Racelogic LabSat 3 User manual
LabSat 3 User Manual
•01 - LabSat3 Introduction
•02 - LabSat3 Components
•03 - LabSat3 Media
•04 - LabSat3 Menu layout
•05 - LabSat3 Record and Replay operations in detail
•06 - LabSat3 HDD File Layout
•07 - LabSat3 Battery
•08 - LabSat3 xternal reference clock input
•09 - LabSat3 Digital Channels
•10 - LabSat3 CAN Bus
•11 - LabSat3 Digital In/Out
•12 - LabSat3 Remote control
•13 - LabSat3 Converting LabSat scenarios
•14 - LabSat3 SatGen Software
•15 - LabSat3 Troubleshooting
•16 - LabSat3 Technical Properties
•LabSat3 C Declaration of Conformity
•LabSat3 Label
•LabSat3 PIN OUTS
•LabSat3 Replacement parts and optional accessories
•LabSat3 RoHS Declaration
•LabSat3 Technical specificiation
•LabSat3 Upgrading Firmware
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01 - LabSat3 Introduction
LabSat 3 is a lightweight, portable record and replay system for GNSS testing. With the ability to record real world
GNSS signals directly to SD card or HDD storage, the LabSat 3 is a simple to use, fully stand-alone system. Recorded
signals can be replayed back by LabSat 3 in the Lab enabling development and testing of most types of GNSS
equipment.
Alternatively SatGen software can also be used to create simulated GNSS signals from map or user defined
trajectory. Despite its simplicity, the LabSat 3 product range supports a number of powerful features for use in industries
such as automotive, sports and aerospace including Triple RF channels for multiple constellation testing, dual CAN Bus
recording, inertial sensor logging and battery powered operation.
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Additional features:-
• Available for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
• Simple to use one touch recording
• Record or replay using external USB hard drive
• RS232, Digital & Dual CAN interface
• Remote control over thernet
• xternal 10MHz Reference input
• OCXO option
• O M version available for system integrators
• Digital input for event marking or 1PPS recording
• Adjustable attenuation (0 – 31dBm)
• On-board GNSS receiver for monitoring RF during record and replay
The LabSat 3 line-up includes a number of variants to suit a range of testing requirements. These are:
Version Description
RLLS03-3RP Triple Constellation record & replay system with CAN
Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-3P Triple Constellation replay only system with CAN Bus /
RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2RP Dual Constellation record & replay system with CAN
Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2P Dual Constellation replay only system with CAN Bus /
RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-1RP Single Constellation record & replay system
RLLS03-1P Single Constellation replay only system
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How does it work?
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite Systems and is a general term that covers satellite positioning
constellations belonging to different countries around the world. These include, among others, the United States ‘GPS’,
the Russian ‘GLONASS’ and the Chinese ‘BeiDou’ systems. LabSat 3 is capable of recording and then replaying the
raw radio signals that are transmitted by the various constellations of satellites. LabSat 3 receives the signal from an
antenna just like a standard GNSS receiver but instead of processing each of the received signals to calculate a position
fix, LabSat 3 samples and stores the antenna signal at very high speed.
When the stored antenna signal is replayed by LabSat 3 into a standard GNSS receiver such as a portable navigation
system, the receiver will see essentially, the same signal that it would see if it were connected to an antenna including
movement, delays and multipath effects. This makes LabSat 3 invaluable for recording moving scenarios such as driving
through a city in a car. One of the benefits of using a recorded test signal is consistency. For example, if testing of a
product involves going for a drive each time the firmware is updated, the satellite positions and atmospheric conditions
will be different for every drive. If the drive is recorded once with LabSat 3, the recorded signal can be replayed over and
over on the bench saving hours of drive time and with the knowledge that the conditions will be the same for each
replay.
Registration
Racelogic recommend that all LabSat devices are registered immediately on receipt. Please go to www.labsat.co.uk/
register and fill in all the details requested. If you register your LabSat within its first year warranty, you will
automatically receive an additional year's warranty.
Registering your LabSat will enable you to easily communicate with our support team. Any firmware / software updates
will be available on the LabSat website. Updates are more robust and easier to use, and later firmware releases offer
bug fixes as well as added features and improvements to the original specification of the product. Your details will be
available to our Support Team, in case you need any assistance in the future.
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Replay xample
xample of Replay using the included SD card with preloaded scenario.
Briefly press the power button to power up the LabSat 3. Connect from the RF output on the rear of the LabSat 3 to your
GPS system antenna input. With the SD card inserted, use the UP/DOWN arrows to select a file. Press the PLAY button
to start replay.
