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Accessories GPS issues with Otterbox cases for DHD

eddiewawa

eddiewawa

Android Enthusiast
Hello Lads (& Ladettes),

Just thought I'd mention it in the forum with my random issues with the GPS whilst still encased with my otterbox case (commuter series).

so, it was mentioned in the forum that someone bought a case (seemed like a normal silicone case) that apparently blocked/hampered the GPS signal from their DHD. Now initially it seemed unlikely and never went to try it out for myself until last night where i had to use my DHD to travel to somewhere random in Leeds.

so got into my car, powered up the car panel, used premium nav and there it sat twirlling away trying to find a GPS signal. 5mins later...err...no luck. so i stopped on the side somewhere, tried google maps (to see if it was an app issue)....nope, still no luck. Activaed the GPsfix?....no luck either. I was like WTF the piece of S***!!!! ARRRGGH!!!....but i calmed down, tried to power off and reset it with the gps toggle on to see if that sorts it. and guess what?? Nope.....(more ARRRGHHH, curses and me just getting that lil more frustrated cos i was running late). then i remembered this article on the forums about the case and thought why not try it...and holy rusted metal batman, the damn thing picked it up pretty much straight away (even if the chuffing gps.conf is pointing to the wrong set of sats in N.america and not europe).

so to all the otterbox owners for their DHDs...you guys getting the same issue or not? Im PROPER gutted that there are issues with the case, its protected me this long and yes it wont be hard taking the case off EVERYtime i needed to use the car panel but common, really? cant believe it practically cuts off the GPS and makes it unusable? boooo....

Laters,
Eddie
 
I tried to start up the navigation on my DHD several times with and without my Otterbox Commuter case. There was variation in getting a GPS signal, but I found nothing to suggest that the case had an effect on signal strength or the time it takes to get a satellite signal. I used the navigation for a 45 min journey this weekend with the case on and didn't have any issues with signal or positioning inaccuracy or anything like that.
 
I have used mine in a Defender case since day 1 and no issues, in fact I can't believe it gets a lock in the house, when neither my Hero, bluetooth GPS or my Garmin does.
 
I'm using the Otter Box - Defender Series and have noticed no loss of functionality in ANY area of the phone. But my DHD picks up GPS inside my jacket pocket sitting indoors next to a small window. Maybe the thin atmosphere here in Australia makes GPS fixes very easy.
 
I have been using my Galaxy S2 happily for a month with no case, GPS and all works well. The moment I put on the Otterbox Commuter case, I am unable to connect to GPS, outside, clear skies, and waiting for 10 minutes. The second that I remove the case from the phone, the Endomondo app tells me the GPS signal is "excellent". This is one silicone skin thats going back to the store - too bad though, cause the bounce protection is awesome! :mad:
 
The first time I used GPS with my commuter case I could not get a fix (standing in the pouring rain in Hyde Park very late for a meeting). Installed GPS Status and activated auto download AGPS data. Run it once a week or if I know I am going to be using GPS and no problems since, average lock to satellites 5 seconds.
 
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