Sports timing FAQs

Chip timing systems and sports timing in general are the subject of many questions. In this section, we look at frequently asked questions in the sports timing community.

What events can I use IPICO Sports Timing equipment for?

IPICO Sports Timing equipment can be used in a range of events including

• Running: All events over 1km, including multi-lap circular courses

• Multi-sports: Any events such as triathlon or duathlon where transition phases have to be reliably and accurately measured

• Cycling: Most sportive or cross-country mountain biking events

• Skiing: All endurance events taking place over pre-defined courses

• Other Sports: Any other endurance or long-range events where regular and accurate timing is required

Is there any restriction on the number of competitors I can chip time?

Since the IPICO Sports Reader is capable of simultaneously reading over 100 tags/second there is no practical constraint on the number of competitors that can be chip timed. The IPICO Sports Reader/Mat bundle allows for Start lines ranging from 2.4m to 5m - greater if multiple readers are deployed. This allows for chip recording of all sizes of events.

Can the IPICO Sports Timing equipment be used in all weather and temperatures?

The IPICO Sports Timing solution has been used in all climates and geographies across the globe which demonstrates its resilience to the normal weather and temperature conditions to be found in all but the most extreme events. The re-usable IPICO Sports Tag is entirely waterproofed whilst the IPICO Sports Antenna Mat and Reader have been fully tested to perform in the harshest environments.

What is the benefit of the reusable dual-frequency IPICO Sports Tag vs. Disposable UHF tags?

The dual-frequency (DF) design of the IPICO Sports Tag and Reader allows for accurate and reliable detection in harsh environments (such as rainy or moist conditions) whilst enabling rapid data transmission for mass-participation events. Unlike other chip-based timing solutions (such as UHF) the DF solution has a resilience to the moisture given off by the human competitor and will give more accurate readings of the exact time at which a competitor passes an electronic timing-point. Through efficient management of the IPICO Sports Tag at the end of each race the tag can be reused on multiple occasions bringing the unit cost to well below the current price of ‘cheap’ disposable race tags.

Can the IPICO Sports Timing equipment be used in remote locations?

Yes. The IPICO Sports Reader comes with a rechargeable internal battery and can also be run off an independent portable 12v battery, thus enabling remote operation of the reader. In order to remotely transmit captured data the reader can either communicate via a customer-established local area network (LAN) or through the national GPS/GSM network using a specially configured GPS-enabled USB device (‘dongle’).

What is the expected life-span of the IPICO Sports Timing equipment?

Since the IPICO Sports Timing equipment is based on passive (battery-less) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology there are no batteries limiting the lifespan of the IPICO Sports Tag. Consequently the IPICO Sports Tag will have a limitless life-span when used in the recommended fashion. Likewise the IPICO Sports Reader has an impressive track record of long-term operability with minimal maintenance. All IPICO Sports Timing equipment comes with a 12 months warranty.

Is the IPICO Sports Timing equipment easy to use?

Any proficient computer user will find IPICO Sports Timing equipment straightforward to deploy. All the IPICO equipment comes with comprehensive user instruction manuals and all users have access to an after-sales technical support line. In addition the TI Group provides introductory training services on how to set up the IPICO Sports Timing equipment and race timing software to give the best race results.

Get in touch now for a free Sports Timing consultation with the TI Group>>