LabSat 3 contains an on board GNSS receiver that allows monitoring of the RF signals during record or replay. To show
a live histogram of satellite signal levels detected by the on board receiver, press the OK button during replay. Press
the OK button again to return to the replay status display. During replay, pressing the PLAY button will halt replay and
return to the file list.
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Record xample
xample of Recording your own file to an SD card (RP variants only).
To record a new file, connect the LabSat 3 antenna to the RF input on the rear of the LabSat. nsure that the antenna
has a clear view of the sky, press the REC button to start recording. Press the REC button again to stop
recording. While recording, if the SD card becomes full, recording will stop automatically. During recording, pressing
the OK button will switch the display to show a live histogram view of the satellite levels being received by the on-board
GNSS monitor. Pressing the OK button again will return to the record status display.
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During recording, while using battery power, the GNSS monitor display will automatically revert to the record display
after a short period to conserve battery power. This power save feature can be switched off but it is recommended to be
left active for maximum battery life.
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02 - LabSat3 Components
LabSat 3 has been designed to be portable and simple to use allowing virtually anyone to gather field test signals
without in depth training. Recording GNSS signals is as simple as positioning the antenna and pressing one button. The
sunlight-readable graphic display gives instant feedback of record status and can show live histogram data to verify
satellites in view during recording. Back at the Lab, recorded signals can be replayed at the push of a button for
repeatable, reliable testing.
LabSat 3 Front
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Name Type Description
POW R 2 pin L MO 8 to 30 VDC Power Supply input
HOST USB USB ‘A’ Connection of USB Storage devices
TH RN T RJ45 Remote access and control
USB USB ‘B’ NM A data output
RF OUT SMA Output RF signal
RF IN SMA Input RF signal (RP variants only)
R F SMA 10MHz Reference Clock Input
xpansion 36 Way MDR 1PPS, Digital I/O*, CAN*, RS232*
*Model dependent – available as options.
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03 - LabSat3 Media
LabSat 3 file formats
LabSat 3 uses I&Q binary data and runs the FAT32 file format. LabSat 3 files are recorded into a folder with separate 2
GB data files which will run sequentially when replayed. The folder description GPS_000 will contain several files with
the name format GPS_000_000.ls3. These will automatically increment.
LabSat 2 (.ls2) and LabSat (.bin) files will need to be converted to this format to play on LabSat 3. The LabSat Scenario
Converter Software is supplied on the LabSat 3 Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Please see the section ‘Converting LabSat
Scenarios’.
LabSat 3 SD Card
The 32 GB SD card included with the LabSat 3 system includes the following files:
• LabSat 3 sample scenarios
◦ GPS_000 - Static 5 minute GPS scenario
◦ GLO_001 - Static 5 minute GLO scenario
◦ BDS_001 - Static 5 minute BDS scenario
• LabSat 3 quick start video
• SatGen simulation software video
• LabSat 3 quick start guide PDF
LabSat 3 1 TB Hard Disk Drive
The LabSat 3 1 TB hard disk includes the following:
• LabSat 3 scenario library description PDF
• LabSat 3 quick start video
• SatGen simulation software video
• LabSat scenario converter utility
• LabSat 3 scenario library – a worldwide selection of LabSat 3 scenario files with supporting KML and Google arth
jpeg picture files.
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The LabSat 3 HDD uses USB3.0 for fast data transfer and is formatted to FAT32.
Recommended media
It is recommended to use good quality Class 10 UHS-3 SD cards or higher spec. The following list includes SD cards
that have been tested with LabSat 3.
Description LabSat Part number
SanDisk xtreme 128 GB RLACS211
SanDisk xtreme 64 GB RLACS210
SanDisk xtreme 32 GB LS03SDCARD
SanDisk Ultra 8 GB -
The LabSat HDD is the only recommended HDD to use with the LabSat 3 system. The hard drive is available as an
accessory under the part number LS03HDD-1TB. For purchase information contact your local LabSat dealer or
Racelogic LabSat department.
Formatting LabSat3 Media
Formatting an SD card or a HDD is important when using LabSat 3, to make sure that the card cluster size is set to an
optimum level.
Cluster size is the minimum amount of data that can be written in a single operation. So, the larger the cluster size, the
better the performance of the card (up to a point).
To run a format, insert the card you wish to format, (or connect the HDD).
Then select the following options:
MENU > File > Format SD > Yes , as shown below.
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A full format will then be run on the inserted media, followed by a media speed test.
