ChampionChip: the world's best timing system for mass sports events.
ChampionChip is the revolutionary automatic timing, identification and registration system for different kinds of sports: road running events, bicycle races, in-line skating, cross country skiing and several other active sports. The ChampionChip System is used in the ten biggest running events in the world, such as the New York City marathon, the Boston Marathon and the Rotterdam Marathon.

The ChampionChip System boasts superior performance. It is simple, accurate and professional. There is no similar system in the world:

1. Net-times for every individual competitor.


2. Accurate for large numbers of people


3. Fast and clear results for easy reference.

The success of our system is achieved by a combination of high- tech equipment, embedded software and the ChampionChips, high- speed transponders fitted into specially designed housings.

How does the ChampionChip System Work?

The basis for the ChampionChip System is the radio-frequency- identification system (RFID) from Texas Instruments. This is the same technology that is also used for security locks in cars and admission control in buildings.

For sports timing, special antennas are cast in thin tartan mats. The mats are placed at the finish line and other timing locations. Each time an athlete, wearing a ChampionChip, comes within the detection range of the antennas, the ChampionChip is activated. At that point it sends its unique identification number to the reading antennas in the mats. The data are then stored with the corresponding time in a computer. Thanks to the ChampionChip it is now getting more popular to register net-times and split-times. One example of our accuracy and professional timing system: a ChampionChip System with a 4- meter wide mat can score more than 1,500 athletes per minute without missing anyone!

What is a ChampionChip?
The ChampionChip is the key-element of the ChampionChip System. It is a small plastic disk that contains a miniature transponder with its own unique seven-character identification code. The transponder is encased with an energizing coil in a waterproof capsule. This means that the ChampionChip is a solid disk that can be used under all circumstances.

It is the transponder that makes the ChampionChip work. The transponder is passive until it is moved into the magnetic field, generated by the ChampionChip antenna mats. The magnetic field activates the ChampionChip's energy coil, producing an electric current that energises the transponder. The transponder then transmits its unique identification code to the reading antennas located in the same mats. There are no batteries in the ChampionChip - it uses a few simple laws of physics to seemingly pull its energy out of the air.

The ChampionChip can be worn in different ways. For running races, the ChampionChip is attached to the runner's shoelace. But it can also be attached to an ankle bracelet that is for instance worn by a triathlete

In short, this is what happens when the ChampionChip System is running:

1. The antenna mats send out an electromagnetic field. Any chip within reach of this field will be charged up with energy (See Figure 1)


2. The antennas stop sending. Now all the chips on the mat start sending their own unique code (See Figure 2)


3. The Controller reads the code that was picked up by the antenna. It adds the time of detection to it


4. The Ear, connected to the Controller, stores the codes together with the time of detection


5. The whole procedure takes approximately 60 ms and is repeated continuously

Why ChampionChip?
Working with the ChampionChip System offers a lot of advantages, for race organisers, timers and participants alike.

Advantages for race organizers:

1. High level service by providing net times for every individual participant


2. Split times for press and TV


3. Free finish (no chutes, less building up and taking down material)


4. Possibility of checkpoints and counting laps


5. Less volunteers in large events needed


6. Automatic registration of chip owners


7. Fast and accurate results

Advantages for timers:

1. Better service for organizers and participants


2. Working with a perfect high-tech but easy to use timing system for all mass sports events


3. Fewer corrections needed in results after the race


4. The system can be used for many different sports events

Advantages for participants

1. Net times; the chip registers your exact time even when you are at the back of the pack


2. If you buy your own chip, you can use it as much as you want


3. You get fast, accurate results at each event


4. Transition splits for triathlons, marathons, and half marathons


5. Open finish line, no more slowing down to enter chutes


6. You can use the chip in running, triathlons, duathlons, skiing, cycling in-line skating, mountain biking, swimming


7. Eliminates cheating by only scoring registered participants


8. Less crowded starting line when everyone has their own start time

Where has the ChampionChip System been used?
Photo by Victah/www.photorun.net: Deena Kastor won the 2006 Flora London Marathon in a new American Record time.

Since its first commercial use at the 1994 Berlin Marathon, ChampionChip Systems have timed thousands of events around the world including the biggest marathons in the world:

1. Washington, D.C.


2. New York City


3. Los Angeles


4. Boston


5. Chicago


6. Ironman Hawaii


7. Comrades Marathon (South Africa)


8. London


9. Paris


10. Berlin


11. Rotterdam

In 2006, more than 4,000 events world-wide will be using the ChampionChip technology.

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