VBOX 3i User Guide VBOX 3iV2 100Hz GPS Data Logger User Guide Page 1 of 46 28/08/2013
VBOX 3i User Guide Page 2 of 46 28/08/2013
VBOX 3i User Guide Contents EC Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Features .........................................................................
VBOX 3i User Guide Hardware configuration .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32 Hardware Set Up ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
VBOX 3i User Guide EC Declaration of Conformity We declare that this product has been tested to and meet the requirements of: EC Directive 2004/104/EC “Adapting to Technical Progress Council directive 72/245/EEC relating to the radio interference (Electromagnetic Compatibility) of vehicles and amending directive 70/156/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers.
VBOX 3i User Guide Introduction rd The VBOX 3i represents the 3 generation of GPS data logging system from Racelogic. Using a powerful GPS engine, the VBOX 3i can log GPS and other data at 100Hz. The logged data is stored directly onto a compact flash card for easy transfer to a PC.
VBOX 3i User Guide Quickstart Guide Required equipment (All supplied as standard unless specified) VBOX 3i Cigar lighter 12v adapter lead GPS Antenna Blank Compact Flash Card RS232 Cable VBOX Software CD Laptop PC(not supplied) 1. Mount the VBOX 3i GPS antenna in a suitable position on the roof of the vehicle. The ideal position is in the centre of the roof away from any objects that may shadow the GPS signal such as roof bars.
VBOX 3i User Guide 5. The „GPS‟ LED will be lit solid red when no satellite lock has been obtained, once the VBOX 3i gets a lock on visible satellites, the „GPS‟ LED will flash Green to indicate the number satellites. At a normal test track facility you should expect to see between 7 and 12 satellites being received by the VBOX 3i. When the VBOX 3i has a lock on 4 or more satellites then the VBOX 3i is ready to use.
VBOX 3i User Guide Parts Supplied with VBOX 3i V2 Description Qty Racelogic Part # VBOX 3i Data logger 1 RLVB3I-V2 Mains Charger/Power Supply 1 2-way LEMO to cigar lighter plug 1m Description Qty Racelogic Part # 5 Way LEMO to 9 Way „D‟ Connector „Serial PC Cable‟ 1 RLCAB001 RLVBACS020 25 Way D Connector 1 ADC25IPCON 1 RLCAB010L VBOX 3i User Manual 1 VB3I-V2MAN GPS Magnetic Antenna 1 RLACS158 Bluetooth Antenna 1 RLACS119 4GB Compact Flash Card 1 RLACS098 USB 2.
VBOX 3i User Guide Operation Power Included with the VBOX 3i is a cigar lighter power cable, which is the primary source of power input. This is terminated in a 2-way connector and mates with the 2way „PWR‟ socket on the VBOX 3i. The VBOX 3i can be powered from a wide range of voltage sources, when considering batteries as a power source please note that the minimum operating voltage of the VBOX 3i is 7V. The maximum operating voltage input must not exceed 30V DC.
VBOX 3i User Guide Buttons VBOX 3i has two membrane buttons on the front panel, LOG and FUNC. LOG is used to start and stop logging to the compact flash card, and FUNC is used to switch between two sample rates, 100Hz and 20Hz. LOG The LOG button will override any of the automatic logging thresholds set in the VBOX. For example, if you have set the VBOX to log all the time, the LOG button will toggle logging on and off.
VBOX 3i User Guide Logging The VBOX 3i has three Logging modes that are selected and configured via VBOXsetup with the supplied VBOXTools software Logging Modes Log Continuously: With „Log Continuously‟ ticked the VBOX will log data, regardless of movement. Log Only when moving: Without „Log Continuously‟ ticked then the VBOX will only log data to the CF card when it detects speed >0.5Km/h.
VBOX 3i User Guide LED Indicators There are a series of LED indicators on the front panel of the VBOX 3i, their functionality is as follows: GPS: Flashing Red indicates no satellites in view Flashing Green sequence indicates the number of GPS Satellites currently being tracked. Each flash indicates a satellite with a short pause between each sequence. Flashing Red sequence indicates the number of GLONASS Satellites currently being tracked.
VBOX 3i User Guide DIFF: SER: Solid Orange indicates a DGPS lock (either WAAS/EGNOS or 40cm Local DGPS) Solid Green indicates a 2cm „Fixed‟ RTK lock Flashing Yellow indicates that expected incoming CAN data has been decoded properly and is being logged. Flashing Green indicates that there is incoming Serial traffic through this socket. PWR: BLUETOOTH: Solid GREEN indicates that a suitable power source is connected.
