The Speed Profiler Application is ideal for testing durability, fuel economy and tyres.
Use an SD Card to load a pre-generated .spp file with a set target speed for a duration of time or distance into the VBOX unit. This will give you the ability to receive both audible and visual alerts if you deviate from the target speed (or tolerance).
You can find more information about .spp files here
The Speed Profiler Application is ideal for testing durability, fuel economy and tyres.
Use an SD Card to load a pre-generated .spp file with a set target speed for a duration of time or distance into the VBOX unit. This will give you the ability to receive both audible and visual alerts if you deviate from the target speed (or tolerance).
You can find more information about .spp files here
Download the app from the VBOX Automotive website.
For installation instructions, refer to the Installing or Updating an App article.
Compatible Products: VBOX Touch, VBOX Touch RTK and Performance Box Touch
NOTE
If you need to use data from a .vbo file for your .spp file, contact Racelogic Support.
Version 1.1.2.15 – 29 November 2023
NEW FEATURES
- Added support for new VBOX Touch hardware variants.
Version 1.1.1.14 – 10 May 2023
BUG FIXES
- Fixed bug with playback duration/speed.
Version 1.1.1.8 – 30 January 2023
NEW FEATURES
- Adds support for CAN (VBTOUCH only).
Initial release of CAN functionality within the Speed Profiler App, adding support for CAN input (from vehicle database/DBC files, or RACELOGIC modules) and CAN output. - Serial Stream Output and integration with Test Suite (VBTOUCH Only).
- Date-Time and Time zone configuration.
- Battery Pack Support (PBTOUCH Only).
BUG FIXES
- Fixed bug where large SPP files would cause the screen to hang.
- Fixed issues with handling of bad profiles (new warning screens and bug fixes).
- Fixed bug causing buttons to become unresponsive.
Version 1.0.6.32 – 21 May 2021
NEW FEATURES
- Support for VBOX Touch RTK and Performance Box Touch hardware
BUG FIXES
- Fixed a bug that made the beep tone stay on after changing the speed tolerance
- Fixed a bug that made the unit crash when the SD card was ejected and an SPP file was selected.
- Fixed a bug that made the unit to display '???' on logging settings when the app was initially installed
- Fixed a bug that made the unit use the wrong LED colour for the first stage above target speed
- Fixed a bug that made the unit crash when a wrong format was used for the spp file
- Fixed a bug that made the unit load the wrong SPP file at times
- Fixed a bug that made the Results file list the same vbo file for multiple runs when pressing RESET
Version 1.6.0.19 BETA – October 2019
- Initial release
The Speed Profiler App includes the same CAN input data capture and CAN output transmission as the default Performance app v1.5.
Refer to the VBOX Touch User Guide and the VBOX Touch CAN Output page for more information.
When you power up the unit, it will search for speed profile files (.spp) on the inserted SD card. If there is only one file present, this file will be loaded automatically. If there are multiple files available, you will be presented with a speed profile selection menu where you can choose which profile you want to use.
VBOX Touch will detect the speed units used in the .spp file and change to match.
The video below shows the different areas on the screen and unit that are important to know about when you are using the Speed Profiler App on VBOX Touch.
The application includes a live graph that allows the driver to see forthcoming speed changes and help them keep the speed within the tolerance.
The graph scrolls from left to right, plotting GPS speed against time. The current speed is indicated by a white square that remains static.
A white trace behind the square will display the speed history.
- The X-axis (speed=0) is identified by the blue line.
- The target speed is identified by the red line.
- The speed tolerance margin is identified by white lines on either side of the target speed.
The display shows the previous 2.5 seconds and the next 6.5 seconds of the configured profile.
Tap the green START button to begin the test and activate the speed profile file (.spp).
The button will change to a red RESET button.
NOTE
If you have enabled Wait Until Moving in the Test Settings, the test will only begin once movement is detected.
Once the test has started, you can terminate it and stop the logging by tapping the RESET button (if applicable).
If you reset the test before it has been completed, VBOX Touch will not save the score to the _results.txt file but will display RESET in the SCORE field.
Tap the green START button to begin the test and activate the speed profile file (.spp).
The button will change to a red RESET button.
NOTE
If you have enabled Wait Until Moving in the Test Settings, the test will only begin once movement is detected.
Once the test has started, you can terminate it and stop the logging by tapping the RESET button (if applicable).
If you reset the test before it has been completed, VBOX Touch will not save the score to the _results.txt file but will display RESET in the SCORE field.
