Develop Bugs

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
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Where are you located?

scrannel said:
Where are you located?
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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
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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.
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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.
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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

GPS is suddenly EXCELLENT!

My GPS has all of sudden started working FLAWLESSLY. I have changed nothing on my phone in the last couple of weeks. While sitting sitting in my living room today, I decided to turned on my GPS as I do often in the same spot. The only difference, instead of picking up zero satellites, I picked up at least 5 and Google maps is working great.
Has anyone else noticed sudden improved GPS?? I hope this lasts...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

I can't offer much historical performance, as I just got my Epic yesterday, but I was able to quickly get a gps lock at my house last night, and while driving today. I leave GPS on all the time.

I'm pretty sure this is due to me wearing my tin foil hat.
You're welcome.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but how do you check?

SRT300 said:
Maybe this is a dumb question, but how do you check?
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You can do this a few ways.
1) Make sure GPS is on, and go into Google Maps. See if it finds your location when you are indoors.
2) Make sure GPS is on, and download GPS test from the market. It will tell you how many satellites you are connecting to, and how strong the lock is. It also tells the accuracy of your location, in meters.

http://www.spaceweather.com/

GPS Status & Toolbox is another great free app from the market. Tells you how fast the GPS locks in seconds, number of satellites, longitude, latitude, compass bearing, etc. It will let you clear and download A-GPS data as well which one should do regularly.

tokuzumi said:
You can do this a few ways.
1) Make sure GPS is on, and go into Google Maps. See if it finds your location when you are indoors.
2) Make sure GPS is on, and download GPS test from the market. It will tell you how many satellites you are connecting to, and how strong the lock is. It also tells the accuracy of your location, in meters.
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These are the methods I use.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

perhaps a neighbor cut down a tree which has been blocking the gps signal to your phone. haha.

Awesome!!!!
Mine says I'm at home too... Even though I'm currently at work about 10 miles away.
The GPS on this phone stinks!!!! But everything else is flawless.

I noticed a huge improvement a week or two before el29 went officially OTA. I was already running the leaked el29 modem/kernel mind you. Maybe Sammy/sprint changed something to play nice with the new release *shrugs*. Before this it would take awhile for GPS Status to lock on sats, now it usually locks in under a minute!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

crzchn said:
http://www.spaceweather.com/
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^^this
The massive solar storm probably had a lot to do with it.

Not sure how the epic touch works, but I believe most phones do not use true GPS. The GPS module is usually assisted by the cell radio. Sprint probably improved cell coverage in your area.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

Yes the phones do use the towers as a "rough location" while searching for satellites.

and if we have no tower signal.. we get no GPS
GPS should work.. cell signal or not. boooo A-GPS.

autoprime said:
and if we have no tower signal.. we get no GPS
GPS should work.. cell signal or not. boooo A-GPS.
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You should be able to uncheck the option to use the cell network to assist with GPS lock. I think it's under Settings, Location, or Security. It will then only use the GPS antenna to determine your location. It will probably take about a minute to get a lock, however.
I haven't tested this out, so it's all theory, but on paper, the theory should be sound.

My old Samsung phone had major gps issues but once I got a good lock and started using gps regularly it worked fine till I started trying out different roms. This phone gps seems to be working fine so far

I've never had a problem with GPS, but I live in an area with good cell coverage

Galaxy Nexus Inflight GPS

Hey guys,
I was on a flight today and I tried to get a GPS lock inflight but was unable to despite having 8 satellites visible. I had GPS tracking turned on, and according to the GPS, the tracker functioned correctly for only the first few miles after takeoff.
What I am suspecting is the cause of not locking is that the GNex has the barometer which it uses for a lock, but the altitude determined from the in-cabin pressure significantly differs with the actual altitude so it messes things up for the GPS.
So my question here is has anyone had any experience with using the GNex as an inflight GPS? And if not, is there a way to disable the barometer?

http://www.gps-forums.net/gps-chip-speed-altitude-restrictions-t40528.html

I was also on a flight from Germany to Morocoo and I had about 4-6 Satelites in View but no Fix!
via Google Galaxy Nexus

GPS unit limitation since commercial flights normally fly at 500+knots at 30 thousand feet(9.1km), which is well below the limit.

Mach3.2 said:
GPS unit limitation since commercial flights normally fly at 500+knots at 30 thousand feet(9.1km), which is well below the limit.
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Also, my iPhone 3G definitely could keep up GPS wise during flights. Is it only the specific GPS inside the Galaxy Nexus or is an Android limitation?

dnlsmy said:
Also, my iPhone 3G definitely could keep up GPS wise during flights. Is it only the specific GPS inside the Galaxy Nexus or is an Android limitation?
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My bet is on the GPS chip inside our Galaxy Nexus.

I managed to do that with a Nokia N95 so it's definitely possible. It was quick too.. took only 30 seconds which surprised me.
But getting a GPS fixe can be very random. For example the N95 could take 5 minutes to get a fix without A-GPS (network data) and without moving. My TomTom GPS could also take 10 minutes to get a fix while driving if it had no recent satellite (A-GPS like) data, and that was using a state of the art GPS chip (SiRF starIII).
One way that would work would be to get a fix before takeoff, the GPS still works in plane mode as it's not transmitting anything.

zapek666 said:
I managed to do that with a Nokia N95 so it's definitely possible. It was quick too.. took only 30 seconds which surprised me.
But getting a GPS fixe can be very random. For example the N95 could take 5 minutes to get a fix without A-GPS (network data) and without moving. My TomTom GPS could also take 10 minutes to get a fix while driving if it had no recent satellite (A-GPS like) data, and that was using a state of the art GPS chip (SiRF starIII).
One way that would work would be to get a fix before takeoff, the GPS still works in plane mode as it's not transmitting anything.
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Hmmm, The galaxy nexus have a SiRF StarIV chip, so i guess it could be like what you said.:silly:

gps
I had lock during flight. It took maybe 10 minutes and I think plane was faster than that what was showing gps but it worked. GPS displayed 750km/h.

So I've been thinking that its the barometer that prevents the lock. Is there a way to disable the barometer?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Not sure anyone reads this anymore, but I'd like to share my experience, that seems closely related.
I opened a new thread here.
Giacomo

Does a gps fix it exist for the siii?

I am having issues with gps connectivity and was wondering if a gps fix exists for this device that will up the satellite feed. I remember they had one for the epic. I didn't think I would have this issue on this phone as well but I am. It takes a few minutes for my gps to get a lock.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Assuming you tried GPS tuner and cleared the AGPS data then take it outside where you can see the sky and let it get a new fix?
If I remember right, there's a ## code you can go through and with your MSL code, clear all GPS stats to start it over. You'll have to dig around to find it.
Mine gets a lock in about 15 seconds to 7+ sats and is consistent all the time and quite accurate.

RealTic said:
I am having issues with gps connectivity and was wondering if a gps fix exists for this device that will up the satellite feed. I remember they had one for the epic. I didn't think I would have this issue on this phone as well but I am. It takes a few minutes for my gps to get a lock.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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The gps should be much better than on the Old Epic. The problem before was that Samsung was using Google gps coding which had some major flaws. They switched to their own proprietary coding in the same way HTC did long ago and it has strengthened the gps immensly. You may have a defective unit. Only place I don't get a lock is inside old city buildings with a lot of metal and concrete (where no one is getting locks either) or in terrible signal areas.