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Racelogic VBOX Mini User Manual
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Racelogic VBOX Mini User Manual

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VBOX Mini User Manual
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01 - VBOX Mini Introduction
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02 - VBOX Mini Basic Operation
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03 - VBOX Mini Connections
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04 - VBOX Mini Data Logging
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05 - VBOX Mini Speed Display Mode
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06 - VBOX Mini Input Module Mode
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07 - VBOX Mini Drift Mode
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08 - VBOX Mini Performance Mode
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09 - VBOX Mini Laptiming Mode
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10 - VBOX Mini Predictive Mode
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11 - VBOX Mini Setup Menu
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12 - VBOX Mini Laptime Telemetry
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13 - VBOX Mini Connecting to external devices
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14 - VBOX Mini Upgrade Firmware
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15 - VBOX Mini Troubleshooting
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16 - VBOX Mini Technical Specification
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17 - VBOX Mini Optional Accessories / Replacement Parts
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Summary of Contents for Racelogic VBOX Mini

  • Page 1 12 - VBOX Mini Laptime Telemetry • 13 - VBOX Mini Connecting to external devices • 14 - VBOX Mini Upgrade Firmware • 15 - VBOX Mini Troubleshooting • 16 - VBOX Mini Technical Specification • 17 - VBOX Mini Optional Accessories / Replacement Parts...
  • Page 2 01 - VBOX Mini Introduction Registration An unregistered VBOXMini will have very limited functionality. To activate features including data logging, lap timing and performance mode, you need to register your unit with Racelogic Go to the VBOX Automotive website and select 'Customer Area >...
  • Page 3 5. A confirmation screen will display ‘Code OK’ and then the screen will go back to SETUP MENU. 6. Disconnect and reconnect the power to complete the process. The full functionality of your VBOX Mini will now be available. Mounting 1.
  • Page 4 02 - VBOX Mini Basic Operation Keypad Used to show next screen, Changes Mode. or to navigate menu. Select the menu item that Accesses the relevant is highlighted on the menu, or will exit from screen and used to show current menu.

  • Page 5: Changing Modes

    To change the Distance units from metres to feet, follow the same procedure but highlight DISTANCE and press OK. Satellite Reception All logged data is calculated from the information received from GPS satellites, so relies on being able to get a good lock https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 6 So, it is imperative that VBOX Mini (or optional external antenna) is placed in the best possible position for a clear view of the sky. If you are using an external antenna, ensure that it is connected before you power up your unit.
  • Page 7 03 - VBOX Mini Connections https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 8 Range Vraw As power supply Ground RS232 Tx (NMEA*/ GPS ±12 v engine) RS232 Tx (Telemetry / Processor / Lap-Timing ±12 V Pulse) RS232 Rx (NMEA* / GPS ±12 V engine) RS232 Rx (Telemetry/ ±12 V Processor) Chassis Ground https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 9 Connector 4 - Power (2.1 mm x 9 mm Socket) In/Out Description Range Centre +V Power 6 – 28 V Chassis Ground https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 10: Using The Sd Card

    If you wish to log data to the SD card then simply insert the card into the slot in the front of the unit. The VBOX Mini will log vehicle position, speed and acceleration into a binary ‘.dbn’...

  • Page 11: File Types

    1. Insert the card into a SD card reader connected to your computer 2. Connect your computer directly to VBOX Mini via the supplied USB cable to read the data from the card. Note, the unit must not be writing to the card when you connect to your PC.
  • Page 12 05 - VBOX Mini Speed Display Mode The Speed Display Mode is divided into three screens. The first contains a compass and current speed in a large font, the second is an Odometer and the third, an Altimeter. Navigate between these screens by using the▲▼buttons.
  • Page 13 *Negative height cannot be calculated by the VBOX Mini. Only height above the ellipsoid (WGS84) can be measured. This will only affect units being used in certain low lying areas. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 14 Initialising the Mini Input module In order for the VBOX Mini to log the input module data channels, the Input Module screen must be accessed whilst the input module is connected and the VBOX Mini has satellite lock. After the Input Module screen has been accessed the screen will briefly display the following message.

