GPS Possible Solutions

[SB13X]

Here are 3 threads offering possible solutions to the GPS issue on the DHD.

Hardware solution fixing the contacts beneath the flash where the GPS is housed:
DHD GPS issue fixed, 10000% working - xda-developers
Related Youtube Disassembly Video:
YouTube - ‪HTC Desire HD Disassembly Video‬‏

Solution involving porting over some missing FroYo data:
GPS Solution revisited Sense gingerbread. - xda-developers

Solution involving the clearance of the EFS data:
[GUIDE] How to fix the GPS issue on CM and others - xda-developers

I'll be working through these but just wanted to point them to others who might fancy testing them with me for better test results.

 

[landovr]

Very interesting.

 

[D-U-R-X]

That is quite interesting, but I don't think I dare take my DHD apart... maybe one step too far for me!!

 

[Harry2]

That is quite interesting, but I don't think I dare take my DHD apart... maybe one step too far for me!!

You don't have to do it for that GPS antenna part ...
YouTube - ‪Desire HD gps antenna swap‬‏

Harry

 

[D-U-R-X]

You don't have to do it for that GPS antenna part ...
YouTube - ‪Desire HD gps antenna swap‬‏

Harry

That does look a lot easier than the other video... why or how would the GPS antenna contacts be worn though?

 

[Harry2]

That does look a lot easier than the other video... why or how would the GPS antenna contacts be worn though?

I think more, if the antenna is not adjusted quite right after dropping the phone on the floor

Harry

 

[D-U-R-X]

I think more, if the antenna is not adjusted quite right after dropping the phone on the floor

Harry

Ahhh... I understand!

I haven't really used the GPS function on the phone properly... Just quite interested in the processes of how to fix the issue!

 

[El Presidente]

Added to the known issues sticky.

 

[junior_decibel]

I can confirm that after following the xda thread my gps now works a treat. Still struggles to get a lock inside,but I wouldn't need gps in my house! I have changed my APN setting to "default,supl" also, but cannot see how this afffects it as I do not use Agps.
I used a clothes pin to pop the flash cover, then leverrd it with a small screwdriver.

 

[TheBrit]

My GPS works better after the Gingerbread update.

 

[swift2fly]

I was having a hard time getting a Fix for GPS but after a lot of research, I downloaded GPS status and followed the steps. I can get a GPS lock when I am out side but still it doesn't hold a solid lock. if i am moving in a car it will not hold, walking is fine but i need to stay outdoors. My black berry was able to get a GPS fix from inside the house and it would stay locked. So I believe the GPS antenna is faulty or the antenna is not strong enough. I have not yet tried it without my rubber casing but I doubt the rubber slip on case would be an issuse. I had a far more durable case on my BB and it still locked on.

 

[denialnw10]

I can confirm that after following the xda thread my gps now works a treat. Still struggles to get a lock inside,but I wouldn't need gps in my house! I have changed my APN setting to "default,supl" also, but cannot see how this afffects it as I do not use Agps.
I used a clothes pin to pop the flash cover, then leverrd it with a small screwdriver.

I can also confirm that this fixed the GPS issue for me... So as not to repeat myself I will copy and paste the comment I made in the XDA Thread:

I am flabbergasted!!!

I previously owned the original desire, which, in my opinion, had one of the best gps receivers I had ever used, and I was so disappointed to find that the DHD receiver actually has not worked at all since I got it.

Tried all the software fixes, of which none worked, and now to try this hardware fix, which seemed dodgy as hell (I do not generally like to prise open my

 

[boaterbarry]

Hooray. Installed gingerbread snd my gps is working again. How do I get it to keep tracking when I leave the map page?

 

[Pothers]

I have not yet tried it without my rubber casing but I doubt the rubber slip on case would be an issuse.

I did a bit of testing about a month or so ago. Using GPS status my GPS signal definately dropped when I had my cheap gel case on, but was ok with my OtterBox case

 

[Quatermass]

That does look a lot easier than the other video... why or how would the GPS antenna contacts be worn though?

They shouldn't be as they're only put in once. Possibly the dark spots are carbon depoists from arcing or bacteria buildup due to grease.

I notice this guy actually touches the contacts with his fingers! This will leave behind bacteria and grease (a food source). This will create a barrier to the flow of electricity over time. So I'd wear latex gloves.

 

[SB13X]

So I'd wear latex gloves.

+1 on that. Its what I'm going to be doing when I do the connections fix. I managed to get connections to 7 sats in about 4 mins but on my recent journey from Manchester to Plymouth doing motorway speeds my phone failed to get a connection the entire 6 hour journey. Therefore I am going ahead no matter the risks as it can't get any worse.

 

[Quatermass]

+1 on that. Its what I'm going to be doing when I do the connections fix. I managed to get connections to 7 sats in about 4 mins but on my recent journey from Manchester to Plymouth doing motorway speeds my phone failed to get a connection the entire 6 hour journey. Therefore I am going ahead no matter the risks as it can't get any worse.

