Equipment Compatibility & Setup Guide

Time needed: 30-60 minutes for complete setup
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Applies to: All TerraFlow Mobile users

This comprehensive guide helps you understand which equipment works with TerraFlow Mobile and how to set it up correctly for optimal performance.

Quick Compatibility Reference

Mobile Devices

Android Devices

  • ✅ Recommended: Android 15+ for best performance
  • ✅ RAM: 3GB minimum, 4GB+ recommended
  • ✅ Storage: 32GB minimum, 64GB+ recommended
  • ✅ GPS: Required (all modern Android devices have this)
  • ✅ Bluetooth: 4.0 or higher

iOS Devices

  • ✅ Minimum: iOS 13 or higher
  • ✅ Recommended: iOS 15+ for best performance
  • ✅ Compatible Models: iPhone 6s and newer, iPad Air 2 and newer
  • ✅ Storage: 32GB minimum, 64GB+ recommended

Tested and Recommended Devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series (rugged)
  • Samsung Galaxy S series
  • Google Pixel series
  • iPad (8th gen and newer)
  • iPad Pro (any generation)
  • iPad Air (3rd gen and newer)

Utility Locator Compatibility

Radiodetection Locators

Fully Supported Models:

RD8200 Series ✅

  • RD8200G
  • RD8200SG (Survey GPS)
  • Bluetooth: Built-in
  • Depth Data: Yes
  • Signal Strength: Yes
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

RD8100 Series ✅

  • RD8100
  • Bluetooth: Built-in
  • Depth Data: Yes
  • Signal Strength: Yes
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

Setup Instructions: See Radiodetection Setup Guide

Vivax-Metrotech Locators

Fully Supported Models:

vLoc3 Series ✅

  • vLoc3 Pro
  • vLoc3 RTK Pro (with integrated GPS)
  • Bluetooth: Built-in
  • Depth Data: Yes
  • Signal Strength: Yes
  • RTK GPS: vLoc3 RTK Pro provides positioning
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

vLoc2 Series ✅

  • vLoc2 Pro
  • vLoc2 Pro+
  • Bluetooth: Built-in on newer models
  • Depth Data: Yes
  • Signal Strength: Yes
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

Setup Instructions: See Vivax-Metrotech Setup Guide

Rycom Locators

Supported Models:

8800 Series ✅

  • Rycom 8800
  • Bluetooth: Built-in
  • Depth Data: Yes
  • Signal Strength: Yes
  • Setup Time: 5 minutes

Setup Instructions: See Rycom Setup Guide

Other Locator Brands

Want support for your locator? Contact support@terraflow.ca with:

  • Make and model
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • Current firmware version
  • Number of units your company uses

We regularly add support for new equipment based on customer requests.

GPS Equipment Compatibility

Built-In Device GPS

Every mobile device has GPS:

  • ✅ Works out of the box
  • ✅ No additional equipment needed
  • ✅ Typical accuracy: ±3-5 meters
  • ✅ Sufficient for most utility locating
  • ⚠️ Limited in urban canyons/heavy tree cover

Best for:

  • Standard utility locating
  • Non-survey applications
  • Budget-conscious operations
  • Backup when external GPS unavailable

External GPS Receivers

Why use external GPS?

  • Better accuracy (sub-meter to centimeter)
  • Faster satellite acquisition
  • Better performance in difficult environments
  • Professional-grade reliability

Trimble GPS Units

Trimble Catalyst ✅

  • Type: Software-defined GNSS
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Subscription: Required for corrections
  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Best For: High-accuracy on budget

Trimble R-Series ✅

  • R2, R10, R12
  • Type: Survey-grade RTK GNSS
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Subscription: RTK correction service required
  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Best For: Survey-grade applications

Trimble Spectra Precision ✅

  • SP80, SP60
  • Type: Survey-grade GNSS
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Accuracy: Sub-centimeter (RTK)
  • Subscription: Correction service required
  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Best For: Professional surveying

Setup Instructions: See Trimble GPS Setup Guide

Eos Positioning GPS

Eos Arrow Series ✅

Eos Arrow Gold

  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Subscription: No subscription required
  • Setup Time: 10 minutes
  • Best For: Entry-level external GPS

Eos Arrow 100

  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Best For: Budget external GPS option

Eos Arrow 200

  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Best For: Good accuracy/price balance

Setup Instructions: See Eos GPS Setup Guide

Other GPS Brands

Bad Elf GPS ✅

  • Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor
  • Accuracy: Sub-meter
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Works well for utility locating

Juniper Systems ✅

  • Geode GNS3
  • Accuracy: Sub-meter to sub-foot
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Rugged design

Emlid ✅

  • Reach RS2, RS3
  • Accuracy: Centimeter (RTK)
  • Connection: Bluetooth
  • Best For: Survey-grade on budget

