A compact Arduino-based wearable for tracking pace, distance, and run duration.
The Running Tracker Widget is a portable, battery-powered device designed to measure and display running metrics such as pace, distance, and elapsed time.
Built around the Arduino Pro Mini, this system integrates GPS positioning, user controls, and a display interface to deliver accurate real-time tracking data in a lightweight form factor.
This project highlights hands-on skills in embedded systems, circuit design, and hardware integration, forming a complete end-to-end electrical engineering prototype.
- Arduino Pro Mini Core – Compact 5V microcontroller board for low-power applications
- Adafruit Ultimate GPS Module – Provides accurate positional data (lat/lon, altitude, speed, and time)
- LCD Display with Adjustable Resistor – Displays pace, distance, and time in real-time
- Pololu LV Power Switch – Enables safe and efficient power management for battery use
- User Input Buttons – Right-angle momentary push buttons for start/stop and mode navigation
- Passive Components – Decoupling capacitors and precision resistors for signal stability and protection
- 9V Battery Snap Connector – Supports portable power input with quick connection
You can view the full interactive BOM spreadsheet here:
👉 Running Tracker BOM – Google Sheets
| # | Component | Manufacturer | MPN | Qty | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arduino Pro Mini Socket | SparkFun | DEV-11113 | 1 | 5V, 16MHz, core microcontroller board |
| 2 | Adafruit Ultimate GPS | Adafruit | 746 | 1 | High-accuracy GPS module with integrated antenna |
| 3 | Pololu LV Power Switch | Pololu | 2808 | 1 | Low-voltage switch for efficient battery control |
| 4 | LCD + Variable Resistor | Adafruit | 181 | 1 | Display and control interface |
| 5 | Right Angle Push Button | C&K | 611-KSS223GLFG | 3 | User input buttons |
| 6 | Capacitor 10µF | TAIYO YUDEN | MCASL21GBB7106KTNA01 | 1 | Power line stabilization |
| 7 | Capacitor 0.1µF | KYOCERA AVX | KAM21BR71H104JM | 1 | Signal filtering |
| 8 | Resistor 220Ω | Panasonic | ERJ-S06F2200V | 1 | Current limiting |
| 9 | Resistor 10kΩ | KOA Speer | SG73P2ARTTD103G | 3 | Voltage division and logic pull-ups |
| 10 | 9V Battery Snap | Bourns | LS-00033 | 1 | Power supply connector |
- GPS Data Acquisition: The Adafruit GPS module provides NMEA data for time, position, and velocity.
- Microcontroller Processing: The Arduino Pro Mini calculates pace and distance based on GPS data.
- User Interaction: Push buttons allow start/stop control and data viewing.
- Display Output: The LCD module shows real-time run statistics.
- Power Regulation: The Pololu switch ensures stable and safe power control from a 9V source.
- Operating Voltage: 5V
- Input Power: 9V battery (via snap connector)
- Microcontroller: ATmega328P (Arduino Pro Mini)
- Display Interface: Parallel/Serial LCD
- Sensors: GPS (Adafruit Ultimate GPS)
- User Inputs: 3x push buttons
- Enclosure: Compatible with 3D-printed housing or handheld casing
- IDE: Arduino IDE
- Language: C/C++
- Libraries:
Adafruit_GPS,LiquidCrystal,SoftwareSerial - Simulation / Schematic: KiCad or EasyEDA
- Add accelerometer or IMU sensor for step-based distance correction
- Integrate Bluetooth for mobile sync
- Log data to microSD for long-term performance tracking
- Optimize firmware for lower power consumption
The PCB layout and Gerber files were created following 3DayPCBs standard manufacturing specifications.
Key parameters include:
- 1.6 mm board thickness
- 1 oz copper weight
- 6 mil minimum trace/space
- Standard FR-4 substrate
- Through-hole and SMD mixed design
Compatibility with other PCB manufacturers may require DRC rule adjustments.
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Feel free to use and modify with attribution.
PCB Design Notice:
All PCB and Gerber files included in this repository are designed according to 3DayPCBs manufacturing specifications, including board thickness, copper weight, trace width, and drill tolerances.
Users adapting the design for other manufacturers should verify compatibility and adjust design rules accordingly.
This project makes use of the Arduino KiCad Library
by Alarm-Siren, distributed under the MIT License.
The library was used for schematic and footprint references during PCB design.
This project is proudly supported by the
School District 38 CTE (Career & Technical Education) Program.
Their sponsorship provided access to electronic components, fabrication tools, and resources essential for the development and testing of the Activity Tracker Widget.
Special thanks to the instructors and staff who promote hands-on STEM and engineering education.
PCB fabrication for this project can be reliably handled by PCBWay, a professional PCB manufacturing and assembly service widely used for prototyping and medium to large-scale production.
PCBWay is well-suited for projects like my Running Tracker Widget, which combine through-hole and SMD components in a compact embedded design. Their capabilities support iterative hardware development and manufacturing constraints common in wearable and portable electronics.
- Standard FR-4 PCB fabrication with configurable thickness and copper weight
- Support for mixed through-hole and SMD designs
- Optional PCB assembly (PCBA) for populated boards
- Fast turnaround times suitable for prototyping and validation
Design files created for this project are adapted for 3DayPCBs, although manufacturing specifications are well within their capabilities!!!
Additional information is available at:
👉 https://www.pcbway.com
PCBWay actively supports open-source hardware projects and educational engineering development.
[Ziegen Ludwig]
Electrical Engineering Student | Embedded Systems Developer
🔧 Focused on IoT, microcontroller design, and wearable electronics.