The Brake Speed plugin for VBOX Test Suite gives you the ability to complete brake tests and compare and analyse the brake stops from a user-defined start speed.
The Brake Speed plugin has a unique Test Setup ribbon, from which you can configure the test.
Click on the Configure button to open the Settings window where you can define the parameters of the test.
Click on the Report button to create a report from the current test results.
Click on the Maths Channels button to open the Maths Channels window to configure unique maths channels. You can find more information about maths channels in the Test Setup section.
Click on the Save Settings button to save the current test setup and add it to the Saved Settings area in the Add Test window.
The test will also be added to the list under the Brake button in the Test section of the Home tab for easy access.
Click on the Export button to display a dropdown menu with the export options. You can export the selected results or line results to a .csv or a .txt file.
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Click on the Add Gate button to add a virtual gate to the chart and map at the point of the cursor. Gates are indicated by green lines. The currently selected gate will be indicated by a blue line.
You can now use the gates to define start and/or end conditions.
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Click on the Add Gate button to add a virtual gate to the chart and map at the point of the cursor. Gates are indicated by green lines. The currently selected gate will be indicated by a blue line.
You can now use the gates to define start and/or end conditions.
Note: Opening a plugin (either as a new tab or overwriting an existing one) will clear all set gates, requiring you to redefine the gates before you amend the test configuration to set start/end conditions.
When you have added a gate, the name of the currently selected gate will be displayed in the name box. Click on the arrow in the box to see a dropdown list of all the added gates. The gates will be named according to the type of gate (if applicable) and the order it was added.
When you have added a gate, you can specify the gate width. The default gate width is 20 m.
Type the required width in the Width (m) value box.
Note: If you change the gate width, the last used gate width will be used as the default width for the next gate.
Click on the Rename button to edit the currently selected gate line.
Click on the Delete button to delete the currently selected gate line.
Click on the Delete All button to delete all set gates for the session.
Click on the Export button to export the created gate(s) as an .spl file. This file can be reused at a later date and with another VBOX product.
Click on the Import button to import a previously saved or provided .spl file. When the file is imported, the gates will be added in the order that they were saved in the .spl file.
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The Add button adds a column to the Test Results area. Click this button to open a dropdown menu where you can select a channel to display in the test results window.
When you select a column header in the Test Results area, the channel name will be displayed in the Channel box (the top box in the Data Column section). Some columns will have required channels and cannot be changed, but if you can change the channel, the Channel box will become a drop-down list with the available channels.
When you select a column header in the Test Results area, and it is a changeable channel, the Condition dropdown menu becomes available. The conditions will depend on the test and selected channel.
Examples are:
- Avg
- Max
- Min
- Delta
- At Start
- At End
The Sort Ascending button will sort the values in the currently selected column in the Test Results area in alphabetical order from A to Z.
The Sort Descending button will sort the values in the currently selected column in the Test Results area in alphabetical order from Z to A.
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Click on the Select All button to select every run in the Test Results area with one click.
Run - Deselect All
Click on the Deselect All button to deselect every run in the Test Results area with one click.
Click on the Deselect All button to deselect every run in the Test Results area with one click.
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Click on the Edit Data button to open the Session Data window and add various vehicle and test information, such as:
Vehicle
- Vehicle Model
- Vehicle Number
- Driver Name
- Transmission
- Engine Size
- Power
Brakes
- Front
- Brake
- Disc/Drum
- Pads
- Rear
- Brake
- Disc/Drum
- Pads
- ABS/ESC
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Hardware/Software
Wheels/Tyres
- Front
- Wheel
- Material
- Dimensions
- Tyres
- Make
- Dimensions
- Model
- Pressure Unladen (psi)
- Pressure Laden (psi)
- Weight
- Weight Unladen (kg)
- Weight Laden (kg)
- Wheel
- Rear
- Wheel
- Material
- Dimensions
- Tyres
- Make
- Dimensions
- Model
- Pressure Unladen (psi)
- Pressure Laden (psi)
- Weight
- Weight Unladen (kg)
- Weight Laden (kg)
- Wheel
Test
- Test Date
- Test Track
- Test Facility
- Comments
Conditions
- Road Type
- Weather
- Temperature (ºC)
- Track Temperature (ºC)
- Humidity %
- Wind Speed (km/h)
When in Offline mode, the Session Data will be saved into the VBOX file. This information will be recalled every time the file is loaded into VBOX Test Suite.
