GPX file help

Entering the Island Trial involves sending a "GPX file" to the website. But what is that and how do you make it?

A GPX file is simply a list of coordinates from a GPS-enabled device. Smartphone, Velocitek, Garmin...they all make them. If you have a fancy GPS unit then follow the instructions for that unit.

If you're using a phone then here are some instructions to get you started. So, what to do? It's easy. Let's start at home; 

    • Go to endomondo.com and create an account 
    • Download the endomondo app onto your iphone/android 
    • Ensure you have a waterproof place, above deck, to put the phone. 
      • I have a €3 waterproof bag bought on the internet. Drygear have loads of options and local chandler Viking marine has bags too. 
    • Make sure the phone battery is well charged. 
Then, before setting out;
    1. Turn on GPS on your phone. 
    2. Open the endomondo app on your phone. 
    3. Press the big green button that says "start". 
    4. Put the phone in the waterproof bag & put it someplace safe, above decks, where it can see the sky. If you put under cover it's likely not to get your positions at all. 
When you get back to the slip;
    1. Open the endomondo app on your phone. 
    2. Press the big red button that says "stop". 
    3. Connect your phone to either mobile data or a wireless lan 
    4. The app will upload your track to the endomondo site. 
    5. Turn off the app. 
      1. Turn off GPS and buy a pint for someone. 
Then, from a PC, or even on your phone;
  1. Browse to www.endomondo.com and sign in to your account. 
  2. Go to the option "export track" and download the GPX file 
  3. Upload it on the Island Trial site.  
That's it.  Note that we need to get the file on the same day as you sail. Delayed files will not be considered.

There are many apps that will create GPX files. Endomondo is the one we're suggesting because it's a reliable app and is easy to use. Use other tools at your own risk! Oh, and practice at home rather than on the water! 




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