Obtain your GPS coordinates on the Voyager

Greetings,

Using the Services menu it is possible to obtain your GPS coordinates without having VZ Navigator installed on your Voyager. This is accomplished with a test feature built into your phone. This is NOT intended for frequent use! In fact, only Verizion employees are authorized to do this.

Important: Before I explain how it is done, you need to be aware that this technique does not work in every region. The last part of the procedure requires a call to Verizon on a special test number (usually 922) in order to obtain the latitude and longitude coordinates from your Voyager. This may not work in some regions and it may automatically connect you with a 911 operator. Therefore you must use caution.

I'll divide the steps into three parts according to their purpose:

--- Part One --- activate the test mode

1. Open your Voyager and use the qwerty keypad to:
2. Enter ##program10000, press Send and enter service code 000000 to launch the Services menu.
3. Select "2. Field Tests".
4. Select "3. gpsOne".
5. Select "1. gpsOne Test Screen" and turn it On.
6. Select "2. TestNum" and make a note of the number. It is usually 922. This is the number you must call later.
7. Press the Pwr/End button to exit the Services menu.

--- Part Two --- enable the GPS transceiver

1. Press the OK button and launch the Settings & Tools menu.
2. Select "6. Phone Settings".
3. Select "6. Security" and enter your general password (if you've never entered a personal password, the default is the last four digits of your telephone number).
4. Select "2. Restrictions" and, if prompted, enter your restrictions password (if you've never entered a personal restrictions password, the default is also the last four digits of your telephone number).
5. Select "1. Location Setting", set to "Unlock Setting" and press the OK button. Pressing OK will also return you to Phone Settings.
6. Select "5. Location", set to "Location On" and press the OK button.
7. Press the Pwr/End button to exit the Settings & Tools menu.

--- Part Three --- call the Verizon test number for the coordinates

1. Enter the TestNum that you noted in Part One Step 6 (usually 922) and press the Send button.
2. You should hear a voice message stating that you have reached a test system and asking you to check your number. A GPS text display should also appear listing the latitude (Lat) and longitude (Long) of your location. End the call as soon as the information appears. Note: You may get a busy signal. If you do, just keep trying until you get through.
3. Make a note of your GPS coordinates. The important part to copy are the latitude and longitude numbers. Each one will usually have a precision of five decimal places like this: ##.#####. It is also important to note whether a coordinate is positive or negative.

Important: Don't forget to restore the original settings of your Voyager after you've obtained the GPS coordinates. If you're like me, you don't want the GPS transponder running all the time because your phone's battery will not last as long. Plus, there is no reason to have it on if you don't use VZ Navigator. I leave my GPS set to "E911 Only" so that it will only activate during a 911 call so rescuers will know where to find me if I'm in trouble. (Settings & Tools > 6. Phone Settings > 5. Location > E911 Only.)

How to verify your location -- You can use a Mac or PC and an online mapping program to verify your GPS coordinates. For example, use iTouchMap. It provides an area in the lower right portion of the webpage (below the map) where you can enter latitude and longitude coordinates. Then click on the "Show Point" button and it will zoom in on the location on the map. Way cool!

Best regards, WiredNot

Very good instructions. But did not work in area 25 miles NW of Seattle, WA. Got message "can not complete the call as dialed" when calling "922" . Maybe there is another trick in our area.