APPENDIX G
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS: SUMMARY
This is a summary of the report of the Electronic Punching Committee to be made to the BAOC Board of Directors on December 6. The full report is at http://orienteer.com/technical/ep
Electronic punching, or EP, is a system that replaces the traditional manual punch and punch card used in orienteering events. Instead of a punch card, the competitor carries a small microchip device (an "e-card"). At each control location there is an electronic control unit with a built-in timer that is synchronized with a master timer for the event. When placed in contact with a control unit, the e-card records the unit’s identifying code and the precise time when the contact occurred. When the competitor completes the course, all the e-card’s recorded information is downloaded into a laptop computer which instantly (1) verifies that the proper controls were visited in the proper order, (2) calculates elapsed time and split times, and (3) combines the competitor’s results with those of all others running the same course/class.
An EP system eliminates the need for the tedious manual process of punch card checking and time calculation. It also provides the "free bonus" of split times available on the spot. And since the system verifies that controls were visited in the proper order, it eliminates the need for attended controls and thereby makes it possible (particularly important for BAOC) to set an advanced self-crossing course in a small area.
Although it reduces effort in these event tasks, an EP system increases effort in others. Prior to the event, each control unit must be downloaded with its identifying code and synchronized with the master timer. It must also be carried into the field when the courses are deployed and placed on a stand that is capable of supporting it . A competitor’s name and other personal data must be entered into a database on the laptop computer if that data is not already in the database. Personnel at the event must be knowledgeable in running the data entry software as well as the software that downloads and processes the results.
There are two main EP systems commercially available today, from SportIdent of Sweden and Emit of Norway. The EP committee has evaluated a great deal of information on both these systems and has reviewed extensive testimonial from users (mainly in Europe) of these systems. We have concluded, without much controversy, that SportIdent’s system is substantially superior to Emit’s. We have further concluded that SportIdent’s technology (1) is quite well developed and about as simple to operate as possible, (2) will not likely become obsolete, and (3) will remain backward compatible with previous versions of its systems.
With this in mind, the Electronic Punching Investigation Committee (EPIC) seeks the BAOC Board of Directors’ consent the following:
(1) Purchase a minimal, fully operational EP system from SportIdent. This "basic system" would consist of 30 control units, 50 e-cards, event management software, and a few other items required for a functioning system. Scarborough Orienteering, in exchange for the right to share use of the basic system, has graciously offered to fund just under half the cost. BAOC’s share of the cost would be between approximately $2100.
The basic system would be the minimum system sufficient to provide EP on all advanced courses at a typical BAOC B-level event. At any time in the future, additional control units and e-cards could be added as BAOC sees fit.
Purchase of a basic system such as this would, at minimal cost, (1) enable members of BAOC to try out EP at local events, (2) enable club members to gain valuable experience in operating an EP system, and (3) thereby provide the exposure to EP that the club would need in order to decide whether future investments of club money and manpower in EP would be worthwhile.
If the BOD decides to purchase a basic system, EPIC will set up at least one "come and try it" event expressly for demonstration of EP as soon as possible after delivery of the system. All proceeds from this extra event will go towards defraying the cost of the system.
(2) If the Board decides at or before its March 2000 meeting and after initial use of the "basic system," that further investment of money and manpower in EP is justified, the committee majority recommends that EP be provided by BAOC as a service to competitors at the Sierra 2000 O-Fest in August 2000. All EP equipment not already owned by BAOC should be rented or purchased from SportIdent. SportIdent has already volunteered to send a support person to assist us (for free, except the cost of lodging) in this endeavor. The EP system at this large event would consist of 300 e-cards and 60 to 90 control units. Competitors who do not already own their e-cards (which would be practically everyone) would be required to rent the e-cards on a per-day basis, thereby providing substantial cost recovery to BAOC. The cost of renting for the Sierra 2000 event could range from about $1,000 to $2,600 in addition to the cost of the basic system and not including the cost of e-cards.
Electronic Punching has been proven and accepted in Europe and will be common in the US in the coming years. The committee concludes that it holds great promise for BAOC and now may be the time to make the necessary investment. The committee feels this decision should hinge on the practical benefits to the sport and the club as a whole. A secondary, yet major, benefit could result from offering EP at the Sierra 2000 O-Fest.
The Sierra 2000 O-Fest will be a premier national orienteering event in the U.S. next year. If it could also be the first national-level orienteering event in the Western Hemisphere to provide electronic punching, this would certainly be an important "first" for BAOC.
summary2.htm 12/2/99