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Help Used it as a satnav today....bloody terrible!

C

Cupa t

Member
Yes the Desire S.....

Not good at all using as satnav, well, it was fine at first, then I though, right lets go off the route for a bit down a country rd.....it just frooze, then when it finally started again, it was telling to go miles out my way.

And here was nearlly buying a proper satnav yesterday but thought, no wait a min, the "S" has maps ect, I'll try it.....first and last!.....or does it need upgraded
 
How well it works depends on which map app you're using and whether you use mobile data for the maps (re: the reliability of your network provider's 3G service) or pre-cached maps.

There may also be a difference according to which radio firmware (GPS software) you have on your phone.

You can also try this to improve your GPS fix.
 
Frustrations are understandable in threads sometimes. But posting those frustrations messes up the forums. ;)

PM me with any questions/remarks about that, if you wish, just stick to the subject at hand here and in any device thread (hard as that can be at times, I know).

Thanks!
 
@Mark1965

To get the GPS to fix more quickly:

1) Install Compass. You'll need this to check the number of satellites that your phone is seeing in order to get a fix.

2) Power off phone > Remove battery for 30 seconds > Replace and power on. This clears the phone's cache, ensuring your GPS fix will be fresh.

3) Start Compass and use its GPS option (Menu > Compass type). Take your phone outside in the open with a clear view of the sky for about 10-15 minutes, checking to see how many satellites have been detected. You should get at least 6 to 7, although technically you only need 3 for satnav to work and 4 if you're interested in altitude.

When you close the app and switch it on again, or any other GPS/satnav app, you should hopefully get a much quicker GPS fix.
 
notebook said:
@Mark1965

To get the GPS to fix more quickly:

1) Install Compass. You'll need this to check the number of satellites that your phone is seeing in order to get a fix.

2) Power off phone > Remove battery for 30 seconds > Replace and power on. This clears the phone's cache, ensuring your GPS fix will be fresh.

3) Start Compass and use its GPS option (Menu > Compass type). Take your phone outside in the open with a clear view of the sky for about 10-15 minutes, checking to see how many satellites have been detected. You should get at least 6 to 7, although technically you only need 3 for satnav to work and 4 if you're interested in altitude.

When you close the app and switch it on again, or any other GPS/satnav app, you should hopefully get a much quicker GPS fix.
Click to expand...

And

4) Do NOT drive off until your GPS has a lock (switch it on, THEN do your seatbelt etc). Any GPS struggles to get a lock when moving.

This is pretty old (all receivers have parallel receivers these days I think) but read it and you'll wonder how GPS manages to work AT ALL :-)

How a GPS Receiver Locks
 
Thanks for advises! I knew that there is some app to check the number of satellites, just did not know what to search for.

Now I have tried it out for a few days on areas I know well. Not bad at all. After upgrading the whole system of HTC the satnav got even the same confusing mistakes what I have with my Garmin :). I suspect it is not up to software or hardware but most probably the reason is data, given to producers from our domestic authorities or enterpreuners, working with maps and road networks. On my way home both satnavs just suggest me a silly shortcut over some small drive what is used by tractors and other heavy machinery... Settings are "fastest route" on both instruments and mistake is 100% similar.
More deceptive incident i saw when I ignored satnav instructions on my way to work ( I live and work in countryside ) and checked what will happen. It rerouted me actually to small pathes in forest to fix the situation without U turn. I knew it will be offroad fun and I ignored reroutings two times before next one was acceptable.
Another silly case was about an hour ago. I dialed a call on my BT audio system. Phone worked but it hided whole navigator. I had a long call and I did not receive any instructions from satnav during it. After that I dialed another call, also through car audio and everything was just fine. I saw phone functions and also satnav map.
It is too early to complain at anything, I will try the good old RTFM trick first and I believe at least some of described "bugs" are easy to fix with using "settings" button and menus behind it ;)

BTW, does anyone know what it is inside HTC, TomTom? Any other wellknown brand or independent one?
 
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