Mixing Hale Taximeters: A UK Taxi Fleet's Guide

In the dynamic world of taxi operations, efficiency, reliability, and compliance are paramount. For UK taxi drivers and fleet managers, selecting the right taximeter system is a critical decision that impacts daily operations, accounting, and overall profitability. Hale, an Austrian company renowned for its sophisticated taximeter solutions, offers two prominent models: the elegant SPT-01 mirror taximeter and the versatile Microtax-05. A common question that arises is whether these distinct systems can be effectively integrated within a single fleet. The good news is, they absolutely can, offering a flexible and comprehensive solution for modern taxi businesses.

Hale's commitment to innovation has long been recognised, despite some historical challenges regarding support in the UK. By addressing these past issues and forging direct links with Hale in Austria, UK operators can now confidently leverage their well-engineered products. This article delves into the unique attributes of both the SPT-01 and Microtax-05, explores their compatibility, and highlights the significant advantages of integrating them into a unified taxi management system, particularly for those operating under UK regulations.

The Unmistakable Hale SPT-01 Mirror Taximeter

The Hale SPT-01 stands out as a truly unique product in the global taximeter market. Its defining feature is its complete integration into the vehicle's rear-view mirror, a design choice that offers numerous benefits and sets a new benchmark in electronic design. This ingenious integration solution not only saves valuable mounting space on the dashboard but also provides superior mounting possibilities for other essential in-car equipment, a significant advantage in the increasingly complex dashboards of modern vehicles. It’s a solution designed to clear the dash, providing a seamless and integrated look.

Key features of the SPT-01 include:

• Perfect Integration: The taximeter display is seamlessly integrated into the original rear-view mirror housing, initially designed for popular models like Mercedes Benz, Audi, VW, Vauxhall, and BMW. However, with expert conversion services, it can now be installed in virtually all vehicle types.
• Clear Visibility: The displayed fare is exceptionally clear and easily visible from every seat within the taxi, enhancing transparency for passengers.
• Automatic Luminosity: Both the meter display and the mirror glass feature automatic luminosity adjustment, ensuring optimal readability in varying light conditions, from bright daylight to night-time.
• Discreet Design: When switched off, the meter becomes completely invisible, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the vehicle's interior.

One notable point for UK operators is that while the SPT-01 is EEC approved, it is not PCO approved in certain areas of the UK. This means its use might be restricted in specific regions that have not yet aligned their regulations with the EEC standard. It is crucial for operators to verify local regulations before installation.

A potential drawback of the SPT-01 is its vehicle-specific models. If you purchase a specialised meter for a particular vehicle and later change your vehicle, the meter may not fit the new one. However, this challenge has been effectively overcome by service providers who offer meter conversion services. For instance, a Mercedes meter can be expertly converted and installed into a different make, such as an Avensis. Alternatively, operators can opt to hire a mirror meter, allowing the supplier to manage compatibility and supply a suitable unit for any vehicle.

Introducing the Hale Microtax®-05 Taximeter

In contrast to the integrated design of the SPT-01, the Microtax®-05 is a highly flexible and modular taxi management system. Its design emphasis is on versatility and expandability, allowing individual modules to be combined as desired, making it easy to grow and adapt the system over time. This modularity is a significant advantage for evolving fleet needs.

Housing and Design

• Slim Profile: With a depth of only 17.5 mm, the Microtax®-05 remains the slimmest taximeter on the market, offering discreet installation options.
• Compact Measurements: Its housing (160x57x17.5mm) is smaller than a usual radio display, facilitating diverse installation locations.
• Lightweight and Durable: Constructed from high-quality, resistant plastic, it weighs a minimal 145g, contributing to ease of installation and reduced vehicle load.
• Installation Flexibility: Multiple installation options are available, saving time and cutting costs during fitting.
• User-Friendly Interface: Fully integrated Clicktouch®-function keys ensure ease of operation.
• Superior Readability: A high luminance LED-Display guarantees perfect legibility under all conditions, with separate displays for fare and extras.
• Accessible Connections: A dedicated connection terminal allows easy access to all pins and connections.
• Adjustable Viewing: Flexible mounting brackets enable individual adjustment of the viewing angle for optimal driver comfort.

