[little_scrapper]

I have just purchased 2 brand new BB Pearl Flips (8230) and I cannot get GPS to fix on either one of them. (smart phone virgin coming off razors)

I am a Verison customer.

I have:

Set "location on" in advanced options. (from 911 only)
Under status, typed "test", and tried to "start fixing" for the gps test.

I keep timing out without ever seeing a single sattelite. (yes I have gone ooutside. Middle of a cul-de-sac)

I have downloaded and run google maps. I got an 1800m circle. (half mile or so?) Thats not GPS. Sounds like poor cell tower triangulation.

What is the deal? Do I need to DL something or is Verison up to its old trick of disabling non-911 GPS on thier BB's for customers that do NOT subscribe to thier pay service?

Talk to me people, I'm very frustrated with Verisons BB specialists that give me non answers.

[emc123]

unfortunately, you basically answered both your own questions. what you are seeing is poor cellular triangulation, and they do lock their aGPS unless you subscribe to their pay services...most carriers are doing this now. aGPS (assisted gps) is what allows cell phones to get a strong/quick gps lock...without it, it's basically unusable...i suggest picking up a bluetooth gps receiver.

[little_scrapper]

Got links to what I need. Not sure what I need. Will google it in the mean time.

[skinnypig]

unfortunately, you basically answered both your own questions. what you are seeing is poor cellular triangulation, and they do lock their aGPS unless you subscribe to their pay services...most carriers are doing this now. aGPS (assisted gps) is what allows cell phones to get a strong/quick gps lock...without it, it's basically unusable...i suggest picking up a bluetooth gps receiver.

I have a globalstat bt 338 and it used to work on previous versions of Google maps when I had the 8130. I have gone to the flip 8230 and i cannot connect to the GPS...anyone know of a GPS that DOES work with google maps and the pearl flip for verizon?? thanks

[little_scrapper]

and they do lock their aGPS unless you subscribe to their pay services...most carriers are doing this now. aGPS (assisted gps) is what allows cell phones to get a strong/quick gps lock...without it, it's basically unusable...i suggest picking up a bluetooth gps receiver.

Is there any way to unlock the agps on this phone or is that function coltrolled by Verisons system? Can I load up a defaultOS/program or whatever that will unlock the aGPS?

[strunke]

I have a globalstat bt 338 and it used to work on previous versions of Google maps when I had the 8130. I have gone to the flip 8230 and i cannot connect to the GPS...anyone know of a GPS that DOES work with google maps and the pearl flip for verizon?? thanks

Mine does. Holux GPS slim 236. Set as spp slave....
It's the alltel 8230 but is similarly locked down. Even BB maps won't work without telenav.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[durangodude]

I found the following instructions posted on 10/7 in a forum for a different model, but had some success on my Verizon 8230.

I went into the Storm Engineering Screens (search Crackberry.com and you will get the relevant links) > Radio Engineering Screens (Multi) > GPS > GPS Options > Operation Mode. It was set to MS based. I changed the option to Standalone, Saved and exited through the E Screens. I did battery pull and to my amazement, BB Maps actually picked up the satellites. I tried AmazeGPS and when open to sky, it connected to satellites almost immediately. I tried Google Maps and it connected almost immediately.

I say partial success because I can get BB Maps to work with GPS, but not Google Maps. I'm convinced BB Maps was truly using a GPS fix as I tested it in the car and it absolutely nailed my speed and location (to within about 50 feet). I didn't try it with AmazeGPS so I can't comment as to whether that works. If I had it my way, I wished it worked with Google Maps, but I can live with BB Maps.

BTW, a few days after I tried this, I went back into the GPS Options in the Engineering Screen and it was back to Operation Mode = MS Based. It didn't affect my ability to get a GPS fix in BB Maps though.

[emc123]

I also use a Holux GPSlim240...about the size of a usb thumb drive, and uses sirfIII chipset

[skinnypig]

I can get BB maps to use the GlobalSat, but that program is just such a piece of sh*t that I can hardly stand it.

[kcevans12]

Hey I just bought pearl flip 8230 as well for verizon. Love it screen is amazingly bright. As far as GPS goes, I went into blackberry maps and clicked on the menu to turn gps on and it was working amazing I was in really bad storm and it was keeping up with me the whole time. I have google maps but I havent tried to use gps with it i mostly just use it to find phone numbers for places. Any one got a link for some good themes?

[eschielke]

I found the following instructions posted on 10/7 in a forum for a different model, but had some success on my Verizon 8230.

I went into the Storm Engineering Screens (search Crackberry.com and you will get the relevant links) > Radio Engineering Screens (Multi) > GPS > GPS Options > Operation Mode. It was set to MS based. I changed the option to Standalone, Saved and exited through the E Screens. I did battery pull and to my amazement, BB Maps actually picked up the satellites. I tried AmazeGPS and when open to sky, it connected to satellites almost immediately. I tried Google Maps and it connected almost immediately.

I say partial success because I can get BB Maps to work with GPS, but not Google Maps. I'm convinced BB Maps was truly using a GPS fix as I tested it in the car and it absolutely nailed my speed and location (to within about 50 feet). I didn't try it with AmazeGPS so I can't comment as to whether that works. If I had it my way, I wished it worked with Google Maps, but I can live with BB Maps.

BTW, a few days after I tried this, I went back into the GPS Options in the Engineering Screen and it was back to Operation Mode = MS Based. It didn't affect my ability to get a GPS fix in BB Maps though.

Followed these instructions to a "T" and did a battery pull, now my Telus 8230 gets a GPS fix in about 5-20 seconds! This completely threw me. I before would have to open up Telus Navigator, get a GPS fix, and then move into another program to use GPS. Now bam, GPS fix fast!

GPS works great with BB Maps, Geocache Navigator and Yellowpages.com App. Works great outdoors, Slightly slower indoors but I have never been able to get a GPS fix indoors with my BB.

Thanks for the tip! Will update if I notice any changes.

OS 5.0.0.230

[strunke]

Interesting I did it, (for those that need to access the help screen it's hold down the ALT key and press the ER AS CV ER (once each) in that order.

The default on mine was set to Speed Optimized. I have the Alltel 8230. Will post results....

[strunke]

Well so far no luck. Tried standalone and network only each with a pull and through BB maps. It very quickly said unable to acquire. Hmmm. I swear verizon/BB locked down the alltel one more then the verizon one.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[bassmig]

my gps was already on those settings. it's pretty quick to fibgure out where I am within 3900 meters or so but has anyone been able to get good accuracy...well better than thousands of meters?