Racelogic User Guide User manual

VB2SX20SPS User Guide
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VB2SX20SPS 20Hz GPS Speed Sensor
User Guide

VB2SX20SPS User Guide
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Contents
CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
FEATURES.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
STANDARD INVENTORY...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
OPERATION..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
DISPLAY SCREEN ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
SMOOTHING AND FILTERING........................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
GPS ANTENNA....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
GETTING STARTED..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
VBOXTOOLS SOFTWARE...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
CONNECTOR ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
CAN BUS DATA FORMAT................................................................................................................................................................................................................................22
MODULE DIMENSIONS....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
FUSE RESET BUTTON......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
CONTACT INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................24

VB2SX20SPS User Guide
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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

VB2SX20SPS User Guide
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Introduction
The VB2SX20SPS represents the 2nd generation of GPS speed sensor system from Racelogic, updating the popular VBOXII speed sensor with USB
communication and a built-in configuration panel with display. Using a powerful GPS engine, the VB2SX20SPS can sample GPS and other data at 20Hz.
The data is transmitted via CAN bus, RS232 serial, analogue or digital outputs, for use with a variety of VBOX displays or third-party monitoring or logging
equipment.
The VB2SX20SPS is compatible with the VBOX Multifunction Display (DSP03) and the VBOX LED Display (DSP02; older DSP02s may require a firmware
upgrade). However, the VB2SX20SPS can not be used with VBOXTools for real-time monitoring of data; the VBOXTools software is supplied with this unit
for configuration purposes only.
Features
Non-contact 20Hz speed and distance
measurement using GPS
1 x CAN Bus interface (on two sockets to
allow daisy-chaining)
USB interface for configuration and
upgrading
RS-232 serial interface for output to LED
Display and for alternative configuration
method
2 x 16bit user configurable analogue
outputs
2 x digital outputs
Brake trigger input with 210KHz scan rate
Input voltage 6V to 30V operating range

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Standard Inventory
Description
Qty
Racelogic Part #
VB2SX20SPS –20Hz GPS Speed Sensor
1
VB2SX20SPS
USB Lead
1
RLCAB042
Analogue Output Cable
1
RLCAB008
Digital Output Cable
1
RLCAB009
2-Way LEMO to 3-Wire Un-terminated Power Cable
1
RLCAB014
5-Way LEMO to 9-Way “D” Connector CAN Cable
1
RLCAB019L
Padded Carrying Case
1
RLACS106
Magnetic GPS Aerial
1
RLVBACS018
CD ROM containing VBOXTools software
1
RLVBACS030
VBOXTools User Manual
1
VBTOOLSMANA5

VB2SX20SPS User Guide
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Operation
Power
The VB2SX20SPS can be powered by connecting the LEMO end of the supplied RLVBCAB14 to the VBOX’s POWER socket, and the un-terminated ends to
any suitable power source. The maximum operating voltage input must not exceed 30V DC. Failure to observe this could result in damage to the VBOX.
Display Screen
The display screen will display velocity and satellite data when operating. It also displays all the menus
required to configure the VB2SX20SPS via the front panel controls. The display screen also shows the unit’s
firmware version on start-up.
During normal operation, the display screen displays Speed (mph or km/h), as well as the number of
satellites that the VB2SX20SPS has locked on to. There are also two satellite status displays and a DGPS
status display.
OK (Green):
Indicates that the VB2SX20SPS has sufficient satellites locked to allow normal operation.
SATS (Yellow):
This flashes to indicate that the VB2SX20SPS has insufficient satellites and will not be able to operate at all.
WAAS/40cm (Orange):
This indicates that the corresponding DGPS corrections are available and being used by the unit. DGPS increases the absolute positional accuracy of the
VB2SX20SPS, but has no affect on velocity or distance measurements unless the Kalman Filter is in use. 40cm positional accuracy is only available when
used in conjunction with a DGPS basestation.

