Location-Based Alarm System Using Termux

(Personal project to trigger alarm when near destination (to avoid missing stops), coded in termux environment to use quickly without deployment).

A lightweight, terminal-driven location-aware alert system designed for Android environments using Termux.

This application continuously monitors the user’s GPS position and triggers an alert when approaching a predefined destination.

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✨ Features

• 📡 Real-time GPS tracking via Termux API
• 🎯 Distance-based trigger using geodesic calculations
• 🚶 Multiple travel modes:
  • Walk (100m)
  • Cycle (200m)
  • Car (500m)
  • Public Transport (800m)
  • Custom distance
• 🔔 Multi-modal alert system:
  • Notification
  • Audio playback
  • Vibration loop
• ⚠️ Overshoot detection

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🏗️ System Architecture

Component	Technology Used
Location Fetching	termux-location
Distance Calculation	geopy (geodesic)
Notifications	termux-notification
Audio Alerts	termux-media-player
Vibration	termux-vibrate

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⚙️ Installation

1. Install Termux and Termux:API

• Install Termux from F-Droid (recommended)
• Install the Termux:API app from F-Droid or Play Store

Grant Location permission to Termux:API in Android settings.

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2. Install Required Packages in Termux

pkg update && pkg upgrade
pkg install python termux-api git

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3. Verify GPS Access

Run:

termux-location

You should see JSON output with latitude and longitude.

If this fails:

• Enable location services on your phone
• Grant location permission to Termux

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4. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/sri443/Location-Alarm-On-Android-Using-Termux.git
cd Location-Alarm-On-Android-Using-Termux

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5. Install Python Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

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🔊 Custom Ringtone Setup

By default, the script expects a ringtone file path. You need to update this to match a valid audio file on your device.

📍 Step 1: Add Your Ringtone

Place an audio file (e.g. .mp3, .wav) somewhere accessible on your device.

Example locations:

• /sdcard/Download/alarm.mp3
• /storage/emulated/0/Music/alarm.mp3

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🛠️ Step 2: Update the File Path

Open main.py and find the line where the audio file is used.

Replace it with your file path:

RINGTONE = os.path.expanduser("~/storage/downloads/your-ringtone.mp3") 

Make sure:

• The path is correct
• The file exists

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▶️ Step 3: Test Audio Playback

Run this command in Termux:

termux-media-player play /sdcard/Download/alarm.mp3

If the audio plays, you're good.

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❗ Troubleshooting

Audio not playing

• Check file path is correct
• Ensure file format is supported (.mp3 recommended)
• Verify file exists:

  ls /sdcard/Download/

Permission issues

Run:

termux-setup-storage

Then restart Termux and try again.

Command not found (termux-media-player)

Install required package:

pkg install termux-api

Also ensure the Termux:API app is installed on your phone.

No sound even though command runs

• Check phone volume
• Make sure media volume is not muted
• Try a different audio file

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⚠️ Notes

• Absolute file paths are required (relative paths may fail)
• Keep the file in internal storage (not restricted app folders)

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▶️ Usage

Run the script:

python main.py

Steps:

1. Enter destination coordinates
   Example:

   13.0827,80.2707
   

2. Choose travel mode or set a custom distance
   (This determines how far from the destination the alarm triggers)

3. The system will continuously track your location

4. Alarm will trigger when:

   • You are within the selected distance
   • OR you pass the destination

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❗ Troubleshooting

• No GPS data

  • Ensure location is enabled on your phone
  • Check permissions for Termux and Termux:API
  • Run termux-location manually to verify

• Command not found (termux-*)

  • Make sure termux-api package is installed

• Script errors

  • Reinstall dependencies:

    pip install -r requirements.txt

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⚠️ Notes

• Works only on Android (Termux environment)
• GPS accuracy depends on device and surroundings
• Uses a wakelock to keep running even when the screen is off
• Not a true background service — may stop if Termux is closed or restricted by Android

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📂 Project Structure

location-alarm-termux/
│
├── main.py
├── README.md
├── requirements.txt
├── .gitignore
├── LICENSE
│
├── assets/
│   └── demo.png
│
└── docs/
    └── architecture.md

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🚧 Limitations

• Requires Termux environment (Android only)
• GPS accuracy depends on device hardware
• No background execution

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🔮 Future Enhancements

• Background service support
• Map API integration
• ETA-based smart alerts
• Custom alarm profiles
• Travel analytics

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💼 Use Cases

• Daily commuting
• Travel navigation
• Location-based reminders
• Accessibility support

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🤝 Contributing

Contributions, issues, and feature requests are welcome.

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📄 License

MIT License

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🧠 Summary

A practical location-triggered alert system integrating mobile utilities with geospatial computation.