FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Products

What are the key specifications for the DTCO 1381?

Products

What components make up a tachograph unit as set out in Annex 1B?

A digital tachograph unit consists of the recording unit (DTCO 1381), the tachograph cards and the intelligent speed sensor (KITAS 2171), which is connected via a 4-core twisted cable. Optionally you can also connect an electronic speedometer or an instrument cluster.

Products

How much memory capacity does the DTCO have?

With average use the activities of approximately 28 working days can be stored on the driver card. The capacity of the DTCO mass memory is enough to record the activities of approximately 365 days.

Speed recording is limited to the last 24 driving hours and is only recorded in the mass memory of the digital tachograph.

Products

Is it possible to check what data has been recorded in the DTCO memory?

Yes, the data can be displayed and printed out by the DTCO. For further processing or evaluation the data can also be transferred to an external computer system.

Products

What is an intelligent speed sensor?

This is a new speed sensor that has been prescribed by the EU for the digital tachograph. The intelligent speed sensor has electronic data encryption and thus provides greater protection against tampering. VDO offers this sensor under the product name KITAS 2171. A new KITAS 2171 can be used with the DTCO 1381 digital tachograph as well as with the MTCO 1324.

Products

Is the KITAS 2171 compatible with the current 2159 pulse senders?

The KITAS pulse sender is mechanically compatible with the current 2159 pulse sender units. Because the KITAS pulse sender has electronic security features there is no electrical compatibility with the 2159 sensor.

Products

There are various smart cards (tachograph cards) for the DTCO. What are the individual cards?

Four different tachograph cards are used with the DTCO: The driver card is used by drivers to record their personal driving work and rest times. The company card is used by the fleet operator as authorisation to access the data stored in the mass memory. The workshop card is used by an authorised Calibration Centre as a key that enables the digital tachograph to be inspected and configured. The control card enables the enforcement authorities to monitor compliance with the relevant regulations by way of roadside checks and on-site checks.

Products

What is a mass memory?

The mass memory is the internal data memory of the digital tachograph which stores vehicle-related data only.

Products

What data is stored in the mass memory?

The following data is stored in the DTCO’s mass memory:

• Manufacturer-related information about the DTCO and sensor
• Vehicle identification (vehicle identification number and vehicle registration number)
• Events, faults and security elements (encoded keys)
• Driver identification (identifying the drivers who have used this vehicle and a reference to the last vehicle used by the driver)
• Driver and co-driver activities (date and time the driver/co-driver card was inserted and withdrawn again; driving, working, availability, rest times and crew status)
• Odometer reading (at midnight)
• Speed for the last 24 driving hours
• Special use conditions (rail/ferry transport out of scope)
• Calibration centre related information (installation, calibration, inspection)
• Control activities (identifying the enforcement officer and date/time of last check.

Products

How much data can be stored in the mass memory?

There is sufficient memory to store up to 365 days worth of driving activities for the average user. Speed recording, however, is limited to 24 hours driving time.

Products

What happens when the mass memory is full?

The mass memory operates on a rolling system in which the latest data automatically overwrites the oldest stored data.

Products

Can the mass memory data be downloaded?

Yes, using the download interface mass memory data can be transferred to external data storage media. An authorisation card is necessary for access. The VDO Downloadkey is a convenient and practical transport medium for downloading and archiving mass memory data.