GPS Tracker Ignition Explained: What Triggers Tracking and Why It Matters

What’s the Difference Between Emulated Ignition, Hardwired Ignition, and Run Detect for GPS Trackers?

Ever wondered how a GPS tracker knows when your vehicle or equipment is running? It all comes down to how the device detects ignition, and there’s more than one way to do it! In this guide, we’ll break down the three main types: emulated ignition, hardwired ignition, and run detection. Whether you’re managing a fleet or tracking a single vehicle, this will help you understand what works best for your setup.

Why It Matters

• Accurate engine-hour tracking
• Better maintenance scheduling
• Avoiding missed data during idling
• Improved billing and reporting accuracy

1. Emulated Ignition – The Easy Setup

Emulated ignition is the no-fuss option. Instead of wiring directly to the ignition system, the GPS tracker detects when the vehicle is running by monitoring GPS movement. If the device detects motion past a set threshold, it assumes the engine is on.

This method is great for quick, non-intrusive installations because you don’t have to touch the ignition wiring. However, it’s not 100% accurate for long; idle periods may not be recorded as “running.”

Best for: Light vehicles or assets that require a simple install, such as an OBD GPS Tracker.
Benefit: Plug-and-play convenience at low cost. Perfect for leased or short-term fleet vehicles.

2. Hardwired Ignition – The Precision Option

Hardwired ignition provides the most precise results. The tracker is directly connected to the vehicle’s ignition wire, so it knows exactly when the engine is turned on or off, no guessing required.

Best for: Fleets, trucks, or heavy equipment where exact engine hours or kilometres travelled are essential.
Benefit: Ultra-accurate readings ideal for maintenance scheduling, fuel tracking, and compliance reporting.

Devices such as the Keep Track Dart3 and Keep Track G70 offer hardwired ignition input and are designed for rugged environments and long-term fleet use.

3. Run Detection – The Hybrid Solution

Run detection bridges the gap between emulated and hardwired ignition. It determines when the engine is running by monitoring battery voltage. When voltage rises above a set threshold (indicating the alternator is charging), the tracker assumes the engine is on; when it drops below another threshold, it assumes the engine is off.

For example, in a 12 V system, you might set:

• Engine On: above 13.4 V DC
• Engine Off: below 12.8 V DC

In a 24 V system, double those values. This is a flexible, reliable method that avoids complex wiring but still gives near-hardwired accuracy.

Best for: Vehicles or equipment where ignition wiring is hard to access.
Benefit: Accurate engine-status detection without needing a full install, perfect for plug-and-play trackers like the Bolt.

⚙️ Real-World Accuracy: Run Detect vs Emulated vs Hardwired

At Keep Track GPS, we tested these ignition methods across Toyota 4×4 mining vehicles (1–3 years old) and compared odometer accuracy over 4 - 15 days of operation.

🔧 Recommended Run Detect Settings (12 V System)

• High Voltage: 13.4 – 13.5 V – Detects engine ON when alternator starts charging.
• Low Voltage: 12.2 – 12.4 V – Detects engine OFF when alternator stops.
• Start Delay: 10 s – Prevents false starts from brief spikes.
• End Delay: 60 s – Keeps trips active through short voltage dips.

Applying these thresholds reduced drift from as much as –95 km to within ±5 km over similar test periods, accurate enough for service interval planning and usage-based maintenance.

🧪 Testing Methodology

To compare ignition-detection accuracy under real-world conditions, we fitted an Isuzu MUX with both a Keep Track Dart3 (hardwired ignition) and a Keep Track Bolt OBD GPS Tracker, both plugged in via an OBD splitter cable. This side-by-side setup allowed us to record data from both devices under identical driving, idling, and charging conditions.

The Dart3 served as our control unit, providing a precise ignition reference, while the Bolt was tested in Run Detect and Emulated Ignition modes. Because the MUX uses a modern smart-charging system similar to Toyota 4×4s and mining utes, the test environment closely matched real-world fleet behaviour.

Testing and tuning of Run Detect parameters are ongoing, with comparative data logged between the Dart3 and Bolt in Excel for further analysis. Results are being refined to account for temperature changes and voltage variance in different operating conditions.

📊 What This Means for Fleet Managers

• Hardwired Ignition → Best for compliance, maintenance planning, and fuel/hour billing.
• Run Detect (optimised) → Best balance for plug-and-play OBD trackers like the Bolt OBD GPS Tracker.
• Emulated Ignition → Best for light-duty vehicles and leased assets where ease of install is key.

Here’s a Look at Which Keep Track GPS Trackers Might Be Best for Your Fleet

1. Keep Track Bolt 2 – OBD Plug-and-Play Tracker
Bolt 2 offers fast, non-invasive installation and is ideal for leased or short-term vehicles where permanent wiring isn’t possible.

2. Keep Track Dart 3 – Compact Hardwired Tracker
Dart 3 provides precise, real-time data and supports both hardwired and emulated ignition. Perfect for light-to-medium fleets.

3. Keep Track G70 – Heavy Fleet and Equipment Tracker
G70 is built for harsh conditions and records accurate engine hours and idle time for industrial fleets.

4. Keep Track G150 – Hybrid Iridium Tracker
G150 Hybrid offers hardwired precision with satellite fallback, ideal for remote operations and mine sites beyond cell coverage.

5. Battery-Powered GPS Trackers
Perfect for non-powered assets and trailers, offering location tracking without vehicle integration.

6. Iridium Satellite Trackers
Best for fleets in remote regions, with global satellite coverage and optional hardwired ignition input for engine-hour tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ignition type is the easiest to install?◄

Emulated ignition is the easiest — it works purely from GPS movement and needs no wiring. Ideal for OBD plug-and-play trackers like the Bolt.

Which ignition type is the most accurate?◄

Hardwired ignition is the most accurate because it’s directly connected to the vehicle’s ignition system, providing exact engine-on and engine-off timestamps.

What is run detection, and when should I use it?◄

Run detection uses battery voltage to determine when the engine is running. It’s a great option when wiring isn’t practical, such as for OBD installations or older vehicles.

Can I use GPS tracking without wiring into my vehicle?◄

Yes. Emulated ignition and battery-powered trackers work without wiring, making them ideal for trailers, hire vehicles, or movable assets.

Do I need a professional to install hardwired GPS trackers?◄

It’s recommended. While DIY is possible for experienced users, a professional installer ensures safe wiring and accurate data capture.

Which GPS tracker is best for remote locations?◄

The G150 Hybrid GPS Tracker and Iridium Satellite Tracker are best for remote areas, providing satellite coverage where cellular signal is unavailable.

Need help choosing the right GPS tracker or ignition setup?
Contact the Keep Track GPS team in Perth for expert advice and custom solutions for your fleet.