Trimble TCU5
Trimble TCU5
Trimble TCU5
Controller
Revision B
August, 2020
P/N 57104001-ENG
► Service safety
► Distraction
► Operation
► Touchscreen glass
Read this guide for important safety and health information that apply to the Trimble® TCU5 controller
that you have purchased. Keep all printed guides for future reference. Failure to follow instructions and
properly set up, use, and care for this product can increase the risk of serious injury or death, or damage
to the device or devices.
Service safety
C WARNING – Do not attempt to take apart, open, service, or modify the product, accessories, or
power supply. Doing so could present the risk of electric shock or other hazard. Any evidence of
any attempt to open and/or modify this device, including any peeling, puncturing, or removal of
any of the labels, will void the Limited Warranty.
Distraction
C WARNING – Using the device in some circumstances can distract you and may cause a
dangerous situation. Observe rules that prohibit or restrict the use of mobile devices (for
example, avoid operating the device while driving a vehicle).
Operation
C CAUTION – If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Trimble, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Touchscreen glass
C CAUTION – The touchscreen on this device is made of glass. This glass could break if the device
is dropped on a hard surface or receives a significant impact. If the glass chips or cracks, do not
touch or attempt to remove the broken glass. Cracked or chipped glass due to misuse or abuse is
not covered under the product’s limited warranty.
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power supply safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Service safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safe environments of use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Distraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Touchscreen glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About the Trimble TCU5 Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Related information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
In the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3 Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The main Android interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adding apps to a Home screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Removing apps from a Home screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Uninstalling apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
► Related information
► Technical support
► Registration
► In the box
This user guide describes how to use the Trimble TCU5 controller powered by the Android™ operating
system. The information in this guide supplements the information in the Quick Start Guide, which you
receive in the box with the device.
Even if you have used other Trimble® handheld or field computers before, Trimble recommends that you
spend some time reading this guide to learn about the special features of the product.
Throughout this user guide the Trimble TCU5 Controller will be referred to as the controller.
C WARNING – Before you use this product, make sure that you have read and understood all safety
requirements. Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or
other injury, or damage to the device and/or other property. For more information refer to Safety
Information, page 3 of this guide.
Related information
For more information about this product, please go to www.trimble.com.
Technical support
If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation, please
contact your local distributer or request technical support at www.trimble.com.
Registration
To receive information regarding updates and new products, contact your local dealer or visit the
Trimble customer registration website at www.trimble.com/register or go to
http://mytrimbleprotected.com/cc/productsRegistration.html. When you register your device, you can
select the newsletter, upgrade, or new product information.To register your device, you will need the
serial number. The serial number is a unique number for your controller and is located on a label on the
back side of the controller.
In the box
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Item Description
1 TCU5 Controller, including screen protector
2 Docking Station Model 2
3 Stylus with tether cord and extra tip
4 Power Supply
5 Declaration of conformity
6 Warranty activation card
7 Quick Start Guide/Regulatory Information Document
8 Hirose-to-USB (PC) cable
9 Hirose-to-USB stick cable or compact flash card reader
Features
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Item Description
1 Touch screen display with screen protector
2 Stylus
3 Speaker
4 Android Overview key. Opens thumbnails of items you've worked with recently.
5 On/Off key:
Press to turn on. If on, long press to open the power menu.
Short press for sleep mode. If in sleep mode, short press to wake device.
6 Android Back key. Returns to the previous screen you were working in.
7 Android Home key. Returns to the Home screen.
8 D-Pad. Controls up, down, left and right direction.
9 Enter key
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Item Description
1 Catch
2 Identification label
3 Power and communication connectors
4 Lock release
5 Regulatory label
► Operation
► Power modes
► Touchscreen
► Display settings
This section tells you how to get started using your controller and explains some basic operating system
features.
Operation
The controller does not have an internal battery for operation. It needs to be connected to a power
source.
The controller can be connected to the following power sources:
• Trimble S5, S7 or S9 total station
• Robotic Holder Model 2
• Docking Station Model 2
To avoid restarting the controller when it is moved between power sources, it can be set in suspend
mode.
When the controller is in suspend mode and has been removed from the power source, it needs to be
reconnected to a power source within 15 seconds to avoid a reboot.
To move the controller between two power sources without reboot:
1. Press and hold the on/off key until the power menu appears.
2. Select Suspend.
In the Office
The items needed to set up the controller in the office are delivered with the product:
• Docking Station Model 2
• Power supply
• Hirose-to-USB (PC) cable
The Docking Station will work as an interface for the power supply to the controller and communication
to and from the controller.
C CAUTION – The power supply for the Docking Station Model 2 is intended for indoor use only
and shall not be exposed to moisture or liquids.
Attaching
To attach the controller to the Docking Station:
1. Hook the catches in place on the Docking Station.
2. Push towards the Docking Station until it locks in place.
Detaching
To detach the controller from the Docking Station:
3. Push the lock release to unlock from the Docking Station.
4. Remove from the Docking Station.
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Connecting
When the controller is attached to the Docking Station, power supply and communication can be
connected to the Docking Station.
To connect a power supply:
1. Select and connect the correct mains adapter to your power supply.
2. Connect the power supply to main power.
3. Attach the power supply Hirose connector to the connector on the Docking Station marked +12 Volt.
To connect communication:
4. Attach the Hirose-to-USB (PC) cable to the connector on the Docking Station marked COM.
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In the Field
For power supply and communication in the field, the controller can be attached to a Trimble S5, S7 and
S9 total station; or a Robotic Holder Model 2.
Power modes
C CAUTION – If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Trimble, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Sleep mode
If you don’t use the controller for a few minutes, the screen may turn off and the device goes into a
power-saving Sleep state. Sleep allows your device to resume quickly when you want to start working
again.
