Technology instantly records race results

Cross country ski racer James “Mac” Read got fed up with the downtime between the end of his races and when he received the results.

So he decided to do something about it.

Using a technique called Radio Frequency Tagging, or Identification, Read and hardware developer Crosslink Inc. in Boulder have come up with a system that will automatically register each racer and his/her finishing time.

“My new process is way cool,´ said Read, who operates Milliseconds Computer Services in Berthoud.

“I use a runner or skier and they carry on their number bib a small tag the size of a remote control car door opener. As they cross the finish line they send out a signal and an antenna, or reader, picks up the signal and automatically enters the time and racers number into a computer. That way, we plan to be able to hand a receipt size piece of paper to each racer with their number and finishing time on it so they can know the results right away.”

Though the results would be unofficial, he added, they would be accurate and timely. The official results would then be published soon after the race.

This new system could change not only the face of racing, but of many other industries as well. The tagging part of the process, developed by Crosslink, was tested at Rocky Flats, where it was used to tag and track the movement and storage of hazardous waste, and is currently being applied at Crosslink to a new fuel payment system.

“It is sort of a long-range replacement for bar codes,” Gordon Hardman of Crosslink noted.

The system as it applies to race-timing is in two pieces, where Read supplies the software used to produce the results and compile and organize information, and Crosslink provides the actual hardware used for tracking.

The system, which would run at about $500 for the software, $1,500 for the readers and $15 to $20 for each individual tag, is still in the works to ensure optimum efficiency. As both Read and Hardman emphasize, it is still in the demonstration process to make sure that their technique will work under various racing conditions.

Enhancements, such as the availability of the tags to each runner for purchase and repeated use in various races are also being explored.

“I’m really excited about this and looking forward to being able to try and make this happen,” Read said.

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