Racelogic introduce high accuracy GPS 20Hz Video VBOX Pro

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- GPS data acquisition specialists Racelogic have just released a 20Hz version of their Video VBOX Pro, which promises to enable automotive engineers to obtain accurate GPS data synchronised with up to 4 video bullet cameras.

For most engineers, data on its own is no longer enough. Faced with the desire to analyse several sources of information in any one test, video is increasingly being used to make the process more intuitive. Manufacturers such as Jaguar LandRover, Peugeot, and Continental are using data integrated with video, because it enables developers to see what is happening inside and outside the car at exactly the same time, helping them interpret test results.

Responding to this trend, Racelogic now claim to offer the highest accuracy GPS + Video datalogger on the market with the launch of their 20Hz Video VBOX Pro. Racelogic’s new system uses a survey grade 20Hz unit, giving velocity accuracy to 0.1km/h and a position accuracy of their 20Hz Video VBOX Pro. Racelogic’s new system uses a survey grade 20Hz unit, giving velocity accuracy to 0.1km/h and a position accuracy of 1m. It’s designed for accurate GPS vehicle measurements with synchronised video using up to 4 bullet cameras.

The Pro is the latest addition to the Video VBOX range after the launch of Video VBOX in 2008, and the release of the more affordable Video VBOX Lite last year, which is now popular with trackday and racing drivers. Video VBOX Pro is aimed at the automotive testing end of the market. Housed in a robust aluminium case with lemo connectors, the unit can cope with heavy use in a range of conditions.

Graphics are overlaid in real time onto the video, and can display any data being recorded, from speed, to G-force, to exhaust temperature. The ‘scene’ is fully customisable in Racelogic’s software, so it can be changed to suit different tests. For example a Lane Departure Warning system verification might use a horizontal ruler graphic, to demonstrate the vehicle’s distance from the lane edge, whilst a brake stop test might use speed dials and distance gauges.

As well as GPS measurements, Video VBOX Pro includes a 32 channel CAN interface as standard. This means it can be connected to the vehicle CAN bus, allowing data such as RPM and throttle position to be shown graphically and logged. The product can also connect to the range of VBOX input modules including thermocouples and wheel speed sensors, allowing a vast amount of data to be recorded. For instance, Racelogic’s three antenna VBOX SL3 can be connected to provide pitch, roll and yaw angles, which can then be represented on the video as text, gauges, or bar graphs.

Data analysis can be taken further by using the VBOX Tools software, included with Video VBOX at no extra cost. This is a fully-featured data analysis package, designed by Racelogic in conjunction with the major automotive manufacturers.

Julian Thomas, Racelogic MD, said: “The single package solution including our 20Hz high accuracy GPS engine alongside 4 video camera inputs, make the Video VBOX Pro 20Hz an invaluable tool in many common testing applications. This is ideal for engineers who are looking for a more streamlined way of analysing data, or indeed for those who need to provide quality video evidence of vehicle tests.”

# # #

Racelogic design and manufacture electronic systems for the automotive, motorsport, marine, and GPS industries.

Since 1992 we’ve developed GPS data-loggers, Video overlay systems, GPS Simulators, CAN Interfaces and Traction Control from our UK base.