When the vehicle is stationary, you can pause the test by tapping on the Pause button.
When the vehicle is stationary, you can pause the test by tapping on the Pause button.
When the test is paused, the button will change to the Resume button. Tap this button to resume the test again.
When the test is paused, the button will change to the Resume button. Tap this button to resume the test again.
The current speed is indicated by a white square. The white trace behind the square displays the speed history for the previous 2.5 seconds. The current speed will always be centred vertically on the screen.
The target speed is identified by the red line. The chart shows the target speed of the previous 2.5 seconds and the next 6.5 seconds of the configured profile.
As it is difficult to drive at precisely the expected target speed, the speed tolerance provides a margin on either side of the target speed line that the driver can stay within without affecting the test results. The speed tolerance margin is identified by white lines on either side of the target speed and you can configure it in the Test Settings.
The chart shows the margin of the previous 2.5 seconds and the next 6.5 seconds of the configured profile. The difference between the actual speed and the target speed tolerance margin will be indicated by an arrow.
The top number on the right side of the screen displays the current speed of the vehicle. The app will use the unit defined in the .spp file.
Displays the target speed of the vehicle in units defined in the .spp file. It will change to the next value 3 seconds before the end of an accel/decel transition. If the change is a deceleration, the value will have a red border, If the change is an acceleration, the border will be green.
It will also sound lead-in beeps 3 seconds before the end of a transition to draw the driver's attention to an approaching change in speed. You can configure the beep volume in the Test Settings.
The progress of the test is displayed as a percentage in the bottom right corner of the screen.
The Speed Profiler App uses the following status icons:
- The Satellite Status icon indicates whether the unit has a valid satellite lock.
- The Media Status icon indicates whether the SD card is available and has sufficient space.
- The Logging Status icon indicates if VBOX Touch is writing to the SD card.
Refer to the VBOX Touch User Guide for more information about the Status icons on VBOX Touch and what the different status colours indicate.
IMPORTANT
Do not remove the SD card when the Logging Status icon is red. You may lose data or damage the SD card if you remove it while the unit is logging.
The Speed Profiler App Test Settings menu is available by selecting the Settings button on the bottom left of the screen.
The Speed Profiler App Test Settings menu is available by selecting the Settings button on the bottom left of the screen.
General Settings and Diagnostics Settings menus are also available, which can be accessed by selecting the Forward and Back arrows on the bottom right of the screen, or by swiping the screen left or right.
General Settings and Diagnostics Settings menus are also available, which can be accessed by selecting the Forward and Back arrows on the bottom right of the screen, or by swiping the screen left or right.
To save the settings and return to the main screen, tap the Exit button on the bottom left. All settings will be retained after a power cycle.
To save the settings and return to the main screen, tap the Exit button on the bottom left. All settings will be retained after a power cycle.
The Refresh button will update the list of available profiles/drivers after you add or remove one.
The Refresh button will update the list of available profiles/drivers after you add or remove one.
When available, tap the Confirm button to confirm the selection on the current screen and return to the previous screen.
When available, tap the Confirm button to confirm the selection on the current screen and return to the previous screen.
When available, you can tap the arrow buttons to select the required characters.
When available, you can tap the arrow buttons to select the required characters.
Tap the Settings button to open the Select Settings Screen, where you can select the settings you want to access:
Tap the Durability button to open the Test Settings, which contains test-specific options for the Speed Profiler App.
Wait Until Moving
This setting will start the test once the vehicle has started moving (faster than 0.8 km/h). The setting is only valid if the loaded speed profile file (.spp) begins with an acceleration. If you have selected Automatic Logging in the General Settings, it will start logging once it detects movement.
Beeps
This setting controls the volume of the audible lead-in beeps that are sounded during accel/decel transitions. You can manually adjust the beep volume in 5 levels. 1 is the quietest and 5 is the loudest. You can also choose to turn the beeps off.
Speed Tolerance
This setting controls the tolerance of the test in relation to the actual speed and the speed profile detailed in the loaded speed profile file (.spp). You can choose between 1 and 10 (km/h or mph, depending on the Speed Units set in the General Settings).
Nightmode
When you select this mode, you can tap the Main Screen to toggle between the default display profile and a profile that suits night-time operation. You can set the nightmode screen and LED brightness profile in the General Settings.
If you have enabled Nightmode in the Test Settings, you can press a free space on the screen to toggle between the default display profile and a Defined Profile that suits night-time operation.
