Vacuum Timers

[mjwalsh]

Are there reliable economical timers that accumulate the time as more coins are put in (similar to what most of us have in our bays) that work out well in vacuums? It seems like with inflation happening so fast these type of timers would make more sense nowadays---- especially if we already are using a 24VAC transformer with a multicoin acceptor.

 

[MEP001]

Almost all vac timers out there now will accumulate coins. I have plans to put the Dixmor timers I pulled from the bays into the rear vacs, mainly for the show, but the original timers (IDX AT-411E) accumulate up to 15 coins.

If you really want your vac timers to be reliable, don't use them to power the motors directly. Use a heavy relay to take the load, like a mercury displacement type.

 

[mjwalsh]

"accumulating" made clearer

I do have the mercury relays. I also have the 2 cheapest KleenRite 110/24VAC vacuum timers. They accumulate coins for a set amount of time based on the startup amount required. The "accumulating" I was hoping an answer to will also accumulate time in proportion (double time) if the customer doubles the money put in or triple time if 3 times the money is put in. Like the lowest end bay timers would do.

 

[Randy]

Oh, I see what you want. You want a Bonus time type timer. Your best bet would be a Dixmor LED-5 or LED-7 Timer. They both have the bonus time feature. They aren?t cheap, about $225 each.

 

[MEP001]

The Dixmor LED-5 does not have a bonus time feature, unless it was added into the program before the LED-7 was released.

Having a bonus-time on a vac would go along well with a bill acceptor.

 

[mjwalsh]

We might consider "bonus time". We mainly want a known reliable economical timer that accumulates both the coins & the time up to a reasonable time limit.

Sorry, I didn't come up with the totally 100% perfect logic when I first presented.

The only experience we have is with the Paraplate vacuum timers from Windtrax & the 2 lowest end made by Infitec Vacuum timers from KleenRite.

I could call all the vendors but sometimes my forum buds can give a better heads up on what is working out the most reliably. I am not sure if the transformers will fit in the coin acceptor area on our older 1987 Stainless Doyle Vacuums. If they do fit the heat of the 24VAC transformers give off will probably help offset the below zero (& still vacuuming) outdoor temperatures.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Except for the Coleman Combo units I am exclusively Paraplate. 3 Motor Vacs (14 Total) have relays and Transformers. 2 Motor Vacs (16 total) have paraplates without relays / Transformers.

My Tire air machines and Air Freshener machines are also Paraplate.

 

[Randy]

I still think what you want is a Dixmor LED-5 or LED-7 Timer. They both have bonus time capabilities and are the best bang for the buck.

 

[MEP001]

I don't know of any timers that have a programmable bonus time feature that do not have a display. If you don't want the display, you could still use a Dixmor and just mount it and the transformer in the dome, but you can order a replacement door for your vacs to accomodate it. IF you can't find them, it should be easy to have it fabricated.

As far as reliability is concerned, Dixmor is at the top of that list. They also repair them at a very good price, usually under $50. They are relatively inexpensive new, and you could likely find used ones for sale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Timer-Model-LED...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[mjwalsh]

Thanks for the replies, & I will check into the Dixmors. We were mostly interested in a simpler timer that accumulates both the coins & the time. In other words the customer puts in 2 quarters--- the acceptor will pulse twice to give 2 minutes & the same customer puts in an additional dollar coin even while the vacuum is still running & 4 minutes is simply added to the remainder. Same as the more simple bay timers have been capable of for over 25 years without any bonus time feature or LED.

 

[Randy]

Mike, What you want is a timer that will accumulate time as coins are inserted. That’s what everyone has been trying to tell you. A Paraplate will work as will most of the other timers out there that say they are a ACCUMULATIVE Timer. If you don't want the display type timer don't get a Dixmor.

 

[MEP001]

We were mostly interested in a simpler timer that accumulates both the coins & the time.

That was the question I answered in my first reply. As I said, almost all new vac timers will accumulate coins beyond the start-up price at least up to 15 coins.

 

[mjwalsh]

Randy & Mep001,

This morning I braved the minus 29 below outdoor temperature & put double the startup amount of coins to see if my lower end KleenRite timers go double time. They only went the amount of time for the start up & not for the additional coins put in. "Sigh!!#$"

What brought about the temporary confusion is the fact that at one time "accumulate" was used to describe the ability to have the start up amount more than 1 coin if I remember right. I know the old Paraplate Vacuum Timers used to accumulate(time) for start up but not beyond that.

Earl------Do the newer Paraplates accumulate the time beyond the start up amount?

Sometimes we need someone to help us make our descriptions more precise & have thorough enough language that makes all the necessary distinctions.

Mike

 

[mjwalsh]

Do both the new & the older Dixmor LED-5s have bright enough LEDs so the time can be seen in bright sunlight? It looks like the only difference between the LED-5 & LED-7 is the spanish language option. Correct me if I am wrong.

If I go with Dixmor it looks like I will have to cut into the stainless removable plate an opening for the display.

 

[Randy]

The Dixmor LED-5 timer is a replacement for the Timermaster timer, uses the same mounting as the Timemaster does. The LED-7 is a bigger timer. They both do the same thing, have the same program loaded into them. There are different versions of both the LED-5 and LED-7 timers. The newer ones are all the same. Yes you will have to cut a hole in your face plate to see the LED display of the timer. What timer do you use in your bays?

 

[Earl Weiss]

Have only instaled one or two of the new Blue Paraplates. Quite frankly, I did not check to see if they ad more time, but I have no reason to think they would make new ones with less features. I am sure they can tell you.

 

[mjwalsh]

What timer do you use in your bays?

Randy,

We use the timer from the OEM of our car wash equipment who is Specialty Equipment of Minneapolis. It is called the "Time Machine" Its dimensions are 5.5"x3.25"x2"deep & the led has to be mounted independently of the timer. The accessory 1.25"x1.5" LED for it has to be mounted in front of a lens on the coin box. The pc board for the LED is 1.5"x1.5". Lotsa space required for those it seems. I have 3 replacement front plates that we purchased from Doyle Vacuum about 6 months ago so that will help the mounting process.

Are all versions of the Dixmor LEDs seen fairly good in some sunlight?

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Dixmor is a good product. Their customer service is good and the equipment is reliable. I don't have any problem seeing my displays when the unit is fully in the sun.

 

[tgoodwin]

http://www.fragramatics.com/-110V-TIMER--FM-420-P820C44.aspx

This is a 110V accumulating timer. It can accumulate over 65,000 coins in a single vend. It can directly switch a 25A load.

 

[Earl Weiss]

http://www.fragramatics.com/-110V-TIMER--FM-420-P820C44.aspx

This is a 110V accumulating timer. It can accumulate over 65,000 coins in a single vend. It can directly switch a 25A load.

Don't know the load rating for Paraplate. But it handles two motor vacs and tire air machines without a problem. It is less than $70.00 vs. $115.00 for the Fragramatics . Both handle up to 15 coins to start. For vacs. I don't think max number of coins per vend is much of an issue.