DEWESOFT DS-VGPS-HS Product manual

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
DS-VGPS-HS V21-1
1

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
1. Table of contents
1. Table of contents 2
2. About this document 4
2.1. Legend 4
3. GPS based system for position, speed and displacement measurement 5
3.1. Features 5
3.2. Options 5
3.3. Specifications 6
3.4. Device overview 7
3.5. Mounting the aerial 8
3.6. Warm-Up time 9
4. Scope of supply 10
5. Connection 11
5.1. Connector overview 11
5.1.1. Aerial connector 11
5.1.2. RS-232 interface 11
5.1.3. VGPS – Display connector 12
5.1.4. Mark input connector 12
5.1.5. Power supply connector 12
5.1.6. Cable for external power supply 13
5.1.7. Cable for connecting VGPS to VGPS-Display (optional) 14
5.2. Options 15
5.2.1. Brake trigger switch 15
5.2.2. Digital display 16
6. Installation of the DEWESoft X measurement software 18
6.1. Installation of the DS-VGPS-HS 20
6.2. Configuration of DEWESoft X for the DS-VGPS-HS 20
6.3. Channel setup 23
6.4. Measurement 25
6.5. Analysis 26
7. Warranty information 28
7.1. Calibration 28
7.2. Support 28
7.3. Service/repair 28
7.4. Restricted Rights 28
7.5. Printing History 29
7.6. Copyright 29
7.7. Trademarks 29
8. Safety instructions 30
V21-1 2/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
8.1. Safety symbols in the manual 30
8.2. General Safety Instructions 30
8.2.1. Environmental Considerations 30
8.2.2. Product End-of-Life Handling 30
8.2.3. System and Components Recycling 30
8.2.4. General safety and hazard warnings for all Dewesoft systems 31
9. Documentation version history 34
V21-1 3/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
2. About this document
2.1. Legend
The following symbols and formats will be used throughout the document.
Important
It gives you important information about the subject.
Please read carefully!
Hint
It gives you a hint or provides additional information about a subject.
Example
Gives you an example of a specific subject.
V21-1 4/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
3. GPS based system for position, speed, and
displacement measurement
3.1. Features
●Real 100 Hz GPS engine
●Portable and rugged construction
●Insensitivity to road surface (can be used on mud off-road, water, snow, ice,..)
●No calibration required
●Easy-to-install, easy-to-use
●Supports differential GPS (SBAS) as standard function
●Mark input for brake trigger switch
●Data over USB or COM with zero latency PPS sync
Image 1: DS-VGPS-HS
3.2. Options
●Brake trigger switch
●High bright display
●RTK-2 with 20 Hz or 100 Hz with L1/L2 and Glonass (all Rover and Base modes)
V21-1 5/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
3.3. Specifications
DS-VGPS-HS/HSC
NAVIGATION
Standalone (horizontal positioning)
1.2 m
Standalone (vertical positioning)
1.8 m
SBAS (horizontal positioning)
0.8 m (WAAS, EGNOS 0.3 m)
SBAS (vertical positioning)
1.2 m (WAAS, EGNOS 0.5 m)
Omnistar (horizontal positioning) *
-
Omnistar (vertical positioning) *
-
RTK (horizontal positioning) *
0.02 m
RTK (vertical positioning) *
0.02 m
Velocity accuracy
0.02 m/s
Roll & Pitch accuracy (dynamic)
-
Heading accuracy (dynamic with GNSS)
-
Slip angle accuracy
-
Range
Unlimited
Hot start time
< 10 s
Output data rate
20/100 Hz
GNSS
Supported navigation systems
GPS L1, L2* GLONASS L1, L2*
Supported SBAS systems
WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN, QZSS
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
PPS output
✓
IRIG B DC output
-
Dual antenna heading
-
RTK positioning
✓
HARDWARE
Interface
RS232 / USB, CAN, Analog, Digital
Operating voltage
9 to 36 V
Power consumption
250 mA @ 12 V
Operating temperatures
0 °C to 60 °C
Environmental protection
not IP rated
V21-1 6/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Input protection
Polarity & short overvoltage protection
Shock limit
MIL-STD 810 F
Dimensions
115 x 93 x 35 mm
Weight
740 g
INERTIAL SENSORS
Accelerometer
-
Gyroscope
-
Magnetometer
-
Pressure sensor
-
APPLICATIONS
Synchronisation and timing with
DEWESoft DAQ
✓
Simple positioning
✓
Brake/Acceleration test
✓
Vehicle dynamics
-
Lane change
✓
Circle drive
✓
Chassis development
-
Advanced driver assistance systems
testing
✓
Comfort testing
-
Pass by Noise
✓
FuSi
✓
Orientation of different object
-
3.4. Device overview
With the DS-VGPS-HS, DewesoftX® offers the latest 100 Hz technology of GPS based speed and
displacement sensors. The result of this highest dynamic GPS receiver is the most easy to use
speed/distance sensor with that bandwidth. In addition to this no calibration drives for different road
conditions (ice, water, snow, off road) are needed.
