Help GPS issues?

[karnka]

No luck on T-Mobile. No update in Kies.

 

[lordgoata]

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?

I have, I am on Vodafone and after installing Kies earlier this afternoon, it notified me there was an update (only got the phone on Monday).

That said, having read the XDA Developers forum, I am not going to bother applying it. The latest 2.1 compatible beta firmware is JM5 and from the feedback so far, none of the JMx firmwares make THAT much of an improvement over JF3 anyway.

There is also no way in merry hell I am going to rely on that clunky bloatware Kies, to update my firmware without trashing the phone, it took 4 attempts to install it properly (kept timing out connection to the server), and 2 attempts to get the phone to connect ... I just can't bring myself to rely on it not to crash midway through!

I'll be waiting to see what comes out in September with Froyo's release (assuming that happens!).

 

[Beowulf_pt]

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.

Guess I got confused and thought it would be another firmware.
I bought my unbranded, unlocked SGS 16GB about a week and a half ago and it came with JM2. Overall it sucks (GPS & lag). The app manager is ok tho.

 

[marcof]

No luck here, I'm in the Netherlands my phone is sim lock free, my carrier is vodafone.
But no updates are showing for me in kies, it tells me that it can't be updated..

 

[jfogs1]

Sprint | News Release

I guess they just forgot to put that functionality in the press release, right?

 

[mi04se1]

For your information, I have the Captivate on ATT in the US. Preloaded is an ATT app for navigation (cost money after the 30 day trial). I signed up for it today to see if there was a differnce in locks and accuracy. It got a lock in ~5 seconds and was accurate. After testing this out, I believe it is software related and not hardware. If gps works on certain apps, you know its not hardware. I got Google Nav to lock, but takes longer and sometimes my location bounces around.

 

[Beowulf_pt]

Sprint | News Release

I guess they just forgot to put that functionality in the press release, right?

I'm not in the US but I guess Sprint is probably nice and honest. They didn't mention a feature that in my opinion shouldn't be listed in the box at all. The product just doesn't have it.

That's what I'll say at the store when I'll go there for the money back next week "Well.. it says here it has GPS, but it doesn't."

It got a lock in ~5 seconds and was accurate. After testing this out, I believe it is software related and not hardware. If gps works on certain apps, you know its not hardware. I got Google Nav to lock, but takes longer and sometimes my location bounces around.

I typed this a zillion times; the problem is not getting locks, any crap GPS can get locks (especially assisted)... it's just a matter of having a faster or slower TTFF and if you don't mind waiting you'll get enough sats to position eventually.

The problem is HOLDING the locks of satellites with decent/low SNRs, or any SNRs for that matter as you get moving along. The Samsung thinks he's hopping around like a mad drunk monkey, losing signal and dropping sats all the time.

What matters is having a stable, accurate and consistent flow of position data after the initial setup... that you can see with apps like MyTracks that record the path. And in most phones it will look like something your 2-year old kid drew; while on meth; and in full darkness.

I just noticed that this GPS and lag thing is making me dislike the gadget a lot now. Strange since I respected its fine specs but the bitterness is taking over. Ah, it will be great to get the cash back. But fear not, maybe a working fix will indeed be released the day after I return mine.

 

[larryccf]

I just noticed that this GPS and lag thing is making me dislike the gadget a lot now. Strange since I respected its fine specs but the bitterness is taking over. Ah, it will be great to get the cash back. But fear not, maybe a working fix will indeed be released the day after I return mine.

Beowulf - you missed your calling, you should be a stand up comic on the comedy circuit - LOL (but i use nearly the same descript when i reject a part we've subcontracted, telling the vendor "on the next run, please make sure you've turned the lights on in the shop"

while i agree with your sentiment, remember, i've actually put my foot in the door so the opportunity of returning mine isn't totally closed, can i encourage you to stick around (i asked my carrier to extend my return period deadline because, if the gps issue is fixed by OTA, i'd be buying again, and it seemed such a waste of shipping, repackaging, yada yada

i'll miss your sarcasm & humor, plus there is some hope this is all a software glitch -

 

[Dhaos]

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?

Im on orange uk just got home from work (6:20pm) and had a look on kies and there is a firmware update for me, from JF3 to JM1

 

[paddyb]

Im on orange uk just got home from work (6:20pm) and had a look on kies and there is a firmware update for me, from JF3 to JM1

Great, haven't got time to look now, but will check later and report back.

 

[Mr Mufakka]

Another vibrant user with crappy gps. I've tried both xda fixes with no luck. Do I need to post on any samsung board/petition to add one more complaint?

