Cox box
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A Cox box is an electronic device used in competitive rowing that combines a digital stroke rate monitor and elapsed time readout with a voice amplifier. Although the term "Cox box" is commonly used as a generic descriptor of this type of device, the name Cox-Box is a registered trademark of Nielsen Kellerman, just one of the several companies that manufacture these units.
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[edit] Use
Mainly used in Eights and Fours the read outs are used by the coxswain to monitor the performance of the crew and manage the race, this of particular importance in head (time trial) races where the performance of other crews cannot be easily gauged. The amplifier is linked to one or more speakers along the boat making it easier for the crew to hear commands, this is particularly important for the rower in the bow seat as they are furthest away. The coxswain typically wears a headband-mounted microphone, which is attached by a wire and quick release to the cox box.
[edit] History
Before the development of the cox box a megaphone strapped to the head of the coxswain was used to make the cox easier to hear.
[edit] Strokes Per Minute (SPM) Rating
Almost all Cox Boxes have a Liquid crystal display, showing the Strokes Per Minute (SPM) rating. On most Cox Box systems, a magnet is positioned under the Stoke rower's seat. As the rower moves up the slide (moving forward to prepare for the next stroke), a measurement is taken, and fed to the cox box. The Stroke rower (seated at the stern) sets the rate of rowing for the whole crew so is very important.
[edit] Relevance of Stroke Rate
The Stroke Rate is extremely important when competing in long race events, usually called Head Races. An excessive Stroke rating would mean that the strokes of the rowers will be less than perfect as they are hurried and this will unbalance the boat. If the balance of the boat is not good, then the rowers will not be able to cover the blade properly, meaning that a smaller amount of water would be displaced, moving the boat a distance which would be less than a boat which is perfectly balanced. If the stroke rate is continuously excessive, less chance of winning the race at all as distance is lost every stroke. For example: If 400 strokes are taken in 3 kilometer head race, and due to poor technique the boat loses 1m a stroke they will fall behind around 400m compared to a perfectly rated opponent crew in the same time period, even though the rowers of both crews have out the same amount of effort into taking the strokes. An excessive rating will also cause the crew to tire too quickly as a result of this their technique may suffer further.
Rowing is not just about the sheer power, but also about technique and precise timing, this is easier to manage using a Cox Box.
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