Geocaching using GPS, tracing your steps

[wolds.wanderer]

Well guys,

I've used Tracky on both my Kaiser and Polaris, and they've always got me as close as my Garmin, so it may be device or simply reception specific.

[VW]

Originally Posted by wolds.wanderer

Well guys,

I've used Tracky on both my Kaiser and Polaris, and they've always got me as close as my Garmin, so it may be device or simply reception specific.

Well in my case there were two issues that I saw (and kep in mind this was one test). The first is tht I was using the older 2.xx version of tracky (havent upgraded due to my not using much and the $/euro exchange :P) and the fact I am still running this on a hybrid rom.

Also it did get within 30' quickly. i just had to let it settle down to get the rest of the way. Besides you know where you are with one gpsr, but are lost with two

[matthew23]

i was under the assumption that the chipsets were limited by static navigation (like the kaiser) - see http://www.etenblog.com/2007/11/20/s...ion-explained/.

there may be a fix - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336079

when I try to geocache with my touch (using the newly enabled GPS) it does not really register unless I am moving over 5 miles an hour so typical walking speeds aren't monitored by the GPS rendering it basically useless for geocaching. I have tried beeline and it basically freezes when I slow down.

is this not the issue for everyone?

[kevank]

Originally Posted by matthew23

i was under the assumption that the chipsets were limited by static navigation (like the kaiser) - see http://www.etenblog.com/2007/11/20/s...ion-explained/.

there may be a fix - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336079

when I try to geocache with my touch (using the newly enabled GPS) it does not really register unless I am moving over 5 miles an hour so typical walking speeds aren't monitored by the GPS rendering it basically useless for geocaching. I have tried beeline and it basically freezes when I slow down.

is this not the issue for everyone?

I have not had this issue with my Mogul. Which app are you using? Some of them filter motion under a certain speed. You may have to look for a setting.

Kevan

[matthew23]

I have tried a couple of apps - tacky, beeline....nothing seems to work right. Yes, if I am moving at 3 miles an hour it seems to track but once I narrow in and slow down it freezes. However, I am using the new unofficial radio/ROM ported from the alltel touch so hopefully when an official release from spint comes out it'll be better...

what are your registry settings under HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS?

specifically under:
Enable AGPS,
EnableGPSSmartMode
GPS MODE??

[kevank]

Originally Posted by matthew23

I have tried a couple of apps - tacky, beeline....nothing seems to work right. Yes, if I am moving at 3 miles an hour it seems to track but once I narrow in and slow down it freezes. However, I am using the new unofficial radio/ROM ported from the alltel touch so hopefully when an official release from spint comes out it'll be better...

what are your registry settings under HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS?

specifically under:
Enable AGPS,
EnableGPSSmartMode
GPS MODE??

Enable AGPS = 1
EnableGPSSmartMode = 1
GPSMode =4

Kevan

[VW]

Originally Posted by matthew23

I have tried a couple of apps - tacky, beeline....nothing seems to work right. Yes, if I am moving at 3 miles an hour it seems to track but once I narrow in and slow down it freezes. However, I am using the new unofficial radio/ROM ported from the alltel touch so hopefully when an official release from spint comes out it'll be better...

what are your registry settings under HKLM\Software\HTC\SUPL AGPS?

specifically under:
Enable AGPS,
EnableGPSSmartMode
GPS MODE??

After a couple of more tests I can confirm the same issue as you have. One answer may be to ignore the directional compass and use the map screen on these programs. People report that the lat/lon change, so you should be able to zero in using that

edit: It appears even that doesnt work riight

[Baffles]

I've messed with GeoScout, even has integration with geocaching.com, and it's free.

[matcat]

Just a little info on GPS receivers, many many many factors determine actual GPS accuracy, number of satellites being tracked, the actual GPS signal strength, refraction (buildings, trees, atmosphere), and a host of other things. Almost all chipsets use alogrythms to correct or aid all of these issues, and espially motion, very few GPSr devices have true compass technology, most use movement to determain this. You can use anything from a cheap standalone GPS device to a high end mobile phone such as the mogul, and they both use software solutions for determaining certain elements of movement and trying to figure out the most accurate position. Now when we speak of phones even more so, they are also relying on cell towers to aid them, which adds even another element. I don't know enough specifics about the GPS chipsets in all of these devices, but you can even take a top of the line standalone offroad GPS device and stand there and your compass will just spin in circles, your position will flop around, etc. It takes movement to aid accuracy. As far as these phones locking up on stationary positioning, probably has a lot to do with the software not getting enough data to determain whats going on. Just my 2 cents.

EDIT: Wanted to add too that some of these chipsets will purposely throw out certain NMEA data from the satellites depending on how the chipset is configured to work, and will also often be programmed to be able to ignore minor movements to prevent the display of spinning compasses, and your position bouncing around a small area randomly, just to make it appear smoother.

[matcat]

Originally Posted by Baffles

I've messed with GeoScout, even has integration with geocaching.com, and it's free.

Free? It's $40 I would like to know where you got it 'free'