Racelogic PROLITE User manual

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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VBOX PROLITE GPS Data Logger
User Guide

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
STANDARD INVENTOR ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
OPERATION .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
GETTING STARTED ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
VBOX PRO LITE ‘.VBO’ FILE FORMAT ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
VBOX.EXE SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
FIRMWARE UPGRADES .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
CONNECTION DATA .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
CAN BUS DATA FORMAT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Introduction
The VBOX Pro Lite is a powerfu instrument used for measuring the speed and position of a moving vehic e. It is based on a new generation of high
performance sate ite receivers, and provides accurate measurement of acce eration figures, ap times, cornering forces and much more. Due to the sma
size and simp e insta ation procedure, the VBOX is idea y suited for use in cars, bikes, off road vehic es and boats.
Using a powerfu GPS engine, the VBOX PROLITE can og interpo ated 5Hz GPS information at 20Hz. The ogged data is stored direct y onto interna
RAM which can then be down oaded to a PC.
The VBOX PROLITE is compatib e with a of the existing periphera s inc uding the Mu tifunction disp ay, ADC03, TC8, FIM02 and Yaw rate sensor.
Features
• Non-contact 5Hz speed and distance measurement using GPS
• 1 x CAN Bus interface
• RS-232 seria interfacee
• 1 x 16bit User configurab e ana ogue outputs
• 1 x Digita outputs
• 1 x Trigger/Event marker input
• Input Vo tage 6V to 18V operating range

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Standard Inventory
Description Qty
Race ogic Part #
VBOX Pro Lite 1 VBPROL
Cigar Lighter adaptor 1 RLVBCAB10
GPS Magnetic Aeria 1 RLVBACS001
CD ROM containing VBOX software 1 RLVBACS030
Seria PC Cab e 1 RLVBCAB01
User Manua 1 RLVBACS031
VBOX Lite carrying case 1 RLVBACS016
Optional Accessories
Description Race ogic Part #
4.5Ah Battery Pack RLVBACS012
Mains Charger/Supp y RLVBACS020
Mu tifunction Disp ay RLVBDSP03
8 Channe (16bit) Ana ogue Interface RLVBADC03
8 Channe (10bit) Ana ogue Interface RLVBADC02
4 Channe Frequency Input Modu e RLVBFIM03
8 Channe Vehic e CAN Interface RLVBCAN01
8 Channe Thermocoup e Interface RLVBTC8
Can to Ana ogue Output Modu e RLVBDAC01
Sing e Yaw Rate Sensor + 2 axis G Sensor RLVBYAW02
Inertia Measurement Unit. 3 Yaw Rate Sensors & 3 acce erometers RLVBIMU01

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Operation
Power
The VBOX Pro ite can be powered from a wide range of vo tage sources inc uding the supp ied Vehic e Cigar adapter, or other source provided by the user.
The maximum operating vo tage input must not exceed 18V DC. Fai ure to observe this cou d resu t in damage to the VBOX.
As an optiona extra a battery pack is avai ab e from Race ogic RLVBACS012.
The battery pack is a 6v 3.8amp hour Nicke Meta Hydride unit, with a bui t in charging and monitoring circuit.
The battery is p ugged into the two pin power socket on the front of the VBOX to provide power for up to 6
hours (4 hours with the disp ay attached).
The battery pack can be charged via two methods, either by p ugging the VBOX cigar ighter adapter into the
pack, or by using the mains charger. The battery pack can be either discharged fu y and then re-charged, or
partia y discharged and then re-charged, there is no memory effect on NiMh batteries.
To protect the battery ce s from damage, the battery wi on y charge when the temperature range is between 0
& 46°C. If whi st charging the interna temperature of the battery reaches 46°C, the charge wi be turned off
unti the interna temperature reduces to 43°C and the charge status ed (25% 50% , 75% or 100% ) wi f ash.
The charge wi then automatica y restart.
Whi st charging, the 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% wi i uminate in succession to give an indication of the tota charge time. When the battery is fu y charged,
the 100% ed wi remain i uminated, and the charging ed wi turn off. Occasiona y the battery wi turn the charging back on to keep the battery at fu
capacity. To check the state of the battery charge; press and ho d in the white button on the side of the box. There are four LED's which wi ight up indicating
how much charge is eft in the battery. 100% LED indicating 100% charge, 75% ed indicating up to 99% charge, 50% ed indicating up to 74% and 25% ed
indicating up to 49% charge. When the battery is at a eve not suitab e for powering the VBOX, the 25% ed wi f ash.
The battery can be connected to a charger, and a so the VBOX at the same time. This a ows the battery to be charged whi st the externa source is powering
the VBOX. In such a situation, you can power the VBOX from the cigar ighter, with the battery acting as a back up if the ignition is turned off which
sometimes stops the power to the cigar ighter.
When the battery is c ose to fu y discharged, the VBOX wi give an audib e warning by a s ow series of beeps from the interna buzzer. You shou d have
around 5 minutes of time eft when these beeps begin.

