All Things GPS

[tweak89]

Well, the GPS is still working, but comparing it to my old G1, it's no contest. G1 locked and was ready to go in less than a minute, the Vibrant achieved the results you see after about 10 minutes.

I find it interesting that 2 of the 5 sats that are "in use" read 00. This was taken this morning in my kitchen. Once I got in the car, it dropped down to 2 sats in use.

Oh, and this (my second) phone is on the way back too. I am getting horrendous call quality compared to the first Vibrant I had. In fact, when I was at work, I couldn't make or receive any calls (I was able to with the previous Vibrant). I really regret, now, not just outright returning the phone and looking at the EVO or DroidX while I had the chance.

 

[kbohip]

Well, the GPS is still working, but comparing it to my old G1, it's no contest. G1 locked and was ready to go in less than a minute, the Vibrant achieved the results you see after about 10 minutes.

I find it interesting that 2 of the 5 sats that are "in use" read 00. This was taken this morning in my kitchen. Once I got in the car, it dropped down to 2 sats in use.

Oh, and this (my second) phone is on the way back too. I am getting horrendous call quality compared to the first Vibrant I had. In fact, when I was at work, I couldn't make or receive any calls (I was able to with the previous Vibrant). I really regret, now, not just outright returning the phone and looking at the EVO or DroidX while I had the chance.

5 sats "in use" is good for a Vibrant. Too bad 2 are getting a 0 signal. 63 feet accuracy is horrendous too. These results pretty much mirror mine with the G1 side by side with the Vibrant.

 

[jmreed97]

Dude, what planet are you from? The green light means the GPS on the phone is turned on. If you gaze your blind eyes on the right side of the screen, you'll clearly see the phone is locking onto ZERO, not THREE. The 35 ft accuracy is easily achieved by using wireless/cell towers. But it's not completely reliable. If you're sitting in your house getting an accurate reading on your location, it's probably because you have "Use Wireless Networks" turned on. Turn it off, go outside, and see how many satellites you lock onto.

Actually you are wrong... GPS test shows yellow when the GPS turns on... It shows green when it gets a location lock. I have a Captivate, and My wife has a vibrant. Both have faulty GPS, but the Vibrant never shows any satellites in use (even when it has a GPS location lock) The Captivate will show how many satellites are in use. That could be a glitch in her vibrant but it appears the post I was commenting on has the same issue.

Also, FYI - GPS test does not use wifi or cell towers in it's geo-locating. It only uses satellites. So if you see an accuracy reading and a green light.. The GPS has a lock.

I attached a screenshot from my Captivate and you can see the yellow indicator next to "GPS On." I cannot provide a screen shot for my wife's vibrant, as it does not have root.

So I ask you... What planet are you from?
Bye the way... No need to be a dick next time.

 

[robo21]

5 sats "in use" is good for a Vibrant. Too bad 2 are getting a 0 signal. 63 feet accuracy is horrendous too. These results pretty much mirror mine with the G1 side by side with the Vibrant.

OMG, here you go with the "horrendous accuracy," again!

When are you going to realize that the accuracy is an estimate based on a mathematical algorithm? This in an ap of unknown precision. You are basing all your statements on the results derived in GPS Test. One better way to determine true accuracy (and even then it still has a margin for error) is by looking at the location indicator on Google Satellite Maps and see if it corresponds with your physical location. If it does, then there's your accuracy, if it doesn't it's easy to estimate the distance it's off.

And finally, not everyone, even some with GPS Test results that imply "horrendous accuracy," is getting the bad real world results you and others are.

 

[jmreed97]

Here are two more screen shots, one with no lock. 1)The GPS on is still yellow because there is no lock. 2)GPS with a good lock and the GPS on turns green.

GPS is working well on the Captivate today...

