Las Vegas, Feb. 23 — Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) today introduced a new Trimble(R) R8 GNSS System with significant innovations in Trimble R-Track™ technology including RTK Signal Prediction™ technology, unprecedented RTK correction compression and next generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) architecture. This enhanced survey system also features new capabilities to customize, remotely configure, and connect to Trimble R8 GNSS base and rover receivers from the office. Coupled with Trimble Access™ Software for field and office collaboration, the integrated system delivers unmatched power, performance, and productivity, even in challenging positioning conditions.
Trimble also announced the addition of the Trimble Tablet™ Rugged PC as part of its complete surveying product portfolio. The new Trimble Tablet offers optimal flexibility to surveyors by providing an ultra rugged, large screen display PC specifically designed for rugged field work.
The announcement was made today at the 2009 Trimble Dimensions User Conference.
"Trimble is committed to integrating state-of-the-art technologies in innovative ways to enable our customers to reach new levels of productivity, today and in the future," said Chris Gibson, general manager for Trimble’s Survey Division. "This requires a complete solution focus, from the field to the office, as well as the most precise, robust and reliable positioning from our Trimble R-Track technology."
The Trimble R8 GNSS System is a multi-channel, multi-frequency GNSS receiver, antenna, and two-way radio-all in one compact unit. Powered by advanced Trimble R-Track technology, it supports a wide range of satellite signals, including GPS L2C and L5 and GLONASS L1/L2 signals. In addition, Trimble is committed to its plan to have Galileo-compatible products available for customers in advance of Galileo system availability. In support of this plan, the new Trimble R8 GNSS System is capable of tracking the experimental Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and test purposes.
Continued Innovation for a Total Survey Solution
The new Trimble R8 GNSS System includes the latest advancements in Trimble R-Track technology, designed to deliver reliable, precise positioning performance even in challenging areas for GNSS surveying, such as tree cover or limited sky view. Trimble R-Track with Signal Prediction compensates for intermittent or marginal RTK correction signals, enabling extended precision operation after communication is interrupted. In addition, the enhanced technology includes innovative correction compression techniques in the new CMRx protocol to optimize communications bandwidth. With CMRx, RTK correction data for all the satellites and signals in view are transmitted from the base to the rover, allowing the Trimble R8 GNSS System to provide reliable positioning performance.
Featuring the new Trimble Maxwell™ 6 chip, the Trimble R8 GNSS System advances the industry with more memory, more GNSS channels and the ability to track up to 44 satellites.
Flexible System Design
With its built-in transmit and receive UHF radio, the Trimble R8 GNSS System delivers the ultimate flexibility for rover or base operation. As a base station, the internal NTRIP caster provides customized access to base station corrections via the internet when used in combination with an internal or external cellular modem. And Trimble’s exclusive Web UI™ technology allows for remote configuration, reducing travel requirements for routine monitoring of base station health and status. In addition, postprocessing data can be downloaded through Web UI, saving additional trips to the field.
Trimble Access Software Enabling the Connected Site
The Trimble R8 GNSS System can be teamed with the new Trimble Access Software, which enables data sharing and collaboration between field and office crews in a secure, Web-based environment. Using the optional Trimble Access Services, survey crews can also forecast GNSS conditions and easily view the status of base stations via the Trimble Connected Community (Enterprise Edition). With optional application-specific streamlined workflows, Trimble Access empowers surveyors, making it easier than ever to realize the potential of the Trimble Connected Site. Through the Connected Site, Trimble is focused on providing solutions that address a customer’s full work process. By carefully combining technology innovation with a deep understanding of the users’ workflows, data integration and maintenance across the lifecycle of the project, Trimble helps surveyors reach new levels of productivity for their business.
Additional Innovation and Versatility for Field Crews – Trimble Tablet PC
In addition to the new Trimble R8 GNSS system, Trimble introduced today the first tablet PC created with surveyors in mind. The Trimble Tablet Rugged PC offers the resilience and portability of a field controller, complete with the operating power and large interface of a laptop.
Using Microsoft(R) Windows Vista™ Business operating system, the Trimble Tablet can run a broad range of office and field applications. The Trimble Tablet is rugged enough for any job in any weather. With its large, vibrant display, the Trimble Tablet provides the power and the resolution required for graphic-heavy work in bright sunlight conditions. The ultra-long- life lithium-ion battery ensures a full day of field computing.
The Trimble Tablet offers everything surveyors have come to expect from a Trimble controller-advanced communication technologies, robust specifications, and the latest industry-standard platform. It adds powerful in-field data management, plus an interface that supports the increasingly visual nature of surveying data. The Trimble Tablet is poised to create new opportunities for surveyors everywhere.
Availability
The new Trimble R8 GNSS System is expected to be available in March 2009 and the Trimble Tablet PC is expected to be available in April 2009 through Trimble’s Survey distribution network.
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and governments significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location-including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered inSunnyvale, Calif. For more information, visit Trimble’s Web site at www.trimble.com.
About Galileo Commercial Authorization
Receiver technology having Galileo capability to operate in the Galileo frequency bands and using information from the Galileo system for future operational satellites is restricted in the publicly available Galileo Open Service Signal-In-Space Interface Control Document (GAL OS SIS ICD) and is not currently authorized for commercial use. Receiver technology that tracks the GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites uses information that is unrestricted in the public domain in the GIOVE A + B Navigation Signals-In-Space Interface Control Document. Receiver technology having developmental GIOVE-A and B capability is intended for signal evaluation and test purposes. For more information about Trimble and GNSS modernization, please visit: www.trimble.com/srv_new_era.shtml
