Timing Mats and re-usable bands for kids

[Michael L]

Hello All, hoping to use your wisdom!

The running club I am apart of purchased Agee timing software not quite 2 years ago. It has been working great. We started off with a bit of a budget build on equipment, piecing it together with used equipment, etc. We are thinking about purchasing a timing mat to add to our timing line in addition to panel antennas. I have seen various posts through my wonderings on various brands, some with potential legal issues? What is everyone currently buying that works reliably? 

Secondly, we offer a free 6-week (1 night each week) running running program for youth in our community. It typically draws 500-600 kids. We offer 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 mile timed events. In the past, they have been timed manually, but we are thinking about trying to start chip timing them. Do you know of any reusable bands or solutions that could be used for something like this reliably? The hip chips are still an option, but we are looking at investing in something a little more substantial that wouldn’t need pinned on for little kids. I know of hutags, but thought that would be overkill. Another idea I wondered about was an iteration of the hip chips that had some kind of clips  or bands instead of pins. Along the lines of a hip chip iteration if we went that route, I was also wondering if there are smaller RFID tag options that anybody knows of that would still be reliable? Does anybody else have experience timing smaller kids events like this? We see some one-off small kids in our normal club races and don't have issues, but this will be 100% kids aged from 2-3 all the way up to high-school age. Any wisdom from veteran timers would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Ted Finch]

You could look at these:

Cards to fit with shoe laces although you could use reusable cable ties
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Waterproof-UHF-RFID-Sports-Timing-Chip_60829737958.html

Ankle/wrist straps - not Hutags ( which I would recommend if you have the budget)

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Custom-Logo-UHF-RFID-Wristband-Tag_60495806786.html

Timing Mats

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/865mhz-928MHz-10dBi-UHF-RFID-Mat_60366862357.html

You will need at least 2 I think. You can specify the connector depending on your reader. I have a similar model that has been in good use for 7-8 years.

If you send an enquiry they will respond quickly.

Remember you need to budget for import costs too.

For HuTags

CUSTOMERS IN THE USA

HuTag customers in the USA can now order through our partner Atlas RFID Store. Atlas will be able to deliver HuTag products faster and without import administration or, more importantly additional cost.

Ted
Keep it Simple Timing

[Ted Finch]

A further option is Shoe Tags from Timing Sense. We have 500+ and use them for Road, Trail and Cross Country. Reusable so cost effective.

Will cost a few $$ each. You can ask for them to be coded if you wish or you can code them yourself.

I have not tested with US frequency so you may need to check that. 

They are in Spain 
Contact in...@timingsense.com

Simple Tags from China - cheap, need to add fixing, 
ShoeTags from Spain - a bit more expensive, easy to get on and off
HuTags - More expensive again, probably overkill as they are designed for use in more extreme conditions. ( Triathlon, Mountain Events) Good quality and reliable. last for years.

Ted
Keep it Simple Timing

[Steve Peters]

A few years ago, I set up a race where we zip-tied reusable timing chips to those little American flags on sticks.  In that particular race, the flags were used as batons for a relay.  The chips were flapping in the wind, but that's exactly what you want as a timer.  

For your use, you could distribute flags via dynamic bib assignment through RSU to assign the timing chip number to the runner.  Each kid runs with a flag and then tosses it in a bin when they are done.