Seeking real GPS unit for Android

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MichaelNZ

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#240759 24-Sep-2018 14:40

I have a Samsung S6 and Tab S2. I find the built-in GPS is pretty inaccurate and slow. What hardware GPS options are available? Prefer via Bluetooth, or failing that, USB.

Do these transperently replace the built-in GPS or do they need app support?

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hio77

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#2095626 24-Sep-2018 16:31

There are definitely alternatives out there.

a typical package deals is the garmin ones

https://buy.garmin.com/en-NZ/NZ/p/109827#specs

There are far cheaper off brands.

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frankv

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#2095875 25-Sep-2018 07:10

I have an S6 and no probs with the GPS.

How do you know it's inaccurate? Perhaps the map is inaccurate? Or perhaps where you're using it doesn't get a good view of the sky?

freitasm

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#2095945 25-Sep-2018 08:31

Do you have the location service set with "High Accuracy"? There's a huge difference between using cell sites, WiFi, GPS and a mixture of all three.

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MichaelNZ

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#2095949 25-Sep-2018 08:41

freitasm:

Do you have the location service set with "High Accuracy"? There's a huge difference between using cell sites, WiFi, GPS and a mixture of all three.

"High Accuracy" is set on, however, I am in a rural area.

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MichaelNZ

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#2095950 25-Sep-2018 08:43

frankv:

I have an S6 and no probs with the GPS.

How do you know it's inaccurate? Perhaps the map is inaccurate? Or perhaps where you're using it doesn't get a good view of the sky?

I was of the understanding AGPS only used cellsites? Is this not the case?

I was outside at the time.

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#2095952 25-Sep-2018 08:45

Ok, in this case have tried placing your phone display to a long time - let's say 30 minutes, open a map app and leave the phone outside until it gets a good fix?

GPS works by downloading GPS almanac data that is later used for faster fixes but for this to work you have to first let the GPS get a good set. This may take time. Also GPS almanac data is time limited.

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MichaelNZ

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#2095954 25-Sep-2018 08:47

I have just tried my S6 and it appears it's GPS is more accurate than the TabS2.

If the phone (etc) has a true GPS built in, what is the advantage of external units?

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Hatch

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#2095979 25-Sep-2018 09:23

I used a bad elf plug in GPS with on ipad 2 for many years (I think I may still have it lying around somewhere). Rock solid GPS performance, I'm sure it would work extremely well in a rural setting- not so much in heavy bush. Expensive for the bluetooth models, although the lighting connector one is a bit cheaper I believe (no android micro usb/USB C model).

https://bad-elf.com/

https://www.pilotshop.co.nz/tools-and-gadgets/gps/

Now sold locally but when I bought mine I got it directly from Bad Elf.

hio77

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#2095998 25-Sep-2018 09:53

MichaelNZ:

I have just tried my S6 and it appears it's GPS is more accurate than the TabS2.

If the phone (etc) has a true GPS built in, what is the advantage of external units?

Antenna size or placement is generally the benefit.

EG, driving you may have your phone somewhere it can't quite get full view of the sky. an external GPS unit could be placed somewhere it has better view of the sky thus able to get a better fix.

Many phones do have ammazing gps some have a cheaper chipset or smaller attenna so don't quite hit level of accuracy required.

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Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.