MyTracks - GPS Program

[AirCatHeavy]

If you use MyTracks I was wondering if you can leave the phone in a carry case such as on your belt and it will still work or do you need to have it out in your hands?

I haven't had much luck unless I keep it in my hands and sort of raised to the sky

 

[pockings]

I use My Tracks. When I go for a walk or hike, I just put the phone in my pocket. It works fine in the pocket for me though.

 

[Harry2]

If you use MyTracks I was wondering if you can leave the phone in a carry case such as on your belt and it will still work or do you need to have it out in your hands?

I haven't had much luck unless I keep it in my hands and sort of raised to the sky

You could try this:
Install 'GPSTest' (from Mike Lockwood).
Start the app and press Menu button and the 'Start', wait for satellites lock.
Then press Home button and start 'MyTracks'.

With the aid of GPSTest your GPS signal should be better.

When you end your walk you should end GPSTest too.

Harry

 

[Ron H]

Whenever I use MyTracks, I keep the phone in a fanny pack and it works without problems. Are you getting a lock on GPS??

 

[JeffinCA]

I use CoPilot, but this could happen with you, too, because it's a hardware problem.

I have noticed with my EVO 4G that the A-GPS chip will place me as much as half a mile away from where I am if the phone is too close to me (in my shirt pocket or resting on my leg as I drive). When I move the phone to a cradle, it will jump to my actual position in a few seconds.

Moving the phone close to you will not immediately change your indicated position, but if you are using the Google Maps app, you can see the "possible position" circle increase in size (mine just increased by a factor of approx. 7 as I was typing this).

Jeff

 

[Harry2]

If you use MyTracks I was wondering if you can leave the phone in a carry case such as on your belt and it will still work or do you need to have it out in your hands?

I haven't had much luck unless I keep it in my hands and sort of raised to the sky

Today I saw that you wrote "MyTracks" and not "My Tracks" like that app from the Google team.
If you didn't install "My Tracks" you should do it and then try the tracking with your phone in the pocket

Harry

 

[MikeAusA]

It depends totally on how good the GPS chip in your phone is - and where the satellites are in the sky at that time.

When the GPS receiver loses satellite lock, the phone will have an approximate position based on phone signal reception.

 

[Chuck O. Jones]

If you use MyTracks I was wondering if you can leave the phone in a carry case such as on your belt and it will still work or do you need to have it out in your hands?

I haven't had much luck unless I keep it in my hands and sort of raised to the sky

I am imagining a scene where you have your arms raised to the heavens, imploring the GPS gods to send you a sign...

I'd be very careful with that! The people of Israel had to wander 40 years in the desert after Moses got a message from his god....

Sounds like the iPhone 4's reception woes...

BTW, if you're out wandering maybe the free Glympse app (in the Market) is for you? It shows the folks back home where you are at any given moment during a session (max 4 hours; extendable by tapping).