Tachograph Activities Training on Tachograph Driving and Rest Working Hours
Digital tachographs are devices used to record the daily driving time and kilometres of drivers and vehicle owners. These devices are used in heavy vehicles such as lorries, trucks and buses and prevent misuse by printing the required documents. Tachographs, which were previously paper-based, have become digital with the development of technology. Thus, they provided more accurate and reliable service.
Digital Tachograph Break Symbol
The bed symbolises a break or rest period during which the driver is free to use his/her time. The original purpose was to relieve drivers’ fatigue and enable them to travel safely. Often tachographs are used to help transport companies and their drivers to adapt to working hours. The bed is used to remind drivers to take a break or rest for a certain period of time. Although this process is usually carried out manually, in some cases it can be determined automatically by the system. Correct use of the tachographs is important to ensure that drivers comply with rest and working hours and for traffic safety. It should be noted that if the ‘Bed’ option is not manually selected, the tachograph will record it as ‘Other work’.
Digital Tachograph Driving Symbol
The steering wheel is the symbol for ‘Driving time’, i.e. the time that the tachograph records as driving. Newer recording equipment, which automatically records when the vehicle is in motion and the wheels are turning, do not have this symbol. The steering wheel is a symbol to identify how long the driver has been behind the wheel while driving the vehicle.
Digital Tachograph Other Operation Symbol
The two crossed hammers symbolise ‘Other work’ and are used, for example, when unloading and loading the vehicle. Many tachographs automatically detect ‘Other work’ when the journey is stopped, unless you manually enter, for example, a rest.
Digital Tachograph Ready Symbol
The square with a slash through it is the ‘Available’ symbol, which is seen when the driver is ready for duty but not actively engaged in work. For example, it can be seen when the driver is accompanying a vehicle on a train or ferry, waiting at a border, or being accompanied by someone else in a multi-personnel operation. This symbol indicates the driver’s posture and the priorities of his task and shows that he is in contact with others. This ensures co-operation and safety.
Tachograph Report Signs
The language used in all digital tachographs is the same. The tachograph describes events, information and errors with symbols. These symbols are available in the User Manual. If you wish, you can download the VDO3.0 or VDO 4.0 User Manual from the link above.
Tachograph Calibration
Calibration of tachographs must be done in certain cases to ensure the correct and reliable operation of the device. Here are the main situations in which tachographs must be calibrated:
Periodic Calibration: In tachographs, it is mandatory to have a document with up-to-date information at least once every 2 years.
Device Malfunction: In case of malfunction of the tachograph or its connected sensor, calibration is done to determine that the tachograph, its installation and sensor are working properly.
In Vehicle Sales: In vehicles with tachographs, calibration is done after the vehicles are sold, if the new document belonging to the new company or owner is measured and checked and the new owner uses it in a healthy way.
Suspicious Data: If there are anomalies or inconsistencies in the data recorded by the tachograph, this may require calibration. Calibration should be done in such cases, especially to ensure that the data is correct and reliable.
Calibration is necessary if the vehicle shows the speed incorrectly or calculates its mileage incorrectly.,
Inspection and Control: If any inconsistency or suspicion arises regarding the tachograph during the legal inspection or control, calibration may be requested. This ensures that inspections are passed properly and legally.
Vehicle Modifications: Major changes to the vehicle, especially changes to the mounting or connection points of the tachograph, changes to the vehicle’s tires, and revisions may affect the calibration of the device. Calibration must be performed after such changes.
