lousy RF? - MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading

Anyone else notice the lousy RF the XDA seems to have?
Now I am not referring to the signal meter, cause I know that it isn't very accurate anyway. But I can definately notice the RF fading in and out when in a call, plus the normal signs that the RF is flucuating.
There is VERY good signal throughout my area, and I use the phone from home mainly. My previous phone, which was a Samsung flipphone, the RF was fabulous and never had a problem with it.

chocodough said:
Anyone else notice the lousy RF the XDA seems to have?
Now I am not referring to the signal meter, cause I know that it isn't very accurate anyway. But I can definately notice the RF fading in and out when in a call, plus the normal signs that the RF is flucuating.
There is VERY good signal throughout my area, and I use the phone from home mainly. My previous phone, which was a Samsung flipphone, the RF was fabulous and never had a problem with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same problem. When I first purchased the phone I had awsome reception, now it seems the reception is nowhere... This happened before the ROM upgrade also so I know it wasn't that.

I've got the exact same problem....
At first it was perfect but now it sometimes suddenly sounds mettalic....

I have lots of fading as well, also an inordinate number of disconnects, if I put my sim in another phone it works fine. Having said that, I can live with it.

I just updated my phone ROM to the latest, lets see if that solves the problem!

Related

What makes call quality bad?

I've had consistently patchy call quality since day one on my UK T-Mobile Hermes. Recently it's been worse than ever. What I've noticed is that it has nothing to do with how many reception bars the phone is showing, but when I quit all the open apps it improves. It also fluctuates moment by moment in a call. Having a 3G connection online also seems to make it worse. This is shoddy of course, the phone should work independently of the rest of the system, but I'm not surprised. Just wondered if anyone else had noticed the effect of the PDA side of the device affecting the phone side in this way.
patp said:
I've had consistently patchy call quality since day one on my UK T-Mobile Hermes. Recently it's been worse than ever. What I've noticed is that it has nothing to do with how many reception bars the phone is showing, but when I quit all the open apps it improves. It also fluctuates moment by moment in a call. Having a 3G connection online also seems to make it worse. This is shoddy of course, the phone should work independently of the rest of the system, but I'm not surprised. Just wondered if anyone else had noticed the effect of the PDA side of the device affecting the phone side in this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some things to try including upgrading the radio or Bandswitch or Commgrpro to force certain bands only:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1129677
Mike

Vibrant just now!

