02 Installing VBOX 3iS Single Antenna RTK (v1) in your vehicle
Mounting
When installing the VBOX 3iS Single Antenna in your vehicle, you can either fix it rigidly to the vehicle using the fixing holes or secure it with a telescopic mounting arm.
Try to position the unit as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible, and make sure that it is level with the ground. If you are using the internal IMU, you should ideally mount the unit in the direction of travel (as shown in the image below). If this is not possible, you can change the orientation of the internal IMU in the VBOX Setup Software, on the Front Panel, or with the VBOX Manager.
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.
Note: VBOX 3iS and the antenna should be mounted on the same rigid body to provide a relative reference. So for a vehicle such as a truck cabin, both the VBOX 3iS and the antenna should be fitted to the cabin body (if the cabin is air-sprung) or to the vehicle chassis.
Fixed Mounting
VBOX 3iS can be mounted rigidly to the vehicle via the fixing holes, ideally mid-way along the wheelbase.
Using a Mounting Arm
A flexible way to fix the VBOX 3iS rigidly within the vehicle is by using the Racelogic Mounting Arm. The three-part telescopic handle is fully adjustable to any length between 70 – 150 cm, another 20 cm can be added by extending the third section using the compression lever.
Both ends are fixed to an 8 x 13 cm plate which sits on a joint to accommodate uneven surfaces. The VBOX 3iS can then be pressed against the floor and the vehicle's ceiling, ensuring that the VBOX 3iS is fixed tightly. Another option is to use a bracket that attaches to the mounting arm, meaning that the VBOX 3iS can be fixed to the mounting arm before being installed within the vehicle. If using the bracket, it is recommended that the VBOX 3iS is mounted vertically towards the bottom of the pole for greater stability.
Please contact vbox@racelogic.co.uk for more information or to order a mounting arm (RLACS212-V2) and/or mounting bracket (RLACS291).
Antenna Placement
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.
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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.
Hardware Connections
