RFID systems

[rockcity]

Anyone familiar with RFID systems?


I am looking at a system for tracking our racers but don't want to spend $4000 on a "built" system.


I'm interested in anyone that can help with figuring out a generic system for testing...


Anyone?

 

[chris]

You're wanting to use it to track racers as the cross the finish line I presume?

 

[rockcity]

You're wanting to use it to track racers as the cross the finish line I presume?

Yes


There are some systems out there but I really don't want to spend $4000 and I'm sure racers don't want to spend $285 per transponder...


There is a cheaper transponder that works well so i'd hope to either find something else that works similar if cheaper or utilize that transponder and build the reader and antenna.


I know there are some guys out there that are much smarter than I when it comes to this type of thing....

 

[chris]

I haven't had a lot of experience with RFID systems, but what little I do have/remember: In order to get the range you need, you'll need to go with higher frequencies which equates to higher costs. I think 915mhz+ will do 10'? Something like that. It's been a good while since I've looked into it though. I'll check around the webz a bit.

You should just have them all have iPhones or Droids and make an app for that!

 

[chris]

Have you looked at systems like this? http://www.rfid-in-china.com/2008-08-25/products_detail_2119.html

We use a similar system here at work to control our parking garage. It may be too slow for what you're trying to do though.


Here's a cheap experimenters kit. It even mentions racing! Looks like it can read up to 4.5 feet. Not bad, may work for testing.

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/p/RFID-experimenters-kit.aspx

 

[rockcity]

Yeah, I've talked to Trossen in the past. Most all of their parts are too small to work for what we do.