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Front Panel Controls
The VB2SX20SPS 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
UNITS
KALMAN FILTER
COLDSTART
DGPS MODE
Press’■’ and then the ‘◄’ and ‘►’ buttons to
change the displayed Velocity units. Then press
’■’ to confirm.
KMH or MPH
Press’■’ to enter the Kalman Filter Menu.
In this menu the amount of filtering applied to the Velocity
and Positional channels can be set between 0-4.
Velocity must t be set to 0 for Brake stop tests
Press’■’ to
perform a GPS
cold start
Press’■’ to enter the DGPS Menu, then ‘◄’ and
‘►’ to move to the desired option. Then press ’■’
to confirm. Note that 20cm and 40cm options
require access to a DGPS basestation, and 20cm
also requires a paid upgrade to the VB2SX20SPS.
MAIN MENU cont’d
GPS OPTIMISATION
DIGITAL1 SETUP
DIGITAL1 SETUP
ANALOGUE1 SETUP
ANALOGUE2 SETUP
EXIT
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’ and ‘►’ buttons
to change the amount of smoothing applied to
the Velocity Channel at source by the GPS
engine. Then press ’■’ to confirm.
This must be set to High Dynamics for brake
stop tests.
This option has previously been called “Velocity
Smooth”.
Press’■’ to enter the
setup menu for the
Digital output Channel
1
Press’■’ to enter the
setup menu for the
Digital output Channel
2
Press’■’ to enter the setup
menu for the Analogue
output Channel 1
Press’■’ to enter the setup
menu for the Analogue
output Channel 1
Press’■’ to
exit the
setup menu
and cause
the settings
to be saved
in EEPROM

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DIGITAL SETUP MENU (Digital 1 and Digital 2)
OUTPUT
VELOCITY
PULSES PER METRE
VELOCITY
MAX VELOCITY
LONG ACC / LAT ACC
MAX VALUE
LONG ACC / LAT ACC
MAX FREQUENCY
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to select from:
Velocity
Long ACC
Lat ACC
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the
number of pulses per metre.
Then press ’■’ to confirm.
0.1-120 pulses per metre in 0.1
steps
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the level
of the maximum Velocity.
Then press ’■’ to confirm.
0-400km/h in 0.1km/h steps
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the level
of the maximum Long ACC or
Lat ACC level.
Then press ’■’ to confirm.
0.5g to 2g in 0.1 g steps
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the
frequency of the maximum Long
ACC or Lat ACC level.
Then press ’■’ to confirm.
1-50kHz in 0.1kHz steps
TEST
BACK
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set a test
value that the Digital output will
simulate. Then press ’■’ to quit.
Press’■’ to exit the digital setup
menu and cause the settings to
be saved in EEPROM
ANALOGUE SETUP MENU (Analogue 1 and Analogue 2)
OUTPUT
VALUE @ +5V
VALUE @ -5V (0V for
Velocity)
TEST
BACK
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to select from:
Velocity
Long ACC
Lat ACC
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the
Velocity, Long ACC or Lat ACC
level to represent +5V. Then
press ’■’ to confirm.
1-400km/h in 1km/h steps, or
-1g to 2g in 0.1 g steps
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set the
Velocity, Long ACC or Lat ACC
to represent 0V (velocity) or -5V
(Lat ACC & Long ACC).
Then press ’■’ to confirm.
0-399km/h in 1km/h steps, or
-2g to 1g in 0.1g steps
Press’■’ and then use the ‘◄’
and ‘►’ buttons to set a test
value that the analogue output
will simulate.
Then press ’■’ to quit.
Press’■’ to exit the analogue
setup menu and cause the
settings to be saved in EEPROM

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Smoothing and Filtering
Velocity: The VBSSX20SPS has three smoothing settings (Dynamic Modes) for velocity: High Dynamics, Normal and Low Dynamics. High dynamics has the
least amount of smoothing and must be used for high dynamic tests where Time or Distance measurements are critical to the test, such as Brake stop and
acceleration tests.
Kalman Filter: This filter provides filtering separately to the Velocity and Position channels (latitude, longitude and height). Note with any live filter routine
more latency will occur if higher levels of filtering are used. Hence the Kalman Filter velocity settings should be set to zero for Brake stops and acceleration
runs

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GPS Antenna
The GPS Antenna supplied with the VB2SX20SPS is a 3.5v active antenna. For the best possible
signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the VBOX.
Before fixing the antenna 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.
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.

