6700 GPS Question

[michiganbroadband]

I get test music, and GPS coordinates...
WOrks really well but only on one of out 6700s

I'm really wanting to know what's different between the phones
why it does not work on the others including my own.

[saqer]

Originally Posted by michiganbroadband

I get test music, and GPS coordinates...
WOrks really well but only on one of out 6700s

I'm really wanting to know what's different between the phones
why it does not work on the others including my own.

Yes, our phones have 911 egps capabilities, but that's a server side application and not actually anything we can use personally. There's no way to skip the 911/922 part to get GPS coordinates unless Sprint or Verizon allows it from their side, which is a long shot and most likely not going to happen. People have also thought about tricking the phone into calling 911/922 without actually dialing it, but it didn't work.

Btw, our 6700's do have a GPS chip. From the specificatios of the MSM6500 the qualcomm chip in the Apache it does have gpsone. Unfortunately, the phone is physically incapable of receiving GPS data one reason because there's no GPS antenna.

[ststephen]

I just got the Holux 1000 for about $55 shipped. It is small (about the size of a zippo lighter, or an extended battery) and has the added benefit of having the same chargers as your Apache. So, now I have 2 AC chargers and 2 Car chargers which is great! Came with a free windsheild or vent mount.

Just got it yesterday, but my field trials show 8-11 satellites seen, and it seems to work quite well.

Good luck!

[talz13]

Originally Posted by ststephen

I just got the Holux 1000 for about $55 shipped. It is small (about the size of a zippo lighter, or an extended battery) and has the added benefit of having the same chargers as your Apache. So, now I have 2 AC chargers and 2 Car chargers which is great! Came with a free windsheild or vent mount.

Just got it yesterday, but my field trials show 8-11 satellites seen, and it seems to work quite well.

Good luck!

I've had that receiver since May or so and it has worked great. I just turn it on, toss it in my cargo pocket and go. The battery lasts more than a day's trip worth (rated for 17hrs, never used it that long in one go), and I always have a GPS lock. It's great not having to start up your GPS all the time and having to wait for a lock after every stop.

[bugsysiegals]

I've been reading rumors that there will be a Rev A for the Mogul and that the revision will also enable the GPS chip. If this is true I wonder if anybody will be able to hack that or if they will release an official update for the 6700??

It sure would be nice to be able to use google maps without having to purchase extra equipment!

[Karmashock]

I believe they don't let you use it because it relies on "external" resources. I think cell towers triangulate you or something and then feed that data to your phone... your phone can then relay that to a 911 operator. Thus... you can't poll the system every .5 seconds to navigate on your vacation. The 6700 doesn't have GPS. It has a built in system that helps external systems pinpoint it. If it had GPS there's no reason they wouldn't want you to have access to it as they could charge you another 100 dollars for the privilege. All cell phones have this 911 feature by US law now.

I know, it sucks. But you can buy a GPS receiver for 20 dollars and honestly I've had no problems with mine after I updated to new kitchen and learned a little bit more about bluetooth.

[answerman]

Yeah, I was involved in trying to get this to work over at ppc6700users.com last year (hey sager, I remember you from there) and it just wasn't worth the trouble. We can debate all day long about what the GPS capabilities of the Apache are, but the reality is: (understand that this is a hypothetical situation of course) that even if the capability is there, and if it could be hacked to use with external nav programs, I think you would be sadly disappointed in the performance. It just wouldn't compare to the performance of an external BT unit.

I gave up and got a Holux GPSlim 236 last fall, and it's fantastic. Sounds exactly like the 1000 mentioned above, right down to the size and the charger. It works great for me, and honestly, if you think about it... where would you use this anyway? In your car of course... not in your pocket. How hard is it to clip the Holux unit to your visor and turn it on?

[badfrog]

Originally Posted by michiganbroadband

And I am EVER so frustrated! because it does not work on any of the others.
Not sure what gives here.

I dial 922 and get the A-GPS data in field trial and I can quickly past into google maps on the phone.

Works like a champ on my wife's phone but not on mine or buddies.

what app is that ? I see it says field trial, is that the name of it? and is it free?

[Krayziepop]

Its part of the OS and system firmware. Just open up the dialer and use the # code "#DEBUG#" then dial. (I think thats how you Verizon users do it?)

I believe there is a reg hack or something to do in order to get the GPS to show up under the debug menu though.

[badfrog]

found it on my phone, tried the 922 thing and got a 911 operator, and no information in the phone.

will this work if I have a bluetooth GPS connected?

anyone have any tips/suggestions on free or cheap GPS software?