• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Help GPS problem on SPICA

gurik

Lurker
Mar 19, 2010
4
0
I have problem with my original, not upgraded, spica (i5700xxil2). SPICA is keeping turning GPS module off always when display goes off (typically after minute). In this case I am unable to use tracking software, like my tracks. There is always only information at the beginning of track when I wait for first GPS fix and then when I checked my speed or something. Phone should in these cases keep GPS module working on background, but it seems that SPICA keeps turning it off completely. I have to always wait for new GPS fix when the phone is unlocked even with google maps (lot of time lost!). It
 
I have the same issue, but its because I have put my phone in my pocket. It needs to be able to "see" the satellite otherwise it can't accurately fix your position.

If you are driving put it on the dash board. If cycling or walking maybe putting it around your neck or inside your pocket if you have thin material trousers and no long coat on.

I don't know though, just suggestions.
 
Upvote 0
I’m sure that it’s not a problem with GPS satellite visibility. I tested several times and proved on my piece of SPICA that GPS module is turned off completely if you push lock-screen button. I spoke with Tatoo owner yesterday and he said that is pretty sure that GPS module is not turned off when he lock screen in his HTC. I’m convinced that there is something wrong with SPICA in this case. I’m trying to find out if this is a problem of hardware or firmware, or my specific device is working wrong…
 
Upvote 0
I have tried what you have said and it looks to be an issue. I am not sure if it is the phone issue, or a software issue.

Dancat> Thanks a lot for your answer. This confirmed me that it’s not an issue of my phone. You exactly described what is happening to me. In your second test – with home button pressed: I think it is normal behavior most of the software using GPS that in the background stops logging GPS information (in this case android probably turns off module to save your battery). Tracking software (I use "My Tracks") uses classes that allow them to log GPS also in the background (and on HTC phone also in the case of locked phone) when tracks your route. For testing GPS module I use “GPS test” downloaded from market.

Dancat> what firmware are you using? Still 1.5?

Is here anyone who can confirm this SPICA behavior on any 2.1 firmware installed on it?
 
Upvote 0
Dancat> what firmware are you using? Still 1.5?

Is here anyone who can confirm this SPICA behavior on any 2.1 firmware installed on it?[/quote]


I have 2.1 installed.

And i think you should try to do another test using Google Maps.

Just start it, let it get the satellite lock then lock the screen and walk a little (i think some hundred meters will do it). Then check your phone and see if your location is properly updated.
 
Upvote 0
Is here anyone who can confirm this SPICA behavior on any 2.1 firmware installed on it?


I have 2.1 installed.
This is bad news for me, because it means that firmware upgrade is not a solution for SPICA. On the other hand, I found a forum in Czech rep., where is a SPICA user which uses sport tracking software also with locked phone (still 1.5 firmware). She complains about GPS time problem, which is probably another SPICA GPS issue. So I am confused. Anybody with same / opposite experiences?
 
Upvote 0
I think the GPS issue is also due to really low signal reception of the SPICA. Many GPS softwares can't get an accurate lock at all, though Google Maps often does. Use the app "GPS Test" from "Chartcross Limited" to see the signal strength from each satellite in view. Post your signal levels here?
 
Upvote 0
iGo keeps the screen from timing out doesn't it? Maybe it's some sort of battery saving feature to stop the GPS while the phone is locked. I've noticed it doing the same thing with WiFi.

If you want it to, it does. But i have minimize it (if you press the home button, it won't stop like other applications, it will just move in the notification area) and then locked the screen. The screen stays locked, but when you will open it and raise iGo it will have the updated position.

And yes, i also think that it is a power saving feature and all depends on how the software uses the hardware. I don't believe it is a hardware fault.
 
Upvote 0
I have a fun problem with the GPS on my Spica/Portal.

It keeps thinking I'm a couple of hundred miles away, always the same little industrial estate just north of Coventry.

I think it's the aGPS rather than the straight GPS (haven't really tested that out yet). It's not a huge problem but does confuse a few people on Latitude when I move around so quickly!
 
Upvote 0
I have a fun problem with the GPS on my Spica/Portal.

It keeps thinking I'm a couple of hundred miles away, always the same little industrial estate just north of Coventry.

I think it's the aGPS rather than the straight GPS (haven't really tested that out yet). It's not a huge problem but does confuse a few people on Latitude when I move around so quickly!

I have that exact problem and its doing my head in!!

At first I thought it was because I didn't have the "use wireless networks" option to detect locations set but then I noticed the map would show Coventry but it would say (in the speech bubble overhead) that I am in Manchester!!

I have to then go in to latitude and select my location then show on map and it updates itself! Its very weird and I only pray that 2.1 fixes it (if it ever gets released)
 
Upvote 0
I have the same problem with my Spica using the My Track application. It can log the track only if I configure the display to never turn off. I tried G1 before with My Track, that worked just fine.
In GPS Test the SNR is never better then "yellow", the time cannot be read from the GPS module.
Additionally the G sensors are not calibrated and cannot be calibrated. Only if the application can calibrate it. But for example Layar cannot.
After using the phone for one week I'm really disappointed.
 
Upvote 0
I am trying to use tracking software to go hiking, and my Samsung Galaxy Indulge would keep GPS lock when I lock the screen. My friend's Droid X also keeps the GPS lock. The Samsung Stratosphere loses the GPS lock as soon as I locked the screen. This is REAL bad for me, enough to make me switch phones and/or carriers breaking contracts if needed unless there's a solution for this soon. =( Pretty disappointed with Android software for dropping the GPS every time I lock my screen.
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones