Today, all modern smartphones are equipped with a built-in GPS module that shows your location. You can use your smartphone as a navigator while playing sports or driving, and you can also use it to get up-to-date news or weather information in your city. Now let's figure out how to check the operation of GPS on Android, that is, whether the location module works on your device or not.

There are 2 options to resolve this issue, simple to use the application, and a little more difficult to use standard features your smartphone ( engineering menu).

Checking and setting up GPS using the app

Based on all the applications that we tried, the simplest and most effective turned out to be. This program can quickly help you find all the satellites in your region, pre-configure them and, possibly, use other functions.

Features of the GPS Test program for Android

• Shows information about visible satellites;
• Shows active satellites currently in use;
• Gives accurate data geopositioning;
• Shows exact coordinates;
• Gives information about the time zone at the location;
• Indicates the position of satellites in the sky;
• Can serve as an electronic compass;
• Provides a variety of data, ranging from time and date to altitude;
• Gives information about sunrise and sunset times in the place where the device is located.

How to check the status of your GPS navigator using GPS Test

We open the application, and if we see the inscription “ 3D Fix“This means that the navigator works correctly and performs all its functions without the slightest problem. Shows " No Fix"? Unfortunately, there is a problem with the device and its smooth operation is impossible.

Constant switching between the above modes may also be due to poor conditions for receiving a GPS signal. This is caused not only by being indoors; even unsuitable weather conditions, such as rain or strong wind, can affect it.

Shows " off"? Everything is simpler here. The receiver is simply turned off. To enable it, we perform an easy procedure: open “Settings”, go to the “Location” item. A new menu called "Location Services" opens. There are three modes in total:

1. "By network coordinates"
2. "GPS satellites"
3. Supporting Data.

To most accurately determine a location, for example, in a car, we recommend activating all items at once. Of the networks, Wi-Fi works best, of course, but if conditions do not allow this (being on the street, etc., as is usually the case), use mobile Internet.

Using this program, you can learn a lot useful information about your phone and its additional features.

Setting up and adjusting GPS through the engineering menu

This method will help you check the quality of the established standards that indicate how well the GPS on your phone works.

1. To do this, you need to go to the engineering menu. Enter the code (where we usually write the subscriber number) *#*#3646633#*#*;
2. Next you need to find the YGPS item (or something similar);
3. As a result, a map should appear with many yellow dots on it. They may not appear immediately.

Just these points and talk about the number of satellites that were found. If you record the time from the start of scanning until all found satellites are fully loaded, the quality of the installed GPS will become known. Later, this data can be compared with other devices, for example, by taking it from a friend.

Video instructions

Poor performance of GPS satellites indoors

But do not forget that GPS may have poor signal reception when you are standing indoors (especially in a high-rise building) or near electrical appliances. So it is better to use the location function in an open area (street) or, as a last resort, near a window.

It's worth remembering that GPS is better Do not leave it on all the time, use it only when necessary. This will save battery charge two or even three times longer. Using widgets, you can turn GPS on or off on your desktop.

In this post I’ll try to systematize the information I collected on the topic of speeding up GPS on Android. I’ll say right away that most things are relevant if you have root and S-OFF (I immediately installed the custom RcMix 3d Runny firmware on my smartphone). The post does not pretend to cover the issue completely - I am simply sharing my experience.

Previously, I waited for 20 minutes - the satellites were never caught. Now, as a result of applying the tips described below, the coordinates are determined in 2-3 minutes with a cold start, and approximately 30-40 seconds with a hot start.

1) Use the program for time synchronization ClockSync (root required, found):

— before launching Navitel (or another navigator) through the ClockSync program, synchronize the time on the phone;
— after starting Navitel, synchronize the time on the phone through the ClockSync program.

2) Edit the file gps.conf(needs root): in parameter NTP_SERVER register yours location.

For editing it is convenient to use the FasterFix program.
For example, I had

NTP_SERVER=north-america.pool.ntp.org

and for Ukraine it was necessary to register

NTP_SERVER=ua.pool.ntp.org

Accordingly, for Russia

NTP_SERVER=ru.pool.ntp.org

After which reboot apparatus.

3) Advanced editing gps.conf (root needed, found).

