Help GPS issues?

fiscme · Jul 19, 2010

Unfortunately I may have spoken too soon! I did a test this afternoon walking around my city with 'my tracks' and it was crap

As I only just got it, I dont have a before and after comparison but the tracks were way off. perhaps its ok in the car as it has to 'snap' to the road. The amazing screen on this phone convinced me to move away from the iphone but sat nav was an everyday use for me and I need this phone to perform.

At the end of the day I don't need to track my walking so its not to big a deal for me if that isn't great but I am nervous now that the GPS will die in a tricky spot while driving somewhere.

It has definitely improved since changing my settings but I don't know which of the new settings made the difference.
I have a two drive this weekend so I may try some trial and error.

If anyone tries any variations with any success let us know

krillo · Jul 20, 2010

I have been trying to hit up Samsung Sweden for some info, but they say they themselves do not know, just that the JF6 would come out "during the summer" sometime. When I asked who the next step in the chain was she just avoided the question.

Beards · Jul 20, 2010

Well...... I received a reply late yesterday afternoon only not from Chris Love (which I know he was out) but one of the staff members.
To be frank I was not that impressed and sent off an imkmediate reply.

If I do not get the right answer by end of day today I'll ring Chris Love tomorrow.
Here is first my reply and below the original update message from Clove:-

From: Mike <*******@*********>
Subject: RE: Samsung Galaxy S ~ GPS Errors & Model Version Numbers
To: Clove Technology Sales <Sales@clove.co.uk>
Date: Monday, 19 July, 2010, 16:50
Guys,
I don't know where he has that information but clearly it is not.
Apart from the Kies software there is nothing showing on the support site.

I can't go back to the forum and tell them this news... they will lose all sense of understanding.

If this source says it is already out ask him to point it out... Can you then check it just to make sure the information is accurate.
At this moment in time I'm slightly confused as to his knowledge.

Mike

--- On Mon, 19/7/10, Clove Technology Sales <Sales@clove.co.uk>

From: Clove Technology Sales <Sales@clove.co.uk>
Subject: RE: Samsung Galaxy S ~ GPS Errors & Model Version Numbers
To: "MIKE" <***********@**********>
Date: Monday, 19 July, 2010, 14:53

wrote:

Mike

The Samsung representative is indicating that the update should already be available as a home upgrade using the PC Sync software.

Regards

Sales Team

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

daveleather · Jul 20, 2010

Hi.

I'm awaiting delivery later today of my FIFTH Galaxy S from Vodafone. The GPS on all of them has been absolutely shocking .. but I'd kind of resigned myself to that and was even considering getting an external bluetooth GPS receiver!!

This one is going back because it has a dead (or very alive!) bright red pixel right in the middle of the screen, and it kind of draws my eye to it because I know it's there! Maybe I'm being a bit fussy, but for a top-drawer screen like this I want perfection!!

I tried the Waze 'solution' and the series of keypresses to enable SkyHook - nothing has made a difference here. My wife has the same phone and hers is exactly the same.

All have been the 03 firmware so far.

Very very impressed with Vodafone though - I'm well within my 28 day period so they've sent new sealed boxes out each time. I haven't had to jump through hoops with tech support, they take my word when I describe the fault and book a replacement.

I reckon though that if the next one is the same I'll be sorely tempted to go for an iPhone 4 or possibly an HTC desire. I got worried at the suggestion that the SGS GPS issue may be hardware as well as software / firmware related.

Shame because it's a totally stunning phone otherwise. But I'm sat with my old faithful Blackberry 8900 and the GPS on that is putting me (correctly) at the end of the garden, in the shed. The SGS will have me jumping all over the Google Maps screen - sometimes up to a mile away and then back! The best I get is being put in the road outside, but only for a second and then it jumps away!