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Digital and Analogue Outputs
The digital outputs on connectors OUT1 and OUT2 are a frequency/pulse output corresponding to velocity, long ACC or Lat ACC. The frequency range is
adjustable in software or via the front panel controls.
The analogue outputs on connectors OUT1 and OUT2 output are a 0V to +5V DC signal corresponding to velocity or a -5V to +5V signal corresponding to
Long ACC or Lat ACC. The volts range is adjustable in software or via the front panel controls.

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Digital Inputs
The DIGITAL I/O socket contains the two digital inputs for the VB2SX20SPS. Digital input 1 is also referred to as the Brake trigger input. This input is
connected to an internal timer capture module that is able to record precisely an event time for use in brake distance calculation. This period of time is called
the trigger event time, and is given as the value in milliseconds between the trigger event and the last GPS sample.
A hand-held brake trigger is also available to allow the user to record marker events in the VB2SX20SPS 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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CAN / RS232 / USB Ports
The VB2SX20SPS is equipped with a CAN Bus interface, an RS232 serial port and a USB port. The RS232 port or USB is used for all communication
between the VBOX and laptop PC. The USB or RS232 ports allow the unit to be configured from a PC using the VBOXTools software. They are also able to
transmit live data from the VBOX to third-party equipment using Racelogic’s proprietary serial data format.
Note that only the USB port is used for firmware upgrading, whilst only the RS232 socket may be used to transmit data to a VBOX LED Display
(RLVBDSP02).
The CAN Bus port is available in either the socket labelled CAN or the socket labelled Serial. See the section ‘Setup’ in the VBOXTools software manual for
information on configuring the CAN baud rate and CAN identifiers.
The socket labelled CAN also contains a secondary RS232 port for direct connection to the GPS engine. This is used for providing local DGPS corrections to
the GPS engine (requires telemetry connection to a DGPS basestation).

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Using the USB cable
The first time you use the USB cable, you will need to follow the instructions below.
Connect the USB cable between the VB2SX20SPS and your computer.
Your computer will now recognise the presence of a new device, after a period of time a
‘Found New Hardware Wizard’ window will appear. See below.
Click the option ‘No, not this time’ and click ‘Next’ (see image, right)
A new window will appear at this window click ‘Next’ (see image, below)
A new ‘Hardware Installation’ window will appear. Click the button labelled ‘Continue Anyway’.
At the last window click ‘Finish’ to complete the installation.
After a short period of time a window will ask you if you wish to reboot your computer, select ‘NO’
Now disconnect the power from the VB2SX20SPS and then reconnect the power, your computer will now
recognise the Slip angle sensor. When you run the VBOXTools software it will recognise the USB
connections.

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Getting Started
Required equipment (All supplied as standard unless specified)
VB2SX20SPS
Power supply cable (CAB14)
GPS Antenna
USB/RS232 Cable
VBOXTools 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 to the VBOX
8. Connect other end of power cable to power
supply
9. See below
9. With the power applied, the display screen will illuminate. The VB2SX20SPS will start searching for satellites. The ST count 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 the speed of the vehicle, along with a regularly updated satellite count and DGPS status.