In this case, it is convenient to use the FasterGPS program for editing. This program can also do what is described in paragraph 2.
You need to add the following to the file:

NTP_SERVER=ua.pool.ntp.org - if you did not do this in step 2, then be sure to do it now (as you understand, this is a setting for Ukraine)

INTERMEDIATE_POS=0
ACCURACY_THRES=0
REPORT_POSITION_USE_SUPL_REFLOC=1
ENABLE_WIPER=1
SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
SUPL_PORT=7276
SUPL_NO_SECURE_PORT=7276
SUPL_SECURE_PORT=7276
CURRENT_CARRIER=common
DEFAULT_AGPS_ENABLE=TRUE
DEFAULT_SSL_ENABLE=FALSE
DEFAULT_USER_PLANE=TRUE

After which reboot apparatus.

Fortunately, you can edit gps.conf manually (for example, through RootExplorer), FasterGPS is just a front-end for editing. But it’s calmer with him, because... You cannot leave spaces at the end of lines or empty lines in gps.conf.

4) Use a program that helps determine coordinates as quickly as possible. Of the several I tested (GPS Status, GpsFix, GPS Test), GPS Status turned out to be the most effective and functional (root is not needed). Turn on GPS, turn on mobile Internet, launch GPS Status, and there:

Menu -> Tools -> A-GPS Data -> Load

Lyrical digression:
when you watch how GPS status confidently catches satellites one after another
(engaged/caught: 0/1 .... 1/2 ..... 3/3 etc.),
waiting time goes by much faster.

By the way, this program also has a “Radar” function: you can mark the place where you are now and then return to it.

We also remember simple things:

• After turning on the GPS, immediately turn on the mobile Internet - this way the smartphone will determine the coordinates much faster, after which the mobile Internet can be turned off.
• GPS drains the battery, but the always-on screen drains the battery even faster. At the same time, if you lock your phone, GPS is turned off. If you want the GPS to work longer (for example, when walking around an unfamiliar city), reduce the screen brightness to the required minimum.
• GPS in smartphones is inherently weaker than in GPS navigators
• GPS does not work indoors - only outdoors
• In some smartphones, the GPS antenna is located at the bottom of the device. You can try to speed up the search for satellites by turning your smartphone 180 degrees. Or don’t hold it in your hands, but put it, for example, on a bench.
• If you still need to use GPS indoors, you can go out onto the balcony or go to the window. The same trick works in minibuses - you just need to sit near the window.
• In cloudy weather the signal is worse. Fishing is also worse among high-rise buildings. Sometimes it is enough to move 100-200m away from 16-story buildings - and the result becomes noticeably better.
• During a cold start while moving, the signal reception is worse than when standing still. Force yourself to stop and wait until your smartphone catches the satellites (launch GPS Status and admire how cleverly it catches them one after another) - in the end you will spend less time this way than trying to do it on the go.
• In theory, you need to catch 3 satellites to determine the coordinates, and 4 to determine the coordinates and altitude. In reality, GPS Status determines all parameters when 6-7 satellites are detected. The maximum that could be caught was 9-10.

PS - I also want to recommend good review programs for working with GPS - Workshop: using GPS on Android to the maximum - be sure to check it out, there is a lot of useful stuff there.

PPS - from what I use from this review myself, I want to recommend the excellent profile manager Llama.

Strictly speaking, it has nothing to do with GPS:

What makes Llama special is that it doesn't use GPS to determine coordinates, but rather relies on cell towers. However, it was decided to include it in the review as an alternative to GEO-Tasker.

The program receives location data using data about operator towers, and depending on this, it can switch profiles. For example, at home - normal during the day, quiet from 23 to 6, when you leave the house - loud, in church - no sound, at work - quiet, etc. By combining zones and events, you can customize absolutely everything for yourself and forget about manually switching profiles.

