Racelogic VBOX 3iV2 User manual

VBOX 3i User Guide
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VBOX 3iV2 100Hz GPS Data Logger
User Guide

VBOX 3i User Guide
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VBOX 3i User Guide
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Contents
EC Declaration of Conformity..................................................................................................................................................................5
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................................6
Features.....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Quickstart Guide.......................................................................................................................................................................................7
Parts Supplied with VBOX 3i V2..............................................................................................................................................................9
Optional Accessories...............................................................................................................................................................................9
Operation.................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Power .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Buttons .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Logging.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
LED Indicators............................................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Memory Cards............................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
GPS Antenna .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Analogue and Digital outputs (AD1 & AD2) ...............................................................................................................................................................................16
Digital Inputs (D IN)....................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Analogue inputs (A In)................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
RS232 Serial / CAN....................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
CAN Pass through......................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
Dynamic Modes..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Satellite Elevation Mask.............................................................................................................................................................................................................24
VBOX Tools Version. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
USB............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Bluetooth....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Audio ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
VBOX 3i „.VBO‟ file format .........................................................................................................................................................................................................28
VBOXTools Software..............................................................................................................................................................................29
Software Installation...................................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Local DGPS Basestation........................................................................................................................................................................30
Enabling the DGPS modes. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................30
IMU Integration........................................................................................................................................................................................31

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Hardware configuration..............................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Hardware Set Up........................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Upgrading the VBOX 3i’s Firmware.......................................................................................................................................................35
How to Upgrade the Firmware...................................................................................................................................................................................................35
Troubleshooting Guide ..........................................................................................................................................................................36
VBOX 3i V2 Specification.......................................................................................................................................................................38
Connection Data .....................................................................................................................................................................................40
Analogue Input Connector.....................................................................................................................................................................43
CAN Output................................................................................................................................................................................................................................44
Contact Details........................................................................................................................................................................................46
Document Updates.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................46

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EC Declaration of Conformity
We declare that this product has been tested to and meet the requirements of:
EC Directive 2004/104/EC
“Adapting to Technical Progress Council directive 72/245/EEC relating to the radio interference (Electromagnetic Compatibility) of vehicles and amending directive
70/156/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers.”
And has also been assessed, via Technical Construction File, by an independent DTI Competent Body and found to be in conformance with the essential
requirements of:
EC Directive 89/336/EEC (and amending directives)
“Council Directive of 03 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility.”
DTI Competent Body responsible for issuing certificate of compliance:
3C Test Ltd,
Silverstone Technology Park,
Silverstone,
Northants
NN12 8GX

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Introduction
The VBOX 3i represents the 3rd generation of GPS data logging system from Racelogic. Using a powerful GPS engine, the VBOX 3i can log GPS and other data at
100Hz. The logged data is stored directly onto a compact flash card for easy transfer to a PC.
The VBOX 3i also includes 4 high-resolution analogue input channels to record data from external sensors and 2 CAN bus interfaces to allow connection of
Racelogic input modules while simultaneously transmitting GPS data on the second bus.
In line with previous VBOX models, the VBOX 3i is compatible with all of the existing peripherals including the Multifunction display, ADC03, TC8, FIM03 and Yaw
rate sensor. To use the IMU integration feature of the VBOX 3i an IMU02 is required.
Features
Non-contact 100Hz speed and distance measurement using GPS
IMU Integration with GPS data
6.75ms Latency
4 x 24bit synchronous differential analogue inputs ±50v
Brake/Event trigger input of 10ns resolution
Voice Tagging of Data
2 x CAN Bus interface
RS-232 serial interface
USB Interface
Bluetooth Interface
Compact Flash Interface
2 x 16bit User configurable analogue outputs
2 x Digital outputs
Brake trigger Input with 100KHz scan rate
Wide 7V to 30V operating range *See Note
Low current consumption
Logging rate selectable from 100Hz, 50Hz, 20Hz, 10Hz, 5Hz, 1Hz
Can be used with a differential basestation for positional accuracies of up to
2cm**
*RACELOGIC external modules such as Multifunction display only operate from a 12v vehicle supply.
Therefore, when using external can modules, VBOX III supply must not exceed 15vDC.
**2cm 95% CEP positional accuracy, (requiring RTK VBOX upgrade and RLVBBS3 Basestation)