VBOX 3i User Guide GPS Antenna The GPS antenna supplied with the VBOX 3i is a 5V active antenna. For the best possible signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the VBOX 3i. Before fixing the antenna to the VBOX 3i, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector. Replacement antennae are available by contacting your VBOX 3i distributor. The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof.
VBOX 3i User Guide Analogue and Digital outputs (AD1 & AD2) The AD1 and AD2 connectors each have 1 analogue voltage and 1 digital output. The digital output on connector AD2 is a frequency/pulse output corresponding to velocity. The pulse per meter range is adjustable in software. The digital output on connector AD1 is a simple on/off state output. This digital output can be associated with any of the data channels being logged by the VBOX.
VBOX 3i User Guide Digital Inputs (D IN) The „D IN‟ connector contains the two digital inputs for the VBOX 3I. Digital input 1 is also referred to as the Brake trigger input. This input is connected to an event capture input on the GPS engine. This captures precisely the trigger event time (10nS resolution) for use in brake distance calculation.
VBOX 3i User Guide Analogue inputs (A In) The VBOX 3I contains four differential 24bit analogue input channels with a maximum sample rate of 100Hz. Each channel has its own dedicated analogue to digital (A/D) converter with all four channels being sampled synchronously to each other. The voltage range of the input channels is ±50volts. Note that unlike the ADC03 module, the analogue channels in the VBOX 3I are not electrically isolated from each other.
VBOX 3i User Guide Using VBOXTools software, logging of the analogue channel data can be switched on or off. It is also possible to change the name of each input channel and configure scale and offset values for calibration of sensors. A scale value of 1 and offset of 0 correspond to a channel reading in Volts DC. This means that the value stored on the compact flash card for the channel will also be in volts. When using a sensor such as a load cell, it may be desirable to store a reading in Kg.
VBOX 3i User Guide RS232 Serial / CAN VBOX 3i is equipped with 2 CAN Bus interfaces and 2 RS232 serial ports. The primary RS232 port is used for all communication between the VBOX and laptop PC. The primary port is marked RS232 on the VBOX 3i front panel. The primary RS232 port is able to transmit live data from the VBOX to the PC for viewing and performing real-time tests.
VBOX 3i User Guide VCI CAN input (Vehicle CAN Interface) The VBOX 3i can log up to 16 user defined CAN bus signals on CAN port B. Configuration is performed using the VCI Modules tab under Log Channels in VBOXTools software setup window. CAN signal parameters can be entered manually by the user or imported directly from a CAN database (.DBC) file if available.
VBOX 3i User Guide CAN Pass through Ability to output channel data from modules on the secondary bus with user defined identifiers. Eg; VBOX3i can log IMU data on one CAN bus and output the IMU data to third-party equipment on second CAN bus with a user defined identifier. The VBOX3i can output up to 6 CAN messages and 12 CAN channels over the secondary bus. Note: These output CAN channels will be in a 32 bit IEEE float format. 29 bit extended identifiers optional.
VBOX 3i User Guide CANVEL If an input channel is given the name “CANVEL” then the VBOX3i will translate the data of this channel directly through to the GPS speed channel under the following criteria. IMU integration is not enabled and The VBOX3i cannot calculate speed, i.e. no satellite signal (complete satellite drop out) The VBOX3i will scale the input channel to the default speed output format of Km/h according to what the units have been assigned to the substitution speed channel.
VBOX 3i User Guide Dynamic Modes The VBOX3iSL has three Dynamic modes. These Dynamic modes directly change the SMI smoothing index applied by the GPS engine to all Doppler-derived data, notably speed and heading. The lower smoothing levels have a higher dynamic response but are adversely noisier.
VBOX 3i User Guide Satellite Elevation Mask This feature can be used to improve GPS signal quality when nearby obstacles like trees and building are reflecting or temporarily obscuring the signal from satellites at low elevation. Raising the mask will cause the GPS engine to ignore satellites below the mask angle, so must be used carefully as it also reduces the total number of received satellites. The elevation mask angle can be changed in the GPS section within VBOX Tools Setup. VBOX Tools Version 2.2.
VBOX 3i User Guide USB The VBOX 3i includes an USB 2.0 connection that can be used for VBOX configuration and the output of real-time VBOX 3i serial data at the full 100Hz data rate. Ensure that before you connect your VBOX 3i to your PC that you have installed the supplied VBOXTools software, as this will also put the required USB drivers onto your PC. The VBOXTools software installation will place the VBOX 3i USB drivers in the following location on your computer.
