04 - VBOX Micro Satellite lock

Last updated
Save as PDF
Share
1. Share
2. Tweet
3. Share

Antenna

The GPS antenna supplied with the VBOX Micro is a 3.5V active antenna. For the best possible signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the VBOX Micro. Before fixing the antenna to the VBOX Micro, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector. Replacement antennae are available by contacting your VBOX Micro distributor.

gps_ant (1).jpg

The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. 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 (a metallic vehicle roof is perfect for this).

Please also note that when using any GPS equipment, a clear sky view is important. Objects in the surrounding area such as tall buildings or trees can block the GPS signal causing a reduction in the number of satellites being tracked, or introducing reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of the system. Note that clouds and other atmospheric conditions do not affect the VBOX Micro’s performance.

GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the GPS signal caused by nearby objects, and usually the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function. However, if a test requires an antenna to be placed either off the vehicle, or on a vehicle that does not have a metallic roof, a special ground plane antenna must be used. This has an internal ground plane and can operate perfectly without the need for mounting on a metal surface. Ground plane antennas are available from your VBOX distributor (part number RLVBACS065).

Coldstart

A GPS coldstart forces the GPS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. This can be useful if the VBOX Micro is having trouble locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX Micro has not been used for several weeks or if it was last used a long distance (over one thousand miles) away from the current location.

Manually

Press and hold the square button ’■’ on the side of the VBOX Micro for five seconds. The unit will then beep to indicate that the GPS coldstart is underway.

Via Software

Connect to VBOX Setup, select the ‘Coldstart’ option within the ‘General’ tab. The unit will then beep to indicate that the GPS coldstart is underway.