my questions & concerns about the epic4g! - Epic 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

okay so i made the leap and traded my evo for a newer epic4g. i love the clarity of the screen and the overall speed blows the evo away. downside is some of the bright colors look washed out and the screen is smaller.
my question is when is the epic getting official froyo so we can have more development? such as roms & kernels?
will the epic even get gingerbread at all?
my concerns and observations are:
the proximity sensor is very sensitive and i find it often does not work as even when i have auto rotation disabled i find certain apps like my phone will go into landscape mode and get stuck there.
cannot update my prl or profile without the use of qpst? i mean i assume this is a software flaw? ive seen lots of people have this issue and it must be reported and fixed by samsung IMO.
really bad radio signal life compared to the evo. i have no idea what the difference would be?
ive noticed compared to the evo i have less free ram. i usually had about 200-250mb free and now i have only 140-170. whats the difference here? would a custom kernel possibly fix this?
also id love to know why there is no working version of apps2sd as i feel it would benefit the free memory the phone has.
as i said im not here bashing but giving my observations and to tell you the truth if these issues cannot be fixed ill for sure be going back to the evo. i sorta see why samsung have a bad rep.
can anybody give me any fixes for some of the issues i posted?

fixxxer2008 said:
okay so i made the leap and traded my evo for a newer epic4g. i love the clarity of the screen and the overall speed blows the evo away. downside is some of the bright colors look washed out and the screen is smaller.
my question is when is the epic getting official froyo so we can have more development? such as roms & kernels?
will the epic even get gingerbread at all?
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Good questions. We don't know and anyone who tells you differently is lying.
my concerns and observations are:
the proximity sensor is very sensitive and i find it often does not work as even when i have auto rotation disabled i find certain apps like my phone will go into landscape mode and get stuck there.
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Auto-rotation has nothing to do with the proximity sensor. You probably need to run /system/bin/sensorcalibutil_yamaha as root and follow the instructions.
cannot update my prl or profile without the use of qpst? i mean i assume this is a software flaw? ive seen lots of people have this issue and it must be reported and fixed by samsung IMO.
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I haven't had an issue with getting my epic to update the prl even on custom roms.
really bad radio signal life compared to the evo. i have no idea what the difference would be?
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Signal life? Do you mean signal strength? Hardware is different, but i haven't heard many complaints about the epic's signal strength.
ive noticed compared to the evo i have less free ram. i usually had about 200-250mb free and now i have only 140-170. whats the difference here? would a custom kernel possibly fix this?
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It is mis-reporting it to you. There is more memory available solely to the OS that you don't see as available for programs.
also id love to know why there is no working version of apps2sd as i feel it would benefit the free memory the phone has.
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I was under the impressions that some people had it working.
as i said im not here bashing but giving my observations and to tell you the truth if these issues cannot be fixed ill for sure be going back to the evo. i sorta see why samsung have a bad rep.
can anybody give me any fixes for some of the issues i posted?
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I don't see anything on the list worth jumping ship over. :-/

Be careful op. People here like to flash their e-peens when you have a negative observation towards the phone.
Luckily some are more open minded and will help
Have you rooted the epic?
I'm on stock froyo dk28 and I get almost 2 days out of my phone, but that's with only using 4g and wifi because 3g is of no point to me unless I go somewhere out the city
There's a developer "noobnl" who's working on a gb port, but its not gonna be completed until official froyo sauce straight from samsung comesout
You should've held the evo for a bit until the epic got official 2.2 because then you would've definitely not have had any type of buyers/traders remorse
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Also...I don't have ay problems with the auto rotate....there migh be something messing with it lol also the kb likes to skip buttons sometimes
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

yes im fully rooted running clockwork3/ext4 with the bonsai rom. ive seen many, many complaint of not being able to update prl or profile at all. ive even done several data resets.
do you guys have the link for the working version of apps2sd?
as i said im not bashing the phone, i do like it alot just seems alot of issues with it atm.

DiGi760 said:
Good questions. We don't know and anyone who tells you differently is lying.
Auto-rotation has nothing to do with the proximity sensor. You probably need to run /system/bin/sensorcalibutil_yamaha as root and follow the instructions.
Signal life? Do you mean signal strength? Hardware is different, but i haven't heard many complaints about the epic's signal strength.
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i did this, will report back.
yes compared to my evo i have really bad signal strength right now.

There mightve been something wrong with the modem flash
I couldn't upate m prl when I first updated to dk28 but after I flashed back to 2.1 then 2.2 it was fixed? So idk I would try that
And my phone also has horrible signal cmpared to my hero, and the 3g speeds and ping are horrible compared to what I got on the hero, and also apparently there's a cap of 1mb/s upload on the epic on 4g
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

They capped the 4g upload speed? I don't have 4g in my area but that sucks.

to the OP..
try ##786# <reset> <enter MSL>
let it go through it's paces.. it will factory reset BUT.. after reset, it will perform hands free activation, then reboot, then update your PRL, then restart the radio, then look for software updates.. (this will also most likely fix GPS if you're having problems with that too)
Hope this helps
EDIT: for the 'getting stuck in landscape mode' i have encountered this on occasion as well.. seems like the settings for 'use sensor to auto rotate' or something like that in your launcher or in menu > settings> etc.. might be conflicting.

