Of all the custom built ROMs I have used, on a majority of Android built phones I have noticed one common element/problem. They all seem to have specific problems when attempting the GPS fix and this is with the already downloaded AGPS data. Now the problem lies within one file within the final build of the cooked roms, probably a very important file that is used when creating the satellite fix. The file in question is the gps.conf file which lies within the main OS, luckily it can be changed.

 

Now the reason the file needs changing is because the majority of custom roms (especially non-sense roms) are keyed with the incorrect NTP server set. So the solution is quite simple, yet you still need to be an advanced user obviously.

 

Firstly get over to http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/ and find the most active server closest to your area.

Make sure you have a file manager installed on your phone which will allow you to edit specific files.

Navigate the file manager to /system/etc/gps.conf – Edit this file and change the NTP server to the one that you found was the closest in your area.

Save the changes you have made to the file.

Reboot your phone.

 

Now your phone should pick up the config when it boots, but what you can do to assist it is to reset the AGPS data that would have been downloaded previously. To do this you will need to download an app from the market place. It is free and the one I have used quite a lot is a tool called “GPS Status & Toolbox”. Once downloaded if you go into tools then manage a-gps. If you hit reset and then again fo into tools and manage a-gps, then hit download.

This will refresh the assisted GPS data that your phone/device is supposed to download automatically when “trying” to make a gps fix.

 

Hopefully that will help kick start the GPS and it should be a lot more responsive in getting a fix. Key point here is to remember to reboot otherwise no changes will take place!!