When in Online mode, a newly created session will be populated with session data from the previous session.
To save time, you can import and export the session data for other sessions. When you have completed the Session Data, you can export the data to a .vbses file by clicking on the Export button in the Session Data window. The exported file will contain all the session data and can be imported into another session via the Import button in the Session Data window.
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Click on Help to automatically open an Internet browser and load the relevant section of the User Guide on the Racelogic Support Centre.
If you are creating a new test, the Settings window will open when you add the new test. This is where you can define the test parameters.
If you have already added a Brake Speed test and you have it open, you can click on the Configure button to open the Settings window to define or amend the test parameters.
Start Speed
This is where you define the start speed for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
End Speed
This is where you define the end speed for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
Start Speed
This is where you define the start speed for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
End Speed
This is where you define the end speed for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
This is where you to set up the start and end of the Mean Fully Developed Deceleration (MFDD) analysis period.
Percentage
This deceleration figure is used to show the maximum deceleration a vehicle can achieve. It is usually the deceleration between 80% and 10% of the trigger activation speed, the time at which the vehicle is loaded up and braking at its highest achievable level.
The MFDD is calculated by the following formula (using default 80% – 10% value):
MFDD = ((v_08)² – (v_01)²) / (25.92 * (s_01 – s_08))
Where:
v_08 is the speed at 80% of the brake trigger activation speed.
v_01 is the speed at 10% of the brake trigger activation speed.
s_01 is the distance at which the speed is v_01.
s_08 is the distance at which the speed is v_08.
Speed
MFDD can also be calculated by using speed. To do this, you must select the Speed option and enter the required From and To values (in km/h). The maximum From speed is the same as the entered Start Speed in the Test Condition section.
If the MFDD To value is below the End Speed entered in the Test Condition section, for example a 35 to 5 km/h test with 80 to 10% MFDD values, you will see a notification warning you that the MFDD conditions are invalid. The test will still run, but VBOX Test Suite will not populate MFDD results.
This is where you to set up the start and end of the Mean Fully Developed Deceleration (MFDD) analysis period.
Percentage
This deceleration figure is used to show the maximum deceleration a vehicle can achieve. It is usually the deceleration between 80% and 10% of the trigger activation speed, the time at which the vehicle is loaded up and braking at its highest achievable level.
The MFDD is calculated by the following formula (using default 80% – 10% value):
MFDD = ((v_08)² – (v_01)²) / (25.92 * (s_01 – s_08))
Where:
v_08 is the speed at 80% of the brake trigger activation speed.
v_01 is the speed at 10% of the brake trigger activation speed.
s_01 is the distance at which the speed is v_01.
s_08 is the distance at which the speed is v_08.
Speed
MFDD can also be calculated by using speed. To do this, you must select the Speed option and enter the required From and To values (in km/h). The maximum From speed is the same as the entered Start Speed in the Test Condition section.
If the MFDD To value is below the End Speed entered in the Test Condition section, for example a 35 to 5 km/h test with 80 to 10% MFDD values, you will see a notification warning you that the MFDD conditions are invalid. The test will still run, but VBOX Test Suite will not populate MFDD results.
This area allows you to specify the braking accuracy limit.
When you select 3 or more runs, the Accuracy value will be populated at the bottom of the Results table underneath the Distance column.
Depending on what the percentage limit is, the result box will be highlighted green if the accuracy is below the limit or red if the accuracy exceeds the limit. If you have selected fewer than 3 runs, the box will be highlighted orange.
The braking accuracy analysis is calculated by the following formula:
(standard deviation/average)*10
This area allows you to specify the braking accuracy limit.
