Highland improvements
This combination will give added throw to the unit, according to SMI’s Joe VanderKelen, and increase its air throughput by 20 percent. Also, the water manifold has been updated to include more nozzles and an integrated water pressure gauge.
Pricing of the new Highland remains unchanged from that of the previous model.
For more information, contact SMI at 1512 N. Rockwell Dr., Midland, Mich. 48642. Tel. 1-800-248-6600.
Diesel/gas generators
Available from TICO, suppliers of piping and high pressure snowmaking pumps, are nearly-new and reconditioned natural gas or diesel-powered generator sets with up to 1,000 KW capacities. Where natural gas is available, they can be especially cost-effective, yielding pay-backs in some cases that are as short as one year.
Also available are combination generator/pump sets, which, according to TICO, have the advantage of using the lower-cost natural gas or diesel power source for both functions.
For more information, phone to the Williamstown, N.Y. headquarters at (315) 964-2214; FAX: 964-2299.
Changeable banner kits
From Willco comes a promotional message banner that uses Velcro to attach the letters. This allows the user to change the message repeatedly and quickly.
The banners are available in 3’ X 3’ and 3’ X 9’. The former can be displayed in a window with the included suction cups, or in the optional display stand. The larger size includes a built-in display frame. The letter sets include over 200 letters, numbers and symbols, available in either black or white, and 4” or 8” in size. The banners are available in various colors, including neons.
For more information, write Willco Enterprises, 950 La Rueda Rd., P.O. Box 164, Vista, Calif. 92085.
Sno-Maker boots
Available from Lowa USA are the Sno-Maker MX2 boots for the demanding work of hill crews. They have been designed for warmth, comfort and durability in addition to safety.
For more information, write Lowa USA, Box 152 B1, Falls Rd., Hudson, N.Y. 12534, or call (518) 828-2632.
Snow Inducer
Rights to the SuperSnow snow inducer marketed for the past two years by Hedco have been re-acquired by its original developers, and the project is being marketed as Snow-CHK. The very fine, inert particles of the additive are environmentally acceptable, according to partners Charles E. Lippincott and Karl K. LaBarr.
A refined version will be marketed as Super Snow II, priced to sell at approximately one-third the price of the alternative product on the market.
For more information, contact Sno-CHK Assoc., 1101 Building, Easton, Penna. 18042, or call (215) 253-9393.
Driveshaft literature
A new, 40-page, full-color catalog is available that describes the series of universal joint spindle driveshafts developed for ski lift drive applications by Spicer Universal Joint Div. of the Dana Corp. The series is called GWB Cardan 390/392 Compact Series, and has been under development and testing for over 10 years.
Selection criteria reviewed in the new catalog including bearing lift, operating angles, speed and bearing loads. For a copy, ask for No. 55 056 from David Koon, Spicer Universal Joint Div., Dana Corp., 8151 American Rd., Toledo, Ohio 43612, or call (800) 423-4663
KeyWatch technology
The Austrian lift ticket system designers, Skidata, report that their KeyWatch device, described earlier in these columns, is now in use in all ski countries in the Alps, plus Norway, Sweden, Japan and in three locations in North America: Big Sky, Mont., Mt. Bachelor, Oregon and Mont Ste. Anne, Quebec.
The sporty piece of equipment doubles as a watch and as a ski pass, programmed to provide hands-free access through the turnstiles at resorts using the Skidata system. The watch is available in several models that are designed to complement today’s ski fashions.
For more information on the Skidata ticketing system and on the KeyWatch feature, write Skidata America Inc., 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 1025, Los Angeles, Calif. 90045, or call (310) 410-1611.
