[App][Pro] Homey Tracks

Apps
1

I have created this app to replace Life360 as they have blocked the API.

It uses OwnTracks on your mobile to provide the location information, so that is the main requirement. It can connect either via MQTT or HTTP. MQTT needs to have access to an MQTT broker that is available on the internet so your phone can report it’s location when out. I have used EMQ for my tests. HTTP connects via the Homey relay, so it is easier to configure.

here are some screen shots to give a flavour of what it is:

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Connection screen to select and setup the connection type.

The help buttons image popup help pages.

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Settings screen to setup miscellaneous app wide parameters.

Also includes an option to backup and restore settings, which can also be used to transfer everything to another Homey. All you need to do once restored is add the user devices and the backed up users will be presented in the process to make it as easy as possible.

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Upload images for avatars. These are also shown in the OwnTrack mobile app.

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Create Zones (waypoints) that are transferred to the OwnTrack app.

The app supports shared and per user zones

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You can define the location of the zone by clicking on the map.

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Show the current location of all the users, plus the track of the last N reported locations where the change is greater than X Meters (N and X are configured in the app settings).

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Filter which users are shown and select date ranges for the journeys.

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Manage journeys and select one to display (default is to show all journeys)

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The avatar is displayed in the OwnTracks mobile app.

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Add users as devices so you can view some status information, plus it acts as a presence sensor. You can define which zone(s) trigger presence in the Advanced settings.

Testers and feedback, good or bad are welcome.

2

Hello Adrian,

That was quick :wink: Thanks for your efforts!

Works for 100% (EDIT: with HTTP that is):
I installed it, added a user, configured it, created flows, and it works great while spoofing my location with FakeGPS (which means it should work when I start moving the phone around too).

/Peter

3

Just out of interest, are you using the MQTT or HTTP mode?

I had some issues with OwnTracks on my phone using MQTT as it would stop reporting when it transitioned from WiFi to the mobile network. It looked like the app connection got confused. I have made several changes on my phone now to see if that fixes it and will find out today.

On HTTP it worked fine, which I guess is because it’s not a permanent connection (connects, sends data, disconnects), but MQTT maintains a constant connection to the broker.

4

Hello Adrian,

First of all, thanks for your app!!

This sounds very interesting, but I am not familiar with Owntracks. How do I get the broker-URL like that?

Could you perhaps explain how we should set it up?

Regards,

Eric

5

English mate.

6

Sorry not mentioning it, I use HTTP. My MQTT setup is local only.
But I’ve not tested wifi / mobile network changes yet, I’m still at home. If you say HTTP works fine, it’ll work fine here as well.

7

Hi,

Just trying to get it working. I think I need to fill the host address in owntracks http, but how to get that url?

Thanks

8

Hi, oh, found it. Connected!

9

Sorry I haven’t been replying as working on more features for this app plus fixes in some other apps, so been very busy today.

I have been trying to put in lots of help buttons and adding translations to make it easier.

10

Adrian, for your information I’d like to confirm it works with HTTP :white_check_mark: in real life situations, when going out and returning home.

11

Hi Adrian,

I notice that my zones in the owntrack app become new zones in the homey track and I get noticed when enter / leave the zone in homey.

Zones that I create in homey track do not get registered in the owntrack app.

the alarm did not change the status in the card of my account.

(I have only an iPhone no computer)

Thanks Adrian for again a great app!!

Cheers

Eric

12

I have fixed that one. The app was only sending the zones to one user.

I will publish an update by the end of tomorrow.

13

Hi Adrian,

Owntrack is runs non-stop. In homey track I have a timeline notificaties each time Someone enters or leaves a zone. I notice every 3 minuten that I am supposed to leave a zone and instantly arrive in the same zone again. Could it be in a setting that I May have to change?

Cheers,

Eric

14

It’s probably noisy GPS that jumps around. My wife’s phone is doing the same, so the next version requires 3 reports outside of a zone before marking them as away.

Also in the next version you can see the track on the map and see the reported points.

15

I have published an update to v1.0.3

Quite a lot of addition in the app settings pages.