The
Champion Chip System is simple, accurate and professional. There is
no similar system in the world:
- High-tech
and easy to use timing system
- Fast and
accurate results for small up to very large events
- Multipurpose
utility: the system can be used in many different active sports
events
- High level
service by providing net times and splits for every individual
competitor
- Regional,
national and worldwide network of professional timing companies
Champion
Chip technology
The
development of the Champion Chip technology started in 1993, initiated
by the organization of the Seven Hills Run in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
It was officially introduced at the Berlin Marathon in September 1994.
Presently the Champion Chip technology is used in the big city marathons,
Iron man triathlons plus thousands of other events around the world,
with proven superior performance.
The
basis for the Champion Chip technology is the radio-frequency-identification
system (RFID) from Texas Instruments, which is also used for security-locks
in cars and admission control in buildings.
The
success of the Champion Chip technology is achieved through the combination
of synchronized multiple antennas, high-tech analog and digital electronics,
and dedicated software for live bulk data handling.
What
is a Champion Chip?
Champion
Chip is a miniature transponder in a specially designed plastic housing.
This device contains a chip in combination with an energizing coil.
These elements are encased in a waterproof glass capsule, meaning
the Champion Chip can be used under all conditions (wet, dry, cold
and hot).
The
Champion Chip can be worn in different ways. For running races, the
Champion Chip is attached to the runner’s shoelace. In triathlons
it is attached to an ankle bracelet.
There
are no batteries in the Champion Chip. The transponder is passive
until moved into a magnetic field, generated by a send antenna. Here
the energizing coil produces an electric current to power the chip.
The transponder then transmits its unique identification number to
a receive antenna. The whole procedure takes approximately 60 milliseconds
and is repeated continuously.
How
does the Champion Chip System work?
The
send and receive antennas are cast in thin tartan mats. These antenna
mats are placed at the finish line and other timing locations. They
are connected to a Yellow Box at the side of the road, containing
electronics and batteries. Each time an athlete wearing a Champion
Chip crosses the mats, the chip gets energized and sends out its ID-number.
This number and corresponding time are then stored in the Yellow Box
and transferred to a timing computer for further processing.
Figure 1
Antenna mat sends out electromagnetic field
Figure 2
Champion Chip sends its unique code
Why
Champion Chip?
With
the Champion Chip technology participants can rely on fast and accurate
net results.
Two
examples of the system’s performance:
- In the 2000
Boston Marathon Champion Chip timed start, 9 splits and finish.
175.000 Actual accurate times for the athletes were recorded and
loaded to the Internet within seconds.
- The start
of the New York City Marathon at the Verrazano Narrows Bridge
is timed with a total of 36 meters wide Champion Chip equipment.
At this point the system is handling approximately 5000 athletes
per minute.
The
Champion Chip System offers many advantages, for event organizers,
timers and participants alike.
Finish at the Dublin Marathon
Some
advantages for
Event
organizers
- Fast and
accurate results
- High level
service by providing net times and splits for every individual
participant
- Split time
services for press, TV and Internet
- Free flowing
finish line (no chutes, less building up and taking down material)
- Check points
along the course
Timers
- High quality
service for event organizers and participants
- Working with
a high-tech and easy to use timing system
- Collection
of more data than ever before
- Possibility
for real-time online services to Commentator, Press, TV and Internet
- Multipurpose
utility: the system can be used in many different sports events
and in many different set-ups
Participants
- Fast and
accurate results at each event
- Net times;
the Champion Chip can register every individual start time, even
when participants are at the back of the pack
- Split times,
transition splits for triathlons, lap times
- Free flowing
finish, no more restricted space at the finish
The Champion Chip can register every individual start time, even when
participants are at the back of the pack.
Where
has the Champion Chip System been used?
Since
its introduction at the 1994 Berlin Marathon, Champion Chip Systems
have timed thousands of events around the world, including the major
international Marathons in:
| ·
Belfast
·
Dublin
·
Chicago
·
Los Angeles
·
Honolulu |
·
London
·
Berlin
·
Paris
·
Rotterdam
·
Moscow |
·
Tokyo
·
Gold Coast
·
New York
·
Cape Town
·
Boston |
Since 1998 Champion
Chip has also timed the Iron man Hawaii and many other Iron
man events around the world. The system has been used at the famous
Broloppet in June 2000, the half marathon between Denmark and Sweden
across the new bridge connecting these countries. 79.837 Competitors
attended the race; Champion Chip timed all of them.
Champion
Chip: superior service for timers, events and participants alike.
Champion Chip