Bluetooth Connectivity Guide

Understanding Bluetooth Profiles

TerraFlow uses standard Bluetooth profiles:

  • SPP (Serial Port Profile): For data transfer from locators/GPS
  • BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy): Some newer devices
  • Classic Bluetooth: Most devices

You don't need to know the technical details - just that your equipment needs Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

Pairing Best Practices

Before Pairing:

  1. Charge all equipment fully (>80%)
  2. Update device firmware if possible
  3. Clear any old pairings from both devices
  4. Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby

During Pairing:

  1. Put equipment in pairing mode first
  2. Then search on mobile device
  3. Select correct device from list
  4. Enter PIN if prompted (usually 0000, 1234, or 1111)
  5. Wait for confirmation
  6. Verify "Connected" status

After Pairing:

  1. Open TerraFlow Mobile
  2. Go to Settings → Sensor Settings
  3. Select paired equipment from dropdowns
  4. Test data capture
  5. Verify data appears correctly

Maintaining Stable Connections

Range management:

  • Keep devices within 10 feet (3 meters)
  • Avoid metal barriers between devices
  • Don't put device in pocket (weakens signal)

Battery management:

  • Low battery = weak Bluetooth
  • Keep both devices charged >30%
  • Bluetooth drains battery faster

Interference avoidance:

  • Turn off unused Bluetooth devices
  • Avoid WiFi hotspots when possible
  • Metal buildings can interfere
  • Multiple locators in same area may conflict

Complete Setup Workflow

Initial Equipment Setup (One-Time)

Step 1: Mobile Device Preparation (10 min)

  1. Fully charge device
  2. Install TerraFlow Mobile from app store
  3. Enable Bluetooth (Settings → Bluetooth → ON)
  4. Disable battery optimization for TerraFlow
    • Android: Settings → Apps → TerraFlow → Battery → Don't Optimize
    • iOS: Handles this automatically
  5. Set screen brightness to 70-80%

Step 2: Locator Setup (5 min)

  1. Fully charge locator
  2. Update firmware if update available (check manufacturer website)
  3. Configure Bluetooth settings on locator:
    • Enable Bluetooth
    • Set to discoverable/pairing mode
  4. Note your locator's Bluetooth name (e.g., "RD8200-12345")

Step 3: GPS Setup (10-15 min, if using external GPS)

  1. Charge GPS unit fully
  2. Register GPS unit if required (Trimble, Eos)
  3. Subscribe to correction service if needed (RTK)
  4. Configure GPS output settings:
    • NMEA 0183 format
    • 1-5 Hz update rate
    • Enable Bluetooth
  5. Note GPS Bluetooth name

Step 4: Pairing Equipment (10 min)

  1. Pair locator with mobile device (phone Bluetooth settings)
  2. Pair GPS with mobile device (phone Bluetooth settings)
  3. Verify both show "Connected"

Step 5: TerraFlow Configuration (10 min)

  1. Open TerraFlow Mobile
  2. Log in with credentials
  3. Tap Settings
  4. Configure Sensor Settings:
    • Select Locator from dropdown
    • Verify locator name appears
  5. Configure Location Settings:
    • Select Location Provider (NMEA for external GPS, Internal for device GPS)
    • Select Location Device (your GPS unit)
  6. Test Configuration:
    • Start a test collection
    • Go to Sensor tab
    • Press capture on locator
    • Verify depth data appears
    • Check GPS accuracy indicator

✅ Complete setup achieved when:

  • All equipment paired and showing "Connected"
  • Locator data flows into TerraFlow
  • GPS shows good accuracy (<5m)
  • Test points capture successfully

Daily Startup Routine

Every morning before heading to field (5 min):

  1. Power on equipment:

    • Turn on locator
    • Turn on GPS (if external)
    • Wake up mobile device

  2. Verify connections:

    • Check Bluetooth connections (Settings)
    • Should auto-connect if previously paired
    • Manually connect if needed

  3. Open TerraFlow Mobile:

    • Wait for GPS acquisition (2-3 min)
    • Verify GPS accuracy (green indicator)
    • Check locator connection in Sensor Settings

  4. Test capture:

    • Start test collection
    • Capture one test point
    • Verify all data flows correctly
    • Delete test collection

  5. Sync previous day:

    • Menu → Synchronize
    • Ensure all yesterday's work uploaded
    • Free up device storage if needed

Total time: 5 minutes, prevents hours of frustration!

Troubleshooting Equipment Issues

Locator Won't Pair

Check these in order:

  1. ✓ Locator Bluetooth enabled?
  2. ✓ Locator in pairing mode?
  3. ✓ Locator battery >50%?
  4. ✓ Phone Bluetooth enabled?
  5. ✓ Previous pairings cleared?
  6. ✓ Within 10 feet of each other?
  7. ✓ Correct PIN entered? (try 0000, 1234, 1111)

Still not working:

  • Restart both devices
  • Update locator firmware
  • Try pairing with different phone (isolate problem)
  • Contact equipment manufacturer

GPS Not Accurate

Check these in order:

  1. ✓ In open area (clear sky view)?
  2. ✓ GPS unit powered on?
  3. ✓ GPS battery charged?
  4. ✓ Waited 3-5 minutes for satellite lock?
  5. ✓ Correction service active? (RTK units)
  6. ✓ GPS unit mounted properly (clear antenna view)?

