[Q] [ask] how to identify gps receiver - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I got a chinese android mtk phones with a lousy gps, and I heard a lot of people who have the same problem, fixed their gps using copper foil tape, making their own external antenna out of it
So I plan to do the same, after I disassembled the phone, I failed to identify, which is the gps receiver, could someone help me ?

ummm, no one ?

found it, and fixed it, using copper wire+aluminium foil
deleted mtkgps.dat and epo file from data/misc, boot it up, ran gps test only and compared it with my other 2 phones in my room (where the gps signal's usually rare to none)
now it works perfect as car gps, since I planned to use it as a car navigation only LOL

Related

GPS Antenna?

I noticed this item for sale and was suprised because I was under the impression that it was determined that GPS didn't work on the Hermes due to technical limitations even when using a Trinity radio. Go figure.
http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html
pof has been alreayd pmed about this yesturday. waiting for a reply from him to see if he is willing to buy to see if it'll work. if you read more closely you would find the gps is missing the antenna and it requires lost of work to get one in there. this might be able to go in where u put a gsm antenna but lets wait for pof to see what he says.
aha... thanks for the update.
jakirkla said:
I noticed this item for sale and was suprised because I was under the impression that it was determined that GPS didn't work on the Hermes due to technical limitations even when using a Trinity radio. Go figure.
http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be excellent although the Hermes GPS is not Sirf III....
Anyone tried this one?
got pm from pof. the antenna will only help bluetooth gps and not the internal gps. oh well. thanx to pof for saving us the trouble of buying then finding it wont work.
damn man, i bought that antenna as soon as i saw it up!! soooo... like..... theres nothing i can do with this??
ok, it doesnt seem to work.
but it has to help the internal gps, the way it seems SHOULD function wouldnt make sense to help the bluetooth gps. ive seen many other cable GPS like this one on the internet. anyone else buy this?
I'm not sure I follow the function of the antenna....if it is just helping the bluetooth gps, is it then more of a bluetooth antenna, or does it just do nothing for the 8525?
I thought the bluetooth gps was its own antenna, otherwise what would the purpose of it be? Thanks!
I know this sounds sketchy... I read a post a while back about this port where you can attach antenna. A person working with the GPS project for the Hermes TyTN device discovered this port and connected a different model of antenna from Radio Shack. He went on stating that this port is for GPS. NOT Bluetooth When he connected the other style antenna he noticed both his reception (data,voice) increased along with the number of satellites he could acquire.
This is in one of the threads realated to the GPS. He has pictures and stuff too.
I stand corrected.. This was not found in the development thread of GPS with the HTC TyTN device.. This was in a thread where the person took apart their device and showed different pictures of the ""guts"" I'm trying to find the link for the thread now..
any updates on if this worked or not?
I do remember reading somewhere about how people were trying to physically build in a small GPS device into there 8525.
Although nothing about this antena though.
Makes me wonder if there is an actual built in GPS reciever inside the phone.
xtinxkanx said:
Makes me wonder if there is an actual built in GPS reciever inside the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No but I think *some* of the hardware necessary is present. Why not just use a bloutooth GPS rather than having one tethered?
if anyone could post an update it would be appreciated...
what i have learned is that the gps antenna posted on cnn.cn is a type that is supposed to amplify and intensify the signal for your bluetooth gps... but this still confuses me. im guessing it boosts the signal for that the bluetooth attempts to pick up, but why am i plugging it into my 8525 then??
i hope there is some sort of use for this paper weight... besides the paper weight.
Theres no way that thing would fit inside a hermes is there?? It looks huge.. the kind of antenna youd need in a hermes is a tiny one shaped to fit into the top of the phone...
That anteanna is simply that.. a gps external antenna.. theres thousands of those available..
you can use it on a gps navigation system with an antenna connector in order to position the antenna for better reception.. like if you have a coated windscreen that gps cant get through you can use that lead round to the sunroof or back window to allow it to gwet signal while still having the gps unit under the windscreen where you can see it..
That thing is a standard GPS antenna.. the one needed would be a tiny thing.. with no wire and a whole load of soldering and work to fit it... it will probably never happen.. certainly not with something off the shelf like that id imagine. (you could maybe strip that down and get at the actual antenna inside.. but i highly doubt it would a)be small enough, b)fit, c) work afterwards or d) be in any way easy enough to acheive.
From the pictures on the site it looks like that thing plugs into the external antenna socket on the hermes.. but that wont give you gps.
It might improve signal quality in the car though..as it will probably work in some way as a GSM antenna.
(Have you tried plugging it in under the litttle rubber cap on the back of the phone as shown and seeing what happens - it may of course blow up the phone since it ISNT designed to go in this hole!)
Bluetooth gps is a lot better...becuase it is wireless...I have the holux 240 (smallest on the market)...and it can pick up signal inside my house
The GPS was investigated already for the TyTn, it will never work. The chip has the GPS capability however, there are many pins tied to ground. It would take major modification to attempt to use the internal GPS.
Use bluetooth like Holux, forget plugging anything into the rear antenna port. You have been warned!
so what is the deal? are you telling me that if i buy this external antenna http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html a gps application will not work? if not how can i get navigation on my device?
explain to others as it was explained unto you!
lodownlv said:
so what is the deal? are you telling me that if i buy this external antenna http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html a gps application will not work? if not how can i get navigation on my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you read carefully, you will finally understand that not having it is not going to deny your hermes a gps app.
External= the outside; outer surface; exterior.
antenna=a conductor by which electromagnetic waves are sent out or received, consisting commonly of a wire or set of wires
therefore external antenna mean outside the unit,
gps application = software for use inside the unit
Options therefore:
1. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app = works fine
2. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app + External antenna(plugged into little hole on back of TyTn not your butt = works much better (because of better reception).
Therefore, unless you install TOMTOM 6 on your pc and expect it to work on your PPC thats the only way it wont work.
Even easier to understand is this:
Imagine you are in your car and you are driving you want to listen to music(find a route) on the radio(your TyTn). Its easy to find your favorite station(gps sat) as your radio(TyTN) already has an
External antenna if you were to unplug the external antenna then you would only be able to pick up a few stations but the radio would still work.
and to the question of getting navigation on your device, you would a) have to install a gps mapping software(TOMTOM navigator comes to mind) b) have a wired or unwired gps RECEIVER. that is all.
Hope i explained it good enough.
FYI I'm using TomTom navigator 6 and Qstars 32 channel bluetooth receiver on my Hermes and it works just fine, and i dont have an external antenna.
If you need any more help feel free to pm me.
Cheers.
1. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app = works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
2. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app + External antenna(plugged into little hole on back of TyTn not your butt = works much better (because of better reception).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite correct. For the external antenna to improve GPS reception it would need to be plugged into the GPS receiver - not the phone. Plugging it into the phone will be a complete waste of time because the phone does not 'do' GPS. Wired GPS receivers can't be used with the Hermes - it has to be Bluetooth.

External GPS antenna

Did anyone ever develop an external GPS antenna for the Titan?
I took my phone apart, a connected a long piece of wire to what I think is the internal GPS antenna and my phone could pick one satellite sitting on my desk just like my Holux GPS receiver.
It does not see any satellites here without that piece of wire (checked it before putting the wire and after I removed it).
Maybe I should get a real GPS antenna and do another test.
There are external bluetooth receivers.
Blue Tooth GPS Antenna
I use the Freedom GPS 2000
Well obviously he doesn't mean "what external bluetooth gps should I get to boost the signal".
Do they even make GPS antennas to boost signal strength??
paulash said:
Well obviously he doesn't mean "what external bluetooth gps should I get to boost the signal".
Do they even make GPS antennas to boost signal strength??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I have an Holux M1200 (BT GPS receiver) but what I want is to improve the internal GPS receiver of the Titan. I think this can be done with an external GPS antenna for it. That's why I want to know if anyone already made it or if anyone is willing to help me developing it.
Any ideas on where to put the connector the the external antenna on the Titan? I think it must be under the battery door so it won't affect the look of the phone.
Daved+ said:
Any ideas on where to put the connector the the external antenna on the Titan? I think it must be under the battery door so it won't affect the look of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think all of the internal radios are in that general area.
If you take your full hand and cover that battery, from side to side, it usually decreases the signal strength on your Wi-Fi, GPS, and Cell Radio significantly.
scrawnyb said:
I think all of the internal radios are in that general area.
If you take your full hand and cover that battery, from side to side, it usually decreases the signal strength on your Wi-Fi, GPS, and Cell Radio significantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know.
Also I know exactly where every antenna is but I am looking for ideas on where to put the connector for the external GPS antenna without making the phone look like crap, heh.
Daved+ said:
Yeah, I know.
Also I know exactly where every antenna is but I am looking for ideas on where to put the connector for the external GPS antenna without making the phone look like crap, heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-wire the external (cell-reception) antenna nub that's already on the phone to the internal GPS antenna.. then you can use a standard external (cell-reception) antenna to 'boost' the GPS signal
Just a thought.. I don't know anyone who uses an external antenna for cell-reception anymore.
-mak

