Q: WHY would I want Token or Coin operated controls on RECREATIONAL LIGHTING?
A: Operating costs.
The operating cost of running a large bank of lights for tennis courts, basketball courts, or other recreational venues can be substantial. Running an outdoor infra-red heater also consumes large amounts of electricity.
Let’s take a random example. If a court has 8000 watts of lighting, which is a small lighting array, and if local electric is 9 cents per kilowatt hour (a national average for a kWh), then it costs 72 Cents to run those lights for one hour. Your kWh rates may be lower or higher, but either way, it can still add up to a considerable amount of money over a long period of time. Say they are used only 3 hours per night for 5 nights in a week, then you have spent about $11.00 in electricity. If the lights are on more, then you will have spent more. And if your lighting system draws even more current, then those numbers will increase. SUGGESTION – Consider installing an Intermatic or similar timer ahead of our unit. This allows you to control what hours the unit and the lights will operate. This minimizes someone activating lights at two in the morning and disturbing the neighbors!
GO GREEN – CONSERVE POWER!
Minimize Waste. When players are done, you do not have to worry about them leaving without turning off the lights. In the example above, if the lights were left on all night, say 10 hours, then you have spent another $7! With our timer, when the time has expired, the lights will shut off.
Control! You may wish to limit WHO is using the facility. You limit the use to those to whom you have given tokens. For example, an apartment complex may issue a limited number of tokens to residents for any given month. This keeps outsiders from using the courts, and minimizes any chance of one tenant monopolizing the facility to the exclusion of other tenants.
Customer Satisfaction! Timers may be used in conjunction with infra-red heaters for use at ice skating/hockey rinks, or at driving ranges. This offers a service to patrons to encourage their use of your facility.
Q: I don’t WANT to use coin or token, but I still need to control how long my device will operate. Are there any other options?
A: We have added a push-to-start timer in a NEMA4x weatherproof enclosure. The gasketed polycarbonate enclosure contains the button and the timer to control a “Shower Power Kit” for use on showers at campgrounds, RV Parks, and truck stops. Or it can be used to control infra-red heaters at driving ranges or to create a smokers break area. The timer can control misters, or lighting for basketball/tennis courts and other recreational venues. Many different time ranges and voltages are available.
Q: I have some strange tokens that I cannot identify nor know where to get them. What can I do?
A: We offer some odd shaped tokens that work only in our Model 444. Some of these are proprietary and not available everywhere. Please see the information on Specialty Tokens for more information.
Q: These timers are very nice. On what other applications might they be used?
A: Meter housing and timers have been used on recreational lighting for tennis courts, picnic areas, etc. They are used on sanitary pumpouts, and many other electrical devices. They are offered in several different combinations of features, voltages and time ranges.
Q: What can these timers be used to control?
A: Just about anything electrical. Sanitary Pumpout Stations, Pumps, Compressors, Lighting, Jacuzzi/Hot Tubs, Water dispensing stations for farmers, Showers, Vacuum cleaners at the car wash, etc. See the fun facts in our Newsletter.
They CAN be used for domestic washers and dryers but there are issues that compel us to discourage that application. Coordinating the timer already in the machine is an issue, but the biggest issue is cost. Used coin operated equipment will generally cost less than the price of a meter. See more information at Machine Conversion
Q: How long does it take to have an order shipped?
A: Most items ship in 24 to 48 hours! Small orders placed early in the day often ship that afternoon.
Orders requiring special attention, such as matching a lock code, or other adapation may take longer. Of course, very large orders may take up to several weeks.
NOTE – Orders for the Token/Coin Operated Restroom lock may take up to two weeks to ship. Please check on lead time when ordering.
Q: What makes the System Seven different from other timers?
A: This one offers an alarm. An audible signal that time is near to expiration. This is convenient for the user as most timers just run out of time and shut off the lights. If these are lighting systems with long warm-up cycles then the patron can get a bit testy!! With the alarm, they have the option to add more coins to extend the time, or just let the lights go out. This unit also has an extremely heavy gauge welded steel housing compared to less expensive units.
Q: What coins or tokens can the timer accept?
A: The coin acceptors can be made to accept any number of different coins or tokens, BUT whatever coin it is made for, that is what it will take and nothing else. They cannot be changed to a different coin in the field.
Acceptors have been made for Coins of many nations. Please call us to discuss your needs.
Q: Where do I send units for repair?
A: YOU DON’T!! YOU MUST CALL FOR A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER! AT THAT POINT YOU WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO RETURN A PRODUCT
Packages received without an RMA number will be returned to sender at your cost.
Q: Are there any coin operated mechanical timers?
A: There was one called “Marks Time” that was a coin operated spring wound unit but still operated a switch to control electrical devices. The manufacturer withdrew it from production about 2000.
Q: Are any timers available with bill validators?
A: We currently do not have units with bill validators, but this is something we are currently working on.
Q: Why should I order 24 VAC? 110 VAC is much more convenient!
A: Yes, it can be convenient to install 110 VAC all the way through, after all, an existing system is probably this voltage now. BUT the current system probably does not allow the patron to get to it. A coin operated system puts the timer out where the patron is, in the weather, and subject to the indignities that other people may inflict on it. A low voltage system avoids liability issues.
Q: What is the minimum order?
A: The minimum became $50.00 per order. The amount is for product only, shipping is not a part of the minimum. When ordering tokens only, the minimum order is 200 pieces of any one style.
Q: I do not see an answer to my specific question. What can I do to get an answer?
A: We are sorry if your question is not answered here. We deal with a wide variety of components and may not have anticipated every question. Please email us at sales@monarchcoin.com.
We will respond to your question and if it is thought to be of general interest to others, we will add it to the FAQ’s.
Q: How do I pay for my order?
A: Monarch accepts Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. Cards are not processed until the day the product is ready to ship. Organizations such a Hospitals, Prisons, or Universities may order on a purchase order. Export customers may pay by credit card, or larger orders may be paid by wire transfer based on a proforma, which we will furnish. This option is only for orders in excess of US $3,500.
Other customers with a record of frequent purchases may be extended net 30 terms after completion and processing of a Monarch Application for Credit. Usual terms for open account are “Net 30 Days”
Q: What is the warranty?
A: Monarch products are covered for defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from date of purchase. Please see all the details on the warranty at WARRANTY