 

[larryccf]

there's a petition or something over on the tmobile vibrant forum

Cell Phone & Smartphone Videos, Tutorials - Samsung

 

[Sleuth]

JM1 has improved things for me. It's slightly better than when I got the phone. Not up to my old G1's standard but a whole hell of a lot better than it has been since I started trying all the various GPS settings fixes posted in this thread -- at least it locks on to satellites now. Two weeks ago standing in an empty field a-top the North Downs Way I couldn't lock onto one.

Anyhow, here's the map of my walk. Not too shabby, I say.

View JM1 Walk

And for those who haven't seen it, as reported by Engadget, Samsung USA has comitted to a GPS fixing update to the US Galaxy S + variants in September.

AGPS capability on various versions of the Galaxy S -- including the Captivate and Vibrant released here in the US -- has been deeply hosed since launch, the apparent result of a bunk positioning server being used to associate towers to geographical locations. In practical terms, that's made apps like Google Maps nearly useless indoors and in urban canyons where line of sight to the birds up in orbit is dicey or impossible, and for European users where the phone's been out even longer, the wait's been an especially excruciating one. Fortunately, Samsung's finally come out with some concrete details on Twitter today, saying that updates are expected next month with "details and download to follow." No word for Euros specifically, but we imagine (er, make that "hope") they'll all be fixed around the same time.

Source: Enadget via Samsung USA

So hopefully those of us in the UK will see something at the same time.

 

[Evil Peter]

Samsung USA tweeted the following a day ago or so:

"We're testing software to optimize GPS on US Galaxy S. Expected updates avail. in Sept. Details & download to follow".

I guess you can take that as an indication that the GPS-fix will be rolled out with FroYo as it's rumored to be released in September. Granted this is for the US and the FroYo rumor is for Europe but the phones aren't that different.

 

[Deleted User]

Hi all,


I spoke to Samsung Sweden's support line once again on Friday, and they said they still have no idea when the GPS would be fixed, and they "thought" FroYo "might" be available in "mid-October or so."

As it happens, I am a professional software systems architect used to large-scale projects, and I know what it means when, a month or two before the due date, the schedule starts to slip by just a few weeks at a time.

I don't believe Samsung have the slightest idea what they're doing and I wouldn't expect to see a FroYo release this side of the new year.


/Uffe

 

[Deleted User]

Hi,


This only concerns Swedish owners of the Galaxy S.

I'm currently battling with my carrier (Telenor) to get them to actually follow Swedish law, which is pretty clear on this issue: they have delivered faulty goods, and since they are unable to repair or replace the goods they must reduce the price. It's an uphill struggle, but the law is actually crystal clear.

I strongly advise anyone with a faulty Galaxy S purchased in Sweden to contact their carrier and quote them Konsumentk

 

[Beards]

I'm sure you all know this but just in case there are some which are not aware the fix (JM1) is NOT the GPS Fix nor does it address the problem.
JM1 was introduced BEFORE the fix program started and as such is why we are now hearing the GPS Fix will not be available until September.

I'm hoping to hear some further news next week when I will be speaking with Chris Love.

 

[Sleuth]

Beards, while I know that JM1 is *not* the GPS fix, it is undeniable to me that my GPS is now working *much* better than it did prior to it being applied. Maybe it was only resetting all those useless *#*#1472365#*#* GPS setting fixes that (frankly) did more harm than good, I don't know, but it is now capable of locking on multiple satellites and that has to be a good start. And I'm pretty sure it's better than when I took it on the MyTracks walk which started this thread.

My advice to people is that while it is not a cure, it is definitely worth installing, if only for an interim palliative.

 

[Beards]

Beards, while I know that JM1 is *not* the GPS fix, it is undeniable to me that my GPS is now working *much* better than it did prior to it being applied. Maybe it was only resetting all those useless *#*#1472365#*#* GPS setting fixes that (frankly) did more harm than good, I don't know, but it is now capable of locking on multiple satellites and that has to be a good start. And I'm pretty sure it's better than when I took it on the MyTracks walk which started this thread.

My advice to people is that while it is not a cure, it is definitely worth installing, if only for an interim palliative.

Oh don't get me wrong.. there are 'some' benefits in updating to JM1 but it's far from what we are seeking. In fact the unofficial is presently running at JM3 if I am not mistaken.
Give it a couple of weeks and see how it performs then.... It's my opinion it will fall back into bad habits.

 

[Bertie]

Well, I want to thank all the contributors on this thread, because due to the content, I have decided to get the Desire instead.

Had it not been for the gps and time lag problems, clearly documented on this forum, and in other places, I was intent upon obtaining the SGS.

Reading all the comments sent in, and appreciating all the hard work from a number of you, in particular Beards, I am of the view that SGS is not for me at this time. I don't want to obtain a phone and then have to go into battle to make it work effectively.