The media speed test is an indication if the inserted media is fast enough to be used with the LabSat 3.
If the speed test does not bring up any warnings, this means that the cards read and write speed should be fast enough
for use with the LabSat 3. Note, this is not a guarantee that recording a large amount of data will be successful, as the
speed test cannot check if the card is fragmented and has other files stored on it.
We would recommend that before recording a scenario, all other files are removed from the media and a format is
carried out, to ensure the card is at it's optimum for use with the LabSat 3, and reduce the risk of buffer errors.
If the estimated card performance is too slow, a warning message will show on the LabSat screen. In this case, you
need to use caution when using the product - e.g. If using triple constellation box, you may be able to use the card to
record a single or dual constellation file without any issues, but a triple constellation file may cause buffer errors.
It is also worth noting that faster transfer rates are possible when recording to HDD than to SD card, so do consider this
if recording a long scenario.
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04 - LabSat3 Menu layout
File
•Info - Display file info for selected file.
•Delete – Delete selected file Yes/No.
•Format SD/USB – rase and Format SD/USB Yes/No.
Constellation
•GPS/GAL – Tick to select GPS/Galileo constellation for recording.
•GLONASS – Tick to select GLONASS constellation for recording.
•BeiDou – Tick to select BeiDou constellation for recording.
•2Bit – Record with 2 bit quantisation when single constellation is selected.
Play
•Loop – selected file will replay continuously.
◦Pause Time – Defines the pause time between each replay.
•From – Specify a time in the scenario to replay from.
•For - Specify how long the scenario will replay for.
Record*
•For - Specify how long the LabSat 3 will record for.
Setup
•Display – Adjust display contrast and backlight brightness.
•RF Test – Outputs RF test signal.
•Power Save – When selected, will power down display backlight and internal monitor during recording.
•CLK REF
◦Internal - As the default setting LabSat 3 will use it internal reference clock.
◦External 10MHz – Allows the user to connect a 10 MHz reference signal on the R F input.
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•Time – Configure internal clock using UTC time from internal GNSS monitor or set manually.
•LAN
◦DHCP – nable/Disable DHCP.
◦IP Address – Set the IP address assigned to LabSat 3.
◦SUBNET MASK - Set the Subnet mask assigned to LabSat 3.
◦DEFAULT GATEWAY - Set the default gateway for the network.
•Digital*
◦CH1
▪1PPS – Record 1PPS signal from internal GNSS monitor (disable power save).
▪RS232 – Record RS232 signal.
▪CAN CH1 – Record CAN Bus channel 1.
▪DIGI – Record state of DIGI input signal.
◦CH2
▪1PPS – Record 1PPS signal from internal GNSS monitor (disable power save).
▪RS232 – Record RS232 signal.
▪CAN CH2 – Record CAN Bus channel 2.
▪DIGI – Record state of DIGI input signal.
•CAN*
◦Record Type
▪Digitize – When selected the CAN data will be digitized and integrated into the .LS3 file.
▪Log File – When selected the CAN data will be logged into a separate .txt file.
▪CH1
▪Baud rate – nables the user the set the desired baud rate.
▪Silent Record - Determines whether or not the LabSat sends an acknowledge pulse during
recording.
▪CH2
▪Baud rate – nables the user the set the desired baud rate.
▪Silent Record – Determines whether or not the LabSat sends an acknowledge pulse during
recording.
About – Contains information specific to the LabSat e.g. serial number & firmware version.
Exit – Return to file list.
*These are not included as standard in single constellation LabSat 3 units.
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05 - LabSat3 Record and Replay operations in detail
Replay operation
LabSat 3 uses SD card or HDD memory for storage and playback of GNSS data. It is important to note that Class 10 or
higher cards must be used to sustain the transfer speeds required. Racelogic recommend SanDisk xtreme Class 10
cards for best performance.
The 1 TB USB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) supplied contains a selection of pre-recorded scenarios from around the
world. These scenarios can easily be copied to the SD card for replay. The HDD supports either USB2.0 or USB3.0. For
optimum data transfer performance using a PC that supports USB3.0 for file transfer from HDD to SD card is
recommended.
The RF OUT connector is a 50 Ω output which can be connected directly to the antenna input of the GNSS receiver
being tested. The RF OUT connector of LabSat 3 is DC blocked internally so almost any device can be connected to this
port. When a file is selected for replay, the LabSat will configure constellation frequencies and digital channels
automatically before starting replay. If a triple constellation file is selected for replay on a single channel LabSat, all three
constellations will be displayed before replay allowing the user to select one.
