Cebu to introduce RP's first hi-tech sports timing device

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu sports fraternity gets another first not only in the country but perhaps in Asia with a group of sportsmen importing the latest in timing technology to be utilized in different sporting events here and other parts of the country.

Called the ‘Sprint Race Timer’, local organizers in running, triathlon, cycling and even car racing among others can finally go high technology on a lesser cost.

The device was formally launched yesterday at Laguna Garden Café by John Pages and Meyrick Jacalan, two of the sportsmen who imported the timing device here from an American company.

The very expensive rate that Manila-based groups charged in the use of a hi-tech timing system pushed Pages and Jacalan’s group to invest on their own, not only for their events but for other organizers who wants to avail of their services. 

Jacalan said they get to avail of this latest technology over the likes of Japan and Korea.

Unlike the other timing chip device being used here in the country, the SRT does not need mats, which is one of the factors that costs a lot for organizers in transporting to venues of competition.

This timing system is classified as a UHF Gen 2 technology operated by an antenna with water-proof transponders and self-powered system.

It can operate on several readers simultaneously and can read multiple chips in one time to cut on manpower.

Organizers can opt for a disposable-type or the re-useable timing chip produced by Alien Technology.

More to it, Jacalan and Pages boast of the timing device’s ability to transmit live results, wireless networking that can send reports to websites or even to one’s phone number or e-mail.

“Others can update results in the next two hours, but ours, it can be done as soon as the one crosses the finish line,” said Pages.

Pages and Jacalan’s group has purchased three systems, each of which are independent to each other although it can also communicate with each other.With this, if an organizer in Manila wants to avail of their services, it can be done even as another event in Cebu will also take place.

Although the system will be ready for use in the middle of October yet, several organizers have already expressed interest to use the SRT. (THE FREEMAN)