Open Source Fitness Tracker Explained: Features, Material Grades, and Industry Best Practices

Types of Open Source Fitness Trackers

A fitness tracker is a wearable device that monitors physical activity and health metrics such as steps taken, heart rate, sleep quality, and distance traveled. Advanced models include GPS tracking, health monitoring, and real-time data syncing. Open source fitness trackers go a step further by offering full transparency in both software and hardware design. This means users can access, modify, and improve the underlying code and schematics—enabling customization, privacy control, and community-driven innovation.

These devices use integrated sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate monitors, GPS modules) to collect data, which is then processed and visualized through companion apps or open platforms. Because they are open source, they often support self-hosted data storage, reducing reliance on proprietary cloud services and enhancing user privacy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common types of open source fitness trackers available today.

GPS Trackers

Fitness devices equipped with built-in GPS for precise location tracking during outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking.

Advantages

• Accurate route mapping and distance measurement
• Tracks elevation gain and speed in real time
• Ideal for trail navigation and performance analysis
• Open firmware allows offline use and custom map integration

Limitations

• Higher battery consumption
• Typically bulkier design
• May require technical setup for optimal use

Best for: Runners, cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who value location accuracy and route planning

Swimming Trackers

Waterproof, open-source smartwatches designed specifically for swim training and aquatic performance monitoring.

Advantages

• Water-resistant (often up to 50m or more)
• Tracks stroke type, count, and efficiency
• Measures lap times, distance, and swim pace
• Open software enables custom swim profiles and data export

Limitations

• Limited GPS functionality underwater
• Screen readability may be reduced in water
• Fewer models available in open-source ecosystem

Best for: Competitive swimmers, triathletes, and fitness swimmers seeking detailed aquatic analytics

Step Pedometers

Basic open-source step counters that monitor daily movement using motion sensors, ideal for general activity tracking.

Advantages

• Simple, lightweight, and energy-efficient
• Tracks steps, distance, and estimated calories burned
• Low cost and easy to build or modify
• Great for DIY projects and educational use

Limitations

• Limited health monitoring features
• Less accurate on non-walking activities
• Fewer connectivity options in open models

Best for: Casual users, students, and developers building custom activity monitors

Health Benefit Monitors

Comprehensive open-source wearables that track multiple biometrics including heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep quality, body temperature, and hydration levels.

Advantages

• Real-time health monitoring with open data access
• Supports long-term health trend analysis
• Customizable alerts and thresholds
• Promotes privacy with local data storage options

Limitations

• Sensor accuracy may vary compared to medical devices
• Requires regular calibration and maintenance
• Steeper learning curve for configuration

Best for: Health-conscious users, biohackers, and developers focused on wellness and preventive care

Type	Key Features	Best Use Case	Open Source Advantage	Battery Life
GPS Trackers	Location tracking, route mapping, speed & elevation	Outdoor sports, running, cycling	Custom firmware, offline maps, no vendor lock-in	Moderate (10–30 hrs with GPS)
Swimming Trackers	Waterproof, stroke detection, lap timing	Swimming, triathlons	Open swim algorithms, data export	Good (5–10 days)
Step Pedometers	Step counting, distance, calorie estimation	Daily activity tracking, education	DIY-friendly, low-cost modification	Excellent (weeks to months)
Health Benefit Monitors	Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, temperature, hydration	Wellness monitoring, preventive health	Full data ownership, privacy-focused	Fair to Good (2–7 days)

Expert Tip: When choosing an open source fitness tracker, look for active community support, well-documented code repositories (e.g., on GitHub), and compatibility with open platforms like FreeDOS, LibreELEC, or ActivityTrackers.org to ensure long-term usability and updates.

Why Choose Open Source Fitness Trackers?

• Transparency: Full access to software and hardware designs ensures no hidden data collection or backdoors.
• Customization: Modify firmware to add features, change interfaces, or integrate with personal health dashboards.
• Privacy: Store your health data locally instead of on corporate servers.
• Sustainability: Extend device life through repairs and upgrades, reducing e-waste.
• Community-Driven: Benefit from global developer contributions and peer-reviewed improvements.