Related

Anyone else feel like the phone ran better stock?

Maybe its just me, but when I first got the phone I had no problems.. Now after rooting and flashing custom roms I get random freezes, crazy battery drain and the infamous LOS.. and contrary to popular belief it has something to do with root.. I didn't root my phone or anything for at least a week after having it and none of the problems started until after.. Most people are having are probably having the same issues but since members on here always want to bite your head off anytime you say something they don't agree with, noone says anything. Im just making an observation and if you don't like it, feel free to hit the back button anyways, anyone feel the same way? BTW this isn't a rant against the developers. They are all great and I appreciate all the hard work.. I just feel like theres a missing link or something causing the problems.. what are ypur thoughts
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
Lol, no.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
I feel the same way... I'm getting serious battery loss after flashing a few of these roms.. with stock Rom I was getting a good 20 hours moderate use.. now with custom roms I'm getting like 10 hourz... I'm In noway knocking on any devs.. I do appreciate everyones contribution... I think it's a lil still early in the galaxy development
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium App
Mine ran great fresh out the box for sure, but thats also because it was fresh and had no apps installed etc lol.
Some roms seem to work better than others. Running Starbust 1.2 with zedo's 4.1 kernel and it's running absolutely great now, better than unrooted IMO.
Could be grass in greener on the other side syndrome, try unrooting and see if you still feel that it runs better stock. With ODIN it's pretty quick and easy to jump back from rooted to not and back again.
I will always be rooted because I love trying out new things and custom roms and overclocking/undervolting etc.. it's fun, like a hobby for sure. And sometimes that hobby especially with beta stuff isnt that stable lol!
Just having adfree and wifi tethering is more than enough reason for me to root. But when the really cool custom roms start coming out, it's gunna be on like donkey kong
I did run a rooted rom with the stock kernel, and I have to say I like zedo's better.
My 2 cents
jok3sta said:
Maybe its just me, but when I first got the phone I had no problems.. Now after rooting and flashing custom roms I get random freezes, crazy battery drain and the infamous LOS.. and contrary to popular belief it has something to do with root.. I didn't root my phone or anything for at least a week after having it and none of the problems started until after.. Most people are having are probably having the same issues but since members on here always want to bite your head off anytime you say something they don't agree with, noone says anything. Im just making an observation and if you don't like it, feel free to hit the back button anyways, anyone feel the same way? BTW this isn't a rant against the developers. They are all great and I appreciate all the hard work.. I just feel like theres a missing link or something causing t runninghe problems.. what are ypur thoughts
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
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I'm running stock + root.
There's nothing even remotely interesting to me in the current incarnations of the 3-4 roms available - they are all stock+ mods+ bugs.
Thank you very much but I can install those mods myself.
It's your own fault your phone is running like crap - don't mod it if you don't know what you are doing.
jok3sta said:
Most people are having are probably having the same issues
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Source?
My stock-rooted E4GT is working just fine. No LoS, no random reboots, no freezing up, no locking up... no bloat, great battery life, no BS.
I had a ton of issues with LOS and some random reboots on Zedomax's root kernel. Flashed to the stock + CMR and havent had an issue since.
I'll be serious now.
Aside from me disagreeing that root is the cause of LOS issues (I got them stock too) this is all part of the fun of modifying your gadgets.
Fun? Yeah, I said fun. These are insanely complex devices and it is still very early in their development cycle. If you aren't game then style out of it for a while until things mature. Hacking around ain't for everybody... As long as I maintain basic functionality I/we will (eventually) figure out the rest. That's the fun part.
That said I haven't experienced any of what you describe, besides a few unexpected FCs.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
nabbed said:
I'm running stock + root.
There's nothing even remotely interesting to me in the current incarnations of the 3-4 roms available - they are all stock+ mods+ bugs.
Thank you very much but I can install those mods myself.
It's your own fault your phone is running like crap - don't mod it if you don't know what you are doing.
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Haha ur a clown.. I've probably been modding my phones before you had your first smartphone. I've been modding smartphones since the T-Mobile mda days and Ive had 8 or 9 since then all modded. I know the risks that come with modding. So don't assume because you jus make an ass out of... well you know the rest. Anyway.. I was just making a statement to maybe see if others are having the same issues, or if maybe its just my handset. I'm going to try going back to Stock rooted and see if the issues continue.. right now I'm on starburst 1.2 with zedo 4.1.
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
daneurysm said:
