Spectra Geospatial is a Trimble brand of land surveying and mapping products which include GNSS, GPS, total stations, data collectors as well as software. For the most part, products under the Spectra brand are developed for the Spectra brand only – i.e. they’re not Trimble products painted blue. The one exception to this rule has been, and continues to be, the Spectra Ranger data collectors.
Spectra Geospatial Ranger 5
The Spectra Ranger 5 is the latest controller from Spectra Geospatial. Utilizing the same hardware and form factor as the Trimble TSC5. Both TSC5 and Ranger 5 are Android-based controllers with 5-inch screen, 2.2 GHz Qualcomm SDA660 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64MB of storage.
At just over 2 pounds it’s a lightweight ultra-rugged field computer with excellent battery performance. Android OS is built specifically for mobile devices and runs flawlessly with Trimble Access and Siteworks. Google Chrome, Google Search and YouTube bring familiar applications to the field.
Both the TSC5 and Ranger 5 feature a single EMPOWER communications port which accepts Trimble EMPOWER modules like the EM120 (2.4GHz radio module for Trimble and Spectra Geospatial robotic instruments).
Optional 4G LTE (WWAN)
Different from the TSC5, the Ranger 5 is currently offered in two configurations: With or without internal cellular modem. The cellular version WWAN (which stands for wireless wide area network) offers Worldwide 4G LTE with 3G fallback, AT&T and Verizon certified.
Both versions of the Ranger 5 offer dual-band, blazing-fast Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can still use your separate phone as a hotspot and save $500 on the Wi-Fi only version.
Ranger 5 / TSC5 Key Features:
- Backlit QWERTY keypad with programmable Function keys
- Bright, anti-glare 5-inch touchscreen, finger, stylus or glove compatible
- Fast & powerful 2.2GHz Qualcomm processor
- All day battery (up to 16 hours per charge)
- Rugged: IP65 and military spec rated (MIL-STD-810H)
- Android 10 Operating System with GMS (Google Mobile Services)
- Bluetooth 5 & Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n/ac & 5.0 GHz a/n/ac)
- Integrated GNSS: GPS/ GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo/QZSS
- EMPOWER module compatible (1 x bay)
- 13 MP Rear Facing Camera
- Light weight: 2.06 pounds (934 g)
- WWAN, 4G LTE, Verizon and AT&T certified**(**optional feature)
Field Software Compatibility:
Both the Ranger 5 and TSC5 are compatible with the following Trimble software:
- Trimble Access 2021 and newer
- Trimble Siteworks ver 1.7 and newer
- Survey Pro | Not compatible
- Spectra Geospatial Origin (Ranger 5 only)
Ranger 5 GPS / GNSS Compatibility
Both the Ranger 5 and TSC5 are compatible with a wide range of Trimble and Spectra hardware. Compatibility with GPS and GNSS receivers is determined by the field software that you choose to install. For example, Access 2021 is compatible with nearly all Trimble GPS receivers. From the older 5700, 5800 and R8, up to the latest GNSS receivers like the R12i, SPS986 and SP85.
Trimble has documented Bluetooth connectivity issues on older receivers like the 5800 and R8 Model 2, as the Bluetooth board in these receivers is quite old and not upgradable. The good news is that Trimble has released receiver firmware 5.37 which corrects this issue for receivers like the R8-3, R8-4 and R8s. 5.37 is also compatible with the R4-3, R6-3 and R6-4 and is a free upgrade for the receivers mentioned above - as long as the receiver was purchased or was under software support in 2010.
Ranger 5 Total Station Compatibility:
Total station compatibility is also determined by which field software you select, so running Access 2021 on the Ranger 5 you'll be ready to run any S series instrument from the S3 to the S9, VX and SX10 / SX12 - as well as a handful of SPS instruments like the SPS620 and the SPS930. Access 2021 will also run the Spectra Focus 50 robotic instrument. Spectra Origin will of course run Spectra FOCUS instruments like the FOCUS 35 and FOCUS 50.
With any of the instruments mentioned, you'll also need to add the EM120 EMPOWER module with 2.4GHz radio.
TSC5 / Ranger 5 Support Links:
- Trimble TSC5 Support Page >>
- Receiver Firmware for older receivers - Geospatial Firmware >>
- GNSS Firmware ver 5.37 Release Notes >>
So Why Buy a Ranger 5 vs TSC5?
Because choosing the right controller can save you $500. While the TSC5 is only offered in a single configuration (WWAN), the Spectra Geospatial Ranger 5 is offered in two configurations; WWAN - which includes an internal 4G cellular modem, or Wi-Fi only. The Wi-Fi Ranger 5 is $500 less than the WWAN version (and TSC5). Other than that, as long as you are running Trimble Access, there is zero difference between the TSC5 and Ranger 5.