vB Easy Archive - GPS WORKING! Heres what to do...

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GPS WORKING! Heres what to do...
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Posted by: solo118

Ok, So GPS has not been working since I got it. Installed ATT's Telenav thinking that would do the trick.I installed Modacos GPS Activator and still nothing. I was stumped.
I thought ATT was ripping us off by not giving us GPS even when it says it is integrated. When looking at the Telenav screen, I see upgrade to GPS Navigator

I remove the older version of Non-GPS Telenav and get the GPS version and set up a 30 day trial with them

BOOM I am getting GPS in Google and Windows Live (which is faster btw)

I remove telenav from my phone, Call Telenav and cancel my account and everything still works fine! Follow my steps and I hope you get GPS working too!!!

BTW for those interested I left Google under auto settings and Windows live under Intermediate Driver

Have fun!!

Posted by: jhruth

My procedure was less complicated.

1. Open Box
2. Install Google Maps
3. Run Google Maps
4. Wach Google Maps lock on to my location in about 1 minute the first time.
5. Watch Google Maps lock into my poition in about 10 seconds second time.
6. Drive around with phone in car and watch google maps place me exactly where I am on the map. Following me down streets and making turns with me. What a great little blue ball.

fin

Posted by: chriskurn

That's exactly what I did.

Posted by: solo118

jhruth,
As you can see in other threads not all of us had that luxury of it working out of the box, My gps did not work and i was with many frustrated people. So I hope this is a solution to the gps mystery.

Posted by: chudy2

telenav has absolutely NOTHING to do with the GPS chip working or not working so i dont know what the OP is insinuating....

most likely what happened is that while the OP was trying all the different applications, the gps unit was actively trying to lock on in the background and by the time he got around to trying the last app, it magically worked...by pure coincidence.i'm not trying to belittle the OP but don't want people to get confused or hopeful either.

firstly for those for whom the gps doesnt work; install googlemaps as its free and lets you see how many satellites are locked on. then within 3 attempts it should lock on to the satellite ASSUMING you have a clear view of the sky! (try it outside, try it by a window etc)

GPS relies on clear view of the sky as its a satellite technology, just like satellite radio and satellite tv; you wouldn't expect a directv antenna to work well when obstucted or installed indoors...would you?

if it still doesnt work outside then you likely have a defective unit...

Posted by: erikhensarling

Send this to your BJ2 --> http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB

Download...automatically installed.

Open GMaps, agree to terms, go to options, Check off "Use GPS"

Stand outside.

Posted by: jyalexop2003

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikhensarling

Send this to your BJ2 --> http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB

Download...automatically installed.

Open GMaps, agree to terms, go to options, Check off "Use GPS"

Stand outside.

Does this actually use the GPS receiver?
I'm not sure I want to use the real GPS (GPS receiver)
to conserve battery life.

Posted by: erikhensarling

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyalexop2003

Does this actually use the GPS receiver?
I'm not sure I want to use the real GPS (GPS receiver)
to conserve battery life.

Does use the GPS hardware.

When loading the maps, there will be a number in parentheses next to the amount of bandwidth its used. That is the number of satellites its connected to.

Posted by: jyalexop2003

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikhensarling

Does use the GPS hardware.

When loading the maps, there will be a number in parentheses next to the amount of bandwidth its used. That is the number of satellites its connected to.

OK. Is the downlaod link (http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB)
entered on the phone browser?

Is there something about 'com port' during the install process.

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyalexop2003

Does this actually use the GPS receiver?
I'm not sure I want to use the real GPS (GPS receiver)
to conserve battery life.

actually that's a trick question...
-you can use the new (as of today) beta version of GMM which does non-GPS location
-you can use actual GPS chip (by enabling it from the menu)
-use it without either of the options as a standalone

Posted by: jyalexop2003

Quote:

Originally Posted by chudy2

OK. Where is this menu for enabling/disabling?
Is it on the phone during the install process or fro mte icon that shows up
on the phone after it is installed.

How about the com port?