I'll be serious now.
Aside from me disagreeing that root is the cause of LOS issues (I got them stock too) this is all part of the fun of modifying your gadgets.
Fun? Yeah, I said fun. These are insanely complex devices and it is still very early in their development cycle. If you aren't game then style out of it for a while until things mature. Hacking around ain't for everybody... As long as I maintain basic functionality I/we will (eventually) figure out the rest. That's the fun part.
That said I haven't experienced any of what you describe, besides a few unexpected FCs.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
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I agree with the fun part.. I mod anything I get my hands on. Not only my phones. Computers, cars you name it.. its in my nature.
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
I'm stock with root, and it runs smoother than when I was on oc kernel
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2
I agree that LOS is not caused by rooted kernal. But, I did experience LOS alot more often than stock kernal. When I got the phone I stayed unrooted for a little over a week. I experienced 2 LOS during that time period. Once I finally rooted I was experiencing LOS @ least 3 times a day. LOS also drains the battery like crazy. One night I left the phone off the charger with 100% battery life. When I woke up, the phone was in LOS and only had 40% battery life. Well, today last night I finally switched to stock kernal. So far today no LOS.
I digress. Stock rom works perfect but I needed so mods that require root. The battery percent mod, wireless tether, and roam control. I think I'll wait for an AOSP rom before I try anything different roms.
I've tried all the currently available kernals for ths phone. I've rooted and unrooted. Right now, i'm on stock rooted. I'm still experiencing LOS, but it seems less frequent than when I was on custom kernals. It could be other criteria, though. I haven't tried any of the ROMs, only because I want a stock ROM to flash, if something goes wrong. I don't remember the epic taking this long to get the stock ROM available to us. My memory may be slipping, though.
Sent from my extra sensory space modulator while performing the slippery cricket
jok3sta said:
Haha ur a clown.. I've probably been modding my phones before you had your first smartphone. I've been modding smartphones since the T-Mobile mda days and Ive had 8 or 9 since then all modded. I know the risks that come with modding. So don't assume because you jus make an ass out of... well you know the rest. Anyway.. I was just making a statement to maybe see if others are having the same issues, or if maybe its just my handset. I'm going to try going back to Stock rooted and see if the issues continue.. right now I'm on starburst 1.2 with zedo 4.1.
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
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Stop whining!
nabbed said:
Stop whining!
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Not really sure where you see whining. But I do see a clown who has nothing better to do that reply to my "whining". thanks for the post bump though. Now back on topic.. lets keep this sucka free please
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
this is why I will wait another week or 2 before rooting....this phone is awe sum as stock, but, like any newly released phone, it takes a few weeks before all the truly revolutionary stuff gets developed.
Most devs have a real job, a family, and a real life, so you can't really expect flashing "nirvana" only a week or so after a phone comes out.
jok3sta said:
I agree with the fun part.. I mod anything I get my hands on. Not only my phones. Computers, cars you name it.. its in my nature.
Tapatalkin' it from my Epic Touch 3g
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Same mentality here my man. It's either rooted... Overclocked.... Or supercharged. I like things over the top lol. Heck even my gas powered scooters and rc cars are souped up. Sorry.... Back on target.
Samsung Galaxy S II
I'm stock since day 1, when the phone first released, and I get LOS once a day. It's killing me not to have root, but I am not modding unless there is a factory RUU available straight from Samsung. Personally, and to no discredit to the developers, I don't trust the stock rom pulled from another phone. This phone is just a bit too new for me to be permanently altering it without a 100% safe way back. The OG Epic was made almost unbrickable, so it's reasonable to assume that a year from now, we will be rolling like pigs in **** with cool stuff to flash.
But I get what you are saying, and honestly, the community did not explode like I thought it would. Seems to be more HTC fans these days then Samsung, and just judging from Samsung's post launch support, or lack thereof, I can understand why...
Furthermore, my 3G speeds were horrible day 1 and continue to suck balls. Most times at work I can't even browse the market because of timeouts. 4G seems to work good though, and that's the only reason I haven't just returned this phone yet.
Check this thread:
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/76962?start=0&tstart=0
This is sprint's official forum, and they are just now admitting to the crappy radio implementation on this phone. Should have seen this coming a mile away, but honestly I was just too busy looking at this gorgeous 4.52" AMOLED+ screen to notice...
This is the first phone I've had were I don't feel the need to root, and I wouldn't have rooted until it had been perfected more.
Swyped from my Samsung Galaxy SII EPIC 4g Touch on XDA Premium!
my main reason for rooting was a few apps i had that needed root. as well as the battery percentage

