For Promoters: Troubleshooting Your RFID Live Timing System

For Promoters: Troubleshooting Your RFID Live Timing System

Here are some common mistakes that can mess up your live timing system.


RFID technology is very reliable. That's why it's used in city infrastructure all over the globe, besides many other uses. But here are things you can do to mess up the RFID system, or its ability to interface with RaceReady's software.

Common Problems

  1. Power. Make sure all internal modules of the RFID Electronics Hub are powered on and functioning. Also, make sure they've had a full five minutes to power on and come online. VERY IMPORTANT: THE POWER SOURCE MUST NOT FLUCTUATE—IT NEEDS TO BE STEADY. At some of our clients' tracks, we've seen onsite power be the cause of unreliability—including city grid power that simply had fluctuations. We recommend using a reliable generator. 

  2. Internet. The RFID Electronics Hub typically comes with a mobile router, into which your cellular SIM card will have been installed. (If you're getting internet via another method, make sure it's reliable and is considered high-speed). For your mobile internet to work, you must have cell coverage, and your data plan on your installed SIM card must be active and have sufficient data.

  3. Starting & Stopping the Race correctly. RaceReady's software requires an operator to start and stop each race in order to record live timing results. Without this, no scores or lap times will be recorded, period. 

  4. Using Alternative RFID Hardware. RaceReady supplies specifically-engineered hardware for your use. Should you attempt to use alternative cables, antennas, RFID readers, or other components with our system, it can damage other components as well as cause interference or other problems. Work with your RaceReady representative should you need additional hardware. 

  5. Damaged Cables. If RFID Antenna cables are wound too tightly or creased, the fibers inside can become damaged. RaceReady only uses the highest quality cables, but they're not immune to abuse over time.

  6. Transponder Tags. Tags must be applied properly, and cared for properly. Applying them near metallic substances (such as wire mesh found inside helmets) can cause interference. Folding, photocopying, power-washing, or even just applying them with the wrong orientation can also cause their signal to become extremely weak. Follow the guidelines found in this article regarding how to apply and care for Transponder Tags. 

  7. Antenna Position & Orientation. In general, make sure the square antennas are positioned between 10' and 16' overhead, at equal intervals, staggering LH and RH oriented antennas (e.g. LH, then RH, then LH, then RH) with their faces oriented downward, and slightly angled toward oncoming racers (by about 5°). See this article that gives specific instructions.

Other local interference is possible, but unlikely as cellular technology no longer uses the frequencies that will interfere with RFID technology. 



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