Wiring question for Alarm Install

gtabbal · Dec 20, 2019

Hi everyone,
Im looking for some help in connecting a Scorpio Alarm with Rlink GPS to my Ducati V4 S (2018). As I understand it, I have two options to connect the hardware to the bike.

The first is going "old-school" and connecting + and - wires to the battery itself which I prefer not to do (more time, increased install complexity?, concern for battery drainage problems given the nature of the lithium battery in this model).

Rather, I conceivably have the option of side stepping the option above and simply using a different "harness" (set of wires) supplied by the alarm's manufacturer to connect the bike to the alarm using the Ducati factory alarm plug. Problem is, I have no idea where to find the correct the outlet.

Any assistance would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Geo

topolino · Dec 23, 2019

gtabbal said:
Hi everyone,
Im looking for some help in connecting a Scorpio Alarm with Rlink GPS to my Ducati V4 S (2018). As I understand it, I have two options to connect the hardware to the bike.

The first is going "old-school" and connecting + and - wires to the battery itself which I prefer not to do (more time, increased install complexity?, concern for battery drainage problems given the nature of the lithium battery in this model).

Rather, I conceivably have the option of side stepping the option above and simply using a different "harness" (set of wires) supplied by the alarm's manufacturer to connect the bike to the alarm using the Ducati factory alarm plug. Problem is, I have no idea where to find the correct the outlet.

Any assistance would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Geo

I certainly would not wire an alarm directly into the battery as you are asking for trouble, not least because you are making a would be thief's life easier in being able to disconnect or disable it. Furthermore it's not "old school" practice, it's just bad practice and certainly the least complex way to wire in an alarm. It's always best to hard wire any alarm into the loom by tapping into either the fuel pump or ignition relay circuits and covering or taping the loom in such a way as it is not obvious to the casual onlooker where the standard loom and alarm loom start and end. Ducati's home grown alarm is not the best quality and in my humble opinion you are always best having any half decent system professionally installed as you will not only get an installation certificate (which in many cases you can use to offset your insurance premiums) but peace of mind that all but the most determined thief can then easily bypass. Used in conjunction with other good security measures, like a concreted in ground anchor and/or a tracking device, you will at least deter the vast majority of low lifes who will hopefully look for easier pickings. Not sure about the US but here in the UK we have a number of systems that comply with 'Thatcham' approval, an industry wide recognised standard, that allows for the system under test, to demonstrate its robustness against a determined attack to bypass or disable it in a given time period. For example the Datatool system or META, to name but two. Ultimately it depends on how much importance you rate securuty. 'You pays your money, you take your choice' as they say.

stealthblack · Dec 23, 2019

I installed the Scorpio Alarm + RLINK module on my Panigale R and fabricated my own harness - identical to the Scorpio harness, with the addition of leads incorporating resistors and diodes to allow for turn signal functionality.

The Scorpio Ducati harness connects inline with the Black Box unit, simply pulling 12V+ always-on, key-on, and ground connections.

For a direct battery hookup, you would simply connect to your battery’s [+] and [-] terminals, and use a posi-tap on the taillight lead for the key-on 12V+ source.

Installation time and setup is nearly identical regardless of the installation method you choose - just a matter of personal preference.

Scorpio with RLINK has a built in battery backup to allow for continued alarm functionality for up to 30 minutes post battery disconnect.

In addition to the Scorpio siren and key fob alert, Rlink will push a text/email alert when the alarm is triggered (perimeter, tilt, ignition, etc.). Rlink also provides GPS tracking, ride logging, and geofencing via the Rever App.

Despite Scorpio’s claim of extremely low power draw, you must use a battery tender when using any of their products

gtabbal · Dec 23, 2019

Wow, how can I begin to thank you! I've been scouring the Internet, spending more hours than I'd like to admit and getting nowhere.

Can I ask you a couple quick questions?

When you refer to plugging directly into the black box unit: where did you find this outlet/integration relative to the bike? I know that because you're riding a type R this may not correlate to the V4 S model but I'm still curious. I did get a pointer from someone who directed me to look for the Ducati factory alarm plug (described as a white block connector blanking plug...) which would be found by removing the front nose cone fairing where it's located between the headlight unit above and the clocks/dash below.

