IPax SOLUTIONS FAQ
Q: What was the guiding philosophy behind the development of the IPICO Sports system?
A: We have always maintained a simple philosophy and mantra-delivering a product that is:
* Simpler to Use
* Affordable
* More Effective
Q: Where are you based?
A: IPax Solutions is based in Noblesville, IN
Q: What is your target market?
A: We're focused on serving all active sports and fitness/wellness activities globally at every level,from training through competition. In particular, we want to provide solutions to all the unserved and under-served organizations that would like to use technology to measure athletic performance, but are unable to do so because of the expense of other systems.
Q: What are the key advantages of IPICO Sports products provided by IPax Solutions?
A: Our applications are developed to offer high reliability, low-cost products that are ideally suited for sports. We focus on delivering added value, so in addition to data capture through RFID, we are making a large investment in the information management, communications and integration of the entire system.
Our unique Dual Frequency RFID technology IP-X has superior performance for applications where tagged objects are in a high liquid, metallic or carbon content (e.g., the human body and animals).
We offer proven Device, Integration and Management Interface (DIMI) Middleware for reader management, and data integrity for enterprise applications.
Q: What does everything cost?
A: Contact us for a price sheet but we're typically one-third the cost of other providers.
Q: Can you provide customized tags?
A: Yes
Q: What about support and service?
A: We have a strong service and support system in place.
Q: How reliable is this system?
A: Very reliable. This same technology is used in homeland defense, tracking of explosives and in vehicle identification. The unique nature of our Dual Frequency system makes it ideal for tracking humans and for a variety of sporting applications with 100 percent accuracy.
Q: What about software?
A: We have developed interfaces with the leading off-the-shelf proprietary timing/scoring systems. For example, if a running club uses RunScore, ElfScore or Race Director, it is easy for them to use our system. We have also created our own easy-to-use software system.
Q: What are the networking capabilities?
A: The system will support all networking requirements currently in existence.
Q: Are back-up timing mats necessary?
A: As with all timing systems, the only reason for a back-up system is in the case of some unforeseen catastrophe, such as unexpected power loss. So an independently functioning back-up system is a prudent strategy for larger events.
Q: Are the tags owned by the timer?
A: Yes. There is no limitation on the number of tags and systems you can own.
Q: What are the battery back-up duration/options?
A: The system uses a simple 12v battery. The on-board batteries are designed to last four hours, and the Elite Reader has an LED to display the voltage. Once it falls below 11.5v, it issues an audible signal to warn the user to switch out the battery power. The option for main power is also available.
Q: What are the support services and warranty?
A: We provide a warranty on equipment, and a support department to answer your questions.
Q: What are the equipment training requirements?
A: Everything was designed to be simple to use and very much 'plug and play'. We supply materials to train people how to use the equipment, and support personnel are available for on-site training for a fee. Training also will be provided regionally around the world.
Q: What are the equipment/tag rental options?
A: The cost of the IPICO Sportag makes it possible for customers to own enough tags to do an event. For regular customers, we may consider a rental option for a limited number of tags. For example, if a customer owned 5,000 tags, but needed a total of 6,000 for a large event, we would consider renting them additional 1,000.
Q: Will the products be available to anyone in a geographic area?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you considering independent territory sales and/or support representation?
A: Each region and each situation are different. In some cases we will work with an exclusive distributor or representative. But we do not intend to limit sales nor create a bottleneck for distribution of products.
Q: Can you explain the terminology?
A: Initially we have a system using tags, and later we will offer some transponders. A 'tag' is a passive device containing a chip. A 'chip' is the microchip inside a tag. A 'transponder' is an active device containing a battery power source.
Q: How does it work?
A: The system is very simple. The tag contains a microchip and two antenna loops-one to 'wake-up' the tag and the other to send its signal. When the tag comes into contact with the antenna mat, it wakes up and starts sending its unique signal again and again to the reader.