Comparison

Mode Controller vs Back Yard Ultra Race Director

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Mode Controller

Control crane operations wirelessly via a local network. This app offers a simple interface for one-click control of multiple devices and free grouping, enhancing efficiency and safety on construction sites and in warehouses.

Highlights
  • Wireless crane control via LAN
  • One-click control of multiple devices
  • Free grouping of crane devices
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Enhanced work efficiency and safety
  • Comprehensive security mechanisms
Features
Read full description

The Mode App is an application designed specifically for cranes, which enables wireless control through a local area network connection. It has the advantages of simple interface operation, one-click control of multiple devices, and free grouping. Users can easily operate on their phones or tablets to control the lifting and lowering of the crane, improving work efficiency and safety. The following are the main functions and features of Mode App: Wireless control: Through a local area network connection, users can wirelessly control the lifting and lowering of the crane on their mobile phones or tablet computers, making it convenient and fast. One-click control of multiple devices: Mode App supports simultaneous control of multiple crane devices, allowing users to control multiple devices to lift and lower simultaneously with one click. Free grouping: Users can freely combine multiple crane devices into a group to achieve simultaneous lifting and lowering, facilitating unified control and management. Simple interface operation: The interface design of Mode App is simple and intuitive, and users can achieve lifting control of the crane with simple touch or gesture operations. Safe and reliable: Mode App has a comprehensive security mechanism and permission control to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the crane by users. The Mode App is suitable for various occasions where cranes are needed, such as construction sites, logistics warehouses, and port terminals. By using the Mode App, users can more easily and quickly control crane equipment, improving work efficiency and safety.

About

Back Yard Ultra Race Director

This race timer and lap management tool allows organizers to track up to 100 participants in real-time. It features customizable runner statuses, lap timers, alerts, and a dynamic leaderboard for various events.

Highlights
  • Live lap tracking
  • Custom runner management (up to 100)
  • Multiple runner statuses (DNS, RUN, WIN, etc.)
  • Smart button behavior for lap marking
  • Countdown race clock with sound cues
  • Dynamic leaderboard display
  • Pause and adjust race mode
  • Auto save and recovery
Features
Read full description

Back Yard Ultra Race Director helps organizers manage backyard ultras and other lap-based running events from an iPhone or iPad. Previously known as Sir Ricks-a-Lap, this is the same app with expanded race management and live sharing. RACE TIMING Set a past or future start time, choose the lap duration, and follow the race clock, current lap, and total race duration. Whistles, an airhorn, and cowbell alerts help keep your event on schedule, with manual sound controls and a Silence This Lap option. RUNNER MANAGEMENT Add runners manually or import a CSV roster. Record lap completions, undo a tap, update runner statuses, and view lap times and average pace. Export runner data to CSV. SAVE AND RESTORE RACES Create separate race records and restore previously saved events. Race settings, runners, lap history, and timing information are saved automatically, with timestamp-based recovery after reopening the app. LIVE WEB LEADERBOARD Share each race through its permanent webpage URL or scannable QR code. Spectators can follow runner results, race duration, and the current lap. Copy the link, open the webpage, or display and share a full-screen QR image. An internet connection is required for web publishing and live updates. EVENT DISPLAYS View the leaderboard in the app and use the existing external-display support for a larger race display. Support: https://active-media.com/sirricksalap

Screenshots

Mode Controller4 screens
Back Yard Ultra Race Director4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Mode Controller at Free against Back Yard Ultra Race Director's $9.99. Mode Controller also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Mode Controller is free to download; Back Yard Ultra Race Director costs $9.99 up front. Back Yard Ultra Race Director sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Mode Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mode Controller ships an update fortnightly, Back Yard Ultra Race Director every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Mode Controller versus Back Yard Ultra Race Director: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMode ControllerBack Yard Ultra Race Director
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating3.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB65 MB
Age rating17+12+
Developer格物(北京)电动科技有限公司Mark Neisser

In-app purchases

None

Mode Controller

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Back Yard Ultra Race Director

One-time1
  • Unlock Pro$9.99

Questions

Is Mode Controller free?
Mode Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Back Yard Ultra Race Director free?
Back Yard Ultra Race Director costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Do Mode Controller or Back Yard Ultra Race Director have ads?
Neither Mode Controller nor Back Yard Ultra Race Director shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mode Controller or Back Yard Ultra Race Director?
Mode Controller ships an update fortnightly, and Back Yard Ultra Race Director every 2 weeks. Most recently, Mode Controller was updated on October 24, 2026 and Back Yard Ultra Race Director on October 30, 2026.

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