Using the unique PPS sync technology of DewesoftX® the latency time of the digital interface (RS-232)
is corrected online.
V21-1 7/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Beside the filter characteristic of the internal algorithm, the latency time on the serial interface is related
to the basic structure of any GPS-based sensor. After acquiring the GPS raw data, the time consuming
calculation to get the position and speed and the data transfer time will delay the data from the
DS-VGPS-HS.
Image 2: Device overview
The time information is also included inside the data stream. By comparing the latency free PPS pulse
on the RS232 interface with the time information inside the data stream, the latency time is completely
eliminated.
3.5. Mounting the aerial
The aerial supplied with the VGPS is designed to be mounted magnetically on top of the vehicle in a
horizontal plane. If the surface is not metallic, the aerial may be fixed by placing a piece of strong tape
over the top of the aerial. The positioning of the aerial is critical to the correct operation of the VGPS.
Note: For correct operation, the aerial requires a metallic subsurface with a minimal diameter of 15 cm.
This surface doesn’t have to be ferromagnetic.
The aerial picks up the signals from up to 12 satellites which are all in different places in the sky. These
satellites are not necessarily directly overhead, and can often be close to the horizon. Therefore it is best
to mount the aerial in a way that the least amount of metal obscures the view of the sky. On a domed
roof, place the aerial on the top of the dome. On an open car with a roll-over bar, place the aerial
horizontally on the highest point of the roll-over hoop and tape the wire securely to the frame. Although
the VGPS can work with at least three satellites, it's precision increases the more satellites it finds. If one
satellite disappears over the horizon, or behind an object, there are other satellites still in view.
V21-1 8/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Image 3: Antenna mount
3.6. Warm-Up time
When the VGPS is used for the first time, has been moved more than 200 km or not used for 10 hours
(since last usage), it is recommended to perform a ‘cold start’. To get the best performance from your
VGPS in the future, perform this cold start in an open place with a good all round view to the sky. Allow
the VGPS to map the satellites for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The VGPS builds up the ‘Ephemeris’ data on
each satellite which is stored in non-volatile memory so that future satellite tracking is swift and stable.
Once the VGPS has carried out a successful cold start, future satellite lock from power up will take
between 15 seconds and 1 minute. Before going to test in a shady environment with tall objects or near
to trees, allow the VGPS to settle in an open space for 5 to 10 minutes.
V21-1 9/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
4. Scope of supply
Image 4: Scope of supply
V21-1 10/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5. Connection
5.1. Connector overview
Image 5: Inputs
5.1.1. Aerial connector
Connect the GPS aerial to the SMA connector.
Image 6: SMA connector
V21-1 11/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5.1.2. RS-232 interface
The RS-232 interface connector (female) is configured as standard RS-232 interface.
Image 7: RS-232 connector (DSUB-9 female)
Pin
Description
1
Free run operation
2
TXD (Transmitted
Data)
3
RXD (Received Data)
4
Not connected
5
GND (Ground)
6
PPS (pulse per
second)
7
Not connected
8
Not connected
9
Not connected
5.1.3. VGPS – Display connector
To connect the external display to the DS-VGPS-HS system.
Image 8: VGPS display connector
EXG.1B.304.HLN
Pin
Description
1
+5V
2
GND
3
TXD
4
RXD
V21-1 12/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5.1.4. Mark input connector
Connects an external trigger source to the DS-VGPS-HS system.
Image 9: Mark input connector: pin-out (3-pin LEMO female)
EXG-1B.303.HLN
Pin
Description
1
+9 to +36 VDC power supply
2
GND power supply
3
Signal
5.1.5. Power supply connector
Connects the DS-VGPS-HS system to an external DC power supply.
