THE MAKEUP OF THE TRIMBLE RANGER .............................................................................................. 12
Unit Setup .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Charge the PowerBoot Module .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Attach the PowerBoot Module ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Attach the hand strap .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Applying and Removing Power .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Battery life ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Charging the PowerBoot: ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Swapping the PowerBoot Module ........................................................................................................................16
Using the stylus .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Touch and hold ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Accessing Storage Memory using File Explorer ................................................................................................................ 17
The Start menu (for customers running Badger reading software without admin access) ........................................... 17
Date & Time Setting ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Touchscreen Care ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
The Reading Cycle ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Restarting the Unit .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Starting the ReadCenter Field Application Software ....................................................................................................... 19
ReadCenter Main Menu .......................................................................................................................... 23
Communications with the Badger Reading Data Management Software ......................................... 23
Route Info screen ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Meter Reading ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Log In screen ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
The Read Screen .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Gathering Meter Readings .................................................................................................................................................. 29
Processing the ORION Meter Reading ................................................................................................................................ 30
Clearing a Tamper ................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Switching to Manual Mode Meter Reading ....................................................................................................................... 32
Starting the Reading Process for a Manual Meter ............................................................................................................ 33
Manual Meter Reading ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
Manual Meter Reading Direction ....................................................................................................................................... 33
High and Low Limits for Manual Meter Readings ............................................................................................................. 34
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Advancing the Display ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
Error Conditions – Stopped Meters and Reverse Flow ...................................................................................................... 36
Other Reading functions – The Reading Menu .................................................................................................................. 39
Search by Route ................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Text Messages ...................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Viewing High and Low Audit Values ................................................................................................................................... 51
Battery Info .......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Displayable Field Settings Screen ...................................................................................................................................... 57
Customizations Settings screens (1 to 3) ........................................................................................................................... 58
Entering New Accounts ....................................................................................................................................................... 59
Searching for a Route .......................................................................................................................................................... 61
Progress Reporting by Route .............................................................................................................................................. 62
Summary of the Meter Reading Process ............................................................................................................................ 63
PROGRAMMING METERS USING THE TRIMBLE RANGER ..................................................................... 64
Programming Badger Meter ORION® Transmitters ........................................................................................................... 64
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Trimble® Ranger™
Reading the Transmitter Through the Optical Port........................................................................................................... 66
Starting the Badger Meter ORION® Transmitter without the Programmer .................................................................... 66
Using the Programmer to start a Transmitter ................................................................................................................... 67
Stopping a Transmitter ........................................................................................................................................................ 67
Changing the Odometer setting ......................................................................................................................................... 68
Example: Changing the Odometer .................................................................................................................................... 68
When You Call the Technical Support Hotline ................................................................................................................... 76
What To Report To Technical Support ................................................................................................................................ 76
Faxing the Technical Support Group .................................................................................................................................. 77
E-Mailing the Technical Support Group ............................................................................................................................. 77
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Introduction
The Trimble® Ranger™ handheld computer is a flexible and easy-to-use tool, which can be used with various meter reading
technologies. It provides utilities with a handheld interrogator that can be operated with a customized keypad for data entry.
The Trimble handheld can gather and accept:
•Meter readings from meters equipped with Badger Meter ORION® and Badger Meter GALAXY® endpoints.
•Meter readings that are visually read and manually entered.
•Meter readings from the VersaProbe™ universal probe for touch read meters and registers.
About This Manual
The Installation and Operation Manual is designed to help you learn how to use the Trimble handheld effectively.
IMPORTANT: To provide the best solution for our customers, Badger Meter continually improves software applications and
updates this Installation and Operation Manual on a periodic basis to reflect upgrades. Therefore, you may notice discrepancies between your installed application and this manual.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation. No FCC license is required by a utility to operate a Badger Meter ORION® meter reading
system.
Any changes made, but not approved by Badger Meter, can void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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Trimble® Ranger™
The following Hot Keys can be pressed to make finding and bookmarking of accounts easier for the operator:
Read Screen
KeyAssoc. Hot KeyOn-screen usageAssoc. Hot Key (double/single-tap)
A--Auto-mode
BBOOKMARK--Toggle Bookmark
C--Next Bookmark
DRD DIRECTToggle route reading direction.
ERESEQResequence (unimplemented)
FRTSTARTRoute Start
G--
HHI/LOView High/Low reads for current account.