VBOX 3i User Guide Audio Voice Tagging The VBOX 3i has the ability to record audio tags with a GPS „synched‟ timestamp accuracy of 0.5 secs along with the .VBO data file. Voice notes regarding test conditions or erroneous runs can be recorded, which can be replayed instantly when viewing logged files in the Graph facility of the VBOXTools software. A WAV file will be recorded onto the CF card along with the normal VBOX data file.
VBOX 3i User Guide VBOX 3i ‘.VBO’ file format The VBOX 3i data files are saved in standard space de-limited text format. This allows the data to easily be imported into third party applications such as word processors or spreadsheets. The files each contain a header section before the main data that describes the channel content and information about the VBOXIII such as serial number and firmware version. The [Column names] parameter specifies the data in each column of the data section.
VBOX 3i User Guide VBOXTools Software The VBOXTools software is used for configuration of the VBOX 3i and also for analysis of the VBO data files. For further information on the VBOXTools software refer to the VBOXTools user manual supplied with VBOX 3i. Software Installation The VBOX 3i setup software must be installed onto the hard drive of a computer; it cannot be run from the installation CD. To install the software insert the CD into the CD drive of your computer.
VBOX 3i User Guide Local DGPS Basestation When the VBOX 3i is used in conjunction with a Local DGPS Basestation the positional accuracy can be improved from the standard 3m 95% CEP. There are two available Basestation options: 40cm Positional accuracy: If the VBOX 3i is used with a RLVBBS2 then the positional accuracy is increased to 40cm 95% CEP.
VBOX 3i User Guide IMU Integration IMU integration should not be enabled for measurement of Braking distances The main purpose of integrated navigation systems is to take advantage of the complementary attributes of two or more navigation systems (GPS and Inertial motion unit) to achieve far better performance than through the use of either system on its own. GPS derives data through two separate methods, Doppler (speed, vertical speed and heading) and Triangulation (latitude longitude and height).
VBOX 3i User Guide Hardware configuration First the VBOX 3i needs to be configured to use the IMU data from the IMU03 it is connected to. 1. Connect the IMU to the CAN port of the VBOX 3i with the required cable and power the VBOX 3i. 2. Open VBOX Tools and connect the computer to the VBOX 3i using either serial, USB or Bluetooth. 3. Select the appropriate COM port. The „serial data OK‟ message should appear in green beneath the COM port number. 4.
VBOX 3i User Guide 9. Next click on the GPS button. Under the Kalman Filter section check the „Use IMU‟ box. 10. The VBOX 3i will now use the inertial data transmitted by the connected IMU and integrate it with the GPS data to generate filtered and smoothed data speed, heading and position data. NB: If no IMU is currently connected, the data logged by the VBOX 3i will be the raw unfiltered GPS data.
VBOX 3i User Guide Hardware Set Up 1. Setup the VBOX 3i in the vehicle as you would normally. 2. A laptop or Q1 connected to the VBOX 3i is required for the setup of the IMU to view the live X-accel and Y-accel values. 3. Position the vehicle on flat ground with the engine off but the ignition on to allow the VBOX 3i to remain powered. This prevents engine vibration creating erroneous IMU readings during IMU setup. 4.
VBOX 3i User Guide Upgrading the VBOX 3i’s Firmware Occasionally Racelogic releases new versions of firmware (internal code) for VBOX 3i products, often to introduce new features. New firmware is loaded into the VBOX 3i using a computer and a CF card. The latest firmware upgrade file for the VBOX 3i is available from the Racelogic website in the „Support‟ section. http://www.racelogic.co.
VBOX 3i User Guide Troubleshooting Guide Trouble Locking onto Satellites If the VBOX 3i is having trouble locking onto satellites then please follow the checklist below for typical solutions: Ensure that the antenna is placed in a position where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. (See „GPS Antenna Placement‟ below) Check the antenna connection with the VBOX 3i; only small amounts of dirt in the socket can cause a significant reduction in signal strength.
VBOX 3i User Guide VBOX 3i not responding - GPS Coldstart The GPS engine has locked up. Perform a GPS Engine Coldstart A GPS coldstart forces the GPS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. This can be useful if the VBOX 3i is having trouble locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX 3i 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.
