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I have been watching the Signal Strength from Settings > About > Status and noticed the reported numbers do not correlate with the Cell Bar Level display at the top or the numbers I am logging with the Cell Connectivity Tracker application.
Here are some observations from using the "Cell Connectivity Tracker" application:
Cell strength as it relates to the Cell Signal Bars
0 bars = -106dBm
1 bar = -101dBm
2 bars = -96dBm
3 bars = -91dBm
4 bars = -86dBm
Right now I have no visible Bars being displayed and my Signal Strength is -72dBm on the Status page and the Cell Connectivity Tracker logged -106dBm. My phone even went to 1x (xRTT).
My phone is constantly changing from -101(dBm) and -106(dBm), constantly jumping between Cell Locations and reporting Physical Link Down. My TWAS (Time without a signal) was 61% for 1h 7m. I'm also less than 1/2 mile from a VZW tower.
Speed Test #1 was 159kbps D/L and 224kbps U/L.
Speed Test #2 was 118kbps D/L and 365kbps U/L.
Speed Test #3 was 50kbps D/L and 469kbps U/L.
Something is definitely not correct with the cell signal strength reporting on the Fascinate.
What if the phone's software is reporting a higher signal than what is actually being received and this incorrect information is being used to make operating system/network connectivity decisions? Might this cause all types of issues from lagging, slow data performance and bad battery life? I find it very strange that all three signal strength measurements are reporting different values.
What if a significant number of Fascinates have cell strength issues, wouldn't this support some type of "electronics lemon law"?
I am on my second Fascinate and both have exhibited the same symptoms. My wife's Fascinate is having issues too.
Other Samsung Galaxy S phone users don't seem to be as vocal about the battery, cell strength and lag issues. This makes me wonder if the Fascinate really does have a design/hardware issue. To top it off, the Fascinate is one of the last Galaxy S phones to receive Froyo. Maybe the supposed "issue" is causing problems with the developer testing of Froyo?
Just thinking things through,
Tim
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Have you tried ?? From your phone dial *228 then option #2
this should update your PRL / Roaming capabilities / cell towers.
Then try test again...just a thought.
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Thanks for the tip. I've done my fair share of *228's without any change in signal strength.
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Try downloading the application "Real Signal" from the Android Market. It will display both the CDMA and EDVO signal strength side by side.
I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.
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I have Real Signal installed and the signal strength values between EVDO and CDMA are being reported the same. They also move to the same number at the same time.
- Tim
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what is your build number?
i remember this in the original relase, but thought it was fixed.
EA28 is the latest build
i run signal strength widget, showin -86dBm w/ 4 bars atm
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Hardware version = i500.04
Firmware version = 2.1-update1
Baseband version = S:i500.04 V.EA28
Kernel version = 2.6.29
Build number = SCH-I500.EA28
RealSignal Bars vs Signal Strength
0 bars = -106dBm
1 bar = -101dBm
2 bars = -96dBm
3 bars = -91dBm
4 bars = -86dBm
Same scale as Cell Connectivity Tracker
Signal Strength from Settings > About > Status fluctuates, but doesn't match the visual Bars at the top. For example, the visual Bars at the top display zero (no signal), but Settings > About > Status - Signal Strength of -76dBm.
Thanks,
Tim
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Fascinate signal strength indicator is a joke. When my WiFi is turned on, somehow my signal also goes up a notch or two. When I turn off my WiFi, the signal goes down a few notches. This behaviour is very consistent.
Some other times, the signal switches between full signal and no bars while the phone is sitting still! EA28. *228 didnt help.
However, the phone never drops calls inspite of this behavior. I just dont rely on the signal bars anymore.