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VBOXTools Software
The VBOXTools software is used for configuration of the VB2SX20SPS.
For further information on the VBOXTools software refer to the VBOXTools Software manual supplied with VB2SX20SPS.
Upgrading the Firmware
Occasionally Racelogic releases new versions of firmware code for VBOX products, this maybe to fix bugs or to add new features.
New firmware for the VB2SX20SPS is loaded into the unit using a computer and the supplied USB cable.
The latest firmware upgrade (.ruf) file for the Speed Sensor is available from the Racelogic website in the VBOX downloads section.
http://www.racelogic.co.uk/2003/vbox/downloads.htm
If you need the latest file, download it from the website and copy it to your computer.
If you are connecting your slip angle sensor to your computer with the USB cable for the first time then follow the instructions in the Section ‘Using the USB
cable‘ earlier in this manual before following the instructions below.
How to upgrade the firmware
Press and hold the ‘◄’ button whilst the power is connected to the VB2SX20SPS.
The screen will now display the UPGRADER screen, showing that it is ready for upgrading
Connect the USB cable to your computer.
Double click on the .ruf firmware upgrade file that you have downloaded from the website
This will automatically run the upgrade program where you will see the progress of the upgrade.
At the end of the process disconnect the USB and then disconnect and reconnect the power.
If you have any questions regarding upgrade of VBOX, please do not hesitate to contact [e-mail]

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Specification
GPS
Velocity
Distance
Accuracy
0.1 Km/h (averaged over 4
samples)
Accuracy
0.05% (<50cm per Km)
Units
Km/h or Mph
Units
Metres / Feet
Update rate
20 Hz
Update rate
20Hz
Maximum velocity
1000 Mph
Resolution
1cm
Minimum velocity
0.1 Km/h
Height accuracy
6 Metres 95% CEP**
Resolution
0.01 Km/h
Height accuracy with DGPS
2 Metres 95% CEP**
Absolute Positioning
Time
Accuracy
3m 95% CEP**
Resolution
0.01 s
Accuracy with DGPS
1.8m 95% CEP**
Accuracy
0.01 s
Update rate
20 Hz
Resolution
1 cm
Heading
Power
Resolution
0.01°
Input Voltage range
6v-30v DC
Accuracy
0.1°
Current
Typically 560mA
Acceleration
Environmental and physical
Accuracy
0.5%
Weight
Approx500 grammes
Maximum
20 G
Size
119mm x 128mm x 30mm
Resolution
0.01 G
Operating temperature
-30C to +60C
Update rate
20Hz
Storage temperature
-40C to +80C
Definitions
** CEP = Circle of Error Probable
95% CEP (Circle Error Probable) means 95% of the time the position readings will fall
within a circle of the stated diameter

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Outputs
CAN Bus
Bit rate
125Kbits, 250Kbits,
500Kbits & 1Mbit
selectable baud rate
Identifier type
Standard 11bit or extended
2.0A
Data available
Satellites in View, Latitude, Longitude, Velocity, Heading, Altitude, Vertical velocity, Distance, Longitudinal acceleration & lateral
acceleration, Distance from trigger, Trigger time, trigger Velocity
Analogue
Digital
Voltage range
0 to 5Volts DC
Frequency range
DC to 44.4Khz
Default setting *
Velocity
0.0125Volts per Km/h (0 to
400Km/h)
Default setting *
25Hz per Km/h (0 to 400Km/h)
Accuracy
0.1 Km/h
90 pulses per metre
Update rate
20Hz
Accuracy
0.1Km/h
Update rate
20Hz
* The settings can be adjusted by the user in software or via the front panel buttons
Inputs
CAN Bus
Racelogic modules
Up to 32 channels from any combination of ADC02, ADC03, FIM02, TC8, Yaw sensor or CAN01
Digital
Brake/Event Trigger
Selectable signal polarity. 16bit timer capture with 5μs resolution
On/Off Logging control
Remote log control from hand-held switch

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Connector Assignments
Connector 1 POWER (Dedicated 4.5V to 36V DC Power Connector)
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
Power +
2
I
Ground
Chassis
I
Ground
Connector 2 / 3 –OUT 1 / OUT 2 (One Analogue and One Digital Output Each)
Pin
I/O
Function
1
O
Analogue Out 1 / 2
2
O
Digital Out 1 / 2
3
I
Ground
Chassis
I
Ground
Connector 4 –DIG I/O (Wheel Speed and Brake Trigger Inputs)
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
Wheel Speed (not available yet)
2
I
NC
3
I
Brake Trigger
Chassis
I
Ground