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Quickstart Guide
Required equipment (All supplied as standard unless specified)
VBOX 3i
Cigar lighter 12v adapter lead
GPS Antenna
Blank Compact Flash Card
RS232 Cable
VBOX Software CD
Laptop PC(not supplied)
1. Mount the VBOX 3i GPS antenna in a suitable position on the roof of the vehicle. The ideal position is in the centre of the roof
away from any objects that may shadow the GPS signal such as roof bars. This creates a large metal object underneath the
antenna to shield it from signals reflected by the ground that can cause multi-path errors.
NB: See troubleshooting section if having difficulty obtaining satellite lock.
2. Screw the gold SMA connector on the antenna cable firmly onto the VBOX 3i 'GPS' socket, making sure that the socket on
the VBOX 3i is free from any contamination.
NB: It is important to connect the antenna to the VBOX 3i before power is connected. The VBOX 3i adjusts the signal gain to
the antenna based on the current incoming GPS signal strength.
3. Connect the power connector to the socket marked „PWR‟ on the VBOX 3i. .
When power is connected, the red „PWR‟ LED will illuminate and all of the other LEDS will flash once then go off.
4. Allow the VBOX 3i time to acquire satellite lock (This should take no longer than a few minutes.) before moving off to log data. It is good practice to do this at
the beginning of your day; after you have done this satellites will be instantly picked up and locked onto, even after periods of the power being switched off
or overhead obstructions blocking the view of the sky.
If the VBOX 3i has not been used for a long time or if it was last used many miles from its current location, it may take time to find satellite lock. If this
situation arises perform a GPS Cold Start to reset the GPS engine.
NB: See „Performing a GPS Engine Coldstart‟.

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5. The „GPS‟ LED will be lit solid red when no satellite lock has been obtained, once the VBOX 3i gets a lock on visible satellites, the „GPS‟ LED will flash
Green to indicate the number satellites. At a normal test track facility you should expect to see between 7 and 12 satellites being received by the VBOX 3i.
When the VBOX 3i has a lock on 4 or more satellites then the VBOX 3i is ready to use.
NB: If fewer than 7 satellites are consistently seen the position of the GPS antenna on the vehicle may not be ideal, or the nature of the test surroundings
may not be ideal; see troubleshooting section on antenna positioning.
6. Now simply drive the vehicle. In the VBOX 3i‟s default mode it will log all data when the vehicle is moving at a speed above 0.5 Kmh and stop recording
when the vehicle‟s speed goes below 0.5 kmh.
The blue CF LED on the front panel of the VBOX 3i will flash to indicate when data is being logged to the CF card.
7. When you have finished your first test with the VBOX 3i come to a halt, wait until the blue CF LED stops flashing before removing the CF card. Logging can
be stopped at any time by pressing the „LOG‟ button to close the current file.
NB: If the IMU integration feature of the VBOX 3i is to be used refer to the ‘IMU Integration’ section later in this manual.

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Parts Supplied with VBOX 3i V2
Description
Qty
Racelogic Part #
Description
Qty
Racelogic Part #
VBOX 3i Data logger
1
RLVB3I-V2
5 Way LEMO to 9 Way „D‟ Connector „Serial PC Cable‟
1
RLCAB001
Mains Charger/Power Supply
1
RLVBACS020
25 Way D Connector
1
ADC25IPCON
2-way LEMO to cigar lighter plug 1m
1
RLCAB010L
VBOX 3i User Manual
1
VB3I-V2MAN
GPS Magnetic Antenna
1
RLACS158
Bluetooth Antenna
1
RLACS119
4GB Compact Flash Card
1
RLACS098
USB 2.0 cable
1
RLCAB066-2
PCMCIA CF Adaptor
1
RLACS163
Rigid carry case
1
RLVBACS013V4
VBOX Tools Installation CD
1
RLVBACS030
VBOX 3i Audio Headset
1
RLACS120
Optional Accessories
Description
Racelogic Part #
Description
Racelogic Part #
Brake Pedal Trigger
RLVBACS004
8 Channel Thermocouple Interface
RLVBTC8
Hand-held brake trigger
RLVBACS009
Can to Analogue Output Module
RLVBDAC01
Logging Start/Stop Switch
RLVBACS010
Single Yaw Rate Sensor + 2 axis G Sensor
RLVBYAW03
Multifunction Display
RLVBDSP03
Inertial Measurement Unit. 3 Yaw Rate Sensors & 3
accelerometers*
RLVBIMU03
8 Channel (16bit) Analogue Interface
RLVBADC03
RTCM DGPS Basestation for 40cm positional accuracy
RLVBBS4
4 Channel Frequency Input Module
RLVBFIM03
RTK DGPS Basestation for 2cm positional accuracy
RLVBBS4RG
16 Channel Vehicle CAN Interface
RLVBCAN02
*RLVBIMU03 required for IMU integration

