The testing of the new 3S1 Event Management System by TenSpeeds Productions was a huge success at the Christmas Classic. Some common questions were asked at the event and are addressed below.

From J Baumeister, Owner of TenSpeeds Productions:

I would like to start by saying thank you to all the racers and to the NBL for cooperating with us as we tested the first stage of the new 3S1 Event Management System® at the Christmas Classic. Our goal of gaining usable data and learning more about the sport of BMX was accomplished with great success. We asked many questions to many people and all were beneficial in helping us determine what we will propose to the NBL.

Throughout the week, a number of questions were asked of us about the system and how it works. In order to stop false information for getting around or lingering questions from getting answered, I would like to make myself available to answer any and all questions about the system and how it will work within the sport of BMX.

Send your questions to jessmoore@nbl.org and they will be answered in this post.

To start things off, let me answer the two questions I received most frequently.

Question: Do the racers have to lean their heads forward as they cross the line?

Answer: No. Let me repeat, no, you do not need to lean your head forward at the line. It will not change your finish order. I understand why this question was asked and will try to explain the best I can. In the past, BMX Racing used a chip system that attached to the front fork of the bike. This “on the fork” system uses an older technology that gives a time when an electrical field is interrupted usually when a racer passed over a mat or set of wires on the track. This system works but has some major drawbacks such as not allowing for photo finish reviews and is not that accurate when it comes to very tight finishes, not to mention it is not an accepted form of producing official results in most cycling disciplines.

The 3S1 EMS uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to track or identify a rider. The chip that we use is only used to tell the race officials and results computer who just crossed under the finish line. It is not used to place the racer in the order of finish. Our video system complements the RFID and will help place the riders. Order of finish will be accomplished by that system which will abide by the rules set forth by the NBL.

Question: Will the system always use blue painters tape for attaching the chips?

Answer: No, we only used that tape to help us with the testing process.  The blue painters tape is used for several reasons during testing. The first is that it comes off without damaging the helmet and the second is that it allows us to quickly see who has a chip on the helmet from a greater distance. The final chip design will not be bright blue painters tape and we are doing more testing with helmets to determine a better place to attach the chip which won’t detract from the helmet graphics.

Question: Will the system be able to identify riders that are practicing in the wrong age group?

Answer: Yes.

I know that more questions are out there and I want to address all of them the best I can. If my explanations are not complete or you need more information, please send a follow-up question.