# Binding Timing Devices

Binding a device to **RUFUS Cloud** allows it to communicate with the platform and participate in timing operations. Once a device is bound, it becomes visible in your **Devices list** and can be used within **RUFUS Race Manager** to capture and process race data.

RUFUS Cloud supports three types of timing devices:

* **RUFUS Race App**
* **RUFUS CloudBox**
* **Custom devices using the RUFUS Public API**

Each method connects a device to your RUFUS Cloud account and enables synchronization of timing sessions and passings.

## RUFUS Race App

The **RUFUS Race App** is a virtual timing device used by judges and race officials in the field. It allows manual timing operations such as recording bib numbers and sending race control actions.

Race App devices are launched directly from the **Devices List** page in RUFUS Cloud. When creating a Race App, the system generates a temporary **access token** that allows the app to authenticate with the cloud.

Learn more:\
[**Launching a Race App**](https://help.runonrufus.com/rufus-cloud/race-app/launching-a-new-race-app)

## RUFUS CloudBox

The **RUFUS CloudBox** is the dedicated RFID timing hardware used to capture athlete passings from RFID readers and antennas.

To bind a CloudBox to your account:

1. Generate a **Cloud binding token** from the Devices List.
2. Enter the token in the **Cloud configuration section** of the CloudBox interface.

Once authenticated, the CloudBox will automatically appear in your Devices list and begin synchronizing with RUFUS Cloud.

Learn more:\
[**Binding your CloudBox with the Cloud**](https://help.runonrufus.com/rufus-cloud/cloudbox/binding-your-cloudbox-with-the-cloud)

## Custom Devices via the RUFUS Public API

For developers and integrators, RUFUS Cloud provides a **Public API** that allows custom timing devices and software to connect to the platform.

Using the API, you can:

* Register devices
* Send passings
* Manage timing sessions
* Integrate external timing systems

This option is ideal for organizations using their own hardware or integrating third-party timing technology.

Learn more:\
[**RUFUS Public API Documentation**](https://app.gitbook.com/o/qsBr6PYfxQ8X6tnekuCb/s/TCSseHEwnCQelzZOq6GX/)

## Summary

RUFUS Cloud supports multiple device types, allowing you to build a timing infrastructure that fits your event requirements.

Whether you are using **Race App devices for manual timing**, **CloudBox hardware for RFID detection**, or **custom integrations through the Public API**, all devices can be managed from the same centralized platform.

Once bound, devices appear in the **Devices List**, where you can monitor their status, review sessions, and access timing data.