Help GPS issues?

[Andyman10]

Well, I've got my replacement and I /think/ it is better, though its hard to properly compare due to differnt cloud cover etc. I've not uses 'my tracks' yet, but it does seem to pick up more satellites more quickly and give accuracy of 5-10m in gps test - strength is 25-35, but does jump about . Can you get better than 5m resolution?

This is using the orignal jf3 firmware.

I suggest that if you have problems you make note of how many locks and what accuracy you get in different conditions then see about a replacement.

Orange UK had a fault code for GPS issues, which I quoted to get a replacement.

Also, the new phone doesn't creak at the top of the silver surround

Blonkster

Hi,
I have a JF5 build Galaxy S and my GPS readings ar very similar to yours, seems to work fine at the application level as long as you have clear sky but side by side with my old touch HD the HD locks much quicker and holds on to the satellites better, the GS seems to periodically lose satellites for a few seconds ..baseband cell updates creating noise I wonder and dropping the SNR? Other than these blips SNR levels seem much the same on both devices.

 

[Beards]

Just to let you all know.... I'm still trying to get some further info on the firmware fix.
I've just sent off a message to Chris Love at Clove asking for an update.
As soon as one materializes I'll re-post.

 

[brooklynrab]

For those of you who got this phone when it came out on ATT (the Captivate), we are now approaching the drop dead date of our 30 day return window, and all we have is a vague promise by Samsung "to do something". We don't know if they really will, and whether any fix will be effective (we still don't really know whether this is a hardware or software issue), but if we don't return our phones soon, we will be stuck. An absence of GPS on a modern phone is a deal killer, even though I otherwise love the Captivate, so I tried to get ATT to extend the 30 day return period, and you know how that went -- I couldn't find anyone there who would even acknowledge the problem existed. I have sent an email to the one person (a level 3 tech) at Samsung who seems to actually care about customer service and doesn't simply read from a script, asking her to see if anything could be done for people like me (logically thinking, if they have any respect for their customers, they should extend the 30 day give back period, rather than risk a flood of returns, but who knows?).
Anyone have any ideas?

 

[funksplutter]

If you ask for a replacement handset on the basis that your current one is faulty does that extend your right to a thirty day change-of-mind?

 

[larryccf]

it does on Tmobile - when i got the replacement i called in to see what my return period was, and they indicated 14 days, same as the first one

and i'm waiting for a response to a request i put in to them, that if they'll extend my return period, i'm willing to keep it waiting to see if a software update is forthcoming and does indeed correct the gps issue

two minutes after putting this post up got a call back from Tmo Svc rep - they had extended my buyer's remorse period to Sept 16th - fwiw to others

 

[Beards]

Just to let you all know.... I'm still trying to get some further info on the firmware fix.
I've just sent off a message to Chris Love at Clove asking for an update.
As soon as one materializes I'll re-post.

Okay... Received a reply back from Chris Love.
Here's the latest..... and as always the second I hear anything further I'll let you all know:-

Mike​

​

I have spoken to Richard here and first line support at Samsung, who confirm that as yet the fix has not been uploaded​

​

I await a call back from the product manager to try are finally resolve this issue​

​

I am told they have the fix, which is bizarre if they have not released it.​

Regards


Chris Love

Clove Technology
TEL: +44 (0)1202 552936
FAX: +44 (0)1202 552937

Email: sales@clove.co.uk
Website: www.clove.co.uk
Blog: blog.clove.co.uk

 

[waspbr]

-.- @ samsung

 

[Beowulf_pt]

Mike​

I have spoken to Richard here and first line support at Samsung, who confirm that as yet the fix has not been uploaded​

I await a call back from the product manager to try are finally resolve this issue​

I am told they have the fix, which is bizarre if they have not released it.​

Regards

I'm fed up with Samsung and their lack of proper information. Same on the US Twitter, lots of GPS bitching and they are polite but are always repeating the same "under investigation/will post news as soon as we have any".

I really think the issue is hardware dependent too (but a fw/drivers might help) but am just not patient enough. Still have 20 days to return the phone, but yesterday I repackaged it already and left it at home. I now I have my old Nokia E72 in my pocket. It has no lag at all and the GPS is lame but far from pathetic.

Will try to resist and keep the SGS a few of more days before going for the money back, but I really doubt we'll see any functional upgrade in the next weeks. If ever.

Just wondering how many returns are stores having due to the GPS issue? Probably not much. From local foruns I've noticed most kids are just worried about facebook integration, if it plays subtitles along with the 720p movies, if the lagfixes improve gaming pauses and so on.

 

[karnka]

Yes... not many people do seem that bothered.

My attitude is it should work and at some point soonish Samsung really should fix it. If they don't, then I probably won't keep the phone long term.

I do generally like the rest of the phone's features so I'd rather give them a chance (even if they don't deserve it).

Then again, if it's not fixed and something nice and shiny comes out from HTC in a few months I might just jump ship.

 

[Beowulf_pt]

My attitude is it should work and at some point soonish Samsung really should fix it. If they don't, then I probably won't keep the phone long term.

I do generally like the rest of the phone's features so I'd rather give them a chance (even if they don't deserve it).

Then again, if it's not fixed and something nice and shiny comes out from HTC in a few months I might just jump ship.

