LabSat 3 Wideband User manual

LabSat 3 GNSS Simulator
User Manual

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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 4
How does it work? ..................................................................................................................... 4
Components .......................................................................................................................................... 5
LabSat 3 Front............................................................................................................................ 5
LabSat 3 Rear ............................................................................................................................. 5
LabSat 3 media ...................................................................................................................................... 6
LabSat 3 file formats .................................................................................................................. 6
LabSat 3 SD Card ........................................................................................................................ 6
LabSat 3 500GB Hard Disk Drive.................................................................................................. 6
LabSat 3 Label............................................................................................................................ 6
Quick start guide.................................................................................................................................... 7
Menu Layout.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Replay operation in detail ...................................................................................................................... 9
Record operation in detail.................................................................................................................... 10
Navigating the LabSat HDD file layout................................................................................................... 11
Battery operation and charging ............................................................................................................ 12
Battery fitting, removal and handling ................................................................................................... 13
External reference clock input .............................................................................................................. 14
Digital channels.................................................................................................................................... 14
Expansion connector............................................................................................................................ 15
CAN Bus............................................................................................................................................... 16
DIGITIZE mode ......................................................................................................................... 16
LOG FILE mode......................................................................................................................... 16
Filtering CAN frames ................................................................................................................ 17
Digital in/out ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Remote control.................................................................................................................................... 18
LabSat device registration .................................................................................................................... 18
Ordering information ........................................................................................................................... 19
Optional accessories ................................................................................................................ 19
Converting LabSat scenarios ................................................................................................................. 20
Recommended media .......................................................................................................................... 21
Upgrading LabSat 3 firmware ............................................................................................................... 21
How to upgrade the firmware .................................................................................................. 21
SatGen software .................................................................................................................................. 22
Why use SatGen software?....................................................................................................... 22
Troubleshooting guide ......................................................................................................................... 23
LabSat 3 specifications ......................................................................................................................... 24
Connector pin data............................................................................................................................... 25
Expansion port 36 way MDR type connector......................................................................................... 25
LabSat 3 dimensions............................................................................................................................. 26
Contact information............................................................................................................................. 27

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Introduction
LabSat 3 is a lightweight, portable record and replay system for GNSS testing. With the ability to record real
world GNSS signals directly to SD card or HDD storage, the LabSat 3 is a simple to use, fully stand-alone
system. Recorded signals can be replayed back by LabSat 3 in the Lab enabling development and testing of
most types of GNSS equipment. Alternatively SatGen software can also be used to create simulated GNSS
signals from map or user defined trajectory. Despite its simplicity, the LabSat 3 product range supports a
number of powerful features for use in industries such as automotive, sports and aerospace including dual
RF channels for multiple constellation testing, dual CAN Bus recording, inertial sensor logging and battery
powered operation.
Additional features:-
→Available for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
→Simple to use one touch recording
→Record or replay using external USB hard drive
→RS232, Digital & Dual CAN interface
→Remote control over Ethernet
→External 10MHz Reference input
→OCXO option
→OEM version available for system integrators
→Digital input for event marking or 1PPS recording
→Adjustable attenuation (0 –31dBm)
→On-board GNSS receiver for monitoring RF during record and replay
The LabSat 3 line-up includes a number of variants to suit a range of testing requirements. These are:
Version
Description
RLLS03-3RP
Triple RF channel record & replay system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-3P
Triple channel replay only system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2RP
Dual RF channel record & replay system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2P
Dual channel replay only system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-1RP
Single RF channel record & replay system
RLLS03-1P
Single RF channel replay only system
How does it work?
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite Systems and is a general term that covers satellite positioning
constellations belonging to different countries around the world. These include, among others, the United
States ‘GPS’, the Russian ‘GLONASS’and the Chinese ‘BeiDou’ systems. LabSat 3 is capable of recording and
then replaying the raw radio signals that are transmitted by the various constellations of satellites. LabSat 3
receives the signal from an antenna just like a standard GNSS receiver but instead of processing each of the
received signals to calculate a position fix, LabSat 3 samples and stores the antenna signal at very high
speed. When the stored antenna signal is replayed by LabSat 3 into a standard GNSS receiver such as a
portable navigation system, the receiver will see essentially, the same signal that it would see if it were
connected to an antenna including movement, delays and multipath effects. This makes LabSat 3 invaluable
for recording moving scenarios such as driving through a city in a car. One of the benefits of using a
recorded test signal is consistency. For example, if testing of a product involves going for a drive each time
the firmware is updated, the satellite positions and atmospheric conditions will be different for every drive.
If the drive is recorded once with LabSat 3, the recorded signal can be replayed over and over on the bench
saving hours of drive time and with the knowledge that the conditions will be the same for each replay.