Posted by: erikhensarling

Its just an option under the main menu that says "Use GPS." With it checked that means enabled.

Not checked means not enabled.

Posted by: jyalexop2003

So is this GOOG 2.0 better than Microsoft's Live Search?
What are the main differences btwn the two.

I personally just want to be able to do mapquest-like queries to get directions
from Location-A to Location-B and get interstate traffic reports.

Posted by: solo118

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikhensarling

Send this to your BJ2 --> http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB

Download...automatically installed.

Open GMaps, agree to terms, go to options, Check off "Use GPS"

Stand outside.

Should I put com4 and 19200 baud rate?

Posted by: UoD

Is there some place that you have to enable the GPS receiver in the windows settings? I can't find an option for it anywhere.

Of course --- google maps (new version just downloaded this morning) is not getting a GPS signal.

Posted by: erikhensarling

Quote:

Originally Posted by solo118

Should I put com4 and 19200 baud rate?

I am not sure what all this port discussion is about. I never touched any port settings.

Posted by: MrHunter602

Quote:

Originally Posted by UoD

Is there some place that you have to enable the GPS receiver in the windows settings? I can't find an option for it anywhere.

Of course --- google maps (new version just downloaded this morning) is not getting a GPS signal.

I am having the same issue and it was outside with a clear view of the sky.

Posted by: znutar

as long as I'm outside when I start it, the new version of google maps works fine on my BJ2 (and I'm not bothering to use the modaco hack which never worked for me anyway). It sometimes takes a couple of tries but it works great thereafter.

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

as long as I'm outside when I start it, the new version of google maps works fine on my BJ2 (and I'm not bothering to use the modaco hack which never worked for me anyway). It sometimes takes a couple of tries but it works great thereafter.

same here...initial lock takes a while (2-3 tries on google maps) but after that it works quickly...

Posted by: Linux23

How frequently does the map update? I just ordered a BJII, BTW.

Posted by: Goofus

In case it helps anyone, I couldn't get the GPS to work in any application and was convinced the phone was defective. Somebody mentioned running \Windows\GPSTest.exe so I tried it, and sure enough, my phone picked up 7 satellites indoors. As soon as I went back and loaded Google Maps, the gps worked great. Live Search is still a little quirky, but lately is seems to be working.

It was probably just a fluke, but it seemed like I needed to jump start the gps with GPSTest.exe. You need to hit "menu" - "start" in GPSTest to get it rolling.

Posted by: donald_wong_ooh

I can't find GPSTest.exe in \Windows on my BJ2. Is it a hidden file?

Posted by: znutar

its not on the BJ2, you have to download and install it:

http://www.chartcross.co.uk/product...002_details.asp

Posted by: Goofus

It was already on mine. I downloaded Total Commander to view it. I also found GPSLogging.exe and GPSVerification.exe. I can't figure out what either of those do.

Posted by: znutar

I picked up the BJ2 before black friday and played around with the GPS extensively as well as followed all the threads here, on modaco, as well as the discussions for the Q9h GPS which has similar issues. Here are my conclusions to date with my BJ2:

1) The modaco hack is utterly useless. The only thing it is good for is if you want to use GPStest to play around. If you enable com4 on google maps it rarely works and it NEVER works in windows live maps. BTW, GPStest is a lousy way to activate the GPS. If you start with google maps first (see below), then the program works fine, but starting with GPStest as a way of activating the GPS works poorly at best. In fact, I only got it to "wake" the GPS once after trying numerous attempts, for some reason google maps is the best way to wake things up.

2) Google maps is the best program for "activating" the GPS. You MUST be outside (or at least in a car...that works too) and it usually takes 2 tries. The first try seems to stall but if you let it run for about 2 minutes, disable and then re-enable GPS, it picks up in about 30 seconds on the second try. This is the case for both the older and most recent versions of google maps.

3) Windows live maps works very well (the ability to center on GPS and then use speech commands to create directions is nothing short of amazing), but it is not as capable for some reason to "wake up" the GPS. I have noticed it might take 3-4 attempts (waiting for timeouts) for the GPS to activate under windows live maps. Once its up and running it reacquires very quickly.

