SmarTracks Athlete App – User FAQ
General
What distances can I run with the app?
What kind of running data can I measure with the app?
What kind of smartphone do I need for the app?
How do I use the app on a track with integrated Timing Gates?
How do I know if a track has integrated Timing Gates?
Can I wear the smartphone on my upper arm when using the app?
Record Run
Why do I have to choose a track prior to a run?
Does it matter which lane I use?
Why do I have to start 1m in front of the starting line?
Why does the smartphone have to be calibrated prior to a start?
Does the app start measuring immediately after the countdown?
Why are only certain tracks shown in the map?
Free Run
General – What distances can I run with the app?
With the Free Run option, you can run any distance and any route you want.
With the Record Run, you have to select what distance you wish to run. The following options are provided in the Record Run menu:
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10km, 20km
Record Run example:
When you select 100m the app will measure your run up until 100m.
Even if you run more than 100m, the app will measure your run only up until 100m.
If you run less than 100m, it will give you the data of the distance you ran. Your distance will appear in the summary as, for example, “30m/100m”.
General – What kind of running data can I measure with the app?
In the Record Run option, the app will measure:
- Distance
- Time (average and split times)
- Number of steps (total and split times)
- Steps per minute (average and split times)
- Speed (average and split times)
In the Free Run option, the app will measure:
- Distance
- Time
- Steps per minute (spm)
- Speed
General – What kind of smartphone do I need for the app?
The app is available for Android and iOS.
- Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 8.0 or higher
- GPS sensor
- Acceleration sensor
- Magnetic field sensor
The app is dependent on the sensitivity of your smartphone sensors, so high-end smartphones should give no problems in timing gate recognition.
The following smartphones were extensively tested:
BQ Aquarius U, BQ Aquarius X5 Plus, OnePlus X, ZTE Nubia Z11 mini S, Samsung Galaxy J5, Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7
General – How do I use the app on a track with integrated Timing Gates?
You can use the app to run on a track with timing gates integrated beneath the surface, the SmarTracks Timing Gates In-Ground. All you need to do is select the track in the app’s Track Selection screen, and then start a Record Run.*
The Record Run is especially suited to measure sprint and split times.
Here is a step-by-step guide how to perform a Record Run.
*You can also use the Free Run option on a track with integrated Timing Gates, but then the app will not use the Timing Gates to measure your run.
General – How do I know if a track has integrated Timing Gates?
All the tracks that have integrated Timing Gates are listed in the app’s Track Selection screen.
You can also locate tracks that have integrated Timing Gates here.
General – Can I wear the smartphone on my upper arm when using the app?
We recommend to place your smartphone on the lower back with the help of an appropriate running belt. Only there we can assure a reliable measurement of time and step frequency.
We recommend purchasing a running belt which allows to wear the smartphone at the lower back (e.g. 2bFit belt, Formbelt).
Record Run – What is a Record Run?
The Record Run makes it possible to accurately measure even short distances. It uses magnetic timing gates that are integrated into the tracks and will be recognized by the sensors of your smartphone.
You can find tracks that have integrated Timing Gates here. The Track Selection screen in the app also shows you where you can find tracks with integrated Timing Gates.
The Record Run is especially suited to measure sprint and split times.
Record Run – How do I start a Record Run?
First select the track you want to run on, then choose Record Run via the side menu or the action floating button. Select the distance and then tap on “Set new record”.
Here is a step-by-step guide how to perform a Record Run.
Record Run – How do I end a Record Run?
Tap “Stop” to end the measurement of your run.
If you stop running, the app will assume you have ended the run. If you then start running again without having tapped “Stop”, the app will assume you have started a new run.
Record Run – Why do I have to choose a track prior to a run?
The distribution of our integrated Timing Gates on the respective tracks can differ. It is important for the analysis of your run, that your smartphone knows the distribution of Timing Gates on your track.
Record Run – Does it matter which lane I use?
Since the integrated Timing Gates cannot cover all lanes, please check in the Track Details which lanes can be used. During the sensor calibration you will also be informed which lanes you can use for the distance you selected.
Record Run – Why do I have to start 1m in front of the starting line?
Our integrated Timing Gates form a magnetic field at certain points (e.g. Start, 50m, Finish). To receive reliable measurements, you are supposed to start not in the magnetic field but 1m in front of it.
Record Run – Why does the smartphone have to be calibrated prior to a start?
Depending on your smartphone, you will be asked to calibrate the magnetometer prior to your run. This ensures that you will receive reliable data for your runs.
Record Run – Does the app start measuring immediately after the countdown?
No, the measurement starts when you pass the first Timing Gate. You can let the countdown run out and not start immediately, this will not affect the measurement.
Record Run – Why are only certain tracks shown in the map?
The tracks shown are intelligent tracks that contain our integrated timing gates, the so-called Timing Gates In-Ground.
Tap on the star next to the track to mark it as a favorite. It will always appear at the top of your track list.
Tap again to remove it as a favorite.
Free Run – What is a Free Run?
With the Free Run you can run anywhere you like, every route you like. The measuring process during the Free Run is GPS-based.
Free Run – How do I start a Free Run?
Simply select Free Run via the side menu or the action floating button (lower right corner in the first screen). Tap on “Start Training” to start a countdown, which you can let run out or tap away to start your run.
Free Run – How do I end a Free Run?
Tap “Stop” to end the measurement of your run.