When Nightmode is active, it will be indicated by a Moon icon in the upper right-hand corner.
SPP Selected
This area displays the currently selected speed profile file (.spp) that was chosen during startup. You can change the profile by tapping the New SPP button, which will open the Select Speed Profile screen.
This menu will list all .spp files saved on the inserted SD card. Tap on a profile to select it.
If there is a large number of .spp files available, the list of files could be presented on more than one page. You can navigate between these pages with the Left and Right arrows in the bottom right corner of the screen, or by swiping left or right.
If you want to add a new profile to the list, you must remove the SD card, insert it into a computer and place the required file(s) in the root directory of the SD card.
The list of available speed profiles will be refreshed when you insert the SD card back in the unit.
If you are already in the Select Speed Profile menu, you must tap on the Refresh button at the bottom of the screen. This will manually update the available profiles.
Driver Selected
This area displays the currently selected driver. You can change or add a new driver by tapping on the New Driver button to open the Select Driver menu.
Tap on a driver profile to choose a previously configured driver.
If there is a large number of driver profiles available, the list of names could be presented on more than one page. You can navigate through the pages with the Left and Right arrows in the bottom right corner of the screen, or by swiping left or right.
You can add a new driver by tapping on the New Driver button to open the Name menu, where you can use the Up and Down arrows to create a three-character alphanumeric name.
Tap on the Confirm button in the bottom right corner to save the selected name.
Driver names are stored in the saved '_driverlist.txt' file in the root directory of the SD card. You can open this file and edit it on a computer if necessary. This gives you the ability to use names that have more than 3 characters.
The list of available driver names will be refreshed once the SD card is inserted back into the unit. If you are already in the Select Driver menu, you must tap on the Refresh button in the bottom left corner of the screen to manually update the driver names.
The currently selected driver will also be included in the saved '_results.txt' file when a test is completed.
Tap the General button to open the General Settings, where you can select units, logging mode and brightness levels used on VBOX Touch with the Speed Profiler App.
Speed
You can set the speed units to either km/h or mph. Changing the speed unit will affect all the visual speed parameters on all the screens, the unit labels will change and all the speed values will automatically be recalculated.
Tap the button to toggle between the 2 units.
Distance
You can set the distance units to either metres or feet. Changing the distance unit will affect all the visual distance parameters on all the screens, the unit labels will change and all the distance values and results will automatically be recalculated accordingly.
Tap the button to toggle between the 2 units.
Acceleration
You can set the acceleration units to either M/S2 or G. Changing the acceleration unit will affect all the acceleration parameters on all the screens, the unit labels will change and all the acceleration values and results will automatically be recalculated accordingly.
Tap the button to toggle between the 2 units.
Logging
You can toggle between 2 logging modes. Tap the button to change the mode:
- Automatic (default): VBOX Touch will start logging as soon as an SD card is inserted and initialised, and the test is started by tapping the Start button or by moving (when Wait Until Moving has been selected in the Test Settings). The logging will automatically stop when the test has finished.
- Manual: VBOX Touch will start logging as soon as an SD card is inserted and initialised, and you tap on the SD Card Icon at the top of the screen. The recording will only stop when you tap on the SD Card Icon again.
NOTE
A new data file is created every time the VBOX Touch starts/stops logging, data is not appended to an existing data file.
Results Save Format
You can choose the format you wish to save the results in to either TEXT or CSV.
This is the file format that the unit will use to save all presented results to the SD card.
Screen Brightness
You can adjust the screen brightness. There are 5 levels, where 1 is the dimmest and 5 is the brightest.
You can also use the Auto setting, where the unit will use the internal ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the screen brightness. In dark conditions, the screen brightness will dim, and in light conditions the screen will brighten.
Tap the button to cycle through the available options. The screen brightness level will be applied as you cycle through the levels.
LED Brightness
You can adjust the LED brightness. There are 5 levels, where 1 is the dimmest and 5 is the brightest (this is extremely bright!).
You can turn the LEDs off.
Tap the button to cycle through the available options, the LEDs will preview the brightness levels as you cycle through them.
Nightmode Screen Brightness
You can adjust the screen brightness when Nightmode is enabled. There are 5 levels, where 1 is the dimmest and 5 is the brightest.
You can also use the Auto setting, where the unit will use the internal ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the screen brightness. In dark conditions, the screen brightness will dim, and in light conditions, the screen will brighten.
Tap the button to cycle through the available options. The screen brightness level will be applied as you cycle through the levels.