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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LED indicators
The green LED (ST) is used to indicate the number of sate ites current y in ock. If the ye ow LED (SC) is f ashing
whi st the green (ST) LED is off, then the VBOX has no sate ite ock.
If this is the case then check that you have the GPS antenna connector correct y fitted to the VBOX. A so check that
the antenna has a c ear view of the sky.
The VBOX wi norma y ock onto sate ites within 30 seconds of power up. However on its first use it can take up to
20 minutes to acquire sate ite ock.
The ye ow LED (SC) f ashes to indicate start of count. When sate ite ock occurs the number of green LED f ashes between ye ow f ashes indicates the
number of sate ites in ock.
The fo owing diagram shows an examp e of SAT LED pu se sequence.
Sequence showing 1 Sate ite
1 1 1 1
Sequence showing 4 Sate ites
De ay 1 2 3 4 De ay 1 2 3 4
Sequence showing 0 Sate ites
De ay (Approximate y 1 second ) De ay (Approximate y 1 second )

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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GPS Antenna
The GPS Antenna supp ied with the VBOX II is a 5v active antenna. For the best possib e signa
qua ity, it is important to maintain a c ean connection between the antenna and the VBOX. Before
fixing the antenna to the VBOX, ensure that there are no dust partic es in either connector.
Rep acement antennas are avai ab e by contacting your VBOX distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simp e mounting to the vehic e roof. For
optimum GPS signa reception, make sure that the antenna is fitted to the highest point of the vehic e
away from any obstructions that may b ock sate ite reception. The GPS antenna works best with a
meta ground p ane underneath (eg. Vehic e roof).
P ease a so note that when using any GPS equipment, a c ear sky view is important. Objects in the
surrounding area such and ta bui dings or trees can b ock the GPS signa causing a reduction or oss
in the number of sate ites being tracked.

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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DIGITAL and ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
The digita output on connector 3 pin 2 has a frequency/pu se output corresponding to ve ocity. The pu se per meter range is adjustab e in software.
The ana ogue output on connector 3 pin2 outputs 0-5vo t DC signa corresponding to ve ocity.
The Trigger/Event marker input is on pin3 of connector 3. This enab es a hand he d brake trigger to be connected for trigger event marking. Not for brake
trigger use.

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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CAN / RS232 Ports
The VBOX Pro ite is equipped with a CAN Bus interface and a RS232 seria port, both of these interfaces share the same socket. The RS232 port is used for
a communication between the VBOX and aptop PC. The RS232 port is ab e to transmit ive data from the VBOX to the PC for viewing and performing rea -
time tests.
The function of the CAN port is configurab e by the user for use by either Race ogic modu es (Interna mode) or the users own CAN Bus equipment (Externa
mode). See the section ‘Setup’ in the VBOX software manua .

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Getting Started
Required equipment (A supp ied as standard un ess specified)
 VBOX Pro Lite
 Fu y charged battery pack or Cigar ighter 12v adapter ead
 GPS Antenna
 RS232 Cab e
 VBOX Software CD
 Laptop PC(not supp ied)
1.Insta Software
2.P ace VBOX in vehic e
3.Fit antenna connector to VBOX
4. Mount GPS antenna on vehic e roof
5.Connect seria cab e (CAB01) to aptop 6. Connect other end of seria cab e to VBOX

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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7. Connect the power cab e/ battery pack to the
VBOX
8. If using 12v power cab e, connect to vehic e
9. With the power app ied, the red PWR ed shou d i uminate. The VBOX Pro Lite wi start
searching for sate ites. The Green ed wi indicate the number of sate ites current y in
ock. For best resu ts ensure the VBOX has acquired a ock on 5 or more sate ites,
essentia for qua ity signa reception. When using the VBOX for the first time or when
using the VBOX after a ong period of time, a ow the VBOX to sit for between 5 and 10
minutes to re-co ect data needed to track sate ites.
Data wi be recorded to the interna RAM.
NOTE before using the Interna RAM, the RAM shou d be c eared. See section ‘Setup’ of
the VBOX Software manua .

