Umi Plus and GPS Signal

jipux

Everyone annoyed by the GPS problem, please answer the poll:
http://community.umidigi.com/thread-5643-1-1.html

chickin

Well, looks like it was a coincedence that it worked ... the next test again didn't work as it should, so not usable with Google Maps and cellular services/WiFi ....

ithilmir

Hello,

So after exhausting the software options, I went into the hardware ones:

Following the official disassemble youtube video by Umi, I easily opened the phone.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlmyOdQwf6k)

Then I did something similar to what is done in this video, which is to slightly un-stick the "connection" stripes for the gps module, bend it in a curve a bit and then re-stick it.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TugAXj34JNE)

I also added some tinfoil strip on the end of the gps antenna module to test it as an antenna booster.

So far outside it seems ok: 5-7 sattelites fix (17 in view) and most 30-35 strength.

I will have to test in a car using gps to see if any fixes are actual made where it counts.


So, for the more tech-savvy here, on the board, the gps+wifi module has 3 endpoints.
For some reason, it seems like only one actually makes good connection with the antenna on the case, as there is only one connection strip on the case. Is this how it is supposed to be? It SEEMS like the middle one is the one making the contact, but the strip is placed in a way that it could also be the 1st one as well as the 2nd one touching for a connection.
If so, which one is the gps module of the three? Because I am thinking of adding some copper strips directly on it to see if it makes anything better.

Any other ideas on that front?

chickin

Not an option to open and manipulate the device ... waiting for my replacement device (Xiaomi) and the bye bye UMI (which I liked so much, but without working gps it's useless, unfortunately).

ithilmir

Well, since shipping it back to China to get replacement (and HOPE that it does not have the same issue) is too expensive and not worth it, I am trying to find options.

So, after a couple of times on the road, GPS (with wifi off but data on) seems better. Almost no jumping around, but still the ocassional weak signal and missing it when I turn and thinking I continue on straight for a while.

Will test it out more and on more locations and see if the improvement is stable or a fluke.
As it is, it seems acceptable. By no means is it ok or great, but at least it mostly gets the job done and it is sort of ok and working.

And I am of the same opinion: this would be the best low-middle cost android device, if not for the GPS issue. Everything else is spot on and stellar so far.
Well, I guess the total lack of customer service and support on UMI's part is a negative as well. I mean they could at least look into the GPS issue that's been reported for the last 3-4 models at least, for -it seems- a quite substantial number of people, and see if anything can be made to improve it.

As it is, I am seriously considering selling the Plus getting the Plus E, as with the new mediatek P20 board MAYBE the GPS issues will be solved.
But of course after verifying no GPS issues exist on the model, and if (and that's a big IF) I have not lost my patience with UMI altogether by then.
Shame, as I would have accepted a simple press release pinpointing and recognizing the issue, even if it was a harware or assembly problem and I could do nothing to change it. It would at least show they sort of care and have a semplance of customer service.

cattitude

UMI Z?

DeepAnger

The GPS on my recent UMI Plus (under Android N) receives only GPS satellites and no Glonass.
Could a Plus owner tell me if it's the same for his phone ?

DeepAnger

I have just replied here on the same subject : http://community.umidigi.com/for ... &fromuid=257807

MikSteno

This is my GPS situation after upgrading to Android 7
(I'm going on train at 300km/h)

MikSteno

\n\nAnd this is Glonass Vs. GPS