User guide

VBOX MICRO MANUAL
Page | 16 06 August 2014
Satellite lock
Antenna
The GPS antenna supplied with the VBOX Micro is a
3.5V active antenna. For the best possible signal
quality, it is important to maintain a clean
connection between the antenna and the VBOX
Micro. Before fixing the antenna to the VBOX
Micro, ensure that there are no dust particles in
either connector. Replacement antennae are
available by contacting your VBOX Micro
distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick
and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. For
optimum GPS signal reception, make sure that the
antenna is fitted to the highest point of the vehicle
away from any obstructions that may block satellite
reception. The GPS antenna works best with a
metal ground plane underneath (a metallic vehicle
roof is perfect for this).
Please also note that when using any GPS equipment, a clear sky view is important. Objects in the
surrounding area such as tall buildings or trees can block the GPS signal causing a reduction in the number
of satellites being tracked, or introducing reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of the system.
Note that clouds and other atmospheric conditions do not affect the VBOX Micro’s performance.
GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the
GPS signal caused by nearby objects, and usually the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function.
However, if a test requires an antenna to be placed either off the vehicle, or on a vehicle that does not have
a metallic roof, a special ground plane antenna must be used. This has an internal ground plane and can
operate perfectly without the need for mounting on a metal surface. Ground plane antennas are available
from your VBOX distributor (part number RLVBACS065).
Coldstart
A GPS coldstart forces the GPS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. This
can be useful if the VBOX Micro is having trouble locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX
Micro has not been used for several weeks or if it was last used a long distance (over one thousand miles)
away from the current location.
Manually
Press and hold the square button ’■’ on the side of the VBOX Micro for five seconds. The unit will then
beep to indicate that the GPS coldstart is underway.
Via Software
Connect to Racelogic Config, select the ‘Coldstart’ option within the ‘General’ tab. The unit will then beep
to indicate that the GPS coldstart is underway.