The frequently asked questions of Hi-Spy are grouped by category.
Click on a category title to see the related questions and answers.
| The Company | Products | Optics |
| Coin Acceptance | Product Features | Deliver/Shipping |
| Batteries | Warranty | Bill Acceptor Models |
Q: How long has Hi-Spy been in business?
A: In 2007 we were 16 years old. We started in the business because we saw a need. Existing equipment was antiquated and existing manufacturers had not then made, and still have not made, any attempt to innovate. We knew we could do better. Until September 2000 we only built machines for our own account- we did not sell to others. That's changed now and the world-wide response has been terrific.
Q: Are you registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)?
A: Yes, we are.
Q: How many products does Hi-Spy make?
A: Quite a few. We make non-coin and coin viewfinders in both binocular and telescope models in different magnifications. We now make bill-acceptor models as well. We make coin and non-coin wheelchair-accessible (ADA compliant) models as well. In addition we make specialty models such as machines with "donation"("Donated by…") or "memorial" ("In memory of…") features and we will customize machine heights on request.
Q: Do you customize machines?
A: Yes we do. We make customized heights. For childrens' museums we have made 9"-14" shorter tubes. We also make "donation" machines which have no shutter and therefore a free view but also have a donation slot and plaque to encourage donation. And we are happy to add a memorial plaque (brass) to any machine in honour of a person or sponsor.
Q: Do you use binocular optics?
A: Yes we do.
Q: Do you use telescope-style optics?
A: Yes, we do. Many people prefer the wider field of view in a binocular since the field of view of binocular-optics is far wider at any distance and therefore binocular optics are better for the overall view. However telescopes offer higher magnification options and some people specifically request them.
Q. How do I choose between the different magnifications?
A: Magnification ratings are in comparison to the human eye. Therefore, 10X magnification is bringing the image 10X closer and 20X is 20X closer, etc. Please see our magnification examples to view the difference. There is always a trade-off: the lower the magnification, the smaller the image but the wider the field of view. For example, if you want to see all the sailboats in the lake, use 10X - if you want to see just the people on one boat, use a higher magnification.
Q: What coins can we specify?
A: It's up to you. In mechanical acceptance, acceptors for over 60 countries are in stock and if your coin is not-in-stock it can be adapted for a small charge. If we need a sample coin we will tell you.
Q: What bill can we specify?
A: It is up to you. Bill aceptors are available for most currencies. It is best to ask us.
Q: How many bills does it hold?
A: The acceptor cassette holds approximately 300 bills but larger bill containers are available on request..
Q: Does the bill acceptor need outside power?
A: No. It runs on a replaceable internal 12V battery.
Q: How are your machines better than other viewing machines?
A: Our product speaks for itself. No one else makes a rugged, durable, heavy-duty product like ours. We consider most competitive product to be light duty and not long-lasting. We know it cannot stand up like our product does. We build out of stainless steel, aluminum, powder-coated steel and aluminum to make a heavy, durable, weather-resistant, vandal-resistant machine that lasts and lasts. Why? Because we operate hundreds of machines for ourselves and we want them to last and last. You get the same machine. And we innovate- other companies do not .We are not afraid to improve our product. For instance if we had a past attempted break-in on a coin machine, we used that incident to redesign the product for the better- heavier beveled doors with double security. If extended use in the field showed a problem, we used it as an opportunity to learn how to redesign the product for the better. We still do. Our exceptional focus system, overbuilt vertical movement and super smooth horizontal movement are just three examples of our commitment to innovate.
Q: How is the coin contained in the machine?
A: In a coin bag. Take out the whole bag, empty it, and replace the bag. That is unlike competitor's machines where you are expected to remove the coin by hand, taking too, too, long in front of prying eyes. Our bag can hold 2000 U.S. quarters while many competitive machines hold only 400 coins. One of the problems for machines that hold money in the head is that vandals only need to steal the head- and they do steal the heads. You cannot do that to a Hi-Spy machine.
Q: Are the aluminum heads clear-coated?
A: The heads can be clear-coated and we will do so on request but our standard head is not clear-coated. All uncoated aluminum turns duller over time, unless polished with a product like Mother's Aluminum Polish at regular intervals. Also you can apply car wax to the head at regular intervals. If coated however you should note that, outdoors, over time all coatings are eroded by the corrosive effects of acid rain or air-borne contaminants. That time depends on the site but the result is that the clear coating can turn very splotchy. And then you'll need to lightly re-polish the head and re-coat it.
Q. Do the heads swivel 360 degrees?
A: On the non-coin models they do swivel 360 degrees. On coin models they swivel 285 degrees because most sites do not have a 360 degree view. In coin models the presence of wiring rules out a larger degree of swivel.
Q. Can you limit or restrict the travel of the swivel?
A: Yes we can. We restrict it in accordance with your wishes at no extra cost. At a site next to a nude beach in Europe we restricted the view to a mere 90 degrees- on request of course.
Q: Do you use glass lenses?
A: You can choose between glass and plexiglass outer lenses. Glass is clearer, but breaks more easily..
Q: What about locks?
A: We provide you with a head lock and , on coin machines, a coin lock and their respective keys. We also provide the t-handle wrenches that open the head and tube door.
Q: What about your base options?
A: Our contoured steel base weighs 100 lbs. Additionally if you wish we can provide a flat steel plate base which can be buried in concrete or anchored with bolts -however this flat base is not meant to free-stand, unlike our other base options.
Q. How long is delivery?
A: Expect 3 - 4 weeks.
Q. What about payment?
A: We expect 50% down on ordering and the remainder prior to shipment. You can provide a check, pay by VISA or PayPal, or we'll give you the wire details by fax or e-mail.
Q: What about shipping?
A: In North America we ship by truck. Beyond North America we air ship unless otherwise requested. Shipping by air is to arrival airport only. You take it from there. You are responsible for all shipping fees, duties, insurance, customs, taxes etc.
Q: Is assembly required?
A: In North America no assembly is required. Outside North America very little assembly is required. You only need to attach the base. The rest is all assembled and ready to go. Information on assembly is on our website.
Q: Do you use metric bolts?
A: No we use imperial SAE, but we send the correct allen key wrenches (hex keys) with each machine.
Q: Do your machines use batteries?
A: Our non-coin machines have no batteries. Our coin models require batteries for the shutter servo motor only. These are typically 4 AA cells. Expect them to last 6-12 months at an average site. They are easier to change than flashlight batteries. The bill-acceptor machine has a 12V battery.
Q: What is your warranty?
A: Three years on all parts. See Warranty.
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