Webscorer PRO 6.0 (and later) supports MyLaps decoders and chips. The following decoders are supported using the MyLaps P3 protocol:
BIB Decoder
BibTag Decoder
AMBrc Decoder
AMBmx3 Decoder
RC4 Decoder
TranX3 Decoder
ChipX Decoder
ProChip Decoder
The BibTag Decoder is the present name for the passive (RFID) system which can detect the inexpensive MyLaps BibTags (no battery), whereas the rest of the decoders support the various MyLaps transponders and chips with built-in batteries.
BENEFITS OF ACTIVE CHIP TIMING
1. Better timing accuracy
- Passive chips (RFID) are typically accurate only to +/- 0.2 seconds
- Active chips can reach accuracy up to +/- 0.003 seconds or better with specific transponders
2. More reliable detections
- Passive chips (RFID) rely on “line of sight”, another racer can block detection
- Active chips typically achieve 100% detection rates
3. Less intrusive antenna
- Passive chips (RFID) require large mat or panel antennas
- Active chips use a simple wire loop antenna that can be buried underground or in snow
4. Inexpensive & easy hardware setup
- The decoder and wire-loop antenna can cost as little as USD $3100
- The antenna is super simple to install & connect
5. Enables chip timing for sports not typically suitable for RFID chip timing
- Motor sports where 0.001 second accuracy is required
- Road bike racing where RFID antenna placement is impractical
- Ski events where the presence of snow reduces the effectiveness of RFID signals
- Triathlons & swimming where a waterproof chip is necessary
DRAWBACKS OF ACTIVE CHIP TIMING
1. Chips / transponders are expensive
- The least expensive active chip costs USD 45
- Auto / motorcycle transponders can cost more
2. Chips are not programmable
- The 8-character chip ID must be assigned as “Chip ID” to each racer on the start list
- The typical active chip ID is in the form SG-61188
- Hence the setting "Chip ID = Bib" does not make sense unless alphanumeric bibs are used
3. Batteries will eventually die, requiring chips to be replaced
- Most chips come with a minimum of 5 years of battery life
- Some chips may require a separate subscription from MyLaps
DEVICE SUPPORT
MyLaps active and passive chip timing is supported on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices.
On Windows and Mac, you can connect the decoder directly to the laptop using a direct Ethernet connection.
Or, connect the decoder via Ethernet to a WiFi router and create a WiFI connection from the timing device to the same router.
HOW TO CONNECT WEBSCORER PRO TO MYLAPS DECODER
The connection to the decoder is via TCP/IP. If you have a Windows or Mac laptop, you can connect the decoder directly to your laptop using an Ethernet cable - and specify the IP address on the decoder. Or, you can connect the decoder to a WiFi router via an Ethernet cable, configure the decoder to use DHCP to obtain the IP address from the router - and then connect the timing device running Webscorer PRO to the same router via WiFi. No internet connection is required, unless you want to do LIVE results.
PRO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED
Both the passive and active chip timing with MyLaps decoders requires the PRO Automated timing subscription. There is no cost to test the MyLaps hardware without a PRO subscription, the only limitation is max 5 racers on the start list.
Typical Webscorer PRO setup for MyLaps decoder with active chips in a race with laps & chip start.