Quick Question wrote:
Great thread. Sorry for what is probably a dumb question but just to help my understanding of all the discussion... How close does a chip need to get to a timing mat in order to register? Does the chip need to pass directly over the mat or just pass within a certain proximity? Thanks.
It just needs to pass near the reader, but passing directly over it increases the odds of it being read. It is the same technology used on many door locks, turnstiles, etc. In years past, the D-tag was the most commonly used method, where the RFID chip was in a loop you put on your shoe. At that point, Frank was putting the D-tag on a lanyard and then stooping down with the chip in order to get a split. They improved the range and switched to bib-mounted tags, and that was when he started using the bib belt to carry his chip instead.
https://blog.atlasrfidstore.com/all-about-the-timing