Yes I like it in general too.. except for the lag and the lack of GPS. I would keep it too but selling/buying something in 4 months or sowill mean another fat loss of money, around 250

 

[karnka]

The ship has long sailed on me returning it and I've decided I like having an expensive phone, so I think I'm going to be taking a regular hit to keep up to date from now on.

I'm not sure about hardware, it does sound like it could be a driver issue and to be honest I have no faith in Samsung doing anything about it. I think they may effectively tweak the settings but I'm not convinced about a _total_ fix. We will have to see.

 

[jmreed97]

Okay... Received a reply back from Chris Love.
Here's the latest..... and as always the second I hear anything further I'll let you all know:-

Mike​

​

I have spoken to Richard here and first line support at Samsung, who confirm that as yet the fix has not been uploaded​

​

I await a call back from the product manager to try are finally resolve this issue​

​

I am told they have the fix, which is bizarre if they have not released it.​

Regards


Chris Love

Clove Technology
TEL: +44 (0)1202 552936
FAX: +44 (0)1202 552937

Email: sales@clove.co.uk
Wvsite: www.clove.co.uk
Blog: blog.clove.co.uk

I call BS... Not Beards and not Clove... Samsung. They are snowing them about having the fix ready. If they did, it would be uploaded for Clove to access it. Saying "it is ready and I don't know why it hasn't been uploaded" holds no credibility after a week.

As always, thanks for the update Beards! Keep us posted!

 

[Beards]

I call BS... Not Beards and not Clove... Samsung. They are snowing them about having the fix ready. If they did, it would be uploaded for Clove to access it. Saying "it is ready and I don't know why it hasn't been uploaded" holds no credibility after a week.

As always, thanks for the update Beards! Keep us posted!

Yes, that's why Chris Love finds it so bizarre.... On one hand Samsung say it is available but on the other not only have they not loaded it but nor given any indication why it is not available.

All I know is Chris is equally annoyed and wants to get this sorted once and for all.

I'm working with Chris to try and push Samsung into getting this sorted.... I promise the second we hear of any info it will be posted here.

 

[TCC]

This GPS issue and the wifi are the two things that keep me from buying this phone and I really want it.

I really hope they get it fixed soon.

I unfortunately don't have an option to purchase the phone and then return it.

 

[doomblaz]

i hope Samsung will make software update very soon because i recommend this phone to my friend so he ordered it from ebay couple days ago, and he will use GPS for sure... if no update he might blame me and i will feel very sorry

 

[larryccf]

apparently there's a new AT&T Captivate firmware that was just put out and most users are reporting positively on gps improvement

most notable, two users, over in the xda captivate develop forum are reporting locking onto 9 satellites

time will tell if the improvement is permanent but it's at least some positive news

[STOCK ROM] I897UCJH2 (Captivate) - Page 12 - xda-developers

 

[jimatr]

Kies now reports that my firmware is upgradeable to "JM1". Fingers crossed. (UK SGS)

 

[karnka]

Kies now reports that my firmware is upgradeable to "JM1". Fingers crossed. (UK SGS)

Unlocked or from a carrier?

 

[jimatr]

Unlocked or from a carrier?

This was bought from Clove, so no carrier. I don't think it matters if the phone is from a carrier or not for the firmware upgrade.

 

[karnka]

Mine is T-Mobile. Will have to try when I get the chance.

I'm pretty sure that the carriers will not allow the update to be released to locked handsets until they've 'tested' themselves.

This is what happened with the Galaxy Portal on T-Mobile when they decided to not allow the 2.1 upgrade.

 

[jimatr]

Mine is T-Mobile. Will have to try when I get the chance.

I'm pretty sure that the carriers will not allow the update to be released to locked handsets until they've 'tested' themselves.

This is what happened with the Galaxy Portal on T-Mobile when they decided to not allow the 2.1 upgrade.

The 2.1 upgrade was about the Android operating system though, not the firmware. The firmware belongs to Samsung, it abstracts the device hardware to allow the operating system to run on more diverse handsets and is generally not touched by carriers as they may brick your phone.

It's not infeasible though that carriers could still deny the upgrade, but in my previous contract phone experience with O2 and a SonyEricsson phone firmware upgrades still came straight from Sony via the PC software with no intervention from O2.

Give it a whirl and let us know how it goes as i'm sure there will be many angry or happy users depending on your outcome!

 

[jimatr]

Ok the firmware has massively improved the lock from my office window! Previously i'd place the phone next to the window, it would see 4 sats and 0 lock.

Now 11 in view, 6 in use! GPS Test

JM1 FTW!

Also includes a nice application manager widget.

 

[simvaughan1]

How come you got an update? through kies? i'm in the uk too... no reason why kies wouldnt give me one too if you got one?

 

[paddyb]

I'm pretty sure that the carriers will not allow the update to be released to locked handsets until they've 'tested' themselves.

I'm on Orange and theres nothing for me on Kies, just "the devices version cannot be updated".

So it sounds like a carrier issue. Anyone else had success on Orange or any of the UK carriers?

 

[jimatr]

How come you got an update? through kies? i'm in the uk too... no reason why kies wouldnt give me one too if you got one?

Boo, that's not fair to all you people with locked/contract phones.