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 Mode does not change how the box detects transponders. The Track Box Active supports normal, fast, and standby mode. Slow mode is a Track Box Passive mode; if it is set on a Track Box Active the box ignores it and remains in its current mode.
| Normal | Fast | Standby | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended for | General timing | Live applications where every second counts, such as announcer feed or live TV | Boxes that are set up but not yet needed |
| Status call | Every 4 minutes, Every 15 seconds while traveling or with > 100 Track Pings waiting | Every 15 seconds | Every 15 minutes |
| Mobile data | Connects when there is data to send and then disconnects | Permanent connection | Connects for status call only |
| GPS | Switched off automatically after about 2 minutes without movement | Switched off automatically after about 2 minutes without movement | Switched on shortly before a status call if the box has moved since the last status |
| Battery & Data use | Medium | Highest | Lowest |
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 seconds. Fast mode does not change the Track Ping algorithm — passings are determined with exactly the same timing as in Normal mode. Compared to Normal, Fast only saves the time otherwise spent re-establishing the mobile data connection.
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; if the box has moved since the last status, the GPS module takes a single fix shortly before the status call is sent.
Automatic switch to Standby
In some situations the box switches to Standby on its own, regardless of the configured Mode, and returns to the configured Mode once the condition ends:
Auto Standby: During the time window set in the Auto Standby rule of the Track Box Configuration Rules
Low battery: When the battery is almost empty, to keep the box able to report its status and position for longer
Excessive current draw: If the box detects an abnormally high current draw
When does a mode change take effect
The box receives its configuration with each status call, so a new Mode takes effect with the next status call; within up to 4 minutes in Normal mode, or up to 15 minutes from Standby. The box sends a status call as soon as the Mode changes, so the new Mode is visible in RACE RESULT 14 right away. After a restart, the box starts in Normal mode and applies the configured Mode with its first status call.