Getting started with the UniBox

A picture of the front of the UniBox

The UniBox, with an internal six-axis gyro, nine connectors for extra sensors, plus a place for an RPM wire.

The UniBox enables the use of a variety of sensors, including many that can’t be used with the UniGo alone. However, so many options can often be confusing. To help, we’ve written a short guide on using the UniBox configuration options. Before we begin, however, it is important that users update their devices to the latest firmware, which can be found on the download page.

Getting to know the UniBox

The UniBox consists of nine ports: Temp A, Temp B, Flex A, Flex B, Flex C, Flex D, a Speed and Receiver port, and two expansion ports. The ports take a variety of sensors available from Unipro and Unipro USA. The ports can also be connected to splitters to double the amount of sensors connected to each. In addition to that, the UniBox contains a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a place to attach an RPM wire.

The two expansion ports are identical, and are used to either connect the power or connect to another device. You can connect your UniBox to the UniGo with either expansion port. If you own multiple UniBoxes, they can be chained together using the other expansion port. The two temperature ports are also identical to each other, and can be configured to numerous kinds of temperature sensors. Flex ports A through C can connect to any of these sensors:

  • Brake/throttle pedal sensor
  • Brake pressure sensor
  • Steering wheel sensor
  • IR Box, with connectors to multiple infrared sensors
  • Lambda sensor
  • Power valve sensor

Flex D is similar to Flex A, B, and C except that it cannot connect to IR boxes or Lambda sensors. Instead, it connects to a MyLaps X2 Link device, or to a CAN bus.

Default Configuration

The UniBox arrives pre-configured, and is ready to be used with your UniGo when it arrives. The default configuration for the UniBox is twelve sensors, set as following:

  • RPM input x2 (ready for a two-stroke engine), at 30Hz frequency
  • 3 accelerometer sensors, at 30Hz frequency
  • 3 gyroscope sensors, at 30 Hz frequency
  • Receiver
  • Temperature 1 on Temp A, at 10Hz frequency
  • Temperature 2 on Temp B, at 30Hz frequency
  • Brake Position on Flex A, at 10Hz frequency, set to above the pedal
  • Throttle Position on Flex C, at 10Hz frequency, set to above the pedal

When the UniBox is connected to the UniGo, the UniGo will expect data to be received according to the configuration. For example, if the UniBox is configured to receive RPM data, the UniGo will disable its own RPM sensor on the back of the display. Be sure to follow your configuration! On the other hand, nothing bad happens if you configure a sensor that is not plugged in.

If the default configuration is not how you would prefer to connect your sensors, the next step is to customize your configuration.

Custom Configuration

Changing the UniBox configuration is easy. You can configure the device with either a USB cable or a UniKey. If using a USB cable, connect your UniGo to your computer as you would when importing data. Within the Off Camber Data program, select the UniGo/UniBox Configuration menu. From there, select the UniBox tab. Here you can add either a standard configuration to work with every UniBox the UniGo is connected to, or specify a UniBox serial number. Then click the “12 sensors configured” button to open the configuration window. Here is an example of the window, set to the default configuration:

UniBox Default Configuration

In this window, select the input port you’d like to configure, choose a sensor type (or optionally, add a splitter) and select a sampling rate. After you’ve set the configuration as you’d like, make sure to click OK and close out of the window to save the configuration. If you are using a USB cable, you’re all set! Connect your UniBox and your sensors to match your configuration, and connect it to your UniGo. If you are using the UniGo USB Key, you will need to transfer the settings to your UniGo by connecting it and selecting Restore Global Settings in the USB menu.

To check your configuration on the UniGo, the Info menu on the UniGo has a selection for external boxes. Select this option to view your current configuration, as well as see live data for each connected sensor.

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