Cheers
Dave

stew007 · Jul 20, 2010

I was about to order this phone, but GPS is one of the main features for me

So I gather so far, correct me if i'm wrong:

No one knows for sure whether the problem is hardware or software based.
No one know for sure what Samsungs take on this problem is.
No one knows yet if there is an imminent software/firmware upgrade for the specific GPS problem.

Interesting to see what you guys find out, its a shame, it looks like an awesome piece of kit otherwise

sjdean · Jul 20, 2010

Just had another response from Samsung about a weak GPS. Here is my email:

Sorry, but do you guys actually read the emails I send?

I know how to use Google Maps perfectly. This is not the problem.

The problem is, there appears to be an issue with the GPS unit itself on the Galaxy S i9000. Whether this is a design flaw, hardware issue, firmware issue or what. I don't know.

What I know is that the signal is weak and heavily fluctuates making the device useless.

There are many people with this same problem and this problem needs to be escalated to a senior engineer.

I cannot even reply using your contacts page!

Regards,
Simon Dean

Their response:

Dear Mr Simon Dean

Thank you for contacting SamsungMobile support.

Regarding your query about the GPS application for the Samsung Galaxy S,
The GPS application on the Galaxy S handset is totally fine and accurate
too.

Please follow the below steps in order to use the GPS feature:

1. From the standby menu please select applications and then choose the
application called maps.
2. Once the application is launched you will be presented with the world
map.
3. If you wish to find a destination manually you may zoom in and out of
the map with the zoom key features located at the bottom of the screen.
4. In order to use all the feature of the GPS please presses the menu
key.
5. After pressing the menu key you will be presented with a menu of
features these are, Search, directions, layers, my location Clear map
and more.

Please see below on what each feature functions.

(Search Function)
The search function will allow you to find any place by name to find its
specific location; this also includes food court destinations and
service centers and more.

(Directions)
The direction tab will allow you to plan a destination from your
location of choice to another point of travel. You can also choose the
type of travel which is, by car, by bus or walking. When you have
entered your location and destination simply press the go button to
begin the navigation.

(Layers)
The layers function menu allows you to check for traffic in your
location andsee full satellite imagery of you location you are bro
wsing.

(My Location)
The My Location function will allow you to pinpoint you GPS location,
however please beware if you are indoors this may not work correctly as
the GPS cannot penetrate throw buildings.

(Clear map)
The clear map function will rest the map for you for your next use.

However the new firmware for the Galaxy S handset will be released soon.

Customer Ref: 2104069433
Kind Regards,
Marco Adams,
Samsung Mobile support.

------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this has been of some assistance to you. If you do have any
further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us quoting your 210-
reference number.

Kind Regards
Marc Adams

Bangs head against brick wall.

Sack Marco Adams and the lot of them. What is the point in paying people who cannot actually provide an answer?

drjmo · Jul 20, 2010

I work on a support desk, and I reckon either they know about the problem and have thus got a reported fix for joe bloggs user, OR they know about it and can't at this point provide a fix because they haven't got an official stance on it yet.

Either way, judging by that email and reading between the lines, they know about the problem, and your probably going to get the same answer over and over until they release the firmware.

You could try ringing them, running through the basic steps, and then asking to go through to second line support, although again, if they are anything like my establishment, second line won't like it.

Donaldkbart · Jul 20, 2010

drjmo said:
I work on a support desk, and I reckon either they know about the problem and have thus got a reported fix for joe bloggs user, OR they know about it and can't at this point provide a fix because they haven't got an official stance on it yet.

Either way, judging by that email and reading between the lines, they know about the problem, and your probably going to get the same answer over and over until they release the firmware.

You could try ringing them, running through the basic steps, and then asking to go through to second line support, although again, if they are anything like my establishment, second line won't like it.

then why not give an official statement and say either be patient, or go replace your phone. I'm sure they don't want to be bombarded with the same question over and over again so address it let us know if we have a faulty device or not or if it is as easy as a firmware upgrade.