Speeding up GPS on Android - 2

In the first part of the article, I described programs and techniques that speed up GPS on Android devices. There was also an example given there alternative file gps.conf, speeding up the process of determining coordinates. For comparison, previously, on my HTC Inspire 4G, satellites were caught in a matter of minutes, after using it - 30-60 seconds. Much water has passed under the bridge since then, but I have not stopped searching for an even faster solution. And today I can present to you synthesized from several found on the Internet new file gps.conf, with which the process of determining coordinates takes 5-10 seconds. Those. by the time the navigation program is launched, the coordinates have already been determined. The file is adapted for Ukraine, but it can be easily remade for other European countries - in the first few lines we change “ua”, for example to “ru” - we get a file for Russia, etc.

NTP_SERVER=ua.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=0.ua.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=1.ua.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=2.ua.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=3.ua.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=europe.pool. ntp.org NTP_SERVER=0.europe.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=1.europe.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=2.europe.pool.ntp.org NTP_SERVER=3.europe.pool.ntp.org XTRA_SERVER_1=/ data/xtra.bin AGPS=/data/xtra.bin AGPS=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin XTRA_SERVER_1=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2 Q osHorizontalThreshold=1000 QosVerticalThreshold=500 AssistMethodType=1 AgpsUse=1 AgpsMtConf=0 AgpsMtResponseType=1 AgpsServerType=1 AgpsServerIp=3232235555 INTERMEDIATE_POS=1 C2K_HOST=c2k.pde.com C2K_PORT=1234 SUPL_HOST=FQDN SUPL_HOST=lbs.geo.t-mobile.com SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com SU PL_PORT =7276 SUPL_SECURE_PORT=7275 SUPL_NO_SECURE_PORT=3425 SUPL_TLS_HOST=FQDN SUPL_TLS_CERT=/etc/SuplRootCert ACCURACY_THRES=5000 CURRENT_CARRIER=common

Navigation systems on mobile devices() V lately have become necessary not only for motorists, but also for pedestrians, thanks to their good ability to build walking routes.

But quite a lot of users have to deal with something that does not work or works poorly GPS system on Android.

This may result in problems different types, depending on what exactly caused the breakdown.

Definition

What is GPS? This is a navigation system - strictly speaking, GPS/GLONASS is a navigation module that allows you to use many applications that use navigation.

Problems

But in some cases, certain problems may be detected in the operation of such a module. Their nature is different, but they equally interfere with working with the system:

• Complete inability to determine locations;
• Inaccurate location determination;
• Slow data update or complete absence updates (for example, you move in space or turn around, but the pointer on the map does not change its position for a long time).

Most problems can disappear on their own when you restart or when you move to another area of ​​the map.

But if this does not happen, then you need to know what caused them and how to eliminate them.

Possible reasons

There can be many reasons for this type of problem. But all of them can be divided into two large groups - hardware problems and software problems.

We talk about hardware problems when there is a defect in the physical navigation module itself, and about software problems when something is incorrectly configured in the software of a smartphone or tablet.

Important! Software type problems are enough easy to set up and fix yourself. When it comes to hardware failures, it is better to entrust the matter to a service center, since the repair process can be quite complicated for a non-specialist. And there is a risk of making the situation worse.

Hardware

One of the most common problems occurs when starting the module for the first time, that is, when you first launch an application that uses GPS on a new smartphone.

Within 15-20 minutes, geolocation may not work, nothing will happen, the location will not be determined.

This is a normal condition when you first start it, but this should not happen again in the future.

A similar situation may arise if you have traveled a significant distance, for example, moved to another country or region, with the navigation module turned off.

In this case, when he first starts in a new place, he will also need time to “think.”

The problem may also occur when starting at high speed, for example, while driving a car - in this case, the module will “slow down” for the first time after switching on.

Keep in mind that in buildings, indoor navigation will not be carried out.

Your approximate location in the building is determined using the zone layout wireless internet and towers mobile operators, but not GLONASS.

Software

The GLONAS module can be disabled through the phone settings; often on new models it is not enabled by default.

Therefore, many beginners who are not accustomed to using Android do not turn it on before starting to use navigation applications.

By the way, this type notifies the user that he needs to enable navigation.

Inaccurate location determination may be due to the characteristics of the zone. The system does not work equally well in all areas due to the nature of satellite operation.

There are “blind” zones that the navigator misses or does not detect accurately. It is impossible to fight this.

Elimination

Troubleshooting is usually quite simple.

