There are different systems for controlling passage at controls and to take the times in orienteering events, from a simple punch card to different electronic control devices.
This article presents the Emit electronic control system. To find out more about the other control systems, see our Control card and puncher and SPORTident pages.
Operation
Athletes carry an electronic card (the most recent models are the “Ver.6 e-card” and the “Ver.5 e-card”) which is inserted into the Emit control unit at the control point. A small light turns on in the unit to show that the time has been recorded.
Some versions of the electronic card have a screen that allows the athlete to check whether the registration was made and also to see the time spent.
An advantage of the Emit system is that it has a backup system inserted into the back of the card which consists of a small punch that makes an independent mark on the card to prove that control has been achieved in the event of an electronic system failure.
The cards have an internal battery.
For many athletes, a disadvantage of the traditional Emit is that it had to be inserted into the control unit always in the same position, which makes this process more difficult compared to the more practical SPORTident.
However, Emit is also investing in the development of contactless systems (only proximity) which does not allow the use of its backup system in case of unit failure, but which makes the process of passing through control points much faster.
Company website: EMIT.