TRACCAR App for position reporting to the Command Center
We will install an app on our phones that will report our position in real-time to the Ironman command post.
The purpose is to provide real-time, high accuracy, location reporting into the Ironman Command Center. They use it to watch us on the bicycle course so they know where the lead bicycle is as well as the various officials. They can also see the locations of all ambulances, SAG maintenance scooters and trucks. There are also ham radio operators at each of the water/aid stations on the course.
Follow the detailed instructions to install the app and configure it. Depending on your phone (Android or IOS) ensure that battery optimization is off or 'unmanaged.' That means if the app is not being actively used or on-screen the OS will turn it off. We don't want that. We want the app to run full-time in the background. (Note there is a switch to enable/disable the tracking service.)
That also means at the end of the event you have to remember to turn it off. I would also uninstall it. I'll remind you!
Note: This is a ham radio function not a commercial app with ads and other kinds of ad tracking cookies. Ensure you install the correct app as there are copies out there in the respective app stores. You want the "TRACCAR Client" by Anton Tananaev.
Here is the Woodlands Amateur Radio website with the installation details.
https://www.woodlands-event-comms.info/traccar-setup (You can ignore the second part, "How to use the Ertrak map")
Note: Here is a photo album of some of my screenshots of the app - Ironman TRACCAR App Screenshots
Note #2: In the configuration options it says to set the frequency to 300 seconds (5 min). That is too long for us on the course. Set the frequency to 120 seconds (2 min). Also set the distance to 400 meters (about 1/4 mile).
Note #3: This is not a streaming app like a video or music. This sends brief data packets with geolocation data so it isn't the battery hog that I thought it was.
After you install it, set it up, and turn it on you can test it here.
When you are testing (turning your service on) you won't be able to see your icon and location unless you login. On the map, click on the ?? icon on the left and then enter userid "imtx-moto" with a password of 3344. Must be lowercase (your cell phone will try to capitalize it).
Click on the LS icon and enter these options:
- Turn off the swim and run courses
- Click on the trackers option
- On the bike course add callsigns and active
- On the tracker options click on MOTO
Here are the procedures to report an incident on the bicycle course.
The preferred first report should be at this website: https://maps.ertrak.com/m4/
This is what the form looks like:
- For the "Reporter" enter your moto ID number (below)
- The Bib # is the number painted on the athletes leg or arm and also on a tag on their bicycle.
- Briefly describe the issue.
- When you click on one of the buttons the message will be sent. This will drop a pin on the map in the command center.
Next call the Command Center and let them know who you are and that you submitted a request online. You may have to repeat the information to them. But this will ensure the issue has two different people working on it.
The Command Center number to call is 281-210-5877
Remember: DO NOT CALL 911
Here is a link to report an incident online.
