The excitement of pigeon racing begins long before the first bird comes home.Â
Behind every race are volunteers collecting baskets, checking records and preparing our pigeons for transport. At Afdeling Noord in the Netherlands, the BENZING Basket Scanner is adding another check to that essential work.
In an update shared by BENZING, the team reported checking five clubs in half an hour, with only a small delay to transport. That is encouraging practical feedback. For our sport, however, the most interesting part is what those checks can reveal.
How the BENZING Basket Scanner Checks Baskets
In its announcement of 12 September 2026, Afdeling Noord reported purchasing two scanners following tests and adjustments for aluminium Ruco baskets.
Raymond de Vries built a mobile stainless steel setup. The equipment was subsequently used on collection routes in both the eastern and western parts of the section, including checks while baskets were being transferred.
According to Afdeling Noord, three antennas read the electronic chip rings throughout a basket. The readings are stored in BENZING Live and compared with basketing records using software developed by Propigeon.
This brings a practical question into focus: do the chip rings found in the baskets match the recorded entries?
What the Early Checks Revealed
Afdeling Noord reported differences in basket occupancy, birds present without corresponding electronic basketing records, and entries missing chip ring codes.
These findings deserve careful interpretation. A mismatch identifies something that needs checking. It does not, by itself, establish deliberate wrongdoing.
The useful response is to understand the discrepancy and correct the process where necessary. Reliable records depend on both the equipment and the people using it.
Supporting the People Behind Every Race
Anyone who appreciates pigeon racing should appreciate the work that gets our birds to the starting point. Collection and transfer operations demand time, coordination and care, often late into the evening.
An additional check is most valuable when it fits that work sensibly. BENZING’s report of five clubs checked in half an hour offers a promising example, although it should be treated as feedback from that operation rather than a universal performance guarantee.
For clubs and organisers, the real question is how the system performs consistently across their own baskets, records and collection arrangements.
Confidence Is Built Through Good Practice
For me, this is an encouraging direction for pigeon racing. We can celebrate innovation while asking clear questions about its practical value.
Extra verification can support confidence in the organisation of a race. It also gives clubs an opportunity to address recording problems before they become more difficult to untangle.
That deserves attention. Our sport thrives on dedicated fanciers, committed volunteers and the pleasure of seeing well prepared pigeons return home. Giving the people behind the scenes useful tools is an investment in that shared enjoyment.
Good organisation deserves its moment in the spotlight too.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
