Tachodisc

A brief guide for drivers and operators.

There are currently three different types of digital tachograph vehicle manufacturers – Siemens VDO, Stoneridge and Actia – in operation, and whilst the overall function of these units is similar, the visual display and navigation through the menu options is somewhat different. Drivers up and down the UK have been reporting problems using the units, most likely due to lack of training. To solve the problems, we have put together some top tips on the differences between the units, and some guidance on how to use them all.

Visual Display

Siemens VDO DTCO 1381

Stoneridge SE5000

Actia SmarTach L2000

Logging on or Commencing Duty

Turn on your ignition, then:
Siemens VDO
Insert your card into slot 1 with the chip facing upwards
Stoneridge SE5000
Press and hold down the driver 1 button until the smart card drawer opens, then insert the card, chip side upwards, into the drawer
Actia SmarTach L2000
Gently insert your card into the slot until the mechanism draws it in. There may be a flap inside the slot, in which case press and hold down the activity key first.



Logging off or Finish of Duty

The card won’t eject until all of the information has been fully exchanged between the driver card and the vehicle unit. Keep the ignition on, but ensure that the vehicle is stationary.
Siemens VDO
Press the eject button and enter the country in which you are ending your journey. The option to produce a printout of a daily record is available at this stage.
Stoneridge SE5000
Long press the eject button and select the end location.
Actia SmarTach L2000
Press and hold down the relevant activity / ejection key to start the ejection process, then confirm to eject the card and confirm end location
NB Printouts from the SE5000 or L2000 can be produced through the menus



Manual Entries

It is a legal requirement to enter information via the digital tachograph regarding additional duties at the beginning or at the end of a shift that have not already been recorded on the driver card. Each time the card is inserted, the driver will have the option to amend start and finish times of previous activities.
Siemens VDO
Use the up and down menu keys to select the required activity and time additions, then press the ‘enter’ key to confirm. 
Stoneridge SE5000
You will be prompted to change or confirm the correct duty type, times and dates. Make any changes using the up and down keys and press ‘enter’ to confirm. If you don’t need to make any changes, press quickly on the ‘cancel’ button. You are only able to make 16 manual entries in each 24 hour time period.
Actia SmarTach L2000
The activity start date and time can be changed using the ‘<’  ‘>’ keys and pressing the ‘OK’ key to confirm. If you wish to cancel an entry press the ‘<<’ key.



Replacing the Print Roll

Sunlight, diesel, oil and even milk can degrade your digital printouts so only buy good quality, EU approved printer rolls displaying the approval number for the tachograph being used. It is important to ensure that the paper is inserted correctly.
If the print roll runs out halfway through a printout it will automatically restart once the roll has been replaced.
Siemens VDO
Press the ‘printer unlock’ button and insert a new printer roll with the end of the paper protruding from the tray. Close the printer drawer and tear off any excess paper.
Stoneridge SE5000
Remove the print roll cassette by pressing the fascia at the top of the cassette in the middle. Hold it at the bottom and gently pull out the cassette, insert a roll of paper and carefully replace it.
Actia SmarTach L2000
Pull the printer door downwards, then pull the red tab to release the paper roll. Insert a new printer roll into the printer with the paper pointing upwards and push the door closed ensuring that the paper protrudes. Tear off any excess paper.


The information here is only intended to be a basic guide, and if you would like to know more, further information is available from Tachodisc. We have a number of training options available for drivers and operators, from training guides to courses. Please call one of our trained team on 01925 283328, or email sales@tachodisc.co.uk

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