Standard magnetic "patch" antennas are suitable where they have an unrestricted view of the sky and a good metallic ground plane, such as a car roof.
Ground plane antennas give the best protection against multipath reflection. They are used when a suitable ground plane is not present and are ideal for high accuracy position work, marine and mining applications.
Racelogic offer multiple antenna mounting options for all types of vehicle roof materials and antenna separation and IMU mount requirements.
This vacuum suction mount allows for a magnetic antenna to be used on vehicles without a metal roof, e.g. vehicles with an aluminium chassis, glass roofs or carbon fibre bodywork.
This vacuum suction mount allows for a ground plane antenna (e.g. RLVBACS067) to be used on vehicles without a metal roof, e.g. vehicles with an aluminium chassis, glass roofs or carbon fibre bodywork.
This mounting system is used to extend antenna separation for slip angle and other dynamic tests to up to 2.5 m.
The quality of the signal received can be reduced by reflections from surrounding buildings, trees, and other obstructions. This is known as multipath and can result in increased noise and reduced accuracy. To receive the best signal you should follow these guidelines when placing a GPS antenna.
For any GPS antenna, the best signal will be received with the clearest view of the sky. As a guide, the following should be observed when determining the best place to locate your antenna:
This specially designed roof mount allows for an IMU05 to be securely fastened within the machined enclosure, while its magnetic base ensures that it stays safely in place.
A magnetic antenna can then be placed directly above the IMU, allowing for the data sources to be measured at the same point.
This roof mount allows for an IMU04/05 to be securely fastened within the machined enclosure, while its magnetic base ensures that it stays safely in place.
A ground-plane antenna can then be screwed directly above the IMU, allowing for the data sources to be measured at the same point.
When using a vehicle with a non-ferrous roof such as aluminium, carbon fibre or glass (sun roof), the magnetic based IMU Roof Mount will not hold and a suction mount is required along with the magnetic base.
With its three points of contact this mount ensures a very stable fixture and reduces IMU vibration that might be transmitted by the vehicle's roof.
The adjustable lever arms allow for the levelling of the IMU on a non-flat roof whilst extending the mounting options on the vehicle. For example, you can fix the mount partially or fully on a coupé's glass roof when trying to achieve a greater antenna separation in a dual antenna setup.
If you are testing with a VBOX 3i Dual Antenna and are looking for a maximum antenna separation* the use of a Roof Mounting Pole (RLACS171) in combination with this mount will allow for a quick dual antenna alignment.
An additional pair of pole suction arms is supplied to stabilise the IMU on the roof.
*Maximum antenna separation improves the accuracy of slip angle measurement
This three-part telescopic mounting arm (RLACS212-v2) is clamped between the interior car roof and floor. It is fully adjustable to any length between 70 and 150 cm to which another 20 cm can be added by extending a third section using the compression lever. Both ends are fixed to an 8 x 13 cm plate which sits on a joint to accommodate for uneven surfaces. The IMU can be screwed on the provided bracket (RLACS294) which itself is screwed tightly to the telescopic arm.
This solution allows for vertical mounting of the VBOX 3iS and VBOX Omega. The three-part telescopic mounting pole (RLACS212-v2) is fully adjustable to any length between 70 and 150 cm, to which another 20 cm can be added by extending a third section using the compression lever. Both ends are fixed to an 8 x 13 cm plate which sits on a joint to accommodate for uneven surfaces. The VB3iS-V2 can be screwed on the provided bracket (RLACS346) which itself is screwed tightly to the telescopic arm.