rfid tags

11.22.09

Tracking Racers with RFID

NASCAR drivers and others may soon be sporting the same cheap timing technology as marathoners

By Brett Zarda Posted 04.24.2008 at 11:40 am 0 Comments

Everybody loves a photo-finish. But, what if you cant afford the camera? At prices that start around $25 thousand, high-speed cameras aren't practical for lower levels of racing. Now Hardcard Systems, in cooperation with Alien Technology, thinks they can lower the cost of electronic timing to just a few dollars per competitor—not with cheaper camera technology, but by shattering the speed limits on radio-frequency identification.

[ Read Full Story ]

READ MORE ABOUT > Brett Zarda, marathons, nascar, RFID, rfid tags, sports science, the score

5-Minute Project Video: Snooper-Proof Wallet

Protect your RFID-equipped credit cards and identification documents from snoopers

Posted 08.15.2007 at 3:18 pm 1 Comment

As more and more credit cards and other documents come equipped with RFID tags—the tiny radio-frequency identification chips that beam your account or ID info to readers used by various services (public transportation, toll road fees, etc)—the more speculation has surfaced on how malicious ID thieves could potentially use similar readers to lift your personal data without your knowledge. Thankfully, it's pretty simple to keep your info protected right in your wallet. Web editor Megan Miller demonstrates above.

As always, our 5 Minute Projects are available in video podcast form—subscribe here. And check out the whole series at popsci.com/5minutes.

[ Read Full Story ]