TABLE OF CONTENTS

03 INTRODUCTION
08 HU-TAG XC1

04 TAG COMPARISON
09 DISPOSABLE
TRIATHLON TAG

05 SMARTRAC
SHORTDIPOLE
10 ABOUT US

06 SMARTRAC DOGBONE
11 INDEX OF PRODUCTS
REFERENCED

07 ALIEN SQUIGGLE
12 UP NEXT

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 02

 INTRODUCTION
This guide is for individuals interested in using RFID
for race timing and would like help selecting the right
RFID tags for their system. The five most popular
RFID tags for race timing are the Alien Squiggle,
Smartrac ShortDipole, Smartrac DogBone, Hu-Tag
XC1, and the Disposable Triathlon Tag. All these tags
are high-quality tags currently used by race timers
around the world.

Choosing the right RFID tag can be difficult for both

new timers and experienced timers because each
RFID race timing system and course is unique. This
eBook will compare these five tags and provide
information specific for each tag in order to help
you make an informed decision. While this eBook is
full of important specifications, the only definitive
way to select the best RFID tag for your application
is through thorough testing.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 03

TAG COMPARISON

SHORTDIPOLE DOGBONE SQUIGGLE HU-TAG XC1 TRIATHLON

3.82 X 3.82 X 3.86 X 2.12 X 1.18 X

0.59 X 1.06 X 0.48 X 1.75 X 12.0 X
SIZE
0.01 0.01 0.01 0.47 0.15
INCHES INCHES INCHES INCHES INCHES

MONZA MONZA HIGGS MONZA MONZA

IC
6 6 4 4QT R6

NOT NOT
EPC UNIQUE UNIQUE UNIQUE
UNIQUE UNIQUE

WATERPROOF NO NO NO YES YES

$0.89 $1.39 $1.12 $6.90 $1.43

PRICE PER TAG TO TO TO TO TO
$0.13 $0.19 $0.15 $3.24 $1.00

UP TO UP TO UP TO UP TO UP TO
READ RANGE 5 5 4.5 6 4
METERS METERS METERS METERS METERS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 04

SMARTRAC SHORTDIPOLE

The SMARTRAC ShortDipole RFID tag is one of the most popular race timing tags because
it is small and cost effective, and, with a global frequency range (865 928 MHz), it
can be used around the world. This tag is available in three types of chipsets Monza
4D, Monza 5, and Monza R6 and is primarily available in two formats wet inlay and
paper-face tag. The wet inlay and paper-face tag have a general permanent adhesive
on the backside which makes it easy to apply them to racers bibs. Both forms can be
encoded and printed using an RFID printer, making the pre-race process quick and easy
for the timer.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE SHORTDIPOLE

The Monza chipset in the ShortDipole has a non-randomized EPC number encoded to
the EPC memory bank. For race timing, you have two options for encoding:

1. Encode your own EPC number (e.g. the bib number) to the EPC memory bank.
2. Purchase the tag pre-printed and pre-encoded for an additional fee.

The SMARTRAC ShortDipole Monza 4D, Monza 5, and Monza R6 come in quantities of
100, 1,000, 5,000, and 20,000.

The ShortDipole has an average read range of 5 meters or 17 feet.

Monza 4D and Monza 5 tags are very closely related with the same amount of
EPC memory. The additional specifications (True 3D Antenna Technology and Self-
Serialization) separate them from the Monza R6; however, these specifications are
not relevant in the race timing industry. Because there is no need for sensitive data,
serialization, or omnidirectional usage, the primary items that affect tag selection for a
race timing event are the amount of tag memory and tag sensitivity. Due to its increased
sensitivity, most race timers tend to prefer the Monza R6 version.
(Specifications are shown below.)

