Racelogic VBOX LITE Hardware & Software Manual - page 76
VIDEO VBOX LITE MANUAL
Page | 76
22 December 2009
APPENDIX 5: Troubleshooting Guide
Trouble Locking onto Satellites
If the Video VBOX LITE is having trouble locking onto satellites then please follow the checklist below for typical
solutions:
Ensure that the antenna is placed in a position where it has an unobstructed view of the sky. (See ‘GPS
Antenna Placement’ below)
Check the antenna connection with the Video VBOX LITE; even small amounts of dirt in the socket can cause
a significant reduction in signal strength. Also check the cable at the plug and along its length for any damage.
Check that the power supply is connected and free from damage.
If possible try another known working antenna, to confirm antenna functionality.
Perform a GPS Coldstart and then leave the unit powered up in an open static position for at least 15
minutes. See ‘Video VBOX LITE not responding’ below.
Once the Video VBOX LITE has locked on to 3 or more satellites it will be ready for use.
GPS Antenna Placement
The GPS antenna supplied with the Video VBOX LITE is a 3.5V active antenna. For the best possible signal quality, it is
important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the Video VBOX LITE. Before fixing the antenna to
the Video VBOX LITE, ensure that there are no dust particles in either connector. Replacement antennae are available
by contacting your Video VBOX LITE distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. For optimum GPS 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. The GPS antenna works best with a metal ground plane underneath (a metallic vehicle
roof is perfect for this).
Please also note that when using any GPS equipment, a clear sky view is important. Objects in the surrounding area
such as tall buildings or trees can block the GPS signal causing a reduction in the number of satellites being tracked, or
introducing reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of the system. Note that clouds and other atmospheric
conditions do not affect the Video VBOX LITE’s performance.
GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the GPS signal
caused by nearby objects, and usually the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function. However, if a test requires an
antenna to be placed either off the vehicle, or on a vehicle that does not have a metallic roof, you can use an area of
metal foil (minimum 15cm X 15cm) underneath the antenna or alternatively a special ground plane antenna must be
used. This has an internal ground plane and can operate perfectly without the need for mounting on a metal surface.
Ground plane antennas are available from your VBOX distributor (Contact for details).
No USB Communication with PC
If the green LED on the front of the Video VBOX LITE is not illuminated then there is no power to the unit;
check that battery is fresh or, if using a cigar lighter, check internal cigar lighter fuse.
Check that the USB cable (CAB066-2) supplied with the unit is plugged into the ‘USB’ socket on the front
panel of the Video VBOX LITE. Third party USB cables such as those supplied with card readers may not have
a long enough plug to fit into the recessed socket on the front of the box.
Try disconnecting then reconnecting the USB cable with the Video VBOX LITE powered.
Check that the USB cable is plugged into the USB port of the PC, and has been assigned a COM port.
Check that no other programs are using the same COM port.
Shut down any Mobile Phone software running on your PC, this often takes control of the USB ports and can
prevent the Video VBOX LITE connecting.
Disconnect the power to the Video VBOX LITE then reconnect it.