Harry's GPS Suite Forum

Really strange issue:

Samsung Galaxy S3 4.4.2
Petrolhead

Standing outside in a wide open area I check my GPS signal using two different GPS apps, both show accuracy within 13 feet. Then I open Lap Timer and select Start Driving. Lap Timer shows GPS signal. Select Video and the GPS signal completely goes away, "No Fix" on signal.

Close Lap Timer, go back to the GPS apps and the signal SLOWLY comes back to where it was. I haven't moved from where I was standing.

Track day in 16 days and I'm really looking forward to using this! I do plan to get an external GPS receiver, but I'd like it to work somewhat before I do.

Thanks for what looks to be a very good app! Just wish I could get it to work.

Have you killed the other GPS app or is it active in background?

Harry

O.k., forget about my last post... I could reproduce this behavior with my S3 running Android 4.1.2. Running a test, the S3 indeed delivered invalid fixes once the Video View has been turned on. Absolutely repeatable and clearly a hardware problem with the S3. However, I googled a bit and found a known issue with screws not fully tightened in the S3's back leading to bad / no GPS reception at all. Although a different pattern, I just tried tightening the (really small) screws on the back (under the cover) and what do you think? It didn't lose GPS when entering Video View! So tighten the little Phillips screws inside the phone and try again. I assume the video degrades GPS slightly due to some interference of RF level. In case the GPS has a weak lock, this can make the difference. The screws seem to make some contact necessary for good GPS reception.

Anyway, I'd suggest to contact Samsung's support and ask for a fix, this is clearly a hardware issue and seem far too fragile to me...

- Harry

Amazing. I checked each screw and had only one that was almost imperceptibly loose. Now the signal stays strong and good. I'm ready for track day. Thanks, Harry, for your GREAT support on a GREAT app. Second to none.