Noisy GPS data will be significantly reduced with the launch of the new IMU integration firmware, released today. IMU integration helps to produce smoother, more reliable data, by blending GPS signals with data from an inertial measurement unit. Designed to reduce velocity noise in adverse conditions, the solution, incorporating a VBOX 3i and an IMU, can deal with GPS dropouts lasting several seconds at a time with a high degree of accuracy. This makes it perfect for use in areas where there are overhanging trees and tall buildings, when GPS testing would previously have been difficult. A newsletter dedicated to IMU integration will follow very soon but in the meantime contact your local distributor here for details of low upgrade prices from VBOX III to VBOX 3i.

A strip of canal with no speed restrictions was the venue, last month, for extensive tests on the latest boat by Bernico Racing, designed to compete in the international water-ski championship, which is a drag race whilst towing a skiier! 

Taking place near their Belgian headquarters, the team used a VBOX 20SL3 Marine system to test the effects a new hull design had on the speed and stability of the 600hp Bernico GTS. The system allowed boat engineers to undertake detailed analysis of the effect of different propellers and hull trim flaps on performance, with the three GPS antennas of the 20Hz datalogger giving a precise measurement of the boat’s speed, trim, heel, and leeway angles. Additional signals including engine RPM, trim flap angles, and exhaust temperatures were recorded using a VBOX Mini Input Module. To give the engineers a graphic representation of the recorded data, Video VBOX was also put to use, with one camera pointing at the test canal ahead, and the other monitoring the driver. View the video here, which shows the boat reaching speeds approaching 150 kph!

The latest Video VBOX firmware upgrade, available for download from here, will give Mini Input Module compatibility to every Video VBOX when the next version of Video VBOX Setup software is released next week. This means that you can access data such as throttle angle, oil and water pressure, wheel speed, rpm, and engine temperatures even on vehicles that do not have CAN, by using external sensors that connect to the Mini Input Module . Previously, all Video VBOX units (excepting the 102CVC which has 32 CAN channels) had one CAN channel. However, Mini Input Module compatibility adds 12 pre-configured CAN channels on all other Video VBOX units. These channels will incorporate eight analogue voltage inputs, two thermocouple inputs, and three digital frequency / pulse inputs. This gives those customers who do not have CAN in their vehicles the ability to connect their Video VBOX to traditional sensors without needing to purchase the top-end CAN enabled Video VBOX.

Created only six weeks ago, and with over 600 views, the new Racelogic blog is proving to be a popular resource for VBOX owners, automotive professionals, and those interested in developments in automotive GPS data logging. Recent popular entries include ‘Google Earth Feature added to LabSat software’, and ‘Seeing the Separation: Integration of Video into Vehicle Separation Testing’. Find it here.

With early systems shipping this Friday to the worldwide VBOX dealers, a full release is imminent for the new OLED display. The perfect addition to any VBOX datalogging system, including VBOX 3i, Video VBOX, and Performance Box Sport, it has the ability to show a range of parameters, including live and max speed, g-force, and lap times, and can switch between display modes at the touch of a button. The display has the capacity to start and stop logging in conjunction with some VBOX models, and can also report logging status, meaning that many functions are accessible on the move. For further vehicle flexibility, the unit has an internal accelerometer that flips the screen in accordance with the way it is mounted, and the option to invert screen colours and change the font to a high contrast outline means that the display can match the lighting conditions. The data sheet with full specifications is available here.

Video VBOX Training is proving popular, with our May course fully booked, and four more monthly morning sessions scheduled in at our UK headquarters in Buckingham. The dates for these specialised sessions are happening on the first Thursday of every month:

• 4th June
• 2nd July
• 6th August

VBOX Training Days are also as busy as ever, with the May course also fully booked, and further full days (with a free buffet lunch!) running on:

• 25th June
• 23rd July

 Email jacquie.fielder@racelogic.co.uk to book your place now!