MotoTally Hands-Free RFID Transponders

MotoTally uses RFID transponders by Texas Insturments. Typical transponder to antenna read range is from 3' to 10' depending on the transponder / antenna combination selected. It can be used for almost all types of events and with two different transponder options.

These transponders (sometimes called tags), are "passive", meaning they have no battery to charge or wear out, and they are MUCH cheaper than their "active" transponder counterparts. They are powered completely by the electomagnetic field created by the RFID antenna. When a transponder enters the field of the antenna, they are powered up with just enough juice to return their identification to the antenna. The "battery-less" design means these transponders have an indefinite life span (I've had and used the same transponder for 6 years). While not indestructable, they are very rugged and completely water-proof. Some active transponders don't even allow you to put a new battery in them, so when the battery dies (after two or three years), you throw the whole transponder away and buy another one. Other active transponders allow you to recharge or replace the battery, but for the cost of just that battery, you could have bought 5-10 passive transponders!

To be fair, active transponder systems do have certain advantages over passive transponders. Generally, they are less picky about mounting orientation, and some can be mounted on metal (a big no-no with passive transponders). Their read distance is much greater, and multiple transponders can be read at once (they have to be able to do that since their read distance is so much greater). This makes them an ideal choice for motocross, where the finish line is wide and you could have three motorcycles crossing the line all nearly at the same time! But for the purposes of scoring hare scrambles and enduros, the rider is crossing the finish line or check flags in a single file manner anyway, so the passive system works great for these event types.

The transponders are also programmable. Depending on what will work best in your situation, MotoTally can be set to either program a unique, computer generated "Rider ID" to the transponder, or the rider's bike number. So during signup, actually on the entry form in MotoTally, you will be able to place the rider's transponder over a small transponder programmer that is hooked up to your computer, and program the tag for that rider with the click of a button. Easy!

Features

• Rugged / Waterproof - Puts up with years of abuse
• Battery-less design means no batteries to wear out or keep charged
• Very inexpensive compared to "active" transponders

"Credit Card" Style Transponder

"Credit Card Style" Transponder - mounts to the inside of helmet visor

"Cigar" Style Transponder

"Cigar Style" Transponder - mounts to chest protector, front number plate, or fender