  • Page 15: Configuring The Inputs And Outputs

    NOTE: After each power up, the Input Module Screen on the VBOX Mini must be accessed in order for the VBOX Mini to recognise the presence of the MICIN01. After this has been done, any of the VBOX Mini screens can be used, but this must be done or the MIM channels will not be logged.
  • Page 16 07 - VBOX Mini Drift Mode Drift Mode is used to measure your drifting ability, showing current and maximum drift angles and give a grading of your performance as a score between 0 and 10 points. On a fully activated VBOXMini an SD card can be inserted to log your scores and data from your runs that can then be downloaded and viewed on your computer and in VBOX Tools PC software.
  • Page 17 SET SECTORS LOAD SECTORS Drift Mode Display Screens VBOX Mini has three different screens, available in each mode, which are selected by using the ▲▼buttons. This screen shows speed and drift-angle in real-time, as well as the peak drift angle achieved.
  • Page 18 You do not have to have all 6 sectors defined, you can use just one if required. Note that to score in a sector you have to be drifting continuously, if you straighten up at some point, your score is zeroed at that point. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 19 This allows the sector information to be copied onto your computer and used in the VBOX software when you analyse your logged data. The sector file will be named DBOX.sct – this is the only file name that VBOXMini will recognise as a sector file (see page 57 ‘Defining Drifting Sectors in VBOX Tools’ for further details.) https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 20 • Press the MENU button to enter the Drift Menu • Highlight the ‘Save Sectors’ option and press OK Loading a sector file • Press the MENU button to enter the Drift menu • Highlight the ‘Load Sectors’ option and press OK https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 21 08 - VBOX Mini Performance Mode Performance mode is used to measure the acceleration and braking performance of your vehicle. Press the MODE button to scroll to the Performance Mode screen. This mode is divided into six screens, each of which displays different performance data.
  • Page 22 This screen shows the time and end velocity of two user- configurable distances, i.e. 0-100m. If the units are changed to feet then the two test ranges default to 60’ and 330’, but can be changed to the desired distance. Start Speed is also configurable. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 23 3. Now use the ▲▼ buttons to scroll to the ACCEL screen. This screen shows 0-60 in the top right hand corner: 4. The left hand side of the screen shows your live velocity unless you are in an area of poor satellite reception in https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 24 If you wish to change the speed range over which performance is measured, press the MENU button from any of the performance mode screens and select the range you wish to change from the ‘Performance Menu’ and press OK https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 25 1 foot behind the timing start line. You can make the VBOXMini start all timing runs from 1 foot by enabling this feature. Enabling 1 Foot Rollout correction 1. Press the MENU button to enter the Performance Menu. 2. Highlight the 1 FOOT ROLLOUT option and press OK. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 26 PERFORMANCE MENU UNITS ✓ WRITE RESULTS FILE ACCEL RANGE 1 ACCEL RANGE 2 0 - 100 - 0 RANGE Note: No results will be written to the files if the speed does not exceed 50 km/h during the tests. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 27 https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 28 The speed buzzer will only sound once when the set speed is reached. It will not continue to activate every time the vehicle passes through the set speed, on acceleration or deceleration. In order to arm the speed buzzer once more the vehicle must either come to a complete halt for five seconds, or the VBOXMini must be power-cycled. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 29 https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 30: Measuring Lap Times