Image 10: Power supply connector (2-pin LEMO male)
EXJ.1B.302.HLD
Pin
Description
1
+9 to +36 VDC power supply
2
GND power supply
V21-1 13/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5.1.6. Cable for external power supply
Type of cable: LIYY 2x0.75, length: 2 m
Standard: (included)
Optional:
Optional:
Image 11: External power supply
Optional: AC adapter
+ different AC cable (depends on the country)
Image 12: Power supply
V21-1 14/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5.1.7. Cable for connecting VGPS to VGPS-Display (optional)
Type of cable: LIYCY 4x0.25 shielded, length: 2 m
Image 13: VGPS display cable
Image 14: FGJ.1B.304.CLAD52Z
Image 15: FGJ.1B.304.CLLD52Z
V21-1 15/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
5.2. Options
5.2.1. Brake trigger switch
(Available to purchase as an option)
The brake trigger is designed to be mounted on the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal and gives an
indication when the pedal is pressed. The normal method of fixing is via rubber bands. The brake trigger
can be used during a brake stop to determine the speed at which the brake pedal was pressed, and the
braking distance from this point can be viewed. This switch can be connected directly to an input of the
data acquisition system or to the DS-VGPS-HS. The DS-VGPS-HS will recognize the exact time of the
switching point. A serial command with this time information will be transmitted to the data acquisition
unit. DewesoftX® displays this event as a separate channel. This channel can be used during post
processing to calculate the brake distance.
Image 16: Brake trigger switch
5.2.2. Digital display
The LED display is used to monitor various GPS parameters.
Display description:
Blinking middle dashes on all digits - the display is unable to communicate with the VGPS. Pressing and
releasing the push-button on the front of the VGPS-Display switches the display to different modes.
After pressing the push-button, the LED bedside mode changed to appropriate display mode.
V21-1 16/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Mode 01:
Number of satellites and velocity in mph.
Mode 02:
Number of satellites and velocity in kph.
Mode 03:
GPS UTC time reported by the satellites goes up
in increments of 0.05 seconds. The format is
hh.mm.ss. The base for the time is Universal Time
Coordinate, derived from the atomic clocks on
board the satellite and hence is extremely
accurate.
Mode 04:
Heading in degrees. Number of satellites and
heading of the vehicle relative to true North.
Resolution: 0.1 degree
V21-1 17/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Mode 05:
Number of satellites and height relative to the
Datum WGS84 (approx. 50 meters below UK sea
level). Resolution: 0.1 meters
6. Installation of the DewesoftX® measurement
software
For optimal operation, we recommend that you install the latest version of DewesoftX® . If you already
have DewesoftX® installed, please check if a newer version is already available. You can either check on
the website under Support/Downloads/DewesoftX section or directly in software under the
Options/Check for updates. In both cases the changelog is included
Image 17: Check for updates
V21-1 18/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
6.1. Installation of the DS-VGPS-HS
After installing DewesoftX® , connect the RS-232 connector to the corresponding COM port of your
system. Check on which COM port is DS-VGPS-HS connected in the Device manager.
6.2. Configuration of DewesoftX® for the DS-VGPS-HS
●Start DewesoftX®
●To unlock the GPS functionality in DewesoftX® the GPS has to be configured in the Hardware
Setup screen (Settings → Hardware Setup):
In the Settings window select 'GPS' and follow the instructions below:
Image 18: Settings
GPS device
A list of the supported GPS systems. Select the Dewesoft RS232 (Topcon/Javad/NVS) GPS device. If it
doesn't find the Model of receiver press the Refresh button or you have to switch COM port.
COM port
Select the corresponding COM port in the drop down menu. If the GPS can not be found select the port
where the GPS is connected from the COM port drop down menu and hit the 'Refresh' button.
Model
Shows the hardware version of the VGPS system.
V21-1 19/30

DS-VGPS-HS
TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL
Serial number
Serial number of the connected GPS sensor. Serial number is recorded to reconstruct the measurement
conditions.
Receiver dynamic settings
Depending on the application, the DS-VGPS-HS offers the possibility to set it into three different
settings.
These can be done in the pull down menu Receiver dynamic settings.
●Highest (car performance for analog out): This setting should be used if the low latency time of 12
ms at the analog and speed output is needed.
●High (handling test): Because of the PPS-Sync facility of the DS-VGPS-HS, this setting will not
increase the latency time and the dynamic behavior using the serial interface for data acquisition.
The delay time at the analog and displacement output may be up to 22 ms.
●Normal (data logging): Select this mode for highest accuracy and lowest noise of the position
and velocity signal
Reset receiver
The “Reset receiver” button will reset the internally used receiver. This function has no influence on all
settings below.
Update rate (Hz)
This setting will define the sample rate of the serial data storage. Please note at 100 Hz only affects
velocity, distance and acceleration channel. At this update rate the position output is reduced to 20 Hz.
Up to 50 Hz, all channels are stored with this rate.
Receiver mode
The receiver supports receiving correction (differential mode) signals like WAAS (for USA) or EGNOS (for
Europe). It is recommended to enable differential mode to increase the accuracy of the absolute
position.
External display
On the receiver port 'a' the DS-VGPS-HS supports the VGPS-Display.
V21-1 20/30