 

[robo21]

My GPS works flawless...it works just as well as my Nexus and X10i. I have a lauch date phone and I dont know if it means anything but date on my box is 7/12/10. I use it everyday and no problems ever! My phone is not rooted (yet) and I didnt do the so-call GPS fix. Sorry to those whose doesnt work but an update will happen just give it time. It hasnt been out a month yet. I got my Nexus on release date and my radio would go in and out and I can go on and on from the all of the phones ive owned. No device is has escape the.launch bug. Especially now days since our devices are doing more and more than ever.before. I purchase many of my hi end smartphones phones on launch date for the last 8 years ( SE's P800, P910, rest of P series, SE X1, Nokia early N-series) and I cant think of one that didnt have problems after initial release. I know its hard and easy for me to say since mine works..but be patience a fix will come soon.

Just trying to help with some of the mood and moral with some of you and also to let you know that its not all of the devices. A exchange might be benificial for some of your cases however you also take the risk of getting a worst device. So if you can live with for now try to hold out...if not, return it, you might get lucky.

Thanks Icrkz. Your post is much appreciated. Some of us do have fully functional, and accurate, GPS. Granted, not with as many birds locked as I'd like. But my GPS is absolutely accurate enough to pinpoint my EXACT LOCATION on Google Maps 8 out of 10 times and it's definitely close enough for real world navigation purposes (within 10 feet) on the 2 out of 10 times. And I'm only using GPS satellites I have the wireless GPS services turned off. Bottom line, real world utility trumps GPS Test results any day in my book.

I don't know how much impact your post will have on the mood and morale of some around here. They seem to be in continuous and indefatigable denial, obstreperous contradiction, tunnel vision, and negativity regarding the GPS issue. It's almost like "My phone doesn't work so yours sucks too...and there is nothing you can say that will change my mind! - Waaaah!"

Yet there are others who do need to hear that some Vibrant GPS's are fully functional and we have accomplished that. This lends credence to the concept being put forward by Samsung and Tmobile that the problems are fixable.

Thanks again!

 

[jmreed97]

Thanks Icrkz. Your post is much appreciated. Some of us do have fully functional, and accurate, GPS. Granted, not with as many birds locked as I'd like. But my GPS is absolutely accurate enough to pinpoint my EXACT LOCATION on Google Maps 8 out of 10 times and it's definitely close enough for real world navigation purposes (within 10 feet) on the 2 out of 10 times. And I'm only using GPS satellites I have the wireless GPS services turned off. Bottom line, real world utility trumps GPS Test results any day in my book.

I don't know how much impact your post will have on the mood and morale of some around here. They seem to be in continuous and indefatigable denial, obstreperous contradiction, tunnel vision, and negativity regarding the GPS issue. It's almost like "My phone doesn't work so yours sucks too...and there is nothing you can say that will change my mind! - Waaaah!"

Yet there are others who do need to hear that some phones' GPS's are fully functional and we have accomplished that. This lends credence to the concept being put forward by Samsung and Tmobile that the problems are fixable.

Thanks again!

I appreciate your posts regarding your working GPS...

I however disagree with your logic (although I hope I am wrong). The fact that your GPS works and so many others only work intermittently and some not at all leads me to believe that there is a quality control issue with the hardware. Despite Samsungs unofficial claims to the contrary. A hardware issue will be much harder to fix.

I hope you are right though!

 

[tweak89]

OMG, here you go with the "horrendous accuracy," again!

Really, you should actually read a post before commenting. I used the term horrendous to describe my CALL QUALITY. Which is why I am returning this slightly more accurate (compared to my first) Vibrant.

When are you going to realize that the accuracy is an estimate based on a mathematical algorithm? This in an ap of unknown precision. You are basing all your statements on the results derived in GPS Test. One better way to determine true accuracy (and even then it still has a margin for error) is by looking at the location indicator on Google Satellite Maps and see if it corresponds with your physical location. If it does, then there's your accuracy, if it doesn't it's easy to estimate the distance it's off.