Did you have any difficulty during installation with the wires/harness' being too short in length? Lastly, where did you choose to place all of the hardware devices: I'm assuming somewhere under the seat but please correct me if otherwise. There's a paucity of real estate available on the Panigale (as you know) so I'm thrilled to hear about your successful experience.

Again, thank you so much for your time and help! It's GREATLY appreciated!
Geo

gtabbal · Dec 23, 2019

topolino said:
I certainly would not wire an alarm directly into the battery as you are asking for trouble, not least because you are making a would be thief's life easier in being able to disconnect or disable it. Furthermore it's not "old school" practice, it's just bad practice and certainly the least complex way to wire in an alarm. It's always best to hard wire any alarm into the loom by tapping into either the fuel pump or ignition relay circuits and covering or taping the loom in such a way as it is not obvious to the casual onlooker where the standard loom and alarm loom start and end. Ducati's home grown alarm is not the best quality and in my humble opinion you are always best having any half decent system professionally installed as you will not only get an installation certificate (which in many cases you can use to offset your insurance premiums) but peace of mind that all but the most determined thief can then easily bypass. Used in conjunction with other good security measures, like a concreted in ground anchor and/or a tracking device, you will at least deter the vast majority of low lifes who will hopefully look for easier pickings. Not sure about the US but here in the UK we have a number of systems that comply with 'Thatcham' approval, an industry wide recognised standard, that allows for the system under test, to demonstrate its robustness against a determined attack to bypass or disable it in a given time period. For example the Datatool system or META, to name but two. Ultimately it depends on how much importance you rate securuty. 'You pays your money, you take your choice' as they say.

Thanks for the advice!! This is my first bike and I'm way over my head learning the basics (i.e. staying alive), so side projects like this alarm install have been on the back burner longer than would have been ideal. Your info helps a lot!!

stealthblack · Dec 23, 2019

gtabbal said:
Wow, how can I begin to thank you! I've been scouring the Internet, spending more hours than I'd like to admit and getting nowhere.

Can I ask you a couple quick questions?

When you refer to plugging directly into the black box unit: where did you find this outlet/integration relative to the bike? I know that because you're riding a type R this may not correlate to the V4 S model but I'm still curious. I did get a pointer from someone who directed me to look for the Ducati factory alarm plug (described as a white block connector blanking plug...) which would be found by removing the front nose cone fairing where it's located between the headlight unit above and the clocks/dash below.

Did you have any difficulty during installation with the wires/harness' being too short in length? Lastly, where did you choose to place all of the hardware devices: I'm assuming somewhere under the seat but please correct me if otherwise. There's a paucity of real estate available on the Panigale (as you know) so I'm thrilled to hear about your successful experience.

Again, thank you so much for your time and help! It's GREATLY appreciated!
Geo

The Black Box on the V4 differs from the one found on earlier Panigales (Refer to #11 in the attached image), however an inline harness would work in a similar manner.

Has Scorpio manufactured a harness specifically for the V4? There are a number of methods to create an inline harness, as the objective is to simply pull constant and key-on power in addition to ground. The harness/Scorpio alarm/RLINk are not communicating with the bike’s electronics in any way - they simply need power and rely on their own electronics to both detect motion, shock, movement, and provide GPS functionality. The battery hookup method works just fine.

As I previously mentioned, the Scorpio alarm has a built in battery backup to allow it to function in the event of a power loss. With the addition of the RLINK module, you will also receive an immediate text/email push notification should the alarm be triggered (assuming a data signal is available where the bike is parked).

The modules can be adhered to the inside of fairings, in the rear compartment, or anywhere there is available real estate. The Scorpio alarm and RLINK, in addition to the perimeter sensor, may also be installed in separate locations. The length of wiring supplied should be able to accommodate a variety of installation locations.

RdashP · Oct 25, 2020

gtabbal said:
... I did get a pointer from someone who directed me to look for the Ducati factory alarm plug (described as a white block connector blanking plug...) which would be found by removing the front nose cone fairing where it's located between the headlight unit above and the clocks/dash below

Download Install instructions as scanned version of mine in pdf: Ducati Anti Theft system kit 96680691A

RdashP · Jan 9, 2021

Black box on the right strapped in by rubber band is the OEM DMS Alarm for V4 sitting in its specifically designed slot.
Smaller black box on the left is the DMS Bluetooth module also where it's supposed to be installed.

Wiring question for Alarm Install

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