Function and Features of Open-Source Fitness Trackers

Open-source fitness trackers offer users a transparent, customizable, and privacy-conscious way to monitor their health and physical activity. Unlike proprietary devices, these trackers allow full access to hardware designs, firmware, and software, enabling tech-savvy users to modify, improve, and understand exactly how their data is collected and used. With these devices, individuals can track essential health metrics such as heart rate, daily step count, running distance, and sleep quality—empowering them to make informed decisions about their fitness and well-being.

Popular Open-Source Fitness Tracker Projects

The open-source community has developed several innovative fitness tracking solutions that combine functionality, affordability, and user freedom. Below are some notable examples that highlight the diversity and potential of open-source wearable technology.

Astro

Overview: Astro is a fully open-source wearable designed for tracking movement, sleep, and time. It features a compact OLED display that shows real-time data including current time, step count, and sleep status, making it ideal for daily wear.

Key Features: Utilizes a 3D gravity sensor (accelerometer) combined with a custom pedometer algorithm to accurately count steps. Its sleep-tracking algorithm analyzes movement patterns to estimate sleep stages. Data can be synced wirelessly via Bluetooth to companion apps available for both Android and iOS platforms, allowing users to view detailed analytics, trends, and historical data.

Open-Source Advantage: All schematics, firmware, and app source code are publicly available, enabling users to audit, modify, or enhance functionality according to personal preferences or research needs.

Open Fit

Overview: Open Fit is a beginner-friendly, DIY-focused fitness tracker aimed at promoting physical activity through simplicity and engagement. Designed for hobbyists and educators, it emphasizes ease of assembly and customization.

Key Features: Equipped with a PPG (Photoplethysmography) heart rate sensor that doubles as an activity monitor. The device displays time, step count, and estimated distance traveled on its small LCD screen. Users can set personalized daily step goals, and the tracker provides visual or haptic feedback to encourage goal completion.

Open-Source Advantage: The project encourages tinkering and learning, with full documentation and modular code. Ideal for STEM education or personal experimentation with sensor integration and algorithm development.

Qubit Trackers

Overview: Qubit offers a versatile family of open-source fitness trackers, including both wrist-worn and shoe-mounted variants. This flexibility makes it suitable for runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes who need reliable, long-lasting tracking.

Key Features: The shoe-mounted version is engineered for ultra-low power consumption, delivering over 400 hours of operation on a single CR2032 battery. It measures speed, distance, lap counts, and run duration with high accuracy using motion sensors and Bluetooth connectivity. Wrist-based models include USB charging modules for convenience and continuous use. All versions sync data to mobile apps for deeper analysis.

Open-Source Advantage: Hardware designs and firmware are openly shared, allowing users to repair, upgrade, or repurpose the device. The modular architecture supports integration with third-party platforms and custom dashboards.

GSleep

Overview: GSleep is a specialized open-source sleep monitoring device designed to provide detailed insights into sleep quality and patterns. It caters to users interested in improving sleep hygiene through data-driven feedback.

Key Features: Tracks total sleep duration, deep sleep, light sleep, and periods of wakefulness during the night. The device displays sleep stage percentages on a small, easy-to-read screen. With a simple touch interface, users can toggle between modes such as Night Sleep (NSleep), REM Sleep (RSleep), and Home Sleep analysis. Advanced signal processing algorithms analyze movement and heart rate variability to deliver accurate sleep staging.

Open-Source Advantage: Transparency in algorithm design allows researchers and developers to validate, refine, or adapt sleep detection models. This openness is particularly valuable for sleep studies and health monitoring applications.

Tracker	Primary Functions	Battery Life	Connectivity	Customization Level
Astro	Steps, Sleep, Time, Heart Rate (via app)	Up to 7 days	Bluetooth (iOS & Android)	High (Full source access)
Open Fit	Steps, Distance, Goal Tracking	5–7 days	Bluetooth LE	High (DIY assembly)
Qubit Trackers	Steps, Speed, Distance, Lap Count, Run Time	400+ hours (shoe), 5–10 days (wrist)	Bluetooth, USB Charging	Very High (Modular design)
GSleep	Sleep Stages, Duration, Wake Intervals	7–10 days	Bluetooth or Manual Export	High (Algorithm transparency)

Benefits of Open-Source Fitness Trackers

Data Privacy: Since the software and data storage are open and often local, users maintain full control over their personal health information without reliance on cloud services.

