VBOX Products

VBOX 3i

VBOX 3i 100Hz Datalogger

VBOX 3i is the most powerful GPS data logging system built by Racelogic. Using a fast GPS engine, VBOX 3i logs data 100 times a second, which allows you to perform detailed analysis of Braking, Accelerating, Handling and Circuit testing. It will fit to a car in 30s, and requires no setting up or calibraiton. With IMU integration, USB and bluetooth connectivity, compact flash card logging, and audio funcitonality for voice tagging, VBOX 3i represents a flexible solution to a range of testing requirements.

In addition to measuring these parameters, the VBOX 3i has 4x 24bit analogue input channels, 32 CAN channels (OEM Vehicle CAN data translation available) with 2 CAN Bus interfaces, two 16 bit analogue outputs and two digital outputs.

High performance

The system uses a survey grade 100Hz GPS that calculates each measurement 100 times a second without any interpolation, so that each reading is independant of all previous readings. This allows the user to record Velocity, Time, Position, Acceleration & Distance at 100Hz. The data is stored on a removable compact flash card. The true 100Hz update rate means the VBOXIII has a real latency of only 12.5ms making it the fatest GPS engine currently available.

High accuracy

The predecessor to VBOX 3i (VBOX III) had an industry-leading brake stop accuracy of ±5cm, guaranteed everytime. This was tested and verified by many leading car manufacturers and tyre companies throughout the world, which is why it was accepted as one of the few pieces of equipment to give this level of brake stop accuracy.

VBOX 3i goes one step further with this, and acheives a brake stop accuracy of ±1.8cm. Read more about how Racelogic managed this at our blog here.

Please have a look under Accuracy to see how we verify these accuracy figures.

IMU Integration

For accurate testing even in areas where view of the sky is obstructed, VBOX 3i has the ability to take the information from a Racelogic IMU (inertial measurement unit), pictured right, and combine this with the GPS data in real time to improve the quality of the measured parameters. The three accelerometers and three gyros inside the IMU are used to keep track of the attitude of the vehicle and will greatly increase the velocity and position accuracy during periods when satellite visibility is poor.

IMU integration improves all of the parameters measured in real time, producing smooth, noiseless data channels. This is especially useful in poor satellite conditions such as near trees, buildings or bridges. All data is processed at 100Hz, and not only are the accuracy and noise levels improved, but the dynamic response of the velocity is also enhanced. Complete satellite dropouts such as those experienced when going under a bridge are dealt with effectively using this method, up to a maximum time period of 10s without any lock.

Parameters which are smoothed by this process include velocity, position, heading, height, lateral and longitudinal acceleration and vertical velocity. As a direct consequence of achieving smoother velocity in noisy conditions, acceleration and deceleration times become more accurate, as the crossing of a velocity point will be genuine rather than falsely triggered by noisy data. IMU integration realises the accuracies that VBOX 3i is capable of achieving even when external conditions are compromised.

For more information on IMU Integration click here.

High precision

VBOX 3i is also available with hardware which allows it to be used with an RTK differential Base Station.This makes it possible to achieve positional accuracy up to ±2cm, taking VBOX 3i to a new level of precision. There are two versions of the RTK system. One uses the normal GPS satellites (RLVB3R5). One uses the Russian Glonass systems as well (RLVB3R2G2). The advantage of using the Glonass system is faster start-up times, much faster re-acquisition times and increased robustness. This enables users to undertake tests that require very high levels of positional accuracy, such as accurate track mapping, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane departure testing and development.

If you are testing in a wide open area without any trees or bridges, then the non-Glonass version is effective. However if there are any obstructions, the additional Glonass option is recommended. Start up times GPS only: 4-10 minutes GPS+Glonass: <2minutes Re-acquisition times GPS only: 4-10 minutes GPS+Glonass:<15s Re-aquisition is when satellite lock is temporarily lost during operation due to trees, buildings or bridges.

Log Channels

The following parameters can be logged simultaneously at 100Hz:

Outputs

There are two different types of display that can be used in the vehicle, see displays for more information.

Inputs

Versatile Operation