    09 - VBOX Mini Laptiming Mode VBOX Mini units can be used to measure lap times by storing the position of a virtual gate and using this to trigger the start and end of a lap. Further locations can be added to represent split and dedicated finish lines.
  • Page 31 • Firstly set the start/finish line and splits or load a previously saved set from the SD card (see Setting Start/finish and Split Lines below). • If you want to save your lap times to a file, insert an SD card. • Drive around the circuit, your times will automatically appear on the VBOX Mini display: https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 32 There are two different ways of measuring split times. The default is from the start of the lap to the split, the other method is from one split to another. To change between these options, tick or un-tick the option ‘SPLIT TO SPLIT TIME’ https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 33: One Shot Mode

    Split Widths When setting a start / finish or split line, the VBOX Mini unit will set the width of the line at a default value of 25 m (12.5 m either side of the point at which the OK button was pressed.) However this can be changed by selecting the Split Widths function and altering the value using the ▲▼...
  • Page 34 6. If you wish just to place a separate Finish line, press the ‘RESET’ button to skip all the split points and scroll to the SET 2 FINISH screen. 7. Press OK to set a separate finish line as you drive over it. Note: you must be moving to be able to set virtual lines. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 35 1. Press the MENU button to enter the Lap timing menu. 2. Highlight the ‘CLEAR ALL’ option and press OK https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 36 Lap Timing Mode’s main screen. Laptime File Error If a file that does not contain any valid lap data, for instance if the car has only moved a few metres, then VBOX Mini will display this screen:...
  • Page 37 Using a computer to review lap times Any of the ‘Laps-xx.txt’ files can be opened using a text editor program such as notepad. The files have the following example format: https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 38 10 - VBOX Mini Predictive Mode Predictive mode enables you to graphically view your predicted lap time. Predictive lap timing works by saving your position around a circuit, every second. If the current lap is the fastest so far, then this positional data is saved as a reference.
  • Page 39 Once a valid reference lap has been created or loaded, the Drift Box will begin predicting. The prediction is shown in text and graph format which is a graphical representation of the amount of time gained or lost around the lap. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 40 0-2s, 0-5s, 0-10s and 0-30s. This can be changed by selecting MENU and then BAR RANGE. To save a reference lap, Press MENU and then select SAVE REFERENCE. If you wish to clear your reference lap to enable you to create a new one, holding down the RESET button will allow to https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 41 Clearing the split points on Laptiming mode will also reset the reference lap. Please note, once you create a new reference lap, the previously saved one will be overwritten. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 42: Logging Mode

    11 - VBOX Mini Setup Menu There is a single Setup Menu that is accessible in all of VBOX Mini's modes. To access the Setup Menu, press the MENU button in any mode and select the ‘SETUP’ option and press OK.

  • Page 43: Input Module

    Laptime Pulse Sets the lap time pulse for 0.25 seconds when a finish or start/finish gate is crossed. If ‘SplitOutput’ is enabled, it will set the lap time pulse for 0.25 seconds when a split gate is crossed. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 44 Speed Buzzer The speed buzzer is generally for use whilst in Performance Mode, during 0-100-0 style tests. The speed is configurable from this menu option – see the Speed Buzzer section under Performance Mode. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 45: Contrast & Brightness

    The alignment option allows you to perform a physical alignment of the internal motion sensors. It is important that you align VBOX Mini correctly whenever it is moved to a new position in your car or even to another car. To do this, park the vehicle on level ground and turn the engine off and select ‘ALIGNMENT’...
  • Page 46 GPS Diagnostic Screen This screen allows you to view the following basic GPS information: • Number of satellites being used by VBOX Mini. • Signal strength of each satellite. • Satellite time (UTC). • Latitude. • Longitude. • Height (with respect to sea-level at Greenwich).