just got a vibrant just now, new to the tmobile game and i lvoe the phone because i tryed it out as a demo at t-mobile store. only thign i was scared was about the bar problems which i heard are for osme people not all and gps which is coming in a fix. i just turned on the phone nad i noticed while playing with it the battery notification is off track compared to the real battery% is this a fixable in an update or whats the soultion? also friend of mine said it lags after putting apps on there? any word on that? thanks.
Please use the search function.
Im having 0-2 bars on my phone of siginal! My first t-mobile phone and its a lemon i might just resell it
You should just get an iPhone 4.... you seem more on the level of an apple user.
bigg12x said:
Im having 0-2 bars on my phone of siginal! My first t-mobile phone and its a lemon i might just resell it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try holding with your right hand
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant using XDA App
Yes the battery level is a common problem, but doesn't affect the phone performance. To see the actual battery level go to settings->about phone or download the t-mobile app my account/my device.
As for the bars, as others have reported the connection still works well even though it may display few or no bars. Again, not a big deal.
As for the gps, I have realized that it works really well OUTSIDE but sucks inside. To test this idea, disable "use wireless networks" in settings->location and security, but leave gps enabled. Then go outside and see how long it takes for your location to lock on in google maps. Then go inside and do the same. I have consistently noticed that the gps locks on accurately and quickly if I am outside, but takes horribly long inside. However, wireless network location compensates for the horrible gps signal when inside.
The battery thing is normal for android (i dont know why android hasnt fixed this yet) there are apps and widgets that can correctly display the percentage.
The signal this is not a big deal, its possible you are in a moderate coverage for tmobile. Do a few test calls, you will notice the call is still flawless.
Its not a lemon
I'm sure there will be some kind of software fix for this in the near future. in the mean time, I suggest downloading an app called "battery indicator" from the market.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant using XDA App
bigg12x said:
Im having 0-2 bars on my phone of siginal! My first t-mobile phone and its a lemon i might just resell it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The signal is fine but the bar readout is wrong. Have you tried calls? Data? They work fine I'm sure and I know that from experience.
sigeltek said:
You should just get an iPhone 4.... you seem more on the level of an apple user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Classic .....ROLF....
@bigg12x, try doing a complete reset on the phone. It wouldn't hurt. Also, the things you've heard from your friend is pretty dramatic. There's no serious issues...just some software quirks that can be ironed out.
Chalup said:
Yes the battery level is a common problem, but doesn't affect the phone performance. To see the actual battery level go to settings->about phone or download the t-mobile app my account/my device.
As for the bars, as others have reported the connection still works well even though it may display few or no bars. Again, not a big deal.
As for the gps, I have realized that it works really well OUTSIDE but sucks inside. To test this idea, disable "use wireless networks" in settings->location and security, but leave gps enabled. Then go outside and see how long it takes for your location to lock on in google maps. Then go inside and do the same. I have consistently noticed that the gps locks on accurately and quickly if I am outside, but takes horribly long inside. However, wireless network location compensates for the horrible gps signal when inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or the battery app which shows the Percentage on the notifications bar
so an update is possible to fix that signal bar display
Chalup said:
..........
As for the gps, I have realized that it works really well OUTSIDE but sucks inside. To test this idea, disable "use wireless networks" in settings->location and security, but leave gps enabled. Then go outside and see how long it takes for your location to lock on in google maps. Then go inside and do the same. I have consistently noticed that the gps locks on accurately and quickly if I am outside, but takes horribly long inside. However, wireless network location compensates for the horrible gps signal when inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've never had a dedicated GPS unit (Garmin, Tom-tom & magellan) that would get a signal inside my house - i've always been told GPS is line of sight, and anything from house roof, tree cover and heavy overcast or fog would block GPS signal - considering those satellites don't have onboard generators,suspect the signal they're shooting is that great in terms of wattage
smh @ samsung not even addressing the problem and how they will take care of it wow what a company!
Chalup said:
As for the gps, I have realized that it works really well OUTSIDE but sucks inside. To test this idea, disable "use wireless networks" in settings->location and security, but leave gps enabled. Then go outside and see how long it takes for your location to lock on in google maps. Then go inside and do the same. I have consistently noticed that the gps locks on accurately and quickly if I am outside, but takes horribly long inside. However, wireless network location compensates for the horrible gps signal when inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have obviously never used GPS before. If it connects at all when you are inside, you are ahead of the game. I have a $600 Garmin Nuvi that will not connect when I am sitting in my car in the garage.
i am able to make calls even showing zero bars of service, its not a big deal. the phone's other attributes out weight a single flaw
I am in BUM-FU## NC tonight, in a mill built in the 1800's with 22 inch brick walls... and I made a phone call perfectly. My parents live in a converted old River Mill.
This phone and T Mobile rock. My brother (iPhone), mother and father (Motorola RAZRs) could not make a phone call as their phones display "No Service".
HAHAHAHA
The bar reading on Vibrant looks too conservative.
I did a side by side comparison at the corp store with my nexus one and found Vibrant has one fewer bar than nexus one.

Will upgradung to JI6 improve my poor reception signal?

I just switched to Tmobile to get the Vbrant. The phone is amazing but at home i have very, very poor reception. Unless my phone sits next to the window, i do not get any calls!! Missed calls, voicemail are completely lost.
I noticed that if someone from another carrier calls me (and my phone sits next to the window), I can receive the call and continue to talk. However, if I make a call, if i manage, the call gets dropped after a few minutes.
At work i have much better signal.. in the city much better signal. But here in the county it's poor,esp around my house, or if i am in a store at the nearby plaza..
The worst thing is I do not get the missed calls nor voicemails. If i get that, at least i know to call back whenever i am in good reception area..
WHat should I do. Will an update to JI6 or froyo fix any of that? Or should i go back to AT&T get the captivate and use limited data plan of 2 GB ?
I get great reception surprisingly... better than my 9700 bold, g1 or any beater phone I've used. Since the update, I've gotten an extra bar of 3g in my office, where I'd normally get 0(but stay on 3g).
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
To be honest dude, if your signal is that bad at home and you can still back out, do it. Get the fascinate on Verizon. No data cap there.
m4r10 said:
To be honest dude, if your signal is that bad at home and you can still back out, do it. Get the fascinate on Verizon. No data cap there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, i dont want verizon. It needs to be a gsm so i can use it in Europe..
JI6 has improved my signal quite a bit.
We're hopeful that UMP will be ported to the Vibrant eventually, but it's not a sure bet by any means. That would fix the signal while at home if you have WiFi. Other than that JI6 does seem to increase the signal strength.
~SB
JI6 does increase your reception because at work i usually get full Edge, and after JI6 I been getting one to two bar on 3G. The trade off is my battery drains more due to the stronger modem.
JI6 has a battery depletion bug that has nothing to do with reception as I've had JI2, JI4 and JI5 with the same reception. The JIx series brings a fix for -dBm/ASU and in return the Android is able to recognize actual signal strength far better than before.
Short answer.. YES it will...suggestions: use google voice for your calls/voicemails, this will ensure that you know of missed calls even if your phone is off..The way mine is setup. If you call me and my cell is off, the call is forwarded to Google Voice which rings my landline or goto voicemail..I have an option in the settings set to alert me of missed calls.
In addition to being more accurate in showing the right amount of bars, JI6 did slightly increase my signal strength. A few places where I was unable to place a call, it will easily hold onto a bar or two. Big upgrade if you ask me.
Guys, thank you very much for the advice! I upgrade my phone to JI6 and have noticed slight improvement. I am seeing 1-2 bars now at home and i am able to place a call ..Still testing if calls continue to drop.
ram130,
THANK YOU for this suggestion!!! Did not even think about it but that is exactly what i need!! It will suffice and make my overall service more reliable and I will be informed about voicemails. This is phenomenal. Now I think I can keep my phone thanks to your help guys!!
I hate to bring back the dead but I just recently got my vibrant and I am having some of the same issues.
I keep my phone in my pants pocket and when I go to the back of the store I almost always lose service. I never had this problem with my TP2. Will this JI6 fix reception or is it just a gps fix? How can I check to see if I have this? I did do a update when I received the phone so I am thinking I might have it already.
tecjunkie-
JI6 is more than just a GPS fix;it also adds a Media Hub and Task Manager app, and I believe there are a few software tweaks. However, I'm not sure that Samsung ever revealed all the things it was designed to do, and I don't remember hearing anything about a reception fix, but I'd say, install it and see....
It did improve my signal level.
ZX3ZX4 said:
tecjunkie-
JI6 is more than just a GPS fix;it also adds a Media Hub and Task Manager app, and I believe there are a few software tweaks. However, I'm not sure that Samsung ever revealed all the things it was designed to do, and I don't remember hearing anything about a reception fix, but I'd say, install it and see....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your replies.
I am afraid if the JI6 is the update that included the media hub functionality and task manager I do have that update.
Now I am at a lost. Do you think the weak signal strength is because it isn't hspda? My TP2 showed a H and like I said I never had a problem at work with it. Every time I walk in the back and send a text it says failed. When I am in the front near the windows(retail store) it works fine.
To the OP:
Perhaps you should upgrade to the leaked froyo. I say this for 2 reasons.
1 - it has wifi calling. You can use your homes wifi instead of the network.
2 - you can upgrade to the JK6 modem which has shown many a much better signal.
I have steps in my signature for option 1. Option 2 is at the top of the development section. I just flash JK6 and my up/download speeds doubled.
JK6 has excellent data throughput.
The new Motorola DEFY however has EXCELLENT reception. at least -5dBm better than my Vibrant.

