VBOX Motorsport VBOX HD User manual

VBOX HD Hardware Manual
Issue 10
30 July 2014

VBOX HD MANUAL
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VBOX HD MANUAL
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Contents
Quick Start Guide................................................................................................................................... 4
Logging media........................................................................................................................................ 5
SD cards .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
USB memory sticks ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
VBOX HD registration............................................................................................................................. 5
File formats............................................................................................................................................ 5
Video format ......................................................................................................................................... 5
CAN channels......................................................................................................................................... 5
Logging modes ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Log only when moving (default) ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Manual logging ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Continuous logging ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
LED functions ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Tank circuit ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Lap timing.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Using the OLED display ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Auto track map ...............................................................................................................................................................................7
Upgrading firmware ............................................................................................................................... 7
Troubleshooting guide ........................................................................................................................... 8
CAN output............................................................................................................................................ 9
Connector assignments ........................................................................................................................ 10
Contact details..................................................................................................................................... 11

VBOX HD MANUAL
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Quick Start Guide
As shipped, the VBOX HD can be used straight out of the box:
1. Mount the GPS antenna in the centre of the roof of the vehicle. Keep away from roof bars or radio aerials
which can cause interference.
Note: If there is no metal underneath the antenna,
create a metallic ‘ground plane’ to get the most
reliable satellite lock. Pictured is an example of an
antenna mounted on a car’s plastic roof, using
aluminium foil underneath the antenna to block
unwanted ground reflections.
2. Push the antenna plug into the GPS socket.
3. Insert the PWR connector and screw the metal ring to lock in
place.
Then plug the cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle 12V
socket. Note: VBOX HD will take about 35 seconds to start, at
which point the unit will beep to indicate it has booted up.
4. Securely attach the HD camera mount to the vehicles
windscreen, or other desired location. Once the camera
is mounted, connect it to the unit. Use the line on the
top of the camera to make an approximate alignment.
For better alignment, use the preview monitor included
with the unit, which connects to the AUX port.
5. Position the vehicle so the antenna has a clear view of the sky. It will take up to two minutes to acquire a
satellite lock, at which point the GPS LED will illuminate.
If VBOX HD is having trouble gaining lock when in an open area, press and hold the RECORD button for 10
seconds, this will perform a GPS ‘cold start’.
6. Insert the SD card –you’re now ready to drive. The unit is set to ‘record only
when moving’. Once satellite lock has been obtained, the unit will start
recording every time the vehicle speed goes above 5kph and stop when the
speed has been 0kph for 5 seconds.
The setting can be overridden by pressing the RECORD button to toggle
logging on/off.
7. The REC LED will illuminate when recording, when the vehicle comes to a stop, it will flash as the file is closed.
IMPORTANT: NEVER eject the SD card if the RECORD LED is showing, or logged data could be lost of
corrupted. To stop recording, either come to a halt, press the RECORD button, or disconnect the power (the
internal ‘tank circuit’ will stop the recording and safely shut down the file).

VBOX HD MANUAL
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Logging media
SD cards
When purchasing SD cards, always buy a quality brand such as SanDisk, Kingston or Lexar.
Format: FAT32
USB memory sticks
If data is to be logged to a USB memory device, the optional RLCAB073 cable, or accessory RLACS164M is required.
USB sticks must also be of a high quality to handle the amount of data sent from the VBOX HD.
Format: FAT32
VBOX HD registration
So that Racelogic can provide notifications of the latest software releases, firmware upgrades and to offer technical
support, please make sure to register using the link below.
Please register your unit here: http://www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk
File formats
VBOX HD will log either to an SD card or a USB drive.
Two files will be created, an ‘.mp4’ video file) and a synchronised ‘.vbo’ data file which contains all of the GPS (and
CAN, if applicable) data in ASCII format, recorded at 10 times a second. The files are stored within the ‘media’ folder.
The maximum size of files for SD cards in FAT32 format is 4Gbytes. If video file larger than this is recorded (time to
reach this file size depends on video settings), a new ‘.mp4’ file will be created. Therefore a single ‘.vbo’ file can be
associated with multiple ‘.mp4’ files.
Video format
The high definition camera format is 720p30. The number of horizontal lines in the image is 720, and the image is
progressive (not interlaced), and has a 30Hz frame rate. The aspect ratio is 16:9 which means there are 16/9*720
pixels on each horizontal line, so the images have a resolution of 1280x720 pixels.
CAN channels
VBOX HD units can log up to 32 channels from a connected CAN bus system. Note that the unit must be set up to read
set parameters using VBOX HD Setup software (see software manual for more details).

