VB3i MANUAL
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22 May 2014
Troubleshooting
Trouble locking onto satellites
If the VBOX3i 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 VBOX3i; only 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 ‘VBOX3i not responding’ below.
Once the VBOX3i has locked on to 4 or more satellites it will be ready for use.
No communication with PC
If the red LED on the front of the VBOX3i is not illuminated then there is no power to the unit; check that
battery contains adequate charge or, if using a cigar lighter, check internal cigar lighter fuse.
Check that the correct COM port has been selected in VBOXTools
Check that no other programs are using the same COM port.
Disconnect the power to the VBOX3i then reconnect it.
COM port unavailable
The computer may have been started with a different VBOX3i connected to it; disconnect the VBOX3i, restart
the computer then reconnect the VBOX3i.
Another software package installed on your computer may have reserved the COM port.
No data is logged in the VBO file
Check satellite reception. Loss of reception may prevent data from being logged to the card (dependent on
logging mode).
VBOX3i not responding - GPS coldstart
The GPS engine has locked up.
Perform a GPS engine coldstart
A GPS coldstart forces the GPS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. This can be
useful if the VBOX3i is having trouble locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX3i has not been used for
several weeks or if it was last used a long distance (over one thousand miles) away from the current location.
After performing a GPS coldstart leave the VBOX3i powered up in a static location where the antenna has an
unobstructed view of the skies until the ‘GPS’ LED becomes solid green.
Once the VBOX3i has downloaded the new almanac it will reacquire satellites in noisy situations (such as near trees,
buildings and under bridges) much more quickly. It will also acquire satellite much more quickly on power-up.
To perform a GPS coldstart on the VBOX3i perform the following actions:
Press and hold the ‘LOG’ button on the front of the VBOX3i for five seconds until a long beep is sounded.
When the button is released the ‘GPS’ LED will start to flash red showing that the coldstart has been
performed and the GPS engine is now not locked onto any satellites.
After approximately 30-45 seconds the ‘GPS’ LED will start to flash green indicating that satellite lock has
been achieved and indicating the number of satellites that it is locked onto.
