Does anyone have Etowah Valley credit card acceptors up and running yet?

[Pacecar]

I am thinking about upgrading to bill acceptors and will do cc acceptors at the same time. The Etowah valley cc acceptors are interesting because they dial directly and do not need an internet connection. However I'can't seem to find anyone who actually has the cc acceptor up and running. Can anyone comment on how this system is working for them?

Thanks

BW
3SS/1 Auto in KY
(No, I am not a salesman)

 

[MEP001]

I still haven't seen them myself, but from what I was told they do require a broadband internet connection. Each unit communicates directly with the merchant processor, so there's no computer needed.

 

[Eric H]

Etowah CC timers only require a Telephone line NOT a internet connection. You only need an internet connection to view transactions and if you are reading this that should not be a problem.

I have two timers installed but we cannot get either one to dial out. Jim thinks it is a problem with some of the information on my programming card. I sent him the card this morning to have him check it. I should have it back by monday or tuesday and then be running again.

I do like everything else about the timer. It displays when what item is selscted on the meter (when you switch to FB it scrolls across "Foam brush")
But the thing I really like is the Voice that tells you how much money you have added, what selection you are on, and when to add more money.

 

[Pacecar]

Thanks Eric H. Please let me know if you get them working properly. They sound great in theory but I would like to hear from someone who actually has them working before I commit to buy them. Thanks.

BW

 

[Eric H]

Well, turns out that the problems I was having was a snafu on my part.

System has been running on 4 bays for a few days now without any problems.

If anyone has any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them.

 

[MEP001]

How fast do the transactions go through?

Since it's dial-up, do you need multiple phone lines so more than one can transfer data at a time?

What features do the timers have beyond that of a standard Dixmor LED-5?

 

[Waxman]

Eric:

Exciting! These are in my plans fo' shizzle.

 

[Eric H]

MEP,

I have just one phone line. The authorization takes about 20 seconds to go thru, but the timer starts as soon as the customers swipes the card. All of the timers "talk" to each other so that If the same card is used later the card number will combine the transactions so that you only pay one service fee.

I have to check with Jim about how much I can say here about the other features. He has a bunch of stuff that is patent pending.

I still cannot believe everything that he has packed into this little box

 

[Whale of a Wash]

Eric, I've been waiting for you to report back, before i bought a few my self, do you have any pictures of the timers and card swipe- thanks
John

 

[Eric H]

Well, I have the pictures but I cannot resize the file in the photo program I have (iPhoto). I sent an email to my bother-in-law to see if he can do it.

-Eric

 

[pitzerwm]

Just send them to me

 

[Gabriel]

Thanks for posting the pictures. I like it and I am ordering it.

 

[MEP001]

The box and decal looks really nice, but the timer display needs a red lens to conceal the works of the readout.

 

[Eric H]

Actually, There was a red lens over the clear lens but I had to take it off to make the door close properly. I am going to switch the clear one for the red one but I did not have any silicone with me when I installed the doors.

BTW: that is a Carolina Pride meter in the photo. The Etowah Valley boxes I have are much bigger and the reader is not as close to the rotary dial. I do not have the custom decals installed on the Etowah Valley boxes but when I do I will post a pic of them.

 

[Eric H]

Bump for Wayne

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I just ordered the same box from Jim, where is a good place to get some new custom decals made up?

 

[Eric H]

PM sent, Eric

 

[Buzzie8]

How much is Jim charging for these boxes?

 

[blue box]

Etowah valley

In the last year I installed 4 boxes from Etowah Valley.
For the most part the meters work well. The credit card is another matter. The card swipes have not worked well from the start. I had trouble getting the swipes to read the program card.
I have 4 bays and probably have not had 4 working at anyone time. I have sent the swipes in for repair or replace several times,I was told to clean. Didn't help.
The other problem you have, only one card company to work with they can set their own price.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

The reason there is only one company is that it is the only company that doesn't charge a swipe fee if you use the card several different times in the same day. If you use it in a bay, then a vac, go home and get the other car, do it all over again, as long as it's within a 4 hr period it's treated as one transaction. Just thought I'd throw the rest of the truth in there. Frankly, I wouldn't have a problem with them taking care of me like that, but that's just me.