Trimble Introduces Scalable 5800 GPS Survey System

System Offers Surveyors Even Greater Flexibility While on the Job


SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 2008 — Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today introduced a scalable Trimble® 5800 GPS System. The scalable solution adds greater flexibility and versatility for a variety of survey, construction, civil engineering, and asset management applications.

Surveyors can begin with the L1, postprocessing-only configuration. Two upgrades are available for higher performance: L1/L2, postprocessing only and L1/L2, full Real Time Kinematic (RTK).

“An upgrade path is essential for growing businesses,” said Dr. Lucinda Coombe, portfolio manager at Trimble. “While many users will start with L1-only, the scalability options mean that the investment can provide lasting value as business needs change.”

The Trimble 5800 System combines a GPS receiver, antenna, UHF radio, Bluetooth wireless technology, and power source into a single compact unit weighing approximately 1.21 kilograms (2.67 pounds). The Trimble 5800 can be configured as a GPS base or rover, making it versatile for the surveyor’s project needs. As a rover, the cable-free GPS system is comprised of the lightweight pole, controller, holder, and batteries for a full day’s work that weighs only 3.5 kilograms (7.8 pounds). The receiver has 2 MB of internal memory, making data collection easy and efficient in both static and RTK surveying modes. Environmentally rated to IP67 and submersible to a depth of 1 meter, the Trimble 5800 is rugged and can withstand a drop of up to 2 meters on to a hard surface.

The Trimble 5800 GPS system offers advanced Trimble GPS technology. It is a 24-channel dual-frequency GPS receiver, containing Trimble?s field proven Maxwell™ technology for robust tracking in difficult GPS environments.
Two additional channels for Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary Overlay System (EGNOS) tracking allow surveyors to perform real-time differential surveys to Geographic Information System (GIS) grade without a base station.

The dual-frequency Trimble antenna enhances the tracking capabilities of the Trimble 5800—the patented four-point antenna feed provides sub-millimeter phase center stability for precise results. The position of the UHF radio antenna mounting further increases accuracy by being out of the GPS line-of-sight, reducing multipath and avoiding interference with the GPS antenna.

For rover communications, surveyors can use the built-in 450 MHz radio, or use an external radio, cell phone or wireless packet data modem. For base communications, they can select a radio from Trimble?s range of communication products.

For extended coverage and comprehensive error checking when roving, the Trimble 5800 system works with signals from multiple base stations transmitting on the same radio channel. For even larger area coverage, at highest accuracies, the Trimble 5800 works with Trimble VRS™ networks.

For GPS L1 surveying, the Trimble 5800 with the Trimble Recon® handheld data controller provides fast, streamlined operation. For more complex computing and integration to other Trimble sensors and software, the system can be controlled with the Trimble TSC2™ controller.

Availability

The scalable 5800 GPS System is available now from Trimble’s survey distribution network.