How to program a taximeter?

You are the proud owner of a taxi. You have bought a Starplast taxi light made in France but you do not know how to program the taximeter and link it to your taxi light? Starplast offers you this step by step guide.

 

What is a taximeter?

The taximeter is required in all taxi vehicles. It determines the amount to be paid by the customer according to the length of the journey and the distance travelled from point A to point B. This device must be installed by a service provider approved by the prefecture of the department where the taxi operates. It can be integrated into the car’s interior rear-view mirror or fixed to the dashboard.

Taximeter, mandatory equipment for taxis
The taximeter is a mandatory equipment in a taxi

How does a taximeter work?

A taximeter operates differently when the vehicle is moving than when it is stationary. When the vehicle is in motion, the taximeter measures the distance travelled. Using a sensor built into the vehicle’s transmission, it interprets certain electrical impulses which it sends to the taximeter detailing the number of kilometres travelled and the speed used.

When the taxi is stopped, the taximeter measures the time. In this case, the amount indicated increases as time passes. The reason why the taximeter continues to run when the vehicle is stopped (in traffic jams for example) is because the taxi driver continues to work in this situation.

Starplast taxi light fits all taximeters

Like all taxi lights, Starplast’s are connected to the taximeter, installed inside the vehicle. The taxi driver indicates to outsiders the occupancy status of the vehicle by operating the taximeter. Both Starplast’s taxi lights Universal and Full Led are compatible with all taximeters on the market. Check out the list below.

Taximeters Compatibility Conditions
Universal Full Led
Kienzle YES YES
Semel YES YES
Digitax YES YES
Ata Primus Power YES YES
Ata Revolution Range YES YES The application software of the ATA BOX must be version 01.16.

Programming of the taximeter : 

  • Control of the light in traditional mode
  • Select the light, in AIR JAWS type
Hale Electronic YES YES
Taxitronic YES YES
Tetas YES YES
Semitron YES YES

How do you install a taximeter?

Programming the fare

  • Insert the blue key corresponding to the fare of the department.
  • Remove the blue key as soon as the taximeter is in the FREE, CLOSED, or CLOSE position.

Programming the taximeter’s multifunctions

  • Insert the blue programming key, “MULTI“.
  • Press button K3.

Number of passengers

  • “PASSEN” appears on the left display. The number of passengers in the vehicle is to be determined.
  • Press button K4 to increase the number on the right display and K3 to decrease it.
  • Press button K2 to move on to the next setting, the previous one is automatically validated.

Indication of the presence of a printer

  • For the next setting, “PRINT” appears on the left display. It will be necessary to indicate whether a printer will be connected to the meter during the tests or not.
  • Press K4 to increase the right digit and K3 to decrease it.
    • 0 = no printer connected
    • 1 = a printer is connected
  • Press button K2 to move to the next setting.

Change of colour of the time stamp

  • For the next setting, “HORODA” appears on the left display.
  • With the buttons K3 and K4 you change the colour of the time stamp, “NO” means that there is no time stamp.

Indication of the serial number

  • For the next setting, “SERIAL” appears in the left display. The entry of the serial number is now requested.
  • Press button K4 to increase until the desired number appears.
  • Press button K3 to decrease.

Indication of the parking number

  • For the next setting, “STATIO” appears in the left display. The parking number should be shown in the right display.
  • Press button K4 to increase until the desired number appears.
  • Press button K3 to decrease.

BLOCK 1 memory reset

  • For the next setting, “CLR B1” appears in the left display. This is to determine whether or not the user will be able to reset the BLOCK 1 itself.
  • Press button K3 and K4 to change the right-hand digit.
    • 0 = Taximeter will use default settings
    • 1 = The user will be able to reset the BLOCK 1 memory (only for the craftsman)
    • 2 = The user will not be able to delete the BLOCK 1 memory.
    • Position 1 should be used to allow the craftsmen to reset the memory.
      However, tenants will not be able to reset, in which case position 2 applies.

Limit price for automatic ticket printing

  • For the next setting, “EU REC” appears in the left display. The right display shows a price above which the two tickets will be automatically issued. Below this price, the tickets must be issued manually with the K1 button.

Time and date setting

  • Insert the black calibration key.
  • Press buttons K1 and K3 simultaneously.
  • “TIME” is displayed for a few seconds.
  • Press button K1 to set the day.
  • Press button K2 for the month.
  • Press button K3 for the hour.
  • Press button K4 for the minutes.

Your taximeter is now ready for use!