The Mode setting on the General tab tells the Core Tap what role this station plays in the game. Each Core Tap in your venue is configured independently, so different units can be set to different modes.
When to use: Regular gameplay stops spread around the venue.
When a player taps a valid tag at a Station:
Set a unique Station Number (1-32) on each Station unit. The number must match the checkboxes configured on any Checkpoint or Finale that requires it.
When to use: Gates, waypoints, or intermediate validation points.
A Checkpoint reads the tag and checks how many required stations have been visited, but does not record a new visit. Depending on the tag's state, one of three responses plays:
| Tag State | Response |
|---|---|
| No stations visited yet | Game Just Started response |
| Some required stations visited | Game Not Complete response |
| All required stations visited | Game Complete response |
The required stations are selected using the Required Stations checkboxes on the General tab.
When to use: The final prize redemption point - typically one per venue.
A Finale works like a Checkpoint but also handles prize control:
| Tag State | Response |
|---|---|
| No stations visited yet | Game Just Started response |
| Some required stations visited | Game Not Complete response |
| All required stations visited (first time) | Game Complete - prize awarded, a "prize given" flag is written to the tag |
| All stations visited, prize flag already set | Prize Already Given - alerts staff that this player has already claimed their prize |
This ensures each tag can only win once per game session, even if the player taps the Finale multiple times.
When to use: At a staff-only station for preparing blank player tags.
When a blank NFC tag is tapped:
The tag is now ready to be handed to a player. Tags without the correct prefix will not be accepted at Stations, Checkpoints, or Finales.
When to use: At the end of the event, or when a player needs their tag cleared so they can play again.
When a used tag is tapped:
The tag is returned to a blank state and can be re-programmed at a New Tag Setup station.
A typical venue uses one of these common layouts:
Simple (all stations equal):
With gating:
Staff stations (behind the scenes):