Safety information

Before you use your Trimble product, make sure that you have read and understood all safety requirements.

This alert warns of a potential hazard which, if not avoided, could result in severe injury or even death.

This alert warns of a potential hazard or unsafe practice that could result in minor injury or property damage or irretrievable data loss.

An absence of specific alerts does not mean that there are no safety risks involved.

Use and care

This product is designed to withstand the rough treatment and tough environment that typically occurs in construction applications. However, the receiver is a high-precision electronic instrument and should be treated with reasonable care.

Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range can damage it.

Regulations and safety

Some receiver models with base station capability contain an internal radio-modem for transmission or can transmit through an external data communications radio.

Regulations regarding the use of the 410 MHz to 470 MHz radio-modems vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, the unit can be used without obtaining an end-user license. Other countries require end-user licensing. For licensing information, consult your local Trimble dealer.

The R780 / R780-2 GNSS receiver uses the 410 to 470 MHz, and 902 MHz to 928 MHz frequency range.

All Trimble receiver models described in this documentation are capable of transmitting data through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n wireless technology.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n wireless technology, and 900 MHz radio-modems operate in license-free bands.

Before operating a Trimble receiver, determine if authorization or a license to operate the unit is required in your country. It is the responsibility of the end user to obtain an operator's permit or license for the receiver for the location or country of use.

Type approval

Type approval, or acceptance, covers technical parameters of the equipment related to emissions that can cause interference. Type approval is granted to the manufacturer of the transmission equipment, independent from the operation or licensing of the units. Some countries have unique technical requirements for operation in particular radio-modem frequency bands. To comply with those requirements, Trimble may have modified your equipment to be granted type approval.

Unauthorized modification of the units voids the type approval, the warranty, and the operational license of the equipment.

Contact your sales representative if you wish to review the type approval certificate for the receiver.

Exposure to radio frequency radiation

R780 / R780-2 (with internal 450 MHz radio operating in base station transmit mode).

Note the safe distance is 45 cm (17.7 inches) for RF Exposure.

For 450 MHz radio

Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment as a result of its actions in General Docket 79-144 on March 13, 1986 and KDB447498, RF Exposure Procedures and Equipment Authorization Policies For Mobile and Portable Devices.

Proper use of this radio modem results in exposure below government limits. The following precautions are recommended:

  • DO NOT co-locate the radio antenna with any other transmitting antenna.

  • DO NOT operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly terminated.

  • DO NOT operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere.

  • All equipment must be properly grounded according to Trimble installation instructions for safe operation.

  • All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified technician.

For license-free 900 MHz radio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

For your own safety, and in terms of the RF exposure requirements of the FCC, always observe these precautions:

  • For Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n - Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (7.9 inches) between yourself and the radiating antenna.

  • For 450 MHz radio - Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 45 cm (17.7 inches) between yourself and the radiating antenna.

  • For 900 MHz radio - Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 25 cm (9.8 inches) between yourself and the radiating antenna.

900 MHz radios are only for Australia, Canada and the USA.

The GNSS and its cabling should be installed in accordance with all national and local electrical codes, regulations, and practices. The cabling should be installed where they will not become energized as a result of falling nearby power lines, nor be mounted where they are subjected to over-voltage transients, particularly lightning. Such installations require additional protective means that are detailed in national and local electrical codes.

Trimble receiver internal radios have been designed to operate with the antennas listed below. Antennas not included in this list are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.

To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be an approved Trimble antenna, so that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.