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Choose configuration for telematics device

How to choose the right configuration and wiring for a telematics device depending on whether you want to track location, engine hours or production time.

Written by Thim Smedbrant

When should I use this guide?

Use this guide when you need to install or configure a telematics device on a machine.

The guide helps you choose the right configuration depending on which data you want to track:

  • location

  • engine hours

  • production time

  • idle time

Prerequisites

Before you choose a configuration, you need to know what type of tracking the machine should have.

Choose whether the device should be used for:

  • location only

  • location and engine hours

  • location, engine hours and production time

For detailed wiring diagrams, see the installation manual for the device:

Vehicle Tracker Installation Manual FMC234

How to do it

Choose location only

Choose this configuration if the device should only show where the machine is located.

Wiring:

The device is connected to the machine battery for power, plus and minus. No digital inputs are connected or mapped.

Result:

The platform shows the machine position on the map, but does not calculate engine hours or production time.


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Choose location and engine hours

Choose this configuration if you want to see where the machine is located and how long the engine has been running.

Wiring:

DIN1 is connected to the machine's actual ignition signal. No other digital inputs need to be connected.

Result:

The platform can show engine hours with high accuracy. The system cannot distinguish between active work time and idle time.


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Choose location, engine hours and production time

Choose this configuration if you want to track the machine's position, when the engine is running and when the machine is actively working, for example digging, pumping or lifting.

Wiring:

  • DIN1 is connected to the machine's actual ignition signal.

  • DIN2 is connected to a work signal. This can be, for example, a hydraulic signal, PTO lever or pump activation signal.

Result:

The platform can show location, engine hours and production time. You can also distinguish between when the machine is working and when it is idling.

Why correct wiring is important

Machines do not behave like cars. A machine can work while standing completely still, and it can be moved without the engine running.

Engine hours for machines should therefore be based on a direct ignition signal, not on movement, vibration or accelerometer data.

For example, if a machine is transported on a trailer, a tracker that uses movement or vibration can interpret this as the machine being active. Engine hours may then be recorded even though the engine is switched off.

With correct wiring to the machine's actual ignition signal, engine hours become more reliable.

If it does not work

First check that:

  • the device has power from the machine battery

  • DIN1 is connected to the machine's actual ignition signal if engine hours should be shown

  • the work signal is connected to the correct digital input if production time should be shown

  • the correct inputs are mapped in the configuration

  • the selected configuration matches the data you want to track

Tips!

  • Use location-only configuration if you do not need engine hours or production time.

  • Always connect engine hours to an actual ignition signal when machine data needs to be reliable.

  • Use a work signal if you need to distinguish between active work time and idle time.

  • See the installation manual for detailed wiring diagrams.

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