Taxi!!!!

Enter the Honourable Judge's favourite tavern for a dram of Tittle Tattle. There's an ancient bandit in the corner, but I forget his name...
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badpenny
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Taxi!!!!

Post by badpenny »

This is nothing to do with a slot …. sorry, but the other forum I frequent (tickle_my_arse_with_a_feather.com) will be even less interested …. and I want to tell somebody.
However it is a machine and to do with taking money.

I came across a 60/70s London Black Cab taxi meter a while back and added it to the pile of treasures I lumber around the country with me because one day it'll be handy.
So, as I only had a dozen or so project bandits and wall machines awaiting my attention, and was desperately looking for something to do I dug it out.

It consisted of two parts. The meter itself which clocks up the money, miles, trips etc. and the light unit which shows For Hire and Available. These meters charge by the mile and by time. The time element is clockwork and the spring can be wound up from a gert great key on the side. The mileage works by a cable attached to the same drive as the mileometer/speedo. Of course that was missing.
The bulbs in the meter and light unit were blown and of the filament/festoon type.
With the intention of making a working meter/lamp out of it, I …….
Overhauled the meter and freed it up.
Replaced the bulbs with 12v dc led type, and rewired.
Fitted a 12v dc motor with a 3rpm gearbox to the mileage drive input on a separate fused circuit to the lights.
Connected a 240v ac - 12v dc 5amp transformer.

Ascertaining it was a viable project I went for it.
I mounted it on a varnished lump of wood.
Mounted a taxi sign over the top.
Hid the wiring at the back behind a coin holder, dosh and a book of receipts.

Absolutely no expense was used, and only the best tinsel included for wiring.
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You can have just the lights on and/or the money clocking up.
So far I've charged myself £27.63 and haven't moved a foot, no tip for me then.

It was only a one off and I have no intention of converting any amusement machines into lamps, however …… I reckon a Bryans Bumper might look more interesting.

BP !TRANSFORM!
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john t peterson
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by john t peterson »

Does anyone need any more proof that we're a bit balmy? :burp:

TAXI !!

J Peterson
Uberly useless in America
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moonriver
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by moonriver »

Very good, I like that.
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bryans fan
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by bryans fan »

I LOVE IT!!

I can see a future on TV as a resident up cycler on "Money for Nothing".

!!GOODJOB!!
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radiochrissie
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by radiochrissie »

!WORSHIPFULL!
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gameswat
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by gameswat »

SOLD! I'll happily pay the meter reading and take it off your hands. |/XX\| !2CENTS!
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arrgee
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by arrgee »

BP, have you tried turning off the Taxi light, leaving the 'for hire' light on, and placing the said object in a window at the front of your house.
At least that way, you could make use of the fare charge counter.

........just a thought
:!?!:
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badpenny
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by badpenny »

What are you inseminating ??? !PUZZLED!
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john t peterson
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by john t peterson »

Amsterdam 2.0.

J Peterson
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coppinpr
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by coppinpr »

the thought of BP sitting semi naked in a lighted window has put me off my dinner !!COOEE!!
The fact that these meters also have an "EXTRAS" selector also makes the mind boggle
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badpenny
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by badpenny »

The purpose of the Extras button is to clock how many bags you've got with you …. Paul ^{}^
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john t peterson
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by john t peterson »

Are you referring to my wife as a "BAG??" dirtdog

Didn't you mean "HAG???" :lol:

J Peterson
Running scared in America
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coppinpr
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by coppinpr »

Ill tell her you said that!! :oops:

you just take care none of that 220v power in those UK machines doesn't "leak" onto the coin entry one day :shock:
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Taxi meter

Post by geofflove »

Topic moved & merged - Site Admin.

This prob isn’t the right forum for this but I know you lot are into all sorts and to be honest I’m not sure where else to ask so forgive me…..

I’ve just acquired this Halda taxi meter. A cute little thing and seems to be working and ticking and the meter progresses with time. etc. There are some cut wires which will need replacing. I’d love to see it operational but being that I don’t own a taxi I’m seeking some info on how these were wired with a view to building some electronics to provide the pulses to make it work. I’ve searched online and can find nothing in terms of old manuals, info, or anything at all really.

Does anyone here know anything useful or of other forums where I might find stuff?

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Thanks
geofflove
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Re: Taxi meter

Post by geofflove »

Actually on second look I believe it’s a physical connection in the base. I guess I need a motor to drive that. Would be interesting to know how many turns/speed needed to make a difference…. If anyone knows approximate gearing etc.
aristomatic
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Re: Taxi meter

Post by aristomatic »

I've looked at these in the past.

They are great items, take up not a lot of space too....!
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arrgee
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Re: Taxi meter

Post by arrgee »

geofflove wrote:I believe it’s a physical connection in the base
Geoff, I think I have found the unit to physically connect the base to, it is the far right hand rectangular aperture on the metal trunk in the photos below - good luck with it, you will have limited time once you start.
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badpenny
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Re: Taxi meter

Post by badpenny »

I too found the insert for the mechanical drive, and by twiddling it with my fingers I realised it was a light drive that turned easily.
Through eBay I purchased a 12 volt dc motor with a step down gearbox attached, it gave 3rpm at the output.

That was 4 years ago, and it's still trundling along merrily.

BP !:STEER:!
geofflove
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Re: Taxi meter

Post by geofflove »

Well if I don’t succeed I think you’ll all know about it according to the pic above!
Yes I was looking at synchronous motors on eBay. Quite cheap and hopefully powerful enough. I tried with an electric screwdriver and it ticks over very nicely. I wasn’t sure the 4 rpm would be fast enough but obvs works for you.
I had a look for a roof light for a London taxi but can’t find any apart from a £219 new one! Will have to think of something else.
I’ll prob end up doing similar to you. Be nice to see it ticking again!
Cheers for suggestions.
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badpenny
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Re: Taxi!!!!

Post by badpenny »

Here's the one I used, different colour.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384870694828 ... R7Sk05_cYQ

BP
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