Archive for the ‘Money Handling’ Category

Klopp KCS Series Coin Scale Review

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Klopp KCS Coin Scales Do you count a lot of coins per day and don’t have the time to wait for a person or a coin counter to get the job done? One of the quickest and most efficient ways to count coins and tokens is by using a coin scale. One model you may want to look into is the Klopp KCS series of coin scales. This is my review.

Klopp is known for making a wide variety of coin sorters, coin counters and bill counters. Their machines are known for being reliable, efficient and easy to set up. The Klopp KCS series of coin scales follow with this tradition.

The Klopp KCS series of coin counting scales includes the KCS-12, KCS-30 and the KCS-60. The biggest difference between these different versions is the amount of coins they can weigh. The KSC-12 can handle up to 12 pounds of coins, the KCS-30 up to 30 pounds and the KCS-60 up to 60 pounds. It can even be used to count tokens and tickets.

This coin scale is easy to use. Simply set up the scale for the denomination you want to use and place the coins on the weighing surface. Three large LED displays indicate the denomination, weight and value of the coins. Calibration is simple and takes just seconds to do.

This scale includes 10 preset settings for common US denominations. It includes the ability to set up custom settings for other denominations. It can even be set up with password protection for use in the field.

Because this scale is so precise, there is no need to worry about inaccurate results. Many argue that coin scales are even more accurate than coin counters. I personally like both methods of counting coins. The method you use is a matter of preference, time and resources.

As mentioned earlier, the Klopp KCS coin scale can be set up to count tokens, foreign currencies and tickets. These are features that most traditional coin counters cannot support.  It can even be set up for batch counting.

You can get the Klopp KCS coin scales with an optional thermal printing kit, a carrying case and a coin scoop. These options can be requested prior to making a purchase by calling 1-800-658-8788.

I personally like the Klopp KCS coin scale and consider Klopp products to be some of the best on the market. You can find the Klopp KCS series of coin scales here. You can find our entire selection of coin counters here.

Cassida 3300 Counterfeit Bill Detector & Scanner Review

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Cassida 3300 Counterfeit Bill Detector & ScannerAre you looking for a no-nonsense counterfeit bill detector that is easy to use and won’t suffer from false-positive detection? One counterfeit detector you may want to consider using is the Cassida 3300 counterfeit bill detector. This is my review.

Cassida is a well-known manufacturer of bill and coin counting machines. They also make a variety of different counterfeit detectors. The Cassida 3300 is the most advanced counterfeit detector that Cassida makes.

The Cassida 3300 counterfeit detector is very similar in look and operation to the Cashscan detectors. The concept and design is simple. Simply feed the bill into one end of the detector, the bill gets scanned and it comes out the other end. The machine will then let you know if the bill is legitimate or not. The first time I used it I was reminded of the bill acceptor found on a vending machine.

This counterfeit detector is pretty much fool proof. It scans for ultraviolet (UV) and magnetic (MG) properties build into legitimate currency. To date these traits have not been counterfeited. Thanks to this scanning ability, it is considered to be one of the most reliable counterfeit detectors available today. It can even be used to detect counterfeit super bills and any washed counterfeits.

This particular machine requires no special training or setup to use. An LCD screen on the top of the machine will let you know if the bill is legitimate and will also display the bill’s monetary value. You can even use this as a bill counter as it will keep track of the combined dollar value of bills scanned.

Because the Cassida 3300 is so compact, it can be used just about anywhere. Place it on a table or next to a cash register. The footprint only takes up a few square inches. It is designed to work with a 110/220 VAC power source.

One question I get asked by a lot of customers is whether or not it can only be used with US dollars. The answer to that is no. It can be setup and configured for use with Canadian dollars, Euros, British pounds and Japanese yen. Simply select the currency type from the front panel.

My overall impression with this bill counter is excellent. It is so simple to use and foolproof. Many counterfeit detectors leave room open for error and can potentially be misread. The Cassida 3300 is compact, small, clear and precise.

You can find the Cassida 3300 counterfeit bill detector here. You can find our entire selection of counterfeit bill detectors here.

ABC 1150 Ultra Bill Counter Review

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

ABC 1150 Ultra Counterfeit Bill & Money DetectorDo you need to count large amounts of bills every day and also need the ability to verify that they are real? One bill counter that you may want to look at is the ABC 1150 Ultra bill counter & counterfeit detector. I have used this bill counter on several occasions and this is my review.

In case you have never counted money by hand, the process can be dirty and extremely inaccurate. This being the case, there are still many people that count money by hand. This includes cashiers, nightclubs, restaurants, grocery stores and many others.

Bill counters are dead-on accurate and extremely fast. The ABC 1150 Ultra will finish in a few seconds what it would take a person several minutes to do. Simply drop the bills into the hopper and let the machine do the rest. It is that simple.