Transparency: Every aspect of the device—from sensor input to algorithm output—is inspectable, reducing the risk of hidden tracking or biased data interpretation.

Customizability: Developers and enthusiasts can tailor the firmware, add new features, or integrate with other health platforms like Open Humans or Apple Health (via APIs).

Educational Value: These devices serve as excellent tools for learning about embedded systems, sensor fusion, and health data science.

Sustainability: Repairability and long-term software support reduce electronic waste and extend device lifespan compared to closed commercial products.

Note: While open-source fitness trackers offer exceptional flexibility and transparency, accuracy may vary depending on sensor quality and algorithm maturity. For medical-grade monitoring, always consult certified devices and healthcare professionals. However, for general fitness tracking and personal insight, these tools provide a powerful, ethical alternative to mainstream wearables.

In summary, open-source fitness trackers like Astro, Open Fit, Qubit Trackers, and GSleep exemplify the potential of community-driven innovation in personal health technology. By combining essential tracking features with full access to design and code, they empower users to take ownership of their data and devices—making fitness tracking not only functional but also educational, sustainable, and trustworthy.

Usage Scenarios of Open Source Fitness Trackers

Open-source fitness trackers have evolved from simple step counters into powerful tools that support health, education, and community engagement. Their customizable and transparent nature makes them ideal for a wide range of applications beyond consumer use. Below are key usage scenarios where open-source fitness trackers deliver significant value.

Personal Fitness Monitoring

Individuals can leverage open-source fitness trackers to gain full control over their health data, tracking essential metrics such as daily steps, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes, sleep quality, and heart rate patterns.

• Users benefit from real-time feedback to set and achieve fitness goals, promoting consistent physical activity
• Open-source platforms allow for data privacy—users own their information without reliance on proprietary cloud services
• Customizable dashboards and integrations with health apps (e.g., Apple Health, Google Fit) enhance long-term motivation
• Advanced users can modify firmware to add features like hydration tracking or menstrual cycle logging

Key benefit: Empowers users with transparency, data ownership, and the ability to tailor functionality to personal health objectives.

Healthcare and Rehabilitation

In clinical settings, open-source fitness trackers serve as cost-effective tools for monitoring patient recovery and managing chronic conditions.

• Post-surgical patients can be remotely monitored for mobility progress, helping clinicians assess recovery timelines
• Physical therapists use activity data to adjust rehabilitation programs based on real-world movement patterns
• Patients with cardiovascular or metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) benefit from continuous activity tracking to support lifestyle interventions
• Because the source code is accessible, medical professionals can audit algorithms for accuracy and compliance with health standards

Pro insight: Open-source devices can be adapted to meet HIPAA or GDPR requirements when deployed in regulated healthcare environments.

Workplace Wellness Programs

Employers are increasingly adopting open-source fitness trackers to promote employee well-being, reduce absenteeism, and foster team engagement.

• Wellness initiatives use anonymized aggregate data to design targeted fitness challenges and reduce sedentary behavior
• Team-based step competitions encourage collaboration and improve morale through friendly, gamified activities
• Occupational health teams monitor physical strain in high-activity roles (e.g., warehouse workers) to prevent overuse injuries
• Unlike commercial trackers, open-source devices avoid vendor lock-in and allow companies to manage data internally

Best practice: Combine tracker data with ergonomic assessments to create holistic workplace health strategies.

Events and Fitness Competitions

Event organizers utilize open-source fitness trackers to enhance participant engagement and ensure accurate performance tracking during races, charity walks, and fitness challenges.

• Real-time leaderboards and milestone alerts increase motivation and participation levels
• Trackers can be pre-configured with event-specific challenges (e.g., "Walk 10,000 steps in 7 days")
• Data collected helps organizers evaluate event success and plan future editions
• Low-cost, reusable devices make them ideal for large-scale events with budget constraints

Innovation opportunity: Integrate GPS and geofencing to verify route completion in virtual races or scavenger hunts.

Educational and STEM Applications

Schools and universities are integrating open-source fitness trackers into curricula to teach students about technology, data science, and health literacy.

