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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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

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Navigating the LabSat HDD file layout
Below is a guide to how the folder layout works on LabSat 3. This example below shows the folder layout
on the HDD provided with LabSat 3. The LabSat USB HDD is uses multiple folders. When folders are
detected LabSat will display them in a similar fashion to a PC using the DIR indicator.
When USB media is connected LabSat 3 will scan for files and display the files/folders containing the .ls3
format. When recording to USB HDD LabSat will save scenario files to the first folder in the directory.
<DIR> indicates a folder and not a scenario. Pressing ‘OK’ will navigate to the next stage of the scenario
directory.
Continue to navigate using ‘OK’ until <DIR> is no longer shown, this indicates the file is a scenario not a
directory.
Pressing play will start the individual scenario replay.

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Battery operation and charging
LabSat 3 variants that include internal battery use replaceable Varta Li-Polymer battery packs. These packs
are fully certified (UL, CE, UN38.3 Transport). Each pack gives around 2 hours of record time. When the
LabSat 3 is powered externally, it will charge the internal battery pack if fitted and seamlessly switch over
to battery operation when external power is removed. Alternatively, an external battery charger is
available to order.
To remove the battery from LabSat 3, unscrew the battery plate on the rear of the device and slide the
battery out.
When operating from battery power, the battery charge status will be shown in the top-right section of the
display . If external power is connected and the battery is being charged, a power symbol will be
shown over the battery symbol. The discharge temperature range for the battery is -20°C to +60°C.
Therefore, if the LabSat is operating from battery power, it will power-down if the temperature falls outside
this range.
The charge temperature range of the battery pack is 0°C to +45°C. Outside this temperature range, the
LabSat will switch off charging of the internal battery but will continue to operate from the external power
supply.
Warning - Li-Polymer Battery Pack - Risk of fire or explosion.
Do not incinerate, disassemble, short terminals, expose to temperature above
140°F/60°C.
Do not charge battery unattended, expose of batteries in fire or disassemble the
batteries.

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Battery fitting, removal and handling
→Replace battery with Racelogic, Part No. RLACS201 only. Use of another battery may present a risk
of fire, explosion or other malfunction.
→Caution: The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not disassemble or heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate.
→To remove or change the battery disconnect from mains power. Remove the holding plate market
“Battery” on the rear of the unit. Slide out the old battery and replace ensuring that the
connectors on the replacement battery align with the connectors inside. Please dispose of old or
used batteries promptly. Keep away from children.
→The battery should be fully charged when stored. If a battery is left depleted for a prolonged period
then it is likely that the performance of the battery will degrade and may be unusable.
→Never incinerate nor dispose of cells in a fire.
→Never short circuit the battery pack. It will generate very high currents resulting in overheating of
the cells, which may cause electrolyte leakage, gassing or fire.
→Never disassemble the cells. Disassembling cells may cause an internal short circuit in the cell,
which could further result in gassing, fire, or other problems.
→If for any reason the battery pack becomes damaged it is possible that it may leak electrolyte. The
electrolyte is harmful to the human body. If the electrolyte comes into contact with the skin, eyes
or others parts of body, the electrolyte shall be flushed immediately with fresh water. Seek
immediate medical advice from a physician.
→Cells may be damaged during shipping by shocks, or other causes. If any abnormal features of the
cells are found such as: damage to a plastic envelope of the cell, deformation of the cell container,
smell of electrolyte, an electrolyte leakage, or other abnormalities, the cells should not be used.
Cells with a smell of electrolyte or leakage should be kept away from fire to avoid ignition.

