We need to check them at the race, These transponders are guarenteed for two years but they can last up to four years. We are starting the fourth year with my sons and it is still working fine. Kirk Sessions who does our scoring, also does the scoring for GNCC. If you have a GNCC race before our first one just go to the finish line and ask Kirk to check it for you. He is a great guy and will be glad to help. If yours is by chance bad Kirk will be selling them at the races, or you can rent one.