Safety information

Before you use this product, make sure that you have read and understood all safety requirements. Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or other injury, or damage to the device and/or other property.

IMPORTANT: To meet all transportation rules and regulations all batteries are shipped with only 20-30% of their charge capacity. It is always necessary to charge batteries fully first before operating the product.

The SIM card and microSD card slots are below the battery; to access the slots, turn off the handheld and remove the battery.

Your warranty is invalidated if you open or tamper with the outer casing of the device. Unapproved modifications or operations beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use may void authorization by the authorities to operate the equipment.

Only approved accessories may be used with the device. In general, all cables must be high quality, shielded, correctly terminated and normally restricted to two meters in length. The power supply approved for this product employs special provisions to avoid radio interference and should not be altered or substituted.

The TDC6 GNSS handheld contains a Bluetooth® radio, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) radio, and a 5G cellular modem radio. In some situations, you may be required to turn off the radios. For example, aviation authority regulations restrict the use of wireless transmission devices on board aircraft.

To prevent the handheld from emitting radio signals, do one of the following:

  • To put the handheld in airplane mode, swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings, then tap Airplane mode. This mode turns off all wireless connections. Alternatively, on the Apps screen, tap Settings then under Network & internet tap Airplane mode.

  • To turn off the handheld, press and hold the Power button briefly to display the Power options menu, then tap Power off.

  • To turn off any of the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi , and wireless cellular modem radios:

    • on the Apps screen, tap Settings / Network & internet / Internet then tap the Wi-Fi slider to turn it off.

    • swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings, then tap Bluetooth to turn it off.

    • to turn off mobile data, swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings, then tap Mobile data to turn it off.

You may need to deactivate the Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth radio in the handheld if the country in which you are working does not approve the use of Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth wireless technology. If you are unsure about whether the handheld’s radios are approved for use in your country, check with your Trimble reseller.

Your device contains a radio transmitter and receiver. The radiated output power is far below the international radio frequency exposure limits. These limits are part of comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The guidelines are based on the safety standards previously set by international standards bodies:

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) IEEE. C95.1-1992.

  • National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP). Report 86. 1986.

  • Int’l Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1996.

  • Ministry of Health (Canada), Safety Code 6. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to assure the safety of all persons, regardless of age and health.

SAR: 0.545w/kg

Use of unauthorized or modified antennas may impair call quality and damage the device, causing loss of performance. To assure optimal performance and ensure human exposure to RF energy is within the guidelines set forth in the relevant standards; always use your device only in its normal-use position.

Avoiding contact with the antenna area when the device is IN USE optimizes the antenna performance.

This device is approved as a portable device with respect to Radio Frequency (RF) exposure compliance. The radiated output power of the internal wireless radio transmitters is less than 100 milliwatt, which results in exposure levels far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, even when operated in close proximity to the body. The internal wireless radios operate within guidelines found in international radio frequency safety standards and recommendations, which reflect the consensus of the international scientific community. Trimble therefore believes the internal wireless radios are safe for use by users. The level of electromagnetic energy emitted is hundreds of times lower than the electromagnetic energy emitted by wireless devices such as mobile phones. However, the use of wireless radios may be restricted in some situations or environments, such as on aircraft. If you are unsure of restrictions, you are encouraged to ask for authorization before turning on the wireless radios.

Devices equipped with wireless cellular modem radios have been designed and manufactured to meet safety requirements for limiting exposure to radio waves. When used in accordance with the instructions set forth in this manual, the equipment has been independently verified to not exceed the emission limits for safe exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy as specified by the Federal Communications Commission of the U.S. Government in 47 CFR §2.1093. These limits are part of comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The guidelines are based on standards that were developed by independent scientific organization through periodic and thorough evaluation of scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to assure the safety of all persons, regardless of age and health.

Hearing Aids: Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing aids. In the event of such interference, you may want to consult your wireless service provider, or call customer service to discuss alternatives.

Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices: The Health Industry Manufacturers Association recommends a minimum separation of six inches be maintained between a handheld wireless device and a pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers should use the ear opposite the pacemaker to minimize the potential for interference. Persons with pacemakers should exercise great caution if using a hands-free device such as a headset, as these persons may be at greater risk of the device not maintaining the recommended minimum six inches of separation from the pacemaker. If you have any reason to suspect that interference is taking place, turn the device OFF immediately.

If you use any other personal medical device, consult the manufacturer of your device to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF energy. Your physician may be able to assist you in obtaining this information.

Turn the device OFF in health care facilities when any regulations posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF energy.

To charge the handheld’s battery, use the USB cable, and adaptor kit if applicable, provided with the handheld (see Powering the handheld).

To use AC adaptors safely: 

  • Use only the AC adaptor intended for the handheld. Using any other AC adaptor can damage the handheld and may void your warranty. Do not use the AC adaptor with any other product.

  • Make certain that the input voltage on the adaptor matches the voltage and frequency in your location.

  • Make certain that the adaptor has prongs compatible with your outlets.

  • Do not use the AC adaptor in wet outdoor areas; it is designed for indoor use only.

  • Unplug the AC adaptor from power when not in use.

The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is supplied partially charged. Charge the battery completely before using it for the first time (see Powering the handheld). If the battery has been stored for longer than six months, charge it before use.

Use only the battery intended for the product. Using any other battery can damage the handheld and may void your warranty. If the battery becomes damaged or stops charging fully, replace it with a new battery.

Charge and use the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery only in strict accordance with the instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized equipment can cause an explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or equipment damage. To prevent injury or damage:

  • Do not charge or use the battery if it appears to be damaged or leaking.

  • Charge the Lithium-ion battery only in a product that is specified to charge it. Be sure to follow all instructions that are provided with the battery charger.

  • Discontinue charging a battery that gives off extreme heat or a burning odor.

  • Use the battery only in equipment that is specified to use it.

  • Use the battery only for its intended use and according to the instructions in the product documentation.

Avoid contact with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery if it appears to be leaking. Battery fluid is corrosive, and contact with it can result in personal injury and/or property damage. To prevent injury or damage:

  • If the battery leaks, avoid contact with the battery fluid.

  • If battery fluid gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and seek medical attention. Do not rub your eyes!

  • If battery fluid gets onto your skin or clothing, immediately use clean water to wash off the battery fluid.

Do not damage the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. A damaged battery can cause an explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or property damage. To prevent injury or damage:

  • Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be damaged. Signs of damage include, but are not limited to, discoloration, warping, and leaking battery fluid.

  • Do not store or leave your device near a heat source such as near a fireplace or other heat-generating appliance, or otherwise expose it to temperatures in excess of 70 °C (158 °F) such as on a vehicle dashboard. When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.

  • Do not leave the battery immersed in water.

  • Do not use or store the battery inside a vehicle during hot weather.

  • Do not drop or puncture the battery.

  • Do not open the battery or short-circuit its contacts.

Safe temperature ranges are:

  • Operating temperature range: -20 °C to +55 °C (-4 °F to +131 °F).

  • Storage temperature range:

    • without the battery: -40 °C to +70 °C (-40 °F to +158 °F)

    • with the battery:

      • within 30 days -20 ºC to +45 ºC (-4 °F to +113 °F)

      • within 90 days 0 ºC to +30 ºC (+32 °F to +86 °F)

      • within 365 days 15 ºC to +25 ºC (+59 °F to +77 °F)

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your handheld. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of the electronic components inside your device, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.

The handheld is designed for outdoor conditions; however under conditions of low humidity extremely high voltage discharge events are possible. Users are advised that the risk of causing discharge to sensitive electronics can be minimized by avoiding finger contact to the recessed connectors on the unit.

The handheld provides a storage card slot, providing an alternative storage location to the storage memory in the handheld.

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your handheld. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of the electronic components inside your device, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.

To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.