[30/09/11] [Q] [DEV] Reception problems during movement and in general

Hello everyone,
Since the beginning of the Android period, I've been experiencing reception problems, as well as a few friends of mine. The phone is continually searching for signal and losses it quickly, jumps from HSDPA to other means, and also has the problem of regaining the signal after going through a tunnel etc.
I am not a developer myself, but was wondering if anyone else was experiencing the same problems and if there is anything to be done about it.
I know there was a slight fix introduced not too long ago in Tytungs kernel, but for me things still pretty suck.
If you have something to say about this, please do. Otherwise, a mod can handle the positioning of this thread. No need to start flaming if you have nothing to say.
All Hail XDA!!
Cheers,
Chovav
Thread reported to forum mod, Why don't you realise even after placing [Q] in the heading that you need the Q&A forums.
As for your concerned problem, i havn't faced that till now except for the fact i have data drops seldomly.
I have the same problem. I've tested several ROM, radios, Magldr clk...
I always use the *#*#4636#*#* trick. But I always have to return to 2G only.
I think that there must be different kind of hardware that avoid getting a decent signal level.
I tried the Probable Hardware Fix For HD2 Poor Signal too. I have better reception but no as solid as with 2G
I love the phone but when I use only 2G I want to cry (almost everytime).
Thanks in advance, Paco
Just something I would like to throw out there, I also have reception issues on ANY rom, but its occurrence seems to be like the original iPhone 4 came out, terrible reception if you squeeze the whole phone with your hand. I prove that theory by doing that in my room, if i dont touch the phone (just the screen) and browse the web, I do it with full bars. But as soon as I pick up the phone and browse, it will drop very quickly to 1 or no bars (from 4). See if you can trial this yourself, put phone down and browse web, and then hold the phone and try it. See if that makes a difference. Does for me.
There was a thread a while back about this and it showed a screen that you can get to that shows how long you have had signal and I remember looking at it in mine and it showed that I was without signal at least a third of the time the phone was powered on. I don't remember how to get to it any more or I would show you a screen shot of it. I have constant full bars of H where I am and even not moving the phone still shows this same behavior of dropping connection to the towers.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

HD2 weak wifi signal ALWAY!

I have tried this fix, it still doesn't work.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1190180
Raising the top right 2 flaps, according to this image. http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=668981&d=1311865226
Basically I raised everything.
Any idea what else I can try?
I am using 2.09 HSPL
do you have any objective measure of how weak your signal is?
mine isn't so great either; certainly less than a friend's iphone.
if you go into wifi/ advanced (in winMo), you get a signal quality bar. Mine only registers 100% when i'm literally within about 750cm of my router. beyond that, it drops to about 80% for another 2 metres, then drops to 60%.
i've done the same test on my old tytn II winMo phone and it's about the same, so maybe that's just how it is.
what this means, is that free wifi in bars/ hotels etc. mostly work OK but can be marginal where others are getting a good connection 100%.
i haven't tried taking off the back to bend the contacts up yet as I remember the royal pain it was the last time I had to open my HD2 (to clean a fingerprint off the inside of the lens cover left by a HD2 tech after an RMA).
Perhaps test a couple of the favourite radios & see if get any better wifi reception.
HD2 wifi is not the strongest but if hardware & firmware up to scratch it normally usable even on low registering signals.
My HD2 signal compares about same to a Desire, Topaz & Touch Pro.
my WiFi signal is about ok.. Though Network signal ain't that great.
I have bad wifi signal strength too My friend has 3/4 bars in his LG Optimus One P500 and downloads a torrent with 200kb/s and I can barely see the connection with 1/4 bars and keeps disappearing.
I haven't tried the antenna fix though.

Categories

Resources