RE: [cc] Coin-operated system

[Ron H]

Hi James,   Possibly I can provide some helpful information both in respect to our cybercaf� management system, Digital Access and more general information.   On the more general side, it may be helpful to be aware that a company called Upstate Networks, who manufactures cash validation components, claims to have been granted a patent on the use of a cash collector for Internet access. It may be worth checking out.   Secondly, our product Digital Access, and it upcoming successor PAC Manager, support cash collection equipment in a couple of different ways. One of these is the more obvious - you can have a cash collector connected directly to a Public Access Computer. The second approach is unique to our products.    A couple of years ago a company approached us about their chain of cybercafe locations and their possible use of Digital Access. One of the challenges that they faced was their use of cash collectors at their locations which are pretty much unmanned with no direct on-site supervision. These units used cash collection units - one connected to each computer. They presented a couple of concerns. One concern was that if a cash collector jammed or otherwise went out of service, that computer was down. Another significantly issue was the cost of these units - over $600 each.   We developed a solution for both these issues in the form of a centralized ReCharger Station. This central station incorporated our software that linked into our standard Digital Access software. Customer could go to the ReCharger Station and through the ReCharger software they could create new "Member" accounts, apply additional funds to existing Member accounts and pay for non-member access in the form of an access code that was valid for 24 hrs. If the customer purchased a new Member account, the ReCharger also charged them for their magnetic strip Member card. The mag strip cards reduced the number of cash transactions and their average sale value went up significantly. The ReCharger also supported two cash collectors. This provided a back-up in the event that one jammed or otherwise stopped working. The program was so successful that this customer changed over all his sites (15+) to our software.   Cash collectors can work great but you do have to do some homework. You must be sure that the unit you purchase can handle the currency and denominations for your area and you want to check on what is involved in updating these units when new bills come onto the market. The recent introduction of the new $20 bill in the US caused costly updates for many locations. The current trend is toward more coins in Canada and the US and these changes will mean different cash collectors to accept these new currencies. Europe too is undergoing change with the Euro Dollar. These changes could be costly and disruptive if you have to send the cash collector back to the manufacturer, as many recently had to in the US market.   Ron H Digital U Watch for PAC Manager, coming soon -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of decay Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 3:18 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [cc] Coin-operated system Hi, i am looking to start a cybercafe using a system where the customer pays at the computer. I have read messages in this group of something like this, If any one could provide me with more information on this i would be very appreciative.   -James   P.S. If this idea has been homemade somewhere, i would be very grateful for information regarding the circuit diagrams - i'm quite handy with a soldering iron :-) .