Android Installation - Windsurfer Tracker

Follow these steps to install and configure the Windsurfer Tracker app on your Android phone.

Event & Password Required: You will need to know which event you're tracking and the password for that event. Ask the race organisers for these details.

Install from Google Play

Download from Play Store

Install the Windsurfer Tracker app from Google Play:

Get it on Google Play

Install the App

Tap "Install" in the Play Store. Once installed, tap "Open" to launch the app.

Configuration

Open Settings

Tap the "Settings" button (gear icon) in the app.

Select Your Event

Tap "Select Event" to see available events. Choose the event you're participating in.

If you don't see your event, check with the race organisers that it has been created.

Enter Your Details

Configure the following settings:

Setting	Value
Your Name	Your name or sail number (e.g., `John` or `S42`)
Role	Select `Sailor` (or Support/Spectator if applicable)
Password	Enter the event password from the race organisers

Tap "Save" when done.

Grant Permissions

The app needs location permission to track your position. When prompted:

Tap "Allow" for location access
Select "Allow all the time" for background location (recommended)
Allow notifications (optional but helpful)

Start Tracking

Tap the large "Start Tracking" button. The app will begin sending your position to the server every 10 seconds.

Testing Your Setup

Verify It's Working:

Start tracking on your phone
Open https://wstracker.org in a web browser
Select your event from the list
You should see your position appear on the map within a few seconds
The "ACK Rate" on your phone should show a percentage (ideally 80-100%)

During the Race

Keep the app running - don't close it or the tracking will stop
Lock screen is OK - the app continues tracking in the background
Request Assistance - if you need help on the water, long-press the green "Request Assistance" button
Battery - the app is designed to be efficient, but consider bringing a power bank for long races

Troubleshooting

ACK Rate shows 0%

This means the app cannot reach the server. Check:

You have selected the correct event
The event password is correct
You have mobile data or WiFi connection

Position not showing on map

Make sure:

Location permission is set to "Allow all the time"
GPS is enabled on your phone
You're outdoors with a clear view of the sky

Alternative: Direct APK Installation

If you prefer not to use Google Play, you can download and install the APK directly:

Download Tracker APK

Note: When installing the APK, Android will ask you to allow installation from unknown sources. Tap "Settings" when prompted, then enable "Allow from this source".