Skip to main content
RACELOGIC Support Centre

01 - LabSat3 Introduction

LabSat 3 is a lightweight, portable record and replay system for GNSS testing. With the ability to record real world GNSS signals directly to SD card or HDD storage, the LabSat 3 is a simple to use, fully stand-alone system. Recorded signals can be replayed back by LabSat 3 in the Lab enabling development and testing of most types of GNSS equipment.

Alternatively SatGen software can also be used to create simulated GNSS signals from map or user defined trajectory. Despite its simplicity, the LabSat 3 product range supports a number of powerful features for use in industries such as automotive, sports and aerospace including Triple RF channels for multiple constellation testing, dual CAN Bus recording, inertial sensor logging and battery powered operation. 
 

2 (1).png
 

 

Additional features:-

  • Available for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS
  • Simple to use one touch recording
  • Record or replay using external USB hard drive
  • RS232, Digital & Dual CAN interface
  • Remote control over Ethernet
  • External 10MHz Reference input
  • OCXO option
  • OEM version available for system integrators
  • Digital input for event marking or 1PPS recording
  • Adjustable attenuation (0 – 31dBm)
  • On-board GNSS receiver for monitoring RF during record and replay
     

The LabSat 3 line-up includes a number of variants to suit a range of testing requirements. These are:
 

Version Description
RLLS03-3RP Triple Constellation record & replay system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-3P Triple Constellation replay only system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2RP Dual Constellation record & replay system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-2P Dual Constellation replay only system with CAN Bus / RS232 / Digital IO
RLLS03-1RP Single Constellation record & replay system
RLLS03-1P Single Constellation replay only system

 

 

How does it work?

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite Systems and is a general term that covers satellite positioning constellations belonging to different countries around the world. These include, among others, the United States ‘GPS’, the Russian ‘GLONASS’ and the Chinese ‘BeiDou’ systems. LabSat 3 is capable of recording and then replaying the raw radio signals that are transmitted by the various constellations of satellites. LabSat 3 receives the signal from an antenna just like a standard GNSS receiver but instead of processing each of the received signals to calculate a position fix, LabSat 3 samples and stores the antenna signal at very high speed. 

When the stored antenna signal is replayed by LabSat 3 into a standard GNSS receiver such as a portable navigation system, the receiver will see essentially, the same signal that it would see if it were connected to an antenna including movement, delays and multipath effects. This makes LabSat 3 invaluable for recording moving scenarios such as driving through a city in a car. One of the benefits of using a recorded test signal is consistency. For example, if testing of a product involves going for a drive each time the firmware is updated, the satellite positions and atmospheric conditions will be different for every drive. If the drive is recorded once with LabSat 3, the recorded signal can be replayed over and over on the bench saving hours of drive time and with the knowledge that the conditions will be the same for each replay.

Registration

Racelogic recommend that all LabSat devices are registered immediately on receipt. Please go to www.labsat.co.uk/register and fill in all the details requested. If you register your LabSat within its first year warranty, you will automatically receive an additional year's warranty.

Registering your LabSat will enable you to easily communicate with our support team. Any firmware / software updates will be available on the LabSat website. Updates are more robust and easier to use, and later firmware releases offer bug fixes as well as added features and improvements to the original specification of the product. Your details will be available to our Support Team, in case you need any assistance in the future.

 

Replay Example

Example of Replay using the included SD card with preloaded scenario.

Briefly press the power button to power up the LabSat 3. Connect from the RF output on the rear of the LabSat 3 to your GPS system antenna input. With the SD card inserted, use the UP/DOWN arrows to select a file. Press the PLAY button to start replay. 
 

62 (1).png
 

LabSat 3 contains an on board GNSS receiver that allows monitoring of the RF signals during record or replay. To show a live histogram of satellite signal levels detected by the on board receiver, press the OK button during replay. Press the OK button again to return to the replay status display. During replay, pressing the PLAY button will halt replay and return to the file list.
 

7 (1).png

Record Example

Example of Recording your own file to an SD card (RP variants only).

To record a new file, connect the LabSat 3 antenna to the RF input on the rear of the LabSat. Ensure that the antenna has a clear view of the sky, press the REC button to start recording. Press the REC button again to stop recording. While recording, if the SD card becomes full, recording will stop automatically. During recording, pressing the OK button will switch the display to show a live histogram view of the satellite levels being received by the on-board GNSS monitor. Pressing the OK button again will return to the record status display. 
 

8 (1).png
 

During recording, while using battery power, the GNSS monitor display will automatically revert to the record display after a short period to conserve battery power. This power save feature can be switched off but it is recommended to be left active for maximum battery life.

  • Was this article helpful?