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  analogue  and  digital   electronics,  and 
  dedicated  software  for  live  bulk  data  handling. 

What is the ChampionChip?
How does the ChampionChip System Work?
Where has the ChampionChip System been used?
What are the advantages of ChampionChip?
How to use a ChampionChip during events?
How to put on a ChampionChip?

     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:

•    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

Finish at the Boston Marathon 1999

•   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

• London

• Tokyo

• Boston

• Berlin

• Gold Coast

• Chicago

• Paris

• Hong Kong

• Los Angeles

• Rotterdam

• Durban

• Honolulu

• Moscow

• Cape Town

• Buenos Aires

Since 1998 ChampionChp has also timed the Ironman Hawaii

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.

• Remember to bring your ChampionChip on the Race Day
• If you are Yellow Chip owner, make sure the organization 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

organization
• 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 crossing the  finish  line,

or sent back to the organizer office as soon as possible after the event

Runners put on Chips and step on the mats

Ready to Start - Reebok 15km Hong Kong Challenge

• The ChampionChip is attached to the shoelace
• Loop lace through the square holes of the chip and pull it tightly to the shoe
• Ensure the central tube of the chip to point downwards

• ChampionChip is attached to an ankle with
  a strap
  


• Do not tie the strap too tight as it may affect

your leg movement.


• Ensure the  central  tube of the Chip  points

downwards

• ChampionChip with the clip can be mounted to the frame (central tube or front fork)

of the bike, or attached to the front fork via the quick release of the wheel

 © 2006 ChampionChip (Hong Kong China) Limited.