During replay, pressing OK will show a live histogram of satellite levels detected by the internal GNSS receiver. The
internal receiver currently only supports GPS and GLONASS constellations. This has no effect on the ability of LabSat 3
to record or replay BeiDou signals. When displayed, the UP/DOWN keys switch between GPS and GLONASS monitor
modes. Please note that when switching between GPS and GLONASS display modes, the internal receiver will take
some time to re-acquire satellite signal levels. In the case of GLONASS signals, it may take over a minute to show the
satellite signal information.
LabSat 3 comes with an internal 31 dB attenuation capability. To increase the attenuation press the up arrow, this will
increase the attenuation by 1 dB. The down arrow will decrease the attenuation level.
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Record operation
LabSat 3 uses SD card and HDD memory for storage and playback of GNSS data. It is important to note that Class 10
or higher cards must be used to sustain the transfer speeds required. When recording two constellation types, the data
rate is approximately 8.2MB (Mega Bytes) per second. To ensure that data is collected without error, the card should be
able to sustain 10MB per second. Spare cards and HDDs may be purchased from Racelogic.
It is important that cards are formatted as FAT32. LabSat 3 is able to format cards and HDDs in FAT32 with the optimum
configuration for high speed recording. When a card or HDD is formatted by LabSat 3, it will also carry out a
performance test to determine whether or not the media can sustain the required bandwidth and inform the user if this is
not the case
For record capable systems, the LabSat will be supplied with a magnetic mounting GNSS antenna. The antenna is an
active device with approximately 28dB of gain. The LabSat provides a 2.85V DC bias for antenna power on the centre
pin of the RF IN connector. It is also possible to use third party antennas providing they are compatible with the 2.85V
bias. If connecting LabSat to an antenna which requires a higher bias voltage (e.g. 12v), the antenna bias must be
supplied by the user and an appropriate DC block (such as DCB from http://gpsnetworking.com/attenuators.asp)
must be inserted at the LabSat 3 RF IN connector to avoid damage to the LabSat.
There are a number of GNSS systems currently in operation or in a test phase. These operate on 3 main frequency
bands.
These are:-
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Frequency Band Constellations
1575.42MHz GPS L1, Galileo 1, QZSS, SBAS
1602MHz GLONASS L1
1561.098 BeiDou B1
Depending on the model, LabSat 3 will have 1, 2 or 3 RF channels. This allows recording of 1, 2 or 3 frequency bands
so, for example, a 2 constellation LabSat 3 may record the band containing GPS L1/Galileo 1 and the band containing
GLONASS L1 simultaneously. Recording of the desired constellations is configured in the CONST LLATION menu. In
this menu, the user can tick up to three of the desired constellation groups (depending on version). If only one
constellation is ticked, then an additional option for 2 bit will be available to allow 2 bit quantised recording for the
selected constellation.
Once the constellations are configured, exit the menu and press the R C button to begin recording. A new file will be
created each time recording starts. The file name used corresponds to the constellations selected. For example, if GPS
and GLONASS are selected for recording, the file created will be GPSGLO_nnn where nnn is a number that increments
with each new recording. Details of the LS3 file format are available on request from Racelogic.
During recording, pressing the OK button will switch the display to show satellite levels for either GPS or GLONASS
satellites. In this display mode, the up and down arrow keys will toggle between GPS or GLONASS
constellations. BeiDou constellation is not currently supported by the internal monitor but BeiDou B1 signals can still be
recorded and replayed.
To maximise battery life during recording, LabSat 3 has a power save mode which is enabled by default in the setup
menu. Power save mode recognises when running from battery power and will dim the display backlight and power-
down the internal GPS/GLONASS monitor after 30 seconds of user inactivity.
If recording from passive antennas such as the Maxtenna M1516HCT-SMA GPS/GLONASS antenna, enabling the
power-save mode will also provide the highest possible sensitivity by ensuring that unused modules within LabSat 3 are
switched off.
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06 - LabSat3 HDD File Layout
Below is a guide to how the folder layout works on LabSat 3. This example below shows the folder layout on the HDD
provided with LabSat 3. The LabSat USB HDD is uses multiple folders. When folders are detected LabSat will display
them in a similar fashion to a PC using the DIR indicator.
When USB media is connected LabSat 3 will scan for files and display the files/folders containing the .ls3 format. When
recording to USB HDD LabSat will save scenario files to the first folder in the directory.
<DIR> indicates a folder and not a scenario. Pressing ‘OK’ will navigate to the next stage of the scenario directory.
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Table of contents
Other Racelogic Test Equipment manuals
