RFID Chip Timing

The Ocala Marathon proudly uses and relies upon RFID Chip timing for the accurate scoring of it's athletes. The RFID Race Timing System is an easy to use, yet powerful transponder based timing system for use in many sports.

Transponder or ‘chip’ timing has become an established part of most worldwide races and automates the capture of athletes times using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID). RFID Race Timing Systems have developed timing systems for over 10 years using the technology that has proven reliable for the small triathlon club – or the largest international marathon.

Transponders
The Texas Instruments half duplex 134kHz transponder is a litte miracle. The ‘batteryless’ internal circuit derives power from the electromagnetic field generated from a special antenna in the mat. After powering the transponder by a magnetic field, the mat antennas listen for the transponders unique tag code transmission. This is all achieved in 50 milliseconds - rain, hail or shine. Transponders can even be read under water! Transponders are protected in a crush proof plastic housing that can be threaded onto a neoprene or Velcro strap for placement on the ankle. The housing also ties easily to the shoe lace.
How are the timing chips collected at the finish line?

After the participant crosses the antenna mats at the finish line, a volunteer will direct them to remove their timing chip and throw it in the collection bucket. The ankle strap system allows for the timing chip to be removed in seconds so that the participant can move quickly out of the finish line area to the post-race party. The ankle strap system minimizes the chances of a back-up at the finish line or the need for additional volunteers to assist participants with the removal of their timing chip. If you forget to return your chip at the end of the race, you will be charged a missing chip fee of $30, so please be sure to mail them back if you find you still have it when you arrive home.