SPORTIDENT
BS11 SPORTident units for MTBO in Australia PETER CUSWORTH
as well. So with some sharing, we will have plenty of units available to use at National and State Championship multievent weekends. There are however a number of changes to the way these units work compared to the existing SI boxes. For one, there is no hole in them for manual punching. They can only be used with SIAC sticks, and if your stick goes flat during the event, you have no way to record your visit apart from using the emergency dot punch by hand. It is vital to use the battery check box as you check in before each event to ensure your stick will last the event. We expect that at least for the first few years of using these units, the cost of a hire SIAC stick will be included with the entry fee for major events, with a discount offered to those who have their own. It seems the majority of regulars already have their own SIAC, as most “foot” events are also using the AIR system. Because the units are not being touched by competitors the control stands we use can be of a more lightweight and less rigid design. Victoria has been trialing the use of plastic electric-fence posts, as have been used at many European MTBO events, and will use them for two of the three Victorian Championship events in May. A huge benefit of these light stands is that several can be carried by bike when placing and retrieving controls - much easier than using the heavy existing metal T-bar stands. Another bonus is that control units can be mounted vertically on these plastic stands, so the control code can be read in its correct alignment – no need to avoid using those up-sidedown double numbers like 81, 86, 89 etc. The unit’s range is also slightly superior when mounted vertically, as opposed to horizontally as would be the case using a T stand.
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ast year Kay Haarsma, on behalf of Orienteering Australia, applied for and was successful in gaining a grant so that we could purchase a set of the new BS11 SPORTident control units that are now used for major MTBO events in Europe. These units have a ‘radio’ range of up to 1.8 metres so competitors don’t have to stop at controls but can record their visit while riding past much more quickly and easily. It also helps to avoid the congestion sometimes experienced around controls – much safer riding. Of course, in these COVID times, competitors not needing to touch control boxes, is an extra positive. We have been using standard control units for a few years set to AIR beacon but these units are limited to a maximum range of 30cm which in many situations, when on a bike, is not much better than having to stop and dip your SI stick. The new BS11 units also give more flexibility in locating the stand slightly away from the hard track surface. The new units will be much easier to use for competitors without the need to ride very close to controls while leaning over with an outstretched arm. However, the new units are only for use for MTBO (and SkiO) events, so unfortunately this investment is of no use for “foot” events - the longer radio range is outside what is permitted in the Foot-O rules. The OA grant funding allowed us to purchase a set of 39 units plus a flying Finish box. The MTBO group in Victoria used some unspent fundraising money together with some funds from four clubs to purchase a set of 21 units. Orienteering ACT purchased 40 units, Orienteering NSW has ordered a set of 40 and Orienteering Queensland has ordered a set of 35 34 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER JUNE 2021
Plastic electric fence posts offer a lightweight control stand alternative. They have sharpened metal tips for pushing into the ground.
