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 blog, we’ll break down the three main types: emulated ignition, hardwired ignition, and run detection. Whether managing a fleet or tracking a single vehicle, this guide will help you understand what works best for your setup.

Why It Matters

• Accurate engine hour tracking
• Maintenance scheduling
• Avoiding missed data during idling
• Improving billing or reporting accuracy

Tracking engine usage or kilometres travelled becomes essential when managing vehicles or equipment. With GPS trackers, you’ve got several ways to do this, but it can get confusing when terms like "emulated ignition," "hardwired ignition," and "run detection" are thrown around. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down.

1. Emulated Ignition – The Easy Setup

Emulated ignition is like the no-fuss option. Instead of wiring directly to the ignition system, the GPS tracker detects when the vehicle is running by:

• Detects vehicle movement by GPS

This method is excellent for quick installations and is less intrusive because you don’t have to touch the ignition wiring. However, it’s not 100% accurate. For instance, if the vehicle is stationary for a while, it might still record as “off” even if the engine is running.

Best for: Light vehicles or assets where you want to avoid complex installations, such as an OBD GPS Tracker.
Benefit: OBD2 GPS Trackers are easy to install, hassle free, and cheaper. However, if your vehicle idles frequently, it might miss some details.

2. Hardwired Ignition – The Precision Option

Now, hardwired ignition is the more precise approach. Here, the GPS tracker is directly connected to the vehicle’s ignition system, so it knows when the engine is turned on or off.
There is no guessing here! The tracker accurately records engine hours or kilometres travelled.
Best for: Fleets, trucks, or heavy equipment where knowing exact engine hours or movement is crucial.
Benefit: It's super accurate! It’s great for scheduling maintenance, monitoring fuel usage, and avoiding unnecessary vehicle wear and tear. It does take a bit more work to install, but the precision is worth it for larger fleets or mining equipment.

3. Run Detection – The Hybrid Solution

 Run detection is a smart alternative that works without wiring into the ignition. Instead, it detects engine activity by monitoring battery voltage. Run detect monitors battery voltage changes in the battery system by setting voltage limits; in a 12v system, you can set the tracker to turn on when the voltage is above 13.4v DC or off when the voltage drops below 12.8v DC. In a 24v system, you can set the tracker to turn on when the voltage is above 26.8v DC or to turn off when the voltage drops below 25.6v DC.

 This provides a more flexible solution than emulated ignition but without the complexity of hardwiring. However, there are drawbacks when using run detect in hotter or colder climates, as battery voltage can read higher in hotter conditions and lower in colder conditions. Therefore, you need to monitor system voltage more regularly.

Best for: Equipment or vehicles where installing ignition wiring is tricky, but you still need a reasonably accurate engine status reading.
Benefit: This is a solid middle-ground option. It’s more accurate than emulated ignition but more straightforward to install than hardwired options.

So, Which One is Best for Fleets?

Hardwired ignition is typically the best option if you're managing a fleet. Why? Because it offers:

• Accurate tracking of engine hours and kilometres travelled
• Better data for fuel consumption, maintenance, and idle time reduction
• Peace of mind knowing you’re getting the most precise tracking

However, if you're dealing with a mixed fleet (e.g., vehicles and equipment with different power setups), run detection can be a great option, providing flexibility without sacrificing accuracy.
Emulated ignition can be a quick solution for light-duty vehicles or assets where installation ease is the priority. However, it’s less accurate for idle times.

Here's a look at which Keep Track GPS trackers might be best for your fleet:

1. Keep Track Bolt 2

• The Bolt OBD2 GPS Tracker is the best choice for fleets seeking an easy to install and efficient tracking solution. Unlike hardwired trackers, the Bolt plugs into the vehicle’s OBDII port, allowing for fast installation without complex wiring. This makes it particularly useful for fleets with leased or short-term vehicles, where permanent installation may not be possible.
• Quick and Non-Invasive Installation: Plug it into the OBD port, and it’s ready. No downtime for wiring or professional installation.
• Ideal for Mixed Fleets: Since it’s so easy to move from one vehicle to another, the Bolt works well in fleets that rotate vehicles or have a mix of cars, vans, and light trucks.
• For fleets seeking flexibility and detailed insights without a hardwired setup, the Bolt OBD GPS Tracker offers a practical solution, especially for fleets managing shorter-term or leased vehicles.

2. Keep Track Dart 3

• The Dart3 GPS Tracker is best for small to medium fleets. It provides precise real-time data and supports both hardwired and emulated ignition.
• Hardwired Ignition: This system accurately tracks engine hours and kilometres, making it ideal for managing maintenance schedules and driver efficiency.
• Features: Includes geofencing, speed alerts, idle time, and detailed reporting.

3. Keep Track G70

• The G70 GPS Tracker is best for heavy equipment and larger fleets. It is hardwired and accurately tracks engine hours, kilometres travelled, and idle time.
• Reliability: It is designed for harsh environments, perfect for industrial or heavy-duty fleets like mining or agriculture.
• Additional Features: Provides rich data on driver behaviour and vehicle health.

4. Keep Track G150

• The G150 Extreme Hybrid GPS Tracker is best for diverse fleets: It supports hardwired and emulated ignition, offering flexibility based on your fleet’s needs.
• Hardwired for Precision: Ideal for large fleets needing exact engine hour tracking and compliance reporting.
• Hybrid Connectivity: It switches to satellite tracking when the cellular signal is lost, perfect for fleets operating in remote areas.

5. Keep Track, Battery-Powered GPS Trackers,

• These are best for assets and trailers. They are not hardwired but work well for non-powered assets, offering location tracking without vehicle integration.
• Easy Installation: No wiring is needed, making these a quick and cost-effective solution for monitoring movable equipment or cargo.

6. Keep Track Iridium Satellite Tracker

• Best for remote locations: This tracker provides satellite connectivity for fleets that travel outside of cellular coverage and can be used with hardwired ignition setups for accurate data anywhere
• Hybrid Hardwired Option: The tracker switches between cellular and satellite networks, ensuring continuous tracking in any environment.

The Keep Track G70 or G150 would be your top choice for large fleets or those needing high accuracy due to their hardwired setups and advanced tracking features.

The Keep Track Dart3 or Remora3 Battery-Powered GPS Trackers could be more practical if you manage smaller vehicles or hire assets.

Not sure which GPS tracker or ignition setup is right for you? Contact the Keep Track GPS team in Perth — we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

▼Which ignition type is the easiest to install?

Emulated ignition is the easiest. It works using GPS movement detection and requires no wiring. OBD plug-and-play trackers like the Bolt are ideal for this.

▼Which ignition type is the most accurate?

Hardwired ignition is the most accurate because it’s physically connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. It provides 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 good option when wiring into the ignition isn’t practical, especially for equipment or older vehicles.

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

Yes. Emulated ignition or battery-powered GPS trackers require no wiring. They're perfect for assets, trailers, or leased vehicles where permanent installs aren't suitable.

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

It’s recommended. While it's possible to DIY with automotive knowledge, a professional ensures the wiring is safe, accurate, and doesn't interfere with your vehicle's systems.

▼Which GPS tracker is best for remote locations?

The G150 Hybrid GPS Tracker or the Iridium Satellite Tracker are best for remote areas. They can switch to satellite coverage when mobile signal is lost.