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 strap.

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.

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.

With the ChampionChip technology participants can rely on fast and accurate net results. Two examples of the system's performance:

1. 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.
5. 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 5,000 athletes per minute.

Since its introduction at the 1994 Berlin Marathon, ChampionChip Systems have timed thousands of events around the world, including the major international Marathons in:

New York Singapore Boston Chicago Gold Coast

London Paris Berlin Rotterdam Cape Town

Tokyo Taiwan Kuala Lumpur Moscow Cambodia

Hong Kong Macau Beijing Shanghai Thailand

Advantages for Event organizers

Fast and accurate results High level service by providing net times and splits for every individual participant Split time services for press, TV and Internet Free flowing finish line (no chutes, less building up and taking down material) Check points along the course

Advantages for Timers

High quality service for event organizers and participants Working with a high-tech and easy to use timing system Collection of more data than ever before Possibility for real-time online services to speaker, press, TV and Internet Multipurpose utility: the system can be used in many different sports events and in many different set-ups

Advantages for Participants

Fast and accurate results at each event Net times, the ChampionChip can register every individual start time, even when participants are at the back of the pack Split times, transition splits for triathlons, lap times Free flowing finish, no more restricted space at the finish

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 etc, as long as the event is timed by ChampionChip system.

Remember to bring your ChampionChip on the Race Day. If you are Yellow Chip owner, make sure the event timer knows the chip code. This is the 7-digit code, marked on the outside of the chip. Make sure no one else uses your personal chip, or the chip issued to you by the event organizer. Make sure that you have only one chip in an event. Attach the ChampionChip to the shoelace or to ankle with a strap. Ensure you have stepped on the mats located at the timing point/s during the race. Bear in mind: no chip, no time. Only athletes wearing ChampionChips will be timed. Chips issued by the event organizer, should be returned after finishing the race, or sent back to the organizer office as soon as possible after the event.