The Loop Box supports two modes that represent two different use cases:

Repeat Mode

In this mode, the Loop Box activates the transponder, receives its data and sends (repeats) it to the main loop.

This is an easy way to connect several timing points within an area, e.g. a triathlon finish, transition in and transition out. The maximum distance between LoopBox and Active Extension can be up to 900m depending on conditions.

Note that the Loop Box has an internal buffer for 1000 detections. Even if the connection between Loop Box and the main loop is interrupted, the detections will not be lost: once the connection is recovered, the Loop Box will transmit the buffered detections. Thanks to the precise internal clock of the Loop Box, the detection time will still be correct and precise.

For the communication between Loop Box and the main loop please note:

• Loop Box and the main loop need to run on the same channel (see Channel ID Setup). It is recommended that you select a fixed channel on the main decoder instead of using the auto mode.
• The main loop that will receive the detections from the Loop Box(es) must have Loop ID 1. This way the Loop Boxes know where to send the data even if several systems are present.

Impulse Mode

The Impulse Mode is the same as Repeat Mode, but the audio output will be used as impulse input that creates a fake detection.

Store Mode

This mode only works with the ActivePro and MotorKart transponders!

In this mode, the transponder will be activated by the Loop Box, but instead of transmitting the detection data, it will start its internal clock and thus know the time since it had been activated. This internal clock runs for a maximum of 24 hours (detections will be deleted afterwards) and a maximum of 64 detections can be saved.

When being activated by another Active device which is not in Store Mode, the transponder will transmit not only the new detection but also all stored detections. For example for a MTB downhill race, a Loop Box at the start could activate the transponder, and at the finish two detections will be received: start time and finish time.

The Loop Box is a very easy way to make sure athletes have passed several check points: Simply put a Loop Box at every check point and at the finish the transponder will transmit the detections from all the check points.

Note that the internal clock of the  transponder is only as precise as the clock on your wrist. It can have deviations of up to 5 seconds per day. High deviations between different chips may occur when they are being used with very different environmental temperatures.

At the same time note that a deviation of 5 seconds per day, equals a deviation of only 0.03 seconds in 10 minutes.

Loop Box Time

Note that the Loop Box and the ActivePro/MotorKart transponder do have an internal clock, but do not need to have the current time of day. They simply tell the main loop how much time has elapsed since the detection occurred. The main loop will then calculate the detection time by subtracting this offset from its current time.