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High Density Digital System

Dual Antenna System

Transponders

Software

The RFID Race Timing System is an easy to use, yet powerful transponder

based timing system for use in many sports

Systems are built using Texas Instruments and RabbitCore components

ABOUT USTransponder or ‘chip’ timing has become an established part of most worldwide races and automates the capture of athletes times using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID). RFID Race Timing Systems have developed timing systems for over 10 years using the technology that has proven both reliable and cost effective for the small triathlon club – or the largest international marathon. Our company headquarters based in Perth, Western Australia is surrounded by sports enthusiasts who train and race in a perfect climate all year round. Our state is a wonderful environment to develop, test and refine new sports timing technologies and the fruits of our labour are now available to the world with a set of chip timing solutions for any size sports event.

HISTORYThe RFID Race Timing System started in 1996 when a basic system was developed for the local triathlon association using what was then the latest RFID readers from Texas Instruments. By 2003 the system had been continually improved to become the Dual Antenna System that forms the basis of today’s systems. Because of the geographical isolation of ‘sports-mad’ Perth, RFID Race Timing Systems developed many new techniques for chip timing unique style events. These included designing and implementing new antenna designs for the Avon Descent white water paddling race and 2008 FINA World Masters Open Water Swim.

By 2007, the RFID Race Timing System was timing both Australian Ironman’s, ITU World Cup Triathlon races and the World Kayak Championships. The new High Density Digital (HDD) System was released with the capability to time mass start and finish-lines of the big fun runs. In October 2008 the HDD System passed with flying colours at the prestigous Melbourne Marathon where 20,000 timed runners finished on the most famous sporting stadium in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

OUR TECHNOLOGYThe RFID Race Timing System uses 134kHz half-duplex transponders originally developed by electronics giant Texas Instruments. The technology is renown for its reliability under all conditions and forms the basis for the majority of chip timing as well as livestock identification around the globe. The technology has even been used to track tagged Salmon underwater.

RFID Race Timing Systems has researched other types of RFID frequencies but the low frequency system (134kHz) still proves to be superior technology for timing under all extremes of weather. The read range is very good (up to 1.5 metres above the mats) and the antennas are well focussed so that accurate times can be recorded to within 0.1 seconds resolution. Transponders will last indefinitely giving many years of service.

“The HDD System performed very well at the Melbourne Marathon this year. I particularly liked how easy it was to setup a 16 meter wide timing point on the start line.Greg D’Arcy, Multisport Australia NSW AUSTRALIA

FACT: Over 90% of running races and triathlons in the world are chip timed using Texas Instruments 134kHz RFID technology

OUR PRODUCTSRFID Race Timing Systems has two systems that suit different levels of timing requirement.

High Density Digital (HDD) System

The new HDD System incorporates the latest 134kHz technology in a sturdy portable case. The HDD uses special digital circuitry with 16 stand alone readers on one PCB board to avoid issues with tag-collision when there is a high density of athletes on the timing mats. Up to 300 individual transponder codes can be read per second from the reader array making it virtually impossible to avoid detection when crossing the mat. The HDD System has been designed to be easy to setup with an inbuilt ethernet switch, a combined data and sync cable and single tuning knob. The whole system can be deployed in several minutes and has all the capabilities to handle any density of runners or walkers in an event.

The HDD comes with one 4m x 2m mat that can be rolled out in seconds or optionally, 4 EVA jigsaw mats can be attached to a single unit covering 3m x 2m. The HDD is designed to be versatile in all environments and the maximum timing point width is 8 metres using two HDD units. The HDD System is designed for contract timers of triathlon and running events.

Dual Antenna System (MKIII)

The Dual Antenna System is designed for clubs on a limited budget that want the accuracy and ease of chip timing in their events. The system is incredibly easy to setup now that the new MKIII control box has inbuilt networking, simplified antenna tuning and cabling. This model can be adapted to spread antenna mats as far apart as 60m making it possible to simultaneously time two split points like entrance and exit to a transition area.

Our new lightweight mats (1.1 x 1.4m) come standard with the Dual Antenna System. Weighing just 6kg each, they are easy to move around and position. The mats interlock to create a stable surface that looks very professional. The Dual Antenna System comes standard with 2 mats.