Nightmode LED Brightness
You can adjust the LED brightness when Nightmode is enabled. There are 5 levels, where 1 is the dimmest and 5 is the brightest (this is extremely bright!).
You can also turn the LEDs off.
Tap the button to cycle through the available options. The LEDs will preview the brightness levels as you cycle through them.
Tap the Date & Time button to open the Date & Time Settings, where you can add a time offset, enable daylight saving, adjust leap seconds, change the date format and sync to GPS..
UTC Time Offset
The UTC offset value is set as '+00:00' by default and can be changed, if required, on the screen that is displayed when you press the current value button. Use the Plus (+) and Minus (-) buttons to select the desired time zone offset values (including available 30 and 45 minutes). Pressing and holding a button will fast-scroll through available valid time settings. Minimum: -12:00; maximum: +14:00.
NOTES
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit is moving or logging. If you try to change the setting a warning message will appear.
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit does not have a set system time.
Tap on the Confirm button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to save your selected time or tap on the Cancel button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen to return to the Time Settings screen without saving the selected time.
Daylight Saving
When Enabled, this setting will add +1:00 hr to the local time setting. This setting is Disabled by default.
NOTES
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit is moving or logging, if you try and change the setting, a warning message will appear.
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit does not have a set system time.
Leap Seconds
The leap second value is set as '18 s' by default and can be changed if required using the keypad presented when the current value button is pressed. This was increased to 18 seconds as of December 2016 - more information on this is in the What are GPS Leap Seconds? article.
To save your selected value, press the Confirm button at the bottom right of the screen, or press the Cancel button at the bottom left of the screen to return to the Time Settings screen without saving.
NOTES:
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit is moving or logging, if you try and change the setting a warning message will appear.
- The setting cannot be changed if the unit does not have a set system time.
- The maximum input value is 99.
Date Format
You can change the date format between DD-MM-YY (default) and MM-DD-YY.
System Time/Date
This displays the current time and date being used by the system. They are displayed within the .vbo header file, file date, created time stamp, the acceleration history results session header, deceleration history results session header, laps history filename and the gates file (.spl) header.
NOTE
The time/ date displayed by the unit may be inaccurate until a valid satellite lock is achieved. The unit will then update to the correct time/ date as long as the unit is not logging.
Sync to GPS
This feature will synchronise the internal real-time clock (RTC) to GPS time as long as the unit has obtained GPS time (no GPS time is indicated by a red satellite icon), isn't moving and isn't logging. When pressed, a synchronisation progress screen is presented.
Tap the Diagnostics button to open the Diagnostics screen, where you can view GPS information, VBOX information and coldstart the VBOX unit.
GPS Information
Tap the COLDSTART button to perform a cold start on the VBOX Touch. This means the receiver will clear any data currently stored within its internal memory. It may be required to do this when the GPS engine has locked up or the VBOX Touch is struggling to acquire a satellite lock (more than 4 satellites).
When the button has been pressed, the unit will make an audible sound, and a ‘PLEASE WAIT’ message will be displayed on the screen, which will count down from 3. The number of satellites will then be displayed as '00', and the GPS status will show ‘SEARCHING FOR SATELLITES’ until the satellite lock has been acquired.
It will take approximately 25 to 30 seconds for the unit to reacquire the satellite lock.
Satellites
Displays how many satellites the receiver is currently using.
GPS Status
This indicates the current GPS lock status of the unit: When the unit is searching for a valid satellite lock, ‘SEARCHING FOR SATELLITES’ is displayed. When the GPS receiver has acquired a satellite lock, one of the following will be displayed:
- STANDALONE: Position computed from GNSS only.
- CODE DIFF: Position computed from assisted SBAS corrections.
Database Information
This displays the CAN database version that is currently installed on the unit.
VBOX Information
This section displays the device serial number, firmware version number and hardware version number. This information is useful in the event of troubleshooting a potential issue with the VBOX Touch device.
Tap the Serial Port button to open the Serial Port Settings, where you can configure the serial output mode on VBOX Touch.
Serial output is available on the top CAN/Serial port of the VBOX Touch, as shown in the image on the right-hand side of the Serial Port Settings.
Output Mode
If required, choose the output mode of the serial port, selectable as 'VBOX Stream', 'Lap Timing' or 'Disabled' (default). VBOX Stream allows you to connect VBOX Touch with a computer using an RLCAB001 and conduct online testing with VBOX Test Suite, more information on this is available here. Selecting the Lap Timing option will output lap timing parameters.