I--
J--Encoder Error processing
KSETTINGSSettings Screen
L--
MMAN RDManual Read entry
NMESSAGENext Account
O--Read extended comment from CONNECT
P--Previous Account
QPROGRESSProgress
RRD CDReader Code
SSEARCHSearch
TTRBL CODETrouble Code
UUNREADNext Unread
WNXT SKIPNext Skipped
X--Tamper Processing
Y--Zero or Rvrs Flow processing
ZSKIPToggle Skipped
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Manual Organization
The manual is divided into these sections:
•Introduction
•Glossary
•The Makeup of the Trimble Ranger
•Detailed Operations
•What If Things Go Wrong
The Glossary section will provide definitions of the terminology for automatic meter reading.
The “Makeup of the Trimble Ranger” section describes all pertinent features.
The “Detailed Operations” describes Trimble Ranger functions.
The “What If Things Go Wrong” section details the steps needed to troubleshoot problem instances.
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Trimble® Ranger™
GLOSSARY
The following is common Trimble Ranger terminology.
TERMDEFINITION
BadgerTouch®Badger Meter’s touch product.
A comment code is a message from the office to the meter reader that is displayed
Comment code
Encoder Error
Field
Final read
Main menu
Module
Programming menu
Quick read
Potential leak
Reader Codes
Reading menu
RouteA list of meters to read.
Route management software
Route progress
as soon as the meter is displayed on the read screen. The possible messages are
defined and maintained by the user in Badger Meter Reading Data Management
Software and chosen from the defined list.
An Encoder Error is a reading (ORION radio or touch read) in which one or more of
the number wheels in the mechanical encoder can’t be read. There are two common causes of encoder errors. The first is based on an improper alignment of the
number wheels in the encoder and the second is a component failure inside the encoder. If the error is caused by a misalignment of the number wheels, the error can
be cleared by running consumption and changing the reading value of the number
wheel causing the error. If the encoder error occurs at the same account over two
or more continuous reading cycles, the encoder has most likely failed and should be
replaced. When an encoder error is reported by ORION, you have the option of logging a trouble code, performing a manual read, skip this meter, or accepting the last
correct reading stored by the ORION endpoint. Since a touch read module does not
store readings, when a touch encoder error occurs, your options are to log a trouble
code, skip this meter, or perform a manual read.
A piece of information in the Trimble Ranger, such as the service address or the meter serial number, that resides on the screen.
A meter reading that is taken as a customer moves from one location to another in
order to send the customer their final bill.
The screen in the Trimble Ranger that is displayed immediately after the display of
the Copyright screen.
In general, an electronic product used to report a meter’s reading. For example,
the Badger Meter ORION® electronics which is needed to perform a radio read, is an
example of a module.
A specific menu within the Badger Meter AMR Software that allows programming of
modules.
A feature that allows the operator to capture a reading for a specific module. The
quick read function is available for touch modules or Badger Meter ORION endpoints. When quick reading Badger Meter ORION endpoints, you can also display
the readings from up to 50 of the endpoints in range of your Badger Meter ORION
receiver, not just one endpoint.
A status reported by an ORION endpoint showing that the meter has registered
continuous flow and may have a potential leak.
Reader codes consist of up to three messages to the utility office for each meter to
be read. The possible messages are defined in Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software and chosen by the meter reader from the defined list.
The Trimble Ranger screen holding the list of different functions that you can perform when reading meters
The software product or system that loads route information into the computer, and
accepts completed meter readings from the handheld computer.
The function that displays the number of meters read in the current route, along
with other related information.
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TERMDEFINITION
Send readings
The function that prepares gathered meter readings and transfers them to the Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software.
ServiceThe type of utility being measured by the meter, for example Water, Gas or Electric.
SettingsThe values that can be changed by the user to control behavior to certain functions.
Tamper
Text message
Trouble code
VersaProbe™
A status reported by a Badger Meter ORION endpoint showing that the lead line
between the register and the endpoint is cut or shorted.
A message entered by the meter reader to be sent to the utility office via the Badger
Meter Reading Data Management Software.
A message that is chosen by the meter reader from a list stored in the Trimble
Ranger and sent to the utility office describing a condition or status at the meter.
A meter reading wand that can be used with the Trimble Ranger to read touch modules.
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Trimble® Ranger™
THE MAKEUP OF THE TRIMBLE RANGER
The Trimble Ranger is made up of a number of functions that all work together to perform meter reading quickly and easily.
Review the following section to familiarize yourself with the hardware that makes up the Trimble Ranger..
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Unit Setup
Charge the PowerBoot Module
The PowerBoot Module™ that contains the batteries is shipped detached from the unit. Before operating the Trimble Ranger,
the PowerBoot should be charged. The AC charger that ships with your unit has adapters to fit most electrical outlets. Connect
the appropriate outlet adapter to the AC charger. Plug the charger into an electrical outlet and plug the barrel end of the charger into the PowerBoot. Charge the PowerBoot Module for approximately 4.5 hours.
