Racelogic LabSat 2 User manual
LabSat 2 User Manual
•01 - LabSat 2 Introduction
•02 - LabSat 2 Operation
•03 - LabSat 2 Hardware overview
•04 - LabSat 2 PC Requirements
•05 - LabSat 2 Installing Software
•06 - LabSat 2 Connecting USB
•07 - LabSat 2 Software Overview
•08 - LabSat 2 Software Settings
•09 - LabSat 2 Recording GNSS Data
•10 - LabSat 2 Recording Event Inputs
•11 - LabSat 2 Replaying GNSS Data
•12 - LabSat 2 SatGen v2 Software
•13 - Converting LabSat scenarios
•14 - LabSat 2 Interface Modules
•15 - LabSat 2 Video Syncronisation
•16 - LabSat 2 Advanced functions
•LabSat 2 - Troubleshooting
•LabSat 2 - Updating the Firmware
•17 - LabSat 2 Software Development Kit (SDK)
•18 - LabSat 2 Inventory and optional extras
•19 - LabSat 2 PIN OUTS
•20 - LabSat 2 Technical specifications
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01 - LabSat 2 Introduction
The LabSat 2 is a dedicated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal generator with RF record and playback
facilities, enabling real world GNSS RF testing to take place in the laboratory. The LabSat is small and rugged, allowing
it to be used in the field to continuously record the Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo, BeiDou Navigation
Satellite System (BDS) and GLONASS RF signals in a digital form which can then be replayed at a later date.
LabSat 2 is ideal for almost any kind of GNSS development, e.g. GPS/Galileo/BDS/GLONASS engines, GNSS enabled
Smartphones, Portable Navigation Devices (PND), tracking systems and much more. It is also very well suited to
production line testing as it can represent a real world test as well as a carefully simulated scenario.
LabSat 2 works with the GPS/Galileo L1 (1575.42MHz) signal, BDS B1 (1561.098 MHz) signal and GLONASS L1
(Channels 06 to -7 or approximately 1606 MHz down to 1598 MHz) signal and has no limit to the number of satellites
that can be logged.
In addition to recorded data, the Labsat 2 can replay simulated, GPS L1 and or GLONASS L1 scenarios generated
using the optional Racelogic SatGen v2 software.
Real world GNSS effects can be seen in test scenarios
• Multipath
• Drop-outs
• Tree coverage
• Adverse terrain effects
• Atmospheric effects
Ability to replay data allows repeatable testing of GNSS receiver capabilities such as:
• Sensitivity – Tracking and Acquisition
• Time To First Fix (TTFF) – Cold, Warm and Hot Start
• Position Accuracy and Repeatability
• Tracking Accuracy and Repeatability
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/01_-_LabSat_2_Introduction
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• Reacquisition Time
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/01_-_LabSat_2_Introduction
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02 - LabSat 2 Operation
Depending on model type, the LabSat 2 is able to record RF data directly from an active antenna and store the data on
a hard drive or generate GNSS RF signals from data stored on a hard drive.
There are three RF ports on the LabSat 2 these are marked CLOCK IN, RF IN, RF OUT.
The RF IN socket is used to connect an active GNSS antenna when recording data. During recording, the RF OUT port
is switched off to ensure that it does not interfere with the recorded data.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/02_-_LabSat_2_Operation
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The RF OUT port is used to connect the LabSat 2 to the GNSS system under test. The output signal of the LabSat 2 is
at a nominal level of -83 dB when replaying previously recorded data. Using the PC software, it is possible to attenuate
the LabSat 2 output by approximately 24 dB giving a signal power range of -83 dBm down to -107 dBm. Adjustment to
the output attenuation is made using the slider controls which is accessed from the RF Attenuation tab in the LabSat
software. With the slider positioned to the left on the screen, attenuation is 0 dB meaning 0 dB of attenuation on the
nominal -83 dBm output. As the slider is moved to the right, in 0.5 dB steps, the attenuation increases, and the RF
output level is reduced accordingly. The tick boxes allow for each channel to be muted simulating GNSS dropout.
When replaying RF data into a GNSS engine, it may be necessary to increase attenuation in order for the GNSS engine
to acquire satellite data.