VBOX HD MANUAL
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Logging modes
The Blue LED will come on when the unit is recording video, this LED will flash when the unit is closing the file.
DO NOT REMOVE the SD card if the Record LED is on or is flashing, as this could lead to data loss.
VBOX HD has three logging modes:
Log only when moving (default)
The unit automatically starts logging data when the vehicle speed goes above 2.5km/h, and stops when it goes below
this value. This speed is configurable; see ‘Scene properties’in Video VBOX Setup software. Pressing the REC button
will stop the recording and close the file.
Manual logging
To set this logging mode, changes must be made to the HD unit’s setup in VBOX HD Setup software.
When VBOX HD is in manual logging mode, it will never automatically start or stop logging. It must be controlled by
the user to open each file before driving off, and close each file before the logging media is removed from the box.
Important note: removing the logging media while the unit is still logging can cause data to become corrupt or lost.
Continuous logging
To set this logging mode, changes must be made to the HD unit’s setup in VBOX HD Setup software.
When using continuous logging, VBOX HD will start logging as soon as power and logging media is present. The unit
will start to log on these two conditions only, and is not affected at all by speed or GPS lock. Note that the file must
also be closed manually in this mode.
LED functions
LED
COLOUR
INDICATES
PWR
Green
Power on and supply OK.
PWR
Red
No power input –running off tank battery.
STATUS
Green
i) Solid indicates that the unit is ready to log –media inserted
ii) Flashing indicates uploading of either a scene or firmware is taking place
GPS
Green
i) Flashing indicates searching for satellites after GPS cold start
ii) Solid indicates SAT lock achieved
RECORD
Blue
Data being recorded to logging media
Tank circuit
Every VBOX HD logger contains a small internal battery to prevent loss of video or data should the power supply be
interrupted or lost. This battery is continually recharged during normal operation.
If power is lost while the unit is logging, the unit will start a 25 second timeout. After this, the unit will beep for five
seconds before closing the file currently being logged. When the file has been closed successfully, the unit will shut
down.
If power is removed when the unit is not logging, it will start a 35s timeout while the unit shuts down.

VBOX HD MANUAL
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Lap timing
Using the OLED display
When setting up the DSP04 OLED display with a VBOX HD, it is important to
connect to the correct port of the OLED display. The OLED display only has
a serial connection on the lower connector, with the buttons on the right
hand side - as shown in this picture.
The configuration is indicated on a label on the rear of the OLED display.
To connect either a DSP04 or DSP05 OLED to VBOX HD, connect the OLED cable
into the ‘AUX’ port.
Auto track map –Once a GPS location is detected, the VBOX HD will load a start/ finish line for that location in
order to allow a connected OLED to detect it without any other setup. The desired layout being used can then be
defined through the OLED main menu.
e.g. If Silverstone location is detected, Combo, GP, GP Classic SF, National, International and Stowe SF lines will be
available to select.
Upgrading firmware
Occasionally Racelogic will release new versions of firmware (internal code) for the VBOX HD, often to introduce or
support new features. New firmware is loaded into the VBOX using an SD card.
The latest file is always on our website: www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk (firmware can be found under ‘customer area’).
Copy this file onto an SD card (not into the ‘media’ folder), and insert into a powered unit. As the update progresses,
the Status LED will flash. After a period of up to two minutes, the unit will beep twice and resume operation. The unit
should then be power cycled, note that the upgrade file will have been deleted from the SD card.

