[Verizon] is there a way to manage cell signal search?

[eddieruko]

Question for all you devs/programmers/android-lovers out there:

Are there any kernels, scripts or methods to manage/limit the power of the cell signal search?

For instance, at work where I typically am for 10 hrs of the day, I'd like to be able modify or control how much power is used to find a signal (perhaps something like interactivex governor does to turn off 2nd core)... particularly when I know I'm going to be away from a strong signal all day.

I know it's possible to control the wifi search with build.prop edits. But that is a very manual process and definitely not ideal IMO.

I've gotten pretty good battery life over the last couple weeks... to the point where I no longer carry my 2nd battery if I'm gunna be out all day. I'm running AOKP with LeanKernel and easily get 14 hrs away from work.

Now that I'm back at work however, I've noticed drastic differences between being at home where I'm consistently between -90 and 100dBm... versus hardly any signal in this dungeon @ -120 dBm and no 4G. Battery usage from AndroidOS searching for a signal takes a huge hit... right up there with Display.

 

[Yeahha]

I would suggest using Airplane mode at your desk if you aren't going to be able to use the phone, this would prevent the phone from trying to communicate at all with the network. If that isn't feasable go to Settings->More...(under "Wireless & Networks")->Mobile Networks

In here you can change "Network Mode" to just CDMA which prevents the LTE radio from searching and uncheck "Data enabled" which will stop data transmission over the network (basically puts the phone in data over wifi only). In theory this should help while the phone doesn't have service (I know turning LTE off will not 100% sure about turning off mobile data).

I checked the build.prop but didn't see anything that looked like it would change it like you can with wifi scan interval. If you have root explorer it is actually quite easy to do build.prop edits

 

[eddieruko]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've been using only CDMA while at work. I used to get closer to -100dBm with the OG but its clear the moto radios are better.

I guess I still want data enabled... I'm still able to receive msgs and view websites so its not like I'm without signal. Airplane mode won't work although I see what you're saying.

I was curious if there's a way to monitor and control the power used to search for a signal. I guess kernels control more of the CPU but I'm hoping someone smarter than me knows of a way to keep that in check haha.

Seems like when I'm on the fringe... my battery just tanks like crazy. I can go a whole day on 4G, but the moment my phone wants to bounce btwn 4g/3g/1x... I'm searching for a charge quick.

 

[Yeahha]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've been using only CDMA while at work. I used to get closer to -100dBm with the OG but its clear the moto radios are better.

I guess I still want data enabled... I'm still able to receive msgs and view websites so its not like I'm without signal. Airplane mode won't work although I see what you're saying.

I was curious if there's a way to monitor and control the power used to search for a signal. I guess kernels control more of the CPU but I'm hoping someone smarter than me knows of a way to keep that in check haha.

Seems like when I'm on the fringe... my battery just tanks like crazy. I can go a whole day on 4G, but the moment my phone wants to bounce btwn 4g/3g/1x... I'm searching for a charge quick.

The software portion of the radio hasn't been finalized at this point so when updates roll out you may find the signal is improved, I am sure if you had the OG droid activated and rolled the radios back to release status you would have worse reception than you did the last time you used it.

With data off you can still get texts but not surf the web. I also am not sure if it actually saves battery or just prevents data transfer. You could try different kernels and different govs, that would save battery but not affect searching for signal. With an interactive or hotplug gov you shouldn't need a screen off profile. If you were to use another gov then a screen off profile may be needed. Also most kernels allow you to underclock. I would suggest putting max clock speed down to 920 when you are at work. I have played with underclocking some on mine and even when playing games I haven't noticed any issues running at 920 compared to 1.2

 

[crankerchick]

With data off you can still get texts but not surf the web. I also am not sure if it actually saves battery or just prevents data transfer.

It saves battery--a ton in fact, at least for me.

I've been testing this very thing today, and turning off data has made a big difference. My signal is poor at work. The Nexus reads anywhere from -100 to -120 dBm on 3G and rarely ever sees 4G. If it does, it's not really present and I actually have no data or 3G speeds if it doesn't fall back to 3G as soon as I pick it up. I will be lucky to have 40% left at the end of the day, and that is if I don't touch the phone at all and put it in CDMA only. If I listen to any music or send/receive a few text messages , I'm down around 20% when I leave. If I leave it in LTE/CDMA, I'm down around 30% if I don't touch it at all and in the red if I have my normal day of text messages, music, and a few peeps at facebook.

With just data turned off, so that I can still send and receive calls and texts, I'm losing around 1-1.5% per hour idle, up from the 6-8% I would see normally.

After a full day of normal usage for me, instead of plowing through 70% of my battery, I've only gone through 20% and I've done the same as I always do which is play maybe 1 hour worth of music using bluetooth at lunch and send and receive 10-20 text messages sporadically throughout the day.

I won't actually run like this since I have access to a charger at work, but it was worthwhile to do the test just to know.

There is an app called juice defender that will toggle the data network on an off when the screen is off. It will turn it back on at specified intervals to allow things to sync. That might be an option for you if complete turning off of all data isn't viable. I may use it when I'm out with my phone idle for long periods in a poor reception area.

 

[Yeahha]

Based on that ^^ you may want to try turning off mobile data while the phone is not in use and toggle it back on when you want to surf the web. You should still get calls/texts and it should save some battery.

 

[eddieruko]

only prob with not having mobile data is that i won't receive text via google voice. thanks for the suggestions. i'll definitely check out a few things tmrw.