But if, after taking all of the above measures, the problem has not been resolved, it is possible that the problem is a faulty module and it requires replacement at a service center.

Hardware

There are no ways to “cure” the program freezing after the first launch of the navigation module.

The user just needs to wait about 15-20 minutes after the first launch of the application - during this time, the electronic components of the navigation device will adjust to the current operating conditions and the location will be determined.

That is why it is recommended to run this module for configuration immediately after purchasing a phone, so as not to wait in a situation where you need it urgently.

Software

Turning on navigation on your smartphone is quite simple. Most often, the application itself “asks” whether to enable navigation when it is disabled.

Then you need to click on “YES” or “OK” in the pop-up window, and the application itself will enable geolocation.

If such a notification does not appear, enable it manually, following the algorithm:

1 On the unlocked screen, on the desktop, pull out the menu, making a sliding movement from the top border of the screen down;

2 A menu with basic device settings will appear.– find the icon in it Geodata/Geodata transmission/Geolocation/Location determination or the like;

3 Click on it to make the icon active.

Incorrect operation of the GPS module is a fairly common problem with Android devices. The system can connect to satellites, but navigation will still not work. In some cases, the defect is associated with a breakdown of the gadget’s hardware, but most situations can be resolved using software methods. Below we describe what to do if GPS does not work on Android.

First, let's determine how the navigator on the phone works. Yandex.Maps or navigation from Google contacts the system satellites and requests data about the user’s current location. Based on the information received, an optimal route is built or public transport is selected. If the GPS module stops functioning - normal operation navigation is not possible, even using A-GPS technology. The main causes of failure are usually software problems, but in some cases the source of the malfunction is the failure of a hardware module.

Geolocation services do not work on Android if the settings are incorrect. The defect may also be caused by the installation of incompatible firmware or the lack of necessary drivers.

A navigator from Google or Yandex does not work well even with a weak satellite signal. It is worth remembering that programs do not always display location correctly, and you should not rely on the system when hiking or off-road. To troubleshoot, let’s look at the causes and solutions to popular problems.

Reasons for no signal

There are two main groups of faults: hardware and software. The former can be fixed by qualified specialists in service centers, while the latter can be fixed at home.

• Hardware - a component can fail after a mechanical impact on the device body, for example, a fall or a strong blow. The cause of the breakdown may also be liquid entering the main board, followed by oxidation of the contacts.
• Software – malware infection software, incorrect firmware or update failures - all these faults can damage the location driver.

The first thing to do if the GPS sensor does not work is to restart your smartphone and scan it with an antivirus. Maybe, RAM The device is full, and there are not enough processor resources to activate communication with satellites.

Incorrect setting

Correctly setting your smartphone parameters is the key proper operation GPS systems for Android.

• If Android does not find the location, go to the device settings, then “General”, and then open “Location and modes”.
• On the Location tab, specify your preferred location method. If you select "Satellites only", Android will not use A-GPS technology, which collects data from nearby cellular and Wi-Fi networks to improve geopositioning accuracy.
• Try setting the mode to "Only mobile networks» and check the functionality of the cards. If navigation turns on, there is a problem with the driver or hardware.
• When GPS on Android does not turn on (the system does not respond to switching the option), there is probably a problem in the firmware. Execute full reset settings or contact the service center.
• To reset your location settings, click on the “Backup and reset” tab, then tap on “Reset network and navigation settings.” Login to Google account for confirmation.

Important! All saved passwords from points Wi-Fi access, as well as cellular network data will be deleted.

The described method helps eliminate most problems with the software.

Incorrect firmware

The consequences of careless firmware on Android can be quite unpredictable. Installation of third-party OS versions is performed to speed up the operation of the gadget, but as a result, the phone modules stop functioning.

If you decide to reflash your device, download firmware files only from trusted forums - XDA and w3bsit3-dns.com. Do not try to flash your smartphone with an OS version from another phone, as the drivers necessary for operation may no longer function. If the device has become a brick, perform a full data reset.

• Press the volume up and lock buttons for 5-7 seconds. When the Android logo appears on the screen of the switched off gadget, release Volume Up.
• The Recovery menu will load. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”, confirm Hard Reset.
• To reboot your smartphone, tap “Reboot system now”. Setup will take a few minutes when you turn it on.

