[Om_Audio]

Just upgraded from an 8900. Aside from the terrible keyboard I -love- it. (seriously- way harder to type and I make far more mistakes- sigh)

Here is the issue:

My 8900 would lock to GPS even when I was in an area with no service 9ie camping) which was great for many reasons (ie geotagged pics). The 9780 does not seem to get GPS if there is no cell signal- can anyone else verify this?

Thanks,
Om

9780 a OS v6.0.0.480

[Dubdub]

You do not need to have cell service for GPS. You need cell data for maps however.

For GPS lat/long you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky. It can take 20 minutes or longer before the device can lock on, especially if you are more than 500 miles from the last lock. It is helpful to use GoogleMaps and cell tower triangulation to speed up the GPS lock on.

[Om_Audio]

Ok thanks, then something is wrong. I was in Mojave desert- last GPS fix had access to 9 satellites- wide open sky. I tried many times over the 5 days I was there to refresh the GPS and also pulling the battery. On this trip I travelled very little- less than 20mi/day- sometimes much less. It would sit overnight with full view of sky and still not refresh. It just does not work without a cell carrier signal for some reason. As soon as I have cell service again the GPS starts working. I went through TMO support and they created an internal discussion to try and sort out why it is not working. Frustrating. Thanks for the info- will report back with any developments.

PS- just took out the 8900 and it gets GPS refresh in less than 10secs with no SIM card installed- 4 satellites. 9780 is way slower/non-functional- takes 30secs or more (or fails) then shows same info which is 0 satellites and coordinates way off compared to 8900. Maybe the 9780 has a different GPS chip that just does not work as well?

[Dubdub]

Check with your carrier and se if they will replace it.

[Om_Audio]

I'm out of luck there- I bought it used. Will check with seller if it is from a corp account or might still be under warranty. Thx.

[aiharkness]

I'm making a stab in the dark, no idea, but check device options and see if location aiding is enabled. If so, disable and try. Again, just guessing. But worth a try.
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[Om_Audio]

thanks- tried that the first day and again yesterday- makes no diff and is also on the 8900- O

Originally Posted by aiharkness

I'm making a stab in the dark, no idea, but check device options and see if location aiding is enabled. If so, disable and try. Again, just guessing. But worth a try.
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[Om_Audio]

I installed the official TMO OS 6.0.0.448 this evening and GPS seems to be performing normally now. I can turn off all networks and get a GPS refresh indoors in less than 10secs. Fingers crossed.

[aiharkness]

Glad it's working. My bet would be that it is the OS re-install that did it, and not that it is an intermittant hardware failure. Time will tell.
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[Om_Audio]

Ya- well I loaded the other OS after a full wipe- so I think same that it was prob the OS not the device which is encouraging.

Side note- I really dislike the buttons on the keyboard. I end up with a lot of double letters for some reason and it is harder on my hands. Looks like the new 9900 has same keyboard- maybe I should try to type with the pads of my thimbs not the edges/nails but that feels very odd.

Anyway, thanks for the help!

Om

[Om_Audio]

I went camping this weekend and the phone totally failed me again. not a single geotagged photo even when I DID have cell service. On top of that I was able to refresh GPS coordinates without cell service so it really makes no sense to me. I am so hugely disappointed in this 9780. My friend had his iPhone with astronomy software that ran real-time using GPS and such. I am getting closer and closer to leaving BB for Android. Bummer. I can't see investing in the 9900 series as much as I am tempted. very expensive and also apparently no calls over wi-fi. sigh.
Also- TMO never called me back on the support case I created with them on the issue. Fail.