Ultra is an Ultra High Frequency RFID system using the latest Generation 2 UHF protocols, high sensitivity readers, specialized in-house antennas and Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) tags. Ideally suited to running and cycling events, we're bringing this technology online for 2010 and it is targeted at the larger events where chip retrieval is simply unachievable. Benefits are approx 150 reads per second across a 9m or 4.5m start line. GPS time sync, GPRS data sync (no wires).
Chips are printed to order and you can either attach them to the race bib themselves or simple post them out matched number to chip and let the participant stick them on the choice is yours. Pricing on request but the bigger the race the cheaper the athlete cost and therefore the cost benefits are passed right along the chain.
Applications – ULTRA has been designed primarily to time major running events but is also extremely efficient at timing mountain biking and road cycling. For cycling the BAP’s are easily read from the race number plate (MTB) or from a special disposable label on the seat post.
The advantages over our competitors –
- The key advantages of the ULTRA is the Disposable Chip which makes the management of running events so easy you will wonder what you ever did before. The technology in RFID changes almost daily but this new system takes advantage of the latest standards and applies industrial quality components in a neat but very functional package. It interesting that our competitors are touting their own systems with a disposable chip but frankly only ours is here and ready for use. Success at the Melbourne Marathon in Q3 2009 means that it’s a brave new world in running race timing.
- The BAPs cost about the same as shoe tags without the hassle of runners having to place a transponder on the shoe. The athlete does not have to do anything special other than what they would otherwise be doing in a manually timed race.
- The smallest and most compact of all timing systems with the control box 35cm x 25cm x 20cm able to time 9 meters width
- Proven and stable firmware translated across from our successful HDD Systems
- Antennas are in mats that are easy to transport. We also design antennas for overhead gantries but believe that mats are the simpler and safest option.
- Race Bib and tag are easily posted out to competitors pre-race.
Ultra consists of 3 superior components;
The Reader Box – Contains the ChioIt reader, networking hardware and industrial computer. The control box is a small heavy duty case that is designed for work in the worst outdoor conditions. With 8 or 4 antenna ports, one control box can drive 8 or 4 antennas to cover a 9 or 4.5m wide timing point. The UHF reader inside is currently the world’s most sensitive Gen2 reader with a maximum receive sensitivity of -80dBm. With some antennas we have achieved a read range of up to 70m using the BAP tag.
Proprietary Antennas – These antennas have maximum sensitivity to the BAP tags whilst minimising unwanted reads flanking the read zone. The antennas are currently embedded in a flexible EVA mat that is easy to position in many configurations. Each mat piece measures 1.1m wide by 0.45m deep and weigh’s 2.5kg. The antenna mats are extremely thin at just 11mm (0.4 inches) high thereby avoiding issues with athletes tripping on a thick and bulky antenna section.
BAPs – Until now UHF tags have had problems being read on the human body. Several of our competitors have tried to address this by placing the transponder off the human body using elaborate tags on the shoe lace – a system that requires input from the competitor and is not ‘idiot proof’. All passive tags are severely compromised when placed very close to the human body due to detuning and loss of backscatter signal. Enter the Battery Assisted Passive or BAP tag. These tags use an ultra thin liquid battery that powers the onboard chip leaving maximum energy backscatter to the reader. The tags are also specifically designed to be read next to the skin and tuned accordingly. The performance gains are remarkable for what is essentially still a passive tag that can be produced at low cost (unlike an active tag that uses a coin battery cell). The battery is non-toxic and has been cleared for safe disposal by the most stringent of environmental rules imposed in Europe.
The beauty of the BAP is that it can be worn on the back of the chest race number completely eliminating the need for the competitor to perform fiddly manouvers with an adhesive label on their shoe. This really is the ultimate system for timing large running events throughout the world.