When you select 3 or more runs, the Accuracy value will be populated at the bottom of the Results table underneath the Distance column.
Depending on what the percentage limit is, the result box will be highlighted green if the accuracy is below the limit or red if the accuracy exceeds the limit. If you have selected fewer than 3 runs, the box will be highlighted orange.
The braking accuracy analysis is calculated by the following formula:
(standard deviation/average)*10
The software can automatically calibrate wheels speeds before producing a % wheel slip channel.
Click on the + button to add a Wheel Slip Calculation.
Wheel Speed Channel
Select the wheel speed source from the dropdown list of CAN Channels.
You can add mulitple wheel speed channels by clicking on the + icon to the right of the last set channel.
You can remove a set channel by clicking on the X to the right of it.
The software can automatically calibrate wheels speeds before producing a % wheel slip channel.
Click on the + button to add a Wheel Slip Calculation.
Wheel Speed Channel
Select the wheel speed source from the dropdown list of CAN Channels.
You can add mulitple wheel speed channels by clicking on the + icon to the right of the last set channel.
You can remove a set channel by clicking on the X to the right of it.
To ensure that sufficient time or distance has passed since the previous run was completed or started, you can enter a minimum time and/or distance that must elapse before the next run takes place. If a run takes place before the specified time/distance has elapsed, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Minimum/Maximum
Select if the settings will apply as the minimum or maximum value.
Time (s)
You can set a maximum time between runs. If a run takes place outside of the specified time, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Distance (m)
You can set a maximum distance between runs. If a run takes place outside of the specified distance, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Measured from
You can select between two options for the source: it can either measured from the Last completed run (default) or the Last started or completed run (covering situations where a test has been started but then aborted).
Click on the option you want to use for your test.
To ensure that sufficient time or distance has passed since the previous run was completed or started, you can enter a minimum time and/or distance that must elapse before the next run takes place. If a run takes place before the specified time/distance has elapsed, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Minimum/Maximum
Select if the settings will apply as the minimum or maximum value.
Time (s)
You can set a maximum time between runs. If a run takes place outside of the specified time, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Distance (m)
You can set a maximum distance between runs. If a run takes place outside of the specified distance, that run will be highlighted in red to indicate an invalid run.
Measured from
You can select between two options for the source: it can either measured from the Last completed run (default) or the Last started or completed run (covering situations where a test has been started but then aborted).
Click on the option you want to use for your test.
As many brake test procedures require the brakes to be between, or below, a certain temperature, you can specify the Temperature channels and add a gauge to the dashboard that states if the temperature is OK, LOW or HIGH.
Channel
Click on the dropdown arrow to see the available channels and select the channel you want to use for the temperature input.
Min Value
Specify the minimum brake temperature for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
Max Value
Specify the maximum brake temperature for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
Add
Click on the + button to add another condition.
Delete
Click on the X button to remove a condition.
As many brake test procedures require the brakes to be between, or below, a certain temperature, you can specify the Temperature channels and add a gauge to the dashboard that states if the temperature is OK, LOW or HIGH.
Channel
Click on the dropdown arrow to see the available channels and select the channel you want to use for the temperature input.
Min Value
Specify the minimum brake temperature for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
Max Value
Specify the maximum brake temperature for the test.
Use the up and down arrows next to the value boxes to increase/decrease the speed values or type the required speed value directly into the box.
Add
Click on the + button to add another condition.
Delete
Click on the X button to remove a condition.
You can specify a channel that can be used to easily identify if certain parameters have exceeded a set threshold. Any runs that have exceeded the specified values will be highlighted red to mark it as Failed.
The pass conditions can be set so that the run fails whenever the threshold is exceeded, either at the start of the test, at the end of the test, anytime during the test or averaged during the test.
Channel
Click on the dropdown arrow to see the list of available channels and select the one required for the condition.
Min Value
Specify the minimum value for the condition.
Use the arrow buttons next to the value box to increase/decrease the value or type the required value directly into the value box.
Max Value
Specify the maximum value for the condition.
