1) What exactly is the GSM module? Is it just slot that accepts a cellular SIM card? Something else? I've been trying to read up on this and I don't completely understand what the "GSM module" is. Do I need to purchase a static IP to make it work? (I remember having to purchase two static IPs to make HiPers talk to eachother via AirLinks).
2) If I opt for a 5800 with a radio module instead of GSM module, can you still use it with a RTN via a bluetooth connection to a cell phone?
3) If you wanted to use the 5800 solely for RTN connections and maybe OPUS, would you opt for the GSM module or a radio module and blue tooth connection to cell phone (assuming that's possible)? Is it less expensive to use your "smart phone" data plan (via bluetooth) than to have an additional dedicated cell-modem data plan?
1) What exactly is the GSM module? Is it just slot that accepts a cellular SIM card? Something else? I've been trying to read up on this and I don't completely understand what the "GSM module" is. Do I need to purchase a static IP to make it work? (I remember having to purchase two static IPs to make HiPers talk to eachother via AirLinks).
The GSM Module is part of the hardware. You choose between a radio or an internal GSM modem in the receiver. All you have to do is get a GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) sim card to make it work.
2) If I opt for a 5800 with a radio module instead of GSM module, can you still use it with a RTN via a bluetooth connection to a cell phone?
Yes. You can Bluetooth to a phone, use a mobile hotspot, a data collector w/built-in modem, or an external modem (Airlink).
3) If you wanted to use the 5800 solely for RTN connections and maybe OPUS, would you opt for the GSM module or a radio module and blue tooth connection to cell phone (assuming that's possible)? Is it less expensive to use your "smart phone" data plan (via bluetooth) than to have an additional dedicated cell-modem data plan?
If money was no object I would opt for a Ranger 3 or a TSC3 with a dedicated sim card installed into the collector. Next option would be a mobile hotspot. After that I would use a bluetooth phone. You are going to have to purchase a data plan regardless of which type of phone you choose so I would recommend going with a smart phone. You can usually pick up a blackberry for little or no cost when renewing a contract.
CBurnett answers are correct....
The GSM module in the GPS receiver works great...but it is restricted to doing just that.
The WiFi hotspot can be a hotspot for more than just your VRS connection, so that is attractive...downside is not great battery life, although there are external batteries that help with that.
Bluetooth cell phone works great...and can be cheapest.
Downside to using a cell phone is if it is your primary phone that you also talk on...you drop your VRS connection when a call comes in.
If you go with a cell phone...make sure you get the right data plan....tell them you want to use it to tether a laptop to the phone to get on the internet....most folks in the wireless stores can understand that.
My mother always said if you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say anything at all...so that is all I am going to say about the salespeople in the wireless stores.
Bottom line to me is....if your 5800 comes with the GSM, or you order it at time of purchase...it is a good thing...but....they are expensive to add later.
TSC3 or Ranger 3 with internal GSM is a good thing too.
I run all four types....TSC3 internal...GSM module...WiFi hot spot...and external phone...
They all work...just lots of choices to make.
My dos centavos....
Can the 5800 connect to a WiFi hotspot? I don't see WiFi as a listed I/O with the 5800, only blue tooth, internal data modem, and cable conections.
That is a good question. The wifi connection is made at the controller. If you do not have a controller with wifi you will have to use the GSM module, Bluetooth, or and external modem.
Thanks for all the help. Lots of good info here.
I currently use a 5800 with the TSC2 and a Blackberry Torch to do the RTN. It is quite nice to do it all with the bluetooth. I really like the Torch because when a call comes in it just keeps the data flowing to the data collector. I also have a regular RTK base unit I use. On a couple of topo jobs lately I have gotten the chance to use the "Integrated Survey" that works pretty slick too.
