Why is this guide important
This guide contains the essentials to understand how your TripLogik works and how to use it correctly in your vehicle.
By following the recommendations, you will avoid installation errors, ensure the device records your trips accurately, and take full advantage of the system. ️
Things to know
What is the TripLogik’s OBD cable and why use it?
The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) cable included with your TripLogik plugs directly into your vehicle’s diagnostic port. All vehicles have had this connector since 1996 (except Tesla).
It’s the black cable included in your box.
The main reason to use the OBDII power source is to ensure the device always remains on.
The OBDII port is a stable, robust connection; it does not unplug easily.
It is constantly powered, even when the vehicle is off. This means the device remains active at all times.
When installed properly at the suggested location, the device becomes almost permanent: discreet, non-intrusive, and easily accessible without cluttering the center console.
ℹ️ If you haven’t installed the device in your vehicle yet, follow the guide at the link below.
Video: How to install in the car
Why is it so important that the device is always on?
When a GPS turns on, it must first acquire satellite signals, which can take time.
If the device is already on, it continuously receives these signals and can start recording your trips immediately.
Conversely, if you start driving before the device has connected to the satellites, three issues may occur:
Incomplete mileage – the beginning of the trip will not be recorded at the correct place, skewing the total distance.
Incorrect starting address – the displayed address will only match where the device actually started recording.
Reduced reliability – using a cigarette-lighter socket or built-in USB port can cause disconnections, which affects data stability and quality.
The TL1000 has no internal battery
No battery to replace – you’ll never have to worry about changing or servicing one.
No dangerous lithium cell – unlike other devices, there’s no risk from extreme heat. Lithium cells exposed to hot sun on a dashboard can burst, catch fire, or be damaged.
A simple logic – why add a small battery when your vehicle already has a large one?
Thanks to a direct connection to the OBDII port, the TL1000’s power is continuous and secure.
No internal battery, no problem.
I have a USB port in my vehicle—why can’t I plug my TripLogik into it?
First reason: communication with the multimedia head unit
Built-in USB ports are generally connected to the multimedia system (radio, screen, etc.).
In this case, the head unit tries to communicate with the device, as if it were connected to a computer for syncing.
Result: the device automatically disables its GPS antenna, making recording impossible.
Second reason: power is cut when the vehicle is off
Most built-in USB ports cut power when the ignition is off.
This disrupts TL1000 operation and causes:
incomplete recordings,
incorrect trip distances,
and wrong starting addresses.
ℹ️ Does my vehicle have an OBD port?
See the following article in the online manual for more details
Does my vehicle have an OBDII connector?
You have a Tesla?
On certain models such as Tesla, for example
You can use a USB port, but only with an intermediate rechargeable battery pack:
Plug the battery pack into the vehicle’s USB port.
Plug the TL1000 into the battery pack.
This way, the device remains powered at all times while the battery charges when the car is running.
It’s recommended to use a battery designed to recharge while simultaneously powering USB devices.
Permanent alternative solution
In some cases—such as on a boat, a motorcycle, or certain Tesla vehicles—you must use an external battery to keep the device powered.
The following wiring can be used without interfering with the device.
Another option is to install a “retrofit” charging port (OBDII modernization cable)
Available in the TripLogik online store. ⚠️ However, this solution requires professional installation
Using an alternative power source
In some cases—such as on a boat, a motorcycle, or certain Tesla models—it is necessary to use an external battery to keep the device powered continuously.
The following wiring diagram is recommended.
It provides a stable power supply without creating interference for the device.
Typical wiring for a Tesla without an OBDII port or another vehicle without an OBD port
Why does the device emit audible signals and what do they mean?
The device uses 4 distinct audio tones to inform you of its status and actions.
Each tone has a specific meaning so you know immediately what’s happening.
See the following article in the online manual for more details
Listen to the audible signals and view their description here.
Using TripLogik in your car
TripLogik is designed to replace the traditional logbook by leveraging GPS technology combined with digital maps.
The device is specifically developed to involve the user at each use, in order to achieve precise classification and ensure data reliability.
As explained earlier, thanks to constant power from the OBDII port, the device is always on and ready to record (when properly installed on this power source).
A high-performance GPS antenna ensures a strong, stable signal, minimizing position loss.
Simple audio cues keep the user informed in real time while limiting distractions while driving.
Unlike a simple toggle switch that keeps the device in a fixed mode, the TL1000 prompts the user at the start of each new trip to specify the trip type.
ℹ️ The only action required is to press or not the button to classify the current trip:
personal or business.
Example usage scenario
Imagine the following situation:
You get into your car, focused on your tasks.
As soon as you start the engine, the device—always ready thanks to constant power—immediately detects motion and vibration. It alerts you with a beep that the trip has begun.
At that moment:
TripLogik automatically starts recording.
The audio signal confirms the device is connected to GPS satellites and that a new trip is in progress.
This audible reminder invites the user to classify the trip immediately (there’s no better time than the present).
Trip classification
Business trip: press the blue button. The trip will be classified as Business.
Personal trip: don’t touch anything. The trip will automatically be classified as Personal.
All trips are always recorded.
The only action required is to specify the nature of the trip.
ABOUT THE TONES
What does the tone of a new trip sound like?
