4
The BRICON CLUB SYSTEM.
Elektronic clocking in the club
1. Introduction
1.1. Electronic clocking systems, the basic principles.
The basic principle of an electronic clocking device is the identification of a pigeon from a
distance or identification without direct contact. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is
one of the techniques used for this purpose. This technology has become very popular
since the eighties and is already being frequently used. Electronic clocking systems for
pigeons use RFID.
1.2. What is RFID?
RFID systems consist of three elements: an antenna, a decoder and a transponder.
The antenna emits radio signals which activate the transponder. The data can be read in
the transponder and can be written on. The antenna is the link between the transponder
and the decoder. The contact between the antenna and the transponder is wireless and
consists of radio waves. The transponder holds the identification data, the decoder
interprets these data and controls the antenna.
A transponder consists of the following components:
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a spool used as an antenna,
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a chip (IC) which has a radio transmitter / receiver and a computer with a
memory.
A transponder can only function if it is supplied by power. Depending on the power source
we talk about:
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an active transponder or
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a passive transponder
An active ID-transponder not only has an antenna spool and a chip, but also a battery
supplying everything with power. This built-in power source increases the performances of
the transponder, enabling it to be read and/or be written on on larger distances.
Passive ID-transponders have no internal power source, they get their power from the
antenna. The advantage of these transponders is in their smaller sizes, their smaller
production costs and their almost infinite life span. Since there is no power source their
emitted signal is so weak they can only be read on limited distances.
1.3. What are the advantages of RFID?
The most important advantages of an RFID system can be reduced to the possibility to
identify automatically without using pen and paper. It can be used in almost all
circumstances.
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RFID is the obvious means in dusty, dirty, greasy, wet and even very aggressive
places.
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RFID-transponders and readers have no moving parts, so the systems are very
easy to maintain and have a very large life span.
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RFID can identify without physical contact.
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RFID is very swift, the connection can be made in a few hundredths of seconds.
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RFID still operates under very extreme circumstances.