The ABC 1150 Ultra does not require any special setup. It has a few guides where you place the money in, but that’s about it. The hopper holds 200 new bills or 100 used bills. The motor runs at a speed of about 1,000 bills per minute.

This bill counter is extremely lightweight and portable. A convenient handle pulls out from the top of the machine, making it extremely easy to move. While it doesn’t run on batteries, it can be plugged into just about any standard wall outlet.

The ABC 1150 Ultra can do batch counting. This is great if you need to organize money into quantities of 50, 100 or another amount. The machine will count the desired number of bills, stop and then wait until the bills have been removed before starting back up.

One of the biggest plusses of the ABC 1150 Ultra is the counterfeit detection. This counter will scan each bill as it runs through the machine. It detects the bills for magnetic (MG) and ultraviolet (UV) properties. If a counterfeit bill is detected, the machine will stop, light up and give you an audible sound alerting you to the problem.

Be aware that the ABC 1150 Ultra is not a bill discriminator. This means it will tell you the total number of bills, but cannot distinguish the value difference between bills. Very few machines are capable of doing this and typically cost 15 to 20 times more.

As I previously mentioned, I have used this bill counter many times. It is extremely accurate. I have run the same stack through dozens of times in a row and it always give the exact same number every time. This bill counter has a great track record with our customers.

You can find the ABC 1150 Ultra bill counter & counterfeit detector here. You can find our entire selection of money and bill counters here.

Cashscan Model 1800 Counterfeit Bill Detector Review

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Cashscan Model 1800 Counterfeit Bill DetectorAre you tired of trying to catch counterfeit money using methods that may not be 100% accurate? If you need a new counterfeit detector, you may want to consider using the Cashscan Model 1800 counterfeit bill detector. I have used this machine and this is my review.

Counterfeit money continues to grow throughout the United Sates. Digital imaging and printing technologies now make it easier than ever to pass off a fake bill as real. The best way to combat this issue is with a counterfeit detector.

Not all counterfeit bill detectors are created equal. Many machines leave the results up to the operator, which can be subject to error. This is where the Cashcan Model 1800 really passes the competition.

The Cashscan is designed to scan the magnetic properties of bills. Legitimate U.S. currency implements magnetic ink technology. The Cashscan does this and the results are very easy to read. The Cashscan 1800 is also upgradable to be compatible with future bill releases.

Simply take your bill, place it in one end of the Cashscan, and it comes out the other end. The machine will give you a green light if the bill passes the test, and a red light if it fails. The red light is accompanied by an audible sound. This leaves little room for misinterpretation.

The Cashscan is very portable. It can be plugged into the wall, but is also capable of running on six “AA” batteries. This means the Cashscan can be taken to kiosks, fairs, outdoor events and other activities. It can also easily be used in just about any store.

When I used the Cashscan it worked very well and the build quality seemed to be nice. The machine runs very fast.

You can find the Cashscan Model 1800 counterfeit bill detector here. If you feel you may need even more detection than just magnetic ink, the Ultrascan Model 2600 which uses several detection methods. You can find the Ultrascan Model 2600 here. You can find our entire selection of counterfeit detection machines here.

Cassida Tiger Bill Counter Review

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Cassida Tiger Bill CounterAre you in need of a reliable, easy-to-use and affordable bill counter? One model that you may want to consider is the Cassida Tiger bill counter. This compact little bill counter packs quite a punch and may be just what you need. This is my review.

Cassida is known for their line of bill counters. They currently offer about 10 different machines. Cassida is also known for their build quality. Cassida bill counters rarely experience technical issues.

The Cassida Tiger is one of the newest bill counters offered by Cassida. It is extremely compact, weighing in at only 8.8 pounds. This means the Cassida Tiger can be used on most desks and tables and can easily be picked up and moved.

While the Tiger doesn’t differentiate between denominations, it can give you a total number of bills counted. It includes a count, add, batch and add+badge mode. All four modes are extremely easy to set up and can be accessed by means of the Tiger’s control panel. Number totals are clearly visible on the digital display.

As mentioned earlier, Cassida is known for a great build quality. The Tiger is no exception. The Cassida Tiger features a one-piece chassis and the roller shafts are made from durable steel. This means the Cassida will be able to last for years, making it a great investment.

The Cassida comes in three different models.

  • Tiger Basic (found here) – This is the basic version of the Cassida Tiger. It is capable of counting but does not have built-in counterfeit detection.
  • Tiger UV (found here) – This version of the Tiger counts and has ultraviolet (UV) detection capabilities for detecting counterfeit bills.
  • Tiger UV/MG (found here) – This version of the Tiger counts and has both ultraviolet (UV) and magnetic (MG) detection capabilities for detecting counterfeit bills.

