How does a digital tachograph work?
A digital tachograph automatically records your driving, rest and work as soon as your card is in. Here you read step by step how to operate it: insert the card, manual entry, switch activities, break, end of shift and printouts. Then do each step yourself in the simulator.
The tachograph works through two card slots and the vehicle motion signal. As soon as the wheels turn it switches automatically to "driving"; when the vehicle is stationary you choose the activity yourself. Everything is stored on your driver card and in the vehicle unit. Below the full operation; in the VYS Tacho simulator you go through exactly the same steps, without a truck.
Operation, step by step
1. Insert the card
Insert your driver card into slot 1 (co-driver in slot 2). The device reads the card and shows your name and the last withdrawal.
2. Manual entry
Add what happened between the last withdrawal and now: start and end country and any rest or work that was not recorded.
3. Driving is automatic
As soon as you drive, the tachograph switches to "driving" itself. After 4h15 it warns, after 4h30 you must take a 45-minute break.
4. Switch activity yourself
When stationary you choose with the slot buttons: rest (bed), availability or other work (hammers). Slot 1 for the driver, slot 2 for the co-driver.
5. End of shift
Set the activity to rest, withdraw the card (or leave it in). On withdrawal you can enter the end country.
6. Printouts and warnings
Via the menu you print a daily overview (24h), event or vehicle data. Warnings appear with a fault code.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tachograph switch to driving itself?
Yes. As soon as the vehicle moves, the active slot goes automatically to "driving". Rest, availability and work you set yourself when stationary.
What is the difference between slot 1 and slot 2?
Slot 1 is for the driver, slot 2 for the co-driver. When drivers swap, the cards swap slots.
Why do I have to do manual entry?
To complete the period between your last card withdrawal and now (rest, other work, start and end country). That is part of correct recording.
How do I change my activity?
With the button of your slot you scroll through rest, availability and work. In the simulator you practise that exactly.
How do I learn to operate the tachograph without a truck?
With the VYS Tacho simulator: it mirrors the VDO DTCO 4.1b and Stoneridge SE5000 1:1, in your browser or as an app.
Practise the operation in the simulator
Go through all the steps yourself on a 1:1 recreated tachograph. Free in your browser or app.
Open the simulator