I am merely showing the difference in satellite lock and location accuracy of an old G1 and a spiffy new vibrant.

I guess I could have taken a pic of my google maps screen that showed me 3 blocks from where I acually was, but what is the point? It certainly isn't pertinent to me prove to YOU that MY gps isn't functioning I'm happy YOUR gps is accurate enough for YOU. Sadly, that has not been the case with my TWO Vibrants.

Since you are so happy with your phone and it's GPS functionality, perhaps you should steer clear of a thread that is full of people that DO have problems with theirs.

 

[robo21]

Really, you should actually read a post before commenting. I used the term horrendous to describe my CALL QUALITY. Which is why I am returning this slightly more accurate (compared to my first) Vibrant.

Oops, I quoted your post by mistake! I apologize for the confusion. It was kbohip's post I meant to quote. I'll fix that right away.

Since you are so happy with your phone and it's GPS functionality, perhaps you should steer clear of a thread that is full of people that DO have problems with theirs.

As far as your suggestion to "steer clear," no thank you. I would respectfully disagree. I think an important function of online forums is the expression of all sides of various points of discussion. While some might prefer to wallow in the misery of their allegedly bad choice in a smart phone, there are many others who really want a balanced perspective on what is happening out in the field.

You have my condolences on your GPS, I'm sorry to hear your accuracy is so far off. However, keep in mind that there are several posters here (and many more probably who never visit the forum) who have no such accuracy issues. I hope the fix comes soon so we can all celebrate and I can lock more birds than I'm getting now. Because even though my GPS is working, I would prefer to see it like some of the other GPS enabled devices - locking the majority of birds visible.

 

[Robinelli]

I bought an EVO today (yes, I know how hard they are to come by!!!) and I am playing with it. have to make a quick decision so I can return the Vibrant if I like the EVO better. EVO has sprint tv with a lot of shows on it. Would be better if the screen were as nice as Vibrant... But still a nice free feature. Free internet tethering, too (not free wifi tho). Size is about the same in length tho is slightly wider and heavier. Downloading 2.2 froyo on the EVO as we speak.

 

[robo21]

I appreciate your posts regarding your working GPS...

I however disagree with your logic (although I hope I am wrong). The fact that your GPS works and so many others only work intermittently and some not at all leads me to believe that there is a quality control issue with the hardware. Despite Samsungs unofficial claims to the contrary. A hardware issue will be much harder to fix.

I hope you are right though!

Thank you jmreed, it's not just my GPS that is working. There are several others who have posted in this thread that have working, and precisely working for that matter, GPS in their Vibrant phones. Keep in mind there could be untold hundreds if not thousands more with working GPS who NEVER visit the forums online because they have no problem.

Or they could be doing what tweak89 suggested I do in his post above wherein he suggested I "steer clear of a thread that is full of people that DO have problems with theirs."

This illustrates the folly in that suggestion. Would one rather live in the delusion that all Vibrant's have defective GPS or find out that some work?

There are some out there however who continue in said delusion and fight and argue with the reality (even screen shots) indicating that not only is the GPS working on some units, but working with precision (albeit less than normal satellites locked, still enough to maintain real world functionality).

Time will tell if this is a software, firmware or hardware fix. Clearly the hardware fix would be the most difficult and expensive fix. We really don't know.

But keep in mind. Many, many Vibrants have been sold. The majority of owners will never visit a forum. Those that do are usually curious about fully utilizing their phones or are having problems. We really don't know what the ratio of working to non working GPS in Vibrants.

 

[soloecho7]

Hey guys I found this on another site tried it and it worked for me so far anyway. My phone would not pick up GPS and was constantly freezing so I started looking around on the net and found a post from someone with the same problem he said he downloaded startup manager and disabled telnav completely I guess maybe it was running in the background somehow any way I did the same and now my GPS finds me without use networks on and its within about 10 seconds or so which it would not do before at all e end finds me inside my 2 story house phone seems alittle faster as well no freezes yet knock on wood. Now I'm not saying this will work for everyone but it worked for me I was gonna exchange my phone but I'm thinking or hoping now I wont have too so if your having problems maybe give it a try you never know may work for you.