USER EPC READ WRITE

IC
MEMORY MEMORY SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY
UP TO 128
MONZA 4D 32 BITS -19.9 DBM -14.1 DBM
BITS
UP TO 128
MONZA 5 32 BITS -20 DBM -16 DBM
BITS

MONZA R6 0 BITS 96 BITS -22.1 DBM -18.8 DBM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 05

SMARTRAC DOGBONE
The SMARTRAC DogBone has a wider form factor than the ShortDipole. However, a larger
tag means a larger antenna, indicating it will usually achieve longer read range than
smaller tags. The DogBone is a global RFID tag and is sold with either a Monza 4D or
Monza R6 chipset. It is typically sold as a clear face wet inlay, but it can also be purchased
as a paper-face tag. The wet inlay and paper-face tag both have a general permanent
adhesive layer on the back which enables the tags to be adhered to a racers bib. Both
forms of the DogBone are able to be utilized with an RFID printer for quick printing and
encoding.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE DOGBONE

The Monza chipset in the DogBone has a non-randomized EPC number encoded to the
EPC memory bank. For race timing, you have two options for encoding:

1. Encode your own EPC number (e.g. the bib number) to the EPC memory bank.
2. Purchase the tag pre-printed and pre-encoded for an additional fee.

The SMARTRAC DogBone Monza 4D and Monza R6 come in quantities of 100, 1,000,
5,000, and 20,000.

The DogBone has an average read distance of 5 meters or 17 feet.

The additional specifications listed for the DogBone (True 3D Antenna Technology
and Self-Serialization) are not relevant in the race timing industry. Because there is no
need for sensitive data, serialization, or omnidirectional usage, the primary items that
affect tag selection for a race timing event are the amount of tag memory and tag
sensitivity. Due to its increased sensitivity, most race timers tend to prefer the Monza
R6 version. (Specifications are shown below.)

USER EPC READ WRITE

IC
MEMORY MEMORY SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY
UP TO 128
MONZA 4D 32 BITS -19.9 DBM -14.1 DBM
BITS

MONZA R6 0 BITS 96 BITS -22.1 DBM -18.8 DBM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 06

ALIEN SQUIGGLE

The Alien Squiggle is a high performance RFID tag in a small form factor. Measuring
99 mm by 12 mm, the Squiggle can be used in smaller spaces than other tags, such as
the DogBone. The Squiggle is available with either a Higgs 3 (ALN-9640) or a Higgs
4 chipset (ALN-9740) and is a global frequency tag. The Higgs 4 chipset is usually
recommended over the Higgs 3 chipset for race timing because of its standard 128 bits
of EPC memory as well as its increased sensitivity and read range. The Squiggle comes
in two forms wet inlay and paper-face tag both with a general permanent adhesive
on the backside.

If needed, the Higgs 3 Alien Squiggle (ALN-9640) contains a high memory capacity
(512 bits) in its User Memory bank, allowing it to hold more than one set of data for a
specialty race.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE SQUIGGLE

The Higgs 3 and Higgs 4 chipsets in the Squiggle have a randomized, unique ID number
encoded to the EPC memory bank. For race timing, you have three options for encoding:

1. Use the unique EPC number to the EPC Memory Bank and associate it with the
bib number in a database.
2. Encode your own EPC number (e.g. the bib number) to the EPC memory bank.
3. Purchase the tag pre-printed and pre-encoded for an additional fee.

The Alien Squiggle Higgs 3 and Higgs 4 come in quantities of 100, 1,000, 5,000, and
20,000.

The Squiggle has an average read distance of 4.5 meters or 15 feet.

There is no need for sensitive data or password protection. The primary items that
affect tag selection for a race timing event are the amount of tag memory and tag
sensitivity. (Specifications are shown below.)

USER EPC READ WRITE

IC
MEMORY MEMORY SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY

HIGGS 3 96 BITS 512 BITS -20 DBM -13.5 DBM

HIGGS 4 128 BITS 128 BITS -20.5 DBM -17 DBM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 07

HU-TAG XC1

The HuTag XC1 is a durable, reusable, plastic RFID tag that is designed to be used in
rugged conditions. It is able to withstand water and mud, making it an ideal choice
for triathlons, mud races, and any other race susceptible to water. The HuTag is rated
IP 68, which means it is weatherproof and able to withstand rocky or rough terrain. A
waterproof Velcro strap that can fasten the tag to the runners ankle is also available
for purchase with the HuTag. Both the strap and tag are made to be comfortable to
the runner so they will not interfere with the race. The HuTag is only available in the
Monza 4QT chipset, but is available in both US (902 928 MHz) and EU (865 868 MHz)
frequencies, allowing for optimal read ranges in almost any region.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE HUTAG XC1

The HuTag is available in the Monza 4QT chipset which has a non-randomized ID
number encoded to the EPC memory bank. For race timing, you have two options for
encoding:

1. Encode your own EPC number (e.g. the bib number) to the EPC memory bank.
2. Purchase the tag pre-printed and pre-encoded for an additional fee.

