System components of the DTCO 1381

The new generation of tachographs.

The radio-slot sized DTCO 1381 includes: 

- Two smart card readers 

- Integrated printer for producing reports for driver and control officers 

- Display of all the key information, e.g. on current driving and rest times 

- Real-time clock 

- Control buttons 

In conjunction with the intelligent KITAS 2171 speed sensor and the tachograph cards, the DTCO 1381 meets all the requirements of the new directive. System calibration is performed by authorised calibration centres. 

The DTCO can be linked up with other vehicle systems via CAN. 

It can also be optionally connected to an analogue speedometer/instrument cluster. 

Data recording with the DTCO 1381

Find out here which data can be recorded on which medium.

The DTCO 1381 records: 

- Driving, work and break/rest times for the driver and co-driver 

- The speed (only 24 hours in mass memory) and distance travelled 

- Specific parameters such as events (including overspeeding) and control and calibration centre activities. 

Data storage: 

- Data relating to the vehicle is stored in an integrated mass memory with capacity for recording activities for approx. 365 days. 

- Data relating to the driver is held on the personal driver card with capacity for approx. 28 days 

Access rights for the DTCO 1381

Special smart cards are used in the DTCO 1381 to comply with data protection requirements and ensure security. 

- Fleet operators can protect their data against unauthorised access with a company card. 

- Control officers require a control card to access the system. 

- Authorised calibration centres can activate the calibration function of the DTCO 1381 using their workshop card. 

DTCO 1381 Interfaces

Flexibility through different interfaces. Data can also be downloaded onto a computer for external analysis and archiving. The DTCO 1381 has interfaces for: 

- Connecting to the on-board electronics 

- Linking to on-board computers and telematics systems 

- Connecting an instrument cluster 

- Inspection and programming 

- Downloading mass memory data 

Evaluation solutions

Evaluation solutions made easy. Our TIS-Office and TIS-Web evaluation solutions make analysing the data recorded by your digital tachograph easier. To find out more about evaluation solutions for digital tachographs please follow the links below: 

Use digital data to make fleet management more efficient with TIS-Office evaluation software. 
Let us archive and evaluate your data for you with the TIS-Web evaluation service.

KIPAS 2.0

KIPAS 2.0 workshop software facilitates the processing and management of test, customer and vehicle data.

Individual functions: 

- Generation of digital proof of inspection according to legal requirements incl. installation and constants notice 

- Database function: customer and vehicle data and periodic inspection 

- Statistics function for inspections carried out 

- Reminder function for inspections due 

- Importing test data from Rolling Road Test Computer (ATC) 

- Automatic generation of reporting record calendar 

- Generation of change reports as fax form or export files 

- Workshop card module: analysis, archiving, proof of DTCO inspection 

- Sales and service information 

- TPH (Technical Product Handbook) in electronic form 

- Mass memory module: download from DTCO with additional tools, archiving, providing data on external media 

- For all WINDOWS operating systems: 98, 2000, NT and XP, each with latest Service Pack 

- Easy installation of software and peripherals 

- Control of peripherals via serial port / USB (laptop, download tool, smart card reader, etc.) 

- Internet-enabled (access to Internet/extranet, direct links, activation, update software, as well as tools and information, access to TIS, data transfer, remote diagnostics, etc.) 

- Periodic automatic data backup 

Service Diagnostic Systems (SDS)

To enable your workshop to make a smooth transition to the age of the digital tachograph you need the corresponding technical equipment. 

MTC and ATC upgrades 
If you have previously carried out tachograph inspections using a proven rolling road or mobile test computer (ATC or MTC), you can conveniently upgrade these systems with the DTCO retrofit kit. This will enable the testing and calibration of both digital and analogue tachograph systems from Siemens VDO. 

Compact Test Computer (CTC) 
The CTC (compact test computer) offers an alternative to upgrading an MTC system and is optimised for inspecting and programming Siemens VDO radio slot-sized tachographs (MTCO 1324, MTCO 1391, TSU, DTCO 1381). The CTC can be used to output mass memory data and pass it to the special KIPAS 2.0 tachograph workshop program, thereby simplifying processes.

Downloadkey 

The Siemens VDO Downloadkey is a convenient and practical transport medium for downloading and archiving DTCO mass memory and driver card data. It features a 6-pin serial interface, which is compatible with all digital tachographs, and a USB 2.0 interface for transferring data quickly to a PC. The Downloadkey requires no separate power supply so it is always ready for use in vehicles and with PCs. 

Benefits: 

- Easy handling: Simple to use, convenient 

- Meets download requirements for fleets and workshops 

- Meets archiving requirements for fleets and workshops 

- Transfer data from DTCO to PC 

- Download mass memory and driver card data via the front interface on the DTCO 

Original Siemens VDO printer paper

Siemens VDO printer paper has been specially approved for the DTCO 1381 and for use in all EU member states including the adjacent countries (AETR signatories). This product is available worldwide from over 10,000 sales outlets and means you can ensure trouble-free operation of tachographs and your entire fleet. Siemens VDO printer paper also ensures maximum print quality as it is specially designed for the printer unit of the DTCO 1381 from Siemens VDO and can handle tough in-vehicle conditions. With proper storage, printouts remain legible for over a year. 

Driver card

The driver card is personalised and valid for a maximum of 5 years. 

Key information at a glance: 

- Stores driver activities 

- Storage period: the last 28 working days 

- Personal and must remain in the driver’s possession 

- Compatible with all digital tachographs 

- Issued by the authorities of EU member states 

Workshop card


The workshop card is valid for 1 year and puts the digital tachograph in calibration mode. It is therefore the key to tachograph calibration. 

Key information at a glance: 

- Personalised for the technicians in the calibration centre 

- PIN protected 

- Stores calibration activities relating to digital tachographs 

- Compatible with all digital tachographs 

- Issued exclusively to authorised technicians at VOSA approved calibration centres 

Company card

The company card is valid for 5 years and serves to protect company-related data in digital tachographs. 


Key information at a glance: 


- Stores the employer’s download activities 

- Enables the display, printing out and downloading of company-related data 

- Compatible with all digital tachographs 

- Issued by the authorities of EU member states 

Control card

The control card is valid for 2 years and identifies the control officer. It enables the display, printing out and downloading of all stored data. 

Key information at a glance: 

- The control officer’s key for accessing the mass memory of digital tachographs 

- Stores the activities of control bodies with date and time 

- Compatible with all digital tachographs 

- Issued by the authorities of EU member states