Onboard and Install a Digital Matter G120 Device

This article explains how to onboard and install a Digital Matter G120 device for use with Virtual Superintendent.

The G120 is a compact 4G GPS tracking device designed for demanding applications. It supports multiple inputs and outputs and provides reliable tracking data when used with the SafeSite mobile app and Virtual Superintendent.

Permissions

To onboard a G120 device through the SafeSite app, you must have the following permissions enabled:

SafeSite Superuser

Before You Begin

Before installing a G120 device on a machine, you must onboard it. Onboarding links the device to a specific machine so it can transmit data correctly to Virtual Superintendent.

Onboarding is completed using the SafeSite mobile app. To complete the onboarding process:

Install the SafeSite app on your mobile device.
Sign in with a user account that has permission to onboard devices.

If you have not yet installed SafeSite app, install it before starting the G120 onboarding process.

Install the SafeSite App

To install the SafeSIte mobile app:

Find the Cloudscape SafeSite app page in the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store (Android) then download and install the app.
Open the app on your device.
Tap Scan QR Code and grant the app permission to use your device camera.
Scan your unique registration QR Code. This code should be provided to you by your supervisor or head office.
Review the details shown on screen.
Tap Next, then tap Sign on to start using the SafeSite app.

After installing the SafeSite app, you must have the SafeSite Superuser permission assigned to your user account. Contact your Virtual Superintendent administrator to have this permission added to your account.

Onboard a G120 Device

You must onboard a G120 device before installing it on a machine. Onboarding links the device to a specific machine so it can transmit data to Virtual Superintendent.

To onboard the device:

Open the SafeSite app and sign in.
Open the menu and tap On‑board. The On-board screen opens.

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Tap Plant. The On-board Asset screen opens.

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Enter the machine details and take a photo of the machine.
Scroll to the Tracking Methods section at the bottom of the page and select DM Device. A Serial Number field opens.

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Record the G120 device's serial number in the Serial Number field. You can either tap Scan and point the camera at the barcode on the back of the G120 device, or manually enter the serial number.
Review the details and tap On‑board Asset to complete onboarding.

Important

Enter the serial number, not the IMEI number.
The serial number is a 6‑character code printed on the back of the device.

Install a G120 Device on a Machine

After a G120 device is onboarded, it is ready to be installed on a machine.

G120 devices are designed to operate while the machine is running and draw power from 12 V or 24 V systems. Devices are typically mounted under the dashboard. Avoid mounting the device in areas surrounded by metal, as this can interfere with the GPS signal.

See the Digital Matter Support page for more information.

Note: Before installing the device on a machine, you must insert the SIM card and connect the internal battery. These steps are required to ensure the G120 powers on and communicates correctly. The G120 does not operate unless both the SIM card is installed and the battery is connected.

Insert SIM Card and Connect Battery

Before installing a G120 device on a machine, insert a SIM card and connect the battery.

Each G120 package includes:

The G120 device in its bottom housing
A top cover
An internal backup battery (1100 mAh LiPo, located under the PCB)
A 24‑wire harness

The device ships without the top cover attached so you can insert the SIM card and connect the battery. Insert the SIM card before connecting the battery.

Insert the SIM card

The SIM card holder is located on top of the green circuit board, between the modem and the GPS antennas, and accepts a Micro (3FF) SIM.

To insert the card:

Slide the hinged SIM holder sideways to release.
Tilt the holder upward.
Place the SIM card so it makes contact with the SIM contacts on the PCB. Check that the SIM corner notch is correctly oriented before closing.
Close the SIM holder and slide it sideways, locking it back into place.

Connect the battery

The battery is permanently attached to the housing and located underneath the PCB. Do not attempt to move or detach the battery.

To connect the battery:

Tilt the PCB and lift it out of the housing. Do not touch the GPS antenna.
Connect the battery plug to the white three pin battery connector under the PCB. The LED on the board lights up and flashes.
Place the PCB back into the housing and locate it in place.
Place the top cover onto the housing and press down gently to clip it into place. No screws are required.

Ensure the device is sealed correctly to reduce exposure to water. To open again, gently pry up the top cover using a wide flathead screwdriver.

Note: The G120 includes an internal backup battery to maintain operation in the event of power loss or tampering. See here for information about estimated battery backup life.

G120 Wire Definition

Each G120 device includes a 24‑wire harness that connects to the device. Take care when attaching the harness to ensure it is seated correctly and the connector lug is not damaged. An improperly connected harness may not hold the wires securely in place.

