OnStation and Trimble GNSS Receiver FAQs
Connect your Trimble GNSS receiver to the OnStation mobile app to unlock high-precision stationing and documentation in the field. Here are answers to common questions about the integration.
Integration & Compatibility
Q: Does OnStation connect directly to Trimble receivers?
No. OnStation relies on location data provided by the Trimble Mobile Manager (TMM) app, which acts as a bridge between your receiver and the app. OnStation automatically uses this external data — no additional setup inside it is required.
Q: Which Trimble receivers are supported?
Most models—like R1, R2, R10/R12, R580, R750, SPS876, among others—are compatible with TMM. Many support RTX correction services too.
Q: What do I need to get started?
- An active OnStation license
- Trimble GNSS receiver (R1/R2/R10/R12/SPS series)
- Mobile device with Bluetooth + Location Services
- Trimble Mobile Manager installed
- OnStation app updated
- Active correction subscription (RTK, RTX, or SBAS)
Accuracy & Performance
Q: What accuracy can I expect with a Trimble GNSS receiver?
With proper correction sources (RTK, SBAS, RTX), you can achieve sub-foot to sub-inch accuracy — a major improvement over typical smartphone GPS, which ranges from 3–10 meters.
Q: How long does it take for a Trimble receiver to converge?
Convergence times depend on the model and correction service:- Multi-frequency, multi-constellation receivers often converge within 1–3 minutes.
- Simpler receivers may take up to 15 minutes.
After brief signal loss, reconvergence is rapid.
Q: Can I start working before convergence finishes?
It’s technically possible—but not recommended. Wait at least a minute to ensure full RTK/RTX convergence before recording precise locations.
Q: Does the receiver need to be stationary during convergence?
No. You can move around during convergence. However, open-sky areas free of obstructions accelerate the process.
Settings & Services
Q: Why does my receiver ask to choose between different base stations?
If using Access with an RTK receiver (like R12i), you may see prompts when overlapping base station signals are detected. Use Arc “auto-connect base” or deactivate less relevant stations to prevent confusion.
Q: What correction services are available?
- Trimble offers:
RTX (CenterPoint, FieldPoint, ViewPoint, xFill) - RTK (single-base or network/VRS)
- SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS) — lower accuracy
- These services use multi-constellation corrections (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS).
Q: Can RTX work when satellite visibility is blocked?
You can use Internet-based (NTRIP) correction as a backup when satellite-delivered RTX is blocked — ideal under tree cover or in urban canyons.
App
Q: How does OnStation surface accuracy status?
OnStation displays live GPS accuracy near the top-right GPS icon—updated in real-time using Trimble GNSS data via TMM.
Q: What do the GNSS status colors mean?
Red: no fix or just tracking satellites
Yellow: using corrections, ~0.5 m–5 cm accuracy
Green: high-accuracy (≤ user threshold, default ~5 cm)
Benefits
Q: What are common field benefits of this integration?
- Precise stationing on plansheets
- GPS-tagged documentation with reliable location
- Improved inspections and issue reporting
- Consistent positioning across team member