Viewer Brand Comparisons
Comment : We chose the three models compared because all were coin-op and all had similar (though not identical) magnification |
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Feature Compared |
Hi-Spy
Model M20XC
Coin-operated
Binocular |
Seecoast
Model Mark I
Coin-operated Telescope |
Zhummel
Model 25x100
Coin-operated
Binocular |
Overall Look - Attractiveness |
Attractive artful Scandinavian design. Not industrial-looking.
Comment: We receive a steady stream of compliments on our design year after year. Attractive appearance attracts more customers. |
Industrial appearance. |
Industrial appearance. Very boxy appearance. |
Coin Capacity |
2000 U.S. Quarters. ($500.00)
Comment:More coin capacity is a clear benefit in terms of service. Our bags hold more than $500 but we selected that amount because that amount is still easy to lift out. |
1400 U.S.Quarters ($350.00)
Comment: When tray is near full it is hard to get at money without spilling some on ground. |
600 U.S. Quarters ($150.00)
Comment: Very small capacity must be revisited often |
Coin Containment |
Money is collected in a removable coin bag which is held in place by hooks welded inside the main tube and not in the viewing head.
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Money is collected in the bottom of the viewing head - not in a separate removable container.
Comment: When coins are in the head it is vulnerable to the taking of the whole head so time to break it open can be done at leisure.
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Money is collected inside tube near where base and tube meet. Small plastic box holds coin.
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Coin Removal |
Once door is opened the removable coin bag can be quickly emptied.
Comment: It takes approx. 30-45 seconds to perform coin removal.
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To access the coins the lock on the bottom of the viewing head has to be spun around and around many times to undo the bolt holding the lower half of the viewing head to the top half. Once lower half is free it will be seen that the coins rest inside this lower half and the money must be dumped into some other container. Comment: It takes approx. 3 mins to perform coin removal. This extra exposure to prying eyes can be problematic.
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To access coins you must bend low or get on your knees and open a tiny 3.5"X 4.0" door and extract a tiny box holding coins and dump it. Comment:This would need to be repeated very frequently at a busy site . If box has any more than US$120.00 in it odds of spill onto ground are high.
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Coin Locks |
Hi-Spy uses the Keset Tube Lock which is acknowledged throughout the vending industry as one of the best locks to protect your money.
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Uses small cam-lock. Itís smaller dimensions make it less vandal resistant .
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Uses small cam lock. Its smaller dimensions make it less vandal resistant.
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Coin Door |
Sturdy, robust coin door fully braced on the inside and with beveled inner door edges to resist attempts with crowbars.
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Access to coin not through a door.
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Small 3.5" X 4.0" coin door. Door not braced. Inner edges of door not beveled.
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Materials |
Aluminum tube base and helmet. Cast aluminum head. |
Aluminum. |
Steel. |
Coatings |
Helmet, main tube, and base are all acrylic (outdoor) powder coat. Head is painted with epoxy for durability mixed with urethane for sun protection and fade resistance.
Comment: Aluminum under powder means even if paint flaked or scratched through there will be no rust, bubbling etc. |
Entire machine is powder coated. |
Powder-coated
Comment: If paint scratched through rust will occur quickly on the steel. |
Optic Replacement |
Optics can be removed easily by owner and replaced if required. |
Optics can be removed easily by owner and replaced if required. |
Optics cannot be replaced by owner. Can only be replaced at great expense by returning entire unit to factory. |
Focusing |
Manual focus.
Comment: Articulated focus ensures there is no end-point ñ Focus never reaches a stop to come up hard against and this prevents vandals from getting to point where they can break off focus knob. |
Manual focus by rubber belt |
Auto-focus
Comment: auto focus for persons with less than 20/20 vision or with corrected vision can be problematic. We found unit very hard to view in focus |
Battery/ Electric |
Four AA batteries required for shutter operation.
Comment : Batteries last 6-12 months depending on use. |
No electricity required. |
Plug-in . Needs household current.
Comment: Our unit said lithium battery was an alternative but large size of such a battery and large cost as a result would be problematic. |
Viewer Eye Height |
60" |
57"
Comment: More people have to bend and looking up is more difficult since lower height means bending even further as you look up. |
60" |
Base Diameter |
28"
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30"
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12"
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Field of View |
120 ft@1000 yds |
121 ft. @1000 yds |
131ft @1000yds |
Waterproof Optics |
Yes. Nitrogen-filled to repel moisture |
Information not available |
Yes but manual specifically states they are not to be used in rain. |
Set-Up Required |
No
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No
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Yes; You must calibrate coin you intend to use which we found complicated. Customer must click coin slot cover over fully before putting in coin or unit will not work. We did not find anywhere on unit to put a sign for instructions. |