• Physical education programs use trackers to objectively assess student activity levels and promote lifelong fitness habits
• In STEM classes, students learn programming by modifying tracker firmware or analyzing collected biometric data
• Computer science students explore sensor integration, data encryption, and app development using real hardware
• Workshops on digital privacy and ethics can be anchored in discussions about wearable data collection

Educational advantage: Provides a hands-on platform for interdisciplinary learning across health, technology, and data ethics.

Implementation Tip: When deploying open-source fitness trackers in any setting, prioritize user education on data privacy, device calibration, and proper usage. For group programs, consider using open platforms like OpenTracks or LibreFit that support local data storage and API integrations, ensuring long-term sustainability and user trust.

Use Case	Key Benefits	Technical Advantages	Ideal For
Personal Fitness	Self-motivation, health awareness, goal tracking	Customizable alerts, offline mode, data export	Individuals seeking privacy-focused health tools
Clinical Monitoring	Remote patient tracking, recovery assessment	Firmware auditability, secure data handling	Hospitals, rehab centers, telehealth providers
Corporate Wellness	Employee engagement, injury prevention	Scalable deployment, internal data management	HR departments, wellness coordinators
Events & Challenges	Real-time feedback, gamification	GPS integration, challenge programming	Race organizers, community groups
STEM Education	Hands-on learning, interdisciplinary projects	Open APIs, hackable hardware	Schools, coding bootcamps, maker spaces

Additional Considerations

• Data Privacy: Open-source trackers eliminate concerns about third-party data monetization, making them ideal for sensitive environments.
• Customization: Developers can add features like voice feedback, haptic alerts, or integration with smart home devices.
• Cost Efficiency: No subscription fees and low hardware costs make them sustainable for long-term or large-scale deployments.
• Community Support: Active developer communities provide updates, security patches, and new feature ideas.
• Interoperability: Many open-source trackers support standard protocols like Bluetooth LE, ANT+, and FIT/TCX file export for broad compatibility.

How to Choose Open Source Fitness Trackers: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right open-source fitness tracker is more than just picking a wearable—it's about choosing a tool that aligns with your health goals, technical preferences, and privacy values. Unlike proprietary devices, open-source fitness trackers offer transparency, customization, and community-driven innovation. This guide explores the five most critical factors to consider when choosing an open-source fitness tracker: customizable options, community support, compatibility, hardware specifications, and privacy and security features.

Important Note: While open-source devices offer greater control and transparency, they may require more technical know-how than commercial alternatives. Always verify firmware availability, update frequency, and documentation quality before purchase.

1. Customizable Options: Tailor Your Fitness Experience

One of the greatest advantages of open-source fitness trackers is the ability to personalize both software and hardware to meet individual needs. Customization goes beyond aesthetics—it empowers users to shape how data is collected, displayed, and used.

• Personalized Dashboard: Choose which metrics appear on your home screen—step count, heart rate, calories burned, active minutes, or sleep duration—based on your fitness priorities.
• Widget Management: Add, remove, or rearrange widgets to create a clean, intuitive interface that displays only the information you care about.
• Goal Configuration: Set custom fitness goals (e.g., 12,000 steps/day, 7 hours of sleep) and receive tailored notifications and progress reports.
• Firmware Modifications: Advanced users can modify firmware to add new features, change behavior, or integrate with third-party apps.

Look for trackers that support open APIs or plugin architectures, enabling deeper customization and integration with personal health ecosystems.

2. Community Support: The Backbone of Open-Source Success

An active and engaged community is often the difference between a thriving open-source project and an abandoned one. Community support enhances usability, accelerates troubleshooting, and drives long-term innovation.

• Developer Collaboration: Open-source projects thrive on contributions. A strong developer base ensures regular updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
• User Forums & Documentation: Active forums, wikis, and GitHub repositories provide valuable resources for setup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Bug Reporting & Feature Requests: Users can directly influence development by submitting issues or suggesting improvements, creating a user-driven evolution path.
• Troubleshooting Assistance: From configuration errors to syncing problems, community members often provide faster help than official support channels.

Check platforms like GitHub, Reddit, or dedicated mailing lists to assess community activity. Projects with frequent commits, responsive maintainers, and active discussions are more likely to remain sustainable.

3. Compatibility: Seamless Integration Across Devices

Compatibility ensures your fitness tracker works smoothly with your existing devices and preferred software platforms. A lack of interoperability can limit data utility and reduce long-term usability.