The method is suitable for devices with damaged firmware. The GPS module will restore functionality after switching to the factory version of the OS.

Module calibration

In some cases, it is necessary to perform a quick calibration of the device.

• Open the “Essential setup” application, it can be downloaded for free from the Play Market.
• Click on the compass icon and place your smartphone on a flat surface.
• Tap the “Test” button and wait 10 minutes until testing ends. Once completed, try turning on satellite navigation.

Hardware problems

Cheap Chinese smartphones are often equipped with low-quality satellite communication modules. Problems can be corrected by replacing the corresponding module in service center. Malfunctions occur on both Android and iOS phones.

Ask a question to a virtual expert

If you still have questions, ask them to a virtual expert, the bot will help you find the problem and tell you what to do. You can talk to him about life or just chat, it will be interesting and informative!

Type your question in the field and press Enter or Submit.

Conclusion

If navigation on Android does not work or you cannot connect to satellites in open areas, determine whether the cause of the defect is in the gadget’s parameters or whether the electronic board has failed. Repairs to hardware faults should only be carried out at authorized service centers.

Video

When reading this article, we will have to figure out how to connect the GPS module to the APM controller. Let's get started!

Before connecting, be sure to configure the module to work with APM, for example for the U-blox module. Otherwise, the device will not hold its position correctly and may soon end up on the ground, which will create more problems than first setting up the module correctly!

Next, you need to check whether there is a battery on the module, which is necessary to save information about satellites, so that “connecting to satellites” is quick. In this case, a “warm start” occurs. If the battery is missing, the module will always be connected as for the first time, i.e. “cold start” and, in all cases, the initialization procedure will be very long (up to tens of minutes). To solve this problem, you need to think about how to ensure that there is always power on the module.

We take a cable with DF-13 connectors, which comes with the GPS module, and try it on the module itself. The cable can be 4-5-6 wires - it depends on which GPS model is in your kit!

Connector DF-13 6pin

Cable with DF-13 connectors

Dear Friend, don’t rush to connect everything and do a test run. The Chinese are very fond of doing something wrong, due to their inexpensive labor. Therefore, we check the pinout of the contacts - this is a common problem that can lead to the failure of any device.

Each GPS module has a minimum of 4 pins: VCC, RXD, TXD, GND. We connect the module to the APM 2.5.x and 2.6 controller as follows: VCC and GND are unchanged, and RXD and TXD are swapped!

Pins on the GPS module are most often signed, but on APM they are not. Here is an image with a description of the contacts on the APM board.

Connectors for GPS connection

Connectors for GPS connection

Let's look at assembled circuit Check the circuit and connected pins again. If you are so confident that everything is correct, it is better to check again. Believe me, it won’t be superfluous. The result should look something like this:

GPS module connected to APM board

After checking n number of times, we change our location, as close to the window as possible, because we will be picking up GPS satellite signals. Determining our location is necessary for the operation of many flight modes of Our controller.

Before testing the module in collaboration with APM, you can simply apply power and place it on the window. On the module from MyAirBot.com the LED should start blinking blue, indicating a successful 3D-fix. On the module from HobbyKing.com the indicator will simply light up. There is no indicator on the module from RCtimer.com.

We connect the Controller to the PC via USB (we did this above), except that now in the circuit there is a connected GPS module. The LEDs on the devices should light up, launch the MP program, press the CONNECT button. In the MP program, we look at where the horizon line, tilt, rotation (by compass), and GPS inscription are drawn. There may be three options here.

• GPS: No GPS - this means that your module is not working (for reasons not correct connection, incorrect firmware, the module itself does not work, there is no contact, etc.).
• GPS: No FIX - this means the module is working and trying to capture satellites.
• GPS: 3D FIX - this means that we are great and we have signals from enemy GPS satellites overhead. Usually, at first, capturing satellites, and even at home, takes from 5 to 30 minutes. After this, our location will be displayed on the map.

Also, the computer must have Internet access for Mission Planner to download the map square for our position, which we should see if everything is done correctly!

So we have taken another step, bringing us closer to flight!

maksim4ek, raefa # apmcopter

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