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Dart3 Wiring and Installation guide

Written by Fezile Mojapelo

Updated at July 7th, 2025

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Table of Contents

Tools and Items Needed Harness Pin-out and Wiring Harness diagram Basic 3-Wire Installation Mounting Guidelines Additional Install Options: Connect Digital Inputs: Connect Analog Input: Driver ID: Switched Ground: Molex Connector Molex Connector Details: Plug and Play Connection Options:

The Dart3 is supplied with a 12-wire harness. The harness contains pins for various I/Os. For many installs, where we simply are looking for 'standard' vehicle tracking, we only need to connect 3-wires.

For quick plug-and-play installs, there are additional Dart3 harness options (OBDII harness, Cig Lighter harness) - or the Bolt2 is a good option. The benefit of a 3-wire 'hard-wired' install is that the device can't be easily dislodged/removed, and - a ‘true’ ignition signal can be detected. Meaning trip starts are recorded with pinpoint accuracy - and idling can be effectively monitored. 

Tools and Items Needed

Before beginning installation, ensure you have the following:

  • Fuse Tap Connectors – for tapping into vehicle wiring
  • Pliers – for gripping and bending wires
  • Multi-meter – to verify voltage and ground connections
  • Wire Strippers/Cutters – for preparing wire ends
  • Screwdrivers – for opening panels or securing mounts
  • Zip Ties or Fasteners – to secure wiring and device
  • SIM Card – for cellular connectivity
  • Protective Gloves – for safety during installation

Harness Pin-out and Wiring

  • The Dart3 comes with a 12 wire, 650mm long harness
  • 15mm is pre-stripped on the input (red), ground (black), and the ignition (white) wires.
  • Wire gauge is 0.35mm²

Harness diagram

 

Pin Wire Colour Function
1   +VIN / Battery (8–36V)
2   Ground
3*   VOUT (Power Output)
4*   Driver ID 2 / TTL RX / Wiegand D0 / Digital Input 3
5   Digital Input 1 (Max 48V)
6   Analog Input (0–30V)
7   Ground
8   Ignition Input (0–48V, active >2.2V)
9*   Ground
10*   Driver ID 1 / TTL TX / Wiegand Data 1 / iButton
11   Digital Input 2 (Max 48V)
12   Switched Ground

 

Pins marked with an asterisk (*) are routed to the 4-way Molex connector for RFID reader integration.

 

Basic 3-Wire Installation

For standard vehicle tracking:

  • Use a multi-meter to locate a fuse that supplies power even when the vehicle is turned off (such as the hazard lights or interior/door lights)
    • Connect Red (Pin 1) on the Dart3 harness to this or the vehicle battery (8-36V).
  • Connect Black (Pin 3 - or any black wire on the harness) to chassis ground
  • Use a multi-meter to locate a fuse that will only supply power when the vehicle is on - such as indicator lights. 
    • Connect White (Pin 8) - to this point. 
    • The White ignition input will register as 'on' when >2.2V is applied to this line. 

NB: It is best to avoid ‘tapping into’ a safety critical system such as the ABS. 

Fuse taps such as the below may be used for a clean install. 

Mounting Guidelines

  • Mount the device securely using zip ties or brackets.
  • Place the device with as clear a view of the sky as possible, in order to maximize GPS signal. 
  • Avoid mounting near metal surfaces or electronic interference sources (e.g., radios, ECUs).
  • Route wires neatly and secure them to avoid vibration damage.

Additional Install Options:

Connect Digital Inputs:

Pins 5,11 and 4 (provided you are not using a Driver ID reader already) can be used for external triggers such as:

  • Door Open
  • 4WD Active
  • Seat belt monitoring
  • Panic Buttons

See Digital Inputs Introduction - the device parameters must be configured first for this to correctly function. 

Connect Analog Input: 

Pin 6 (Orange) is for voltage-based sensors e.g. fuel float switch. 

Driver ID:

A plug and play Driver ID reader is available (supplied by DM) - incorporating an RFID reader and internal buzzer. 
Alternatively, iButton or Wiegand readers can be used. 

See:

  • Connecting a DM iButton Reader 
  • Driver ID Options 
  • Bluetooth® Driver ID Setup Guide 

When wired in tandem with an automative relay, the asset can be configured to be immobilised until a valid ID is presented and/or a command is sent from the server. 

  • Immobiliser Install - Asset starts after valid Driver ID Scan 
  • Immobilisation Install - Asset can be immobilised from server 

Pins 4 and 10 for RFID/iButton. Driver ID 1 and Driver ID 2 are used for various functions depending on configuration. Either:

  • Driver ID 1 and 2 can be used to connect a Digital Matter RFID reader (plugs in via the 4 way Molex connector)
  • Driver ID 1 can be used as the iButton Data Line, and Driver ID 2 can be used as a 3rd Digital Input. This can be independently or simultaneously.
  • Driver ID 1 and 2 can be used to connect Wiegand Driver ID readers

Switched Ground: 

Pin 12 for controlled grounding to drive external buzzers, or immobilise the asset. 
See: 

  • Digital Outputs - Introduction 
  • Connect an External Buzzer/LED 

Molex Connector

The four way Molex connector comes as part of the 12 way harness, with pins 3, 4, 9 and 10 from the main harness going to the connector. This can then be used for a plug and play connection to the DM RFID reader. 

PIN COLOUR FUNCTION
PIN 1   GROUND
PIN 2
 
TTL RX / Wiegand D0 / Digital Input 3
PIN 3   VOUT
PIN 4
  Tnd DTL TX, Wiegand 1, iButton

Molex Connector Details:

Some partners may choose to build their own harnesses or fit a suitable mating part to the 4-way molex connector to their own Driver ID readers to simplify installations.

To assist with this, part numbers of the connectors on the Dart3 wiring harness are shown below. 

12 way Main Connector Connector Housing Receptable 12 position 3mm straight bag Part Number: 43025-1200
4 way Molex connector Micro fit 3.0 plug housing, dual row with panel mount ears, halogen-free, 4 Circuits Part Number: 43020-0400

Mouser Link

Plug and Play Connection Options:

We also have an OBD harness or a Cigarette Lighter harness options available for a quick install, or alternatively - consider the Bolt2

Please note that you will not be able to get an ignition trip if you are using either of these harnesses, since a dedicated ignition wire is only available in the 12-wire harness. The device will work out trips based on movement or change in voltage.

 

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