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RACELOGIC Support Centre

Antenna Placement – VBOX 3iS

The GNSS antenna that comes supplied with the VBOX 3iS products is a 5 V active antenna. The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof.

For optimum GNSS 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. For best results, mount the VBOX 3iS and GNSS antenna as close to each other as possible. For example, bolt VBOX 3iS to the seat rails and place the GNSS antenna on the roof directly above.

For the best possible signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the VBOX 3iS unit. Before you connect the antenna to the VBOX 3iS, you should make sure that there are no dust particles in either connector.

Replacement antennae are available from your VBOX distributor.


 

The GNSS antenna requires a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps reduce unwanted reflections of the GNSS signal that can be caused by nearby objects. Usually, the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function. However, if a test requires that you place an antenna either off the vehicle or on a vehicle that does not have a metallic roof, you must use a special ground plane antenna. This antenna has an internal ground plane and can operate perfectly without the need to be mounted on a metal surface.

Ground plane antennas are available from your VBOX distributor.
 

 

 

 

Please also note that when you are using any GNSS equipment, it is important to have a clear sky view. Objects in the surrounding area, such as tall buildings or trees, can block the signal and cause a reduction in the number of satellites that are tracked or it can introduce reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of the system. Note that clouds and other atmospheric conditions do not affect the performance of the VBOX unit.
 

GNSS works best in open areas. Avoid tree-lined roads.

Satellite Elevation Mask 

You can use this feature to improve the GNSS signal quality when nearby obstacles like trees and buildings reflect or temporarily obscure the signal from satellites at low elevation. Raising the mask will cause the GPS engine to ignore satellites below the mask angle. You must use this very carefully, as it also reduces the total number of received satellites.
 

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You can change the elevation mask value between 10 – 25° (10º by default). You can do this via the VBOX Setup Software, the Front Panel of the unit, or with VBOX Manager.

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