Menu key menu pops up during low signal

I have an extremely annoying issue. I've seen some posts reporting this on various boards, but it seems most people throw a default answer out there that it's a hardware issue. I'll explain why I don't think that's the case.
The menu that comes up with you press the "menu" capacitive key has been popping up and down rapidly and repeatedly when I'm in a low signal area. This didn't start happening until after Samsung/Sprint fixed the LOS issue. I'm thinking it has something to do with the way they fixed it, which I don't have any technical or general knowledge of. Most of the time, the screen and keys will not be responsive unless I hit the power key to turn the screen off and turn it back on. It's even more annoying since it vibrates everytime the key is "pressed". I don't think this is simply a hardware issue as the only time this presents itself is the same times the LOS issue used to. I'm sure it's tied to that fix somehow.
Is anybody else having this issue? This may be a long shot, but I installed the LOS Checker zip, (I forgot which dev created it), and never uninstalled it, but I've upgraded many roms since then and don't think it would still be installed.
If any of you do have this issue, did you ever install that LOS Checker zip?
Rom= Blazer Rom EL29 v3.8
Kernel = rogue 1.4.1
Started happening to me recently as well. Im running Calks still on GB with ICS theme. I haven't paid attention to my signal when it happens but you are right, turning off the screen does stop it momentarily. I agree this may not be a hardware issue as well. I've just been bearing it because I plan on changing phones soon anyway.
Edit: It just started happening after this post. Signal was at 1 bar...
Epic-ly tapped from my Galaxy S II
Zoidpilot said:
Started happening to me recently as well. Im running Calks still on GB with ICS theme. I haven't paid attention to my signal when it happens but you are right, turning off the screen does stop it momentarily. I agree this may not be a hardware issue as well. I've just been bearing it because I plan on changing phones soon anyway.
Edit: It just started happening after this post. Signal was at 1 bar...
Epic-ly tapped from my Galaxy S II
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Did you happen to install this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326569
Happens to me too. Menu button hitting itself at random times.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I have this same issue. I never realized it correlated with low signal. The issue cropped up 3 times today and each occurrence was with low signal. Good eye sir.
Do any of you undervolt or use a kernel that runs less than standard voltages?
My device is undervolted quite a bit and was wondering if it may be part of issue as i don't remember having this problem prior to that.
I am removing my undervolts and will report back if i still have this issue.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
I'm on stock rooted. Always happens on different occasions. I just turn the screen on and off and usually it'll fix the problem
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I was gonna post the same thing I just realized this morning that it always coincides with low signal
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I think its a hardware issue. Im running the same setup on my replacement phone and haven't had the issue since.
I experienced this ever since I got the phone back in september but I didn't wise up until the 14 day period ended. there are two threads in the Q&A section concerning this, one that i started and another that i contributed to.
I would be trying to text and the menu button would pop up and i would accidently hit something on the menu that came up bc the button spazzes out randomly and consecutively and sometimes for a solid 5 seconds, but like the rest of you im sure, it wasnt confined to any single app so it was impossible to find one thing to blame. it would have to be something system-related or hardware-related (btw i did flash the LOS checker some time ago)
I believed the low signal theory for a while, as well as having a corrupted flash. but I experienced the spasms with full bars of service AND after a complete Odin restore to stock everything without restoring any of my past data whatsoever. thus I deferred to the "default" that it is hardware-related.
that was months ago.
I got so fed up with it, i decided to do anything to make it stop. So, I recently opened up my device and took everything apart and found that the water indicator just above the capacitive buttons had been activated. keep in mind I DID NOT EVER have any encounter with water. in fact, the other water indicators were perfectly undisturbed. this pissed me off because that means there might have been an accident or something while they were being manufactured that would have damaged the button - idk just another theory.
This is my main piece of evidence supporting my claim that it is hardware-related:
I ended up breaking the screen trying to separate the glass from the digitizer (stupid, I know bc theyre fused together) so I ended up buying a new screen/digitizer. put it in myself. i haven't had it since. I'm running the EXACT same set up as before I replaced my screen and its been about a week and no instances. I would be experiencing the sporadic menu button randomly, several times a day but it has completely disappeared.
i suggest to you all: bring it in to Sprint if you bought it from them or invest in a new screen off ebay if you bought it from a 3rd party seller (Amazon, wirefly, letstalk), i got my new screen for $65 shipped and it was in pristine condition. now im living a happily-ever-after ending
i'll keep a close eye on this thread to help you all with your endeavors/theories though
if any of you plan on opening up ur device, i suggest you do some homework so as not to destory your phone - its still an amazing device. or you can just ask in this thread and i can give tips to everyone
good luck!!
Thanks for all the updates.. I've noticed I'll sometimes get this error, but my phone will be showing full bars where I KNOW I have a poor signal.. for instance, my elevator at work..
Is there any sort of logging app I could run and go into an area I know this will happen to find out what's going on?
IsThisOneTaken said:
Thanks for all the updates.. I've noticed I'll sometimes get this error, but my phone will be showing full bars where I KNOW I have a poor signal.. for instance, my elevator at work..
Is there any sort of logging app I could run and go into an area I know this will happen to find out what's going on?
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Click to collapse
sometimes the signal bars are inaccurate (like you described). your true signal is found in settings>about phone>status>signal strength. 0-1 bars is really about -90 to -100 dBm
devs use logcats to analyze issues with the internals
http://forum.samdroid.net/f38/tutorial-how-get-logcat-example-check-battery-drain-2543/
I just checked a few other boards and it seems a number of people have confirmed it correlates wih low signal. There are a few people that keep popping up on multiple threads stating it's a hardware issue, only because a new screen fixed it. I would be fine with that logic if there weren't so many people stating it correlates with low signal. Also, it seems most people haven't really experienced this issue until after the LOS fix. Now, at the same times I used to have LOS issues, I now have this. I'm guessing it has something to do with internals and whatever they did to update it may be separate from modems or roms, since people have gone back to stock and still experienced this issue.
I haven't done a search, but is there an information source that states exactly what Samsung did to address the LOS issue?
I'm going to ODIN back to the original shipped EG30 package and test it out.. I never did OTA updates.. always through ODIN, etc. I'm going to see if I update through OTAs if anything is different. I'll report back.
I had experienced it since around the 1st week of october. i didnt have los fixed until i flashed chris41g's experimental kernels, not sure when all that was though. i was convinced it was related to signal too, but i would still happen on the highway/in public with 3 bars of 4g and ~50-60 dBm
would be interesting if you figure it out though
Yea I ODIN'd back to EG30 and now OTA'd to EL29.. no issues yet but we'll see tomorrow when I'm in elevators. After doing all this, I realized I probably need to do a full EEPROM reset and then go through this... don't really feel like doing that tonight though.
Im pretty sure this is in fact a samsung phone issue in general. I came over to sprint and the e4gt from verizon and the fascinate. I loved that phone, but it had this exact same issue. I have not in fact had it happen to me so far with the e4gt yet. I have a sneaking suspiscion that this issue goes hand in hand with undervolting, but thats just my own personaly theory.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Happens to me on the rare occasion as well. Might be an issue with the phone?
I called this one during the LOS era. It definitely occurs in low signal areas. I could never get LOS so I went into known dead spots and sure enough those random pop ups happened
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
*Luke* said:
Im pretty sure this is in fact a samsung phone issue in general. I came over to sprint and the e4gt from verizon and the fascinate. I loved that phone, but it had this exact same issue. I have not in fact had it happen to me so far with the e4gt yet. I have a sneaking suspiscion that this issue goes hand in hand with undervolting, but thats just my own personaly theory.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
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I noticed there were a few other threads on Samsung devices with issues.... hmmm. Did you ever try limiting your underclocking to a higher clock speed? This may be a noob question but for the EG4T, is anything less than 800mhz considered underclocking?
JohnCorleone said:
I called this one during the LOS era. It definitely occurs in low signal areas. I could never get LOS so I went into known dead spots and sure enough those random pop ups happened
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
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I believe I remember seeing your post haha... I'll see what I can do if I mess around with clock speed.