External Gps Antenna

Hello, do you know if I can plug an external gps antenna on my Htc touch pro 2 to enhance the gps signal? Any products you could suggest? Thanks
erus1982 said:
Hello, do you know if I can plug an external gps antenna on my Htc touch pro 2 to enhance the gps signal? Any products you could suggest? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SEE HERE....
​
where do you plug that external antenna? On usb port?
erus1982 said:
where do you plug that external antenna? On usb port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the properietary USB or extUSB port
poetryrocksalot said:
on the properietary USB or extUSB port
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one, but ... Can the touch pro 2 still be connected to power AC?
tkalli said:
SEE HERE....
​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the link above:
"Connects to external MS-147 GPS plug on compatible HTC devices. "
I don't think that the TP2 has an MS-147 GPS plug.....
uhm... is there really a GPS antenna input on the extUSB?? never heard something like this. RF connectors for 1.5 GHz are always coaxial ones.
I use Holux GPS Signal Radiator. Not sure where to buy else where, because i order it in Thailand.
It is basically have two module, one is regular antenna, and another one is adapter for car with radiator antenna. Once install, you just plug regular GPS antenna to the car adapter, and power on. it will read the signal from GPS antenna, enhance it and then Re-radiating it out with it's antenna.
This also easy to DIY, but I buy it instead.
Antenna http://www.itxpda.com/smf/index.php?topic=210.0 (in Thai, but you see the picture).
For DIY, see http://w3.pdamobiz.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=204894&PN=4 (In Thai again, but look at picture should give you some idea, also editor has some reference URL to English page. What he made was much easier than the reference though).
tkalli's link is for an ext. Antenna for the HTC Advantage and other HTC devices with a coxial GPS Antt. connector.
Since the TP2 doesn't have this type of connector that Antt. is useless.
The only product that will fit the bill is a re-radiating GPS booster antenna. An example is reviewed here: http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/reradiating.php
Hope this helps
Roger
external GPS antenna for TP2?
Hi all,
With great effort, I wired a GPS external aerial through the dash of my car, up the side of the window in the door pillar and out the hole for the FM aerial - I had my TP2 delivered on Saturday and of course, that cable is now useless.
The connector on the GPS aerial is a coaxial style connection that was fine for my old TyTN II - but not so for the TP2.
Still, I have found that the TP2 locks to satellites a lot faster than the TyTN II did, even without an external aerial - so personally, this isn't a great loss for me in any event...
You could buy yourself a Bluetooth GPS receiver from eBay...
imugli said:
You could buy yourself a Bluetooth GPS receiver from eBay...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the most sensible solution.
There is no connection for an external antenna
imugli said:
You could buy yourself a Bluetooth GPS receiver from eBay...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you used any personally, I am looking for one but I like to know what people like or have used. I only like to spend my money once if you know what I mean.
Thanks,
Richard
Wow, Thai has really neat looking characters
I've used a Holux M1000 for the past ~2 years with my 6800. Works great, excellent battery life and reception, uses a mini USB to charge. It is about $40.
It is now sitting in the box with my 6800. I haven't used it since I activated my TP2.
Any chance this thread can be stickified? It might save repeats in the long run
Real question, not snarky
I'm confused.
Why/where would you need an extra antenna? I get 8 sats on my porch within a minute. If you are somewhere goofy wouldn't your signal get confused from going/reflecting through all kinds of materials?
This is a real question, I'd like to know. My TyTN was slow to get signals and painfully slow to lock sometimes, I can understand it there, but the rhodium seems to be in a different class all together.
Yeah, the TP2 is a damn good phone; with an up-to-date Quick GPS file, it'll lock on in double quick time. However, when I'm in the car, especially when in very built-up city areas, the reception of GPS signals goes right down the toilet at times, leading to signal loss and a marked lack of satnav capability; Short an external antenna connector, a GPS signal booster would prevent that most of the time, and it's on my family's wish list at the moment
gliscameria said:
I'm confused.
Why/where would you need an extra antenna? I get 8 sats on my porch within a minute. If you are somewhere goofy wouldn't your signal get confused from going/reflecting through all kinds of materials?
This is a real question, I'd like to know. My TyTN was slow to get signals and painfully slow to lock sometimes, I can understand it there, but the rhodium seems to be in a different class all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I have no problems, but some window tints and heated front screens can reduce signal significantly, leading to problems in areas that have weak signal like urban canyons or under tree canopies.
Gordon

GPS or somethign else.

