Can't get a GPS fix with Trimble and ArcGIS Mobile 10

Question

We are using ArcGIS Mobile 10.0 installed on a Trimble Ranger handheld unit.  The Ranger is running Windows Mobile 5.0 and .NET Compact Framework 3.5.  We have created a test project using ArcGIS Mobile on a desktop and copied it to the Ranger, then opened the project and retrieved data.  Everything is working as expected up to this point.

In the field ArcGIS Mobile will not get a GPS fix.  I googled and found an article stating that ArcGIS Mobile requires the NMEA format and therefore a utility like Trimble GPS Controller must be used to output in NMEA format in order for a Trimble unit to communicate with ArcGIS Mobile.  Timble GPS Controller has been installed on the Ranger and NMEA output is enables in the settings.  The correct COM port is also set.  ArcGIS Mobile still cannot get a fix.

Does anyone have experience with this issue?

DeniseKing62 · Answer

Curt,

Is Ranger X running Windows Mobile 5.0 Firmware v5.0.3? This is a paid upgrade, see Release Notes for details. 
 What version GPS Controller is installed? v2.4x is latest release.

What ProXRT model is yours? Part number determines Model number, see Trimble Product Compatibility Matrix for specific details.   Model 1 = PN 85340-00             Model 2 = PN 85351-00

Have you reviewed Trimble Support Note - GPS Pathfinder ProXRT Receiver: 'Unable to Connect to Receiver Using Cabled Connection'?

Are you connecting the Ranger X to ProXRT using the DB9-Lemo or DB9-DB9 cable? Check out p35-36 of GPS Pathfinder ProXRT User Guide for screenshots and instructions.

Here is link to Trimble Support Note - GPS Pathfinder ProXRT Receiver: 'Configuring NMEA Output'.

What GPS Firmware version is installed on ProXRT? Latest update on Trimble's site is v4.15 GPS Firmware; other resources for ProXRT located here, http://www.trimble.com/pathfinderproxrt_ts.asp?Nav=Collection-54069.

Curt, if these links do not help resolve connecting GPS in ArcGIS Mobile and you are current on maintenance, please submit a support incident with Esri Support and ask to speak with mobile hardware specialist to continue troubleshooting this issue. The analyst can contact me to facilitate access to other resources, including Trimble Support. We want to help you get up and running and out in the field collecting data. 🙂

Cheers,
Denise

CurtWalker · Answer

Curt,

Which Trimble Ranger model do you use? Ranger X or Ranger 3? Does this unit have integrated GPS receiver or are you using external GPS receiver? What is mfg/model info? How are you connected to Ranger and GPS - Bluetooth, USB, Serial? COM2 is the dedicated hardware port for built-in GPS (COM1 is dedicated to external 9-pin) and GPS is compatible w/applications accepting NMEA position info using 9600 baud rate. Visit Trimble website for Trimble Ranger handheld computer User Guides and Manuals.

Cheers,
Denise

Denise,

It's a Ranger X and does not have built-in receiver.  The receiver is a Trimble Pro XR backpack unit.  They are connected via serial cable.  I have spoken with our Trimble representative about this issue.  There are two connection methods which should be working for ArcGIS Mobile 10, but neither of them are.

1. Connection via Port A on the receiver.  This port outputs natively in NMEA so there's no need for an application like GPS Controller to translate the TCIP signal to NMEA.  Unfortunately with this method the receive does not know to wake up and send data.  So ArcGIS Mobile is listening but no data is being sent.

2. Connection via Port B on the receiver.  This port outputs in TCIP.  GPS Controller needs to be running along with ArcGIS Mobile.  NMEA output is set to "ON" in GPS Controller along with the correct port to send data.  Likewise the settings in ArcGIS Mobile must be set to receive on the same port.  So far this method has not worked for us.  ArcGIS Mobile fails to connect to GPS even though GPS Controller is reporting satellites and PDOP.

Strangly we do not have these problems with a GeoXT or Juno.  GPS Controller and ArcGIS Mobile both run simultaneously with no problems.  First I get a fix with GPS Controller, then start ArcGIS Mobile which connects immediately and get's a fix very quickly.

Any ideas on why this is not working with the Ranger/backpack combo?

DeniseKing62 · Answer

Curt,

Which Trimble Ranger model do you use? Ranger X or Ranger 3? Does this unit have integrated GPS receiver or are you using external GPS receiver? What is mfg/model info? How are you connected to Ranger and GPS - Bluetooth, USB, Serial? COM2 is the dedicated hardware port for built-in GPS (COM1 is dedicated to external 9-pin) and GPS is compatible w/applications accepting NMEA position info using 9600 baud rate. Visit Trimble website for Trimble Ranger handheld computer User Guides and Manuals.

Cheers,
Denise