I'm fine with having to wait just as long as I know what's going on. and not hold onto something then it ends up being past my 30 day return policy and get stuck with a useless device.

don't get me wrong I love this phone and I am hoping for a fix but an update would be nice lol

gllu · Jul 20, 2010

Damn idiots...

drjmo · Jul 20, 2010

Donaldkbart said:
then why not give an official statement and say either be patient, or go replace your phone. I'm sure they don't want to be bombarded with the same question over and over again so address it let us know if we have a faulty device or not or if it is as easy as a firmware upgrade.

I'm fine with having to wait just as long as I know what's going on. and not hold onto something then it ends up being past my 30 day return policy and get stuck with a useless device.

don't get me wrong I love this phone and I am hoping for a fix but an update would be nice lol

As i posted in an earlier post, my GPS worked for a day, then packed up the next day - rang Orange and as it was within the 7 day upgrade window, i got a replacement, which now works. It *might* be worth asking for a refund + get a new one. Or something similar.

I agree that it's a pain in the backside that they don't issue something official - if you see how Apple have still avoided owning up to the whole issue, then you'll see corprate face. Oh, and add in a massive support department where noone actually communicates properly, then you've got a reason why they don't get something official out!

I work in a Uni support dept, which is small in comparison to Samsung (whole IT infrastructure dept is nomore than 130 people, with 4 full time first line support and perhaps 15 secondline / techies (me!), and seemingly we have a complete inability to sort anything out with speed. It frustrates me - and I work for them!

Beards · Jul 20, 2010

Update from Clove:-

Mike

We have sent an email to the Samsung representative requesting additional information regarding the update. We will inform you of the reply that we receive.

Regards

Sales Team

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

El Mik@ · Jul 20, 2010

I managed to get the GPS working top-notch.

I have european device which had problems with the original firmware (locking wasn't good, Google maps location wasn't accurate, GPS disconnected).

When I upgraded to the latest firmware GPS wasn't functioning at all (JWG5).

Today I changed some *#*#1472365#*#* settings more and got the GPS function perfectly.

I tested the Google Maps and satellite fix was really fast, connection was good and location was accurate. I also used "GPS Test" to look how many satellites were in use (in the sky were 10-12 satellites where 8-9 were usually constantly in use). Accuracy was for most of the time 30-15 feets.

I drove in the car about one hour and Google Maps and GPS Test worked perfectly.

Settings are these:

Application Settings (these are the default ones if I'm right):
Session Type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W Test
Operation Mode: Standalone
Start Mode: Hot Start
GPS Plus On
Dynamic Accuracy: On
Accuracy: 50
Use Skyhook: Off (I also tested on, but there was no difference)
Use Pc Tool: Off

SUPL/CL Settings:
Server: supl.google.com
Server port: 7276
SUPL Secure Socket: Off

bobtodd · Jul 20, 2010

Evil Peter said:
I went out, started the test and gave it 1 minute. I got 10 satellites with an average bar of 40.

Just tried this from my office at the bottom of the garden in deepest Surrey. 7 satellites in view, 5 in use, accuracy 16.4 feet - in 20 seconds. Average SNR was 38. Not bad considering I was indoors at the time.

EDIT -
just tried the settings above from El Mik@. From the same position, a definite improvement on what I was already happy with. Instantly locked on to 8 satellites, 8 in use. Average SNR still 38 and accuracy 16.4 feet and locked.

binche · Jul 20, 2010

El Mik@ said:
I managed to get the GPS working top-notch.

I have european device which had problems with the original firmware (locking wasn't good, Google maps location wasn't accurate, GPS disconnected).

When I upgraded to the latest firmware GPS wasn't functioning at all (JWG5).

Today I changed some *#*#1472365#*#* settings more and got the GPS function perfectly.

I tested the Google Maps and satellite fix was really fast, connection was good and location was accurate. I also used "GPS Test" to look how many satellites were in use (in the sky were 10-12 satellites where 8-9 were usually constantly in use). Accuracy was for most of the time 30-15 feets.

