Julia Moore wrote:

>Can some kind souls please provide discussion on the various mechanical (not
>hand) methods of counting people, i.e. laser beams, pressure mats,
>turnstiles, etc.--their advantages, disadvantages, and costs/benefits, as
>well as some vendors' names?

Julia,  we use a product called the Laser Counter manufactured by Laser
Electronics in Blycheville, Arkansas.  It has served us fairly well with
one notable drawback:  it counts a group of people entering the museum at
one time as one visit!  It doesn't seem to be able to distinguish between
groups and individuals unless there is noticeable space between them.
Their literature claims a sensor response time of 15 milliseconds with a
100 millisecond delay between counts but this is apparently only true if
everyone walks through the door single file.  Each counter costs $249 (A/C
powered) or $200 (battery powered with recharger).

I would be happy to send you a fax of their brochure or you can call them
at 800-441-2665.  We are currently looking for alternatives to this method
of counting visits so I would appreciate it if people would respond to
Julia's request on the list.

Thanks,

Cris Wolf

Collections Manager
UIHC Medical Museum
8024A JCP/200 Hawkins Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-8475  FAX (319) 356-3862

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