The sample below illustrates the sound emitted by the TL1000 when a new trip starts.
This sound confirms the device is connected to GPS satellites and serves as a reminder to specify the trip type (business or personal).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should you press the button?
You can press the button at any time during a trip.
For a business trip, you must press it at least once.
If you forgot, no problem—just press it later. You can even press multiple times without ever affecting the trip mileage.
The button is used only to classify the trip type.
Whether you press at the beginning, middle, or end of the trip, the Business classification will automatically apply to the entire trip.
When and how does the device consider a trip finished?
Once you arrive at your destination, the device considers the trip complete when the following conditions are met:
The vehicle is stopped for more than 5 minutes (or according to the configured delay).
The ignition is off and there is no vibration or movement.
In this situation, the device automatically starts a countdown based on the delay set in its configuration (5 minutes by default, adjustable in the software).
ℹ️ This setting can be adjusted in the Manager software menu:
Configuration → Device index
Beware of delays that are too short
If the configured delay is too short, the device may mistakenly interpret a temporary stop (e.g., heavy traffic or a red light) as the end of a trip.
In this case, it may seem to “beep for nothing,” when in fact it is simply detecting a succession of trip ends and starts.
The minimum recommended delay for proper operation is about 5 minutes.
However, if you are frequently stopped in traffic, it is preferable to set this delay to 10 minutes.
⚠️ If your stops are shorter, please see the section below on the “New trip” function, which lets you split and create a new trip manually.
What happens if the stop time is shorter than the end-of-trip delay?
If you start driving again before the stop has lasted long enough for the previous trip to be considered finished:
The device continues recording within the same trip.
The address where you briefly stopped will not appear in the report.
When you set off again, you won’t hear the start beep, because for the device there was no end of trip: it believes it is still recording the previous trip.
⚠️ If you want this stop to be recognized as a trip end and the next segment to be recorded as a new trip, you must use the “Force a new trip” function.
⚙️ This option is available in the menu: Configuration → Device index in the Manager software
How to force the device to record a new trip from your current location ?
See the online manual at the link below. It provides a complete explanation of the procedure to force the device to end a trip and start a new one.
In short, this function lets you start a new trip from your current position.
This option is especially useful in the following cases:
You did not stop long enough for the device to automatically detect a trip end.
You need to change the trip type while driving, even if you are already on the road.
We strongly recommend reviewing this section, as it is very likely you will need to use this function at some point.
See the full instructions here:
How to force the device to record a new trip
TripLogik: minimal interaction
Remember: you only need to press—or not press—the button at the start of each new trip.
If the trip is for business, press the button.
If the trip is personal, don’t press it (default mode).
If you make a mistake or change your mind, the trip type can be modified later in the software.
In the Manager application, you can also define certain places as business-only.
This way, when you return to those locations, your trips will automatically be classified as Business, even if you didn’t press the button.
✅ The more your places database grows, the more intelligent and automated the system becomes.
Always run a test before officially using your system
Take the time to properly configure your device and install it in your car as recommended.
⚠️
99% of initial issues reported to TripLogik support come from users who did not follow the installation steps to the letter.
We’re always happy to help, but we’re confident you’d prefer not to have to contact us.
Initial test steps
Once the device is configured and installed, take a short drive of at least 2.5 to 3 km.
When you return home, connect the TL1000 to your computer and perform a sync.
(For more information, see the How-to videos section in the software.)
This simple test allows you to:
☑ Verify that the device works correctly in your vehicle,
☑ Confirm that the installation is compliant
☑ Avoid issues before starting official use.
✅ Check proper operation from the start so you can drive with peace of mind!
Why and when to transfer your device data
We strongly recommend synchronizing your instrument at least once a month.
Benefits of regular synchronization
✅ Faster transfers: the fewer trips there are to import, the shorter the sync.
✅ Increased security: you reduce the risk of data loss.
✅ Easier review: with only one month of history to validate, it’s simpler and faster to check your business trips and verify or reclassify certain trips.
✅ Protection against the unexpected: if your instrument were to fail, you wouldn’t lose your entire history.
✅ Smoother management: by producing your reports each month, you avoid end-of-year stress and panic.
⚠️ Don’t wait too long: spare yourself the regret of not having done it!
A proven system since 2007
TripLogik’s features inspire confidence among tax authorities, who are very familiar with the product’s reputation.
You can never forget a trip.
No app to start or stop.
No battery to replace.
It always stays in the vehicle.
Record only when you are in the vehicle
Because TripLogik remains permanently in your vehicle and powered on, it’s immediately ready to record as soon as you hit the road. This gives you accurate, complete reports—including the nature of your trips—since you confirm the trip type to the device each time you use it.
Unlike a simple toggle switch that stays stuck on “personal” or “business” until you remember to change it, the TripLogik system:
Ensures the device is always active,
Prompts the user for confirmation for each new trip.
This proven approach inspires confidence among tax authorities and strengthens the credibility of your reports.
- You can never forget a trip.
- There’s no app to start or stop that might keep recording while you’re walking or using another mode of transport.
- No battery to replace.
- Because TripLogik is always in your car and powered on, it’s immediately ready to record.
- You will always have accurate, complete reports that include your trip types, because you confirm them to the device for each trip.