To force your device to Sleep, press the On/Off key.
Touchscreen
Your controller can be easily operated with the touchscreen (using your fingers, a stylus, or a glove).
The table below describes the main touchscreen input gestures and functions supported on this device.
Press and hold Press and hold Shows a menu with options related to what you’re doing
your finger or the (like right-clicking with a mouse). On the pop-up menu that
stylus down for a appears, tap the action you want to perform.
few seconds.
Slide / swipe Slide / swipe Quickly move your finger across the surface of the screen,
your finger or the without pausing when you first touch it, to scroll a page or a
stylus across the list up or down. Scrolls vertically or horizontally.
screen.
Drag Drag your finger Hold your finger or the stylus on an item for a moment and
or the stylus then, without lifting your finger/the stylus, move across the
across the screen until you reach the target position.
screen. Drag in a list to select multiple items.
Drag items on the screen to reposition them.
Swipe from top Swipe down from Displays the Notifications bar.
the top of the
screen.
Touchscreen mode
For best touchscreen performance, the touchscreen can be set to different modes depending on your
choice.
To change the touchscreen mode:
1. Press and hold the On/Off key until the selection menu appears.
2. Depending on your preferred choice, select between:
– Touch: Wet, stylus. Offers best performance when using the stylus.
– Touch: Wet, finger/glove. Offers best performance when using your fingers or glove.
– Touch: Generic mode. Offers the best average performance when alternating between stylus,
fingers or glove.
3. The selection is confirmed.
NOTE – The Generic mode is the default setting. Each time the controller is restarted, it will start in
Generic mode.
Display settings
► Using Apps
► Power menu
This section introduces some basic information on using the Android 7.1 operating system on the
Controller.
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Item Description
1 Notifications. To see notifications, swipe down from the top of the screen with one
finger or once with stylus.
2 Status bar & Settings. The status bar shows the Wi-Fi signal strength the time and
active settings.
To open all Settings swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap the Settings icon.
To open Quick Settings (frequently used to settings), swipe down from the top of the
screen twice with one finger/stylus, or once with two fingers.
3 Android Overview key. Opens thumbnails of items you've worked with recently. To
open an item, tap it. To close an application, swipe it left or right or tap x in its top right
corner.
4 Android Back key. Returns to the previous screen you were working in, even if it was in
a different app. Once you are back on the Home screen, you can't go back any further.
5 Android Home key. Returns to the Home screen.
6 Apps launcher. Opens the Apps screen.
7 Home screen. To move between Home screens if you have more than one, swipe left or
right.
Uninstalling apps
To uninstall an app permanently from your device:
1. Select Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Apps.
3. Tap on the app you want to uninstall.
4. Select Uninstall.
Using Apps
To see all your apps, including those that come with your device and those you downloaded, tap the App
launcher on a Home screen:
On the Apps screen:
• To open an app, tap its icon.
• To place an app icon on a Home screen, see Adding apps to a Home screen.
Power menu
Press and hold the On/Off key to make the power menu available.
The following can be selected from the power menu:
• Power off: Turns controller off.
• Restart: Restarts the controller.
• Clean Touch Screen: Disables the touchscreen so that it can be cleaned.
• Suspend: Enables the controller to be moved from one power source to another without rebooting.
The controller needs to be reconnected to a power source within 15 seconds to avoid reboot.
• Touch: Wet, stylus: Offers best performance when using the stylus.
• Touch: Wet, finger/glove: Offers best performance when using your fingers or glove.
• Touch: Generic mode: Offers the best performance when alternating between stylus, fingers or
glove.
• Touch: Update FW: Updates the touchscreen firmware.
Updates
► Wireless Data Communication
► Firmware Update
This section describes how to connect the controller for data communication and update.
Wi-Fi
By using Wi-Fi you can connect to a wireless network and browse the Internet, download apps, send
email messages, access online services, or access other computers and devices on your network.
Before you can send and receive data over Wi-Fi, you need to turn on Wi-Fi on your controller and
connect to a wireless network.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
1. Select Settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi
3. To see available networks, tap the slide bar to turn on Wi-Fi.
4. A list of available wireless networks appears.
5. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.
6. If the network is secured you are prompted to enter a password.
Once you are connected:
• Connected shows under the network name.
• The Wi-Fi network is a Saved network. When in range, your device automatically connects to it.
1. Select Settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi.
3. Select Settings by tapping the settings icon.
4. Tap an available setting option:
– Select Saved networks to see a list of your saved networks.
– Select Network notification On to get a notification when your device finds a Wi-Fi network to
which it can connect.
– Select Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep to select if Wi-Fi should be on in sleep mode:
– Always on
– Only when plugged in
– Never
Here you can also view the MAC address and IP address.
To change network:
1. Swipe down from the status bar.
2. Tap the drop-down arrow next to the Wi-Fi icon to see available networks.
3. Tap on the network name of your choice to change network.
Airplane mode
If you are traveling on an airplane, use Airplane mode to turn off all wireless radios with transmitting
features built into the controller.
To turn Airplane mode on or off:
1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap Airplane mode to turn it on. If it is on, tap to turn it off.
USB Cable
You can transfer data to a device powered by a Windows® operating system or to a MacOS device using
the Hirose-to-USB (PC) cable supplied with the controller.
Firmware Update
To update the firmware the controller needs have access to the Internet:
NOTE – Updating the firmware will not affect any data on the controller.
1. Select Settings.
2. Scroll down and select About tablet.
3. Select Check for update.
4. Swipe down from top of the display to open the Notification bar.
5. Select Upgrade to start.
6. The progress of the upgrade will be displayed.
7. When the upgrade is complete, you will be prompted to Reboot the controller to activate the update.