[thec0wboy]

Hello Everyone,

So here's what's going on.

I'm a total BB beginner, but since purchasing the blackberry and getting a data plan, I've been able to get my google maps application working. It seems to track my position, and can give me directions etc.

I've recently downloaded the BEYOND411 application, because I need a quicker way to find places! I love the application, but as soon as I try to search by GPS it won't work at all. It says I have no GPS?

What am I missing here? If it works for google maps, why not this application or any others?

I'm in Calgary, AB and on the Bell Mobility Network.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

[flowrider]

The GPS on Google maps uses cel tower triangulation which is why it can be up to 2500meters off. For some reason Telus and I'm pretty sure Bell have the GPS disabled unless you use their monthly pay application. There is a a hack to fix that however. There is a great thread here. It takes a bit of work but there's nothing like getting 11 satellites in under 20 seconds

[SteveO86]

Does the original BlackBerry Maps work for you? Just to make sure the GPS is working at all.. Since Google Maps may not be true GPS as mentioned above.. and I am not familiar with Bell too much.

[thec0wboy]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'm really not sure if GPS is working or not. I tried earlier today using BB maps, and it seemed to find my location. I just tried it 3x in a row while standing outside and it's telling me it can't get a GPS lock.

Is there any other way to find out if GPS is enabled at all? I'd hate to attempt the "hack" just to find out it was never going to work.

Thanks in advance!

[SteveO86]

Options -> Advanced Options -> GPS

GPS Data Source can you set it to "Deivce GPS"
GPS Services "Location On"

[thec0wboy]

I was able to set it to Device GPS (it was already there)

And GPS was already in the "on" position.

So should I proceed with the "hack" as mentioned above?

I'm really quite clueless here, so I'd appreciate any direction you can give me!

[Dubdub]

Do you have a BB data plan?

The device needs to download the most recent ephemeris table so it knows where to look and which satellites to look for since GPS sats use an elliptical orbit and are not in a geo orbit. That can take a few minutes.

Once that is done, it will need to locate you. I find Google Maps to be the best, since that uses cell tower triangulation to get your position close and then GPS refines it once it locks on. The initial lock can take up to 20 minutes, but is generally within 5 minutes.

[thec0wboy]

I do have a data plan.

It looks like it might be working now. I'm not even sure what changed... but in BB maps it says it has found 10 satelites so GPS must be enabled right?

What is the best free GPS application available? I have google maps, bb maps and now 411 (which is great, but defaults to yahoo maps). I'm trying to find a quick and easy way to search for business names/address, find them, and then map it using one of these applications and GPS.

I'm such a BB noob... amazing what is available though. Wish I had a better idea of what applications to use though! Hard to know where to start to get the most out of it.

Thanks for all your help

[SteveO86]

Since BB Maps found satellites then your GPS is working..

As far as free GPS software.. I've heard good things about Google Maps.. but I'm not a big GPS guy.

[jsconyers]

A good way to test GPS is by doing the following.

Go into Options > Status, scroll to the bottom and type TEST. You will not see anything being typed.

Press the Menu Key and select Start Test. You will see a list of items to test. Put a check next to GPS, click Run.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by thec0wboy

What is the best free GPS application available? I have google maps, bb maps and now 411 (which is great, but defaults to yahoo maps). I'm trying to find a quick and easy way to search for business names/address, find them, and then map it using one of these applications and GPS.

Go to our GPS & Mapping Section and see the sticky at the top. There is a review of most of the map applications for the BB there.

Should tell you most of what you want/need to know about them.

[takeshi]

Originally Posted by thec0wboy

What is the best free GPS application available?

Best is pretty subjective. Try several out to determine which suits you best.

[daphne]

Originally Posted by jsconyers

A good way to test GPS is by doing the following.

Go into Options > Status, scroll to the bottom and type TEST. You will not see anything being typed.

Press the Menu Key and select Start Test. You will see a list of items to test. Put a check next to GPS, click Run.

Wow.. learned something else new! I tried this and it failed even though I have gps enabled and subcribe to VZ Navigator.

[Oditius]

AmaizeGPS is a pretty good one and free.

[wwwwwpwwwww]

Originally Posted by jsconyers

A good way to test GPS is by doing the following.

Go into Options > Status, scroll to the bottom and type TEST. You will not see anything being typed.

Press the Menu Key and select Start Test. You will see a list of items to test. Put a check next to GPS, click Run.

I saw your info on testing GPS. I tried it on my 8330 but it kept failing. I then downloaded amAze. It installed fine but it cannot locate satellites. Do you have any clue what I can do to get my smartphone working correctly? Thanks alot!(from a middle-aged newbie)

[Proth3uS]

Originally Posted by thec0wboy

I do have a data plan.

It looks like it might be working now. I'm not even sure what changed... but in BB maps it says it has found 10 satelites so GPS must be enabled right?

What is the best free GPS application available? I have google maps, bb maps and now 411 (which is great, but defaults to yahoo maps). I'm trying to find a quick and easy way to search for business names/address, find them, and then map it using one of these applications and GPS.

I'm such a BB noob... amazing what is available though. Wish I had a better idea of what applications to use though! Hard to know where to start to get the most out of it.

Thanks for all your help

i tried them all but what works best for me is google maps

[SteveO86]

Originally Posted by jsconyers

A good way to test GPS is by doing the following.

Go into Options > Status, scroll to the bottom and type TEST. You will not see anything being typed.

Press the Menu Key and select Start Test. You will see a list of items to test. Put a check next to GPS, click Run.

Very cool..