Advanced Performance Capabilities

The Microtax®-05 is packed with features designed to enhance operational efficiency and compliance:

• Integrated Tachograph: Capable of recording approximately 800 trip features and up to 31 shifts, providing comprehensive data logging.
• Flexible Tariffs: Supports 32 tariffs, allowing for highly flexible tariff organisation and automatic switching based on time, date, distance, or fare.
• Future-Proof Tariff Management: Current and future tariffs can be programmed, with automatic tariff changes on fixed days. A second tariff data memory allows for rapid and easy tariff modifications.
• Power Efficiency: An OFF-Mode conserves power and battery life.
• Comprehensive Totalisers: Features 14 shift totalisers and 14 password-protected owner totalisers, with display and print options for 3, 4, or 5 digits. Some totalisers can be erased or switched off as needed.
• Automatic Holiday Calendar: Programmed until 2040, including religious holidays, automatic summer/winter time switching, and consideration for regional holidays. This ensures compliance with varying rates.
• EURO-Functions: Includes currency conversion (national currency - € - national currency), integrated €-LED, automatic switch to EURO tariff using the second tariff memory, and the second currency printed on taxi receipts.
• Roof Sign Indication: A digit in the 'EXTRAS' display indicates whether the roof sign is on/off or if lamps are defective.
• Data Transfer: Allows transfer of trip records for data radio via a serial interface.
• VAT Selection: Supports selection of VAT-rate 1, VAT-rate 2, or VAT = 0%.

Optional Modules and System Integration

The Microtax®-05 system can be further enhanced with various optional modules:

• CEY-System: Extending the Microtax®-05 with the Cey-Contact offers a sensational and affordable accounting system. Handy CEYs (keys with integrated storage chips) simplify shift start and end. Owner-CEYs protect data from unauthorised access. This system facilitates the transfer of shift and trip data from the taximeter to the CEY and then to a PC for comprehensive data exploitation, including driver/owner accounting and shift overviews.
• Printers: Hale offers two printer options: the Thermo Paper Printer TPD-01 and the Normal Paper Printer NPD-01.

NPD-01 (Normal Paper Printer):

• Compact dimensions: 160 x 57 x 22 mm (WxHxD), weight: 250g.
• Uses normal paper (with or without copy), paper width: 57 mm.
• Prints receipts, credit card vouchers, management reports, and shift reports.
• Interfaces with HALE microtax, magnetic card swipe, and PC.
• 28 characters per line, with different font sizes.

TPD-01 (Thermo Paper Printer):

• Fast and precise thermo printer.
• Prints taxi receipts, including your company logo.
• Prints receipts, management reports, shift reports, and trip data.
• Very precise printout: 28 char/line, 576 dots/line = 300 dpi.
• Prints in approximately 2.5 seconds.
• Paper width: 58 mm.
• End of paper detection via visible paper roll.
• Direct programming of header, footer, and logo via PC.
• Technical excellence: less current consumption (autosleep and wake-up), optimal printing quality (ambient temperature compensation), secured printer head.
• 3-coloured LED status display: green (ready), orange (data transfer/printing), red (end of paper), dark (autosleep mode).

• Magnetic-Card Reader: For processing card payments.
• Seat Sensors: For automated detection of passenger presence.
• Time Signal Receiver DCF-477 (Europe): Ensures accurate timekeeping.
• Mobile Data System: For advanced fleet management connectivity.

Cab Assistant: Your Central Accounting Hub

Hale's Taxi Accounting Software, Cab Assistant, is a simple, highly affordable method for controlling company vehicles and/or owner/driver vehicles. It streamlines the calculation of office dues and the collation of account jobs. Every job is automatically recorded, including the precise times the meter is turned off and on. Crucially, it also records both occupied and unoccupied journey distances, providing a comprehensive overview of fleet activity and ensuring accuracy in reporting.

