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How to Install Your GV-57 Hardwired Tracker

Kayla H.
  • Updated

Contents

Overview

The GV-57 Hardwired Tracker is a weatherproof GPS tracking device designed for vehicles and equipment requiring reliable tracking without battery maintenance concerns. This hardwired installation provides continuous power and accurate tracking capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Weatherproof design for outdoor use
  • Two installation options: basic (virtual ignition) or advanced (wired ignition)
  • Ignition-based reporting for accurate on/off status
  • Built-in backup battery for power interruptions
  • Compact design suitable for various vehicle installations

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What's Included

Your GV-57 Hardwired Tracker package contains:

  • GV-57 Tracker with pre-installed SIM card
  • Wiring harness with connector plug and colored wires

Note: The SIM card is pre-installed and doesn't need to be accessed.


Before You Begin

Vehicle Compatibility

  • Compatible with 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems
  • Suitable for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and equipment
  • Works with both positive and negative ground systems

Planning the Installation

  1. Choose installation location: Select a protected area for the tracker unit
  2. Identify power sources: Locate constant power and ground connections
  3. Plan wire routing: Determine safe paths for wiring harness
  4. Decide on ignition detection: Choose between virtual or wired ignition detection


Installation Options

You can install the GV-57 in two ways:

Basic Installation (Virtual Ignition Detection)

  • Requires: Red wire (power) + Black wire (ground) only
  • Ignition detection: Uses motion-based or voltage-based algorithm to detect when vehicle is running
  • Easier installation: Fewer wire connections needed
  • Recommended for: Most users and standard installations

Advanced Installation (Wired Ignition Detection)

  • Requires: Red wire (power) + Black wire (ground) + White wire (ignition)
  • Ignition detection: Direct connection to ignition system for precise detection
  • More accurate: Exact ignition on/off status
  • Recommended for: Users requiring precise ignition monitoring


Basic Installation (Power Only)

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

  1. Turn off the vehicle and remove the key
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal
  3. Locate a suitable mounting location for the tracker:
    • Protected from weather and road debris
    • Away from hot engine components
    • Accessible for LED indicator viewing
    • Secure mounting point available

Step 2: Connect the Wiring Harness

  1. Connect the wiring harness to the GV-57:
    • Plug the connector firmly into the tracker unit
    • Ensure connection is secure and seated properly

Step 3: Connect Power (Red Wire)

  1. Identify a constant power source:
    • Battery positive terminal (most reliable)
    • Constant 12V wire that remains powered when vehicle is off
    • Main fuse box constant power connection
  2. Connect the red wire:
    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the red wire
    • Connect to the constant power source using wire nuts, crimp connectors, or direct connection
    • Ensure connection is tight and secure
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 4: Connect Ground (Black Wire)

  1. Identify a good ground connection:
    • Battery negative terminal (most reliable)
    • Frame ground point (clean, unpainted metal)
    • Existing ground wire connection
  2. Connect the black wire:
    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the black wire
    • Connect to the ground point using wire nuts, crimp connectors, or direct connection
    • Ensure metal-to-metal contact for good ground
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 5: Secure Installation

  1. Mount the tracker unit in the chosen location
  2. Route wires safely away from:
    • Hot exhaust components
    • Moving parts (wheels, suspension, steering)
    • Sharp edges that could damage wires
  3. Secure wiring with zip ties or electrical tape
  4. Test wire connections before proceeding

Step 6: Restore Power

  1. Double-check all connections are secure
  2. Reconnect the battery negative terminal
  3. Turn on vehicle ignition to test


Advanced Installation (With Wired Ignition)

Complete Steps 1-6 from Basic Installation first, then add:

Step 7: Connect Ignition Wire (White Wire)

  1. Identify ignition-switched power source:
    • Option 1: RUN position of ignition switch
    • Option 2: Any circuit that's only powered when ignition is ON
    • Examples: headlight circuit, fuel pump circuit, ECU power
  2. Connect the white wire:
    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the white wire
    • Connect to the ignition-switched power source using wire nuts or crimp connectors
    • Ensure connection only has power when ignition is ON
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 8: Test Ignition Detection

  1. Turn ignition OFF: White wire should have no power
  2. Turn ignition ON: White wire should have 12V power
  3. Verify with multimeter if available


Verifying Installation

Check LED Indicators

The GV-57 has two LED lights on the face of the device:

LED Status Meanings:

  • Green LED (Cellular):
    • Slow flash = Connected to cellular network (normal)
    • Rapid flash = Connecting to cellular network
  • Red LED (GPS):
    • Flashing = Acquiring GPS signal
    • Solid = GPS signal acquired
    • Off = GPS in standby or signal lost

Initial Power-Up Test

  1. Turn on vehicle ignition
  2. Wait 2-3 minutes for tracker to boot up
  3. Check LED indicators:
    • Should show activity within 1-2 minutes
    • May take 5-10 minutes for full connection

Connection Test

  1. Take vehicle outside to open area with good cellular coverage
  2. Wait 5-10 minutes for GPS and cellular connections
  3. Check your Hapn account to verify tracker appears online
  4. Test ignition detection: Turn ignition on/off and verify reporting changes


Troubleshooting

No LED Activity

Possible causes:

  • Loose power or ground connections
  • Blown fuse in vehicle's electrical system
  • Incorrect power source (switched instead of constant)

Solutions:

  1. Verify connections: Check all wire connections are tight
  2. Test voltage: Use multimeter to verify 12V at red wire
  3. Check ground: Ensure good metal-to-metal ground connection
  4. Inspect fuses: Check vehicle's electrical system fuses

LEDs Show Connection Issues

Green LED rapid flashing (cellular issues):

  1. Move to better coverage area
  2. Wait up to 15 minutes for connection
  3. Check for cellular service outages

Red LED won't stop flashing (GPS issues):

  1. Move to open outdoor area
  2. Check tracker mounting - ensure clear sky view
  3. Wait 10+ minutes for GPS acquisition

Ignition Detection Not Working

For wired ignition installations:

  1. Test white wire voltage: Should be 0V when off, 12V when on
  2. Verify ignition source: Ensure connected to switched power
  3. Check wire connections: Ensure white wire connection is secure


Next Steps

After successful installation:

1. Complete Account Setup

  • Log into your Hapn account at app.gethapn.com
  • Verify tracker appears in your device list
  • Customize tracker name for easy identification

2. Configure Settings

  • Default reporting mode: 1 minute when ignition ON, 3 hours when OFF
  • Adjust reporting frequency if needed through tracker settings
  • Set up alerts for important events
  • Create boundaries around important locations

3. Test Functionality

  • Take a test drive to verify location updates
  • Monitor ignition-based reporting:
    • Updates every minute when ignition is ON
    • Updates every 3 hours when ignition is OFF
  • Verify ignition detection works properly

Important Operating Notes

  • Ignition-based reporting: Updates based on ignition status, not motion
  • Backup battery: Small backup battery for brief power interruptions
  • Future expansion: Device has unused inputs for potential future features
  • Weatherproof: Suitable for outdoor use

Need help? Contact our support team at support@gethapn.com or submit a ticket.

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