One of my favorite features of this bill counter is the cover. The front of the machine actually lifts up, making the inside extremely easy to access and clean.

You can view a video demo of the Cassida Tiger here:

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Overall I am very impressed with this bill counter. It is solid, accurate, doesn’t seem to jam and is very portable.

You can find our entire selection of bill counters here.

Semacon S-520 Heavy Duty Coin Sorter Review

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Semacon S-520 Heavy Duty Coin Sorter and CounterCoin sorting machines are an invaluable tool for retail stores, banks and other businesses. These valuable machines save hours of time and are several times more accurate than manually counting money. If you are in the market for a coin sorter, one model you should seriously consider is the Semacon S-520 heavy-duty coin sorter. I have used this machine and this is my review.

Semacon is one of the leading manufacturers of coin counters, sorters and bill counters. While some Semacon machines are more of an up front investment, the build quality far exceeds most of the competition. Rather than being made in China, most Semacon machines are made in Japan under high quality management.

The Semacon S-520 is one of Semacon’s highest-end coin counters and sorters.  It is one of the few coin counters and sorters to feature a full metal chassis. It is designed for continuous, daily use and can be used in small banks, retail stores and other businesses that handle change on a daily basis. Not only does the S-520 sort coins, it also counts them for you.

semacon s520 coin sorter counter Semacon S 520 Heavy Duty Coin Sorter ReviewSimply pour your coins into the S-520 (up to 500 at a time) and it will begin sorting and counting the coins. These coins are then deposited into large containers, separating pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar coins (150 pennies, 80 nickels, 250 dimes, 200 quarters, 80 dollars).

The coin containers slide out, making sorted and counted money easy to access. You don’t have to use the sorting containers with the S-520. You can alternatively use bagging, packaging and wrapping attachments.

The digital readout is large and very clear. It will give you a running total of coins and dollar value. You can also choose to see the total of an individual coin. If you want to see just the nickels, you can have the machine show you the total quantity and value of the nickels. I love this ability.

The Semacon S-520 includes a power adapter, a dust cover, a cleaning brush and an operating manual. It comes with everything you need to get up and running. The machine itself weighs in at 14 pounds, allowing it to be used on desks, tables and counters.

The Semacon S-520 also features a wide variety of batch counting options. This enables the operator to select batch stop settings for each denomination separately or for all denominations together.

Are you Canadian? The Semacon S-520 can be ordered in a Canadian format to handle all Canadian coin denominations, including Toonies and Loonies. Just call us up at 1-800-658-8788 to get a quote.

Overall I really like the S-520. While I don’t have long-term use with it, my initial impressions are pretty high. I do know for a fact that Semacon machines have few customer service issues and we rarely ever hear back from a customer with issues.

You can find the Semacon S-520 heavy duty coin sorter here. You can find all our coin sorters here and our coin counters here.

Top 6 Best Types Of Counterfeit Money Detection

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Ultraviolet (UV) Counterfeit DetectorCounterfeit bill and money detectors use a variety of different methods and technologies to determine the validity of a bill. Some counterfeit detectors will use one single type of detection, where others incorporate several technologies. So which type of counterfeit detection is best to use?

It’s tough to say which type of counterfeit detection is best, because different technologies have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot of it depends on the type of bill being counterfeited and the counterfeiting method used. Region can even play a roll.

Here are the best types of counterfeit detection according to our customers.

Top 6 Best Types Of Counterfeit Money Detection

  1. Ink Verification – This type of detection is typically done using a pen. The pen includes an iodine-based ink that reacts to the starches found in wood. Since legitimate U.S. currency uses cotton-based fiber, there is no reaction. If there is a reaction (dark mark), the currency may be fake. The problem with this is many people now bleach bills of a lower value and re-print them with a higher amount. Pens will not catch this.
  2. Security Threads Found In U.S. CurrencyUV Detection – Legitimate bills have features in them that react to UV light. This is usually manifested by a brightly lit line in the bill. You can see where these lines are located based on the denomination by going here. This is a fairly effective way to combat counterfeit banknotes.
  3. Magnetic Ink Detectors - Legitimate currency has magnetic properties in the ink located in certain areas on the bill. Magnetic ink detectors can be used to scan for this.
  4. Watermark Detection – Most modern currencies have watermarks built into them. In the U.S. this is represented by a person. When lit from behind, this type of watermark is very easy to see.
  5. Security Threads - Most legitimate U.S. currency has a security thread running vertically through it. This thread usually specifies the value in text.
  6. Magnifying Glass – A magnifying glass can be used to visually identify characteristics unique to legitimate money. This often involves micro printing that cannot be easily duplicated by counterfeiters.