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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VBOX Pro Lite ‘.VBO’ file format
After down oading a fi e from the VBOX the software wi save the data fi e as
a standard space de- imited text format. This a ows the data to easi y be
imported into third party app ications such as word processors or
spreadsheets. The fi es each contain a header section before the main data
that describes the channe content and information about the VBOX ProLite
such as seria number and firmware version.
The [Co umn names] parameter specifies the data in each co umn of the data
section.
An examp e of a VBOX VBO fi e is shown on the right.
Fi e created on 15/04/2004 @ 08:21
[header]
sate ites
time
atitude
ongitude
ve ocity knots
heading
height
Vertica ve ocity m/s
[channe units]
[comments]
(c)2003 Race ogic
VBoxII Version4.2d
Seria Number: 004866
Log Rate (Hz) : 20.00
Software Version :-8.1.4 (bui d45)
[co umn names]
sats time at ong ve ocity heading height vert-ve
[data]
004 072148.26 +3119.408424 +00062.635139 015.13 356.06 +00155.27 -00000.22
004 072148.27 +3119.408592 +00062.635104 015.17 356.02 +00147.93 -00000.37
004 072148.28 +3119.408629 +00062.635108 015.09 355.92 +00147.92 -00000.40
004 072148.29 +3119.408669 +00062.635115 014.98 355.64 +00147.92 -00000.35
004 072148.30 +3119.408711 +00062.635119 015.00 355.87 +00147.91 -00000.47
004 072148.31 +3119.408753 +00062.635122 015.03 356.11 +00147.90 -00000.61
004 072148.32 +3119.408797 +00062.635125 015.16 356.48 +00147.88 -00000.84
004 072148.33 +3119.408837 +00062.635130 015.06 356.32 +00147.88 -00000.67
004 072148.34 +3119.408874 +00062.635138 014.84 355.81 +00147.91 -00000.14
004 072148.35 +3119.408919 +00062.635144 015.03 355.84 +00147.90 -00000.28
004 072148.36 +3119.408968 +00062.635147 015.42 356.17 +00147.87 -00000.66
004 072148.37 +3119.409013 +00062.635148 015.56 356.72 +00147.87 -00000.69

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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VBOX.EXE Software
The VBOX.EXE software is used for configuration of the VBOX Pro
Lite and a so for ana ysis of the VBO data fi es.
For further information on the VBOX.EXE software refer to the
VBOX Software manua supp ied with VBOX Pro Lite

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Firmware Upgrades
Firmware refers to the operating software inside the VBOX Pro Lite. The firmware is responsib e for a of the functions within the VBOX and from time to time,
firmware updates wi be re eased by Race ogic to improve or enhance the way that the VBOX works. The atest firmware wi a ways be avai ab e on the
Race ogic web site in the down oads directory:-
http://www.race ogic.co.uk/2003/vbox/down oads.htm
It is recommended to check the web site periodica y for updates. The VBOX Pro Lite upgrade fi es have a “.ruf” fi e extension. To upgrade the VBOX Pro Lite
firmware, down oad the atest firmware fi e from the Race ogic web site and copy this fi e onto your PC. If you have done a fu VBOX CD insta ation then you
wi have the upgrade programme automatica y insta ed in the Uti ities fo der of VBOX fo der. If not then this can a so down oaded from the website.
Connect you pc to the VBOX via the VBOX seria ead and app y power to the VBOX.
Either ‘doub e c ick’ on the .ruf upgrade fi e, which auto runs the upgrader software, or run the upgrader software and oad in the .ruf firmware upgrade fi e.
Then fo ow the onscreen instructions and the VBOX firmware wi be upgraded. At the end of the process power down the VBOX when prompted, before
further use
During the upgrade process an upgrade og fi e wi have been created. This og fi e can be emai ed to the support address be ow shou d any prob ems arise.
If you have any questions regarding upgrade of VBOX, p ease do not hesitate to contact support@race ogic.co.uk

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Specification
GPS
Velocity Distance
Accuracy 0.2 Km/h (averaged over 4
samp es)
Accuracy 0.05% (<50cm per Km)
Units Km/h or Mph Units Metres / Feet
Update rate 5 Hz Update rate 5Hz
Maximum ve ocity 1000 Mph Reso ution 1cm
Minimum ve ocity 0.1 Km/h Height accuracy 10 Metres 95% CEP**
Reso ution 0.01 Km/h Height accuracy with DGPS 5 Metres 95% CEP**
Absolute Positioning Time
Accuracy 3m 95% CEP** Reso ution 0.01 s
Accuracy with DGPS 1.8m 95% CEP** Accuracy 0.05 s
Update rate 20 Hz
Reso ution 1 cm
Heading Power
Reso ution 0.01° Input Vo tage range 6v-18v DC
Accuracy 0.2° Current Typica y 560mA
Acceleration Environmental and physical
Accuracy 1% Weight Approx500 grammes
Maximum 20 G Size 84mm x 128mm x 40mm
Reso ution 0.01 G Operating temperature -30°C to +60°C
Update rate 5Hz Storage temperature -40°C to +80°C
Memory Definitions
Internal memory
Recording time
1 Mbyte battery backed
SRAM. Approx 45 minutes
ogging a GPS channe s
** CEP = Circ e of Error Probab e
95% CEP (Circ e Error Probab e) means 95% of the time the position readings wi fa
within a circ e of the stated diameter