I drove in the car about one hour and Google Maps and GPS Test worked perfectly.

Settings are these:

Application Settings (these are the default ones if I'm right):
Session Type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W Test
Operation Mode: Standalone
Start Mode: Hot Start
GPS Plus On
Dynamic Accuracy: On
Accuracy: 50
Use Skyhook: Off (I also tested on, but there was no difference)
Use Pc Tool: Off

SUPL/CL Settings:
Server: supl.google.com
Server port: 7276
SUPL Secure Socket: Off

What did you got before to change your firmware ?
Because with original firmware (JF3), It seems I have same results (accuracy 30-15 feets and 8 satellites) ?

firefox73 · Jul 20, 2010

sjdean said:
Bangs head against brick wall.

Sack Marco Adams and the lot of them. What is the point in paying people who cannot actually provide an answer?

Simon, exactly mmy sentiments. Samsungs support as I've already highlighted in a nother thread is scandalously poor. I asked for the 2nd line support as 1. The lass didn't speak good english and 2. She had no idea of her way around the phone.

I actually asked what call centre she was in and was told that it was the Cairo call centre.

A 3rd scenario to add to 'Drjmo's response would be that Samsung reps reply was not intended to be condescending but possibly due to the language issues the operator did not understand fully the question. I tried for half an hour to put my case over regarding the issues that I had with the phone and ended up just agreeing with the person in the end as I couldn't be bothered to waste anymore time. I wouldn't be surprised if the support agent that wrote the response has marked Simon's tech problem as 'Completed'! If so, Samsung will be very slow to recognise these defects if the message is not passed up the command chain.

Mine is going back to the retailer due to a number of minor issues, which I'm convinced with a 2nd line technician could probably be dealt with swiftly. However, if Samsung want to cut corners by paying peanuts to their support department then they can bloomin well have it back and send me another. We'll see how long it takes before Samsung start paying attention to the retailers complaints!

grousey · Jul 20, 2010

El Mik@ said:
I managed to get the GPS working top-notch.

I have european device which had problems with the original firmware (locking wasn't good, Google maps location wasn't accurate, GPS disconnected).

When I upgraded to the latest firmware GPS wasn't functioning at all (JWG5).

Today I changed some *#*#1472365#*#* settings more and got the GPS function perfectly.

I tested the Google Maps and satellite fix was really fast, connection was good and location was accurate. I also used "GPS Test" to look how many satellites were in use (in the sky were 10-12 satellites where 8-9 were usually constantly in use). Accuracy was for most of the time 30-15 feets.

I drove in the car about one hour and Google Maps and GPS Test worked perfectly.

Settings are these:

Application Settings (these are the default ones if I'm right):
Session Type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W Test
Operation Mode: Standalone
Start Mode: Hot Start
GPS Plus On
Dynamic Accuracy: On
Accuracy: 50
Use Skyhook: Off (I also tested on, but there was no difference)
Use Pc Tool: Off

SUPL/CL Settings:
Server: supl.google.com
Server port: 7276
SUPL Secure Socket: Off

How do I change these settings, I don't seem to have access to them?

Do I need to be rooted?

krillo · Jul 20, 2010

grousey said:
How do I change these settings, I don't seem to have access to them?

Do I need to be rooted?

Just dial this (like you would dial a phone number)

*#*#1472365#*#*

rickyLejk · Jul 20, 2010

I too get very bad results walking close to buildings. SGS performs MUCH worse than "HTC Hero". I have logs showing this.

I will return the phone in case they don't have a fix. It is a shame since I like it in other aspects.