It is also important to note when replaying previously recorded GNSS data, that it may be required to cold start
the GNSS engine under test. This is because GNSS engines often rely on downloaded almanac data to determine
which satellites to look for at a given date and time. A cold start of the GNSS engine should clear any stored almanac
data, forcing the GNSS engine to look for all satellites.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/02_-_LabSat_2_Operation
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Connector Description Comment
DATA High speed USB 2.0 link Transfers data to and from PC
GPS MONITOR GPS Monitor - NMEA Outputs NMEA from internal GPS
engine during Replay and Record
PWR 12 Volt DC Power Supply Input to LabSat 2
AUX 5 Pin LEMO
Digital In / Out – For connection of
Interface Modules such as
RLLSIM01
RF OUT GNSS Simulation RF Output GNSS signal output during replay
mode
RF IN GNSS Active Antenna Input Used when recording GNSS signals
CLOCK IN 10 MHz Reference External reference clock input
DIGITAL I/O 26 Way D-Type Connector
1 – PPS Output ( refer
to Connector Pin Data section for
further pin out details)
LEDs Description Comment
PWR Power status Green LED indicates power good
PLAY Replay Indication Indicates that LabSat 2 is in Replay
Mode
REC Record Indication Indicates that LabSat 2 is in Record
Mode
BUFFER Memory Buffer status
Indicates buffer status. If status
reaches F (Full Buffer) during record
or replay, this indicates that the PC
cannot maintain the required
transfer rate. Recorded data may
be corrupt if full buffer occurs during
record
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/03_-_LabSat_2_Hardware_overview
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04 - LabSat 2 PC Requirements
The LabSat 2 uses a USB 2.0 HI-SPEED interface for data transfer. When recording RF signals, the sustained USB
transfer rate is in excess of 8Mbytes/s. It is therefore important to ensure that all intensive background tasks such as
anti-virus scans are switched off to avoid interruption of data transfer to and from the hard drive. It may also be required
to configure the laptop power settings to ensure maximum processor speed when using battery power as it is common
for laptop PCs to reduce their processing speed when running without an external power supply.
Minimum recommended specification for the desktop or laptop PC to be used with the LabSat 2.
• Intel®Core2™ Duo 1.8 GHz
• 2 GB RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• Microsoft Windows®XP Pro or Windows Vista®Business or Windows®7 Professional, Windows®8 Pro
Minimum recommended specification for the desktop or laptop PC to be used with SatGen v2 software.
• Intel®Core™ i5 2.27 GHz
• 4 GB RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• Microsoft Windows Vista®Business or Windows®7 Professional, Windows®8 Pro
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/04_-_LabSat_2_PC_Requirements
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05 - LabSat 2 Installing Software
Configuration and control of the LabSat 2 is performed using the supplied LabSat Software. Before using your LabSat 2
it is necessary to install the software which also contains the USB drivers required for communication. Once this has
been done the USB cables should be connected to the LabSat 2 prior to it being powered, this allows the configuration
of the USB connection from LabSat 2 to the computer.
When you connect to the LabSat 2 via USB for the first time you will be required to install USB drivers, please see the
section ‘Connecting LabSat 2 USB’ below.
Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD drive of your computer. An installation dialog will automatically appear; follow
the onscreen instructions to complete the installation of the setup software.
After installation the CD-ROM can be removed and an icon should have appeared on your desktop that will allow you to
start the LabSat software.
The LabSat 2 software can also be downloaded from here.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/05_-_LabSat_2_Installing_Software
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06 - LabSat 2 Connecting USB
• Connect the USB A to B cable between the LabSat 2 and the computer. If you intend to use the GNSS monitor
connect the Mini USB as well.
• The computer should now recognise the presence of a new USB device; after a short period of time a ‘Found New
Hardware Wizard’ window will appear.
Click Next to continue the installation.
• Click ‘next’, with the option ‘Install the software automatically (Recommended)’ Selected. (See image right)
• At the last window click ‘Finish’ to complete the installation.
• This process will then repeat a second time beginning with step 2.
Now connect the LabSat 2 to its power supply. Your computer should now recognise the unit, and the USB connections
will be recognised by the LabSat Setup software when started. Double-click the LabSat software icon to start the
software
See the Troubleshooting section if the installation process fails at any stage.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/06_-_LabSat_2_Connecting_USB
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https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/06_-_LabSat_2_Connecting_USB
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The picture below shows the LabSat Record screen.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/07_-_LabSat_2_Software_Overview
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08 - LabSat 2 Software Settings
The LabSat software can be used to control the multi-GNSS LabSat 2, as well as LabSat hardware. When a LabSat is
connected to the PC the LabSat software will auto-detect the type of hardware connected and configure LabSat
accordingly.
In the example shown, below a LabSat 2 Replay and Record unit has been connected to the PC. The LabSat software
has been started and the Settings menus accessed.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/08_-_LabSat_2_Software_Settings
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Hardware Settings:
LabSat 2 is a Multi GNSS Replay and Record Simulator. Each Channel is selectable to record and replay from the GPS
L1, Galileo E1, BDS B1 or GLONASS L1 RF signals. The system can be set to record a single constellation at 2 bit or in
pairs at 1 bit and one constellation with the second channel set to record DIO.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/08_-_LabSat_2_Software_Settings
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Setting channel A will determine which constellation can be used with the DIO. See channel mode in advanced
recording control for more information.