The Power of Combination: Mixing SPT-01 and Microtax-05

This is where Hale's system truly shines for diverse fleets. The core principle is that both the SPT-01 HALE mirror taximeters and Microtax®-05 meters can be seamlessly mixed within the same Hale system. This means a fleet can utilise the sleek, integrated design of the SPT-01 in premium vehicles, perhaps for executive hires or owner-drivers who prefer a cleaner dashboard, while simultaneously deploying the robust, modular Microtax-05 in other vehicles, such as those requiring extensive data logging or specific peripheral integrations like the CEY system or advanced printers.

The ability to mix and match these meters within a unified Hale ecosystem, powered by the Cab Assistant software, offers unparalleled flexibility. All data, regardless of which meter type generates it, can be aggregated and managed centrally, simplifying accounting, reporting, and overall fleet oversight. This eliminates the need for disparate systems and provides a cohesive view of your entire operation.

Overcoming Past Challenges in the UK

Historically, Hale had faced a somewhat challenging reputation in the UK, primarily due to issues with meter supplies and backup service stemming from less direct links with the company. However, this situation has significantly improved. By dealing directly with Hale in Austria, service providers in the UK can now offer full support for their products. This renewed direct channel ensures better availability of meters, parts, and technical assistance, making Hale products a more reliable choice for UK operators. Operators can also utilise Hale's Tariff Tables to produce or check their tariffs, further streamlining compliance and operations.

Comparative Overview: SPT-01 vs. Microtax-05

While both are excellent Hale products, their distinct designs cater to different operational preferences. The following table provides a quick comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Hale SPT-01 mirror taximeter legal to use everywhere in the UK?
A: While the SPT-01 is EEC approved, it is not PCO approved in all areas of the UK. This means its use may be restricted in specific regions that have not yet aligned their regulations with the EEC standard. Always verify local PCO regulations before installation.

Q: Can I really mix SPT-01 and Microtax-05 meters in my fleet?
A: Yes, absolutely. Hale's system is designed for this flexibility. Both meter types can operate within the same Hale accounting system, such as Cab Assistant, allowing for centralised data management across a mixed fleet.

Q: What happens if I change my vehicle but have an SPT-01 meter?
A: A drawback of the SPT-01 is that some models are vehicle-specific. However, this can be overcome by professional meter conversion services that can adapt your existing SPT-01 to fit a new vehicle. Alternatively, hiring a mirror meter offers greater flexibility.

Q: What is the CEY-system and how does it benefit my taxi business?
A: The CEY-system is an affordable accounting extension for the Microtax-05. It uses handy CEYs (keys with integrated storage chips) to simplify driver shift management and secure data transfer. It allows for easy collection of shift and trip data from the taximeter to a PC via the CEY, enabling comprehensive accounting, driver/owner data analysis, and shift overviews using the Cab Assistant software.

Q: How has Hale's support in the UK improved?
A: Historically, there were challenges with Hale's support in the UK due to indirect links. However, by establishing direct relationships with Hale in Austria, UK service providers can now offer full and reliable support, ensuring better availability of meters, parts, and technical assistance.

Q: What kind of data can I get from these meters using Cab Assistant?
A: Cab Assistant provides extensive data, including automatic recording of every job, meter on/off times, and occupied/unoccupied journey distances. This comprehensive data is invaluable for calculating office dues, collating account jobs, and gaining a detailed overview of your fleet's operations.

Conclusion

The ability to mix Hale's SPT-01 mirror taximeter with the Microtax-05 within a unified system represents a powerful and flexible solution for modern UK taxi fleets. Whether prioritising sleek integration, extensive modularity, or comprehensive data management, Hale offers robust, well-engineered products. With improved direct support channels from Austria, UK operators can now confidently invest in these systems, streamlining their operations, enhancing compliance, and ensuring efficiency across their entire fleet. By understanding the unique advantages of each meter and leveraging their seamless compatibility, taxi businesses can optimise their setup for maximum performance and profitability.

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