Laptop and Trimble Juno 3B

KevinPrickett

I am trying to use the gps receiver of a handheld for location information in Arcpad on a laptop.  I have a Trimble Juno 3B with Arcpad 10 and a Panasonic Tough Book laptop with Arcpad 10.  Both are Bluetooth enabled.  Sharing files, such as a small text file, between the two units is not a problem.  However, I cannot connect the gps receiver on the Trimble for use in ArcPad on the laptop using Bluetooth.  Any help would be appreciated.

Kevin

KevinPrickett

The key to connecting a GPS device (e.g. Trimble Juno 3B) for use in Arcpad on a laptop is the GNSS Connector application (http://www.trimble.com/globalTRLTAB.asp?Nav=Collection-91434, scroll to the bottom of the webpage for program download link). This routes the NMEA data (http://gpsworld.com/what-exactly-is-gps-nmea-data/) from a GPS device to another device, such as a laptop, via Bluetooth or serial cable.
The following is the process I use for Connecting a Juno 3B with ArcPad 10.1 to a Panasonic CF-C2 laptop with ArcPad 10.1 once the GNSS connector program has been loaded.

Trimble Unit: Juno 3B
Arcpad: 10.1
First, check to make sure your GNSS is working and settings are correct.
Open GPS Controller program
(Resource: https://fpimgis.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/resetting-the-gnss-receiver-on-a-trimble-mobile-device.pdf)
On the top, left, click the drop down. Select Setup.
Select GNSS Settings.
GNSS Receiver Port should be COM 4: GPS (This is the port the GNSS receiver is connected to. That is, the GNSS signal is being received in “Com4: GPS.”)
Select Done, at the bottom.
Click GNSS on the top right to connect the GNSS receiver. If the satellite icon does not appear after a few minutes or an error message appears, try a different receiver port.
Select Options in the top left. Disconnect from GNSS. Select Yes.
Note: This was just a test to make sure you received satellite data.

Select GNSS Settings.
Click on the wrench at the bottom.
NMEA Output Settings
(Note: When NMEA-0183 output is enabled, a subset of NMEA-0183 messages can be output to external instruments and equipment connected to the receiver serial ports. These NMEA-0183 messages let external devices use selected data collected or computed by the GNSS receiver. Source: https://www.trimble.com/OEM_ReceiverHelp/V4.44/en/NMEA-0183messages_MessageOverview.html)
Output Interval: 1s
Receiver Port:
Primary: Port 1
Baud Rate: 4800
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Click Done
NMEA Output: On
Click Done
Note: This was just to make sure your NMEA output settings were correct.
Click the Microsoft flag at bottom left.
Click on GNSS Connector
GNSS Connector settings:
NMEA Out: Available
Bluetooth (COM5)
Note: The GNSS program is now active.
Click the Microsoft flag at bottom left.
Click Settings, then Bluetooth
Click Mode at the top. Make sure Turn on Bluetooth and Make this device visible to other devices are checked.
Click OK

Panasonic ToughBook (laptop)
Microsoft icon
All Programs
Bluetooth
Bluetooth settings
Delete any existing device (even if it’s a Trimble unit).
Click New Connection.
Searching for Connection Wizard appears.
Click next.
Trimble unit should be found.
Click next.
Message: Setup of Com40 complete. Setup application software and driver if needed.
Click next.
Click Details
It should state:
Details of Trimble 14
Device Name: Trimble 14
Device Address: 00:08:CA:EB:C2:A8
Device Class: Computer (Handheld PC/PDA(clam shell))
Service Class: Serial Port
Service Name: Serial Port
Provider Name: None

Setting
Port Name: 40
Auto Connect: On
Click OK

Trimble Unit: Juno 3B Number 8
Open GNSS Connector program.
Click Connect.

Panasonic ToughBook
In the Bluetooth setting, double click Trimble14.
Trimble Unit: Juno 3B Number 8
Message “Juno 3B wants to connect with your device using Bluetooth. Do you want to add Juno 3B to your device list?”
Click “Yes”
Enter a passcode (make one up and remember it) to establish a secure connection.
Click next
Panasonic ToughBook
Bluetooth Security Manager dialogue appears
Enter the passcode you just made up
Click OK
Trimble Unit: Juno 3B Number 8
After a few seconds, message appears “Device added.”
Panasonic ToughBook
Open ArcPad
Click Existing Map or New Map
GPS
GPS preferences
Port Com40:BT Port
OK (This sets the port for GPS data receiving).
GPS
GPS Active
You should see that ArcPad is receiving satellite data. Open the GPS Position Window to see satellite information.

To disconnect, click “Disconnect” on Trimble.