Quick overview

Classic punching system

how-it-works-track

The SPORTident system is comprised of two basic elements: SI-Stations and SI-Cards. Most SI-Stations are technically identical and can be configured to fulfil different functions (such as START, FINISH, or control stations) by using the configuration software Config+. SI-Stations are placed at the start, at control points on the race track and at the finish line. Each control station has a unique control number. Every athlete carries his/her SI-Card, which records the time and control number as he or she passes the SI-Stations during the race.

SI-Cards

For competitors, usage of the SPORTident system is simple: with the SPORTident classic system, the athlete has to directly punch the station, i.e. insert the tip of the card into the hole of the control station to record the time and control number to his or her SI-Card. The data is stored in the competitor’s SI-Card and backed up to the control stations.

SI-Stations

SI-Stations are working autonomously without battery change for several years. The athlete gets an immediate optical and acoustic feedback after a correct punch.

Before the start, some special stations must be punched by the athlete. The CLEAR station will empty the SI-Card. This step can be verified with the CHECK station, which will only give a feedback signal if the SI-Card is empty. Depending on the type of start, the START station has to be punched (with free start time) or not (with mass start or pre-allocated start time). At the end of the race, the FINISH station has to be punched.

Race evaluation

After the race, the SI-Card holds the athlete’s start and finish times, as well as the split times with all control numbers. The system can be operated without a computer by printing out the data directly on a small battery-operated thermal printer. Alternatively, the data can be evaluated by using one of the evaluation programs that are designed for SPORTident equipment.

As one of the key features, the SPORTident system produces an individual sheet of paper with results and split times right after the runner has passed the finish line.

Contactless punching system AIR+

The setup of the AIR+ system is similar to the classic system but offers the possibility of touch free punching. This removes the need for the athlete to slow down at the controls or check points. Regular SI-Stations can be configured to operate in ‘beacon mode’ to support touch free punching. For the athlete, a special SPORTident ActiveCard (SIAC) is needed to ‘punch’ the controls from a distance in this touch free punching mode.

This contactless punching system is especially well-suited for applications such as (sprint) orienteering, trail running, mountain biking, Nordic sports and other adventure sports. With this system it is no longer necessary to bring the card and station into direct contact. Time and control numbers are recorded to the athlete’s SIAC as he or she passes the station in a distance of no more than 50 cm at a speed of up to 80 km/h.

With special stations (BS11), the maximum allowed distance can be increased up to six metres. When passing a control station, competitors using a SIAC will receive a series of vivid flashes and loud beeps as confirmation that the data has been recorded.

Types of SI-Cards

Image	Name	Description
	SIAC	SPORTident ActiveCard (SIAC) is compatible with the classic and the contactless punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 128 punches.
	SI-Card10	SI-Card10 is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 128 punches.
	SI-Card9	SI-Card9 is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 50 punches.
	SI-Card8	SI-Card8 is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 30 punches.
	pCard	pCard is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 20 punches.
	ComCard Pro	ComCard Pro is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 128 punches. The ComCard Pro is a special SI-Card for orienteers, it combines a SI-Card10 and a compass in one device.
	ComCard Up	ComCard Up is compatible with the classic punching system. This SI-Card can store up to 30 punches. The ComCard Up is a special SI-Card for orienteers, it combines a SI-Card8 and a compass in one device.

Types of SI-Stations

Image	Name	Description
	BSF9	Base Station Field 9 features classic and contactless punching. Operating modes: CLEAR, CHECK, START, CONTROL, FINISH, SIAC Test, SIAC ON, SIAC OFF, SIAC Radio Readout, SIAC Battery Test, BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BSF8-DB	Base Station Field 8 (display bottom) features classic and contactless punching. The station is available in red or blue. Operating modes: CLEAR, CHECK, START, CONTROL, FINISH, SIAC Test, SIAC ON, SIAC OFF, SIAC Radio Readout, SIAC Battery Test, BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BSF8-DT	Base Station Field 8 (display top) features classic and contactless punching. Operating modes: CLEAR, CHECK, START, CONTROL, FINISH, SIAC Test, SIAC ON, SIAC OFF, SIAC Radio Readout, SIAC Battery Test, BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BSF8-DT SI-Master	Base Station Field 8 (display top) features classic and contactless punching. Operating modes: CLEAR, CHECK, START, CONTROL, FINISH, SIAC Test, SIAC ON, SIAC OFF, SIAC Radio Readout, SIAC Battery Test, BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BS11-BS	Base Station 11 (beacon small) features contactless timing with a range of 180 cm. Operating modes: BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BS11-BL	Base Station 11 (beacon large) features contactless timing with a range of 300 cm. Operating modes: BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BS11-LA	Base Station 11 (loop antenna) features contactless timing with an external ground antenna up to a length of 600 or 900 cm. Operating modes: BC START, BC FINISH, BC CONTROL
	BSM8-D-USB	Base Station Main 8 (USB) is a readout station that can be connected to a computer via a USB cable. This station can work in direct mode (e.g. to read SI-Card data with a computer) or can be used to remote control SI-Stations BSF7, BSF8-DB, BSF8-DT, BSF8-DT SI-Master, BSF9.