Hi, I´ve a broken TyTn and now I have to use jTag, for fix it again.
But, by the way I know it is not possible to flash GPS at a TyTn at the usually way.
But when I using jTag I get deeper into the system settings.
Would it be possible to flash GPS or something else for pimp my TyTn?
You can't flash GPS to your phone.
The Hermes got a GPS receiver on board but there is no power connection, neither an antanna soldered to the mainboard.
There were enough threads about that.
greetz
playdo
You can however purchase a GPS antenna (bluetooth only) and use a GPS navigation program like Tomtom on your device. I use Tomtom and it works quite well.
Just remember though, and this is up for debate, the more channels you have on the receiver, the better the reception and quicker the lock. I find it more accurate too. At least this is my experience...
Cheers...

Anyone know of an External GSM/GPRS Antenna port on TP2?

Does anyone know if the T-mobile version of the Touch Pro 2 has an external antenna port?
I travel through Texas and Use T-mobile (The coverage is imperfect but can be improved with an external aerial antenna)
In the past I used the Tmob Wing which had a rubber pop off cover on the back that allowed access to the antenna port.
I really miss using my external antenna. I've searched Google and XDA with no luck. Called Tmob PDA support no help there.
Any help on locating this elusive port would be appreciated.
Thanks,
m
14 threads down the list...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=535998
Someone wanna lock this thread?
RogerStenning said:
14 threads down the list...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=535998
Someone wanna lock this thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
err that threads about gps antenna ports, hes on about gsm
For more clarification not GPS but GPRS/GSM
I have this antenna from Wilson Electronics.
http://www.wilsonelectronics.com////ViewProductB.php?ID=21
This for 806-866 MHz / 896-939 MHz / 1850-1990 MHz.
These antennas drastically improve all cell use and improve battery life in the process because the phone does not have to work as hard to acquire or boost a weak signal.
I also believe this makes mobile phone use safer with regard to radiation.
Anyone remember the old days of Cellular? Everyone had a cell antenna on their car. This antenna is similar to those.
I hope someone can help me find out if the TP2 has an antenna port like my T-mobile Wing had.
Thanks,
M
Fil - minoch may be looking at GSM/GPRS external antenna connectors on the TP2, but the themes are connected. There are no - zero - external antenna connectors on the TP2, whether you're looking for GPS, or cellular antenna connectors. It's the single failing on the TP2 that I can identify, regrettably.
Depending on your country, re-radiator antennas for GPS and/or cellular signals are available to mount in your car, but you must look carefully to see if such devices are legal to use in your country.
minoch - I would add that the antenna linked above by you is all well and good, but without an antenna connector (socket) needed on the back of the phone, it's about as useful as a roof rack on a helicopter.
Thus, a re-radiating device of some kind is required.
This article should help you understand the tech behind the solution to the problem: http://www.tech-faq.com/cell-phone-signal-booster.shtml
Thanks for the information Roger.
I suspected this was the case but hoped I was wrong. I guess I'll have to find some sort of induction connection (Those antenna decals that have a wire to hook to an external antenna) It won't be anywhere near as good as a direct connection but hopefully it can help a little.
A shame such a nice expensive phone as the Touch Pro 2 would not have any antenna ports. I guess HTC had to cut cost too..........Damn this Economy.
Thanks,
Minoch
Must admit, it surprised the smelly stuff outta me when I realised there wasn't an antenna connector on the phone. really silly ommission, given all the hooplah regarding hands-free usage while driving your car, and all that similar malarky.
Oh well, guess they throught that the internal antenna was good enough, or, as you suggest, they had to trim down the expense by dropping an external antenna connector and associated printed curcuitry, housings and case adjustments for a grand total of maybe 3.50 GBP per unit before packaging (with adjustments for economies of scale, etc)?
*shrug*

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