New lap counting technology - EPC?

Dragon40 · #1 04-29-2004, 02:35 PM

New lap counting technology - EPC?

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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) also know as EPC - Electronic Product Code... which is supose to replace UPC(barcodes on products we buy)
Walmart is forcing the their top suppliers to switch to EPC by 2005. It basicly looks like a label with a small bump in the middle. The bump being a computer chip that has no power to it. But when scanned by a certain device, wakes up the chip and causes it to transmit a small block of data: ex. serial # or product ID. This EPC label is suppose to be getting cheap to make... like near pennies per label. With a scanner and PC and software, lap counting would be sweet.

Learn more at this link: keep clicking next page... lots of info.

http://www.rfidwizards.com/rfidwizar...256c6d006c8b8c!OpenDocument

Here is a link to a company that sales this type of system for tracking marathon runner events. They tie the very small device in the shoe strings. And when they cross over a mat, a scanner reads the chip and post there laps, and position.
Speed must not be a problem, because they use it in bicycle races too.

http://www.championchip.com/products/mini_system.php
http://www.championchip.com/chips/

So much technology available, its hard to believe that a inexpensive, reliable lap counting system in not already for sale. I mean think about this: for the price of some of the systems out there now, I could buy 10 nokia cell phones and strap them to the cars and then trianglate there position with GPS. lol.. just kidding.
But check the info above... very interesting

Another thing to think about, will this interfer with the radio signals?

So many DIY foam and RCP tracks and no laps being counted, so sad.

MaddMatt · #2 10-04-2005, 06:52 AM

I have been testing an IR lap counter for a while that is 100% compatible with AMB's software packages. The website is www.rclapcounter.com

Very reasonable for home users or small clubs and the guy is great to work with.

arch2b · #3 10-04-2005, 10:42 PM

have you not heard of corespeedway

MaddMatt · #4 10-04-2005, 10:50 PM

Fill me in, what is it?

MM

arch2b · #5 10-04-2005, 11:08 PM

read all about it here
http://mini-zracer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=58

MaddMatt · #6 10-05-2005, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the link. THe first site was pretty much blank.

I have seen the RFID system they are selling thru Kyosho and there are quite a few impressive features. The lack of battery and self-stick type transponder being the biggest. The only downside, though, is the biggest turnoff for me: the antenna.

From everything I have read and researched, the antenna is a fixed size. It makes it more economical for the company to produce and it makes it do'able from a technological standpoint.
For the home or club user that likes to change up their tracks as well as the good friend who brings his lapcounter to everyone else's house to use, it just seems a little unpractical.

The IR system I have been using recently (after using an AMB RC for the past 5 years) is nice in that the track can be any width from under 2' to over 10' if you needed it to be.

Price wise, it sounds like it is in line with the CRS system and, for now, it is not run by a big corporation so the customer service is incredible.

I guess it all comes down to what you need and personal preference. Thanks for the links, I'll continue to keep my eye on it

MM

arch2b · #7 10-05-2005, 10:36 PM

corespeeday is selling his product thru kyosho very similar to how rcp sells his tracks thru kyohso and radio shak

the kyohso system is the core system

MaddMatt · #8 10-06-2005, 12:51 AM

I know the Core/ CRS system was priced around $800 but is Kyosho keeping that price or raising it?

MM

arch2b · #9 10-06-2005, 05:59 AM

being kyosho, it's likley you will see some increase in price but it's my sincere hope that the price remains as low as possible. core started with the belief of making a system that would be accessible to a much larger market than the others. as it is right now, it's significantly cheaper than the professional alternatives.

MaddMatt · #10 10-09-2005, 05:56 AM

I guess that is why I like the IR system. It is priced right and works with any software that works with AMB. I think it starts around $600 so it is a great option for a home or small club system.

MM

briankstan · #11 10-24-2005, 01:49 PM

I have the core timing system and I can tell it's AWESOME. I have used it with my xmods as well as mini-z's and it works flawlessly with both.

if your racing on a track there is no better way to count and time your laps.

Brian