VDO Blue Meter
A wireless optical sensor for the 20-metre tachograph calibration run. Measures the W-value and transmits it directly to the WorkshopTab II via Bluetooth, no cables, no manual data entry.
- Wireless Bluetooth Connection to WorkshopTab II
- Suitable for All Digital Tachograph Calibrations
- Supplied by ETS - Official VDO Reseller Ireland
What Is the VDO Blue Meter?
The VDO Blue Meter is a wireless optical sensor used during the 20-metre calibration run. Its purpose is to measure the W-value – the number of electrical impulses per kilometre of travel – which is a required measurement in every digital tachograph calibration.
The Blue Meter transmits its measurements directly to the WorkshopTab via Bluetooth. There are no cables between the sensor and the tablet, and no manual data entry is required. Measurements are captured and recorded automatically as part of the calibration workflow on the WorkshopTab.
The device is supplied as a measuring lane set. It is delivered without the reflector set, which is available separately.
The W-Value Measurement Process
1) Set up the measuring lane
The Blue Meter optical sensor is positioned at the start of the 20-metre calibration lane. The WorkshopTab is connected to the vehicle and the calibration sequence is initiated.
2) Drive the vehicle through the lane
The vehicle is driven through the 20-metre lane. The Blue Meter’s optical sensor counts the electrical impulses from the motion sensor as the vehicle passes.
3) Results transmitted wirelessly
The Blue Meter transmits the measurement directly to the WorkshopTab via Bluetooth. No manual data entry is required – the WorkshopTab receives and records the W-value automatically.
4) W-value programmed into tachograph
The WorkshopTab uses the transmitted measurement to verify and programme the W-value into the tachograph as part of the full calibration sequence.
Why Workshops Use the Blue Meter
Traditional W-value measurement relies on cables connecting the vehicle sensor to the calibration equipment. Cable connections in a working workshop environment are prone to damage and create a trip hazard during the calibration run. The Blue Meter eliminates this entirely.
- No cables between sensor and WorkshopTab - reduces trip hazard during the calibration run
- Automatic wireless data transmission - removes manual data entry step
- Reduces sources of transcription error in W-value recording
- Fully integrated with the WorkshopTab calibration workflow
- Suitable for all digital tachograph calibrations
What's Included and What's Separate
The Blue Meter is supplied as a complete automatic measuring lane set. The reflector set is not included and is available separately. Contact ETS to confirm the current configuration and any available accessories.
| Item | Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VDO Blue Meter - automatic measuring lane set | A2C59513514 | Wireless optical sensor for 20-metre lane. Delivered without reflector set. Confirm part number with ETS before ordering. |
| Reflector Set | TBC | Available separately. Contact ETS to confirm part number and availability. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the W-value and why does it need to be measured?
The W-value is the characteristic coefficient of the vehicle – the number of electrical impulses generated by the motion sensor per kilometre of travel. It is unique to each vehicle configuration and must be accurately measured and programmed into the tachograph during every calibration. An incorrect W-value means the tachograph records inaccurate speed and distance data, which is a compliance failure.
Is the Blue Meter required for all tachograph calibrations?
W-value measurement is required for every digital tachograph calibration. The Blue Meter is not the only way to measure it — traditional cable-based methods can still be used — but it replaces the manual process with a wireless one, removing cables and manual data entry from the calibration run. For workshops calibrating regularly, it is a practical efficiency gain.
Does the Blue Meter work with the WorkshopTab 2?
Yes. All WorkshopTab accessories – including the Blue Meter – are compatible with the WorkshopTab 2. The only exception is the original WorkshopTab docking station, which is not compatible with the WorkshopTab 2.
Is the reflector set included with the Blue Meter?
No. The Blue Meter is supplied as the automatic measuring lane set only. The reflector set is not included and must be ordered separately. Contact ETS to confirm the correct reflector set part number and current availability.
Do I need the Blue Meter if I already have a calibration lane set up?
If your current calibration setup uses a cable-based method for W-value measurement, the Blue Meter is an upgrade rather than a replacement for missing equipment. It removes the cables from the process and integrates the measurement directly into the WorkshopTab workflow. Whether it makes sense for your workshop depends on your calibration volume and current setup. Contact ETS to discuss.
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