Use the arrow buttons next to the value box to increase/decrease the value or type the required value directly into the value box.
At
Click on the dropdown arrow to select the required time for the condition.
- Anytime
- Average
- Start of Test
- End of Test
- Gate X
Add
Click on the + button to add another condition.
Delete
Click on the X button to remove a condition.
You can specify a channel that can be used to easily identify if certain parameters have exceeded a set threshold. Any runs that have exceeded the specified values will be highlighted red to mark it as Failed.
The pass conditions can be set so that the run fails whenever the threshold is exceeded, either at the start of the test, at the end of the test, anytime during the test or averaged during the test.
Channel
Click on the dropdown arrow to see the list of available channels and select the one required for the condition.
Min Value
Specify the minimum value for the condition.
Use the arrow buttons next to the value box to increase/decrease the value or type the required value directly into the value box.
Max Value
Specify the maximum value for the condition.
Use the arrow buttons next to the value box to increase/decrease the value or type the required value directly into the value box.
At
Click on the dropdown arrow to select the required time for the condition.
- Anytime
- Average
- Start of Test
- End of Test
- Gate X
Add
Click on the + button to add another condition.
Delete
Click on the X button to remove a condition.
Display In
- Select Columns to display each interim result as a column on the right-hand side of the results table.
- Select Separate Table to display each interim result as a row in a separate table next to the results table.
Conditions
You can display intermediary results that are determined by any added Interim Conditions.
Click the + button to add a new interim result condition.
Every: The Interim Result will be displayed Every time VBOX Test Suite records the set value (e.g. every 10 km/h),
At: The Interim Result will be displayed At an instance of a value (e.g. only at 10 km/h).
Between: The Interim Result will be displayed when between values (e.g. between 30 km/h and 50 km/h).
Select the source channel of the Interim Result and specify the required value.
You can delete a condition by clicking on the X button to the right of the relevant condition.
Display In
- Select Columns to display each interim result as a column on the right-hand side of the results table.
- Select Separate Table to display each interim result as a row in a separate table next to the results table.
Conditions
You can display intermediary results that are determined by any added Interim Conditions.
Click the + button to add a new interim result condition.
Every: The Interim Result will be displayed Every time VBOX Test Suite records the set value (e.g. every 10 km/h),
At: The Interim Result will be displayed At an instance of a value (e.g. only at 10 km/h).
Between: The Interim Result will be displayed when between values (e.g. between 30 km/h and 50 km/h).
Select the source channel of the Interim Result and specify the required value.
You can delete a condition by clicking on the X button to the right of the relevant condition.
You can rename a session tab by double-clicking the tab header. Changing the name on the session tab in the software will automatically change the name of the locally saved VBOX file (.vbo or .vbb).
By pressing the Edit Data button next to the name of the session in the Test Results area or on the Test Setup tab on the ribbon, you can add vehicle and test information to the session.
- When in Offline mode, this information will be saved into the VBOX file, meaning that this information will be recalled every time the file is loaded into VBOX Test Suite.
- When in Online mode, a newly created session will be populated with session data from the previous session.
This information will be included in the test report to make it easier to see under what conditions the test was conducted.
To save time, you can import and export the session information for use in other sessions (the entire range of data is exported, not just the visible screen).
Once the session information has been completed, you can export the data to a .vbses file. This file will contain all the session information that can then be imported into the open session information field.
The Test Results area has the following default columns:
There is also a selection box that, when ticked, includes that run in the graph and into the Average/Max/Min/Standard Deviation calculations. Once selected, a coloured square will appear to indicate which colour this run is displayed as on the graph.
| Note: If you are loading a file in Offline mode, all valid runs will automatically be ticked. |
A mathematically calculated Avg Decel using the following formula:
Avg Decel = (v²-u²)/(2s)
Where:
v is the final velocity, measured in m/s.
u is the initial velocity, measured in m/s.
s is the distance, measured in m.
AMS Distance = (100% MFDD speed (m/s)²) / (2 * MFDD)
The software will automatically add columns based on the configuration in the Settings.