Still not working:

  • Check GPS unit status lights
  • Verify subscription active (Trimble, Eos)
  • Restart GPS unit
  • Check GPS works in manufacturer's app
  • Contact GPS manufacturer support

Connection Drops During Use

Common causes:

  1. Distance: Keep within 10 feet
  2. Battery: Charge equipment
  3. Interference: Turn off other Bluetooth devices
  4. App in background: Keep TerraFlow in foreground
  5. Multiple devices: Only one locator per phone

Prevention:

  • Keep phone in chest pocket or lanyard
  • Disable battery optimization for TerraFlow
  • Don't minimize app during collection
  • Charge equipment overnight

Upgrading Equipment

When to Upgrade

Consider upgrading if:

  • Current equipment >5 years old
  • Frequent reliability issues
  • Doesn't meet accuracy requirements
  • Missing modern features (Bluetooth, GPS)
  • Repair costs approaching replacement cost

Upgrade priorities:

  1. GPS accuracy (biggest impact on data quality)
  2. Locator features (depth, signal strength, modes)
  3. Mobile device (speed, battery, screen)
  4. Ruggedness (if equipment damage is frequent)

Compatibility When Upgrading

Mixing equipment brands:

  • ✅ Any locator + Any GPS + Any phone = Usually works
  • ✅ TerraFlow doesn't require matching brands
  • ✅ Choose best equipment for each purpose

Example optimal setups:

Budget Setup:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab A8
  • Device GPS (built-in)

Mid-Range Setup:

  • iPad (current gen)
  • Radiodetection RD8100 or Vivax vLoc3 Pro
  • Eos Arrow Gold GPS
  • Rycom or other Locator & Trimble Catalyst DA2 / Eos Arrow Gold GPS

Professional Setup:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro (rugged)
  • Vivax vLoc3 RTK Pro / Radiodetection 8200SG (locator + GPS integrated)
  • Rycom or other Locator & Trimble Catalyst DA2 / Eos Arrow Gold GPS

Equipment Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

End of each day:

  • Wipe down equipment (remove dirt, moisture)
  • Charge all devices overnight
  • Store in protective cases
  • Keep away from extreme temperatures

Weekly Maintenance

Once per week:

  • Clean screens and ports
  • Check for damage (cables, connectors)
  • Verify firmware is current
  • Test all functionality
  • Check subscription status (GPS corrections)

Monthly Maintenance

Once per month:

  • Deep clean equipment
  • Check battery health
  • Update software/firmware
  • Verify calibration (GPS, locator)
  • Review equipment logs
  • Test backup equipment

Annual Maintenance

Once per year:

  • Professional servicing (locator, GPS)
  • Calibration verification
  • Replace worn accessories (cables, cases)
  • Evaluate for replacement needs
  • Update equipment inventory
  • Review insurance coverage

Equipment Resources

Manufacturer Support

Radiodetection:

  • Website: www.radiodetection.com
  • Support: 1-877-247-3797
  • Email: sales@radiodetection.com

Vivax-Metrotech:

  • Website: www.vxmt.com
  • Support: 1-800-446-3392
  • Email: sales@vxmt.com

Rycom:

  • Website: www.rycom.com
  • Support: 1-888-749-2980

Trimble:

  • Website: www.trimble.com
  • Support: Varies by product line
  • Catalyst: catalyst.trimble.com

Eos Positioning:

  • Website: www.eos-gnss.com
  • Support: support@eos-gnss.com
  • Phone: 1-514-481-3573

TerraFlow Equipment Support

For TerraFlow-specific equipment questions:

  • 📧 support@terraflow.ca
  • 🌐 www.terraflow.ca/resources/help

We can help with:

  • Compatibility questions
  • Configuration issues
  • Integration problems
  • Firmware recommendations
  • Purchase advice

Quick Reference: Compatibility Matrix

MOBILE DEVICES          LOCATORS              GPS UNITS
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Android 15+       ─────→  Radiodetection   ─────→  Device GPS
iOS 13+           ─────→  Vivax-Metrotech  ─────→  Trimble
Samsung Galaxy    ─────→  Rycom            ─────→  Eos
iPad              ─────→                   ─────→  Bad Elf
Rugged tablets    ─────→                   ─────→  Juniper

              ALL CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH
              ALL WORK WITH TERRAFLOW MOBILE

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Last updated: October 2025 | Updated quarterly as new equipment is supported