Coin Operated Computer System

Nowadays, some internet cafe in the Philippines uses a kind of system in which it promises an accurate time limit for the usage of the computer and at the same time, convenient. This is the so-called Coin Operated Computer System or Coin Operated PC.

Components of a coin operated system
(Picture not owned by me)

Coin Operated Computer System as its name could tell, the computer is operated and can be use by inserting a coin in the coin slot machine. The system has some parts such as a power cable that is connected to the monitor alone, a timer, wire and relay. The parts are connected thoroughly. The power cable are stripped off using a knife and attached with the wire goes from the relay. Then the power cable is connected with the monitor and the AVR. So, once the time runs out, the power is cut off and vise-versa. 

(Picture not owned by me.)

So far, I have seen only 3 types of coin operated computers. The first one appears like a game machine. However, it  is  a game machine box with CPU, monitor and AVR inside it. The keyboard and mouse are left outside which it serves like a game controller for the user. Though this type can occupy some space, but mostly this can be found in residential homes where there are more potential customers like children in the area. This type is a heavy and when transporting, caution is observe. 

Centralized coin slot machine

The second one is a like a network system which is adapted by some internet cafes. All computers are connected to a one central coin slot machine. There are buttons in the coin slot machine and each is labelled with the number of a specific computer.The coin is inserted while the button is pressed simultaneously. It also has a coin slot for 5 pesos. The main disadvantage of this type is that, in case the coin slot machine has some malfunctions, it will totally affect all the computers. No computer can be accessible except if the cafe has a reserve power cord without a wire in it. 

(Picture not owned by me)

The last one probably, I can say, is the best among the two. Each computer has their own coin slot like the first one. However, this is not encase in a box like the second one. In case, there is a malfunction in a computer, it cannot affect the other computers. The coin slot machine can be put beside the computer or it can be also put inside the CPU or a coin operated CPU. 

Hiring an attendant can still be an option, in case, the type of coin operated PC are the second and the third. The two are best type to be applied in an internet cafe setting. An attendant still works the things that other attendants without coin operated PCs can do, however, they don't need to sit on the server all day or list down the time to be use by the customer. They just act like bank tellers, perhaps, because they would replace bills with coins. 

In the end, the coin operated computer system is an innovation. It provides internet cafes a better service to its customers. It can also provide a big cost-cutting if the internet cafe doesn't hire an attendant. However, coin operated PCs need to be taken good care of because if there is damage, someone with a skills/expertise should be needed for repair.