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Operation
Power
Included with the VBOX 3i is a cigar lighter power cable, which is the primary source of power input. This is terminated in a 2-way connector and mates with the 2-
way „PWR‟ socket on the VBOX 3i.
The VBOX 3i can be powered from a wide range of voltage sources, when considering batteries as a power source please note that the minimum operating voltage
of the VBOX 3i is 7V. The maximum operating voltage input must not exceed 30V DC. Failure to observe this could result in damage to the VBOX.
Warning
The VBOX can be connected to other Racelogic input modules including the ADC03, ADC02, TC8,
FIM02/3 and Multifunction display. Please note that the voltage supply to Racelogic modules
connected to the VBOX will be at the same level as the VBOX power input. Therefore when using
any of the Racelogic peripherals with VBOX 3i, the input voltage must not exceed 15 volts. Failure
to observe this could result in damage to the module and possibly the VBOX 3i.
When running the VBOX from a battery pack, the VBOX will sound a warning tone to indicate when the battery voltage is reaching the minimum operating voltage
level. When this tone is heard, the battery pack requires re-charging or replacing.
The VBOX 3i has been designed to generate as little heat as possible and it has a wide operating temperature range, however it is good practice to mount the VBOX
3i in a position where it has sufficient airflow around the case.
You must connect the GPS antenna before connecting power to the VBOX 3i. This is necessary because on power-up the VBOX 3i will look for a connected GPS
antenna and automatically adjust its gain for optimum performance.

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Buttons
VBOX 3i has two membrane buttons on the front panel, LOG and FUNC. LOG is used to start and stop logging to the compact flash card, and FUNC is used to
switch between two sample rates, 100Hz and 20Hz.
LOG
The LOG button will override any of the automatic logging thresholds set in the VBOX. For example, if you have set the VBOX to log all the time, the LOG button will
toggle logging on and off. If you have set the VBOX to ‟log only when moving‟ and you are moving, pressing the LOG button will stop the VBOX logging and close
the file on the compact flash. Logging will now not continue even if you are moving until the LOG button is pressed again or the compact flash card is removed and
reinserted. The VBOX will then continue to log only when moving.
Every time the logging is toggled with the LOG button, a new file is created.
When the VBOX is logging, the blue CF light flashes.
Do not remove the CF card or power down whilst this LED is flashing, if you need to remove the card or power down whilst the CF light is flashing, then
press the LOG button first to stop the VBOX logging.
FUNC
Pressing the FUNC button briefly flashes the LED‟s to indicate the current sample rate. A slow flash (once per second) on all the LED‟s indicates 20Hz, and rapid
flashing (5 times a second) indicates a 100Hz sample rate. A running sequence of lights indicates a sample rate other than 100Hz or 20Hz. Pressing and holding the
FUNC button for 5 seconds toggles the current sample rate. The sample rate can also be set in the VBOX software.
Default setup
The default factory settings are restored to the VBOX by pressing and holding the FUNC and LOG buttons for 5 seconds. This will put the VBOX 3i into the default
factory settings, 100Hz logging when moving, and the standard logging parameters : sats, time, latitude, longitude, velocity, heading, height, vertical velocity, and
brake trigger event time. (DGPS will be off by default.).

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Logging
The VBOX 3i has three Logging modes that are selected and configured via VBOXsetup with the supplied VBOXTools software
Logging Modes
Log Continuously:
With „Log Continuously‟ ticked the VBOX will log data, regardless of movement.
Log Only when moving:
Without „Log Continuously‟ ticked then the VBOX will only log data to the CF card when it detects speed >0.5Km/h.
Advanced:
The advanced logging option on the VBOX 3i allows any of the logged data channels to be used to trigger the logging on the VBOX.
This is selected and configured through VBOXsetup of the supplied VBOXTools software.
This facility allows a threshold value to be set as either > or < so that the logging will start or stop when a data value is exceeded or not.
Multiple Data channels can be combined in a Boolean „OR‟ manner to control the logging.

