The Mode set through Track Box Configuration Rules changes how often the Track Box Active communicates with the server, and therefore how quickly Track Pings arrive and how long the battery lasts. The Track Box Active supports normal, fast and standby mode. Slow mode is a Track Box Passive mode and is rejected if it is set on a Track Box Active.

Normal

Normal mode is the best compromise between battery life and speed of data, and is recommended for general timing. The box sends a status call every 4 minutes and goes online to send Track Pings as they are received, so a Track Ping reaches the server within 30 seconds. The GPS module is switched off automatically while the box is not moving.

Fast

In fast mode the box stays online permanently and sends a status call every 15 to 60 seconds, so a Track Ping reaches the server within 6 seconds. The Reaction Time of the stationary algorithm is also reduced from 10 to 5 seconds, which sends each passing sooner but gives the box less opportunity to record a stronger signal.

This mode will drain the battery in around 6 hours, so it should only be used where battery and data consumption are not a concern. A typical application would be a timing point feeding an announcer.

Standby

In standby the box sends a status call every 15 minutes and does not go online in between, so a Track Ping may take up to 15 minutes to reach the server. A position is reported with each status call, and the GPS module takes a single fix if the box has moved since the last status.