RFID devices for timing
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RFID devices for timing
Due to the scrappy nature of some of our areas and the high incidence of vandalism we are forced to use low tech systems such as manual start and finish and mini kites. The manual system involves labour and volunteers and is imprecise. Has anyone come across a low cost (how much) technology that would allow users to self start and self finish? I am thinking RFID here. Numbers for events are typically 30-80 so we do not need the likes of a Great North Run or London marathon system? Northern Navigators have access to the Army Emit system and have used the brick just for start and finish along with manual punching (I assume it uses RFID too).
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Freefall - addict
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- Location: Scotland
I think both SI and EMIT are based on RFID. With EMIT it would be transmitter card (powered) and receiver control (the RFID tag) while SI would be the other way round.
You might as well use them for just start and finish if that's what you need since you've proabably already got the kit for one of them. Proximity controls would make it even easier since the competitor wouldn't actively have to punch and the e-card wouldn't need to be on their hand.
I did some RFID research recently for a uni project (just theoretical so didn't actually build any of it). Tags are really cheap but readers are a bit more, especially if you want decent range.
http://www.ti.com/tiris/
http://www.secureorderprocess.com/ti/products.asp
Or if you know anyone into elctronics there is this option U2270B-MFP £4.20 from Farnell - SKU – 3864352. Didn't really look into it much though so as for circuits and interfacing with computers, uniquely recording each competitor, etc I don't know
You might as well use them for just start and finish if that's what you need since you've proabably already got the kit for one of them. Proximity controls would make it even easier since the competitor wouldn't actively have to punch and the e-card wouldn't need to be on their hand.
I did some RFID research recently for a uni project (just theoretical so didn't actually build any of it). Tags are really cheap but readers are a bit more, especially if you want decent range.
http://www.ti.com/tiris/
http://www.secureorderprocess.com/ti/products.asp
Or if you know anyone into elctronics there is this option U2270B-MFP £4.20 from Farnell - SKU – 3864352. Didn't really look into it much though so as for circuits and interfacing with computers, uniquely recording each competitor, etc I don't know
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Rookie - green
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- Location: Lake District
I would suggest not reinventing the wheel but to use existing SI/Emit kit for start and finish. I don't know if you've got your own kit already, but most of your regular club runners will have their own SI card so all you will need is 4 (clear, check, start finish) stations, a master station and a few hire cards, on top of the laptop etc that you would need with a new system. If you went with your own system while looking cheaper it would mean you need hire cards for all.
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FatBoy - addict
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Thanks for the comments so far. Our SportIdent system belongs to the Association rather than the club andthere is a charge to use it. On occasion it might be down with CLOK at one of their events too. I am waiting for a reply from Alan Farrington at EMIT. I might try contacting Joe Lee too - they constructed the kit used at the KIMM (not good for speed punching but OK for a local event).
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Freefall - addict
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- Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:08 pm
- Location: Scotland
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