Transponders

The Texas Instruments half duplex 134kHz transponder is a litte miracle. The ‘batteryless’ internal circuit derives power from the electromagnetic field generated from a special antenna in the mat. After powering the transponder by a magnetic field, the mat antennas listen for the transponders unique tag code transmission. This is all achieved in 50 milliseconds - rain, hail or shine. Transponders can even be read under water!

Transponders are protected in a crush proof plastic housing that can be threaded onto a neoprene or Velcro strap for placement on the ankle. The housing also ties easily to the shoe lace.

The price of our transponders continues to drop and we are predicting big price drops in 2009 when 3rd party manufacturers begin production. This means our transponders will continue to be very affordable and be on par with the cost of so-called disposable chips. Customers can source their 134kHz transponder from any vendor or distributer in their own country.

Software

The software used to time and score events is a critical component of any timing system. Raw data is saved within the control box for later ‘rewinding’ to a race scoring package. Data is also streamed in real-time over ethernet to RFIDServer which handles the capture of data as well as the functions of each control box. Every system comes bundled with the latest version of RFIDServer which we believe is the most advanced software conduit that interfaces our hardware with 3rd party scoring software. An intuitive display makes connecting and saving data a simple process. The status of control boxes can be monitored remotely over any TCP/IP connection and data can be rewound at any stage within a date and time window. There is no chance of deleting or losing data like in other systems.

By using RFIDServer, all raw data can be captured and processed in realtime in many popular 3rd party scoring packages. These include RaceTec, RaceDirector, RunScore, RaceTrak and ElfScore. It is a simple process of importing raw timing files into these scoring packages to calculate results. The results can then be reported on a number of mediums including the web, LED displays and giant TV screens. There are also low cost methods of transferring timing data over VPN cellular routers providing instant feedback from remote timing points. Talk to RFID Race Timing today about a solution for your next race.

In the first year of using my RFID Race Timing System I scored more

than 50 events and in each instance the equipment performed flawlessly,

and most importantly the race organizers were extremely satisfied. Great equipment, super support, and

extremely affordable. What more could you want?

Todd Henderlong, TH Timing IN USA

We’ve been using the RFID Race Timing Systems for over a year

now and are very pleased with the system. The Dual Antenna System is easy to set up and the software

user friendly. Having the system has reduced our need for timing

personnel from five to one. Overall it has been a worthwhile investment.

Rob Eley, President Toowoomba Tri Club QLD AUSTRALIA

HDD System

Dual Antenna System

Transponders

APPLICATION

Triathlon

Triathlon involves the timing of race splits for swim, T1, bike, T2 and run. Most triathlons have a low density of athletes passing through each timing point at any given time during an event. As a result, our MKIII Dual Antenna System becomes a cost effective piece of timing equipment that is well suited for triathlon. For triathlon clubs on a limited budget an entire triathlon can be timed with one MKIII Dual Antenna System with the option to split antennas by up to 60 meters so that two separate split points can be timed simultaneously. This type of system is proving popular with triathlon clubs in Australia. For larger triathlons of over 500 athletes, we recommend the HDD System.

Canoeing

RFID Race Timing Systems has developed a floating antenna loop (2 metres high x 3 metres wide) that has been used for canoeing events. Transponders can be worn on the ankle and read as the water craft passes through the antenna hoop. The system is routinely used at most big padding events in Western Australia.

Swimming

The MKIII Dual Antenna System has been used extensively in swimming events where the finish line is on the beach. The dual antenna system was used to time the Midmar Mile in South Africa– the biggest open water swim with over 17,000 competitors. The HDD Systems is also excellent for timing large open water swims where large number of competitors cram onto the finish line. RFID Race Timing Systems has also developed a floating antenna gantry that will time swimmers in the water as per FINA open water swimming rules.

Cycling

The RFID Race Timing System has been used for many mass participation cycling events in Australia and the UK. In the past the Dual Antenna System has been used for these events. However the HDD System now come with an optional cycle mat that increases transponder read height to 1m ensuring that fast moving bicycles can be timed when the transponder is worn on the ankle. A special transponder clip is also available which places the transponder on the front fork skewer. This brings the transponder to within 20cm of the mat surface improving read rates even further.

