RDL Overview

General Overview

The Remote Download Module (RDL) enables automatic downloading of driver and vehicle files from the digital tachograph via an OnBoardUnit installed in the vehicle and connected to the digital tachograph. For this purpose, a registered company card must be inserted:

  • In a smart card reader - connected to a PC - or

  • Into an RDL server

To enable the download of vehicle and driver data.

At the following link you will find a short video about RDL: RDL Overview

Requirements for Remote Download

(1) Digital tachograph with remote functionality enabled (VDO V1.3a or higher, Stoneridge Rev. 7.3 or higher, INTELLIC 5.0 or higher).

(2) Vehicles equipped with a digital tachograph enabled for RDL and an OBU (on-board unit) on the front (K-LINE) or rear (CAN0) tachograph interface. The SIM card (M2M tariff) in the OBU is activated.

(3) Correct installation of the OBU by a specialist workshop including connection to the digital tachograph. The TACHOfresh test after installation (AMSEL installation test) was successful.

(4) PC with Internet connection (min. DSL), Windows administration rights for this PC and possibly rights to edit or change security settings in your company network. Connected USB card reader for inserting the company card.

(5) Installation of the TACHOListener (see details TachoListener): This component enables communication between the hardware and the online portal and is a prerequisite for uploading driver and vehicle files.

(6) Web browser for the setup and use of the program (Mozilla Firefox, EDGE, Chrome, etc.).

(7) Valid company card: Make sure that the valid company card assigned to the vehicles (please check expiration date) is inserted into a USB card reader connected to the PC/laptop where you have logged in.

(8) Validation of the company card: Before uploading the vehicle and driver files, a validation of the company card must be performed in the portal of the customer for whom the RDL is to be created. The validation must take place in the respective customer account in which the vehicles were created!

(9) Setting of the desired Remote Download - Scheduler: for driver and vehicle data the schedule can be set in the online portal under Administration - Remote Download Scheduler. Default: RDL every 30 days for vehicle data and 14 days for driver data.

(10) Firewall / Proxy: changes may be required for the REMOTE Download function if a firewall or proxy server is used. See file: RDL behind proxy/firewall

(11) No workshop card is inserted in the digital tachograph.

Validation and Assignment of the Company Card

After the fleet manager or administrator has logged into the portal - the TachoListener must be active/connected - and inserted the company card into the smart card reader, he calls up the "Upload data -> Driver card/ Upload monitor" function to follow the activation process there. A non-validated company card (marked with a red dot in the "Company cards" menu item) is created in a first step with the note "Manual - xxxxxxxxx".

The company card is now assigned to the customer. In a further step, a remote download is automatically started for any driver card, provided that at least 1 vehicle is RDL-enabled. After the RDL has been performed, the company card is then validated and is available for the RDL of further driver and vehicle data. In the "Company cards" display, this then appears with a green dot (=validated), and at the same time the company card is displayed in the portal with the card number printed on it.

In addition, this company card can now be used in an RDL server. Here is an overview of the registration process: Register Company Card

RDL Planner

The default is a "rolling interval" of 30 days for vehicles and 14 days for drivers. This default can be changed by creating a new schedule according to the principle "Special before General". This can be done per customer or per fleet. In this case, the fleet is more "special" than the customer. A distinction is made between "rolling interval" and "specific date". "Rolling" means that the next RDL takes place X days after the last RDL. Example: RDL every 7 days, 1st RDL on Tuesday, next RDL on Thursday of the following week, then the next RDL is scheduled 7 days after Thursday. "Specified date" means that the RDL is always on Tuesday, for example. If the could not be performed, the RDL will be attempted also on the following day, it always remains with the plan to perform the RDL on Tuesday.

The entries can be defined separately for all vehicles, vehicles by fleet or all drivers.

The entered plans can be changed or completely deleted at any time. The default settings for drivers (14 days) and vehicles (30 days) cannot be changed or deleted. If plans are changed or deleted, the plan information will be automatically adjusted during the next remote download.

Remote Download Server

The RDL Smart Card Rack Server enables automated remote download of signed driver and vehicle data. One Card Rack can hold up to 20 company cards, allowing simultaneous RDL of vehicle and/or driver data. A remote download is always possible when the vehicle is driving or stationary, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, even with ignition off (depending on installation and configuration / no sleep mode!). The download frequency can be configured individually.

On the front of the RDL server there are LED lights with green or red indication. The meaning of the colors is as follows:

RDL - 20

This rack can accommodate up to 20 enterprise cards. It is supplied in a plug & play version and - apart from the power supply - only needs to be connected to the Internet via an RJ45 cable

RDL - 6

This rack can accommodate up to 6 company cards. It is also available in a plug & play version and - apart from the power supply - only needs to be connected to the Internet via an RJ45 cable.

Preparations

(1) Setting up the RDL Smart Card Rack Server: The setup/configuration is based on the access data and TCP/IP network parameters entered in the "RDLS Configuration Sheet" form and the instructions in the product message: REMOTE Download behind Proxy/Firewall.

(2) Use of a proxy server: When using a proxy server, please observe the instructions in our product description, which is included with every delivery of an RDL Smart Card Rack Server or sent upon request. It describes among other things that a "proxy. Properties" file (Java configuration file from TAC) with configuration data of the proxy server must be stored on all PCs used for the RDL.

(3) Use of a firewall: It may be necessary to release some routes in the firewall. Please refer to the instructions in our product description, which we enclose with every delivery of an RDL Smart Card Rack Server or send on request.

(4) Commissioning : Commissioning should be carried out by qualified IT personnel with appropriate user rights who, based on their training and experience in handling this product, should recognize risks and avoid possible hazards. 

Overview of the Remote Download Process

A remote download of driver and/or vehicle files from the digital tachograph can be done in several ways:

Standard: As soon as a valid company card is inserted into a card reader connected to the PC - or into an RDL server - the remote download process starts automatically, without any manual action being required. Only files from digital tachographs registered with the base number of this company card are read out. If vehicles are not registered with this base number, driver and vehicle data cannot be read out. You can see which remote download activities are currently running in the upload monitor by clicking on the function under "Upload data" -> "Upload monitor". The download process itself is based on the schedule set for the company or fleet. The date for the next remote download is also managed automatically.

General: Remote download of driver cards has priority over remote download of vehicle files.

Special case: If you want to initiate a remote download for a specific vehicle or driver immediately, you can do so via the special function in the status overview of the vehicles or drivers. On the right side of the respective driver or vehicle, there is a blue icon that indicates whether a remote download is possible. By clicking on this blue icon, the download process is started and the corresponding file is transferred. This remote download has the highest priority and is therefore performed before all other scheduled remote downloads.