GPS, Google Maps, & More

[SunnuvaPilot]

I've researched the forums, and I can't seem to find a complete answer for my question...

I have Google Maps installed on my AT&T Q9h. From what I understand, there's a GPS receiver on it. What do I need to do to get the "My Location" feature on Google Maps to work? I'll be traveling around the country in the next couple of weeks, and I'd like to use this feature if possible.

Thanks!

[mworsham]

Originally Posted by SunnuvaPilot

I've researched the forums, and I can't seem to find a complete answer for my question...

I have Google Maps installed on my AT&T Q9h. From what I understand, there's a GPS receiver on it. What do I need to do to get the "My Location" feature on Google Maps to work? I'll be traveling around the country in the next couple of weeks, and I'd like to use this feature if possible.

Thanks!

Some have had luck "out of the box" with GPS, others have loaded a utility (GPSID Settings) that allows you to set the com port for the GPS.

My advice is to download GPS TEST and see if your phone will get a fix without adding other utilities. Be patient, it may take several minutes for the GPS to lock in.

Being outside or very very close to an outside window helps.

Mark W

[dwboston]

Originally Posted by SunnuvaPilot

I've researched the forums, and I can't seem to find a complete answer for my question...

I have Google Maps installed on my AT&T Q9h. From what I understand, there's a GPS receiver on it. What do I need to do to get the "My Location" feature on Google Maps to work? I'll be traveling around the country in the next couple of weeks, and I'd like to use this feature if possible.

Thanks!

The "My Location" feature in Google Maps doesn't work on the Q9h - I don't think it works with any AT&T phones yet. Use the "Use GPS" function in GM instead to get a fix on your location using the internal GPS. It may take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes to get a fix if you are in an open area with clear line of sight to the satellites. You can download the GPSID utility to configure the GPS but it does work out of the box with no addtional software required.

[MotRyan01]

I use the "Use GPS" function in Google Maps and it usually finds me within 30 seconds.

[Phrozt]

I've never been able to get the "Use GPS" thing to work for me... and I've used the GPSID utility as well. Maybe I don't have it configured correctly?

My settings:
Prog Port: COM3
Hard Port: None
Hard Port Baud: 9600
Manage Automatically: Checked

I've also done the little hack to see my GPS status (http://www.modaco.com/content/Smartp...on-Smartphone/ second post on there... HKLM\Services\LCAService flag).

Any tips? I've tried using it outside.. pointing it south... etc. I've had cloud cover most of the times I've tried though, does this make a significant difference?

[mworsham]

Originally Posted by Phrozt

I've never been able to get the "Use GPS" thing to work for me... and I've used the GPSID utility as well. Maybe I don't have it configured correctly?

My settings:
Prog Port: COM3
Hard Port: None
Hard Port Baud: 9600
Manage Automatically: Checked

I've also done the little hack to see my GPS status (http://www.modaco.com/content/Smartp...on-Smartphone/ second post on there... HKLM\Services\LCAService flag).

Any tips? I've tried using it outside.. pointing it south... etc. I've had cloud cover most of the times I've tried though, does this make a significant difference?

I have the same settings, but I set the baud rate to 115600. We had rain this weekend, and it took longer for me to get a fix in my car.

I would suggest downloading gpstest and running that to confirm that it can see your gps chip.

Mark W

[Oldergeek]

Originally Posted by dwboston

The "My Location" feature in Google Maps doesn't work on the Q9h - I don't think it works with any AT&T phones yet. Use the "Use GPS" function in GM instead to get a fix on your location using the internal GPS. It may take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes to get a fix if you are in an open area with clear line of sight to the satellites. You can download the GPSID utility to configure the GPS but it does work out of the box with no addtional software required.

One small thing, make sure that you have selected "use GPS" (option 5) from the main menu of Google Maps screen.

My AT&T Q9h works just fine and my location shows my exact fix. However, I have noticed that other programs that access the internet can cause the GPS reciever to loose lock if they are running at the same time.

[dwboston]

Originally Posted by Oldergeek

One small thing, make sure that you have selected "use GPS" (option 5) from the main menu of Google Maps screen.

My AT&T Q9h works just fine and my location shows my exact fix. However, I have noticed that other programs that access the internet can cause the GPS reciever to loose lock if they are running at the same time.

That's exactly what I said in my post. The "My Location" function uses cell tower triangulation and doesn't work on the Q9h. The "Use GPS" function does work.

[Oldergeek]

Originally Posted by dwboston

That's exactly what I said in my post. The "My Location" function uses cell tower triangulation and doesn't work on the Q9h. The "Use GPS" function does work.

Not to be contrary, but the 9h is the only Q version that does actually have a GPS chip in it. All other models (as far as I can find out) use triangulation. The 9h actually uses GPS satellites. When you select the "use GPS" option from the menu you will see a small blue message in the top right hand of your Google Maps screen. The message says "searching for Satellites"

[dwboston]

Originally Posted by Oldergeek

Not to be contrary, but the 9h is the only Q version that does actually have a GPS chip in it. All other models (as far as I can find out) use triangulation. The 9h actually uses GPS satellites. When you select the "use GPS" option from the menu you will see a small blue message in the top right hand of your Google Maps screen. The message says "searching for Satellites"

Good lord. Not to resurrect this again, but you are confused. The Q9c and Q9m have aGPS - "assisted GPS" - which gets satellite position data from the cell towers. They don't use triangulation for GPS positioning. The Google Maps "My Location" function is a triangulation function and does not work with the Q9h. The "Use GPS" function in Google Maps uses the internal GPS receiver the get your position. I don't know how much clearer this can be.