Running

Whether you’re a running club which handles small running races or a professional timer who handles medium to large size events, we have a timing solution for you. The MKIII Dual Antenna System has been designed for small clubs on a tight budget looking to get into chip timing.

For professional timing companies who time medium to large size events, our High Density Digital (HDD) chip timing system is a perfect timing solution for start to finish timing where start mats are used to calculate the net finish time. The HDD system uses special digital circuitry with 16 stand alone readers on one PCB board to avoid issues with tag-collision when there is a high density of athletes on the timing mats. Up to 300 individual transponder codes can be read per second from the reader array making it virtually impossible to avoid detection when crossing the mat. The HDD System was a great success at the recent Melbourne Marathon on October 12, 2008 and proved that the system can step up to the biggest races in the world.

CASE STUDIES

Ironman Western Australia– 7 December 2008

A qualifier for the famous Hawaii Ironman, the Busselton Ironman in Western Australia attracted 800 triathletes who were timed using 10 HDD Systems at ten different split points throughout the day. Results were streamed to IronmanLive on the internet using VPN cellular routers at the remote timing points. The ironman is arguably the most difficult event to time due to the numerous timing points and networking required. The RFID Race Timing System handles these difficulties with ease over the 17 hour event.

Melbourne Marathon - 12 October 2008

The Melbourne Marathon was the first big test for the new HDD System when 20,000 runners competed over four distances and finished on the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. Once again the reliability of the HDD System was proven and this time on one of Australia’s biggest and most prestigious races. The success heralds a new beginning for RFID Race Timing Systems which can now lay claim to having a system that can handle any size race in the world.

FAQS

How long do transponders last for?

The transponders will last forever if not crushed since they contain no moving parts or batteries. The transponder derives its power from the magnetic field of the antenna mat. Transponders are placed in a plastic crush resistance housing and bands will last for over 100 races. The bands are relatively cheap and easy to replace and lost transponders can be easily replaced.

How many athletes can I time?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on the number of athletes finishing at any one time. For long drawn out events over 2 hours, one dual antenna system can handle over 1000 competitors. For field sizes greater than 1000 competitors, more than one dual antenna system is needed per timing point. To calculate the number of antenna mats required, each mat is capable of handling up to 30 competitors per minute (1 dual antenna system = 60 competitors per minute).

The High Density Digital System can handle over 300 tag codes per second. This density of course is never reached, even in mass movement of walkers over the mats. The typical peak density of a start line is 100 runners per minute per square metre.

Will the RFID Race Timing System be out of date in several years?

The low frequency transponders are still the benchmark for sports timing. There is a lot of interest in the latest UHF readers and transponders and RFID Race Timing has investigated this frequency for running and cycling events. The is a major issue with interference due to metal and water on UHF systems and current transponder designs do not lend themselves to working close to the human body. The latest UHF system requires the athlete to loop the transponder on the shoe lace using an adhesive backing. This is not fool-proof and requires the competitor to perform a delicate procedure. The reason transponders are put on like this is to keep them away from the foot. If the transponder is too close to the foot, the transponder will detune and become inoperable.

Where water is involved such as triathlon, swimming or paddling the low frequency transponders are the most reliable because they can read through most objects including water. Ultra High frequency RFID readers generally need to have a line of sight between antenna and transponder and can be quite unstable in high noise areas. The general rule of thumb is that lower frequencies equate to better read reliability. But lower frequencies mean a slower data transfer. Therefore the drawback is the requirement for more readers per coverage area.

What is the difference between passive and active transponders?

Transponders all need a source of power to send their code signal to a reader. Passive transponders generally derive their energy from a low frequency electromagnetic pulse that is coupled to a storage capacitor. When the charge signal is completed, the transponder will send it’s code via it’s own miniature antenna. This signal is picked up by a high gain receive aerial and decoded by a reader.

Active transponders do the same procedure except there is no charge up phase because the transponder has it’s own power supply (usually a watch battery).

Passive transponders are generally low cost and have a long life span. Active transponders are quite a bit more expensive and life span is limited to battery life. Active transponder systems generally have simpler reader systems comprimising of a single pickup loop antenna.

Can you modify the race software for our application?