I imagine that this forum is closely monitored by Samsung, whether they admit it or not, and I also imagine that they do not want to hear that potential customers are being put off from purchasing their product. The remedy is in their hands and they do not seem to be dealing with it very expeditiously at the moment.

I really would have prferred the SGS had all been equal, but need to renew now, and so have had to make my decision.

I would like to thank all of the contributors who have helped me make the decision, and I sincerely hope that those of you with problems have them resolved soon. In paricutlar, Beards, I am sure that many are very grateful to you.

Bertie

 

[Beards]

Thank you Bertie, your words are warmly received.

 

[firefox73]

According to my findings 'Beards' is spot on.

Updated from JF3 to JM1 on the premise that the GPS issues were negated, according to others who had carried out the firmware update.

Phone seemed to have no perceptable difference once firmware update completed, other than having to reinstall everything and also certain apps missing from the marketplace.

However, GPS seemed initially seemed not to be noticeably different than before when stationary at home.

I then took it for a spin and found it to be just slightly poorer than prior to the JM1 update.

Then for the real test - I took it on an aircraft with MapDroyd covering the countries I would be flying over. I was positively excited to see how it performed, expecting to see a brilliant trace of the routing, as I had seen from a colleague using a bluetooth GPS receiver on his laptop, a couple of years ago.

You can imagine my disappointment when after staring at MapDroyd and updating the position time and time again, no position could be found. I tried the GPS test app and could pick nothing up. I tried this repeatedly for over half an hour before giving up.

Next test was on the balcony of my hotel in Tehran. Here after waiting 3 minutes, I could get one, occassionally two satelittes but both were greyed out giving no fix and an average score of 28 - 35. Despite knowing that I should get more satelittes over head from this postion, I went out the front of the hotel until a clear 30 degree cone from the azimuth could be found. Once again the results were the same disappointing 1 or 2 sats no matter how much twicking of settings was done.

I have to admit that for 1 second I considered that this could be the Iranian authorities jamming the GPS signals but realised how desperate I had become to justify why the GPS was not working. I did think that this could be a plausible excuse that the foreign Sammy Tech Support could dish out to customers. Perhaps I should try mentioning this to them, if I ever feel the despair getting too much for me. I bet they would have a field day telling all the SGS owners that it's not Samsung's fault that the GPS is being jammed ; )

Returning back to the UK, I thought I'd try the GPS out again. Initially, I incredibly only received 1 or 2 sats in view on the bus for the 1st 10 mins, then after getting in my car and driving for 15 minutes along the motorway it remained at 1 or 2 with no fix available whatsoever. However after a total time of about 30 minutes, all of a sudden the GPS test app came alive with 10/11 sats in view and using 7/8! Just like that, no 1 > 2 > 4 >5 > 7 > 8 satellites gradually building up, just immediately visible.

There was absolutely no reason for the phone to not recognise the satellites in the overhead of Tehran.

There is clearly something very wrong with this phone or the software. Flying at 37,000' we were above all clouds (i know clouds should not impede GPS reception but just consdiering everything) and I had the phone pressed tight against a window which was at a 60 degree (ish) incline.

I have to say that in my opinion, when the GPS works with JM1, it allows more satellites to be in view but despite having up to 11 at one point, I could not get above 8 to be in use, even with the greyed out ones having a score around 40 at one point. I think the JM1 is probably a poorer update as far as the GPS is concerned, unless mine has just got to the point where other peoples phones seem to have been and suddenly falls over!

Also of note, the track in 'My Tracks' on the drive home stopped painting a number of times and the one in Jogtracker app was off course by approximately 0.5 miles at times. Depite the fact that I remained on the motorway, driving at motorway speeds, the GPS sometimes put me driving parallel to the motorway but cutting cross country through villages.

I'd be interested to hear others views on their updates and my findings.

This could well be the 2nd SGS going back to the retailer in a couple of days but next time I will not accept a replacement and will take my money to a manufacturer that respects their client base and works to improve situations, rather than getting foreign call centres to face the music and pocketing our money

 

[paddyb]

Now we are a two SGS household, it gives me the opportunity to do some side by side testing of the various GPS fixes and tweaks that have been discussed.

However, before I even got to that stage, something was very apparent right from the start. Setting the two phones side by side, which both have JF3 firmware and the same GPS settings, using GPS Test, my girlfriends phone gave much better results, getting more fixes and higher SNR

 

[desmond.chin]

Thanks for all the updates .. this sounds bad to me, i really need to reconsider whether to get SGS or Desire ..

 

[ardyer]

So, same phone, same firmware, but different results. The only other difference was that she is on Vodaphone and I