MachineSense System Installation Guide for Excavators
1. Overview
As a general rule, all excavators are fitted in a similar manner, regardless of the machine’s size. While there may be slight variations in how the cable is secured and routed—such as the path to the battery compartment or the fuse board for the signal cable—the overall process remains consistent.
The primary requirement is that the MachineSense device (Blue box) is mounted on the roof, and the Universal Power Adaptor (Grey box) is affixed externally to the rear screen of the cab within one metre of the MachineSense unit. When these conditions are met, the fitting process is generally straightforward.
This guide outlines the necessary steps to ensure correct installation of the system. It covers component placement, cable routing, and power connections.
2. Required Components
MachineSense Device (The Blue)
(Mounted externally on the roof)Grey Universal Power Adaptor (UPA)
(Mounted externally on the rear screen of the cab)Wiring Loom
(3-core cable. Red and Black direct to battery. Green to Ignition live fuse or relay) - Pre-fittedCable Ties and Mounting Adhesive Pads
(For securing cables)Fuse Tap and Fuse Holder
(For connecting signal cable to fuse board and for adding inline fuse to positive cable)
3. Pre-Installation Checks
Ensure the machine is powered down.
Inspect and clean mounting surfaces.
Verify all parts are present and undamaged.
4. Component Placement
4.1 MachineSense Device
Location: Centre or side of the roof (external)
Mounting Method: Magnetic, (Metal roof)
Alternative Mounting Method: Excavator has a plastic roof click HERE for guide
Note: Ensure a clear line of sight to the sky (for GPS connectivity).
4.2 Universal Power Adaptor (UPA)
Location: External rear of cab, affixed to the rear window (within 1 metre of the MachineSense unit)
Mounting Method: Adhesive pad.
Ensure the UPA is level and stable.
Mount 'PLINX Ready' Sticker
4.3 Driver Interface Bracket
Location: External front left of cab, affixed to top of grab rail (Amalgamating tape may be required)
Mounting Method: Truss clamps
Ensure the LED screen is visible to the operator.
Secure and tidy cables (Avoid looping)
5. Cable Routing and Connection
5.1 MachineSense to UPA
Use the pre-fitted 1m cable to connect the MachineSense unit to the UPA.
Tighten waterproof nut, secure with cable ties; avoid sharp bends or pinch points.
5.2 Driver Interface to MachineSense
Use 2m cable to connect the Driver Interface to the MachineSense unit (PORT 1)
Tighten waterproof nut, secure with cable ties; avoid sharp bends or pinch points.
5.3 Power Cable UPA to Battery
Route: From UPA to the machine’s battery compartment. Tidy all cables.
Connection:
Red to Positive (+) via Inline fuse connector
Black to Ground (–)
Secure all cables to avoid loose ends or contact with moving parts.
5.4 Signal Cable (Green) to Fuse Board
Route the signal cable to the fuse board. Use extension core where required.
Use a fuse tap or connect inline via a spare accessory fuse slot (e.g., ignition).
Confirm fuse rating matches system specs (typically 2A–5A).
6. Final Checks and Power-On
Double-check:
All cable connections are tight and insulated.
Mounts are secure and weather-sealed (for roof device).
UPA and MachineSense are within 1 metre of each other.
Driver display is fixed and visible
Turn on the machine and verify:
LEDs are lit on the Driver Display (Green)
7. Troubleshooting Tips
Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
No power to UPA | Loose battery connection | Check terminals, ensure polarity is correct |
Signal not registering | Signal wire not fused or connected | Check fuse board tap and continuity |
GPS not locking | Obstructed roof device | Move MachineSense to clearer location |