Verizon LTE just quit. Can anyone help diagnose?

Hey everyone...Yesterday, on my stock, 4.0.4 GNex, I noticed I was getting terrible 3G speeds, and no 4G data whatsoever (even though the 4G signal existed). I thought maybe there was a temporary outage, but no dice...VZW support said there were no issues. Today, the issues still remain, and I have no idea what the problem could be. I took some screen shots, so if anyone could offer some advice, I'd really appreciate it. I'd love to try and resolve this myself instead of bringing it to some of the inept VZW techs at the local store. I'm located in Western NY and there is normally a great 4G signal here.
I can post screenshots once I am allowed since I'm a newbie here.
THANKS!
EDIT: I should add, I've experienced the 4G dropping to 3G for a while, and I know this is an ongoing issue with GNex users, but this is completely different.
rms2219 said:
Hey everyone...Yesterday, on my stock, 4.0.4 GNex, I noticed I was getting terrible 3G speeds, and no 4G data whatsoever (even though the 4G signal existed). I thought maybe there was a temporary outage, but no dice...VZW support said there were no issues. Today, the issues still remain, and I have no idea what the problem could be. I took some screen shots, so if anyone could offer some advice, I'd really appreciate it. I'd love to try and resolve this myself instead of bringing it to some of the inept VZW techs at the local store. I'm located in Western NY and there is normally a great 4G signal here.
I can post screenshots once I am allowed since I'm a newbie here.
THANKS!
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Another case, same awnser, considering what you said, the device is running the latest official release, and it seems 4g never works at all: return it and get a new one, probably has a bad radio.
If we can get a NYC vzw user as yourself who doesnt have the issues you're describing, i think that would kill it as faulty hardware.
Sent from my i9250
bk201doesntexist said:
...and it seems 4g never works at all: return it and get a new one, probably has a bad radio.
If we can get a NYC vzw user as yourself who doesnt have the issues you're describing, i think that would kill it as faulty hardware.
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Meaning the radio just went bad? I've had this since launch day and never experienced a problem until yesterday. Also, I'm far from NYC, so if anyone in Western NY (Rochester/Buffalo area) has the same issue, let me know please.
Well, you said you have a stock phone and it doesn't sound like yourself have made any changes to cause this. So, what is it that you want to do? Flash the radio firmware? Root the phone and try different ROMs? Go through all this so in the end you take it to the store anyway? If your description of the problem is accurate, then it does sound like you have a hardware issue. Just take it in and deal with the inept VZW techs.
netbuzz said:
Well, you said you have a stock phone and it doesn't sound like yourself have made any changes to cause this. So, what is it that you want to do? Flash the radio firmware? Root the phone and try different ROMs? Go through all this so in the end you take it to the store anyway? If your description of the problem is accurate, then it does sound like you have a hardware issue. Just take it in and deal with the inept VZW techs.
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No I didn't want to do any of the things you listed. I was asking if anyone here could help me diagnose the problem, in other words, see if there's any way to prove it's a hardware issue. I wasn't sure if there were any applications I could get to run diagnostics checks.
rms2219 said:
Meaning the radio just went bad?
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Click to collapse
If you never experienced these issues before, yes.
I would eliminate a few things (simcard, check another 4g capable phone, side by side, see if it works fine) first and do some testing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
It ended up being the SIM card. They replaced it, and instantly the 4G worked again.
Galaxy S3 in midtown NYC and I've been having the same issue for the last day and a half....
bk201doesntexist said:
If you never experienced these issues before, yes.
I would eliminate a few things (simcard, check another 4g capable phone, side by side, see if it works fine) first and do some testing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

How to Increase Signal in my Apartment?

