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The world's leading timing technology
for active sports events |
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In many
sports events people compete, with one another, with themselves and with
time. For active sports events the ChampionChip company has
revolutionized timing. In 1994 the company introduced an automatic
timing system, which can not only time the finish but also split and
start times. This made net times for every individual athlete possible.
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The ChampionChip System is simple, accurate and professional.
There is no similar system in the world:
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High-tech and
easy to use timing system
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Fast and accurate
results for small up to very large events
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Multipurpose
utility: the system can be used in many different active
sports events
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High level
service by providing net times and splits for every
individual competitor
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Regional,
national and worldwide network of professional timing
companies
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ChampionChip
technology
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The
development of the ChampionChip technology started in 1993,
initiated by the organization of the Seven Hill Run in Nijmegen,
The Netherlands. It was officially introduced at the Berlin
Marathon in September 1994. Presently the ChampionChip
technology is used in the big city marathons, Ironman triathlons
plus thousands of other events around the world, with proven
superior performance.
The basis for the
ChampionChip technology is the radio-frequency-identification
system (RFID) from Texas Instruments, which is also used for
security-locks in cars and admission control in buildings.
The success of the
ChampionChip technology is achieved through the combination of
synchronized multiple antennas, high-tech analog and digital
electronics, and dedicated software for live bulk data handling. |
What is a
ChampionChip?
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ChampionChip is a miniature transponder in a specially designed
plastic housing. This device contains a chip in combination with
an energizing coil. These elements are encased in a waterproof
glass capsule, meaning the ChampionChip can be used under all
conditions (wet, dry, cold and hot). The ChampionChip can be
worn in different ways. For running races, the ChampionChip is
attached to the runner’s shoelace. In triathlons it is attached
to an ankle bracelet. There are no batteries in the ChampionChip.
The transponder is passive until moved into a magnetic field,
generated by a send antenna. Here the energizing coil produces
an electric current to power the chip. The transponder then
transmits its unique identification number to a receive antenna.
The whole procedure takes approximately 60 milliseconds and is
repeated continuously.
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How does the
ChampionChip System work?
The send and receive
antennas are cast in thin tartan mats. These antenna mats are
placed at the finish line and other timing locations. They are
connected to a Yellow Box at the side of the road, containing
electronics and batteries. Each time an athlete wearing a
ChampionChip crosses the mats, the chip gets energized and sends
out its ID-number. This number and corresponding time are then
stored in the Yellow Box and transferred to a timing computer
for further processing. |
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Figure 1
Antenna mat sends out electromagnetic field
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Figure 2
ChampionChip sends its unique code |
Why ChampionChip?
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With the ChampionChip technology participants can rely on fast
and accurate net results.
Two examples of the
system’s performance:
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In the 2000
Boston Marathon ChampionChip timed start, 9 splits and
finish. 175.000 Actual accurate times for the athletes were
recorded and loaded to the Internet within seconds.
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The start of the
New York City Marathon at the Verrazano Narrows Bridge is
timed with a total of 36 meters wide ChampionChip equipment.
At this point the system is handling approximately 5000
athletes per minute.
The ChampionChip
System offers many advantages, for event organizers, timers and
participants alike. |
Some advantages for
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Event organizers
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Fast and accurate
results
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High level
service by providing net times and splits for every
individual participant
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Split time
services for press, TV and Internet
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Free flowing
finish line (no chutes, less building up and taking down
material)
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Check points
along the course
Professional Timers
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High quality
service for event organizers and participants
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Working with a
high-tech and easy to use timing system
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Collection of
more data than ever before
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Possibility for
real-time online services to speaker, press, TV and Internet
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Multipurpose
utility: the system can be used in many different sports
events and in many different set-ups
Participants
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Fast and accurate
results at each event
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Net times;the
ChampionChip can register every individual start time, even
when participants are at the back of the pack
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Split times,
transition splits for triathlons, lap times
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Free flowing
finish, no more restricted space at the finish
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A personal
ChampionChip can be used all around the world in many sports
like running, triathlon, cycling, mountain biking, in-line
skating, cross-country skiing
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The ChampionChip can register every individual start time, even
when participants are at the back of the pack.
Where has the ChampionChip
System been used?
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Since its introduction at the 1994 Berlin Marathon, ChampionChip
Systems have timed thousands of events around the world,
including the major international Marathons in:
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New York
Boston
Chicago
Los Angeles
Gold Coast
Cape Town
Buenos Aires
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Honolulu
Tokyo
Durban
Paris
London
Berlin
Rotterdam
Moscow
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Since 1998 ChampionChip has also timed the Ironman Hawaii
and many other Ironman events around the world. The system has
been used at the famous Broloppet in June 2000, the half
marathon between Denmark and Sweden across the new bridge
connecting these countries. 79.837 Competitors attended the
race; ChampionChip timed all of them.
ChampionChip:
superior service for timers, events and participants alike. |
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About Alta Vista Sports |
Return to Homepage
P.O. Box 1700 |
Deland, FL USA 32721
Tel: 386.736.0002 |
email:
jboyle@altavistasports.com |
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