MotoTally UHF RFID Transponders (Tags)
Typical transponder to antenna read range for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transponders is from 5' to 30' depending on the
transponder / antenna orientation and attenuation level selected. It can be used for almost all types of events and with
several different transponder options. Unlike the legacy LF passive tags, these UHF tags are unaffected by the LF noise
generated by some electronically fuel injected motorcycles, and many quads. The read rate with these UHF transponders is
far superior to LF transponders.
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 or even their LF 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. The recommended UHF "label" transponder is not as rugged as the legacy LF transponder, but
with proper care and protection, it should last for years. 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 (very
expensive) one. Other active transponders allow you to recharge or replace the battery, but for the cost of just that battery,
you could have bought 10-20 UHF passive transponders!
These transponders have a (read only) unique identifier already programmed on them (think of it as a "social security number").
When you enter a rider in to an event, you will associate this unique identifier (social security number) with the rider.
Nothing on the transponder changes, MotoTally just stores this number and anytime it sees that number, it will assign the
lap to the rider. Since this transponder is read-only, it offers some nice benefits. You don't have to worry about the rider
having his/her transponder "re-programmed" every time they go race at a different circuit. Once you associate that transponder
with the rider, it is a permenant bond, and you will never have to "program" the transponder again.
Many of the advantages that active transponders had over passive designs have been overcome with these passive UHF transponders.
The UHF RFID reader (unlike the LF legacy system) can read multiple transponders at once, and with the addition of external
antennas, can be used for a much wider "scoring lane".
Features
- Battery-less design means no batteries to wear out or keep charged
- Very inexpensive compared to legacy LF transponders
- Insanely inexpensive compared to "active" transponders
- Not indestructable, but will last years if not abused
UHF "Label" Transponder
UHF "Label" Transponder - attaches to the underneath side of helmet visor
UHF "Label" Transponder with Custom Logo