I recently moved in to a new apartment for college and unfortunately my signal is very poor while inside the building.
This is really the only place on campus that I don't get great signal unless I get close to the window and pray that my phone decides to connect.
I've briefly looked into possible solutions but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/opinions on what I should/ could do.
I briefly looked into the Sprint AIRAVE, which I should be able to get. However, unless I can get it for free then I really don't see it as a viable solution, especially since my contract is up soon and I can just move to another carrier.
At this point I see my options being:
1. Get the AIRAVE.
2. Purchase a 3RD party signal booster (If cheaper than Sprint one).
3. Come up with some kind of DIY solution
4. Change some things on my phone in the hope that it improves.
5. Switch to another carrier.
What do you guys suggest doing/ think is the best option?
Are there ay other options I've missed?
Current Setup on my Epic 4g:
Rom: CM9 STABLE build from 8/10
Kernal: Shadow v0.6.3.3
PRL: FC09
I suggest option #1: Call Sprint and throw a fit, and have them provide you an airave
You may be better off with option 5.
The Airave is more of a cop-out solution for Sprint and their craptastic network. However, if it works for you then by all means go with it.
I've been with them for over 10 years now and haven't seen much network improvement in my city in the last 5 years. There are big patches of dead and weak signal spots all over. Hell, I can step outside my office building and find a dead spot in one 5 foot span, then move out of that span and be in a 3-signal strength spot.
I'm waiting a bit longer to see if their network will improve in my area. Otherwise, I will most likely jump carriers.
nikon120 said:
You may be better off with option 5.
The Airave is more of a cop-out solution for Sprint and their craptastic network. However, if it works for you then by all means go with it.
I've been with them for over 10 years now and haven't seen much network improvement in my city in the last 5 years. There are big patches of dead and weak signal spots all over. Hell, I can step outside my office building and find a dead spot in one 5 foot span, then move out of that span and be in a 3-signal strength spot.
I'm waiting a bit longer to see if their network will improve in my area. Otherwise, I will most likely jump carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My family has used them for about 10 years total, with a brief break when we lived in england. I've never really had any problems with getting signal where I needed it before now. But yeah, at this point they better make a good offer if they want me to stay with them.
So I called sprint, they wanted me to go through some troubleshooting stuff and ended up asking me if I was rooted.
I had a bunch of back and forth with him and he claimed that being rooted/not on stock caused my phone to show no "vital signs" and that even if I am using the proper PRL it doesn't matter. Everything he said sounded like a bunch of policy stuff and he never gave a clear explanation of why it mattered if I am rooted. Anyways he said I could restore to stock/factory settings and then he would call me back latter and we would troubleshoot stuff.
I am going to be doing the flowing:
1. Backup everything
2. Odin back to stock (non-rooted + update)
3. Go through the troubleshooting, even though I know it won't make a difference.
4. Hopefully get the AIRAVE for free.
5. Go back to my current setup.
I've also noticed that turning 4G on may actually make a difference in signal (Since there is 4G in atlanta).
Does anyone have in thoughts about this?
Am I wrong in saying that being rooted has NO effect on connectivity?
GuidingArrow said:
So I called sprint, they wanted me to go through some troubleshooting stuff and ended up asking me if I was rooted.
I had a bunch of back and forth with him and he claimed that being rooted/not on stock caused my phone to show no "vital signs" and that even if I am using the proper PRL it doesn't matter. Everything he said sounded like a bunch of policy stuff and he never gave a clear explanation of why it mattered if I am rooted. Anyways he said I could restore to stock/factory settings and then he would call me back latter and we would troubleshoot stuff.
I am going to be doing the flowing:
1. Backup everything
2. Odin back to stock (non-rooted + update)
3. Go through the troubleshooting, even though I know it won't make a difference.
4. Hopefully get the AIRAVE for free.
5. Go back to my current setup.
I've also noticed that turning 4G on may actually make a difference in signal (Since there is 4G in atlanta).
Does anyone have in thoughts about this?
Am I wrong in saying that being rooted has NO effect on connectivity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do anything with Sprint that involves troubleshooting, you should be on 100% stock. Also, never admit to rooting, even though there is that PDF from internal Sprint mail around these forums saying it's basically okay for customers to be rooted. It's way easier to just get back on stock and step through troubleshooting, than dealing with a script following CSR on the matter.
It takes an experienced flasher all of 3 minutes to get from stock back to previous setup or a new custom setup. So not a big deal.