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Components
LabSat 3 has been designed to be portable and simple to use allowing virtually anyone to gather field test
signals without in depth training. Recording GNSS signals is as simple as positioning the antenna and
pressing one button. The sunlight-readable graphic display gives instant feedback of record status and can
show live histogram data to verify satellites in view during recording. Back at the Lab, recorded signals can
be replayed at the push of a button for repeatable, reliable testing.
LabSat 3 Front
LabSat 3 Rear
Name
Type
Description
POWER
2 pin LEMO
8 to 30 VDC Power Supply input
HOST USB
USB ‘A’
Connection of USB Storage devices
ETHERNET
RJ45
Remote access and control
USB
USB ‘B’
NMEA data output
RF OUT
SMA
Output RF signal
RF IN
SMA
Input RF signal (RP variants only)
REF
SMA
10MHz Reference Clock Input
Expansion
36 Way MDR
1PPS, Digital I/O*, CAN*, RS232*
*Model dependent –available as options.
Display
Keypad
SD Card
Slot
Media
LED
Indicator

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LabSat 3 media
LabSat 3 file formats
LabSat 3 uses I&Q binary data and runs the FAT32 file format. LabSat 3 files are recorded into a folder with
separate 2GB data files which will run sequentially when replayed. The folder description GPS_000 will
contain several files with the name format GPS_000_000.ls3. These will automatically increment.
LabSat 2 (.ls2) and LabSat (.bin) files will need to be converted to this format to play on LabSat 3. The
LabSat Scenario Converter Software is supplied on the LabSat 3 Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Please see the
section ‘Converting LabSat Scenarios’.
LabSat 3 SD Card
The 32GB SD card included with the LabSat 3 system includes the following files:
→LabSat 3 sample scenarios
→GPS_000 - Static 5 minute GPS scenario
→GLO_001 - Static 5 minute GLO scenario
→BDS_001 - Static 5 minute BDS scenario
→LabSat 3 quick start video
→SatGen simulation software video
→LabSat 3 quick start guide PDF
LabSat 3 500GB Hard Disk Drive
The LabSat 3 500GB hard disk includes the following:
→LabSat 3 scenario library description PDF
→LabSat 3 quick start video
→SatGen simulation software video
→LabSat scenario converter utility
→LabSat 3 scenario library –a worldwide selection of LabSat 3 scenario files with supporting KML and
Google Earth jpeg picture files.
The LabSat 3 HDD uses USB3.0 for fast data transfer and is formatted to FAT32.
LabSat 3 Label
The LabSat 3 label is located on the left side toward the rear. Please quote your serial number in all
correspondence.

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Quick start guide
In addition to this guide, a short LabSat 3 Quick Start video is available on the LabSat 3 SD card and also on
the LabSat 3 HDD.
Example of Replay - using the included SD card with preloaded scenario.
Briefly press the power button to power up the LabSat 3. Connect from the RF output on the rear of the
LabSat 3 to your GPS system antenna input. With the SD card inserted, use the UP/DOWN arrows to select
a file. Press the PLAY button to start replay.
LabSat 3 contains an on board GNSS receiver that allows monitoring of the RF signals during record or
replay. To show a live histogram of satellite signal levels detected by the on board receiver, press the OK
button during replay. Press the OK button again to return to the replay status display. During replay,
pressing the PLAY button will halt replay and return to the file list.
Example of Record –Recording your own file to an SD card (RP variants only)
To record a new file, connect the LabSat 3 antenna to the RF input on the rear of the LabSat. Ensure that
the antenna has a clear view of the sky, press the REC button to start recording. Press the REC button again
to stop recording. While recording, if the SD card becomes full, recording will stop automatically. During
recording, pressing the OK button will switch the display to show a live histogram view of the satellite levels
being received by the on-board GNSS monitor. Pressing the OK button again will return to the record
status display.
During recording, while using battery power, the GNSS monitor display will automatically revert to the
record display after a short period to conserve battery power. This power save feature can be switched off
but it is recommended to be left active for maximum battery life.

