Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What components make up the DTCO truck driving hours recording unit?

A digital tachograph to record truck driving hours consists of the processing unit, 2 smart card readers, control buttons, display, printer, mass memory, real-time clock and optional warning devices, plus interfaces for downloading stored data (e.g. truck driving hours), inspection (e.g. of truck driving hours) and programming tasks, as well as for connecting external systems (e.g. for evaluating truck driving hours).

What are the key specifications of the DTCO truck driving hours recording unit?

What is the DTCO memory capacity for truck driving hours?

With average use, the activities (e.g. truck driving hours) of approx. 28 working days can be stored on the driver card. The DTCO mass memory capacity (e.g. for truck driving hours) is approximately 365 days. Speed recording is limited to 24 truck driving hours (only recorded on DTCO mass memory).

What happens when the driver card or mass memory is full (e.g. with truck driving hours)?

With average use, truck driving hours for the last 28 working days are stored on the driver card, while truck driving hours for the last 365 days are stored in the mass memory. Earlier data (e.g. truck driving hours) are overwritten.

Can the data (e.g. truck driving hours) recorded on the DTCO be checked?

Data (e.g. truck driving hours) can be displayed and printed out by the DTCO. For further processing or evaluation, the data/truck driving hours can be transferred to a computer system.

What is an intelligent speed sensor?

This new device is required by the EU to provide greater protection against tampering (e.g. altering truck driving hours). VDO’s product name for this sensor is KITAS 2171. A new KITAS 2171 can be used with the DTCO 1381 and MTCO 1324.

Is the KITAS 2171 compatible with current 2159 pulse senders?

The KITAS pulse sender is mechanically compatible with 2159 pulse sender units. Because of electronic security features, there is no electrical compatibility with 2159 sensors.

Which smart cards are used with the DTCO for recording truck driving hours?

Four different cards are used with the DTCO for recording truck driving hours. The driver card records a driver’s truck driving hours and rest times. The company card is used by operators to access data (e.g. truck driving hours) in the mass memory. The workshop card is used by authorised workshops to inspect (e.g. truck driving hours) and set the digital tachograph. The control card enables authorities to monitor compliance (e.g. with truck driving hours regulations).

What is mass memory?

The mass memory is the DTCO internal memory for storing vehicle-related data such as truck driving hours.

What is stored on the DTCO?

The following data are stored on the DTCO mass memory:

• Manufacturer information (about DTCO and sensor)
• Vehicle identification numbers
• Events, faults, security elements
• Driver identification (logged truck driving hours and last vehicle used)
• Driver/Co-driver activities (e.g. truck driving hours)
• Odometer reading (at midnight); speed for last 24 truck driving hours
• Special use conditions
• Workshop information
• Control activities (e.g. monitoring truck driving hours)

How much data (e.g. truck driving hours) can be stored in the mass memory?

On average, there is sufficient memory to store up to 365 days of activities (e.g. truck driving hours). Speed recording is limited to 24 truck driving hours.

What happens when the mass memory is full (e.g. with truck driving hours)?

The DTCO mass memory operates on a rolling system: the latest data (e.g. truck driving hours) automatically overwrite the oldest stored data.

Can the mass memory data (e.g. truck driving hours) be downloaded?

Mass memory data (e.g. truck driving hours) can be transferred from the DTCO to external storage media. An authorisation card is necessary for access. Since the introduction of digital tachographs, numerous Download Tools for mass memory transfer (e.g. of truck driving hours) have been brought onto the market.