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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 |
Q: How long has Hi-Spy been in business?
A: 2004 is our 13th year. 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-as of 2004.
Q: How many products does Hi-Spy make?
A: Quite a few. We make non-coin viewfinders in 10X waterproof, and 20X magnification. We make coin machines in 10X waterproof, and 20X magnification with a choice of either mechanical coin-acceptance or electronic coin acceptance. 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 monocular or telescope-style optics?
A: Currently we don't use monocular/telescope -style optics in our viewers. A significant percentage of customers can't use a telescope successfully because of their less-than-perfect eyesight or corrected vision. Fewer people can use a telescope-style viewer as well as they can a binocular viewer. 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. To serve that need we will offer a telescope model in 2004.
Q. What about automatic focus / fixed focus / no-focus optics--does Hi-Spy use them?
A: No we don't. They sound great but they're not. They are less expensive for the manufacturer but again most customers can't or don't get the view they deserve. Automatic /Fixed / No-focus optics use the your eyes' own lens to make the image focus and guess what?-- if you've got less than perfect or corrected vision ( and a large majority of the population do) you won't be able to get a sharp image because your eye can't give that sharp focus. In field tests we have undertaken, 4 out of 5 people get a clearer view with a standard focus binocular.
Q. How do I choose between 10X and 20X magnification?
A: 10X gives you a wider field of view approximately 400 feet wide at 1000 yards compared to approximately 180 feet wide at 1000 yards for 20X. 20X brings distant objects closer than 10X. However 10X is available in waterproof optics whereas 20X is not available in waterproof as yet and we only recommend it for indoors.
Q: How are your machines better than other machines and what are the benefits of electronic coin acceptance?
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, brass, 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. Regarding electronic acceptance-at site after site it makes more money than previous competitive machines because it can take such a variety of change. But it does cost more and is not an advantage in countries where you will only want to accept one coin (in the USA for example the only operative coin is a 25 cent piece). Our mechanical acceptance machine is recommended in the USA -it is very dependable and requires very little maintenance.
Q: What factors do I consider in choosing between electronic and mechanical coin acceptance?
A: If you are not using a variety of larger value coins, you don't have to have electronic acceptance. In the USA for example, where the only operative coin, in reality, is the 25 cent piece, the mechanical machine is the right choice. In Canada, for example, where there are 25 cent, $1.00, $2.00 coins and in England, where there are 50 pence, 1 pound or 2 pound coins, then the electronic machine increases revenue because more people have the right change. If your site is outdoors and exposed to frequent severe weather, you should consider the mechanical acceptance model.
Q: What coins can we specify?
A: It's up to you. We can program most, though not all, coins into the electronic meter. We may need a sample but we'll tell you. Outside Canada and the USA there is a small charge for programming meters. 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: 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 brass 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. We love the look of brass. We love the patina as it oxidizes and ages. And all uncoated brass does oxidize and turn dark. 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. 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: No, we use lexan (polycarbonate) in both ends. Glass shatters more easily and is less vandal-resistant. However, for a small charge, we can, on request, provide you with glass lenses.
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 U.S. or Canadian funds cheque 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: Very little. 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, but we send the correct allen key wrenches with each machine.
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