We are in the process of upgrading from 5700s to R7s, but not sure about base station software compatibility. Currently our base station is a 5700 running Trimble Reference Station software.
We would like to replace the 5700 with an R7 but I don't now if TRS supports an R7 receiver.
If not then .... really .... WTH.. I went on Trimble's site but couldn't find out any information on the history of TRS and what software replaced it. Seriously, does Trimble force people to contact their dealer to get some basic information?
I have heard of Dynamic Control and GPS Base software, but I am not sure what we need in order to upgrade or single permanent base station to an R7.
Also if we upgrade our base to an R7 and some new base station software, will our 5700 rovers still be able to connect to the base for RTK and PPK?
Trimble really drives me nuts by being so cryptic. Come on it is 2013, and you guys can even put out a decent user forum, so that users can answer other user's questions?? And for goodness sake, you sell 500 hardware and software products? How the heck can anyone make sense out of that? Sorry for the rant.
Thanks.
Will
Replies
ok, so after digging a lot thru an "old fashioned" help menu in TDC, I figured out that you have to add modules in TDC. 1st you add a Device Manager module, then to that you add a GPS Receiver module, and then to that you add a Data Logging module.
Let me just say that it is not intuitive at all.
And I was still left confused because I just guessed at the process.
For the longest time I got stuck trying to add a GPS Module because of TDC wouldn't let me add my R7 receiver as an R7 GNSS type receiver. Error message said something like wrong receiver type or counter exceeded. Once I tried adding it as an R7 (not an R7 GNSS), then it worked. But it isn't picking up GLONASS satellites. So is this because my license doesn't include R7 GNSS receivers to be added?
I tried reinstalling TDC, but I still got the same error when trying to add a R7 GNSS.
I checked the dongle license under the About menu, but I couldn't tell what's included with my current license.
Secondly, as far as I know there is no way to start a radio from TDC. We plugged in a TSC2 to start the receiver, which seems to be the correct way to get the radio to start transmitting data. Again, there is no documentation on this process. (We are using a TRIMMARK 3)
Lastly, There is an option to add what is called RTO Single Station data logging. This is apparently how you are supposed to setup data logging for RTK surveys. This process isn't in the help menu either. We actually had to add RTO Single Station and RTO Multi Station in order for RTK data logging to work, but this was just through trial and error.
This takes me back a few years when I purchased an R6 and was left to my own devices to figure out how to set up an RTK survey using a Verizon MiFi mobile hotspot (3g) to connect to a State VRS (NC). Luckily I had a good dealer - Duncan Parnell, who provide a document which walked me through the process.
-Will
Well, I feel your pain on many levels with Trimble. Although, in my opinion they are the best. That said, they now want you to have a subscription so to speak with their software. I have to pay $500 ($900 if you let it laps) year to stay current so I receive updates. I suspect your R7 will work with your software, if not now then with an update(or upgrade) or patch. Dig in deep or contact your rep. At some point, you will have to open the pocket book, I guarantee it). Otherwise we have to have the same software and gear for eternity.....which is a very long time.
Cheers.