Question 1

What are the main differences between a timing and positioning device?

Accepted Answer

A Trimble timing device is a receiver that calculates the time of transmission and reception of a signal to compute the distance between itself and an object or another receiver. The timing receivers support different radio signals, which provide varying levels of accuracy at different price points. The radio systems choose the most accurate signals available depending upon environment, availability, cost-effectiveness, etc.

Meanwhile, a positioning device is a receiver that calculates its location on Earth by transmitting signals to and receiving them from satellites in orbit around Earth. It uses those calculations to determine its location anywhere on Earth.

Question 2

What are the advantages of using a Trimble standalone GNSS module?

Accepted Answer

Some advantages of using standalone GNSS module are as follows:

Increased Accuracy and Robustness: Compared to receivers that rely on assistance data (aided), standalone GNSS modules generally provide higher accuracy due to the lack of dependency on another receiver. In addition, standalone GNSS modules are more likely to maintain good accuracy in challenging environments, such as under tree cover or in urban canyons.

Extended Battery Life: By using only the GNSS satellite signals for positioning, a standalone GNSS module typically consumes less power than a receiver that also uses other sources of location information, such as Wi-Fi, cell tower triangulation, or Bluetooth. This extended battery life can be important in limited power applications or devices needing to operate for long periods.

Fast Satellite Acquisition: Standalone GNSS modules receive the satellite broadcast messages containing the ephemeris data. The receiver calculates its position based on the location of the satellites and their known positions, which eliminates a time-consuming download of ephemeris data from a base station via cellular or Wi-Fi networks.

Question 3

Where can I find a product comparison sheet on the different Trimble Antennas and Modules?

Accepted Answer

You can compare Trimble Inc. products using this  module comparison chart. The  GPS antenna comparison chart is also helpful in comparing different Trimble GPS provisions. The comparison tables compare interfaces, loan options, timing output, sensitivity, GPS output, and other features of different products.

Question 4

When would I need to use a differential GPS module?

Accepted Answer

A differential GPS module is used to achieve centimeter-level accuracy in your positioning solution. This higher level of accuracy is often required for critical applications such as surveying, mapping, and construction. A differential GPS module receives corrected information from a nearby reference station, which helps to remove errors introduced by the natural variations in the satellite signals and the environment.

Differential GPS eliminates pseudorange errors, which are distance discrepancies and signal delays between a GNSS receiver and a satellite. Although the fundamental functionality of  GPS and differential GPS is the same, the former has a global range while the latter has a local range. Moreover, differential GPS modules are more expensive than their GPS counterparts.

Question 5

Are all GPS antennas the same?

Accepted Answer

All  GPS antennas are different and designed to meet the needs of specific applications. GPS antennas can vary in size, materials, weight, shape, cost, and power consumption.

The antenna type determines how much a GPS module can see from all directions. Active GPS antennas have the advantage of being able to see satellites through buildings and other obstructions, while passive GPS antennas rely on a clear line of sight to the sky.

Question 6

What is meant by GNSS?

Accepted Answer

GNNS refers to  Global Navigation Satellite System, which are space-based satellite navigation systems that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. They are the most common type of positioning system in use today, including the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia's Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS), the European Union's Galileo positioning system, and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

Question 7

How do I choose a GPS antenna?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a Trimble GPS antenna, you should consider the following:

Antenna type: Active vs. Passive GPS antennas offer different features and flexibility. Active antennas require power, while passive GPS antennas are battery-free. Active GPS antennas have higher gain for better sensitivity in challenging environments, such as under tree cover or in urban canyons.
Positioning needs: The number of satellites in view, the size and shape of the antenna, and the environment in which it will be used are all factors to consider when selecting a GPS antenna.
Omni Directionality: Portable tracking devices should be omnidirectional, which means they can receive GPS signals from all directions. This is important for maintaining a consistent lock on satellites, even as the device is moved.
Mounting: How the antenna will be mounted should also be considered, such as on a car or boat or integrated into another device.
Application: An antenna's size, weight, and power consumption are important considerations for applications that require portability or long battery life.
Transmission frequency: The transmission frequency of a GPS antenna can affect its range, size, and price. Different countries have different satellite systems, like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Some GPS antennas can transmit on multiple frequencies with selectable output power.

