Here is my current setup: Spectra Precision Ranger 3 with survey Pro and Windows CE o/s with Bluetooth. I have a telephone card in it with an ATT data plan that works with my Sokkia GRS-1 GNSS network rover. I also have a base unit that I use when just the base and rover are needed. Depending on where I work and the cell phone signal quality I get, I sometimes get a GNSS position on a high point out in the open, and then set up my base unit there to do RTK work. When cellphone signal is good and canopy is sparse, my network rover will typically be sufficient for a lot of the work I do. My Leica TCR 1103 total station is connected by cable to the Ranger.
I do not use anywhere near my data plan 50 gigs per month, so I was wondering about getting a device that I could put the telephone data plan card in and utilize the device in the field to pull up quad maps, county tax maps or Google/Bing maps, weather, etc while using the Bluetooth function to communicate with the Ranger. I realize that this would be yet another device to keep up with in the field and keep charged. I have an old Samsung Rugby 1 that I use as a telephone for the old $30/month plan that ATT has bee desperately wanting me to upgrade for the past 10 or so years. The two cellphone plans cost about $80/month, and that is still less than what a lot of people are paying for one phone and plan.
I am looking for suggestions and how you guys are using devices to communicate with your equipment. Thanks in advance!
Does your Ranger have wifi? I use my company iPhone as a mobile hotspot to connect my TSC3 to the Internet as well as my laptop, tablet and other workers laptops. I used to use a Verizon mifi, a dedicated mobile hotspot, to connect to the Internet. AT&T probably has a devise like that or you could get a smartphone and use it as a mobile hotspot.
Yes, does have wi-fi.
With Wifi on the Ranger Data Collectors you'll probably be best just going with a Verizon/At&T Mifi (Hotspot Setup). This would allow you to connect using the WLAN Signal to both get on the internet and to connect to the VRS network. In addition, you can use this, even simultaneously, to connect laptops, etc. Typically, data usage from VRS runs between 2gb and 5gb per month. It is not much data. In addition, with most cell phone providers you can go with the minimum, let's say 3gb and if you go over they just charge you $10/per GB if you run over.
Mifi/Hotspots are very easy to use. I recommend them over the SIM cards because they tend to show stronger signal and are much easier to setup and support.