Equilab's advanced technology uses your smartphone (and/or smartwatch) to enables equestrians to track their rides with ease. To ensure that Equilab can effectively track your trainings be sure to take the steps below to optimize your mobile device settings and your physical setup.
Mobile Device Settings
- Ensure your device is not set to "Low Power" or "Battery Saver" Mode. This will prevent GPS from cutting off intermittently in attempt to save battery.
- Make sure your device does not have "Data Saver" mode activated. This ensures that Equilab can accurately collect GPS data during your whole ride.
- Shut off other apps before riding (especially if they also track location). To help preserve battery life and ensure your device has enough processing power and signal for Equilab to work properly, we strongly recommend not using other apps while using Equilab to track your rides.
- Turn off battery optimization for Equilab (Android only). Some devices will automatically limit an app's activity if it is using lots of battery. To turn of such restrictions for Equilab, please reference one of these support articles based on your device type.
- Turn off WiFi for your device. When your device is connected to WiFi, GPS tracking is deactivated (as your phone's location is matched to the WiFi network) - so you can prevent losing GPS connection by disabling WiFi while riding.
- Enable location services: To do make sure you have the best possible settings for your device's GPS, take the following steps:
- Open the Settings app on your mobile device
- Scroll all the way down until you reach the Equilab option, and tap it (this will be in a section of all apps on your device, organized alphabetically)
- Ensure the Cellular Data toggle is on (green)
- Tap the Location option
- Select either the "While Using the App" or "Always" option (if you want to get reminders to start tracking when close to your stable) - which enables Equilab to analyze your location while riding
- Also ensure that the Precise Location toggle is on (green)
Please note that some devices have lower quality hardware components such as GPS trackers and accelerometers, which can limit the overall accuracy Equilab is able to achieve. Apple and Samsung mobile devices typically provide the highest level of accuracy.
Physical Setup
- Device Positioning: For Equilab to accurately track the gait and speed of your horse, it's important that your mobile device be securely attached to your body so that it doesn't move around within a pocket while riding. Generally, this can best be accomplished by placing your phone in a pocket that holds it tightly against your upper leg or chest/abdomen. Armbands that keep your device secured against your upper arm also work well.
- Be sure your device has a sufficiently charged battery. Most phones automatically limit their GPS tracking after a while because it consumes more energy, which can interfere with rides. Some devices enable you to change your settings to enable GPS tracking at low battery levels.
- Strong Cellular Reception: Riding indoors, in valleys, or in remote areas can limit your internet connection and inhibit Equilab's functionality. This is most important for GPS (including Safety Tracking).
- Note: Riding in smaller arenas often leads to lower GPS tracking accuracy.
Additionally, if you ride for multiple hours, ensure your device does not automatically shut off GPS tracking. Some devices will automatically limit GPS tracking activity if they have been sharing locations continuously for an extended period of time. If you believe this may be happening to your device, we recommend looking into your device to see if you can update these settings.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at support@equilab.zendesk.com. We're always here to help.