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Menu Layout
File
→Info - Display file info for selected file.
→Delete –Delete selected file Yes/No.
→Format SD/USB –Erase and Format SD/USB Yes/No.
Constellation
→GPS/GAL –Tick to select GPS/Galileo constellation for recording.
→GLONASS –Tick to select GLONASS constellation for recording.
→BeiDou –Tick to select BeiDou constellation for recording.
→2Bit –Record with 2bit quantisation when single constellation is selected.
Play
→Loop –selected file will replay continuously.
→Pause Time –Defines the pause time between each replay.
→From –Specify a time in the scenario to replay from.
→For - Specify how long the scenario will replay for.
Record
→For -Specify how long the LabSat 3 will record for.
Setup
→Display –Adjust display contrast and backlight brightness.
→RF Test –Outputs RF test signal.
→Power Save –When selected, will power down display backlight and internal monitor during recording.
→CLK REF
→Internal - As the default setting LabSat 3 will use it internal reference clock.
→External 10MHz –Allows the user to connect a 10MHz reference signal on the REF input.
→Time –Configure internal clock using UTC time from internal GNSS monitor or set manually.
→LAN
→DHCP –Enable/Disable DHCP.
→IP Address –Set the IP address assigned to LabSat 3.
→SUBNET MASK - Set the Subnet mask assigned to LabSat 3.
→DEFAULT GATEWAY - Set the default gateway for the network.
→Digital
→CH1
→1PPS –Record 1PPS signal from internal GNSS monitor (disable power save).
→RS232 –Record RS232 signal.
→CAN CH1 –Record CAN Bus channel 1.
→DIGI –Record state of DIGI input signal.
→CH2
→1PPS –Record 1PPS signal from internal GNSS monitor (disable power save).
→RS232 –Record RS232 signal.
→CAN CH2 –Record CAN Bus channel 2.
→DIGI –Record state of DIGI input signal.
CAN
→Record Type
→Digitize –When selected the CAN data will be digitized and integrated into the .LS3 file.
→Log File –When selected the CAN data will be logged into a separate .txt file.
→CH1
→Baud rate –Enables the user the set the desired baud rate.
→Silent Record - Determines whether or not the LabSat sends an acknowledge pulse during
recording.
→CH2
→Baud rate –Enables the user the set the desired baud rate.
→Silent Record –Determines whether or not the LabSat sends an acknowledge pulse during
recording.
About –Contains information specific to the LabSat e.g. serial number & firmware version.
Exit –Return to file list.

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Replay operation in detail
LabSat 3 uses SD card or HDD memory for storage and playback of GNSS data. It is important to note that
Class 10 or higher cards must be used to sustain the transfer speeds required. Racelogic recommend
SanDisk Extreme Class 10 cards for best performance.
The 500GB USB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) supplied contains a selection of pre-recorded scenarios from around
the world. These scenarios can easily be copied to the SD card for replay. The HDD supports either USB2.0
or USB3.0. For optimum data transfer performance using a PC that supports USB3.0 for file transfer from
HDD to SD card is recommended.
The RF OUT connector is a 50Ω output which can be connected directly to the antenna input of the GNSS
receiver being tested. The RF OUT connector of LabSat 3 is DC blocked internally so almost any device can
be connected to this port. When a file is selected for replay, the LabSat will configure constellation
frequencies and digital channels automatically before starting replay. If a triple constellation file is selected
for replay on a single channel LabSat, all three constellations will be displayed before replay allowing the
user to select one.
During replay, pressing OK will show a live histogram of satellite levels detected by the internal GNSS
receiver. The internal receiver currently only supports GPS and GLONASS constellations. This has no effect
on the ability of LabSat 3 to record or replay BeiDou signals. When displayed, the UP/DOWN keys switch
between GPS and GLONASS monitor modes. Please note that when switching between GPS and GLONASS
display modes, the internal receiver will take some time to re-acquire satellite signal levels. In the case of
GLONASS signals, it may take over a minute to show the satellite signal information.
LabSat 3 comes with an internal 31dB attenuation capability. To increase the attenuation press the up
arrow, this will increase the attenuation by 1dB. The down arrow will decrease the attenuation level.
Attenuation
Display
Attenuation
Controls

