Electronic Punching and Timing system
Product information - Touch-free control

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Touch-free punching in general
Touch-free punching is a new way of approve right control visit for orienteering and related sports. A control unit is placed on the control site and runners had to "near-touch" or run close beside the control. Range is app. 1.0 meter. Runner will see in the e-card display that they have punched successfully. If no registration, runner must either try again or punch at the designed area at the control plate for getting a backup punch. A light signal verifies proper backup punch.

This system is a mixture of our traditional orienteering system, being used for 10 years, and our e-line system used for almost 3 years. Both systems are build into the control unit. The system has been used in races since 2002 and more than 20000 times has been taken. Usage includes the Nordic Ski-orienteering championship 2004.

Main difference from our orienteering system is the fact that runner get responsible for verifying that a proper punch has been done. Since each runner gets their own punch verification, where will not be any situations where they are in doubt whom of them getting the verification.

Features of touch free-punching control
Integrated control panel 29x29 cm and control unit. Battery powered. Expected lifetime is 2000 race hours for battery. Control unit’s starts with a punch on the control by ecard. Once started. Control unit remains active for 10 hours. Weight is about 550 gram. The control unit will normally be mounted on a orienteering flag. Unit is complete sealed and waterproof.

Low weight and easy set up makes this system ideal for all kind of orienteering races, but the system is also well suited for multi sport / extreme races and other competitions where a control point is desired.

Range
Controls have a range of app. 1 meter, Strongest in front and behind and weakest around the sides. The range is selected based on the fact that, for orienteering purposes, it still should be a control point to find, making no changes in the way of doing the sport.

Faster punching.
Emit hands-free punching allows much faster punching that any other punching system and it is very suitable for ski-orienteering, mountain bike orienteering and sprint orienteering.

Easier organization of orienteering races.
Since our hands free controls have everything integrated, it is very easy to put out: just one 500 gram item per control site.

Backup
Integrated backup system secures that runners with a broken e-card or a version 2 e-card, also get a approved punch. Time delay using the backup feature is same or less than competitive systems.

Usage
Runner should “near touch” the control with the e-card and later check on the display to verify proper registration.

On the e-card control code is showed as soon the e-card reach the range of the control. A scroll bar continues to scroll for at least 5 seconds. (For ski-orienteering version of e-cards for 15 seconds).

If the e-card failed to register the control, runner should punch on the designed field at the control unit getting a backup registration or use another unit or manually punch-pin.
A special designed e-card holder can be bought making it easier to carry the e-card.

Development
Ready for sale January 2004.

Main features & advantages:

• World leading punching system with over 130.000 units sold (version 1 & 2 & 3).
• Worlds fastest punching system. Data transfer between control and e-card is done within 1/20th of a second. Control of proper punching can be done after leaving the
  control by observing the display
• Lowest cost electronic punching system. Comparable purchasing cost but lower operating cost than main competitor.
• Completely sealed - no maintenance on controls. Battery last for 2000 race hours
• Integrated electronic backup system ensures backup punch with only minor time loss.
• Reset and start in one operation at start.
• Battery warning and power control
• Backup system and possible to use also with version 2 e-cards
• Control codes can be programmed.
• Unit can be stopped manually.

References (Orienteering and Multi sport)