Smart Tachograph FAQ's

No the card reader does not need updating. The software used to upload data to analysis software will need to be updated.

Yes. Any device that requires you to plug into the front of the tachograph will need to be updated before it will download anything from the Gen 2 tachograph. A none updated device will still download either Gen 1 or Gen 2 driver cards via the Gen 1 tachograph without an upgrade.

Gen 2 driver and company cards are available from DVLA and will work in both Gen 1 and Gen 2 tachographs. It is up to the company if they want to replace their cards early or simply wait until they need to be renewed.

There is nothing obvious on the tachograph. You might catch sight of 2 antennae attached to the windscreen, but these may not be visible.

The best way to check on VDO head is to take a vehicle technical print out. On this you will see a software version number.

If the software version number begins with a 4 then you will know it is a Gen 2 tachograph.

Stoneridge have information displayed under the Info section in the menu.

The Gen 2 tachograph has DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) which could give DVSA access the following information:

• vehicle registration plate
• valid driver card
• second driver card
• current activity (driving or not)
• last session closed
• time adjustment
• security breach attempt
• previous calibration
• date tachograph connected
• current speed
• time stamp

From the last 10 days the tachograph will also transmit data on:

• speeding event
• driving without valid card
• card insertion while driving
• motion data error
• vehicle motion conflict
• power supply interruption
• sensor fault

Currently DVSA have no interest in downloading this data and do not have the hardware to access the data. If we remain members of the EU then they will legally have to have hardware to capture this data by 2032.

Yes, the Gen 2 tachograph includes GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) It takes positioning data from free satellites only. Your position will be stored at the start of your journey, the end of your journey and after 3 hours of accumulated driving. The position will be displayed against KMs travelled so will identify if there are discrepancies between distance travelled and position of the vehicle.

No, cards will continue to download to these devices and upload to Vision without any update.

Yes, Vision will now upload both Gen 2 VU and Driver card data. The data will appear as normal in Vision. Customers used to viewing raw data will be unable to do so until without access to the new Tacho File Viewer. Once released this may incur a cost.

Our best advice is to contact the telematics provider to find out if they have updated their software. You should also notify them if a vehicle is fitted with a Gen 2 tachograph to ensure that they fit the correct equipment. All telematics that are currently compatible with Vision should remain so as we are updating the import process to deal with Gen 2 files.

Gen 2 tachographs will be fitted to new vehicles registered on or after June 15th 2019.

No. You will have to either update (depends on type and age of tool) or replace with a Gen 2 compatible device

• Digidown devices (Digidownplus, Digidownblue and Digidowncr) – these devices can be updated if purchased after June 2016 onwards.  You can check if your device is eligible by running the Lisle Digidown Gen2 Upgrade Tool application that’s linked below. Extract the file & run the application.
• Click here: LINK

All instructions for the update process are on the application itself.

• Digivu devices (Digivuplus, Digicard, Digifobpro, Digipostpro and Digidl)-

For Vision customers, we have updated and we have sent out an update to all Digipostpros connected to our server. This will mean that when a digivu is plugged in, it will offer a software update. Once updated the DigiVu can be used in both Gen 1 and Gen 2 tachographs.

If the DigiVu it is too old to be updated, (serial number starting with a 5) then you get an error message which says ‘your Digivu is not compatible for smart tachograph downloads’. All you have to do is hit the OK button on the Digipostpro, this will allow you to bypass the message and continue use as normal.

You can still use the device in Gen 1 tachographs but will have to buy a replacement DigiVu or other download device to carry out downloads from the Gen 2 tachographs

If you use digiconnect, you will need to go to https://www.tachosys.com/Downloads/Software and download the latest version of the Digiconnect software. Once this has been done, when you plug in their Digivu an update to the device will be offered. Provided this is successful the Digivu will then be compatible with Gen 2 tachographs.

• VDO devices- The only VDO device that will take updates is the DLK Pro.

To update the device the company will have to first order an update card at a cost of £65

http://www.vdo-shop.co.uk/acatalog/tachograph.html

Once you have received the update card you will need to go to https://www.fleet.vdo.com/meta-navigation/downloads/#softwareupdates

And click ‘DLK Pro Family Up-date 3.0.0’. Download the software to your PC and then plug the device into the PC and run the software update.

After the update has run, unplug the device from the PC and then insert the Licence card into the device. The display will highlight whether or not the Licence has been accepted.

The first time you insert your driver Card into a Gen 2 tachograph it will behave the same until you confirm your start place you will then be asked the following questions:

•  “Publish ITS data” yes/no,
• “Publish VDO data ”yes/no.

If you respond “no” it means that live data cannot be transferred to telematics providers. Saying no does not stop verified downloads i.e. driver card and VU downloads as per tachograph legislation taking place.

Each time you insert your card for the first time into a new vehicle with a Gen 2 card you will be asked the same question. The information will be stored on the VU, not the driver card.

The current viewer won’t show the raw data.