VBOX HD MANUAL
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Troubleshooting guide
Trouble Locking onto Satellites
Place the antenna where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. (See ‘GPS Antenna Placement’ below)
Perform a GPS Coldstart by pressing and holding the REC button for 5 seconds until the unit beeps 5 times.
Then leave the unit powered up in an open static position for at least 15 minutes
Check the antenna connection is very clean; small amounts of dirt in the socket can cause a significant
reduction in signal strength
Try another antenna
GPS Antenna Placement
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. Silver foil, or a metal plate beneath the antenna can improve reception significantly if the antenna is not
fitted to a large metal roof.
We do a larger antenna with a very good internal ground plane which can operate perfectly without the need for
mounting on a metal surface (part number RLVBACS065) which also gives superior position accuracy.
Video Data is Corrupt
The storage media may have been removed from the unit before the file is closed. It can be possible to
recover corrupted video files using DivFix++ (http://www.divfix.org/) If unsure how to recover corrupted
video files contact [e-mail].
Most problems with lost files can be fixed by right clicking on the card in Windows explorer and selecting
‘Properties’ –‘Tools’ – ‘Error checking’ tick both boxes, and click ‘Check now’
Always wait for the logging light to stop flashing before removing the SD card or USB device. Pressing the REC button
will force the box to close the file at any time.
VBOX HD Beeps continuously
The SD card may be full.
The scene may be corrupt, try re-uploading the scene.
Try to re-flash the firmware.
VBOX HD not responding - GPS Coldstart
The GPS engine has locked up, perform a GPS Engine Coldstart –hold REC button for 5 seconds.

VBOX HD MANUAL
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CAN output
The VBOX HD has a CAN output which is present on the 5-way connector output.
Data format: Motorola
Baud rate: 500Kb/s
ID*
Update Rate
Data Bytes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0x301
100ms
(1) Sats in
view
(2) Time since midnight UTC
(3) Position –Latitude MMMM.MMMMM
0x302
100ms
(4) Position –Longitude MMMM.MMMMM
(5) Velocity. (Knots)
(6) Heading (Degrees)
0x303
100ms
(7) Altitude. WGS 84. (Metres)
(8) Vertical velocity. (M/S)
Unused
(9) Status
(10) Status
0x304
100ms
Unused
(11) Longitudinal Accel. (G)
(12) Lateral Accel. (G)
0x305
100ms
(13) Distance travelled since VBOX reset (Metres)
Unused
Unused
1) If Satellites in view < 3 then only Identifier 0x301 transmitted and bytes 2 to 8 are set to 0x00.
2) Time since midnight. This is a count of 10ms intervals since midnight UTC. (5383690 = 53836.90 seconds since
midnight or 14 hours, 57 minutes and 16.90 seconds).
3) Position, Latitude * 100,000 (311924579 = 51 Degrees, 59.24579 Minutes North). This is a true 32bit signed
integer, North being positive.
4) Position, Longitude * 100,000 (11882246 = 0 Degrees, 58.82246 Minutes West). This is a true 32bit signed
integer, West being positive.
5) Velocity, 0.01 knots per bit.
6) Heading, 0.01oper bit.
7) Altitude, 0.01 meters per bit, signed.
8) Vertical Velocity, 0.01 m/s per bit, signed.
9) Status, unused.
10) Status, unused.
11) Longitudinal Acceleration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
12) Lateral Acceleration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
13) Distance travelled in meters since VBOX reset.

VBOX HD MANUAL
Page | 10 30 July 2014
Connector assignments
Connector 1 –PWR
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
Power + (9 to 15V)
2
I
Ground (0V)
Connector 2 –CAM1
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
Camera Data +
2
I/O
Ground
3
O
Camera Power (3.3V)
4
I
Camera Data -
Connector 4 –CAN
Pin
I/O
Function
1
O
Digital Output
2
I/O
CAN High
3
I/O
CAN Low
5
I/O
Ground
6
I
Digital Input
8
O
Power
Connector 5 –AUX
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
RS232 TxD
3
O
RS232 RxD
5
I/O
Ground
6
O
Video Out
8
I
Power +12V (1A Max)
Connector 7 –GPS (GPS Antenna)
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
Signal
Chassis
I
Ground
Connector 6 –USB
Pin
I/O
Function
1
I
USB –5V

VBOX HD MANUAL
Page | 11 30 July 2014
Contact details
RACELOGIC UK (HQ)
RACELOGIC GERMANY
RACELOGIC USA
Unit 10, Swan Business Centre
Osier Way, Buckingham
Bucks MK18 1TB, UK
Postplatz 5
35781 Weilburg
Deutschland
27240 Haggerty Rd, Suite E17
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
USA
Tel: [phone]
Tel:[phone]
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Email: [email protected]e
Email: [e-mail]
Product website
www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk