Case Study: VBOX Sport Performance Meter

The following blog post is a case study into the device VBOX Sport, a light-weight and portable data logger. Its purpose is to measure performance or lap times.

Description

VBOX Sport is a data logger than can be stand-alone or can be connected to an iOS device via Bluetooth. It has a robust and waterproof enclosure and it is lightweight so that it can be used with ease.

VBOX Sport connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth

The VBOX Sport contains a 20 Hz GPS engine with either an internal or external GPS antenna. It has a battery life of over 6 hours and this battery is rechargeable through USB charging. The VBOX Sport logs data onto an SD card. Included with the device is a Bluetooth interface to iOS devices, free data analysis software, free Performance Test and Laptimer app, and it is compatible with Harry's Lap Timer app.

Apps

Three dedicated iOS apps have been designed for the VBOX Sport. The first is a Performance Test app which displays speed, G-force and braking performance using GPS data that is being logged at 20 times per second. The second app is a LapTimer app which auto selects tracks, predicts lap times, determines the current or maximum speed, records lap times and allows for custom circuit creation. The final app is the Diagnostics app which checks the health of the VBOX Sport hardware and checks the GPS data reception.

In addition to these three dedicated apps, the VBOX Sport is compatible with the app Harry's LapTimer. This app records all types of sensor data provided by the iOS device and has fully automated GPS-based lap timing. This app is $19.99 where as the dedicated apps are free.

Harry's LapTimer App

Analysis Software

Circuit Tools Analysis Software is provided with the VBOX Sport. This software is designed by racing drivers and is easy to use. The SD card with the logged data is input to the PC and the file is selected within the software. The software then automatically detects the country, circuit and track configuration from a database of 400 circuits. To separate the laps contained in the file, start/finish line information is used. The software then determines the fastest lap from the session and displays this in the shape of a graph. Lap times can easily be compared to other laps using this graphing functionality.

Circuit Tools Analysis Software

Features of this software are as follows:

• Automate tasks and present driver with crucial information quickly
• Enhanced file loading - interface scans the file giving basic lap information and video preview
• File transfer wizard - scans PC for removable media and transfers all files into automatically named folders on the hard drive
• Automatic sector configuration - sector by max speed automatically configured and these can be toggled on and off in the session data
• Video replay speed variation 
• Six video playback - up to 6 videos can be played simultaneously

Performance Software

There is also a Performance Tools software that can be downloaded. Again, the software is easy to use by inserting the SD card and selecting the correct file. This software tool allows for analysis of the vehicle's performance, such as acceleration and braking tests.

Performance Tool Software

Specs

Below are a list of the different specifications of the device.

I/O

Inputs and Outputs of VBOX Sport

GPS SPECIFICATIONS

Velocity: 

• Accuracy: 0.1 km/h
• Units: km/h or mph
• Update Rate: 20 Hz
• Minimum Velocity: 0.1 km/h
• Maximum Velocity: 1800 km/h
• Resolution: 0.01 km/h

Acceleration:

• Accuracy: 0.5%
• Maximum: 4 G
• Resolution: 0.01 G

Heading: 

• Resolution: 0.01° s
• Accuracy: ± 0.2° s

Position:

• 2D Position: ± 5 m 95% CEP*
• Height: 5 m 95% CEP*

*95% CEP (Circle of Error Probable) means 95% of the time the position readings will fall within a circle of the stated radius.

RECORDING AND STORAGE

Recording Options:

• Record only when moving (default)
• Record start/stop button

SD Card Memory Usage:

8.7 Megabytes/hour whilst logging.

Environmental and Physical:

• Input Voltage: +5 volts only
• Power: 2.5 W max. (charging)
• IP Rating: IP65 (with connector bungs fitted), IP20 (without connector bungs fitted)
• Size: 104.5 mm x 72.8 mm x 25.1 mm
• Weight: 130 g
• Storage Temperature: -20° C to + 60° C (max. limits), -20° C to +35° C for maximum battery life
• Operating Temperature: -20° C to + 55° C, 0° C to + 45° C (whilst charging battery - charger will shut down outside this range)

SOFTWARE

Apple Software:

• VBOX Sport Performance Test
• VBOX Sport LapTimer
• VBOX Sport Diagnostics App

Windows Software:

Circuit Tools data analysis software

Cost

The VBOX Sport costs $429.

Advantages of the Device

• The data logger is very small and waterproof allowing the device to be placed in lots of locations.
• Very simple to use - plug and play.
• Software is easy to use and automates a lot of tasks.
• The apps that are needed for the device are free. 

Disadvantages

• The system is primarily designed for iOS devices.
• No real time analysis - have to wait until race finished and SD card is put into PC.
• Uses GPS - this could fail or have a poor reception.
• Expensive for what it is.

References

VBOX Sport Performance Meter

Circuit Tools Analysis Software