The following settings are applied to all Active timing devices, and are important to ensure reliable and accurate operation whilst timing.
Refer to the individual device guides to understand how to set the values on the corresponding device.
Channel ID
The communication (back channel) from the transponder to the decoder operates on 2.4 GHz which is a worldwide public band also used for many purposes, such as Wi-Fi.
Within this band, the active system can use 8 different frequency channels. When the loop activates the transponder, it also encodes the channel ID on the loop signal so that the transponder knows on which channel the decoder is listening for the reply from the transponder.
It is adviseable to always use the channel with the least noise / interference, for this you can run a channel scan on whichever system you are using. Additionally, when using multiple systems you should try to keep these on different channels, particularly when in close proximity.
Backup Channels
Active Transponders from V2 and above (except ActiveBasic before 2023) use a primary and backup channel for sending passing data to the Active Extension, this can help in areas where there is high noise on the 2.4 Ghz frequency.
Additionally ActivePro V3 Performance transponders support Quad Channel Backup.
Loop ID
When activating a transponder, the loop also transmits a Loop ID. When transmitting the detection back to the decoder, the transponder will also transmit this Loop ID. This way, several active systems can run on the same channel: decoders within an area will 'hear' the detections from all loops but only process those from transponders that have been activated by their own loop.
It is common practice that your primary timing points will use Loop ID 1, this is the designator that this device is the central timing point.
When working with Loop Boxes set to Repeat Mode, it is critical that the device which should receive those passings is set to Loop ID 1, this identifies this system as the base system for that channel and only Loop ID 1 will receive passings from additional devices.
Loop Power
Simply put - the more power you put on the loop, the higher the transponder will read. Note that with ActivePro V1 / V2 transponders this can also result in reduced accuracy.
Depending on the type of sport, choose an appropriate value for Loop Power. For example for cycling (high precision needed, transponder fixed on the bike, thus close to the loop) choose a low value like 20%. However, if participants wear the transponder on the wrist and can finish with their arms raised, choose a high loop power like 80% or 100%.
Depending on what materials are underground at the timing point, the maximal read height with 100% loop power is 2-2.5 meters. Metal in the ground will reduce the read height.
You can see some guidelines for loop width / loop power and the resulting max detection height here