Real-time Tachograph Data

All digital tachographs have a K-Line connection on pin 8 of the D-sub connector (D8 pin). The current tachograph data is transmitted via this connection and describes the current state of the tachograph, driver and the vehicle itself. This data is also transmitted when the vehicle is switched off, making it possible to detect tachograph activities if the driver changes his status when the vehicle is powered down. The Squarell SOLID and REMOTE include a K-Line connector that can be used to connect to the D8 pin of all VDO, Stoneridge and Actia digital tachographs to read the current tachograph data.

The parameters supported by K-Line are:

Work State of Driver 1 and 2
Driver ID or Driver 1 and 2
Driving Time Exceeded Warnings Driver 1 and 2
Card Present
Date and Time
Tachograph Vehicle Speed
Odometer
VIN
Vehicle Registration Number

Function	Order code	Remark
Work status Driver 1 (actual per second)	Standard	FMS interface with CAN input
Work status Driver 2 (actual per second)	Standard
Driving time exceeded warnings Driver 1	Standard
Driving time exceeded warnings Driver 2	Standard
Card present 1	Standard
Card present 2	Standard
Tachograph vehicle speed	Standard
Tachograph date and time	Standard
Tachograph data at ignition off	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect
Driver ID	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect
Tachograph direction 0=forward 1 =reverse	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect
Tachograph performance	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect
Tachograph handling info	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect
Tachograph event	Standard	Only with K-Line D8 connect

What is a tachograph?

A (digital) tachograph is a device fitted to a vehicle that automatically records its speed and distance, together with the driver’s activity selected from a choice of modes: the drive mode is activated automatically when the vehicle is in motion and modern tachograph heads usually default to the other work mode upon coming to rest. The rest and availability modes can be manually selected by the driver whilst stationary.

Regulations vary from country to country

For reasons of public safety, many jurisdictions have limits on the working hours of drivers of certain vehicles, such as buses and trucks. A tachograph can be used to monitor this and ensure that appropriate breaks are taken. Drivers and their employers are legally required to accurately record their activities, retain the records and produce them on demand to transport authorities who are in charge of enforcing regulations governing drivers’ hours of service.