Racelogic VB20SL User manual

VB20SL User Guide
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VB20SL 20Hz GPS Data Logger
With Slip Angle
User Guide

VB20SL User Guide
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Contents
CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
FEATURES..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
STANDARD INVENTORY ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
GETTING STARTED .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
ANTENNA TYPES AND PLACEMENT...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
DISPLAY SCREEN.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
SLIP ANGLE OFFSET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
PITCH/ROLL ANGLE OFFSET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
SETTING SLIP ANGLE OFFSET REMOTELY VIA CAN MESSAGES.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
LEVEL....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
MEMORY CARDS AND LOGGING ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
SMOOTHING AND FILTERING........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
DIGITAL AND ANALOGUE OUTPUTS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
DIGITAL INPUTS.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
CAN / RS232 PORTS / USB..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
VB20SL ‘.VBO’ FILE FORMAT .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
VBOXTOOLS SOFTWARE.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
SPECIFICATION..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
CONNECTOR ASSIGNMENTS..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
CAN BUS DATA FORMAT..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28
MODULE DIMENSIONS .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................29
FUSE RESET BUTTON........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................29
CONTACT INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30

VB20SL User Guide
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Introduction
The VB20SL is a multi-purpose non-contact speed sensor. Using an advanced dual antenna GPS engine, the VB20SL can calculate not only the speed
and direction of travel of the object upon which it is placed, but also an accurate Slip angle and Pitch or Roll angle. This data is then logged to an inserted
SD card, available on a configurable CAN output and present on a USB or serial output for direct monitoring or data processing by a connected PC running
VBOXTools software.
The VB20SL also features a built-in graphic display allowing the user to set up and configure the unit without using a PC.
The VB20SL is compatible with all of the existing peripherals including the Multifunction display, ADC03, TC8, FIM03, Yaw Rate Sensor and Mini Input
module.
Features
Non-contact 20Hz speed and distance measurement using GPS
Slip Angle and True Heading measurement
Pitch or Roll Angle measurement
1 x CAN Bus interface (on two sockets to allow daisy-chaining)
USB interface for live data, upgrading and SD data transferral
RS-232 serial interface backup for live data and upgrading
SD Card logging
2 x 16bit user configurable analogue outputs (velocity)
2 x Digital outputs (velocity)
Brake trigger input with 210KHz scan rate
Input voltage 6V to 30V operating range
Logging rate selectable from 20Hz, 10Hz, 5Hz, 2Hz, 1Hz

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Standard Inventory
Description
Qty
Racelogic Part #
VB20SL
1
VB20SL
Mains Charger
1
RLVBACS020
Cigar Lighter adaptor
1
RLVBCAB10
USB Lead
1
RLCAB042
2GB SD Card
1
RLACS083
GPS Ground Plane Antenna
2
RLVBACS103
VBOX Serial PC Cable
1
RLCAB001
CD ROM containing VBOX software
1
RLVBACS030
VBOX Tools Software Manual
1
VBTOOLSMANA5
VBOX 20SL Manual
1
VB20SLMAN
Padded Carrying Case
1
RLVBACS013

VB20SL User Guide
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Getting Started
Required equipment (All supplied as standard unless specified)
VB20SL
Fully charged battery pack or Cigar lighter 12v adapter lead
GPS Antenna
Blank SD card
USB/RS232 Cable
VBOX Software CD
Laptop/PC (not supplied)
1.Install Software
2.Place VBOX in vehicle
3.Fit antenna connector to VBOX
4. Mount GPS antenna on vehicle roof
5.Connect USB or serial cable (CAB01) to laptop
6. Connect other end of USB or serial cable to
VBOX

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7. Connect the power cable/ battery pack to the
VBOX
8. If using 12v power cable, connect to vehicle
9. See below
9. With the power applied, the Display screen will illuminate. The VB20SL will start searching for satellites. The ST led will indicate the number of satellites
currently in lock. For best results ensure the VBOX has acquired a lock on 5 or more satellites, essential for quality signal reception. When using the VBOX
for the first time or when using the VBOX after a long period of time, allow the VBOX to sit for between 5 and 10 minutes to re-collect data needed to track
satellites.
As the vehicle begins moving, the display will show a file-writing screen then show the normal display screen with the file name of the current file.

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Antenna Types and Placement
Whilst installation and use of the VB20SL is intended to be fast and simple, careful
attention must be paid to placement of the two antennas.
Note: It is essential that the separation of the two antennas is exactly the same as
the value set in the unit’s configuration screen. If the separation is incorrect, data
may not be given or may be inaccurate. The measured distance between the
antennas should be the straight-line distance between the antennas regardless of
the mounting angle. It is not the 2D distance between the antennas as viewed from
above.
Antenna A is the primary antenna, from which all calculations are based. If overall slip is to be measured
(at the centre of the vehicle), the primary antenna should be placed rearward of the secondary. Alignment
of the antennas is not completely essential as the Slip Angle Sensor has the ability to calculate any offset.
See the Slip Angle Offset Section.
However if you wish to measure Pitch or Roll then the alignment of the antennas must be in line with the
vehicle or at 90o as accurately as possible.
The picture above shows a typical antenna placement for the measurement of Body Slip Angle and Pitch
angle.
The picture to the left shows a typical antenna placement for the measurement of Body Slip Angle and
Roll angle.

