I’d suggest asking in the Timers Talk Facebook group, lots of really good timing professionals in there

---

Boots
Fleet Feet Rochester, NY
Fleet Feet Buffalo, NY
YellowJacket Racing, Rochester, NY

does it used an active rfid chip? On those systems the battery can die on the individual chips over time. On the passive systems, factors like the orientation of the chip or the chip sticking to wet clothing can compromise the read rate. Also the electrical connectors may be all corroded, so perhaps clean those up. You system may allow for the addition of a second mat or roadside antenna, which might be an option. I'd start with the cheapest solutions and work your way up

Thanks ... I didn't know about that group.

I've put in a request to join.

Thanks - it's a passive system (chips on the ankles).

I'll see if there are other options for antennae or newer mats.

Thanks

Are the chips throwaways or do you collect them after the event? If you own the chips you could go back to your file and get the code off the chips that are misreading and test them out on the system.

We let them keep the chip ... Before the race, I’ve started having them walk across a mat and sometimes they have to walk over twice. But it’s not always the same chip that is having a problem.

maybe you could borrow a meter and see what is going on at the mat?

https://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?9557

also, take a look at this one

https://www.rfidjournal.com/.../experts/entry?10937

Thanks - I suspect this might be part of the problem. In the manual, there is a statement about 'tuning' the system to maximize detecting the chip. But there are no instructions for how to do that.

Yes check out that the group on Facebook they can help you understand how to work with that system.