Trimble T100 - Radio Troubleshooting Guide

Trimble T100 - Radio Troubleshooting Guide

This Support Note is a troubleshooting guide to resolve the connection and limited range issues between the EM120 radio module and a controller, the EM120 radio module, and a Robotic Total Station. The following are some basic troubleshooting steps that should, in most cases, resolve connectivity and range issues.

Basic Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing connection or range issues with your T100 radio, there are a few basic steps we can begin with to verify the issue.

1. Open the Empower Hub from the Windows Start menu. If the EM120 module doesn't show up for either connection, move to section 2.  If you do see the EM120 module, move to section 3.


Radio Not Connected To Tablet

If the EM120 radio is not displayed in the list of modules via the Empower software, please follow the steps below.

  1. Close all programs and software on the tablet, and then open the Empower Module Hub from the Windows Start Menu.
  2. Remove the radio from the tablet by unscrewing the module, and disconnecting it from the tablet. Then, reconnect the radio, and see if it shows up in the Empower Module Hub. Generally, you should hear a sound from Windows indicating that it has discovered and connected to the new hardware.
  3. If the module does not show up, power off the tablet, and remove the EM120 radio.
  4. With the EM120 radio disconnected, power on the tablet, until you see the Windows desktop on the display.
  5. Reconnect the radio to the tablet, and tighten the screws. If sound is enabled on your tablet, you should hear a sound confirming the device is connected.
  6. Open the Empower Module Hub, and check to see if the EM120 module is connected. If the device still is not connected, follow the steps above, and try connecting the EM120 module to the other port on the tablet. If that still fails, move to Advanced Troubleshooting in Section 3.
  7. If the EM120 module is connected, open FieldLink, and verify that you can select the "RTS" option. Verify the module is working correctly by connecting to your RTS unit.

Advance Troubleshooting

  1. Run all windows 10 updates with the radio module connected.
  2. Make sure to restart the tablet for the updates to take effect and check for updates again.
    1. Check the pins on the radio module and contacts on the tablet to make sure they are
      clean, free of debris, and not damaged.
  3. Make sure the tablet is not in “Airplane” mode.
    1. If the tablet was set to “Airplane” mode, take it out of airplane mode and restart the
      tablet twice.
  4. Update Trimble Software (Trimble FieldLink). Older versions of Trimble software were known to cause the EM120 module settings to change, causing range and connection issues. So, even if the reset tool is used, older software may continue to change the settings. Updating to the latest software may resolve this issue.
  5. Check battery levels of the tablet or controller and the Total Station. Batteries with less
    than a 10% charge are known to cause intermittent connection or limited range issues.
  6. Swap antennas, if possible, to test range and connection with a known good antenna. A
    damaged antenna is known to cause intermittent connection and limited range issues.
    Antennas may be damaged, even with no visual appearance of damage. One cause is
    improper antenna installation, such as turning the antenna instead of the nut at the
    antenna base, damaging the connector on the EM120 module.
    NOTE: Always keep a spare, working antenna that has been tested and validated to work
    correctly. These industry-standard antennas are wear items with an expected lifespan of about one year. Some antennas may last longer; however, the center pin and cable do wear with repeated bending at the knuckle when orientating the antenna perpendicular to the ground. When this interior break occurs, it will not be visible, and you may unknowingly use a damaged antenna.
  7. If possible, swap EM120 modules with a known working module, if possible. This will confirm if the problem follows the module or the controller.

Updating Empower Software & Firmware

  1. Update Trimble EMPOWER module components via the steps below.
    1. Download and install the Empower.Hub-v1.0.0.674.msi
    2. Download and install the EM120SupportPkg-v1.0.16.62.msi
    3. Restart the Tablet after installing the Empower Hub and EM120 Support pkg
    4. Download and run the EM120Reset.exe
    5.  Start FieldLink and check for the RTS icon.

NOTE: If these steps fail to remedy the issue, please give us a call, reach out to your BuildingPoint
Representative, or open a new support ticket.







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