My personal favorite type of detector is one that incorporates both ultraviolet (UV) and magnetic (MG) detection in one machine. You can read a lot more about counterfeit detection, including pictures, by reading our counterfeit detection guide found here.

You can find our entire selection of counterfeit detectors here.

Can Bill Counters Count New and Used Money?

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Bill Counter With Protective Dust ShieldBill counters are a great way to count bills, batch count currency and verify money. So can bill counters be used to count both new and used bills? Here is my answer.

All modern-day bill counters can be used to count new and used money. There is only one small catch. Bill counters can only hold so many bills prior to counting. Used bills typically take up more space than new bills. This means your bill counter will not be able to count as many used bills at once as new bills.

The general rule when it comes to used bills is a 2:1 ratio versus new bills. If your bill counter can hold up to 200 new bills, it will typically only be able to hold 100 used bills. The good news is that your bill counter can handle used money.

Used bills, however, can create dust that can affect some people with allergies. For this reason, many bill counters come with a protective guard that covers the exit tray. This helps block out dust. Some high-end bill counters (like the Semacon S-1450) even include a filtration system to filter out dust and other irritants.

All bill counters can be used to count mixed new and used bills. Unfortunately when the bills are mixed, it is difficult to determine exactly how many bills your counter will be able to hold.

Hopefully this answers your questions. If you still have questions, you can call 1-800-658-8788 to speak with one of our money counter specialists.

You can find our entire selection of bill counters here.

ABC 100 Counterfeit Bill Detector Review

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

ABC 100 UV Counterfeit Bill DetectorCounterfeit bills are rampant and the technology used to commit this crime is cheaper, more available and better than ever. So what can you do as a retailer or store owner to combat this? Use a counterfeit bill detector. So which model should you use? You may want to consider using the ABC 100 counterfeit detector. I have used it and this is my review.

The ABC 100 uses ultraviolet (UV) detection to determine if a bill is counterfeit. Simply place a bill under the light and it will light up the UV properties found in a bill. These properties vary depending on the denomination of the bill.

You can find more about where these UV properties are located on the bills by going here. You can read even more about counterfeit detection by reading our counterfeit detection guide found here.

The ABC 100 is a very light machine. It only about three pound shipped, so it is extremely portable and easy to move around. It does require a wall outlet to operate.

UV Bill Verification

The only downside to using a UV detector like this is if you are in direct sunlight, it can be hard to see the UV light shining on the bill and the highlighted line may not show up very well. If you are having trouble seeing the UV properties on the bill, you may want to move the ABC 100 to a darker location.

Overall I am impressed with the ABC 100. It is very simple, but UV detection is one of the best ways to cut down on counterfeit bill problems. You can the ABC 100 counterfeit detector here. You can find our entire selection of counterfeit bill detectors here.

Semacon S-1000 Mini Currency Counter Review

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Semacon S-1000 Mini Currency and Bill CounterAre you looking for a reliable bill counter? There are many different brands and models out there. One brand that has grown in recognition and popularity over the past several years is  Semacon. Semacon recently released the S-1000 Mini currency counter. So is this a model you should consider buying? Here is my review.

To begin with, Semacon is known for its build quality. Many of their bill counters are made in Japan, versus China, and the quality really shows through. Their machines are rigorously tested prior to shipping, so you know you’re not getting a dud. Semacon bill counters also have a generous warranty, typically covering parts, labor and shipping.

The Semacon S-1000 Mini is a compact little machine. It weighs in at about 10 pounds and measures in at 9-inches wide by 11.5-inches deep by 5.5-inches high. This makes the S-1000 Mini very easy to pick up and move around.

The hopper on this machine can hold anywhere from 80-120 bills at a time. The counting process takes just seconds from the time the bills are inserted. As you might imagine, this is far faster than counting bills by hand. The motor is rated at 900 bills per minute.

While it is primarily designed to count bills, it can be used to count coupons, tickets, cards and other paper material. Just be sure the item you are counting falls within the machine’s specifications. It can also be used to count foreign currencies.

The control panel on this machine is fairly simple. There aren’t any complicated settings required prior to use. It can also be used for batch counting, which is a pretty cool function to have if you are a bank.

Be aware that the S-1000 Mini does not have built-in counterfeit detection. It is also not capable of distinguishing the difference between denominations. Very few bill counters have the ability to distinguish the difference between bill values (bill discrimination). The S-1000 is made in a counterfeit detection model.

My overall impression with the Semacon S-1000 Mini is that it is a solid little machine. While it may be more of an investment than other counters with similar specifications, you won’t be disappointed with the quality or the warranty.

You can find the Semacon S-1000 Mini bill counter here. You can find our entire selection of bill and currency counting machine here.