Distance recorder
Umbrella term for any in-car device that measures distance – from the series odometer through the more precise tripmeter to digital and GPS-based units. It provides the basis for every distance instruction.
A distance recorder (German Wegstreckenzähler) measures the distance between waypoints and can be mechanical, electrical or digital. It is the basis for driving prescribed distances precisely, as needed in regularity and navigation tasks.
The simplest form is the car's built-in odometer, which is usually too coarse for rally navigation. The special rally unit fitted additionally on the co-driver's side is the tripmeter, often called a tripmaster after the classic Halda Tripmaster; it is considerably more accurate and can be calibrated.
Which devices are allowed depends on the class: in the Elektronik-Klasse digital and GPS-based units are permitted, whereas in the Sanduhrklasse only mechanical ones may be used.
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Related terms
Roadbook
Each team's handbook: it holds the schedule, the times and the entire route – usually via tulip diagrams and distance figures. The basis of every rally.
Tripmeter
A precise supplementary instrument for measuring the distance driven – more accurate than the standard odometer. The co-driver's key tool, often called a tripmaster.
Odometer
The distance counter built into every vehicle and the simplest form of distance recorder. Usually too imprecise for rally navigation – the more accurate tripmeter is used for that.