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Outputs
CAN Bus
Bit rate 250Kbits ,500Kbits & 1Mbit
se ectab e baud rate
Identifier type Standard 11bit 2.0A
Data avai ab e Sate ites in View, Latitude, Longitude, Ve ocity, Heading, A titude, Vertica ve ocity, Distance, Longitudina acce eration & atera
acce eration,
Analogue Digital
Vo tage range 0 to 5Vo ts DC Frequency range DC to 44.4Khz
Defau t setting * Ve ocity
0.0125Vo ts per Km/h (0 to
400Km/h)
Defau t setting * 25Hz per Km/h (0 to 400Km/h)
Accuracy 0.1 Km/h @ 100Km/h 90 pu ses per metre
Update rate 5Hz Accuracy 0.01Km/h @ 100Km/h
Update rate 5Hz
* The range settings can be adjusted by the user in software
Inputs
CAN Bus
Race ogic modu es Up to 32 channe s from any combination of ADC02, ADC03, FIM02, TC8, Yaw sensor or CAN01
Digital
Tiigger/Event
On/Off Logging contro Remote og contro from hand-he d switch

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Connection Data
2 pin LEMO socket
5 pin LEMO socket
3 pin LEMO socket
Connector 1 POWER Type Lemo 2 pin
PIN In/Out Description Range
1 I Power + 6V to 18V
2 I Ground 0V
Chassis Ground
Connector 3 Analogue/Dig OUT+ Event input Type Lemo 3 pin
PIN In/Out Description Range
1 O Ana ogue Vo tage Output 0V to 5V
2 O Digita Pu se Output 0V to 5V
3 I Trigger/Event i/p
Chassis Ground

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Connector 2 CAN Bus/RS232 Type Lemo 5 pin
PIN In/Out Description Range
1 O RS232 Tx Seria Data Transmit ±12v
2 I RS232 Rx Seria Data Receive ±12v
3 I/O CAN Bus
4 I/O CAN Bus
5 O +V Power
Chassis Ground
Antenna connector
Connector ANT Type SMA
PIN In/Out Description Range
Center - RF Signa / Power for active antenna
Chassis - Ground

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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CAN Bus data format
Data Bytes ID** Update
rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0x301 50ms (1) Sats in
view
(2) Time since midnight UTC (3) Position – Latitude DDMM.MMMMM
0x302 50ms (4) Position – Longitude DDMMM.MMMMM (5) Ve ocity. (Knots) (6) Heading. (Degrees)
0x303 50ms (7) A titude. WGS 84. (Metres) (8) Vertica ve ocity. (M/S) Unused (9) Status (10) Status
0x304 50ms (11) Distance. (Meters) (12) Longitudina Acce . (G) (13) Latera Acce . (G)
**Defau t Identifiers. The identifier va ues can be changed using the configuration software.
(1) If Sate ites in view < 3 then on y Identifier 0x301 transmitted and bytes 2 to 8 are set to 0x00.
(2) Time since midnight. This is a count of 10mS interva s since midnight UTC. (5383690 = 53836.90 seconds since midnight or 14 hours, 57
minutes and 16.90 seconds)
(3) Position, Latitude * 100,000 (515924579 = 51 Degrees, 59.24579 Minutes North). Latitude highest bit indicates north/south hemisphere.
0=north, 1=south, Bit 7 in Status is a so set.
(4) Position, Longitude * 100,000 (5882246 = 0 Degrees, 58.82246 Minutes West). Longitude highest bit indicates east/west of Greenwich
meridian. 0=west,1=east. Bit 6 in Status is a so set.
(5) Ve ocity, 0.01 knots per bit.
(6) Heading, 0.01° per bit.
(7) A titude, 0.01 meters per bit, signed.
(8) Vertica Ve ocity, 0.01 m/s per bit, signed.
(9) Status. 8 bit unsigned char. Bit 0=VBOX Lite, Bit 1=Open or C osed CAN Bus (1=open), 2=VBOX3
(10) Status is an 8 bit unsigned char. Bit 0 is a ways set, Bit 3=brake test started, Bit 4 = Brake trigger active, Bit 5 = DGPS active
(11) Distance, 0.000078125 meters per bit, unsigned.
(12) Longitudina Acce eration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
(13) Latera Acce eration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
The VBOX CAN database is avai ab e in Vector Database (DBC Fi e) format on request from Race ogic

VBOX PROLITE User Guide
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Contact Information
Race ogic Ltd
Unit 10 Swan Business Centre
Osier Way
Buckingham
MK18 1TB
UK
Te : [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Emai : support@race ogic.co.uk
Web: www.race ogic.co.uk
Revision Date Description Author
1 21/10/2005 First Draft KB
2 30/04/2008 Updated Race ogic contact detai s JH