Smart tachograph What should we know when using it for the first time?

The evolution and application of new technologies to the tachograph has resulted in the birth of the smart tachograph: A fast and simple device that uses the "Plug & Play" system and that will guarantee competitiveness in European markets. Here are 5 news you should know.

Smart tachograph technology

Knowing in advance the functionalities of the new smart tachograph will allow you to save time, and avoid penalties for incorrect or incomplete use of this type of tachograph.

In this article we will address the main technological characteristics that define it and make it the witness of your route. These are:

• GNSS interface
• New pictograms
• Early remote sensing system
• ITS Interface

This information is of interest to transport companies and drivers. We both have to ensure the proper functioning and correct use of digital tachographs as required by the regulations.

In this article we expose everything you need so that you can easily function in your work using our tachographs. Everything you will see below can be found in the manual of the DTCO digital tachograph of VDO 4.0, and in the simulator VDO DTCO 4.01260.0.

What's new about the smart tachograph:

1. Incorporates GNSS interface position registration

Works with Galileo, Glonass and GPS systems.

Determines the geographical coordinates of the vehicle in the following cases:

• Start and end of the daily workday.
• Every three hours of accumulated driving.

2. You can change the printed document of the activities

If you use a second-generation driver card: the printed document of the 24-hour activities is obtained with the following additional content.

The driver shall not be obliged to enter the symbols of the countries in which his daily working period begins and ends if the tachograph automatically records position data (2G card only).

3. New pictograms appear in the Smart Tachograph

New pictograms appear in printed documents:

	GNSS device
	GNSS device failure
	Absence of GNSS positions or communication error with the external GNSS receiver.
	Position after 3h of accumulated driving.
	DSRC early remote sensing device.
	DSRC device failure.
	DSRC Event: Communication error between external DRSC module and tachograph.

4. The DSRC Early Sensing System is incorporated

It is a system of communication of data from the tachograph to another device receiving them.

The data that is sent is a series of events and/or failures that the tachograph records in a special memory module defined exclusively for this object.

The data is sent as long as it is required by an external device with technical center card authentication or control agent. The data leaves the module encrypted and is decrypted on the receiving device (always with the corresponding card inserted).

Transport undertakings using vehicles shall be responsible for informing drivers of the possibility of distance communication for the purpose of early detection of possible tampering or misuse of tachographs.

VDO Expert

5. Incorporation of an ITS interface (allows the exchange of data to fleet management systems)

The first time a driver card is inserted, the tachograph shall request consent to personal data.

It can be answered with YES or NO.

ITS (ITS: Intelligent Transport System) personal data includes:

• Name and surname of the driver.
• Driver card number.
• Date of birth.

The following additional personal data is recorded  provided that the driver approves it:

• D1/D2 status entries
• Engine rev profile
• Speed profiles
• The 4 Hz speed signal (braking)

Step-by-step use of smart digital tachograph data:

1. First insertion of the card

The first time the card is inserted, for the protection of your personal data you will be asked if you agree with the processing of these. This query is performed automatically during the first session initiated in DTCO 4.0. It appears after country selection as follows:

2. The buttons select YES or NO

It's simple: select the yes or no option with the buttons in the form of a triangle and an inverted triangle

3. Confirmed with OK key
4. The recording is confirmed
5. Additional data

The process is then completed with the additional data

6. This is followed by the normal log-in to the VDO 4.0 Tachograph.

The new smart tachograph

The smart digital tachograph has revolutionised the market. The new features and functionalities that the device integrates have positioned it as an opportunity in the sector. They are precise, safe and easily integrated into vehicle technology. It uses "Plug & Play" technology, that is, plug, connect and use, so you can benefit from its features from the first moment. In addition, they guarantee compliance with the new European regulations that impose on new trucks registered as of June 15, 2019 the incorporation of an intelligent digital tachograph.