Finish Line - Antennas

Meeshelia Blackwell

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Sep 22, 2025, 9:36:58 PMSep 22

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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

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Sep 22, 2025, 9:48:10 PMSep 22

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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

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Sep 22, 2025, 9:59:55 PMSep 22

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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

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Sep 22, 2025, 10:06:06 PMSep 22

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Thank you. Which mat antennas do you use?

Rod Simpson

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Sep 22, 2025, 10:26:55 PMSep 22

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Feibot.

Ohio Race Day

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Sep 23, 2025, 9:24:56 PMSep 23

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

Screenshot from 2025-09-23 20-30-38.png

Telemax

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Sep 30, 2025, 2:15:46 PMSep 30

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I know there is been some discouragement in the past to discuss these cheap Chinese mat antennas...

But this is tempting:

I just found this on AliExpress:
$297.00 | Ultra Thin 7dbi RFID Roll Mat Antenna Linear Floor UHF Carpet Ground Chip Timing for Races RFID Marathon Running System
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMfSwRn

Ted Finch

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Sep 30, 2025, 2:37:40 PMSep 30

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I have good quotes from Invelion for timing chips.

The hard part is you can't easily test before you buy.

I bought 4 mats from china 7 or 8 years a go and crossed my fingers. They have worked well. I have repaired connectors but that is not unusual for any antenna.

Buying via a market place does give you some protection.

Ted
Keep it Simple Timing

Telemax

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Sep 30, 2025, 2:42:01 PMSep 30

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Which mats did you get?

These rubber roll up ones look pretty lightweight and easy to store.

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