VBOX 3i User Guide VBOX 3i V2 Specification GPS Velocity Accuracy Distance Accuracy 0.05% (<50cm per Km) Units Update rate Resolution Height accuracy Height accuracy with DGPS Metres / Feet 100Hz 1cm 6 Metres 95% CEP** 2 Metres 95% CEP** Brake Stop Accuracy Accuracy +/- 2cm Time Resolution Accuracy 0.01 s 0.01 s Units Update rate Maximum velocity Minimum velocity Resolution Latency 0.1 Km/h (averaged over 4 samples) Km/h or Mph 100 Hz 1000 Mph 0.1 Km/h 0.01 Km/h 6.
VBOX 3i User Guide Outputs CAN Bus Bit rate Identifier type Data available Analogue Voltage range Default setting * Accuracy Update rate 125Kbits, 250Kbits, 500Kbits & 1Mbit selectable baud rate Standard 11bit 2.0A Satellites in View, Latitude, Longitude, Velocity, Heading, Altitude, Vertical velocity, Distance, Longitudinal acceleration & lateral acceleration, Distance from trigger, Trigger time, trigger Velocity 0 to 5Volts DC Velocity 0.0125Volts per Km/h (0 to 400Km/h) 0.
VBOX 3i User Guide Connection Data Front View of VBOX3i V2 2 pin LEMO socket 3 pin LEMO socket Page 40 of 46 28/08/2013 5 pin LEMO socket
VBOX 3i User Guide Connector PIN 1 2 1 POWER In/Out Description I Power + I Ground Type Connector PIN 1 2 3 2 AD 1 In/Out O O I Type Connector PIN 1 2 3 3 AD 2 In/Out O O I Type Description Analogue 2 Output Digital 1 Output Lemo 3 pin Connector PIN 1 2 4 D IN In/Out I I Type Lemo 3 pin 3 I Range 7V to 30V 0V Lemo 3 pin Description Analogue 1 Output Digital 2 Output Ground Range 0V to 5V 0V to 5V Range 0V to 5V 0V to 5V Description Ground Digital Input 2.
VBOX 3i User Guide Connector PIN 1 2 3 4 5 5 CAN In/Out O I I/O I/O O Type Description RS232 Tx (PORT B) RS232 Rx (PORT B) CAN Bus High (PORT A) CAN Bus Low (PORT A) +V Power Lemo 5 pin Connector PIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 SER In/Out O I I/O I/O O Type Description RS232 Tx (PORT A) RS232 Rx (PORT A) CAN Bus High PORT B) CAN Bus Low (PORT B) +V Power Lemo 5 pin Connector PIN Center Chassis ANT In/Out - Range 12v 12v Same as Power + Range 12v 12v Same as Power + Antenna connector Type Description RF
VBOX 3i User Guide Analogue Input Connector View of Socket on VBOX III Connector: Analogue PIN In/Out 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 10 11 12 13 Type: Sub-D 25-way Socket Description Range Channel 1 + Channel 1 Channel 2 + Channel 2 Channel 3 + Channel 3 Channel 4 + Channel 4 - Connector: Analogue PIN In/Out 14 O 15 O 16 O 17 O 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Note: A screw terminal connector block is available to purchase on request from your VBOX supplier.
VBOX 3i User Guide CAN Output The VBOX 3i has a CAN output which is present on the 5-way connector output; Data format: Motorola; Baud rate: 500Kb/s. Format ID** 0x301 Update rate * 10ms 0x302 0x303 0x304 0x305 0x306 0x307 0x308 0x309 10ms 10ms 10ms 10ms 10ms 10ms 10ms 10ms Motorola Data Bytes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (1) Sats in (2) Time since midnight UTC (3) Position – Latitude MMMM.MMMMM view (4) Position – Longitude MMMMM.MMMMM (5) Velocity. (Knots) (6) Heading. (Degrees) (7) Altitude. WGS 84.
VBOX 3i User Guide *Update rate depends on GPS update rate. 10ms Update rate shown corresponds to 100Hz GPS setting. **Default Identifiers. The identifier values can be changed using the configuration software. (1) If Satellites in view < 3 then only Identifier 0x301 transmitted and bytes 2 to 8 are set to 0x00. (2) Time since midnight. This is a count of 10mS intervals since midnight UTC. (5383690 = 53836.90 seconds since midnight or 14 hours, 57 minutes and 16.
VBOX 3i User Guide Contact Details Racelogic Unit 10 Swan Business Centre Osier Way Buckingham Bucks MK18 1TB United Kingdom Email: support@racelogic.co.uk Web: www.racelogic.co.uk Document Updates Rev Date Changes Init Page Change Draft 28-Jan-09 -- Draft Version of Document.
