If you arrive without your GPS tracker, you can still appear live on the map. The free Traccar Client app turns any phone into a backup tracker that streams your position straight to OptiTrack. It takes about two minutes to set up.
Get Traccar Client (the official free app) for your phone:
When the app first asks for location permission, choose Allow all the time (not just "while using"). This lets it keep sending positions while your phone is in your pocket or the screen is off.
Open the app and tap Settings (the gear icon). Fill in:
http://optitrack.co/traccar
GBR1234 or blueheron). Tell your race organiser what you picked so they can match you to your boat.
0 so the app reports on time only, not just when you move.
The Frequency setting lives with the other reporting options in the app's settings (on some versions it's under the Advanced / location section). It controls how many seconds pass between each position report.
Faster updates give a smoother track but use more battery and data. Pick the frequency to match your race:
| Frequency | Best for |
|---|---|
| 5 s | Short, tight racing — dinghies, lots of mark roundings, close action where a smooth track matters. |
| 10–15 s | A good all-round default for most club races. |
| 20–30 s | Long or offshore races where the course is spread out and you want to save phone battery. |
Tip: A phone tracking at 5 seconds for several hours will drain its battery — bring a power bank for long races, or use a slower frequency.
Back on the main screen, flip the Status switch at the top to on. The app will start sending positions. Within a few seconds your boat should appear on the live map — check with your race organiser that they can see you before the start.
Leave the app running in the background for the whole race. When you're done, switch Status back off to stop tracking and save battery.