I currently have a 5800 GPS reciever and a TSC2 with SC v11.46. Right now I only use this for VRS networks, but lately I have been doing some jobs where Verizon and AT&T dont get service. I would love to pick up another receiver to use as a base snd be able to use conventional RTK. Do I need a radio if i get another 5800 with the internal antenna? Could I get another type of receiver that is cheaper or do I have to use another 5800? What kind of radio should I buy if I need on?
Both of your GPSs would need radios for a base/rover setup. Trimble makes internal radios that you can install yourself, and you can find them on eBay. I'm pretty sure that you can mix brands as long as the both support the same correction format and broadcast/receive on the same freq.
The Trimble Zephyr Antenna would be cheaper and makes a good base unit. But has to have external radio/antenna. With the new FCC rules there are a lot of radio setups for sale on eBay.
Good point. Make sure you check the narrowband situation on any radios you buy.
> The Trimble Zephyr Antenna would be cheaper and makes a good base unit. But has to have external radio/antenna.
The Zephyr Antenna will also require a receiver such as a 5700 unit.
You can get another 5800, 5700 or R8 (mdl1). The 5800 and 5700 will probably be on the cheaper side. I assume you are using an external cellular modem for VRS corrections because you are mentioning two cellular providers. So you should already have an internal (receive only) radio on your 5800. I don't think Trimble receivers were able to use their internal radios to transmit (base) until the R7 (mdl 2) and R8 (mdl 2) came out. Even then, you will be limited to a 2 watt radio, won't be able to take advantage of the GNSS capabilities of the base and you will probably be limited to a R8 (mdl 1) due to the version of TSC you are running. I would recomend that you purchase an external radio for your base for optimal range. I am not sure where you are located but in the USA you will need to get a TDL 450 radio to meet the new FCC narrowbanding requirements.
we bought 2 new ADL radios from our Trimble dealer last year, from what I remember, they are basically the same as the Trimble, but about 20% cheaper.
That is true...I always forget about those :-/
This January I bought an R10 to replace the 5800 that we have been using on a VRS. A few years ago when we started using the VRS we retired all of the equipment we used for RTK with our 5700 units. Now we primarily use the 5700’s for static sessions and all of the RTK accessories (35 watt Pacific Crest Radio, Gain Mobile Whip Antennae, Battery w/ Carrying Case, etc.) are in a closet. If you are interested I can work up a cost for the 5800 with its case and I will throw in the all of the equipment we used for RTK. Let me know and I will make a list up with photographs. The email in my profile is good.
Do you have a Trimble 5800 receiver to sell?
Larry Alba
(408) 733-9518
(505) 710-2252