RFID Tags and Readers Capable of Timing Motorcycles at Speeds Exceeding 140mph Using Standard Gen 2 UHF Solution
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.
“Working with Hardcard Systems, we were able to push the envelope for high speed RFID applications,” said Victor Vega, director of product marketing for Alien Technology. “Though the results are within the theoretical capabilities of Gen 2 RFID, we were pleased to see that our standard portfolio of tags and readers met the needs of this new racing application. At this raceway, the limitation was not RFID, but the length of the track and top speed of the motorcycles.”
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.
“Radio Frequency Identification technology has the potential to revolutionize motorsports timing and scoring,” said Andrew Leisner, managing partner with Hardcard Systems. “Our team of racers, racing executives and industry-leading timing and scoring professionals have found great promise in the use of passive UHF RFID for time scoring, event-related promotions, field access and overall use of the technology for asset tracking. Our system will be able to precisely time and score race machines at high speeds using RFID from Alien Technology and its partners.”
Equally exciting as the on-track applications of RFID, this technology will also be used for pass and ticket-access and tracking. By embedding RFID tags into credentials and tickets, this system can electronically track and help manage access to controlled areas within the venue. Hardcard Systems will continue to develop RFID for all forms of on-road and off-road motorsport alongside Alien Technology and its preferred partners.
In October 2007, Racetimer of Sweden, an Alien Technology Value Added Solutions Provider (VASP), announced that it has implemented RFID at race events around Europe, primarily with the focus on running and skiing events, using standard passive RFID tags and readers from Alien Technology.
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