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LED Indicators
There are a series of LED indicators on the front panel of the VBOX 3i, their functionality is as follows:
GPS:
Flashing Red indicates no satellites in view
Flashing Green sequence indicates the number of GPS Satellites currently being tracked. Each flash indicates a satellite with a short pause between each
sequence.
Flashing Red sequence indicates the number of GLONASS Satellites currently being tracked. Each flash indicates a satellite with a short pause between
each sequence.
Sequence showing 1 Satellite
1
1
1
1
Sequence showing 4 Satellites
Delay
1
2
3
4
Delay
1
2
3
4
Sequence showing 0 Satellites
Delay (Approximately 1 second )
Delay (Approximately 1 second )

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DIFF:
Solid Orange indicates a DGPS lock (either WAAS/EGNOS or 40cm
Local DGPS)
Solid Green indicates a 2cm „Fixed‟ RTK lock
PWR:
Solid GREEN indicates that a suitable power source is connected.
Solid Red indicates that the VBOX is not ready to operate either
because it is still booting up or because there is an error condition.
D IN:
Solid GREEN indicates that the Brake trigger input has been
activated/triggered.
CAN:
Flashing Yellow indicates that expected incoming CAN data has been
decoded properly and is being logged.
Flashing Green indicates that there is incoming Serial traffic through
this socket.
SER:
Flashing Yellow indicates that expected incoming CAN data has been
decoded properly and is being logged.
Flashing Green indicates that there is incoming Serial traffic through
this socket.
BLUETOOTH:
Flashing BLUE indicates Bluetooth is switched on and waiting for a
connection.
Solid BLUE indicates the VBOX 3i has a Bluetooth connection with
another Bluetooth device.
CF:
Flashes BLUE when data is being written to the card
LOG:
Lights solid GREEN when data is being logged to the CF card.
Flashes RED indicating current logging rate after „FUNC‟ button
press, fast for 100Hz, slow for 20Hz
Memory Cards
The VBOX 3i stores logged data onto CF cards. The CF cards available from Racelogic are already optimised for use on the VBOX 3i and as such do not need
formatting before use. Should the CF Card need formatting due to card errors it can be done through Windows, as the VBOX 3i supports the following format type:
FAT
FAT16
FAT32
Racelogic strongly recommends the following media card brands:
SanDisk
Kingston
Lexar
Ultra
PQi

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GPS Antenna
The GPS antenna supplied with the VBOX 3i is a 5V active antenna. For the best possible signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the
antenna and the VBOX 3i. Before fixing the antenna to the VBOX 3i, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector. Replacement antennae are available
by contacting your VBOX 3i 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
(a metallic vehicle roof is perfect for this).
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 that
clouds and other atmospheric conditions do not affect the VBOX 3i‟s performance.
GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the
GPS signal caused by nearby objects, and usually the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function. However, if
a test requires an antenna to be placed either off the vehicle, or on a vehicle that does not have a metallic roof,
a special ground plane antenna must be used. This has an internal ground plane and can operate perfectly
without the need for mounting on a metal surface. Ground plane antennas are available from your VBOX 3I
distributor.

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Analogue and Digital outputs (AD1 & AD2)
The AD1 and AD2 connectors each have 1 analogue voltage and 1 digital output. The digital output on connector AD2 is a frequency/pulse output corresponding to
velocity. The pulse per meter range is adjustable in software. The digital output on connector AD1 is a simple on/off state output. This digital output can be
associated with any of the data channels being logged by the VBOX. A threshold level can be set for the selected data channel where a true condition gives a 5v
output and a false condition gives a 0v.
i.e. Data channel –Speed, threshold 40Km/h. When speed is >40 output = 5V, speed , 40 output = 0V
A hysteresis and tolerance value can also be associated to this condition.
The default function of this digital output is to indicate the current logging status of the VBOX.
The analogue outputs on connectors AD1 and AD2 are both user configurable. For example, analogue output 1 could be configured to output velocity while
analogue output 2 might be configured to output lateral acceleration. The voltage range of both analogue outputs is 0 to 5v DC.

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Digital Inputs (D IN)
The „D IN‟ connector contains the two digital inputs for the VBOX 3I. Digital input 1 is also referred to as the Brake trigger input. This input is connected to an event
capture input on the GPS engine. This captures precisely the trigger event time (10nS resolution) for use in brake distance calculation. This period of time is called
the trigger event time, and is logged and used to correct the measured brake stop distance to the exact point at which the trigger was pressed.
A hand-held brake trigger is also available to allow the user to record marker events in the VBOX 3I data file.
A remote logging on/off switch is also available for ease of use and when the front panel switch is not accessible.

