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 orientation 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, also called a tripmaster in the Anglo-American world; 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.
Glossary from A to Z
Related terms
Tripmeter
A precise, retrofittable distance recorder on the co-driver's side, considerably more accurate than the built-in odometer. Also called a tripmaster in the Anglo-American world.
Odometer
A vehicle's built-in odometer and the simplest form of distance recorder. Usually too imprecise for rally navigation – the more accurate tripmeter is used for that.
Odometer check
A short, measured section at the start of a TSD rally where the crew compares its odometer with the official distance (also odometer calibration run, OCR).