Internet connection using an external modem

This feature is not supported if the controller is an Android device because this type of network connection requires Bluetooth DUN (dial-up networking). The only network connections supported by the Android operating system are Wi-Fi and celluar.

To connect to the Internet by connecting the controller to an external modem or a mobile phone that supports dial-up networking:

  1. In Trimble Access, tap and select Settings / Connections / GNSS contacts.
  2. Tap New.

  3. In the Edit GNSS contact screen, tap next to the Network connection field.

    The Network connection screen appears.

  4. Tap Add. The Create new network connection screen appears.
  5. Enter a Name for the network connection.
  6. If you have not yet connected the controller to the modem or phone, you can do it now:
    1. Tap Config. The Windows Bluetooth settings screen opens.
    2. Make sure Bluetooth is set to On. and then tap Add Bluetooth or other device.
    3. Select Bluetooth as the device type. In the list of devices on the controller, select the name of your phone.

    4. When prompted, tap OK or Connect on each device to confirm the passkey is correct.

      If there is a long list of Bluetooth devices on the controller, swipe down (scroll) to see the passkey confirmation prompt and buttons. The prompt times out after a few seconds, so if you miss it, tap Cancel and repeat steps (c) and (d).

    5. On the controller, tap Done.
    6. Return to the Create new network connection screen and configure the connection settings for the connected modem
  7. In the Bluetooth modem field, select the modem or phone the controller is connected to.

  8. Specify the Access Point Name (APN) for the Internet service provider. This is the service provider that provided the SIM card in the phone or modem.

    To use the Select Access Point Name (APN) wizard, tap and select your country in the Location field, and then select your Provider and plan. Tap Accept. The APN field is updated.

  9. In the Number to dial field, enter *99***1#. The *99***1# is a standard access code for mobile Internet. If you are unable to connect using *99***1#, contact your mobile Internet provider.
  10. If required, enter a Username and Password.

  11. Tap Accept.

    If a message appears warning that details of the dial-up networking service for the Bluetooth device could not be resolved, then the phone or modem may not support dial-up networking. Try connecting creating a connection to the phone using the steps for a smartphone.

    The software returns to the Network connection screen, where you can select the connection you just created and add it to the GNSS contact you will use for the RTK Internet data link. See To create a GNSS contact for a rover Internet data link.