Common wiring connections

Typically the install uses the following three wires:

Wire	Color	Pin	Connection
Voltage in	Red	Pin 24	Connect to vehicle battery (8-45 V)
Ground	Black	Pin 12 (or any black wire)	Connect to chassis ground
Ignition input	White	Pin 23	Connect to ignition source

Important ignition wiring requirements

You must ensure that no power is present on the ignition wire when the machine is turned off. If power is always present, the machine cannot sign on correctly and will not be detected by Virtual Superintendent.

Machines without an ignition wire

If the machine does not have a dedicated ignition wire:

Connect both Voltage in (Pin 24) and Ignition input (Pin 23) together.
Connect them to the machine’s power supply.

Important:

The power supply must not be live when the machine is turned off or isolated. If power is always present, the machine cannot sign on and will not be detected by Virtual Superintendent.

G120 device wire definition

The following table includes an overview of all G120 pin connections:

Pin	Color	Function
1	White/Orange	ANALOG INPUT 1
2	Black	GROUND
3	Violet	SWITCHED POWER DID
4	Brown/Blue	DIGITAL INPUT 5
5	Violet/Red	DIGITAL INPUT 6
6	Black	GROUND
7	Blue/White	CAN1 P
8	Blue/Red	CAN1 N
9	Orange	SWITCHED POWER OUT
10	Green	SWITCHED GROUND 2
11	Yellow	SWITCHED GROUND 1
12	Black	GROUND
13	Brown	TTL OUT (TX)
14	Green	TTL IN (RX)
15	Black	GROUND
16	Pink	DIGITAL INPUT 1
17	Blue	DIGITAL INPUT 2
18	Green/Black	DIGITAL INPUT 3
19	Brown	DIGITAL INPUT 4
20	Black	GROUND
21	Violet	RS232 IN (RX) ±5V
22	Black/White	RS232 OUT (TX) ±5V
23	White	IGNITION
24	Red	+V.IN / BATT (8-45 V)

Connect the G120 Device to Load or Dump Switches

For hauling machines, you can configure a G120 device to record load and dump events. These events provide valuable insight into where material is loaded and dumped. You can record both load and dump events on the same machine.

Load events

To record load events:

Connect Pin 19 (Digital Input 4, brown wire) to a loading switch or signal that increases voltage when the machine is loading.
A voltage change from less than 2 volts to greater than 2 volts on Pin 19 triggers a load event.

Dump events

To record dump events:

Connect Pin 16 (Digital Input 1, pink wire) to a dumping switch or signal that increases voltage when the machine is dumping.
A voltage change from less than 2 volts to greater than 2 volts on Pin 16 triggers a dump event.

OEM Installer Device Check

After installing a G120 device, confirm correct operation using the Digital Matter OEM Installer Device Check tool. This tool verifies that the device is communicating and reporting data correctly.

Check device status

To check the device status:

Open the OEM Installer Device Check page.
Type the G120 device serial number in the Device Serial Number field.
Click Find. The device status is displayed.

What to verify

After locating the device, confirm the following:

The correct Device Type is shown.
The device has connected recently under Last Communication.
Last Commit Time matches or closely follows the Last Communication time. A commit indicates a successful data upload. If the device has not committed recently, reported data may be out of date.
The device has a recent Last GPS Update time.
The Battery Level is not low (4.2 V is fully charged, low charge is below 3.7 V).
The External Power level matches expectations. Check this value with ignition on and with ignition off. Refresh the page after changing ignition state to confirm results.
The ignition status toggles correctly when the vehicle ignition is turned on and off (beside Ignition under Digital Inputs).

Using a Relay for Alternator Power

If you source power directly from an alternator and the G120 device does not detect the signal, using a relay can resolve the issue.

The relay is triggered by the alternator output and supplies a separate voltage to the G120. When the relay closes, the G120 detects the voltage and records ignition status correctly.

See the Install a Digital Matter Device Using a Relay help article for more information.

Other Important Information

Additional important information to be aware of:

The G120 includes an internal self‑resetting thermal fuse, so external fuses are not required.
The device uses internal GPS and cellular antennas, so no external antennas are required, making installation simpler.
G120 devices perform reliably in common mounting locations, such as under the dashboard or under a trailer. In most cases, the most convenient installation location is suitable. For best performance, choose a location where the device has a clear 180‑degree view of the sky when possible.
It is recommended to conceal the device where practical to reduce the risk of damage.

Once power is supplied (when the machine is turned on) the device starts transmitting data to Virtual Superintendent. No additional configuration is required.