Still I have not tried the special settings recommended in a recent post.

krillo said:
I used these settings just to see if I could see any difference, initially with GPS Test I thought that there was maybe a slight difference to the better so I decided to make another walk around the office. This is the result:

Unfortunately this is actually worse. Now in defense of the new settings, today is a cloudy day - which might impede the GPS lock.*

*) - actually clouds do not affect GPS signals I learned later.

stas07f · Jul 21, 2010

Hi Guys.
Just got mine yesterday. Tried out the GPS test. Got 11 satelites within about 10 seconds and an acuracy of 16.4 feet. This is my first GPS or smart phone so was wondering if anyone can tell me how that rates.
My location is Australia

Beards · Jul 21, 2010

rickyLejk said:
I too get very bad results walking close to buildings. SGS performs MUCH worse than "HTC Hero". I have logs showing this.

I will return the phone in case they don't have a fix. It is a shame since I like it in other aspects. Still I have not tried the special settings recommended in a recent post.

What do you have to lose.... Try altering the settings. I did and it changed mine immensely.

stas07f said:
Hi Guys.
Just got mine yesterday. Tried out the GPS test. Got 11 satelites within about 10 seconds and an acuracy of 16.4 feet. This is my first GPS or smart phone so was wondering if anyone can tell me how that rates.
My location is Australia

I would say you have a damn fine phone and with all things considered a bloody good GPS too.

krillo · Jul 21, 2010

Oh I am getting impatient now, I will leave for a month long trip in about a week and I was hoping to use Trip Journal which I bought for just this occasion. Unfortunately TJ and the SGS does not play so well together - especially the GPS. If doesn't give accurate readings and takes a lot of repositioning before it gets a decent lock and I don't think I have ever gotten a more precise lock than 30 m. I just wish that the people at Samsung would be a little more forthcoming with their info. Unfortunately it seems like most of the reps you talk to are very far from the info.

krillo · Jul 21, 2010

I found this in another forum, quite interesting. Original link GPS.... Hot, Cold, or Warm Start? - PPCGeeks

A few years back, I was involved in some development work that involved some GPS work. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but here are the basic principles.

Hot Start - The GPS receiver remembers its last calculated position and which satellites were in view, the almanac used, and the UTC Time. It then performs a reset and attempts to acquire satellites and calculate a new position based upon the previous information. This is the quickest re-acquisition of a GPS lock.

Warm Start - The GPS receiver remembers its last calculated position, almanac used, and knows the UTC Time, but not which satellites were in view. It then performs a reset and attempts to obtain the satellite signals and calculate a new position. The receiver has a general idea of which satellites to look for because it knows its last position and the almanac helps identify which satellites are visible in the sky. This takes longer than a Hot Start but not as long as a Cold Start.

Cold Start - The GPS receiver dumps all information and resets. It then attempts to locate satellites and then calculate a GPS lock. This takes the longest because there is no known information. The GPS receiver has to attempt to lock a satellite signal from all of the satellites, basically like polling, which takes a lot longer than knowing which satellites to look for. This re-acquisition of a GPS lock takes the longest.

While those options appear to be available in the GPS Viewer, I am not sure if you can actually perform those operations. I would have to look into the communications between the GPSone Chip that is embedded in our HTC devices. The GPSone chip is actually calculating the position and provides the information over a serial interface to the software on your device that wants to use the GPS information. What I don't know is if the GPSone Chip accepts commands back over that same serial connection.

Cheers!

waspbr · Jul 21, 2010

stas07f said:
Hi Guys.
Just got mine yesterday. Tried out the GPS test. Got 11 satelites within about 10 seconds and an acuracy of 16.4 feet. This is my first GPS or smart phone so was wondering if anyone can tell me how that rates.
My location is Australia

That is not bad, could you perhaps check the firmware version of your phone:

HowTo: On the home screen press the menu button, go to settings > About phone > Baseband version.

Thanks in advance

stas07f · Jul 21, 2010

waspbr said:
That is not bad, could you perhaps check the firmware version of your phone:

HowTo: On the home screen press the menu button, go to settings > About phone > Baseband version.

Thanks in advance

Baseband = DTJF3

Shame we don't have (or know when we will get) navagation here in Aus.

krillo · Jul 21, 2010

Just as a comparison, my (Swedish) phone uses baseband "I9000XXJF3"

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