VBOX Mini

OVERVIEW

A versatile product featuring a 10Hz GPS engine, built-in GPS antenna, SD card logging and a back-lit LCD screen.

Easy to fit, but brimming with features, the VBOX Mini is very popular with magazines and test departments all over the world.

VBOX Mini provides a very quick and convenient method of obtaining accurate performance results, a max, average and real-time speed display, in-car timing with splits, and is also a great little data logger!

To further enhance the VBOX Mini, an optional input/output module is available for collection of data from external signal sources such as throttle position or engine RPM.

The data is recorded onto the flash memory card and can be output via a direct PC link in real-time for live viewing in the included VBOX Tools software.

FEATURES

Accurate GPS data logging at 10Hz
Internal yaw rate measurement for slip angle and heading
RS232 serial interface
Internal and external GPS antenna

LCD screen to view live data and results
USB interface
Optional input module available for logging of additional analogue and digital signals
Logs directly to SD card

APPLICATIONS

VBOX Mini is a perfect tool for any vehicle testing department as you can carry out a large number of standard tests very simply, with results being shown in real-time.

VBOX Mini does not have vehicle CAN connectivity. If you need to connect to a vehicle’s CAN Bus, please refer to our CAN enabled data loggers from the VBOX IISX or VBOX 3i range.

Performance Testing

Using the built in screen you can measure many different types of acceleration test, 0-60, 0-100, 0-100-0, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile etc. There are also a number of configurable tests, making the unit extremely versatile.

The G-force screens showing your acceleration, braking or cornering force are updated 10 times a second and the maximums can be reset by pressing the RESET button. All of these performance tests are accurate to 0.1s and 0.1kmh as the unit comes with a full calibration certificate.

If you carry out lots of detailed performance tests on different cars, then the VBOX Mini is the right tool for the job, and is used by magazines, TV companies and test departments around the world.

Lap Timing

The VBOX Mini is one of the most powerful lap timers you can buy with the added benefit that you don’t need to set up any external beacons.

Because the VBOX Mini knows where you are 10 times a second, you simply drive over the place where you want to set your start/finish line and press a button. It then calculates the direction you were travelling, and draws a virtual line in its memory at 90 degrees and 25m wide. From then on it knows where your lap starts and ends and instantly displays and records this lap time, accurate to 0.1s.

The VBOX Mini comes with a 99 lap memory and stores all laps on the SD card.

In addition there are 6 split lines that can be defined, and the speed at each of these virtual gates can be frozen to examine corner exit speed or apex speed, giving valuable and instant feedback for the driver from corner to corner.
There is also a separate finish line that can be defined so that you can use the VBOX Mini to time slalom runs or sprint courses with separate start & finish lines.

Speed Measurement

Like all other VBOXs, the VBOX Mini measures velocity using the doppler shift technique, which means that the speed output is very accurate. Included is a large speedometer, and also a speed averaging screen.

This is very useful for calibrating speedometers and also checking the speed of the vehicle between two points. The averaging process can be activated by hitting the OK button, by crossing a start line/split line or by using an external trigger (via the Mini Input Module.)

The VBOX Mini comes with a full calibration certificate which is generated on our state of the art GPS constellation simulator.

Analysis Software

The VBOX Mini is supplied with the complete VBOX Tools software package. VBOX Tools has been developed in conjunction with our customers over many years making it very powerful yet easy to use.

With VBOX Tools you can analyse acceleration tests, braking tests, compare and overlay files in the graph screen. You can setup a real-time test with multiple display windows showing g-force, speed, distance etc., alongside a customisable table of results.

You can use the software in real-time mode connected directly to a VBOX, or in post processing mode using the data stored on the removable flash card. For more information, please see the software page.

Circuit Tools software is also included if you are concentrating on driver training and track analysis.

INPUTS / OUTPUTS

Inputs

Input Module
Ready for connection to an optional input module (Mini Input or Micro Input Module), to allow measurement and logging of analogue and digital input data such as engine RPM and throttle position. This data will be sampled at the same frequency as the GPS data.

Outputs

RS232
RS232 socket for connection to VBOX Mini Input Module or Micro Input Module.
USB
USB interface for reading SD card, streaming data and upgrading firmware.
LCD Screen
Back-lit LCD screen for viewing live data and results. VBOX Mini has six operations modes to choose from: Performance mode, drift mode, lap timing mode, predictive mode, input module and speed display.

PARAMETERS

VBOX Mini calculates the following parameters from the GPS engine, 10 times a second:

Time
Position
Speed
Distance

Heading
Cornering force
Accel/braking force
Height

Vertical velocity
Yaw rate

SPECS

These specifications refer to VBOX IISX Dual Antenna.

VELOCITY

Accuracy: 0.1 Km/h
Units: Km/h or Mph
Update rate: 10Hz
Maximum velocity: 1000 Mph
Minimum velocity: 0.1 Km/h
Resolution: 0.01 Km/h

ABSOLUTE POSITIONING

Accuracy: 3m *
Height accuracy: 10m *
Resolution: 1cm

ACCEL/BRAKE TEST TIME
(Multifunction Display / VBOX Tools)

Resolution: 0.01 s
Accuracy: 0.1 s

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL

Weight: 225 grams
Size: 113mm x 63mm x 93mm
Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
Storage temperature: -30°C to +80°C

MEMORY

Type: SD or SDHC card
Recording time: Dependent on flash card capacity**

DISTANCE

Accuracy: 0.05 % (<50cm per Km)
Units: Metres / Feet
Update rate: 10Hz
Resolution: 1 cm

ACCELERATION

Accuracy: 1%
Maximum: 4 G
Resolution: 0.01 G

LAP TIMING

Resolution: 0.01 s
Accuracy: 0.1 s

HEADING

Resolution: 0.01°
Accuracy: 0.1°

POWER

Input Voltage Range: 6 – 28V DC
Current: Typically 100mA

DEFINITIONS
* 95% Circle of Error Probable (CEP) = 95% of the time the position readings will fall within a circle of the stated radius.
** Approximately 1.3Mb per hour used when logging GPS.

Download or print Datasheet here.