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When measuring slip at a specific point on a vehicle (for example over a given wheel), the primary
antenna must be placed over this point on the vehicle, whilst the secondary antenna should be
placed towards the centre of the vehicle.
GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. Usually, the metal roof of a vehicle
performs this function. However, if a test requires an antenna to be placed off of the vehicle, then
a special Ground Plane ‘mushroom-style’ antenna must replace the off-vehicle antenna, as these
antennas are capable of operating without a ground plane. The Ground Plane ‘mushroom’ style
antennas RLVBACS065 are available from your VBOX distributor.
If only one antenna will be placed ‘off-vehicle’ then only one Ground Plane antenna need be
purchased.
Antenna Separations >2M
When the antenna separation is >2M it is advised where possible to mount the antennas as level
as possible so that the ‘LEVEL’ option can be enabled, otherwise the RTK lock is not so reliable
and the Slip and Roll/Pitch data can drop out or become intermittent.
The VB20SL must only be used with the supplied antenna, unless instructed otherwise by
Racelogic.
GPS Antenna
The GPS Antennas supplied with the VB20SL are 3.5v active antennas. For the best possible signal
quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antennas and the VBOX. Before
fixing the antennas to the VBOX, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector.
Replacement antennas are available by contacting your VBOX distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. For
optimum GPS signal reception, make sure that the antenna is fitted to the highest point of the vehicle
away from any obstructions that may block satellite reception. The GPS antenna works best with a
metal ground plane underneath (eg. Vehicle roof).
Please also note that when using any GPS equipment, a clear sky view is important. Objects in the
surrounding area such as tall buildings or trees can block the GPS signal causing a reduction in the
number of satellites being tracked, or introducing reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of
the system.
NOTE: VB20SL can struggle with maintaining an RTK lock required for Slip and Pitch
measurement if the antennas are placed too close to Roof Bars. If a poor mounting position
cannot be avoided then use Ground plane antennas, RLVBACS065.

VB20SL User Guide
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Using the VB20SL with one GPS antenna
The VB20SL can be used like a traditional VBOX. Only Antenna A is needed if the VB20SL is to be used like a traditional VBOX without the requirement to
measure Slip, Pitch, YAW rate and Lateral Acceleration channels.
For single antenna use (for standard, non-slip GPS data), the antenna should be connected to the Ant A connector.
Velocity can be output on either the Analogue or Digital outputs.
The VB20SL has a brake trigger input so not only can the VB20SL measure and output Velocity it can measure and output Trigger Velocity, Trigger to zero
Time and Trigger to zero Distance. This data is logged to SD card and available on the CAN bus or USB/serial connection bus along with all the other GPS
data.
NOTE: When measuring a braking distance the GPS optimisation must be set to High, via the Front Panel controls. And
the Velocity Kalman filter set to 0 (zero).
Display Screen
The Display screen will display data when operating it also displays all the menus required to configure the VB20SL via
the front panel controls.
On start-up, the display screen shows the unit’s firmware version and current offset value.
During normal operation, the display screen displays Speed (mph or km/h) and Slip Angle, as well as the number of
satellites that the VB20SL has locked on to. There are also three status displays.
OK (Green):
Indicates that the VB20SL has sufficient satellites locked to allow normal operation.
RTK (Orange):
This flashes to indicate that the VB20SL has locked onto sufficient satellites for single antenna (Speed sensor only) use. The unit will be able to give accurate
data for all channels except Slip Angle, Pitch Angle, True Heading, Lateral Velocity and Yaw Rate.
WAAS/40CM (Orange):
Indicates the DGPS solution that is currently being utilised by the Slip Angle sensor.
SATS (Yellow):
This flashes to indicate that the VB20SL has insufficient satellites and will not be able to operate at all.
Logged File name:
When an SD card is inserted the file name of the logged file appears on the screen whilst data is being logged.

VB20SL User Guide
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Front Panel Controls
The VB20SL can be configured using the front panel buttons, which enables configuration without the need for a computer.
From the main screen, press the’■’ button to enter the configuration screen.
Once in the configuration screen, press the ‘◄’and ‘►’ buttons to highlight the next or previous choice in any menu, and press
’■’ to select the highlighted option. Some menus contain sub-menus, for example the Analogue and Digital Output menus
contain separate menus for each parameter.
Main Menu
SETTINGS
COLDSTART
MODE
SETUP ANTENNAS
SMOOTHING
OUTPUTS
EXIT
Press’■’ to
enter the VBOX
general settings
menu.
Press’■’ to
perform a GPS
cold start
Press’■’ to change the
mode of operation between
VBOX module mode and
Stand Alone mode. Then
press ’■’ to confirm.
Press’■’ to enter the
antenna configurations menu.
This menu contains separate
sub-menus for pitch antenna
and roll antenna pairs
Press’■’ to edit the
smoothing levels of
the Slip, Pitch, Roll,
Lat acc and Long
acc channels.
Press’■’ ’
configure the
digital and
analogue
outputs.
Press’■’ to exit the
setup menu and
cause the settings to
be saved in
EEPROM
Settings Menu
UNITS
USB MODE
LOG OPTIONS
SERIAL RATE
GPS
BACK
Press’■’ to
change the
displayed
Velocity units.
Then press ’■’
to confirm.
KMH or MPH
Press’■’ and
then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons
to select whether
the USB port is
assigned to
Serial data mode
or Card reader
mode.
Press’■’ to enter
the Log Options
Menu.
In this menu the
Logging Mode and
Log rate can be set.
Press’■’ and then use
the ‘◄’ and ‘►’ buttons
to select a serial data
rate. The maximum serial
rate is equal to the Log
rate
Press’■’ to enter the GPS
configuration Menu. The
Kalman Filter, Dynamic
Mode and DGPS mode is
configured within this menu.
Press’■’ to go back to
the Main menu.