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2015
Record operation in detail
LabSat 3 uses SD card and HDD memory for storage and playback of GNSS data. It is important to note that
Class 10 or higher cards must be used to sustain the transfer speeds required. When recording two
constellation types, the data rate is approximately 8.2MB (Mega Bytes) per second. To ensure that data is
collected without error, the card should be able to sustain 10MB per second. Spare cards and HDDs may be
purchased from Racelogic.
It is important that cards are formatted as FAT32. LabSat 3 is able to format cards and HDDs in FAT32 with
the optimum configuration for high speed recording. When a card or HDD is formatted by LabSat 3, it will
also carry out a performance test to determine whether or not the media can sustain the required
bandwidth and inform the user if this is not the case.
For record capable systems, the LabSat will be supplied with a magnetic mounting GNSS antenna. The
antenna is an active device with approximately 28dB of gain. The LabSat provides a 2.85V DC bias for
antenna power on the centre pin of the RF IN connector. It is also possible to use third party antennas
providing they are compatible with the 2.85V bias. If connecting LabSat to an antenna which requires a
higher bias voltage (e.g. 12v), the antenna bias must be supplied by the user and an appropriate DC block
(such as DCB from http://gpsnetworking.com/attenuators.asp) must be inserted at the LabSat 3 RF IN
connector to avoid damage to the LabSat.
There are a number of GNSS systems currently in operation or in a test phase. These operate on 3 main
frequency bands. These are:-
Depending on the model, LabSat 3 will have 1, 2 or 3 RF channels. This allows recording of 1, 2 or 3
frequency bands so, for example, a 2 constellation LabSat 3 may record the band containing GPS L1/Galileo
E1 and the band containing GLONASS L1 simultaneously. Recording of the desired constellations is
configured in the CONSTELLATION menu. In this menu, the user can tick up to three of the desired
constellation groups (depending on version). If only one constellation is ticked, then an additional option
for 2bit will be available to allow 2bit quantized recording for the selected constellation.
Once the constellations are configured, exit the menu and press the REC button to begin recording. A new
file will be created each time recording starts. The file name used corresponds to the constellations
selected. For example, if GPS and GLONASS are selected for recording, the file created will be GPSGLO_nnn
where nnn is a number that increments with each new recording. Details of the LS3 file format are
available on request from Racelogic.
During recording, pressing the OK button will switch the display to show satellite levels for either GPS or
GLONASS satellites. In this display mode, the up and down arrow keys will toggle between GPS or GLONASS
constellations. BeiDou constellation is not currently supported by the internal monitor but BeiDou B1
signals can still be recorded and replayed.
To maximize battery life during recording, LabSat 3 has a power save mode which is enabled by default I n
the setup menu. Power save mode recognizes when running from battery power and will dim the display
backlight and power-down the internal GPS/GLONASS monitor after 30 seconds of user inactivity.
If recording from passive antennas such as the Maxtenna M1516HCT-SMA GPS/GLONASS antenna, enabling
the power-save mode will also provide the highest possible sensitivity by ensuring that unused modules
within LabSat 3 are switched off.
Frequency Band
Constellations
1575.42MHz
GPS L1, Galileo E1, QZSS, SBAS
1602MHz
GLONASS L1
1561.098
BeiDou B1