Baud Rate
The serial port operates at a fixed baud rate of 115200 kbit/s. This value cannot be changed.
NOTES
- Only one output mode can be active at a time.
- The data output format and content are predefined and cannot be configured.
Tap the CAN Bus button to open the CAN Settings, where you can configure the CAN mode on VBOX Touch.
The CAN Settings screen is where you can configure the settings for your CAN data capture. The menu is split into two sub-menus, one for each isolated CAN port on the VBOX Touch unit.
You can set each port to one of the following modes: CAN input, Racelogic (RL) modules or CAN output. When you set it to CAN output, VBOX Touch will be transmitting its own GNSS-derived data, including lap timing data, to a third-party CAN logger.
CAUTION
Connect to the vehicle CAN bus at your own risk.
Your first option is to select which port you want to configure the CAN settings for. Use the Forward and Back arrows in the bottom right-hand corner to navigate between the two ports and their settings. The settings options are the same for both the top and bottom ports.
CAN Mode
This setting lets you choose which CAN mode you want to use for this port. You can choose between RL Modules, Input, Output and Disabled. Press on the '?' to see an overview and an explanation of the different CAN modes available.
When you have selected the CAN mode you want to use, you will get the option to configure the selected mode. Press the Configure button that appears below your CAN Mode selection.
Refer to the VBOX Touch User Guide for more information about the CAN settings and capabilities on VBOX Touch.
The 4 LEDs at the top of the unit provide visual feedback in relation to the target speed:
All 4 LEDs are green if slower
The current speed is >3.5 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
All 4 LEDs are green if slower
The current speed is >3.5 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
3 Green LEDs
The current speed is 3 – 3.5 (km/h or mph) faster/slower than the target speed.
3 Green LEDs
The current speed is 3 – 3.5 (km/h or mph) faster/slower than the target speed.
2 Green LEDs
The current speed is 2.5 – 3 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
2 Green LEDs
The current speed is 2.5 – 3 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
1 Green LED
The current speed is 2 – 2.5 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
1 Green LED
The current speed is 2 – 2.5 (km/h or mph) slower than the target speed.
LEDs are Off
The current speed is <2 (km/h or mph) faster/slower than the target speed LEDs.
LEDs are Off
The current speed is <2 (km/h or mph) faster/slower than the target speed LEDs.
1 Red LED
The current speed is 2 – 2.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
1 Red LED
The current speed is 2 – 2.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
2 Red LEDs
The current speed is 2.5 – 3 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
2 Red LEDs
The current speed is 2.5 – 3 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
3 Red LEDs
The current speed is 3 – 3.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
3 Red LEDs
The current speed is 3 – 3.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
4 Red LEDs
The current speed is >3.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
4 Red LEDs
The current speed is >3.5 (km/h or mph) faster than the target speed.
- Create an .spp file in Notepad.
- Save the file to a compatible SD card.
- Make sure that the Speed Profiler App has been installed on the VBOX Touch unit.
- Power off the unit.
- Insert the SD card into VBOX Touch.
- Power the unit again.
The unit will search for .spp files on the inserted SD card.
When only 1 file is present, the file will load automatically.
If there are multiple files, select the file you want to use from the list on the screen.
- Press the START button to begin the speed profile file (.spp).
If Wait Until Moving is enabled in the Test Settings, the test will only start once movement is detected. - If you stop the vehicle, pause the test by tapping the Pause button. Tap Resume to continue the test.
- If required, you can terminate the test early and stop logging by pressing the RESET button.
- Complete the test.
NOTE
If you reset the test before it has completed, the VBOX unit will not save the score to the _results.txt file but will display RESET in the SCORE field.
Depending on the Configured Logging Strategy, the Speed Profiler App will log a standard .vbo data file that contains all the standard GPS parameters.
It will also save a results file that will be appended after every test and a driver list.
At the end of a test, you will see a results screen. If the driver has already been selected, it will show a score associated with that driver, representing the % of test time spent within the tolerance margin. If you have not selected a driver yet, or if you want to change the selected driver, press the New Driver button.
Press the Save button to save the score to the '_results.txt' file on the SD card. If you want to exit without saving, press the Cancel button.
The '_results.txt' file has the following format:
[DRIVER NAME] [SPP NAME] [DATE] [TIME] [SCORE] [FILE NAME]
If you have not selected a driver, the results screen will not let you save the score until you select one by pressing the New Driver button.