Race Timing System
Timing Methods for Sports Events
Accurate timekeeping in sports competitions can be achieved through various methods:
Manual/Handwritten Timing:
Stopwatches and paper can be used for small-scale events by manually recording the time associated with the participant’s BIB number as they cross the finish line.
Finish Line Photography:
For high-speed races with fewer participants, such as horse racing or car racing, results are captured using special video cameras placed at the finish line. These cameras can take over 120 frames per second, with timestamps recorded on each frame.
RFID Technology:
Passive RFID is currently the most widely adopted solution. It enables automatic and precise recording of start and finish times for athletes. This solution is ideal for large-scale sporting events where fast and accurate result processing is critical.
Sports Competition Timing System – 1Gate.race
1Gate.race is a timing system for sporting events (running, cycling, etc.) powered by RFID technology. It supports both active and passive RFID tags, making it suitable for events with large numbers of participants.
Key Features
- Real-time location tracking
- Lap counting and lap time measurement
- Team and age group result calculation
- Multi-distance race timing in a single event
- Split time recording at multiple checkpoints, not just start and finish
- Real-time results display
- Internet and LAN connectivity support
System Devices
Antena
The antenna draws power from the RFID reader and transmits it as radio waves to RFID tags. In addition to sending signals, the antenna also receives data sent back from the tags and relays it to the RFID reader for decoding.
Various types of antennas can be used in sports competitions, such as mat antennas, upright antennas, or overhead antennas mounted above timing points.
RFID Reader
The RFID reader is one of the most critical components of the timing system. It receives radio signals from the antenna to detect and read RFID tags, decodes the data, stores it, and displays it on the timing software.
RFID Tags
RFID tags come in a variety of designs tailored to different sports. They can be in the form of wristbands, shoe tags, or ankle chips used in triathlons. RFID tags may be disposable or reusable, but in practice, most tags used in sports events are single-use due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Triathlon Timing System Setup Model
Antenna and RFID reader units are installed at the start and finish points of each discipline. As athletes wearing BIBs with RFID tags pass through each checkpoint, their results are automatically recorded and updated in real time on the 1Gate.race software.
Contact 1Gate
With proven experience in implementing timing systems for sporting events, 1Gate is ready to consult and provide tailored solutions for your race.
📧 Email: info@1gate.com.vn
📞 Phone: 0778 333 000