Question 8

What kinds of GPS Antennas do you carry?

Accepted Answer

At Novotech, we carry a wide range of Trimble GPS antennas, and you can check out our full collection here. For instance, the Bullet GPS Antenna 5V, TNC, is one of the most popular options among buyers.

The Bullet GPS antenna offers the best Trimble navigation and is perfect for manufacturers who need a space-efficient GPS antenna that can be installed and left in place. Some notable features of the antenna include weatherproof housing, filtering for harsh RF jamming environments, and RoHS-II Compliance. It is available in 3.3v (TNC) or 5v (TNC or F)

Question 9

How Is Trimble Stock performing in 2021?

Accepted Answer

The Trimble Inc. stock is performing well, priced at $86.73. Currently, Trimble stock has a rating of 2 out of 5, which could be more to do with the lack of ratings by buyers rather than the actual performance of the stock. While most other companies suffered losses during the pandemic, Trimble experienced an increase of  161.9% in 2020.

Question 10

What is Trimble?

Accepted Answer

Trimble is a publicly-traded company that designs and manufactures a wide range of positioning, navigation, and wireless communication products. Their products are used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction, engineering, surveying, mapping, and transportation. Trimble's headquarters are in Sunnyvale, California.

Trimble's  acquisitions include Pocket Mobile AB, Datacom Software Research, Spectra Precision Group, Tripod Data Systems, Advanced Public Safety, Inc., ALK Technologies, Apache Technologies, @Road, Cengea Solutions Inc., and others.

Some popular products from the company include Copernicus II, RES SMT 360 Carrier Board, ICM SMT 360. Trimble is also used in healthcare infrastructure to improve patient care by streamlining workflows, reducing variability in care processes, and facilitating improved communication.

Meanwhile, in aerospace and government infrastructure, Trimble plays a role in developing autonomous flying vehicles and smart cities. Trimble's products improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of these important initiatives.

Question 11

Who owns Trimble?

Accepted Answer

Charles Trimble founded Trimble in 1978 with two partners from Hewlett Packard. Initially, the company's office was above a movie theater in California. Today, the key people in the company are Robert Painter, the CEO, and David Barnes, the CFO.

Question 12

Where are Trimble modules manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Previously, Trimble tech products were made in the US. But now, the company has offices in more than 40 countries, and some users believe the products are made in Japan or Sweden.

Question 13

Do you offer development kits for the modules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can find development kits on Novotech.com. The development kits for modules come with the necessary tools to get started. Our customers have found that we carry some of the lowest prices for Trimble products. You can find the best deals on our website by browsing through our selection of Trimble modules.

Question 14

What is Trimble used for?

Accepted Answer

Trimble is used in many different industries, such as agriculture, construction, engineering, surveying, mapping, and transportation. The timing equipment sold by Novotech is used to synchronize the time signal in different video and audio recording devices.

Trimble supports the essential work of deploying base stations, towers, and other carrier-grade equipment in telecom infrastructure. The modules are used in wireless backhaul networks to increase carrier-class performance by optimizing the management of data streams.

For instance, the  Acutime 360 Multi-GNSS Smart Antenna is the latest generation Acutime product of GNSS technology contained in a weatherproof and rugged unit. The Multi-GNSS smart antenna is perfect for network synchronization and precise timing needs, such as broadband wireless applications.

Meanwhile, the  Thunderbolt E GPS Disciplined Clock Starter Kit comes with a 75 feet (22.9 m) of RG-6 cable, terminated with TNC connectors on both ends, two power cables (power convertor and unterminated), Trimble Bullet™ antenna (5 V, with TNC connector), ThunderBolt E module, Power converter (24 V DC AC/DC), Power pin adapters, and BNC/M-TNC/F connector 2.

It is a cost-effective timing solution that provides reliable performance even in hostile RF environments.

Question 15

Do I need an account to buy Trimble online?

Accepted Answer

No. You can buy Trimble online without an account at Novotech.com. If you are uncertain about the product you want to buy, you can use our website's online chat feature to ask for advice.

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