Hi,

Just curious.. can downhill event be done with chip transponder timing ? Any problem or experience during the event?

Thanks.

Active transponder chip - yes
passive transponder chip - no

Not sure you can beleive the accuracy that the companys promote. We have tested with AMB and J-chip. Both active transponders...AMB 3/100sec when measured against a photofinish at 40km/hr... j-Chip ~1/10sec at 40km/hr in the same test circumstances.
Then there is the problem with not being able to test accurately of the straight finish line at the finish. With a photo cell you know you have a straight line.
FIS and UCI don't certify transponder timing. UCI will use transponders as an identification method but will rely on photofinish or photo cell to get accuracy.

We've done it with AMB Activ and ProChips, with mixed success. The problems we encountered had more to do with not being well versed how time a downhill race and athletes not following simple, but different procedures, than problems with accuracy or the ability of the chips.

I guess you would have to look at the requirements of the event. Local club race, I expect it would be no problem, UCI event, use them for informational purposes and backup.

Of course, the folks MyLaps, can show you pictures where FinishLynx got the finish order wrong and chips got it right. It was a case where the FinishLynx operator did not have the camera aligned correctly with the finish line. So even the best equipment in the world, used incorrectly will give bogus results.

Keep an eye out for Identilynx Pro coming out soon! The current Identilynx is VERY good for capturing runners bibs and front mounted BMX /MTB frame plates. Wait till you see the Pro version.

@ thredbob:

of cours does FIS and UCI certify transponder timing.
I'm doing this since years now.
To be precise:
FIS
Cross Country Skiing
Nordic Combined

UCI
Cycling Road
Cycling Track
BMX Supercross
Mountain Bike downhill, 4X,
Cyclo Cross

any questions?

Yes, I have a question.

Where did you get your information?

NOT TRUE for Track Cycling. Also NOT TRUE for road cycling.

UCI Track Cycling regulations:

3.6.089 A timing system including starting blocks, contact bands and an electronic display (times to the thousandth
of second, laps, points, etc.), a photofinish or video-finish system to assist in judging finishes, and
a general public address system clearly audible throughout the entire velodrome area must be provided.

UCI Road Cycling regulations:

2.3.038 (N) Photo-finish with an electronic timing tape shall be mandatory.

2.4.013 The start may be determined by the front tyre making contact with an electronic timing strip on the start line.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TheMightySkunk,

quote:

Cross Country Skiing

FIS ICR 2008:

353 Finish
353.1 Procedure

353.1.2 In case of electronic timing, the time is taken when the contact is broken. The
measuring point of the light or photo barrier must be at a height of 25 cm above the
snow surface.