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Android Installation
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.
Google Play Closed Beta
Help us get into the Play Store! To publish this app on the Google Play Store, we need 12 people to opt into the closed beta for 14 days.
To participate in the closed beta:
- Join the wstrackers Google Group using the same email address as your Android phone: groups.google.com/g/wstracker
- After joining the group, use this link to download the app from the Play Store:
Get it on Google Play (Beta)
If you prefer not to join the beta, you can still install the app directly using the APK download below.
Direct APK Installation
2
Allow Installation from Unknown Sources
When you try to install, Android will ask you to allow installation from unknown sources. This is required because the app is not from the Play Store.
Tap "Settings" when prompted, then enable "Allow from this source".
3
Install the App
Open the downloaded APK file and tap "Install". Once installed, tap "Open" to launch the app.
Configuration
4
Open Settings
Tap the "Settings" button (gear icon) in the app.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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)
8
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
Play Store says "Your device isn't compatible"
This is usually not a device compatibility issue. Google Play shows this misleading message when you're not in the closed beta testing group. To fix:
- Join the wstracker Google Group using the same email address as your Google account on your phone
- Wait up to a few hours for the testing group membership to sync with Play Store
- Clear Play Store cache: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Clear cache
- Try again, or use the direct APK download above instead
If you recently joined the group, it can take several hours for Google Play to recognize you as a tester.
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