Using the GNSS receiver

The TDC600 handheld contain an integrated uBlox Neo-M8T GNSS receiver, which is set to ensure the best possible performance in the field for data collection and full compatibility with Trimble field and office software.

The receiver supports GPS, GPS+Galileo, GPS+GLONASS+Galileo, or GPS+Beidou+Galileo, with < 2 meter positioning accuracy in real time (using SBAS) in open sky.

To receive signals from GNSS satellites, the handheld must have a clear view of the sky. GNSS positions may not always be available, particularly in or near buildings, in vehicles, or under tree canopy.

For optimal GNSS reception, hold the handheld at 15° from horizontal allowing it visibility of the sky. When collecting point data with a TDC600 handheld, it is recommended that you remain stationary at the point for at least 10 seconds before beginning to log GNSS positions. This allows the GNSS receiver’s internal algorithms to stabilize, and ensures the best possible point feature accuracy.

The GNSS receiver supports all three available SBAS correction services (WAAS in North America, EGNOS in Europe, and MSAS in Japan).

Using GNSS enables the handheld to determine your location with < 2 meter accuracy in open sky (with SBAS), and enables geo-tagging of photos you take using the handheld's integrated camera (see Using the camera for more information on enabling geotagging and taking photos).

To use the GNSS receiver:

  1. Tap Settings / Security & Location.

  2. Tap Location and tap the Off / On slider to On.

  3. Tap Mode then select the mode you want the device to use to determine your location:

    • High accuracy. Uses GNSS satellites, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks to determine your location.

    • Battery saving. Uses Wi-Fi and cellular networks to determine your location.

    • Device only. Uses GNSS only to determine your location.

  4. Tap the back arrow, then tap NMEA Mode to turn it on or off.

  5. Tap SBAS mode to turn it on or off.

  6. Tap GNSS mode then select the mode you want the device to use (GPS only; GPS + BDS; GPS + GLONASS; GPS + BDS + Galileo, GPS + GLONASS + Galileo, GPS + Galileo).

A wide range of application software is compatible with the Android 10 operating system and spatial data available through the Google Location Services API, including many GNSS navigation and data collection applications. To access spatial data from the internal GNSS receiver of the TDC600 handheld, an application must support one or more of:

  • Android Location Services API

  • NMEA-0183 ASCII protocol

The TDC600 handheld provides an external GNSS antenna port on the back of the device, and a GPS external antenna is available as an accessory to be used with the receiver.

The use of an external GNSS antenna should be occasional only. The connector used to connect the antenna is not compatible with intensive, daily usage.

The presence of any dust or moisture in the external antenna port may cause the external antenna to not work. To prevent dust or moisture entering the external antenna slot, take care when using the handheld with an external antenna in wet or dusty conditions.

To use an external antenna, you must configure antenna settings in the GNSS field software, once you have connected the external antenna to the handheld. Refer to the relevant software documentation for details.

The TDC600 handheld also supports the Trimble Catalyst™ service and a Trimble DA2 antenna.

You can use a higher accuracy receiver with the TDC600 handheld. Supported receivers include the Trimble R1 and R2 GNSS receivers. The connection is supported using Bluetooth wireless technology; if you are not using Trimble supported software (see Supported software you will need to enable developer options and Mock locations on the handheld and download the GNSS Status Utility to configure the external Trimble receiver.

Refer to the documentation for the Trimble R1 GNSS receiver, Trimble R2 GNSS receiver, and Trimble GNSS Status Utility for more information.