Finish Line - Antennas

[Meeshelia Blackwell]

Hello 

I wanted to ask the group how far from the finish line are you placing your antennas?  I have the white flat panel antennas, and they pick up prior to the athlete crossing the finish line.  

Thank you

[Patrick W]

It all depends on your antenna.  If they read early, change their angle  and/or move them further back, if they read late change their angle and/or move them forward. It takes trial and experimentation to figure out the best positioning for your kit

[Rod Simpson]

I like to think of it like this (and I may be oversimplifying or wrong), my antennas don't read a straight laser line at the finish.  The antenna creates a 'bubble' of energy and when the tag enters the bubble it activates.  That bubble can be affected by a number of things (e.g., angle of the antenna).

So like Patrick said, you will have to experiment with where the best placement for your antenna is.

Before an event, have a test bunny approach your finish line and see where it reads.  Move as appropriate.

The other factor is the tag itself, how it is worn can have an effect and I also find bad rainy days can play with my mat antennas.

Or having someone bury their tag in a backpack is a treat as well.

On Monday, September 22, 2025 at 9:36:58 PM UTC-4 Meeshelia Blackwell wrote:

[Meeshelia Blackwell]

Thank you. Which mat antennas do you use?

[Rod Simpson]

Feibot.  

[Ohio Race Day]

here's a photo of our finish line from several years ago