• Mobile OS Support: Ensure compatibility with your smartphone’s operating system—Android and iOS—so you can sync data, receive notifications, and manage settings via companion apps.
• Bluetooth & Connectivity: Most trackers use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for efficient data transfer. Look for support for BLE 4.0 or higher for better range and battery efficiency.
• Data Export & API Access: The ability to export data in standard formats (e.g., CSV, JSON, GPX) or access it via REST APIs allows integration with health dashboards, personal analytics tools, or self-hosted servers.
• Third-Party App Integration: Compatibility with platforms like OwnTracks, Tasker, Home Assistant, or Garmin Connect (via third-party bridges) expands functionality.

Test whether the device supports open standards like OpenHAB, ANT+, or Mi Band Protocol for broader ecosystem compatibility.

4. Hardware Specifications: Performance Meets Reliability

Even the most open software is limited by poor hardware. Evaluate the physical components to ensure accurate tracking, durability, and usability.

• Sensor Accuracy: High-quality sensors are essential for reliable data. Key sensors include:
  • 3D Accelerometer: Tracks steps, movement intensity, and activity type.
  • Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Monitors resting and active heart rate (PPG-based).
  • GPS Module: Enables precise tracking of outdoor activities like running or cycling.
  • Gyroscope & Altimeter: Enhances motion detection and elevation tracking.
• Battery Life: Look for devices offering 5–14 days of typical use. Longer battery life reduces charging frequency and improves data continuity. Consider solar-assisted or low-power modes in advanced models.
• Display Quality: OLED and LCD screens vary in readability, power consumption, and durability. Touch-sensitive OLEDs offer vibrant visuals but may consume more power.
• Build Quality: Water resistance (IP67 or higher), shock resistance, and ergonomic design contribute to longevity and comfort during workouts.

Review independent benchmarks or community tests for real-world sensor performance, as manufacturer claims can be optimistic.

5. Privacy and Security Features: Protect Your Personal Data

Open-source fitness trackers collect highly sensitive health data—heart rate, sleep patterns, location, and daily routines. Strong privacy and security measures are non-negotiable.

• Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that your data is protected both in transit and at rest. Look for AES-256 or similar standards.
• Local Data Storage: Prefer devices that store data locally or allow syncing to self-hosted servers (e.g., Nextcloud, HealthData) instead of mandatory cloud uploads.
• Privacy Controls: Granular settings let you decide what data is collected, shared, or deleted. Opt for trackers that allow disabling specific sensors or data types.
• Secure Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA), PIN locks, or biometric verification prevent unauthorized access to your device or account.
• Transparency & Audits: Open-source code allows independent security audits. Check if the project has undergone third-party penetration testing or code reviews.

Avoid trackers that require mandatory account creation or send data to third-party advertisers. True privacy means you own and control your data.

Selection Criteria	Key Questions to Ask	Recommended Features	Red Flags
Customization	Can I modify the UI, firmware, or data flow?	Open API, widget support, firmware flashing	Locked bootloader, no SDK
Community	Is the project actively maintained?	Active GitHub, forums, regular updates	No commits in 6+ months, dead forums
Compatibility	Does it work with my phone and apps?	BLE 5.0, Android/iOS app, CSV export	iOS-only, no data export
Hardware	Are sensors accurate and battery long-lasting?	GPS, HR sensor, 7+ day battery, IP68	Poor GPS lock, inconsistent HR
Privacy & Security	Is my data encrypted and under my control?	E2EE, local storage, 2FA, open code	Forced cloud sync, no encryption

Expert Tip: Before purchasing, check if the open-source fitness tracker is supported by community projects like LibreHealth, MiBand SDK, or Amazfish. These tools often extend functionality and simplify setup for non-technical users.

Final Recommendations

• Start with well-documented, community-backed projects like Liberfit, NanoFit, or OpenTracker for a smoother experience.
• Prioritize devices with modular firmware (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr OS) for future-proofing and customization.
• Verify whether the manufacturer or community provides regular security patches and firmware updates.
• Consider dual-boot options that allow switching between open and stock firmware for flexibility.
• Always back up your health data regularly and store it securely, especially if using self-hosted solutions.