Yes. If your event requires a particular format for data capture or results presentation, we can often work closely with our software developers to modify current software packages. Many of these improvements flow on in the form of software upgrades to current owners of the system.

What is the difference between low and high frequency transponders?

We use low frequency (134khz) transponders and readers which generally are the standard used for sports timing. They offer good read range, read focus of antennas and can penetrate most mediums other than metal. The 134khz system is half duplex meaning that only one transponder can be read at any given time over an antenna mat. However, if transponders are slightly staggered as they cross over the mat, they will both be read in the correct sequence. This is actually an advantage since it means that the correct order of transponders crossing the mat is recorded. Sprint finishes can be easily and accurately separated to 0.1 second resolution. The much more common high frequency transponders tend to be cheaper and full duplex meaning that many transponders can be read at the same time by one antenna. This type of system is favoured for tracking goods in a warehouse (ie. Walmart). This is because the system is cheaper, transponders are expendable and most importantly, all the information that is required is whether the item or goods are in the general proximity of the antenna and RFID reader. Read order is less of a concern other than on a checkout where the read range is generally quite short (less than 12 inches). Most high frequency transponders operate at 13.56 MHz and the bulk of research centre’s around UHF systems. Some of the claims from the UHF reader manufacturers seem impressive and RFID Race Timing has evaluated the latest UHF reader for certain sports timing applications. There are a few examples of high frequency RFID timing systems in the world but the major feedback is that they lack the accuracy of the low frequency systems. Active high frequency transponders give better reliability but they are expensive. To read more about RFID technology we suggest visiting www.rfidusa.com which can explain many of the technical terms used in RFID.

What is Tag Collision?

In RFID systems there are times when two or more transponders may simultaneously send their signal to a reader. If the signal frequency of these two transponders is the same and they are less than 8 centimeters apart, then the reader will have difficulty separating the information and either transponder may not be read. This is called a ‘tag collision’.

The TI 134kHz transponder that RFID Race Timing Systems uses is half duplex. This means that the transponder communicates in one direction. The advantage of half duplex transponders is that they can be read from a greater distance away from the reader antenna. To minimize issues with tag collision, our systems read at 20 times per second. The new HDD system improves things even more by installing numerous readers and antennas within the mat matrix. With 16 readers all reading 20 times per second, it becomes virtually impossible to miss a transponder due to tag collision. The HDD was designed to handle all athlete densities and in particular, those seen at the start line of large fun runs.

Specifications for Dual Antenna System MKIII

Power supply Internal rechargeable lead acid batteries – 5 hours operation time

Mat weight 6kg per mat

Coverage area 2.8 m2

Maximum read rate 20 times per second. Resolution 0.05 seconds

Transponder read height Up to 1.2 metres above mat

Networking 10baseT Ethernet with inbuilt ethernet switch

Control box dimensions and weight 40.6cm x 33cm x 17.4cm – 9.8kg with battery

Memory storage Approx 10,000 records in battery backed RAM

Specifications for HDD System

Power supply Internal rechargeable lead acid batteries – 8 hours operation time

Mat weight 28kg

Coverage area 16 m2

Maximum read rate 20 times per second. Resolution 0.05 seconds.

Transponder read height Up to 0.8 metres above mat

Networking 100baseT Ethernet with inbuilt ethernet switch

Control box dimensions and weight 50.2cm x 40cm x 18.8cm – 10.6kg with battery

Memory storage Approx 24,000 records in battery backed RAM

After Sales Backup

RFID Race Timing takes support and service very seriously after the initial sale. In most cases a qualified and experienced chip timer will travel to your location and provide intensive training inclusive of the system sale. We understand the requirements for completing the task of timing your event - from entering race competitors, to publishing results in the right format and on the best medium. Any problems with a system will be rectified quickly and efficiently with new replacement units ready on standby in your country. Service plans are also available after the initial 1 year warranty.

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Head Office

13 Willcock St Ardross 6153Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9316 4528Email: info@rfidtiming.comWeb: www.rfidtiming.com

Distributor

North and South America

AccuchipUSA - Alan Harding2501 NW 107th AvenueCoral Springs, FL 33065

Phone: (954) 461 6320Email: AccuChip@bellsouth.netWeb: www.accuchiptiming.com