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Analogue inputs (A In)
The VBOX 3I contains four differential 24bit analogue input channels with a maximum sample rate of 100Hz. Each channel has its own dedicated analogue to digital
(A/D) converter with all four channels being sampled synchronously to each other. The voltage range of the input channels is ±50volts. Note that unlike the ADC03
module, the analogue channels in the VBOX 3I are not electrically isolated from each other.
The analogue input connector also contains voltage outputs that can be used to power external sensors. These are a Vbatt connection which is equal to the VBOX
input voltage level and a DC isolated 5 V Out connection which is equal to 5V ±2%. Both Vbatt and 5V Out connections are internally protected by 100mA thermal
fuses. For connector pin configuration see page 16. A screw-terminal connector block is available as an option for easy connection of signal pins.
Using the VBOXTools software, logging of the analogue channel data can be switched on or off. It is also possible to change the name of each input channel and
configure scale and offset values for calibration of sensors. A scale value of 1 and offset of 0 correspond to a channel reading in Volts DC. This means that the value
stored on the compact flash card for the channel will also be in volts. When using a sensor such as a load cell, it may be desirable to store a reading in Kg. In this
case, changing the scale and offset to suit the sensor data sheet allows the data stored onto the compact flash to be in Kg. When changing settings for an analogue
channel using the VBOX.EXE software, a live data view of the current channel is shown. The value shown is the value after scale and offset is applied and can
therefore be used to aid sensor calibration.
NOTE: The 5V regulated output on pin16 is only good for VBOX power supply voltages >8.5V
Note: A 25W D-sub to 4W BNC adaptor
block is available through your VBOX
distributor, part number RLVBACS054

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Using VBOXTools software, logging of the analogue channel data can be switched on or off. It is also
possible to change the name of each input channel and configure scale and offset values for calibration
of sensors.
A scale value of 1 and offset of 0 correspond to a channel reading in Volts DC. This means that the
value stored on the compact flash card for the channel will also be in volts. When using a sensor such
as a load cell, it may be desirable to store a reading in Kg. In this case, changing the scale and offset to
suit the sensor data sheet allows the data stored onto the compact flash to be in Kg. When changing
channel setup for an analogue channel using VBOX Tools software, a live data view of the current
channel is shown. The value shown is the value after scale and offset is applied and can therefore be
used to aid sensor calibration.
500Hz logging
VB3i has the ability to log 4x analogue channels at 500Hz. With this feature enable the file sizes will
increase as a result.
When loading the VBO file into VBOX Tools ensure you are running the very latest version as older
versions are not compatible with 500Hz data.

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RS232 Serial / CAN
VBOX 3i is equipped with 2 CAN Bus interfaces and 2 RS232 serial ports. The primary RS232 port is used for all communication between the VBOX and laptop PC.
The primary port is marked RS232 on the VBOX 3i front panel. The primary RS232 port is able to transmit live data from the VBOX to the PC for viewing and
performing real-time tests. It is important to note however that due to limitations of the PC serial port, live data transfer of all channels is limited to 20Hz, at 50Hz only
standard GPS channels should be transmitted, and at 100Hz only Sats, Time, Speed, and Trigger Event Time should be transmitted. Logging too many channels at
too high a rate is likely to cause drop-outs and loss of data.
Therefore for maximum accuracy, tests performed at a GPS sample rate above 20Hz should be logged to compact flash and post processed.
The secondary RS232 port is used for connection to a Telemetry Radio module allowing the reception of Differential GPS (DGPS) data for local correction from a
Racelogic Local DGPS basestation. The secondary RS232 port is located in the connector marked CAN on the VBOX 3i front panel.
The CAN Bus ports A and B are located in the VBOX 3i connectors “CAN” and “RS232” respectively. The function of these ports is configurable by the user for use
by either Racelogic external modules or the users own CAN Bus equipment. For dual use of RS232 and CAN from one of the sockets you will require a 5Way Lemo
splitter RLVBACS024.
Power supplied to external Racelogic CAN modules through the “CAN” or “RS232” cables is at the same voltage as the input power supply. Therefore
when using Racelogic external CAN modules (eg; MFD or ADC03), the VBOX 3I supply voltage must not exceed 15vDC.