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External reference clock input
LabSat 3 features an external reference input for synchronization to a 10MHz clock. To use this feature,
connect a 10MHz reference signal with minimum +6dB level to the REF IN SMA connector and ensure that
the External 10MHz reference clock option is ticked in MENU SETUP CLK REF External 10MHz.
When the external reference input is enabled, the symbol will appear in the top right corner of the LCD.
Digital channels
There are 1 or 2 channels available for external digital data capture depending on the system variant and
the options that have been purchased with the LabSat. Recorded digital channel data is synchronized to
each sample of recorded RF data; the maximum input frequency for each channel is 1MHz. To record 2
digital channels, at least 2 RF channels must be selected or 1 single channel with 2-bit quantisation. The
Digital menu allows CH1 or CH2 (subject to LabSat variant) to be configured to record any of the following
parameters:-
Function
Description
Option or Standard
1PPS
This is the 1 Pulse Per Second output from the internal GNSS monitor and
will become active once the internal GNSS monitor has a position fix. Note,
that if using battery power with the power save option enabled, the GNSS
monitor will power-down after approx 30 seconds into the recording and
therefore not be present in the recorded data. During replay, the recorded
1PPS signal will be output on pin 2 (DIGO) of the expansion connector.
Standard
CAN
CAN 1 and CAN 2 on the expansion connector (RLACS202) will be recorded
on channel 1 & 2 of the LabSat 3. See section CAN BUS for more details.
Option on Single
constellation
variant*
RS232
This will record an RS232 level signal input on pin 18 of the expansion
connector. During replay, pin 17 of the expansion connector will output the
recorded data at RS232 level. Because the RS232 signal is digitized directly,
it is not necessary to configure baud rate.
Option on Single
constellation
variant*
DIGI
Will record the digital state of pin 3 of the expansion connector. During
replay, the signal will be re-created on pin 2 (DIGO) of the expansion
connector. See section EXPANSION CONNECTOR for more details.
Option on Single
constellation
variant*
*Contact Racelogic or your LabSat distributor to purchase upgrade options

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Expansion connector
The EXPANSION connector on the rear of LabSat 3 gives access to a number of signals including CAN Bus,
RS232, 1PPS & Digital input/output. Accessory RLACS202 is used to provide user signal access for
integration into the users test system. Pin functions are as follows:-
Number
Name
I/O
Function
1
1PPS
O
Signal from Internal GNSS monitor. Becomes active when monitor is locked.
5V Level. 25mA
2
DIGO
O
User digital output. 5V Level. 25mA max
3
DIGI
I
User digital input. Up to 12 V input level. Detection threshold=2.5V
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
CAN 1 H
I/O
CAN Bus High Channel 1 –Standard ISO11898 voltage signal levels for CAN
11
CAN 1 L
I/O
CAN Bus Low Channel 1 –Standard ISO11898 voltage signal levels for CAN
12
CAN 2 H
I/O
CAN Bus High Channel 2 –Standard ISO11898 voltage signal levels for CAN
13
CAN 2 L
I/O
CAN Bus Low Channel 2 –Standard ISO11898 voltage signal levels for CAN
14
I2C SDA
I/O
I2C Bus Data –Reserved for future use
15
I2C SCL
I/O
I2C Bus Clock –Reserved for future use
16
I2C VCC
I/O
I2C Bus voltage level –Reserved for future use
17
RS232 Tx
O
RS232 data output. NMEA Data from GNSS monitor or User RS232 data if
enabled. Standard RS232 Level.
18
RS232 Rx
I
User RS232 data which is recorded if RS232 is enabled in Digital configuration
menu. Standard RS232 Level.
19
Ground
O
Ground Connection
20
Ground
O
Ground Connection
21
Ground
O
Ground Connection
22
-
23
-
24
-
25
-
26
-
27
-
28
IO_0
I/O
Reserved
29
IO_1
I/O
Reserved
30
IO_2
I/O
Reserved
31
IO_3
I/O
Reserved
32
-
33
Ground
O
Ground Connection
34
Ground
O
Ground Connection
35
Power
O
Connected to input power –Max 250mA
36
Power
O
Connected to input power –Max 250mA