The Hu-Tag XC1 comes in standard quantities of 10, 100, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 4,800, and
9,600. Non-standard quantities may be available upon request.

The Hu-Tag XC1 has an average read distance of up to 6 meters (20 feet) when read
horizontally, and a distance of up to 4 meters (13 feet) when read vertically.

The HuTag can also be purchased with a high-quality poly-face label that has
specialized adhesive for use on the HuTag. Printing is available in black and white.
Customized, color labels are available upon request. (Specifications are shown below.)

USER EPC READ WRITE

IC
MEMORY MEMORY SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY

MONZA 4QT 512 BITS 128 BITS -19.9 DBM -14.1 DBM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 08

DISPOSABLE TRIATHLON TAG

The Disposable Triathlon Tag is a lightweight, comfortable race timing ankle tag that has
two Smartrac ShortDipole RFID wet inlays inside. It has 4 mm thick foam on the back which
decreases interference between the RFID tag and the human body. This disposable tag is
waterproof and designed for triathlons and mud races. It is delivered with the Monza R6
chipset and is a global (865 - 928 MHz) RFID tag. The band has a general adhesive on one
end that is designed to peel and stick to the other end, creating a comfortable and reliable
fit around the runners ankle. When purchased without the printing and encoding option,
the tag comes pre-encoded with a non-unique number, and must be encoded by the race
timer.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE TRIATHLON TAG

The Triathlon tag is only available with the Monza R6 chipset which has a randomized,
non-unique ID number encoded to the two tags EPC memory banks. For race timing,
you have two options for encoding:

1. Purchase the tag with the general, non-unique number and manually encode the
bib number on BOTH tags.
2. Purchase the tag pre-printed and pre-encoded for an additional fee.

The Triathlon tag comes in standard quantities of 3,000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000,
or 100,000. Non-standard quantities may be available upon request; however, the
minimum order size for this tag is 3,000 units.

The Triathlon tag has an average read distance of up to 4 meters (15 feet) when read
horizontally. (Specifications are shown below.)

USER EPC READ WRITE

IC
MEMORY MEMORY SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY

MONZA R6 0 BITS 96 BITS -22.1 DBM -18.8 DBM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 09

 ABOUT US

Founded in 2008, atlasRFIDstore is a trusted source

in the RFID hardware industry. We are a global
retailer providing customers a secure, one-stop
location where you can buy RFID components for
your own systems and applications.

atlasRFIDstore sells name-brand products in

virtually every RFID hardware category, so you can
build cost-effective RFID solutions across a variety
of verticals.

The atlasRFIDstore team focuses on creating the

absolute best customer service experience and
works with you to select the right RFID equipment
for your systems.

Our sales engineers are highly trained in the field

of RFID and are ready to answer your questions,
big and small. While we may not immediately have
an answer, well diligently work for you to find a
solution.

Our offices are located in the Innovation Depot, a

technology hub in downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
We have customers all around the globe and ship
products worldwide.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 10

INDEX OF PRODUCTS
REFERENCED
TAGS

SMARTRAC ShortDipole
SMARTRAC DogBone
04 Alien Squiggle
Hu-Tag XC1
Disposable Triathlon Tag

05 SMARTRAC ShortDipole

06 SMARTRAC DogBone

07 Alien Squiggle
SMARTRAC DogBone

08 Hu-Tag XC1

09 Disposable Triathlon Tag

SMARTRAC ShortDipole

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 11

MASTERING RACE TIMING SERIES

A GUIDE TO BUILDING YOUR OWN DIY RACE

TIMING SOLUTION - A complete Do-It-Yourself
guide to building your RFID race timing system.

SELECTING THE RIGHT RFID RACE TIMING

EQUIPMENT - Basic how to on selected RFID
equipment.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAGS -

Detailed guide on UHF RFID race timing tags and which
one works best to boost your read range.

ne
HOW TO PROPERLY TAG RACERS -
up

xt

The strengths, weaknesses, and antenna setups of each

of the four RFID tagging methods.

A GUIDE TO RACE DAY -

From weeks before to the day of, a complete guide to
everything important to race day & RFID.

DOS AND DONTS INFOGRAPHIC -

The most common dos and donts of RFID race timing
complied into a downloadable infographic.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RFID TAG 12