VBOX 3i GNSS Coldstart

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A GNSS coldstart may be required when:

The GNSS engine has locked up.
The VBOX is struggling to acquire satellite lock.

A GNSS coldstart forces the GNSS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. Constellation almanacs have information about orbit data and research on active GNSS satellites in the constellation.

Resetting the GNSS engine can help if the VBOX 3i unit is having trouble locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX 3i 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.

After performing a GNSS coldstart, you should leave the VBOX 3i powered up in a static location where the antenna has an unobstructed view of the sky until the SATS LED becomes solid green.

Once the VBOX 3i has downloaded the new almanac it will be able to reacquire satellites in noisy situations (such as near trees, buildings and under bridges) much quicker. It will also acquire satellite much quicker on power-up.

Performing a Coldstart

You can make your VBOX 3i unit perform a GNSS coldstart by using VBOX Setup or by using the buttons on the front panel.

Front Panel

Press and hold the LOG button on the front of the VBOX 3i for five seconds until a long beep is sounded.
When the button is released the SATS LED will start to flash red showing that the coldstart has been performed and the GNSS engine is now not locked onto any satellites.
After approximately 30 to 45 seconds, the SATS LED will start to flash green/orange indicating that satellite lock has been achieved and indicating the number of satellites and which constellation it is locked onto.

VBOX Setup

Open VBOX Setup.
Go to the GPS menu and open the Engineering diagnostics tab.
Click on the GPS coldstart button.
The SATS LED will start to flash red showing that the coldstart has been performed and the GNSS engine is now not locked onto any satellites.
After approximately 30 to 45 seconds, the SATS LED will start to flash green/orange indicating that satellite lock has been achieved and indicating the number of satellites and which constellation it is locked onto.