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CAN Bus
LabSat 3 is capable of listening to, and recording data from, two separate CAN networks. Dual channel CAN
Bus data recording with LabSat 3 can be achieved in two ways. Depending on the mode selected, the CAN
signal will be either digitized and re-created on a raw bit level or decoded and recorded in a time-stamped
text file. The CAN mode operation is selected under the menu option ‘CAN’ in the SETUP section. When
‘digitized’ mode is selected, the channel is configured in the ‘Digital’ menu.
DIGITIZE mode
The ‘Digitize’ mode records CAN data by listening to the bus and sampling the rising and falling edges of the
raw signal. Timing codes are inserted into the recorded GPS data so that when the file is replayed LabSat re-
creates the digitized CAN signal exactly as it appeared during recording. This mode can therefore be used to
capture data along with bus-errors or data-collisions and is synchronised to the RF signal to within
approximately 60 nanoseconds. One advantage of this mode is that there is no-need to configure CAN baud
rate. During replay, the CAN data can be viewed with a CAN Bus analyser tool such as Vehicle-SPY or
CANAlyzer.
When using the digitize method the CAN data is replayed exactly as recorded, there will be no arbitration
with other systems during replay. Therefore, if the CAN data is replayed into a system which is transmitting
its own CAN data, LabSat will ‘speak’ over the top of the other CAN data. This may cause corruption of
some data frames.
LOG FILE mode
Selecting the ‘LOG FILE’ mode of CAN recording enables data to be recorded in an easy to read text log file
as shown below.
The log file contains a short header detailing the LabSat serial number, time, date CAN Bus baud settings
and GNSS settings. Each line of CAN data recorded contains the following space-delimited information:-
1. CHAN - CAN Channel that the data was received on 1 or 2.
2. TIME - Timestamp to 1ms resolution.
3. ID - Identifier, ‘x’ suffix is shown for extended CAN IDs.
4. DLC - Data length code DLC, this shows the number of data bytes within the CAN frame.
5. DATA - Data section, up to 8 bytes of data as indicated by the DLC.
At the end of the log file there will be a summary of the number of CAN messages received on each channel
during the recording.
Labsat3 SN:00323502
DATE:12/06/2014
TIME:13:07
CAN1: 500.00K
CAN2: 500.00K
GNSS: GPS, GLO
CHAN, TIME, ID, DLC, DATA
2 0.060 360 8 0B 70 C8 35 44 60 80 A3
1 0.060 420 8 7B 46 02 84 01 00 3E 1D
2 0.062 620 8 0D 24 02 1B 81 7E 37 02
1 0.063 428 7 00 8E 00 00 37 00 20
2 0.064 200 7 01 F5 01 E2 02 00 00

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The log file is recorded in the same folder as the RF data and has a .TXT file extension.
During recording, the CAN controller listens to the CAN bus and stores incoming data. LabSat 3 will transmit
acknowledge pulses on the bus in response to correctly received data unless the ‘Silent Record’ option is
ticked. The ability to transmit acknowledge pulses in ‘LOG FILE’mode means that it is possible to record
data directly from inertial sensors or other devices with a CAN bus output.
During the replay of data recorded in the ‘LOG FILE’ mode, LabSat scans through the log file, sending the
CAN data at the time intervals indicated by the time-stamp. Because CAN data is transmitted using an
active CAN Bus controller, LabSat will arbitrate by listening to the current bus state and only transmitting
the data between other messages that may be sent from other nodes.
Filtering CAN frames
Filtering of selected CAN frames in the LOG FILE mode can be achieved by creating a file called
CANFILTER.TXT in the root directory of the current SD/HDD. An example of the CANFILTER.TXT file is shown
below.
The first two statements automatically configure the CAN Bus baud rates:-
CAN1: 500.00K –this means 500KBit/s
CAN2: 47.06K –this means 47.06KBit/s
The next set of lines, configure the required Identifiers for each channel. The format is:-
<CHANNEL><IDENTIFIER><MASK>, for example 1 0x3F1 0x7FF means that channel 1 will allow recording of
identifier 0x3F1. The mask value of 0x7FF is a bit-wise mask that is used by the CAN controller to allow a
single identifier of a range of identifiers to be recorded. If the mask value was set to 0x7F0, then identifiers
from 0x3F0 to 0x3FF would be recorded, not just 0x3F1. Up to 16 identifiers can be defined for each CAN
channel.
Warning
The LabSat 3 CAN Bus interface may corrupt existing CAN Bus signals
when used incorrectly. It is up to the user to ensure that the LabSat
and interface are configured correctly and that they are used in a
safe environment where corruption of CAN Bus signals cannot cause
injury or harm. Racelogic accepts no responsibility for damage or
injury caused by the use of LabSat or the CAN Bus interface.
CAN1: 500.00K
CAN2: 47.06K
1 0x3F1 0x7FF
1 0x7E8 0x7FF
2 0x10751023x 0x1FFFFFFF
1 0x10751023x 0x1FFFFFFF
-- End of configuration file