Hehe, I see. Good luck.
BTW, you tried lowering the windows to see if improves things?
I heard of metallic shielding built into car windows to reflect heat and these are equally good at bouncing back GPS and phone radio waves too...

 

[nigsy]

Hehe, I see. Good luck.
BTW, you tried lowering the windows to see if improves things?
I heard of metallic shielding built into car windows to reflect heat and these are equally good at bouncing back GPS and phone radio waves too...

That's correct, My SAAB front windscreen has a small area behind the rear view mirror which doesn't have the coating to allow a reciever to be fitted for GPS or DAB reception.

Saying that I have no issues with my DHD getting a GPS signal in the car.

 

[SB13X]

Just a heads up and an update on this one. I took my cover off and plonked a couple of blobs of solder on the connections on the cover itself as I noticed when looking at the spring connections the one closest to the camera sat lower and didnt want to snap the springs so thought I'd let the solder do the work. VOILA hooked up to 11 sats within a minute and to within 12m accuracy.

 

[Quatermass]

Nice. I'd also like to mention that it's important to keep these contacts clean. No touching with fingers!

 

[john_g]

I don't want to be negative but, as an electronics engineer, I have to advise that putting solder over gold contacts really isn't a good idea. Gold is used in these situations because it gives an exceptional contact that won't tarnish or decay - gold is expensive and it wouldn't be used if a cheaper material could perform as well! Also, solder is soft and will likely deform over time, leading to a loss of contact. Finally, using solder to make joints relies on surrounding wires or terminal pins with molten solder where the real connection occurs *inside* the joint - the surface of the soldered joint isn't what does the work. If there is a problem with the gold contacts on the DHD, it isn't anything to do with the materials being used, it's to do with unclean assembly conditions or contacts that have been either badly designed or badly manufactured.

 

[SB13X]

I don't want to be negative but, as an electronics engineer, I have to advise that putting solder over gold contacts really isn't a good idea. Gold is used in these situations because it gives an exceptional contact that won't tarnish or decay - gold is expensive and it wouldn't be used if a cheaper material could perform as well! Also, solder is soft and will likely deform over time, leading to a loss of contact. Finally, using solder to make joints relies on surrounding wires or terminal pins with molten solder where the real connection occurs *inside* the joint - the surface of the soldered joint isn't what does the work. If there is a problem with the gold contacts on the DHD, it isn't anything to do with the materials being used, it's to do with unclean assembly conditions or contacts that have been either badly designed or badly manufactured.

The connection for the gps antenna is badly designed and manufactured. I also understand the situation regarding how solder operates and as such can envisage me in the future possibly having to remove the solder applied, clean and re-apply if necessary while also acknowledging a fresh cover maybe needed. As mentioned due to the bad design it is the spring loaded contacts that are at fault and after having played around with mine trying to get them to sit flush it would have required measured force which would have resulted in either spring loss or snapping it entirely.

That said the result is plain and evident that the fix has worked for the time being for me. As you say you are an electronics engineer what I and I think many others would appreciate is an alternative to what has been proposed with sources to go with any recommendations regarding material.

 

[john_g]

The connection for the gps antenna is badly designed and manufactured. I also understand the situation regarding how solder operates and as such can envisage me in the future possibly having to remove the solder applied, clean and re-apply if necessary while also acknowledging a fresh cover maybe needed. As mentioned due to the bad design it is the spring loaded contacts that are at fault and after having played around with mine trying to get them to sit flush it would have required measured force which would have resulted in either spring loss or snapping it entirely.

That said the result is plain and evident that the fix has worked for the time being for me. As you say you are an electronics engineer what I and I think many others would appreciate is an alternative to what has been proposed with sources to go with any recommendations regarding material.

Stu, it sounds like you understand the issues and are happy to deal with them if/when they arise. I'd held off posting my thoughts because it felt unnecessary for me to air them but, if others are going to go down the same road, I thought it better to just lay out the complications that might ensue.

I've not opened my phone, so haven't seen the contacts and therefore don't feel able to give any advice.

 

[SB13X]

Stu, it sounds like you understand the issues and are happy to deal with them if/when they arise. I'd held off posting my thoughts because it felt unnecessary for me to air them but, if others are going to go down the same road, I thought it better to just lay out the complications that might ensue.

I've not opened my phone, so haven't seen the contacts and therefore don't feel able to give any advice.

Just read that back what I put John and honestly it didn't come across very well at all sorry. I was genuinely interested in hearing your perspective but you've covered that above. Should really learn to lay off the interwebz when in certain states of mind.

 

[Omar Days]

I had a gps issue then one day I decided to try it without my protective case on and to my surprise it worked and got a lock on indoors!