Webscorer PRO 4.0 adds support for the external NFC readers by Advanced Card Systems Ltd. - models ACR-1255U-J1 (USB / Bluetooth model) and ACR-122U (USB-only model). The USB-only model can only be used with the Windows version of Webscorer PRO.
Benefits of using Bluetooth NFC reader over using the phone as the NFC reader:
1. Works with any iOS, Android or Windows device running Webscorer PRO
- Use a phone, tablet or laptop as the timing device
- iOS 14 or later, Android 6.0 or later, Windows 10 or later
2. The reader can be placed on a table / in the weather
- No need to (nearly) touch the timing device with the chip
- You can place the reader in a waterproof enclosure (see picture below)
3. The reader can be connected via Bluetooth or USB
- Bluetooth connection for iOS and Android devices
- USB connection for Windows 10 and 11 devices
4. You can use multiple NFC readers per timing device
- Use multiple NFC readers to scale up a busy finish
- The app will accept chip detections from any number of NFC readers
5. It is easier for the app operator to monitor the chip detections in real time
- The chip detections will show up on the fast-tap list
- It’s more practical to tap the racer manually for any missed chip detections
NFC vs. RFID chip timing:
1. Detection range
- NFC chip needs to be within 2 inches / 5 cm of the antenna to be detected
- RFID chip can be detected up to 6 feet / 2 meters away from the antenna
2. Detection speed
- NFC chip typically needs to be close to the antenna for 0.5 to 1 second to be detected
- RFID chip detection takes place at a tiny fraction of a second
3. Detection reliability
- With NFC chips, the racer is responsible for getting a beep from the app for a successful detection
- RFID chip detection reliability may vary based on environmental conditions, chip type & antenna placement
4. Cost
- NFC readers are inexpensive at USD $70 per reader (which includes the antenna)
- RFID readers are costly, the reader & antenna combo typically costs a minimum of USD $800
5. Complexity
- NFC readers are easy to deploy, no special Bluetooth “pairing” required, simply turn on the reader
- RFID readers require more extensive setup, cables & power considerations add complexity
Notes about chip timing with Bluetooth NFC reader:
1. The ACR-1255U-J1 reader’s internal battery can last up to 10 hours
- The reader can recharged with an USB cable while also detecting chips
- The ACR-122U is USB-attached to a laptop, hence does not need a battery
2. You can check the battery charge level of the reader as follows:
- Start the race on the app with Bluetooth NFC reader configured
- Turn on the NFC reader
- Tap “Race control” / “Chip timing”
3. No separate Bluetooth “pairing” required
- Simply turn on the reader(s)
- Once the race is started on the app, a connection beep will sound
- If you’re using multiple readers, you’ll get multiple connection beeps
- Note that iOS will not show the NFC reader on Settings / Bluetooth list (but it will still work)
4. Two options for chip programming:
- You can use either the unique “serial number” of the chip (Chip ID = Bib is OFF)
- Or program the bib number into the “Plain text” field of the chip (Chip ID = bib in ON)
- NFC chip programming must be done with a separate app (e.g. TagWriter by NXP)
- The detection is faster when using the serial number as the Chip ID
5. No NFC chip programming is required if you use the chip serial number
- The serial number of the NFC chip is (typically) 14 characters long
- You can time a test race on the app to get the serial numbers electronically
- You'd have each chip detected by the Bluetooth reader
- The serial number will be shown in the app's fast-tap list
- You’d then label each chip with e.g. the last 4 characters so you can hand them later to the correct racer
- The serial numbers are included in the “Taps recorded” download after posting the test results
- You'd then include a "Chip ID" column on your start list with the 14-character chip ID for each racer
- The chip detection is slightly faster with the native serial number vs. Chip ID = Bib programming