4) If you lose data connections with either program, the whole thing packs up and you have to restart them and reacquire the data connection. This does not mean that the GPS is not working or its not a real GPS. The GPS is a sirfIII chip (from what I have been able to determine), but GM and WLM need a live data connection to work properly. I have not tried "real" GPS software as I do not have any to try and am uninterested in purchasing telenav.

5) There is no apparent difference between acquisition times after a cold boot and a warm boot. The trick seems to be: start with google maps and once its up and running, the GPS works well.

6) The GPS works fine indoors (at least normal structures like homes, not office towers), but you must initially acquire signal outdoors. It is virtually impossible to initially acquire a signal indoors...you must go outside.

Hope this helps.

Posted by: invader zog

Quote:

Originally Posted by znutar

3) Windows live maps works very well (the ability to center on GPS and then use speech commands to create directions is nothing short of amazing), but it is not as capable for some reason to "wake up" the GPS. I have noticed it might take 3-4 attempts (waiting for timeouts) for the GPS to activate under windows live maps. Once its up and running it reacquires very quickly.

My WLS doesn't seem to recognize that I have GPS. It works fine on my wife's Tilt, but the options don't show on mine. Google Maps is using the GPS just fine..

Any ideas?

Posted by: znutar

Quote:

Originally Posted by invader zog

My WLS doesn't seem to recognize that I have GPS. It works fine on my wife's Tilt, but the options don't show on mine. Google Maps is using the GPS just fine..

Any ideas?

WLS only works for me when I use the intermediate driver not com4 via the modaco hack. The modaco hack is a bust for me. For WLS, I recommend firing up GM first (get a good GPS lock) and then fire up WLS...should work fine (at least it does for me).

I know its a pain, but these appear to be the limitations as far as I can tell.

Posted by: chudy2

btw, i highly recommend installing:
-modaco gps activator (exposed the gpsid to com4)
-gps test v1.04 (http://www.chartcross.co.uk/product...002_details.asp)

with gps test application you will be able to atleast see the unit working and trying to acquire satellites. it's much better than staring at a blank screen or seeing zero satellites for minutes on gmm....

also once you lock on using gps test, all the other apps start working right away...thats how i "wake up" my gps before using any other apps

Posted by: quillhill

Maybe I'm lucky but I downloaded Google Maps sitting in my recliner in my family room, fired it up, and it locked right onto my phone's location.

If it's any consolation, setting up e-mail was a royal pain in the arse for me.

Guess I'll finally have a reason to test out GPS since people rave about it.

Posted by: invader zog

Google maps GPS works (although it was inaccurate by a few blocks)... but I have yet to get Windows Live Search to work w/ the "intermediate driver"..

Posted by: brienzeee

does gps google maps require additional monthly fee from att

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by brienzeee

does gps google maps require additional monthly fee from att

indirectly, yes; you need a data plan to be able to download the maps. you might get charged a bundle ( a per kb surcharge) without one.

Posted by: d2000one

Does Google Maps, Windows Live, or Yahoo Go give voice guided turn by turn directions with GPS?

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2000one

Does Google Maps, Windows Live, or Yahoo Go give voice guided turn by turn directions with GPS?

<sarcasm>yea...they all do....and they do your laundry and fold it just like your mama..</sarcasm>

seriously does anybody search or lookup stuff before asking obvious questions??

Posted by: DrBaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by quillhill

Maybe I'm lucky but I downloaded Google Maps sitting in my recliner in my family room, fired it up, and it locked right onto my phone's location.

I did the same thing. Downloaded Google Maps and it worked right away.

I was impressed by the accuracy of it.

Posted by: d2000one

Some do, some don't! Not everyone spends their entire day on HoFo... maybe some pop in and read a topic, have a question, do a quick search and not find anything, post a question, and move on. Stop being an ARSE.

