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Industrial OEM Testing » Products » SPEEDBOX » FAQ

SPEEDBOX Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the maximum g-force/speed that can be measured?

The SPEEDBOX is fitted with a 2g accelerometer as standard. The maximum measurable speed is approximately 1000mph.

• How often do you get GPS speed updates?

The GPS system calculates speed every 50ms (20 Hz); however this data is combined with the data from the accelerometers to calculate speed 200 times every second with very high accuracy.

• How often do you get GPS position updates?

The GPS system calculates position every 50ms (20Hz).

• How accurately is speed measured?

With average GPS reception, speed accuracy is about 0.05kph (or 0.1% if greater) when travelling at fairly constant speed or during moderate acceleration and braking, and about 0.1kph (or 0.1% if greater) during hard acceleration or braking. The only exception is at very low speeds (under 10kph) where the error increases to about 0.5kph. Do not be fooled by exaggerated claims from other manufacturers...this is as good as it gets. In contrast, a standard wheel speed pickup is only accurate to about 4% at constant speeds, and under hard acceleration or braking the error increases up to around 20%.

• How accurately is position measured?

With reasonable GPS reception, positional accuracy is about 3m (CEP) for the SPEEDBOX. With ideal GPS reception this improves to around 1m.

• What happens to the data if you drive under a bridge/tunnel/trees etc?

Because speed is calculated from both the GPS data and accelerometers, even if the GPS data 'disappears' for a number of seconds, you won't detect any degradation in the quality of the output data. Only if GPS data disappears for an extended time (10 - 20+ seconds), or if there is a marked gradient change during the loss of GPS data, will the data start to degrade noticeably due to the slow drift which is inherent in integrated accelerometer calculations, and/or due to the inability of the accelerometers to distinguish between real acceleration and gradient change.

• Does the SPEEDBOX-RTK do everything that the standard SPEEDBOX does?

The SPEEDBOX-RTK contains all of the core functionality of the standard SPEEDBOX, including the combined speed output from GPS and accelerometer readings. Apart from the extra RTK features, the only difference in functionality between the two units is in the analog outputs - the SPEEDBOX outputs longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration and combined speed on the three analog channels, whereas the SPEEDBOX-RTK outputs yaw, pitch and combined speed on the three analog channels. Apart from that, the only differences are the extra features of the RTK unit, and the SPEEDBOX-RTK will function fine as a standard SPEEDBOX with only one antenna attached.

• Is the SPEEDBOX upgradeable?

• Is it easy to use?

The SPEEDBOX is very simple to install, connect and configure. Full instructions are provided with every unit. With power supply or battery pack connected, the unit automatically starts up and commences measuring and outputting data continuously - no triggering is required. We have also kept the analysis software as simple as possible whilst making it as flexible as we can to ensure that you can do what you need to with it. As with all computer programs, the first time you use it there is a lot to take in - after you've become familiar with it, you will be able to analyse data quickly and efficiently.

• What specification of computer is required?

As with most programs, the analysis software will run on just about any PC with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista or later - however, the faster the PC, the faster the program will run.

• Is the SPEEDBOX reliable and well made?

The SPEEDBOX is absolutely class leading in terms or component quality, build quality and reliability - this is a very high quality professional instrument, entirely designed in-house at Race Technology and manufactured in England. The unit carries the normal 12 month guarantee against manufacturing defects and lifetime email support.

For details and purchase inquiries please email us at sales@race-technology.com