Turning on 4G is an entirely different radio; hence you would have differing signal strengths from 4G to 3G.
GuidingArrow said:
I recently moved in to a new apartment for college and unfortunately my signal is very poor while inside the building.
This is really the only place on campus that I don't get great signal unless I get close to the window and pray that my phone decides to connect.
I've briefly looked into possible solutions but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/opinions on what I should/ could do.
I briefly looked into the Sprint AIRAVE, which I should be able to get. However, unless I can get it for free then I really don't see it as a viable solution, especially since my contract is up soon and I can just move to another carrier.
At this point I see my options being:
1. Get the AIRAVE.
2. Purchase a 3RD party signal booster (If cheaper than Sprint one).
3. Come up with some kind of DIY solution
4. Change some things on my phone in the hope that it improves.
5. Switch to another carrier.
What do you guys suggest doing/ think is the best option?
Are there ay other options I've missed?
Current Setup on my Epic 4g:
Rom: CM9 STABLE build from 8/10
Kernal: Shadow v0.6.3.3
PRL: FC09
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try the nexus modem and see if that improves signal. Some people say it has and got rid of dropped calls. Samsung is notorious for making awful modems, but Google made the Nexus one, so it is better for me and most people who have tried it.
I know really shouldn't have admitted to being rooted but I think I kind of wanted to argue with him about it, just to see what kind of reasoning they give.
And yeah, flashing back to my previous setup shouldn't be too hard. I already know for a fact that going to stock won't solve the problem,
I'm still testing the 4G thing since I can't really confirm if it is actually boosting the signal or not.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
@xboxfanj: I thought about trying that the other day. I have to be on a CM7 rom to use it, correct?
GuidingArrow said:
I know really shouldn't have admitted to being rooted but I think I kind of wanted to argue with him about it, just to see what kind of reasoning they give.
And yeah, flashing back to my previous setup shouldn't be too hard. I already know for a fact that going to stock won't solve the problem,
I'm still testing the 4G thing since I can't really confirm if it is actually boosting the signal or not.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
@xboxfanj: I thought about trying that the other day. I have to be on a CM7 rom to use it, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now there is a patch for CM10 as well. Nothing yet on stock or CM9.
Yeah I noticed that. I tried switching to PA1.99 and using the nexus modem but it didn't have any kind of effect in my apartment.
So I odined back to stock fc09.
The Sprint rep called me back, I told him it didn't have an effect (because it didn't).
He agreed to send me the AIRAVE at no charge so I should hopefully have it in a week or so.
After I get it all setup I'll update this thread with details as to whether or not it actually solves the problem.
Now time to root my phone again...
xboxfanj said:
Now there is a patch for CM10 as well. Nothing yet on stock or CM9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
kennyglass123 said:
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am dying for the cm9 patch!! So far aokp has given me my best setup (sorry KG, TPR is a very close 2nd!).
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
kennyglass123 said:
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully it'll be compatible with the touchwiz framework. Does anyone know where I can find the mtd tw device source?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Received the AIRAVE today. Took a little bit of fiddling to get it setup right.
I now get pretty consistent signal, generally 5 full bars, throughout my apartment.
My only real complaint is that it decreases my internet download speed from over 100Mb/s to around 40Mb/s.
The decrease is unavoidable since I have to use the AIRAVE router functionality in order to have it and my computer hooked up.
However it did seem to increase my upload speed by about 5Mb/s once I increased the limit it had set by default.
It also seems to causes me to receive texts twice but that may have just been a one off thing.
Overall it has solved the issue and since it was free I can't really complain.
The double text is an occasional thing and probably will never happen again. I hooked my airave to my router instead of the modem as suggested and it works just fine and does not interfere with my throughputs.
kennyglass123 said:
I hooked my airave to my router instead of the modem as suggested and it works just fine and does not interfere with my throughputs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how I have mine set up and it works perfect.
Mine is setup so that the AIRAVE connects to the wall and then to my laptop (it's probably hooked to a router/modem somewhere but it's dorm internet so I have no control over that).
It would probably be faster if I hooked it through a separate router but I don't really want to spend the money on one, and would need a pretty decent one since my school has one of the top 10 fastest internet connections in the country (if I had to guess number 3, behind the pentagon and google fiber).