 

[robo21]

I bought an EVO today (yes, I know how hard they are to come by!!!) and I am playing with it. have to make a quick decision so I can return the Vibrant if I like the EVO better. EVO has sprint tv with a lot of shows on it. Would be better if the screen were as nice as Vibrant... But still a nice free feature. Free internet tethering, too (not free wifi tho). Size is about the same in length tho is slightly wider and heavier. Downloading 2.2 froyo on the EVO as we speak.

Keep us posted on your thoughts please!

 

[tweak89]

Oops, I quoted your post by mistake! I apologize for the confusion. It was kbohip's post I meant to quote. I'll fix that right away.

Well, that clears that up. Coincidental use of the word horrendous I suppose.

As far as your suggestion to "steer clear," no thank you. I would respectfully disagree. I think an important function of online forums is the expression of all sides of various points of discussion. While some might prefer to wallow in the misery of their allegedly bad choice in a smart phone, there are many others who really want a balanced perspective on what is happening out in the field.

I agree. But, while I am not wallowing, I am starting to feel regretful that I may have not made a wise choice for my new phone. Time will tell. But, if my THIRD Vibrant exhibits the same (GPS) problem, then it may not be as isolated as some believe. I'm hoping, and it appears so from my research, that my call quality issue is isolated to this phone.

You have my condolences on your GPS, I'm sorry to hear your accuracy is so far off. However, keep in mind that there are several posters here (and many more probably who never visit the forum) who have no such accuracy issues. I hope the fix comes soon so we can all celebrate and I can lock more birds than I'm getting now. Because even though my GPS is working, I would prefer to see it like some of the other GPS enabled devices - locking the majority of birds visible.

I'm sure there are just as many who do have the issue, but don't know it. A lot of smartphone buyers buy them because they are the coolest thing to have and rarely use all the features. This is where it gets tricky and makes it easy for Samsung to see this as an isolated issue.

Like you, I want this to be fixed. Because, aside from the GPS issue, it's a great phone. But, I use the GPS function quite a bit and need to to work, and work well.

 

[soloecho7]

I just ran the GPS test locked on to 9 satellites and my accuracy 28ft as j previously stated my GPS would not work at all so maybe shutting down telnav helps it obviously did for me.

 

[robo21]

Hey guys I found this on another site tried it and it worked for me so far anyway. My phone would not pick up GPS and was constantly freezing so I started looking around on the net and found a post from someone with the same problem he said he downloaded startup manager and disabled telnav completely I guess maybe it was running in the background somehow any way I did the same and now my GPS finds me without use networks on and its within about 10 seconds or so which it would not do before at all e end finds me inside my 2 story house phone seems alittle faster as well no freezes yet knock on wood. Now I'm not saying this will work for everyone but it worked for me I was gonna exchange my phone but I'm thinking or hoping now I wont have too so if your having problems maybe give it a try you never know may work for you.

Thanks soloecho for a constructive suggestion, unfortunately Startup Manager requires "root permission" of the device to shut down Telnav. Do you have a link please to the info on the other site where you found this info?

Is there any other way to disable Telnav?

 

[robo21]

Well, that clears that up. Coincidental use of the word horrendous I suppose.

Yep, I can see why you would urge me to read more carefully... lol

I agree. But, while I am not wallowing, I am starting to feel regretful that I may have not made a wise choice for my new phone. Time will tell. But, if my THIRD Vibrant exhibits the same (GPS) problem, then it may not be as isolated as some believe. I'm hoping, and it appears so from my research, that my call quality issue is isolated to this phone.

Again, sorry for more confusion, you are not a "wallower" nor was that comment aimed in your direction.

