Onboard and Install a Digital Matter Dart3 Device

This article explains how to onboard and install a Digital Matter Dart3 device for use with Virtual Superintendent.

The Dart3 is a vehicle tracking device designed for demanding environments. It supports multiple inputs and outputs and transmits tracking data to Virtual Superintendent.

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You can download the detailed Dart3 datasheet from the Digital Matter website here.

Permissions

To onboard a Dart3 device through the SafeSite app, you must have the following permissions enabled:

  • SafeSite Superuser

Before You Begin

Before installing a Dart3 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 Dart3 onboarding process.

Install the SafeSite App

To install the SafeSIte mobile app:

  1. Find the Cloudscape SafeSite app page in the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store (Android) then download and install the app.
  2. Open the app on your device.
  3. Tap Scan QR Code and grant the app permission to use your device camera.
  4. Scan your unique registration QR Code. This code should be provided to you by your supervisor or head office.
  5. Review the details shown on screen.
  6. 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 Dart3 Device

You must onboard a Dart3 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:

  1. Open the SafeSite app and sign in.

  2. Open the menu and tap On‑board. The On-board screen opens.

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  3. Tap Plant. The On-board Asset screen opens.

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  4. Enter the machine details and take a photo of the machine.

  5. 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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  6. Record the Dart3 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 Dart3 device, or manually enter the serial number.
  7. 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 Dart3 Device on a Machine

After a Dart3 device is onboarded, it is ready to be installed on a machine.

Dart3 devices are designed to operate while the machine is running and are powered using an 8–36 V DC power source. Each device includes a 12‑wire harness for installation.

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 Dart3 powers on and communicates correctly.

Insert SIM Card and Connect Battery

Before installing a Dart3 device on a machine, insert a SIM card and connect the battery.

Each Dart3 package includes:

  • A backup battery
  • A 12‑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

The Dart3 uses a Micro (3FF) SIM. To insert the card:

  1. Slide the hinged SIM holder sideways to release.
  2. Tilt the holder upward.
  3. Place the SIM card so it makes contact with the SIM contacts on the PCB.
  4. Close the SIM holder and slide it sideways, locking it back into place.

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Connect the battery

To connect the battery to the Dart3 device, connect the battery to the white battery connector on the PCB.

Once the SIM card is inserted and the battery is connected, the internal LED flashes to indicate that the device is:

  • Connecting to the server
  • Obtaining a GPS fix
  • Reconnecting to the server

See the Digital Matter Getting Started page for more information.

Dart3 Wire Definition

Each Dart3 device includes a 12‑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.

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Common wiring connections

Typically the install uses the following three wires:

Wire Color Pin Connection
Voltage in
Red Pin 1 Connect to vehicle battery (8-36 V)
Ground
Black Pin 3 (or any black wire) Connect to chassis ground
Ignition input
White Pin 8

Connect to ignition source

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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 1) and Ignition input (Pin 8) 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.

See the Digital Matter Installation page for more information.

Dart3 device wire definition

The following table includes an overview of all Dart3 pin connections:

Pin Color Function
1 Red +V.IN / BATT (8-36 V)
2 Black GROUND
3* Purple V.OUT
4* Green DRIVER ID 2 TTL RX / WIEGAND DATA 0 / DIGITAL INPUT 3
5 Pink DIGITAL INPUT 1 (48 V MAX)
6 Orange ANALOG INPUT (0-30 V)
7 Black GROUND
8 White IGNITION INPUT (0-48 V) 'ON' AT >2.2 V
9* Black GROUND
10* Brown DRIVER ID 1 TTL TX / WIEGAND DATA 1, iBUTTON
11 Blue DIGITAL INPUT 2 (48 V MAX)
12 Yellow SW GROUND

Connect the Dart3 Device to Load or Dump Switches

For hauling machines, you can configure a Dart3 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 11 (Digital Input 2, blue 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 11 triggers a load event.

Dump events

To record dump events:

  • Connect Pin 5 (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 5 triggers a dump event.

OEM Installer Device Check

After installing a Dart3 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 Dart3 device serial number in the Device Serial Number field.
  • Click Find. The device status is displayed.

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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 Dart3 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 Dart3. When the relay closes, the Dart3 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 Dart3 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.
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