Choosing an open-source fitness tracker is a commitment to transparency, control, and long-term usability. By focusing on customization, community, compatibility, hardware quality, and privacy, you can find a device that not only tracks your fitness but respects your autonomy and digital rights. When in doubt, consult user reviews, developer documentation, and independent tech forums to make an informed decision.

Open Source Fitness Tracker Q & A

Q1: How does an open source fitness tracker work?

An open source fitness tracker operates by integrating a variety of advanced sensors—such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, heart rate monitor, and GPS—to continuously collect real-time data on your physical activity, sleep patterns, and vital health metrics.

This data is securely stored on the device and then synchronized wirelessly—typically via Bluetooth—to a companion mobile application. What sets open source trackers apart is the transparency of their software: users have full access to the source code, enabling them to view, audit, modify, and even redistribute the software. This level of openness supports greater trust in data handling and empowers tech-savvy users to tailor the device’s behavior to their specific preferences or integrate it with other tools and platforms.

Examples include devices running on platforms like FreeRTOS or Linux-based firmware, where developers can contribute improvements or build custom dashboards for data visualization.

Q2: What are the benefits of using an open source fitness tracker?

Choosing an open source fitness tracker offers a range of compelling advantages that go beyond basic functionality:

• User Empowerment: You retain full control over your personal health data, reducing reliance on proprietary ecosystems that may monetize or restrict access to your information.
• Privacy & Security: With open source software, the code is publicly auditable, making it easier to verify that no hidden tracking or data leaks exist—ideal for privacy-conscious users.
• Customization: Developers and enthusiasts can modify firmware to add features (e.g., custom watch faces, enhanced sleep analysis, or integration with open health platforms like OpenHAB or HealthKit via open APIs).
• Community Innovation: A global community of contributors continuously improves the software, fixing bugs, optimizing performance, and adding new capabilities without waiting for manufacturer updates.
• Longevity & Sustainability: Even if the original company discontinues support, the community can maintain and update the software, extending the device’s usable life and reducing electronic waste.

These benefits foster a collaborative environment where innovation is driven by user needs rather than commercial interests.

Q3: What features should users look for in an open source fitness tracker?

Selecting the right open source fitness tracker involves evaluating both hardware and software capabilities. Here are key features to consider:

Feature	Description	Recommended Standard
Health Sensors	Essential for tracking vital metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep stages, and activity levels.	Look for optical HR sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, and optional ECG or skin temperature monitoring.
Battery Life	Determines how often the device needs recharging and its reliability during extended use.	Aim for at least 3–7 days of typical usage; some open devices offer replaceable batteries for sustainability.
Compatibility	Ensures seamless integration with your smartphone OS and other health apps.	Support for Android, iOS, and open platforms like Linux or F-Droid is ideal.
Customization Options	Ability to modify firmware, UI, watch faces, and data export formats.	Prefer devices with active developer communities and well-documented APIs (e.g., PineTime, Librem 5).
Display Quality	Affects readability and user experience in various lighting conditions.	Opt for sunlight-readable screens (e.g., memory LCD or e-Ink) with touch or button navigation.
Software Freedom	Indicates how open and modifiable the firmware truly is.	Verify that the software is licensed under OSI-approved licenses (e.g., GPL, MIT) and hosted on public repositories like GitHub.

Devices like the Pine64 PineTime or SHA204A Badge exemplify strong open source principles with full firmware transparency and community-driven development.

Q4: How should users take care of an open source fitness tracker?

Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance, accuracy, and longevity of your open source fitness tracker. Follow these best practices:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe the device and band with a soft, slightly damp cloth after workouts to remove sweat and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals or submerging non-waterproof models.
• Temperature Management: Do not expose the device to extreme heat (e.g., direct sunlight in a car) or freezing conditions, as this can damage the battery and sensors.
• Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can degrade the screen and band materials—store in a shaded area when not in use.
• Storage: Keep the tracker in a cool, dry place. If unused for long periods, charge it to around 50% before storage to preserve battery health.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update the open source firmware to benefit from bug fixes, new features, and improved security—especially important when running community-developed builds.
• Charging Habits: Use the recommended charger and avoid overcharging. Lithium-based batteries perform best with partial discharges rather than full cycles.

Always consult the manufacturer's or community documentation for device-specific care guidelines, especially when using third-party modifications or cases.