I'm sure there are just as many who do have the issue, but don't know it. A lot of smartphone buyers buy them because they are the coolest thing to have and rarely use all the features. This is where it gets tricky and makes it easy for Samsung to see this as an isolated issue.

Like you, I want this to be fixed. Because, aside from the GPS issue, it's a great phone. But, I use the GPS function quite a bit and need to to work, and work well.

Agreed, thanks for your patience with my posting errors and by all means, good luck in your quest for the ideal smartphone. Please keep me posted on how you decide to resolve your issue.

I really like the Vibrant. I haven't seen anything else from Tmobile that will hold a candle to this device. If you know of something better, please let me know.

 

[jmreed97]

This illustrates the folly in that suggestion. Would one rather live in the delusion that all Vibrant's have defective GPS or find out that some work?

I would rather know the actual truth...
It is clear that many people have GPS that works satisfactorily (didn't mean to imply you were the only one).

Some believe people who claim their GPS works don't know how to use it. Due to the sheer volume of people who say it works fine, clearly that is not the case.

It is also clear, however, that there is a real issue with the GPS in many of the Samsung Galaxy S phones. So much so that AT&T has said it will not qualify for a warranty return and Samsung has admitted the GPS isn't performing "as expected."
I hope that the rest of us have glitching software and not glitching hardware.

Also, as a side note, Civilian GPS devices are only expected to get accuracy of 5 meters (clear view of the sky with no trees, buildings etc). If you get a lock and your accuracy is 5-10 meters... Stop complaining!

"However, the advancement of technology means that today, civilian GPS fixes under a clear view of the sky are on average accurate to about 5 meters (16 ft) horizontally."
Error analysis for the Global Positioning System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[soloecho7]

Hy guys sorry startup auditor is the apparently its free on the marketplace I've had my phone for 7 days as of today its not rooted my daughter had surgury today so I was online at the hospital researching this while I waited I used it on my way home about an 1 drive and it seemed to work as good as my g1. I assume that somehow telnav was running in the background and somehow interfering with the GPS at any rate before doing this I had no GPS and now I do so it seems to be a fix for me hope it works for someone else

 

[tweak89]

I really like the Vibrant. I haven't seen anything else from Tmobile that will hold a candle to this device. If you know of something better, please let me know.

Well, there really isn't anything (well, if you listen to the service reps gush, you would the the MyTouch is the greatest phone EVER!!) right now.

There are, however, some powerful phones in the pipeline for T-Mobile. If (hopefully when) Samsung get this fixed there will be little reason for me to want to switch (to another phone on T-Mobile or other carrier). I certainly hope that is the case.

 

[soloecho7]

Re: vibrant phone has lag issues and freeze probl... - T-Mobile Community
Here's the link to what I did I didn't do the first install just startup auditor. Hope this helps

 

[MaxPowers]

My dialer froze. lol. tried to call 611 to demand an exchange and it just sat there, never getting a dial tone. so I ended call and it locked up. lol

 

[perpetual]

Hy guys sorry startup auditor is the apparently its free on the marketplace I've had my phone for 7 days as of today its not rooted my daughter had surgury today so I was online at the hospital researching this while I waited I used it on my way home about an 1 drive and it seemed to work as good as my g1. I assume that somehow telnav was running in the background and somehow interfering with the GPS at any rate before doing this I had no GPS and now I do so it seems to be a fix for me hope it works for someone else

yes, telenav is usually running in the background. People should try what you posted to see if it improves the GPS functionality.

edit:
I just did it, but I won't be of any help as far as evaluating whether it helped the issue because I didn't really have any GPS problems to begin with. People should try it an report to see if it helps.

 

[shadow300z]

I just disabled it on autostarts, power cycled, and it hasn't changed anything. Still very little/no functionality.

 

[perpetual]

I just disabled it on autostarts, power cycled, and it hasn't changed anything. Still very little/no functionality.

Did you checked both boxes?