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Digital in/out
For recording events from an external source, LabSat 3 is equipped with a digital input (DIGI) and digital
output (DIGO) which can be found on the expansion connector at the rear of the device. Digital input is
pulled up externally to 5V. Digital out is a 5V level output. To enable the digital input for recording, go to
MENU SETUP DIGITAL CH1 and then enable the tick against ‘Digi’ in the signal list. Then, during
recording, LabSat 3 will also record the state of DIGI (pin3 of the expansion connector). During replay, the
DIGO pin will output the recorded DIGI signal states.
Remote control
To enable LabSat 3 to be used for applications that require automated or remote control functionality an
application programme interface (API) is available together with a manual for communication via Telnet
over IP.
The LabSat 3 API is a Microsoft .NET API to allow functions of a LabSat 3 connected via LAN to be
accessed programmatically.
LabSat 3 is equipped with an Ethernet interface to allow remote control over a Local Area Network
(LAN). Remote control is accomplished using simple text based commands through the Telnet
protocol.
Please contact your local LabSat distributor or LabSat directly for the LabSat remote control information
pack for further details.
LabSat device registration
Racelogic recommend that all LabSat devices are registered immediately on receipt. Please go to
www.labsat.co.uk/register and fill in all the the details requested. If you register your LabSat within its first
year warranty, you will automatically receive an additional year's warranty.
Registering your LabSat will enable you to easily communicate with our support team. Any firmware /
software updates will be available on the LabSat website. Updates are more robust and easier to use, and
later firmware releases offer bug fixes as well as added features and improvements to the original
specification of the product. Your details will be available to our Support Team, in case you need any
assistance in the future.

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Ordering information
Description
Part Number
LabSat 3 unit
LabSat 3 carry case
RLACS197
LabSat scenario 500GB hard disk drive
LS03HDD
VBOX mains adapter
RLVBACS020
32GB SDHC Card
RLACS199
USB3.0 SD Card reader
RLACS204
2 way Lemo to 12V cigar lighter lead –2M
RLCAB010L
GNSS quad constellation magnetic mount antenna
RLACS198
SMA-SMA cable –1M
RLCAB071-1
SMA plug to MCX plug cable –1M
RLCAB082-1
SMA plug to MMCX plug cable –1M
RLCAB083-1
SMA plug to TNC plug cable –1M
RLCAB084-1
LabSat 3 battery
RLACS201
LabSat 3 expansion connector adapter
RLACS202
LabSat 3 manual
LS03MAN
LabSat 3 cable identification sheet
LS03-CABIDEN
LabSat 3 quick start guide
LS03GUIDE
Optional accessories
Description
Part Number
SDHC extreme memory card - 32GB
LS03SDCARD
SDHC extreme memory card - 64GB
RLACS210
SDHC extreme memory card - 128GB
RLACS211
Active GPS antenna
RLACS205
Passive GPS/GLONASS antenna
RLACS206
USB3.0 dual slot card reader
RLACS204
500GB scenario hard drive (HDD)
LS03HDD
Battery charger
RLACS200
LabSat 3 battery
RLACS201
Please contact your local distributor or Racelogic for pricing and availability.

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Converting LabSat scenarios
LabSat uses a binary Intermediate Frequency, to down convert GPS RF data into a binary file, whereas
LabSat 2 & 3 store GNSS RF data as an I & Q binary file. This means that existing LabSat scenarios cannot be
run natively on a LabSat 2 or vice versa. The LabSat scenario converter software included on the LabSat 3
HDD will convert LabSat, LabSat 2 and LabSat 3 files to each other’s format. This conversion utility will
allow LabSat users to perform a one-time conversion of files (Please note that it’s only possible to convert
GNSS data files. Files that contain external data such as CAN bus or serial data cannot be converted).
The operation of the conversion utility is detailed below:-
Load the file to be converted into the 'Source Scenario' section using the 'Browse' button or manually type
the file location. When the file is loaded the scenario information will be displayed in the ‘Scenario Details’
section.
The software will automatically detect the file extension of the source scenario so the ‘Destination Type’
will only display the alternate two LabSat variants. Select one of the remaining LabSat variants to convert
the file to.
Choose a suitable file location for the converted scenario by using the 'Browse' button or manually type the
desired location into the ‘Destination Scenario’ box.
LabSat 3 file format requires a folder for the data files. So when converting to LabSat 2 (*.ls2) or LabSat
(*.bin) formats please select the first file within the LabSat 3 scenario folder for conversion. The software
will automatically convert all the files in the folder.
Note: when moving LabSat 3 scenarios between media the entire scenario folder must be moved not just
the individual .ls3 files, no other files can be stored in the scenario folder.