as reliable as I originally thought !
Basically it is still very intermittent. Sometimes it takes 5min or more and sometimes 1min. I think it depends on many parameters:
- I would say weather is a factor, cloudy, windy etc.
- Standing next to a wall or a building - even if not tall it blocks the direct view
- Also I find if you are moving, it will be a lot harder. Stand completely still and not just stop walking but don't move the phone about too much !
- The latest I found is the direction you are holding the phone (and possibly angle) !? Experiment and you see it picks more satellites in certain angles !
All in all, I get a fix but it just takes a long time sometime. A good GPS antenna/hardware in a phone probably is much more reliable than this (my records is 9min, which to be honest puts it pass the practical use). Although this is with all the data and WiFi and other connections switched off.
The funny thing is once it locks it won't let go !? It keeps it locked and won't drop it - accuracy is so so.
By the way, the number of satellites found is not important, it's the strength of their signal (I think it might be called SNR - some monitors show the strength and you can see that until it finds 3 or 4 satellites with 25+ SNR it won't lock.)
I'm no expert, these are just my impression/experience, that's all....

GPS Problem

Hi guys,
Trying to figure out if this is just me that has this issue. New nexus as of yesterday on o2. I do have the volume issue for what its worth, but I am getting off topic.
I have been having a problem with the GPS. I have tried it indoors and out. I have restarted the app, cleared cache, re-ticked all the location boxes, and nothing seems to help my get a lock. The closest it comes is about 4700 metres. This is with WiFi turned on as well as an active Sim card in it. My old iPhone without a sim instantly drops the pin on my house. So I guess I am trying to see if others have the issue, and if there is a fix or I have to send it back.
For the record I am pretty new to Android....as in this is my first one, so go gently! Other than this issue I love the phone!
Cheers,
J
JeepoUK said:
Hi guys,
Trying to figure out if this is just me that has this issue. New nexus as of yesterday on o2. I do have the volume issue for what its worth, but I am getting off topic.
I have been having a problem with the GPS. I have tried it indoors and out. I have restarted the app, cleared cache, re-ticked all the location boxes, and nothing seems to help my get a lock. The closest it comes is about 4700 metres. This is with WiFi turned on as well as an active Sim card in it. My old iPhone without a sim instantly drops the pin on my house. So I guess I am trying to see if others have the issue, and if there is a fix or I have to send it back.
For the record I am pretty new to Android....as in this is my first one, so go gently! Other than this issue I love the phone!
Cheers,
J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That definitely does not seem normal. See if you can replicate the problem in a less built-up area. But at the moment, if I were having the same problem (which I'm not, I get great GPS reception) I would take it back for a replacement.
Hope you get it all sorted.
oscillik said:
That definitely does not seem normal. See if you can replicate the problem in a less built-up area. But at the moment, if I were having the same problem (which I'm not, I get great GPS reception) I would take it back for a replacement.
Hope you get it all sorted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I live in the country side, so that hopefully is not the issue. I turned wifi off and it made zero difference, so it looks like something with the GPS.......
I just tried the GPS app in the market called GPS Test
It says that GPS is on, but it can't find me. Bad sign.
I tried the GPS test app from the market too the other day and it didn't locate any satellites. I think it's a problem with that app itself. No need to panic yet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I've been suffering from the same problem. I'm used to the GPS icon on the SGS2 showing me a (blinking) dot in the GPS icon. But now nothing.
GPS test app also shows it's on. I'm going to try the GPS out a bit more, but have the feeling somethings up with the GPS.
Using the Wi-fi it's working 'fine'. But I don't feel like sharing info while using this feature.
The captivate had a very similar problem when it came out. Not sure if it ever got fixed. But ultimately that's why I turned my captivate back in.
If you are in the country with no wifi around then I wouldnt expect wifi location to do you any good. Still though, it should locate much better than what it is. I'm in Afghanistan, in the middle of no where and mine locks while only using GPS to within like 30 meters.
original SGS line of phones were famous for their "awesome GPS"
no, it never got fixed because it was a hardware issue...
I'm having the same problem. I'm constantly unable to find my location using GPS. Wi-Fi and mobile networks work but this surely needs to be fixed.
GPS seemed to work after my little trip outside. Sadly as soon as I got back in, nothing. I'll be able to do some 'proper field testing' tomorrow.
Ves said:
GPS seemed to work after my little trip outside. Sadly as soon as I got back in, nothing. I'll be able to do some 'proper field testing' tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS normally does not work well indoors.
I know but because I managed to get a location with the GPS on the SGS2, even if it took a while.
I was hoping for similar results (or better) with the GN.
GPS on my GN isn't working at all. Unless Wi-Fi and mobile network location is ticked, the phone can't find my location with GPS. Argh.
Have you tried any GPS apps to see if it's just bad reception from the satellites? That's one way to find out what's going on with the GPS on the phone.
My GPS locks almost instantly, and this is without a SIM card, and in Manhattan with tall buildings blocking most of the satellites. Much faster than with my N1.
no problems here.fastest phone ever with gps and i got 10 phones around 3 years with the function.
sitting in my room on the couch in the second floor.WiFi of only 2G network
and got within 5 to 7 sec a gps fix about 10 meters.
I reapeat,... in my house!not on the street or on the window!
sitting in front of my tv
never got a phone who can give me a signal in my house
my GPS also seems to work fine but during tracking it always goes off lock and relocks
and it bounces on corners like a gummybear
http://g.co/maps/apn3k

Help! GPS can't lock on!

I just bought another HTC One M8 and I noticed that the GPS can't ever lock on to my exact location. I downloaded GPS status & toolbox and it just stays on "finding location"
Any ideas? I'm running out of options and I'm thinking about just selling it and buying another M8.
I'm starting to think maybe its a bad GPS antenna, does anyone know where the antenna is inside the phone?
Ruu the phone 4.4.4
Go to Google settings app and make sure location history and access to third party apps is enabled.
badboy47 said:
Go to Google settings app and make sure location history and access to third party apps is enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is all under location right? If so I've tried that
Andrew149 said:
Ruu the phone 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem on stock rom, I thought rooting and flashing a different rom might fix it but I didn't. I'll try RUU when I have time
Bump
I'll give this a bump because I've got the same problem. My GPS performance is TERRIBLE.
The phone will only lock with a clear view of sky and about 90 seconds of time to first lock. I've used GPS Toolbox and downloaded AGPS data and it doesn't seem to matter. If I hold my hand over my phone I lose a ton of the GPS satellite locks.
I can have the phone locked to 13 satellites and move it 2 feet over inside of the car and it loses nearly all of them immediately unless it has a clear sky view. Never had this issue on any previous phone.
Anyone have any input? If not, I guess I'll get this one replaced too...
Edit: Sprint HK Edition 100% bone stock, updated
Gps failed
Iconic24 said:
I just bought another HTC One M8 and I noticed that the GPS can't ever lock on to my exact location. I downloaded GPS status & toolbox and it just stays on "finding location"
Any ideas? I'm running out of options and I'm thinking about just selling it and buying another M8.
I'm starting to think maybe its a bad GPS antenna, does anyone know where the antenna is inside the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI, exactly the same problem now. Before my gps on the M8 used to lock on inside my house. But on a recent long drive whilst using the gps, charging the phone, and having the phone in snug holder it must of overheated.
Now it won't ever lock onto any satellites. Though it can see plenty. Have factory reset phone and no change.
Thanks
Hello
I have the same problem.
View 20 satellite ... but no connection with them :/
Any idea how to fix this ?

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