The Reference Clock can be set to use the optional OCXO (if installed) or the TCXO. If required external timing can be
selected, either a 10 MHz or 16.368 MHz source. The Clock Output can be enabled or disabled for 16.368MHZ output
to the 26 way connector.
The GNSS Monitor is set to Internal LabSat 2. This uses the internal GPS engine to monitor GPS signals during Replay
or Record, on the LabSat software GUI. The monitor can be set to Internal LabSat 2 (10 Hz) which will use up to to eight
satellites only in this mode. The NVS NVO8C setting refers to an external monitor for GPS & GLONASS signals.
An external Serial Monitor may also be selected, to display NMEA data (if available) from the GNSS receiver under test
(DUT) on the LabSat software. The GPS Monitor may also be disabled.
Note the Video Sync and Serial Proxy tick boxes. Video Sync allows for the synchronisation of the LabSat scenario with
a video VBOX recording of the route. Serial Proxy allows for the serial NMEA data from the internal receiver to be
redirected to another port. The Turntable Control is part of the LabSat Turntable application. Please contact your
LabSat distributor or Racelogic for details.
The Upgrade Button is used for specific software upgrades such as input of data to allow for a Replay Only LabSat to be
set up for a rental record period.
Please contact Racelogic or your LabSat distributer for details. Note: The Upgrade Button is not to be used for firmware
upgrades, please refer to the LabSat 2 Firmware section.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/08_-_LabSat_2_Software_Settings
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https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/08_-_LabSat_2_Software_Settings
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09 - LabSat 2 Recording GNSS Data
NB: Applicable to RLLSC02-GNL1 and RLLSR02-GNL1 LabSat 2 Models Only
The GNSS antenna supplied with the LabSat 2 is a 3 V active antenna with 28 dB gain. For the best possible signal
quality, it is important to maintain a good RF connection between the antenna and the LabSat. Before fixing the antenna
to the LabSat, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector. Replacement antennas are available by
contacting your LabSat distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. For optimum GNSS 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 GNSS antenna works best with a metal ground plane underneath (a metallic vehicle roof is
perfect for this).
Please also note that when using any GNSS equipment, a clear view of the sky, without physical obscuration, is
important. Objects in the surrounding area such as tall buildings or trees can block the GNSS 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 LabSat’s performance.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/09_-_LabSat_2_Recording_GNSS_Data
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GNSS antennae require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the GNSS
signals 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 LabSat distributor.
The LabSat 2 is set up according to the diagram below.
1. Connect the Active GNSS antenna to the RF IN port of the LabSat 2.
2. Connect the high speed USB cable to the computer on which the Scenario data file is to be recorded. It is possible
to connect an external USB drive to the computer and stream the recorded file directly onto this drive.
3. Connect power to the LabSat 2.
4. Start the LabSat software.
Before recording Scenario data it is important to observe certain criteria, failure to follow these precautions may result in
satellite data dropouts or corrupt data contained within the recorded file.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/09_-_LabSat_2_Recording_GNSS_Data
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Very Important: Running Background Applications if Logging to Computer
The LabSat 2 has a two second USB buffer, but due to the exceptionally high data rates and processing power utilised
by the LabSat 2 USB bus when recording GNSS data, it is important to have no other applications running on the
computer and not to start any other applications whilst the LabSat 2 is recording data. Also make sure you do not
start to move windows around, or do anything which takes processing power away from the LabSat 2 application, as
Windows can occasionally stall for more than 2 seconds when launching/running other applications. Even though you
may have multiple USB ports on your computer, in most cases they all share the same bus. Therefore try to limit any
activity using additional USB devices.
Recording Data to an External Drive:
It is recommended that any external drive used to record scenarios is formatted in the NTFS format. The FAT32 format
has a file size limit of 4 GB, which is equivalent to about 34 minutes of recording. The USB drives supplied with the
LabSat 2 are pre-formatted using the NTFS file format.
5. Once the LabSat software is running, LabSat 2 is now ready to record data.
6. Click the Browse Button. The user will be prompted to enter the filename and choose the location of the recorded
file.
7. Click the Record Button. The REC Light on the front panel of LabSat 2 will start to flash, indicating that LabSat 2 is
recording GNSS RF data.
8. As the LabSat 2 begins to record data the Duration timer will indicate the length of scenario recorded and file size
will begin to increase.
https://en.racelogic.support//Product_Info/LabSat_2/LabSat_2_User_Guide/09_-_LabSat_2_Recording_GNSS_Data
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Other manuals for LabSat 2
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