SPORTS. MOUNTAIN BIKE RACING
BLE-Based Portable Timing System for Mountain Bike Racing.
Project Overview
Designed a compact and portable timing system for mountain bike racing that operates without relying on internet-based clock synchronization. The system uses BLE beacons and checkpoint scanners to deliver sub-10ms timing accuracy in rugged outdoor environments.
HARDWARE | FIRMWARE | MOBILE/WEB APPS | EMS MANUFACTURING
Client Requirement & Objectives
Offline Timing Capability
Traditional timing systems rely on internet synchronization, which is often unavailable in mountainous or remote racing conditions. A standalone system was required.
BLE Beacon Identification
Each racer is assigned a unique BLE beacon that continuously advertises a rider-specific ID for tracking at race checkpoints.
Remote Checkpoint Scanners
Scanners installed at the start, finish, and critical checkpoints are connected to the internet via GSM or satellite networks to collect and upload rider timing data.
Real-Time Result Processing
Timing data from all checkpoints is aggregated on a backend server and displayed in real time on a mobile application for race organizers and spectators.
System Design & Build
Beacon Broadcasting Mechanism
Configured BLE beacons to advertise every 3 milliseconds for high-frequency detection, enabling near real-time timing captures at checkpoints.
Internet-Linked Scanners
Designed scanner devices with GSM/satellite connectivity for reliable data transfer, even from remote locations.
Backend Server & Mobile Integration
Developed a backend system to aggregate and process timing data from various scanners and feed them into a mobile app interface in real time.
Lightweight & Portable Hardware
The entire system, including beacons and scanners, was designed to be compact, rugged, and easily deployable across diverse race terrains
Key Challenges & Solutions
Timing Accuracy
Maintaining sub-10ms accuracy without traditional internet time sync was a key challenge. Resolved this by optimizing BLE beacon advertising intervals and scanner polling rates for rapid detection.
Beacon Collision Handling
High-density environments with multiple beacons created signal overlap risks. Introduced randomized short offsets in beacon transmission to reduce collision probability.
Power Efficiency in Remote Scanners
Ensured long battery life for checkpoint scanners by implementing power-saving modes and efficient data batching for uploads.
Project Tech Stack
Qualcomm
CSR
Android
iOS
Client
Succorfish is a technology company that aims to offer precise, dependable, and cost-effective monitoring technology that can operate in the most extreme and remote locations on earth.
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