Trouble getting GPS fix

nesling99 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 02, 2004 Posts: 12

When I launch my TomTom (version 2.24) I have major problems getting a GPS fix. It can take about 30 mins. I have tried exiting the program each time i finish with it and also upgrading the gps software (now 2.07) and still it takes ages and is a pain! The gps sensor thingy is located on my back parcel shelf and in full view of the sky and I never used to have any problems.
Can anyone help in simple terms or will the new version coming soon solve this problem
Thanks

Darren · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:47 am Post subject:

What GPS Receiver do you have? Have you tried it outside the vehicle to assess whether fixes are quicker?
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Darren Griffin

nesling99 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 02, 2004 Posts: 12

i have the receiver that came with the TomTom navigator software. No I havent tried it outside but will today.
Is there anything else that could be the problem?

Darren · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:04 am Post subject:

It could be the location of the antenna or as you have it on the rear parcel shelf I guess you are using a cable extension, this could be the problem.

To test I'd eliminate both initially, remove the cable extension, place the antenna outside of the vehicle and see if the fix time is reduced. Then connect the extension (leave antenna outside) and see if this affects anything.

If all is well here experiment with the location of the antenna inside. If you are still having problems then the GPS receiver itself may be failing. Once it gets a fix how many satellites is it seeing?
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Darren Griffin

nesling99 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 02, 2004 Posts: 12

I have a socket in the rear of the car so no cable extension.

Could it be the back windscreen? Would a dirty inside screen damage chances of getting a fix?
Thanks for your help

Darren · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:13 am Post subject:

Ah is this a BT GPS then? I had wrongly assumed it was a cabled GPS Mouse?

A dirty screen is unlikely to affect reception. As you have a BT GPS, it'll be easy to move it outside to test. It may be a corrupted almanac in which case letting the battery discharge for 24hrs will reset it but test first outside and see if it's any better.
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Darren Griffin

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