  • Page 47: Performing A Coldstart

    After performing a Cold Start the vehicle to which the unit is connected should be left in an open area for at least 15 minutes, to re-acquire the satellite almanac. You should only need to do a cold start when you first receive your VBOX Mini, or you are experiencing poor satellite reception in an open area.
  • Page 48 12 - VBOX Mini Laptime Telemetry The Laptime Telemetry option makes VBOXMini send lap time data via the telemetry serial port whenever a start/finish, split line or dedicated finish line is crossed. COMMS MENU INPUT MODULE ✓ ✓ LAPTIME TELEMETRY...
  • Page 49 Laptime Telemetry the split output will be in the Telemetry format; if you have enabled Laptime Pulse the split output will be in the Laptime Pulse format. If this option is disabled, no output will be given. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 50 = points Notes: ensure that: The ‘Sectors’ option has not been selected, as the output when in this mode is different. The VBOX Mini must have a GPS lock to send out data. Drift Telemetry coms mode is ticked. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...

  • Page 51: Nmea Data Output

    Microsoft’s Streets and Trips, Route 66 or similar software. A serial output cable will be required (part number RLCAB040), please see the VBOX Motorsport website or contact your local supplier for details. NMEA data is output at a baud rate of 4800 kbit/s. *Please note this function is not supported on units purchased after August 2012 https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 52 14 - VBOX Mini Upgrade Firmware See below for an online Video guide for carrying out a firmware upgrade on your PerformanceBox/ DriftBox/ VBOX Mini. Media, iframe, embed and object tags are not supported inside of a PDF. Download Racelogic Upgrader Software Software can be downloaded from here.
  • Page 53 When you have successfully carried out the firmware upgrade, go outside and leave the unit with a clear view of the sky. Select: MENU, SETUP then COLDSTART. This will carry out a GPS cold start on the unit and allow it to search for satellites without using any stored previous satellite locations. https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 54 You can either contact the manufacturer of your vehicle, or talk to the main authorised dealer who may be able to tell you. If you cannot receive a firm yes or no, then another way to check is to power up the VBOX Mini and hold it outside of the vehicle, receive a satellite fix and use the GPS diagnostic screen to see how many satellites you can see.
  • Page 55 If you still have reception problems: • Obstructions to the open sky will reduce GPS performance. Try to ensure placement of the VBOX Mini is away from the windscreen edges so it has the widest view of the skies possible. With an external antenna place it away from roof bars and at least 10 cm way from any other roof mounted items.
  • Page 56 VBOX Mini is held on a flat surface, they may need resetting. To do this, hold the VBOX Mini very still on a flat surface when in this screen, and press and hold reset. The alignment bars will then be repositioned in the middle of the VBOX Mini display and can once again be used as a guide to VBOX Mini alignment.
  • Page 57 16 - VBOX Mini Technical Specification Velocity Accuracy 0.1 km/h (averaged over 4 samples) Units km/h or mph Update rate 10 Hz Maximum velocity 1000 mph Minimum velocity 0.1 km/h Resolution 0.01 km/h Distance Accuracy 0.05 % (<50 cm per km)
  • Page 58 3 m (95 % CEP**) Update rate 10 Hz Resolution 1 cm Time Accuracy 0.1 s Resolution 0.1 s Power Input voltage range 6 – 28 V DC Current Typically 100 mA Acceleration Accuracy Maximum Update rate 10 Hz Resolution 0.01 g https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 59 -20°C to +50°C Storage temperature -30°C to +80°C Definitions * Approximately 1.1 MB per hour used ** Circle of Error Probable (CEP): 95 % of the time the position readings will fall within a circle of the stated diameter https://racelogic.support/01VBOX_Automotive/01VBOX_data_loggers/VBOX_Mini/...
  • Page 60 17 - VBOX Mini Optional Accessories / Replacement Parts Description Product Code SD Card (4 GB) RLACS098 External GPS Antenna RLACS070-R Mains Power Supply (UK / EU / US / JP / AU) RLACS074-UK / -EU /-US / -JP / -AU...
  • Page 61 VBOX Mini Input Module This multi-purpose input module allows analogue, thermocouple, engine rpm and digital input data to be logged using a VBOX. This data will be sampled at the same frequency as the GPS data. Inputs 8 x 14-bit analogue inputs...

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