Be sure to always use the charger included with your unit. Use of other chargers will void warranty.
Attach the PowerBoot Module
Align the PowerBoot Module with the unit, with the contacts facing down. Insert the top end of the PowerBoot Module first
as shown, and then drop the PowerBoot Module into the unit. Secure by firmly tightening the two screws with a coin or a
screwdriver.
Attach the hand strap
Insert one end of the hand strap onto the two small bolts located on the back of the unit.
Stretch the strap and insert the other end onto the two bolts located near the bottom of the PowerBoot Module.
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Trimble® Ranger™
Applying and Removing Power
To turn the unit on, press and release the green Power key on the lower left hand corner of the keypad. To turn the unit off,
press and release the Power key again.
One of the most convenient features of the unit is “instant on” and “instant off” (also known as “suspend/resume”). There is no
waiting for the unit to boot up every time it is turned on. “Instant on” does not occur on the first boot-up. When the unit first
turns on, the message “Tap the screen to set up your Windows Mobile-based device” will appear.
Password – Lock (Optional)
A password is not needed unless concerns arrise about unauthorized use. To eliminate using a password, tap Skip. Badger
Meter recommends not assigning passwords to prevent the loss of reading data. See the warning on the next page that describes factory-default settings.
If you opt for password protection, the password must be entered every time you turn the unit on, or use the Power key to
resume operation.
BE CERTAIN TO REMEMBER THE PASSWORD.
The only way to recover from a forgotten or lost password is to call the technical support group. Please refer to the section
“What If Things Go Wrong” for assistance in case of a forgotten or lost password.
Battery Conservation
The Trimble Ranger conserves battery power by turning itself off when not in use. The Off function on the main menu also removes power. Pressing any key on the keypad for a few seconds will turn the unit back on and the will show the same screen
that was displayed when the unit turned off.
Note that when the Trimble Ranger is on the Read screen or the Quick Read screen, it will NOT turn off automatically, because
the Badger Meter ORION Reading functions are active. If you wish to conserve the battery, be sure to return to the main
menu.
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PowerBoot Module
The PowerBoot includes the batteries to power the unit, the power port used to charge the unit, and the I/O ports that are
used to communicate with other devices using a USB or serial cable.
Battery life
The Trimble Ranger has been designed to operate with the internal BlueTooth® and 802.11 wireless communication features
and will automatically turn them off when not in use. Do not turn these wireless features on unless instructed. Leaving these
wireless options on will reduce battery life.
Tips for extending the battery life:
-Use the backlight only when necessary. Use the Fn + Power keys to toggle the backlight on and off. Tap Start /
Settings / System / Backlight to minimize the amount of time the backlight stays on when the unit is idle. Also, a
brighter backlight uses more power than a dim setting.
-When working in cold temperatures, keep the unit as warm as possible.
Charging the PowerBoot:
The PowerBoot can be charged when installed or separately from the main unit. Connect the appropriate outlet adapter to
the AC charger. Plug the charger into an electrical outlet and plug the barrel end of the charger into the PowerBoot.
The unit will be fully charged in approximately 4.5 hours. The acceptable temperature range for charging the battery is between +5°C and +35°C (+41°F and +95°F).
The PowerBoot Module also has an LED that provides an indication of charging status.
The LED states are shown in the following table.
Normal usage:
Off No charger present or it is unplugged
Fast blink Fast charge
Slow blink Topoff charge
OnCharging complete
Error conditions:
1 - 2 short flashes * Temperature out of range for charging
3 short flashes Wrong charger
Note: If the fully-charged unit is still connected to the charger, the status found in Settings / System / Power will report
the battery power remaining as if the unit were still on battery power.
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Trimble® Ranger™
Swapping the PowerBoot Module
The PowerBoot is designed to be quickly swapped in the field (if you have purchased additional PowerBoot Modules). If the
current PowerBoot Module runs low, replace it and continue with your w ork.
The unit saves enough power that if you swap the PowerBoot within a couple of minutes, it will not trigger a reset. If the saved
power runs out before the new PowerBoot is connected, the unit will reset. This will not impact saved data, programs or configuration, however unsaved data will be lost and the time will need to be reset.
To change a PowerBoot Module, perform the following steps:
1. Remove the hand strap from the PowerBoot.
2. Ensure the unit is turned on. (The unit will automatically turn itself o when you loosen the screws in the next step.)
3. Use a screwdriver or a coin to unlock the two screws on the PowerBoot Module by turning them counter-clockwise
until the PowerBoot can be removed. Unscrewing the screws turns the unit o and puts it in a special state that prevents it from turning on for alarms and notications.
4. Remove the PowerBoot Module by taking it out of the unit. Be careful to not press the Power key while the PowerBoot is detached.
5. Quickly insert the new PowerBoot onto the unit.
6. Fasten the PowerBoot securely into place by turning the two screws clockwise.
7. Replace the hand strap.
8. Turn the unit ON to resume operation.
Note: The screws MUST be tightened securely before turning the unit on or it will not turn on.
Using the stylus
The touch screen on your unit works like a mouse on a PC. Use the stylus to navigate and select objects on the screen. Tap: Tap
the screen with the stylus to select or open an item.
Tapping is equivalent to clicking the left mouse button on your PC
Touch and hold
When you touch and hold, a circle of dots appears around the stylus to indicate that a pop-up menu will soon appear. Touching and holding is equivalent to clicking the right button on the PC mouse.
Drag
Hold the stylus on the screen and drag across the screen to select text and images. Drag in a list to select multiple items.
Storage Memory
Unlike many handheld computers which can lose data if they lose power, all your data is stored in non-volatile memory. Losing power will not impact saved data or configurations other than the real time clock. If the battery is removed for 30 seconds
or more, the user will be prompted to enter a current time and date. This must be done prior to operating the READCENTER®
Field Applications.
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Accessing Storage Memory using File Explorer
File Explorer (Start / Programs / File Explorer) allows browsing of the contents of folders on your unit. To easily delete, rename,
or copy an item, touch and hold the item.
NOTE: Unlike desktop PCs, Windows Mobile® 5.0 does not support a Recycle Bin. Once a file is deleted, it cannot be recovered.
The Start menu (for customers running Badger Meter reading software without admin access)
From the Start menu, select Programs, Settings, and Help topics.
To display the Start Menu, from the top of any screen, tap Start.
Note: This screen represents Trimble Ranger without the Admin Access Software.
The (left) screen shows the folder holding all Badger Meter applications. Tap on the folder with the stylus.
The next screen shows the different Badger Meter applications.
Note: This screen represents Trimble Ranger without the Admin Access Software.
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Trimble® Ranger™
Date & Time Setting
During training, the Trimble Ranger will be started and the initial settings will be completed by your trainer. These initial settings include setting the time, the date, the time zone, and the unit’s name. Each Trimble Ranger will have a unique name to
make loading and unloading easier.
To update the time or date, use the Date function in Windows Mobile, accessed by clicking Start / Settings / Clocks and
Alarms.
Touchscreen Care
Use the screen protectors included with the unit to keep the touch screen clean and protected. To apply a screen protector,
first clean the display thoroughly. Peel the backing from the screen protector. Align the edge, and then drop the remainder
onto the display. Use a credit card, if necessary, to squeeze the air from underneath the screen protector.
Use only the included stylus or other devices designed specifically for use with touch screens. The use of ballpoint pens, nails,
or other sharp objects to operate the touch screen will scratch and/or damage the unit. Do not apply any cleaner directly to
the display. Do not use any abrasive cleaners. Abrasives may scratch touch screens. Keep the touch screen clean by gently wiping the display, using a soft cloth dampened by either clean water or glass cleaner.
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Detailed Operations
The Reading Cycle
Using the Trimble Ranger for meter reading is easy. The reading cycle consists of these steps:
1. From Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software, use the Load Collector function to send the meter information.
2. From the Main Menu of the Trimble Ranger press the “R” key to begin the meter reading.
3. From the Copyright Screen of the Trimble Ranger, insert a USB memory stick into the Trimble Ranger and then press
the “L” key to unload your meter readings to the memory stick.
4. STEP 4 – Plug the USB memory stick into the computer running the Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software and use that program’s functionality to read in the meter readings from the memory stick.
Restarting the Unit
There may be cases when you need to reboot, or restart the Trimble Ranger. To perform a restart, press and hold the green
power key. For users with Admin Access Software, the screen will repeatedly flash, and then go blank. Continue holding the
power key down. The unit will automatically restart. Readings will not be lost if the handheld is restarted using the abovementioned steps.
If the restart process above does not clear the condition you are experiencing, please call Badger Meter Meter Technical Support for assistance. Please see the chapter “What If Things Go Wrong” for more information.
Starting the ReadCenter Field Application Software
The Readcenter Field Application software begins its processing by displaying the copyright screen.
The color of the title bar shows the battery status:
•>70% charged, the color is green
•Between 40% and 70% charged, the color is yellow
•Less than 40% charged, the color is red
•If your Trimble Ranger is recharging, the color is blue
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Trimble® Ranger™
You may also tap on any colored title bar at any time and see a temporary popup information bar detailing the current battery status:
Copyright Screen
The Copyright screen is the starting point for the route reading program. From here, you can:
•View the route reading program name, version, and copyright information
•View the Trimble Ranger’s “Friendly Name”
-Every Trimble Ranger is assigned a globally unique name (GUID) consisting of an excessive number of characters.
This GUID is not duplicated anywhere in the world, however using the GUID is unreasonable due to the number
of characters used. As a result, each Trimble Ranger also has a “Friendly Name.” The “Friendly Name” is a user assigned name that allows the user to differentiate between other Trimble handhelds. It is very important that you
assign unique names to each, especially in the case you own more than one Trimble.
•View information about the reading data currently loaded on the Trimble Ranger
•View Trademarks used by the program.
•Continue to the route reading program.
•Exit the program
•View the GUID and change the Trimble Ranger’s ”Friendly Name”
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•Trademarks “T” button : Will display the list of Trademarks referenced in this program.
•Continue “ENTER” button : Pressing the Continue button or pressing the ENTER key on your Trimble Ranger keyboard
brings you to the Main Menu.
•“Exit” LEFT Soft Menu key : Exits the program.
•“View ID” RIGHT Soft Menu key : takes you to the Device “Friendly Name” editing screen, where you can also view the
Trimble Ranger’s GUID.
Trademarks screen
From the Copyright screen, tapping the “Trademarks” button or pressing the “T” key on your Trimble Ranger’s keyboard will
display the Trademarks screen:
Use the Trimble Ranger’s Up/Down cursor to scroll the screen up or down, or use the scroll bar on the screen.
Press the ENTER key to dismiss this screen; alternatively, press the “OK” LEFT Soft Menu key.
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Trimble® Ranger™
Device ID/Name screen
From the Copyright screen, press the “View ID” RIGHT Soft Menu key to display the Device ID/Name screen:
•“Close” LEFT Soft Menu key : closes this screen
•“Change Name” RIGHT Soft Menu key : allows you to edit/change your Trimble Ranger’s “Friendly Name”
Select the “Change Name” RIGHT Soft Menu key, the screen changes to look like this:
•Clear button : tapping the Clear button will erase all characters in the “New” “Friendly Name” field.
•Save button : when you are satisfied with the new “Friendly Name” you have entered, this button saves your changes.
•“Exit” LEFT Soft Menu key : Leaves this screen. If you have not Saved your changes, they will be lost.
•“Cancel Change” RIGHT Soft Menu key : Cancels any changes you have made, but this screen is not dismissed.
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ReadCenter Main Menu
Press the Continue button on the Copyright screen to see the Main Menu.
There are five functions on the main menu to choose from. These options can be selected by using the Stylus to tap the box
containing the desired function or by pressing the appropriate underlined alpha character on the keyboard:
•Read Route “R” – Begin reading meters
•Program and Quick Read “Q” – Use the Trimble Ranger to read meters when you do not have any loaded (i.e., for
checking a Badger Meter ORION endpoint, for obtaining final reads, troubleshooting, etc.) and program Badger Meter ORION endpoints to set an odometer, clear a tamper, or stop/start a endpoint
•Route Info “I” – Displays information about the meters and routes currently loaded into the handheld. See example of
Route Information below.
•Utilities “U” – Display the Utilities Menu screen
•”Exit to Copyright” LEFT Soft Menu key– Go back to the Copyright Screen to Unload/Load the Trimble Ranger or Exit
the program.
Pressing any of the above buttons begins that function’s operation. Other pressed buttons are ignored.
Communications with the Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software
The Trimble Ranger communicates with the Badger Meter Reading Data Management Software through the use of a USB
memory stick or Wireless File Transfer Protocol. Using the Load Collector function in Reading Data Management Software, the
route information for the Trimble Ranger is stored on the memory stick. Inserting the memory stick while in the Copyright
Screen will cause this processing to occur.
•If a route currently resides in the Trimble Ranger, it is unloaded onto the memory stick.
•Once the route is unloaded, the new route that resides on the stick is loaded.
When the processing is done, you are now ready to begin reading the next route.
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Trimble® Ranger™
Route Info screen
•Route File– The name/number of the route
•Route File Time – The time of the last captured reading
•Last download – The time when this route was transferred from the PC
•Last upload file – The time the previous route was transferred to the PC
For more details, see the Route Operations portion of the Details section. To return to the Route Transfer screen, select the
“Close” LEFT Soft Menu key, or press your Trimble Ranger’s ENTER key.
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