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How to Install a RoadTrack Wired Tracker

Easy, step‑by‑step guide on how to position your device and make power and ground connections for dependable, real‑time asset tracking

Mike Cadavida avatar
Written by Mike Cadavida
Updated this week

🚗 Overview

The RoadTrack Wired is a real-time GPS tracker powered by your vehicle or equipment’s electrical system. Once installed, it provides consistent location updates without the need to recharge. With optional ignition detection and relay-based immobilization, it’s a powerful tool for fleet tracking, theft prevention, and operational monitoring.


🧾 What You’ll Need

  • RoadTrack Wired device

  • Wiring harness (provided)

  • Access to vehicle/equipment power and ground

  • Optional: Access to ignition line for runtime tracking

  • Electrical tape or crimp connectors

  • Zip ties or adhesive pad (for mounting)


🔌 Wiring Overview

Wire Color

Function

Red

Constant power (9–36V DC)

Black

Ground

Orange

Ignition RUN line (optional – for engine runtime tracking)

Yellow/Purple/Other

TTL, SOS, EXT – not used for general tracking


🛠️ Installation Steps

  1. Choose Your Installation Spot

    • Ideal locations: under dashboard, behind glove box, or beneath seats

    • Avoid heat, engine bay, or areas exposed to water

  2. Prepare the Power Wires

    • Strip ~1 inch of insulation from the red and orange wires (if using ignition tracking)

  3. Connect the Wiring Harness

    • Plug the tracker into the wiring harness (Side A)

    • Use Side B of the harness to connect wires as follows:

      • Red → Constant 12V+ power source

      • Black → Vehicle ground

      • Orange → Ignition wire (optional)

  4. Secure the Tracker

    • Mount the tracker label-side up

    • Use zip ties or adhesive backing to keep it firmly in place

    • Ensure the antennas face outward or up (GPS and LTE are internal)

  5. Test the Device

    • Start the vehicle (if using ignition wire)

    • Look for LED indicators:

      • Red: Power

      • Green: Cellular

      • Blue: GPS lock

    • Confirm the device reports location in the GPX dashboard or mobile app


📶 Reporting Behavior

  • Reports location every 400 meters when moving

  • Optional setting: Every 30 seconds (when moving) via command

  • Updates include GPS position, speed, and status


🧠 Troubleshooting Tips

  • Ensure wires are firmly connected and secured

  • Use a voltmeter to confirm power from the vehicle

  • Mount away from fully enclosed metal boxes or signal-blocking materials

  • Use the app’s geofence feature to receive location alerts


🔁 Optional: Road Wired Relay Installation Guide (Engine Immobilizer Setup)

The RoadTrack Wired tracker supports relay-based ignition control, allowing you to remotely disable or enable the starter or fuel pump circuit. This is ideal for theft prevention, asset lockdown, or immobilizing vehicles outside approved schedules.

⚠️ Important: Only qualified installers should perform this setup. Make sure the asset is powered OFF before starting the installation.


🛠️ Relay Wiring Instructions

  1. Locate the ignition or starter/fuel pump wire you want to interrupt.

    • This is usually the wire that carries current to the starter or fuel system when the vehicle is started.

  2. Cut the wire and separate the two ends:

    • One end (from power source) connects to:

      • GREEN wire labeled IN on the Relay Harness

      • WHITE wire labeled PWR on the Relay Harness

    • These wires carry the current into the relay module.

  3. Connect the other end (leading to the starter or fuel pump) to:

    • GREEN wire labeled OUT on the Relay Harness

  4. Connect the control line:

    • Locate the YELLOW wire on the RoadTrack Wired tracker (next to the red and black power cables).

    • Connect this YELLOW wire to the YELLOW wire on the Relay Harness.

  5. Plug the Relay Switch into the Relay Harness connector to complete the setup.


📲 Remotely Disabling or Enabling the Asset

Once connected, the relay can be controlled remotely from the GPX platform or associated tracking dashboard:

  • Kill Connection:

    • Send the command: RELAY,1#

    • This interrupts the circuit and disables the starter/fuel system.

  • Resume Connection:

    • Send the command: RELAY,0#

    • This re-enables the circuit and restores normal operation.

💡 Commands can be issued from the GPX web app command center under your RoadTrack Wired tracker profile.


🧭 What’s Next?

Need more assistance?

  • Visit our Help Center to browse support articles

  • Or message your Customer Success Manager directly through the in-platform chat

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