Root Best Custom Rom to help GPS?

[Surfer]

Hey everybody, I have had my Captivate for a while and I just started driving. I realized that GPS would be VERY helpful. Which custom ROMS would you recommend for me? I really am just hoping that it fixes the GPS, I know a lot of people are saying a custom Rom WON'T fix GPS, but I am willing to try anything right about now. Thanks In Advance!

 

[Dante04SRT]

First off, you're bound to hear it from someone, but being a new driver, I'd encourage you to worry less about GPS and more about keeping your eyes on the road. Its hard enough for those of us who've been driving for many years to drive and follow GPS information/screens. I typically use mine for the maps. If I need directions, or to get around a traffic jam, I can look up my maps on the phone and the GPS will show my position in relation to the maps.

That said, here is my opinion:

First off, I've had 3 Captivates now and all 3 had the typical non-working GPS. The GPS on all 3 phones was fixed with custom ROMs. Some ROMs take longer to get a signal lock, but most like within 5-20 seconds. As for which will work for you, we can all offer suggestion, but evidence shows us that the quality of the hardware components in these phones vary so much that no one tell you which ROM will give you the best GPS functionality. For me, as far as instant lock on 8-10 sats, FireFly worked best.

First thing I'd do, is watch the videos by MobileTechVideos on YouTube. That's where I started. One thing MANY people overlook (but learn the hard way... I did), is to check your batch # BEFORE using ODIN (mentioned in the videos). If your phone is a batch 1010 or 1012 you do NOT want to use ODIN-1-CLICK. You'll want to use the ODIN3 (3 button fix version) found in the AIO Toolbox (search, you'll find it).

Anyway, I strongly encourage you to do your homework on the custom ROMs as far as installation/flashing goes BEFORE you start.

After that, the world of custom ROMs will be open to you. I've found that I like Andromeda & Continuum the best, both of which work GREAT on the phone itself, as well as gave me working GPS.

 

[Joedv]

I agree with Dante, make sure you do your homework before even attempting to install a custom ROM. There are a ton of choices out on XDA-developers and almost all perform decently. My personal preference is the Phoenix line (Phoenix, Supernova, Fusion)... very stable ROMs and most importantly, a great group of users for support. However, if you ask 50 people you'll get 50 different answers... and as with Dante, once you start with your first ROM, you'll likely change multiple times as you try out the latest and greatest.

 

[chicknlil]

The availability (or lack there of) for GPS is largely based on the modem in the ROM, and that is further dependent upon the area you live in. Your best bet will be to query people who live in your general area, find out what modems they've had success with, and then go that route.

 

[Timberline]

First off, you're bound to hear it from someone, but being a new driver, I'd encourage you to worry less about GPS and more about keeping your eyes on the road.

Amen! I can't tell you how many times I've had someone wander into my lane while their full attention is glued to some handheld device. Particularly scary when I'm on a motorcycles.


Now that that's out of the way: Go to this thread on XDA and read the whole thing before starting.

 

[DT]

Funny enough, my recent ROM put my location on my actual property square on the map grid and towards the rear which is where my office is located.

As much as I was praising the Atrix for fast GPS operation, I noticed my location using it was about 1/2 a block north and east.

One of the reasons I tried the Atrix was because of the crap-tacular GPS operation.

Go figure

 

[Okay-66]

First off, you're bound to hear it from someone, but being a new driver, I'd encourage you to worry less about GPS and more about keeping your eyes on the road. Its hard enough for those of us who've been driving for many years to drive and follow GPS information/screens. I typically use mine for the maps. If I need directions, or to get around a traffic jam, I can look up my maps on the phone and the GPS will show my position in relation to the maps.

That said, here is my opinion:

First off, I've had 3 Captivates now and all 3 had the typical non-working GPS. The GPS on all 3 phones was fixed with custom ROMs. Some ROMs take longer to get a signal lock, but most like within 5-20 seconds. As for which will work for you, we can all offer suggestion, but evidence shows us that the quality of the hardware components in these phones vary so much that no one tell you which ROM will give you the best GPS functionality. For me, as far as instant lock on 8-10 sats, FireFly worked best.

First thing I'd do, is watch the videos by MobileTechVideos on YouTube. That's where I started. One thing MANY people overlook (but learn the hard way... I did), is to check your batch # BEFORE using ODIN (mentioned in the videos). If your phone is a batch 1010 or 1012 you do NOT want to use ODIN-1-CLICK. You'll want to use the ODIN3 (3 button fix version) found in the AIO Toolbox (search, you'll find it).

Anyway, I strongly encourage you to do your homework on the custom ROMs as far as installation/flashing goes BEFORE you start.

After that, the world of custom ROMs will be open to you. I've found that I like Andromeda & Continuum the best, both of which work GREAT on the phone itself, as well as gave me working GPS.

Good pointers. But, I have a question. Which ROM should I use? Do we have a table with detailed comparisons?


ROMS for Samsung Captivate...Do we have a table that shows a head-to-head comparison of the key ROMs for captivate?

Which ROM should I choose for stability and crisp display and features?

I installed the Cognition 4.1 on my Captivate. It disabled the corporate email and general email options. But, I want these options in. However, the phone seems faster using the Voodoo lag fix that comes with Cognition. I have been thinking of getting the best ROM out there with stability, good display and layout. I want to instal a good ROM and stay with it for the long-term. I have been thinking about:
- Serendipity.
- Cognition 4.3 (new release in late March 2011).
- CyanogenMod 7.

Also, I will like to upgrade my captivate to the big leagues using Gingerbread.

Can someone tell me where I can get a good comparison of ROMs for Captivate? I will like a side-by-side comparison. I have been to XDA-Developers' site but it is an information jungle, difficult to find succinct information.

HELP!!!!

 

[reinbeau]

For the record, I have had great luck with Serendipity 6.3 and the GPS. I used Navigation today, the newest version, and was pleasantly surprised to see how well it worked. It's not my Garmin iQue, but it's good enough - the GPS was spot on the whole trip, the voice guidance worked well.