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2000one

Some do, some don't! Not everyone spends their entire day on HoFo... maybe some pop in and read a topic, have a question, do a quick search and not find anything, post a question, and move on. Stop being an ARSE.

an arse? are you kidding me? if he bothered to go to the apps respective websites he/she would know right away...and based on the question asked there couldnt have been any reasearch done...

and no i dont spend my whole life on the hofo or any other board...i like my sun and snow and fresh air but i just cant help but notice how out of control threads grow by answering the same questions over and over and over...you cant get to the real content..quantity over quality, dilutes the whole board's content...

and that's my humble opinion...as you're entitled to yours

oh and instead of whining you at least could have answered the OP's question about the matter..i at least told him where to start!

Posted by: d2000one

So then what is the purpose of these forums if everyone should just depend on info from manufacturers sites? I always thought these forums were a better source of info than any manufacturers sites. If everyone did that, then this site wouldn't be nearly as popular as it is!

You say the threads grow out of control by asking questions that have been asked. Well then how about not resonding to those redundant questions. By doing so you are contributing to the threads growing out of control! Practice what you preach!

But so be it, from now on I hope everyone conducts a science experiment on any question/topic they have.

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2000one

So then what is the purpose of these forums if everyone should just depend on info from manufacturers sites? I always thought these forums were a better source of info than any manufacturers sites. If everyone did that, then this site wouldn't be nearly as popular as it is!

You say the threads grow out of control by asking questions that have been asked. Well then how about not resonding to those redundant questions. By doing so you are contributing to the threads growing out of control! Practice what you preach!

But so be it, from now on I hope everyone conducts a science experiment on any question/topic they have.

i'm glad we came to an agreement. it's good you can take constructive criticism..

and as not to make it a pissing/whining contest:

windows live search: gps: yes, navigation: no, speach recognition: yes
google maps: gps: yes, navigation: no

navigation:
garmin xt: 99 bucks with north america maps preloaded on 2gb card
telenav: needs data plan + monthly fee of 9.99+
route66: costs money (depends where you go) but generally well liked

there...now the OP's answers have been answered...

quick somebody!! is it daylight outside right now? it's just too much effort to turn my head and look out the window! whaaaa!

Posted by: d2000one

LOL... we have come to an understanding... and thanks for the info!

Posted by: andyjaffe

I have a slightly different question still relating to the GPS. Do the TomTom or iNav mobile mapping systems work on the BJII? Can I just put one of these on a SD card and install it onto the BJII so I can use the phone as a GPS unit without buying the data plan?

Posted by: gramster

This information might be useful to those using GPS:

Posted by: bgates22

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramster

This information might be useful to those using GPS:

Very nice find.

Posted by: mslaney

@znutar

The modaco hack works fine if you don't screw with the settings in Google Maps. While there is info floating around saying that you set it to COM4, blah blah blah... I have had 0 trouble when just leaving it as "Set by Windows"

Posted by: CattSquared

Nice feature!
The more and more I play with this phone, the more I love it!

Posted by: Split2ooo

so hypathetically if i were to download a torrent with google maps and a bunch of maps with it would i still have to pay for a data plan to use the gps function?

Posted by: Chau

when i use GPSTest and hit start, it still doesnt find any satellites

Posted by: solo118

Using google maps usually kick starts the gps, try usng the gps within google maps a couple of times and then it should start working

Posted by: bri665

I have a red BJ2 and cant get the GPS working. Installed Google Maps, cant find a satellite.. tried 3 or 4 times, outside. Installed GPS Test, it just scans the com ports over and over again.

Ill see if I can find this modaco hack which everyone has been talking about.. havent seen anyone post a link though.

Edit - Here is the link for anyone else who may be looking for it.

http://www.intomobile.com/2007/11/2...of-telenav.html

Edit - The Modaco hack didnt do anything for me. I installed it and changed Google maps to use Com4/9600 instead of Windows Settings and it failed to find the GPS sats immediately.

Posted by: Cloud97

Anybody try it with iGuidance or TomTom?