Successfully Tests RFID for High-Speed Sports Timing
Alien Technology, an industry leader in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) UHF products and services, and Hardcard Systems, a leading motorsports management and consulting firm, today announced the completion of the first rounds of field testing using RFID for motorsports timing and scoring.
In tests conducted at Buttonwillow Raceway in California in December 2007, Hardcard and Alien® used standard Gen 2 UHF RFID tags, antennas, readers and software to accurately track and time eight motorcycles at speeds exceeding 140mph. Competition-prepared motorcycles were successfully time-stamp recorded passing several read points around the racetrack, simulating realistic race situations where multiple racers pass reader checkpoints. Alien ALR-9900 readers and standard antennas were stationed at the checkpoints, providing accurate reads up to 10 meters away (over 30 feet) at race-like speeds. The professional racers’ machines were equipped with a total of two of Alien’s “M-Tags” each.
Hardcard Systems, utilizing RFID in motorsports applications, will reduce the cost and complexity of timing and scoring solutions for racing series, tracks and competitors. Race vehicles can be time-stamped using trackside antennas and readers with tags embedded within low-cost and disposable labels, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for costly transponders.
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