[Q] "Phantom" Soft Keys

I've been having an issue with my softkeys (settings, home, etc...). They will randomly press opening settings, going back and opening the recent apps. Usually it does a combination of all of them and the only way to fix it is to turn off the screen and turn it back on.
I first thought this was a rom problem and switched to a new one. This didn't help so I believe it has to do with hardware. I looked up online and people say that it is a screen or battery problem. So I flashed to stock ICS and brought it into sprint, the guy was nice and stuff but he said he couldn't do anything unless we could make it happen. It wouldn't do it, so he couldn't do anything about it.
I'm wondering if it actually is a software issue or something that I'd be able to fix myself. Has anyone had any problems like this? It's not too often but often enough to be annoying. Any help would be nice.
Thanks in advance
I've heard pepper have issues with soft keys in low signal areas but never heard of that issue.. When you left the store did you have the problem on stock ics still
-TeaM VeNuM Like A Boss
Well, I flashed back to Paranoid when I got back home and so far I've had no problems. I haven't been using my phone though, I'll have to see how this goes.
MiguelHogue said:
I've heard pepper have issues with soft keys in low signal areas but never heard of that issue.. When you left the store did you have the problem on stock ics still
-TeaM VeNuM Like A Boss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the issue of menus open and close in all apps and from home screen in low to no signal areas. Some times making the phone unusable. If I turn mobile data off seems to cure the random menu opening issue... Becomes 1/2 a phone... No data and 10 a month for... What oh ya high speeds data... Used to get 10 Meg download on 4G until a couple months ago.. Now only getting 700K, I think the Sprint tower near my house was stolen lol is that a word? FI27 is out, might help. My phone has been flagged for liquid damage so hard to find out if it's a hardware problem causing the menu issues. My upgrade isn't until May so I will make the most till then. NOTE 2? Little Rant in your thread OP... Sorry
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
I don't mind the rant
I think it may have something to do with signal however. I was at work today and I got a bunch of random presses again. There was a good sized storm and I only had a bar or two. I'm also still wondering if it is software but I cant even stand to use stock ICS to see if it happens, if I couldn't use custom roms I don't think I would even own an android phone.
I was at the gym last night... 1 to no bars, menus and soft keys started poping like crazy... Turned off mobile networks.. 3G data and not one more Phantom menu press... If I wasn't so lazy I would use a custom prl and roam control... Bet that would cure my low signal areas. I will test that theory soon.
I had same menu action when I Odin stock el29 GB, with all modems I flashed
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Xynche said:
I don't mind the rant
I think it may have something to do with signal however. I was at work today and I got a bunch of random presses again. There was a good sized storm and I only had a bar or two. I'm also still wondering if it is software but I cant even stand to use stock ICS to see if it happens, if I couldn't use custom roms I don't think I would even own an android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have use menu other Android devices my first phone was a Samsung moment, i rooted all my phones and i 've never had this problem, i even called Samsung and they say its sprints network not software or hardware, so i will take my phone to another store to see if i have better luck
I was experiencing the same problem on Gamer Mod. Even reflashed after fully wiping everything and still had it happening... was using apex launcher...but never happened to me before. Anyway wiped again and flashed back to blue kuban and its gone.
Shame because I really liked gamer mod.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I don't see how a network can cause an issue like this though.
Also, I've tried wiping and flashing multiple roms on everything from GB to JB and still the same thing.
It is a low signal issue. The end. Only solution.. Get it replaced. My co worker had it. So I had first hand experience with it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
When I brought it in he said he can only do something if we could duplicate the problem. Should I call Sprints call center and see what they can do? Would they already know about the problem or are they going to pretend like they've never had an issue like it. Do I have to flash back to stock ICS or do they not care? Sorry about the questions, I'm just pretty new to having my own phone plan and my own problems and don't really know how to deal with them yet.
Xynche said:
When I brought it in he said he can only do something if we could duplicate the problem. Should I call Sprints call center and see what they can do? Would they already know about the problem or are they going to pretend like they've never had an issue like it. Do I have to flash back to stock ICS or do they not care? Sorry about the questions, I'm just pretty new to having my own phone plan and my own problems and don't really know how to deal with them yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to unroot the phone or they will say the rooting its causing this problem or even worse they will say it's big no no to root phones and they will invalidated your warranty, show them this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKG-iq4XezU so they get an idea what the problem is
That is really odd, hadn't heard of that before. I instantly thought hardware, but it sounds like it has been proven otherwise. Is your device under warranty? If so, could be worth the hassle of a replacement, otherwise sprint call center is pretty worthless in general. They will give you pre made responses and tell you they were not aware of any such issue unless you get someone who actually gives any kind of a crap haha. Good luck! Be sure to post any updates!
Xynche said:
When I brought it in he said he can only do something if we could duplicate the problem. Should I call Sprints call center and see what they can do? Would they already know about the problem or are they going to pretend like they've never had an issue like it. Do I have to flash back to stock ICS or do they not care? Sorry about the questions, I'm just pretty new to having my own phone plan and my own problems and don't really know how to deal with them yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to duplicate the problem everytime on my phone is to go to a low signal area. Ask the Sprint tech to go with you maybe buy them a cup of coffee and a donut.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Xynche said:
I've been having an issue with my softkeys (settings, home, etc...). They will randomly press opening settings, going back and opening the recent apps. Usually it does a combination of all of them and the only way to fix it is to turn off the screen and turn it back on.
I first thought this was a rom problem and switched to a new one. This didn't help so I believe it has to do with hardware. I looked up online and people say that it is a screen or battery problem. So I flashed to stock ICS and brought it into sprint, the guy was nice and stuff but he said he couldn't do anything unless we could make it happen. It wouldn't do it, so he couldn't do anything about it.
I'm wondering if it actually is a software issue or something that I'd be able to fix myself. Has anyone had any problems like this? It's not too often but often enough to be annoying. Any help would be nice.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877155&highlight=ghost
Ok, before I call in I have one last question. Will they send me a loaner phone? I need my phone for work and what not so if I cant get something temporary then I'm not even going to be able to send it in.
Not sure if this will answer your question but a co-worker recently had to take his OG EVO in for service. They gave him a loaner phone, an EVO 3D.
My wife's E4GT had the same phantom soft key issue. It was recently replaced due to another unrelated issue and so far, no issues.
Sent using my HTC EVO 4G and a magic wand
Very last question, I promise. Should I call Sprint or call Samsung directly? I'm most likely going to try and get it replaced this weekend. Hoping that everything goes well.
Short of a sledge hammer or selling the phone is there any remedy?
Phantom keys were crazy on my phone yesterday. I hadn't seen the problem very much in a week or so. I have no idea what was going on, but cleared dalvik cache and that seemed to help. No problems with it today. I wish I could figure out a correlation besides poor signal.

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