Picture taken from the passenger seat of a truck. In the picture you can see a fleet driver parked in his employer's yard, operating a tablet running a VDO software.

Calibration & Programming

Workshops play a vital role in making sure that the European commercial vehicle fleet runs smoothly, safely and on time. Their task is to ensure that tachographs work properly and meet all the legal requirements. This includes:

Calibration: Setting up the tachograph correctly when it is first installed, replaced or when certain parts (e.g.) tires need to be changed
Periodical checks: Regular inspections (every 2 years or after certain events) to ensure the tachograph records driving times and rest periods correctly
Retrofit: Installing smart tachographs into older vehicles as required by law

Workshop employee kneeling next to a large truck holding a tablet computer.

How can VDO support you?

Expertise

as the leading manufacturer of tachographs

Equipment & Kits

Professional calibration equipment and easy-to-use installation kits

Support

Reliable training, updates and technical support

Tachograph Calibration: What You Need to Know

New EU regulations like the EU Mobility Package and the roll-out of the second-version smart tachograph (G2V2) from mid-2023 bring important updates to tachograph testing:

New device functions

Smart tachograph (V2) models have new features like satellite positioning, road border detection, and new DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) protocols. Workshops must test these new functions during calibration and inspection.

Extended data checks

During periodical inspections, workshops must now verify additional datasets, such as GNSS (GPS) positioning data, the Bluetooth interface and specific security elements.

New calibration procedures

Special calibration and testing steps are required for the new functionalities (e.g. verifying the accuracy of GNSS location logging and transmission readiness).

Retrofitting requirements

Older vehicles with a weight of 3.5 tons used in cross-border transport must be retrofitted with the second-version smart tachograph DTCO 4.1 or higher by August 19, 2025. Starting from July 2026, vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes also need to be equipped with a smart tachograph (V2) when they drive internationally.

For workshops, that means more installations and calibrations.

Higher technical standards

Equipment, software and training must be updated to handle the second-version smart tachograph systems properly — this includes new workshop cards, updated WorkshopTab software and new test procedures.

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Calibration with the WorkshopTab 2

The WorkshopTab 2 is our latest all-in-one solution for performing mandatory tachograph checks directly on the vehicle. Smart tachographs can be checked and calibrated right on the truck – quickly and reliably. While you work, the software handles the documentation in the background. With the push of a button, all relevant reports are sent directly from the vehicle to your printer.
The WorkshopTab 2 not only minimizes potential errors but also significantly reduces inspection time. With this powerful tool, your workshop is perfectly equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

The illustration uses various drawings to show the changes for tachographs as a result of EU Regulation No. 165/2014. For example, the functionality of the DSRC interface must be verified, the function of the satellite device must be checked and speed sensors must be resealed. This also has an impact on day-to-day workshop operations, for example due to the need for training and new workshop cards.

VDO Calibration Wizard

The VDO Calibration Wizard guides users step by step through the entire inspection process and ensures that all necessary information is recorded correctly and completely. This minimizes sources of error and ensures compliance with legal requirements. It also assists in performing manipulation tests on digital tachographs and provides targeted guidance through cause analysis in suspicious cases.

All functions wirelessly in one device

The WorkshopTab enables complete tachograph inspection and calibration without the need for cable connections to the test devices. Communication with connected devices is facilitated through modern wireless standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This avoids cable connections that are prone to accidents and repairs.

GNSS Calibration of the DTCO 4.1a or higher

The new smart DTCO tachographs 4.1a or higher use the GNSS global satellite architecture. An appropriate GNSS calibration is required to ensure that the vehicle position can always be accuratley indicated. This calibration can be performed easily directly via the WorkshopTab. No additional equipment is necessary. If you are unable to receive a sufficiently strong signal in your workshop, we offer you the GNSS Repeater Kit, a technology that amplifies the satellite signal. This allows you to achieve optimum measurement results even in closed spaces.

DSRC Calibration

The WorkshopTab and a corresponding accessory - the practical DSRC Meter from VDO - make testing the DSRC interface intergrated in the DTCO 4.1a or higher a breeze. The DSRC Meter simulates a check by control officers and sends the result to your WorkshopTab. It can either be mounted permanently in your workshop or on a tripod.

Tachograph updates

The new EU regulation requires mandatory map updates to be regularly installed on the DTCO 4.1 or higher, which must be carried out during the next upcoming periodicaö tachograph inspection at the latest .

The WorkshopTab is equipped with the appropriate software for this purpose and the WorkshopTab DTCO update cable is required.

Please also read the compatibility note for third-party products.

Tachograph Sensor KITAS 4 Documentation

With the new calibration routine, KITAS 4 defined for the respective DTCOmust be tested and registered together with the respective seal during initial installation. This also ensures the traceability of the seal. With the integrated WorkshopTab camera, you can easily register the KITAS and the new seal by scanning the QR code. VDO also offers you a practical cloud solution for the corresponding documentation of KITAS 4 and the new seal.

VDO provides the equipment and services to keep your workshop ready for these new standards.

The VDO DTCO 4.1a tachograph including a data printout depicted from a side angle.

Fast and easy DTCO retrofit – with universal programming

For vehicles that still operate with first-generation digital or even analog tachographs, switching to the second-version smart tachograph DTCO 4.1a or higher is now faster, safer and more efficient.

VDO’s Flexible Universal Programming (#FUP) simplifies the replacement process in workshops: it enables a streamlined, standardized installation of the DTCO 4.1a or higher across vehicles – regardless of make, model or production year. It is even suited for replacing factory-installed OEM units in case of malfunction.

A specialized algorithm ensures full data compatibility and seamless integration during replacement. All relevant parameters are automatically transferred, converted and aligned with the requirements of the DTCO 4.1a or higher.

Benefits for Workshops

Time-saving: Reduces configuration complexity and installation time

Flexible: Compatible with all digital DTCO units from release 2.0

Reliable: Thoroughly tested and proven in real-world conditions

Inventory-friendly: One universal device for multiple applications

User-friendly: Clearly guided process in WorkshopTab from release 4.11

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