Embedded systems and product development · Active development
Multi-Sport Paddling Performance Tracker
A functional GPS-based paddling tracker MVP combining motion sensing, a touchscreen interface, wireless connectivity, and a custom enclosure, now being refined after large-scale field testing.
Product overview
This project began as an effort to create a lower-cost alternative to commercial GPS paddling instruments such as SpeedCoach. It was designed for multiple paddling sports rather than only dragon boating. The functional MVP measures GPS-derived speed and distance, uses accelerometer and gyroscope data for motion sensing and stroke-rate analysis, and presents information through a custom touchscreen interface. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery power, charging, and wireless-charging experiments are also part of the system.
The enclosure uses a standard tripod interface so different mounts can be fitted, and additional internal volume was included to improve buoyancy. The project remains a working prototype under active mechanical and software refinement, not a finished commercial product.
Design and implementation
Owen initially designed and assembled the enclosure, electronics, sensors, and early software independently. Assembly of the first units exposed the cost of dense point-to-point wiring, so he designed a basic two-sided interconnection PCB to connect prebuilt modules, reduce wiring volume, and make assembly more repeatable. FDM printing enabled rapid enclosure iterations, while the mounting and buoyancy requirements made the housing a system-level mechanical problem rather than a simple electronics box.
Later work became collaborative with his uncle, who helped introduce a more structured Git-based workflow. The software has also been extended with AI-assisted development tools. Owen remains involved in product direction, physical development, testing, and evaluating the system in use.
Field validation
Four devices were produced for organized outrigger canoe time trials involving approximately 250 paddlers completing 330-metre timed trials. The devices supplied performance data to the club and created an unusually demanding real-world test for an early prototype. This was an event deployment, not a claim of 250 customers or 250 individual touchscreen operators.
Testing confirmed that the core system could collect useful performance information, while also revealing issues that bench testing had not fully exposed.
Engineering challenges and iteration
The original dark interface was difficult to read in direct sunlight. Owen added UI colour customization so alternative foreground and background combinations could be compared outdoors. Waterproofing was less repeatable than expected: two of four units developed concerning slow leaks during testing. The electronics survived, but the result made seal consistency a priority.
FDM-printed housings, print tolerances, and complex internal wiring also made fabrication and assembly too time-consuming. The interconnection PCB addressed part of that problem, while the enclosure is now being redesigned for more reliable sealing, faster assembly, and improved production repeatability. Additional fabrication methods are being explored.
Planned and experimental development
Potential next steps include LoRa-based long-range telemetry, live performance data for race-broadcast overlays, remote coaching messages, companion-app features, workout creation and synchronization, and more advanced interval-training workflows. These are planned or experimental ideas and are not presented as completed functionality.
Development disclosure
The earliest hardware, enclosure, sensor integration, and software work was carried out independently by Owen. Later development included collaboration with his uncle and the use of AI coding tools within a structured Git workflow. The project is presented as an evolving MVP whose field results and shortcomings guide each revision.
Development, step by step.
Independent first prototype
Integrated the enclosure, sensors, display, power system, connectivity, and early software into a working paddling tracker.
Assembly simplification
Designed a two-sided interconnection PCB to reduce internal wiring and improve repeatability.
Four-unit field deployment
Produced four devices for 330-metre outrigger canoe time trials involving approximately 250 paddlers.
Evidence-led redesign
Used sunlight-readability, leakage, and assembly findings to prioritize the next enclosure and interface revisions.