Sun Pass vs Sun Pass Mini...or ashtray full of change instead (Tampa: purchase, airport)

[honu1]

Thanks Shaida. I'm in an interesting predicament, as I'll be on temp job assignment in Tampa. Would like pass to expedite transit on tollways but have no intention of changing to a FL drivers license or tag since I'll be returning to my home state. Hopefully this will not pose a problem for use of the transponders/correspondence if there is a problem.

[Shaida C]

Originally Posted by honu1

Thanks Shaida. I'm in an interesting predicament, as I'll be on temp job assignment in Tampa. Would like pass to expedite transit on tollways but have no intention of changing to a FL drivers license or tag since I'll be returning to my home state. Hopefully this will not pose a problem for use of the transponders/correspondence if there is a problem.

Hi honu1.

The fact that you have an out of state tag does not pose a problem on the registration of your portable transponder. Make sure, still, that you add your out of state tag onto your Sunpass account anyway. The Sunpass System cannot I-toll (image toll) (which means to take a pic of a tag # and debit an account) and out of state tag. But here's why you should add your tag on file anyway...


When a transponder fails to register and Florida Highway Patrol is there and decides to pull you over, they have a special line that they call and speak with a sunpass representative and ask information on the account (is the account active? does it have sufficient funds? is tag # ABC123 registered on the account? etc.) If FHP is advised by Sunpass that your account is in good standing, that you have sufficient funds, and that your tag is on file (whether its out of state or not) you can possibly avoid the traffic ticket.

That's why it's paramount to always have the tag of the vehicle you are using your Sunpass transponder in on file. You must also specify whethere it's a Florida tag, Georgia tag, California tag, whatever. Just make sure if you're going to use the transponder in a vehicle that Sunpass has it registered on your account... even if its a rental car!!

[wg1234]

Originally Posted by Shaida C

The Mini CANNOT be used in motorcycles, even on those that have a windshield. I know that this is not specified on the packaging and the company is very well aware of that, thats why it's the reps responsability to mention this to customer's if they call to activate it. The sticker is meant to be stuck on a GLASS WINDSHIELD because the windshield serves as the antenna. It will not register on acrylic or plexi-glass windshields. So sorry motorcycle-owners, the Mini will not benefit you.

How do I know all this information? I work as a Violation's Specialist for Sunpass and have been doing so for over a year and a half now and I love my job. I hope I've helped you guys out and if anybody has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I'll be happy to assist you

Shaida C

I am reading all over that it will not work unless it is permantly mounted to the windshield. I find this extremely hard to believe. Can you please explain the science behind why it would NOT work if I were to hold it physically against the windshield of my car (or tape it) while driving through the toll? This would have the same physical characteristics as if it were permantly mounted. I'm guessing that FDOT has to take that position because it will not endorse any activity that they would deem as unsafe driving, but there is no way i'm permantly sticking anything to my windshield. I bought one the other day because it was small and essentially free (reasons I did not buy the original model), and plan on testing it out without permantly mounting it.

Thanks

[gypsychic]

My husband has the regular larger size transponder and it has good suction cups on it. It is very easy to remove, which he does often to use on our other car.

[bittrswtsilnc]

Originally Posted by wg1234

I am reading all over that it will not work unless it is permantly mounted to the windshield. I find this extremely hard to believe. Can you please explain the science behind why it would NOT work if I were to hold it physically against the windshield of my car (or tape it) while driving through the toll? This would have the same physical characteristics as if it were permantly mounted. I'm guessing that FDOT has to take that position because it will not endorse any activity that they would deem as unsafe driving, but there is no way i'm permantly sticking anything to my windshield. I bought one the other day because it was small and essentially free (reasons I did not buy the original model), and plan on testing it out without permantly mounting it.

Thanks

Yes, the minis are "free" once it is activated with at least a $10 replenishment, but the difference between the way that the mini and the portable transponders is that the portables have the battery to amplify the microchip that makes the transponder work; where the mini transponder does not have a battery, thus mounting the transponder permanantly on the windshield causes the windshield to turn into a "antenna" which is allows the mini works without the battery.

Of course driving safely is something we do want to advise, taping the mini to the windshield while not allow the transponder to work, and create the "attenna". And as for holding the portable transponders up sometimes prevents the transponder from registering, and a violation may occur.

So, if permanantly mounting something on the windshield is not something you want to do, saving money and gas is something you do want to do; invest in a portable transponder ($25 + tax) which you could get at either CVS or Publix.

~Karen
Sun Pass Customer Service Rep

[wg1234]

Originally Posted by bittrswtsilnc

Yes, the minis are "free" once it is activated with at least a $10 replenishment, but the difference between the way that the mini and the portable transponders is that the portables have the battery to amplify the microchip that makes the transponder work; where the mini transponder does not have a battery, thus mounting the transponder permanantly on the windshield causes the windshield to turn into a "antenna" which is allows the mini works without the battery.

Of course driving safely is something we do want to advise, taping the mini to the windshield while not allow the transponder to work, and create the "attenna". And as for holding the portable transponders up sometimes prevents the transponder from registering, and a violation may occur.

So, if permanantly mounting something on the windshield is not something you want to do, saving money and gas is something you do want to do; invest in a portable transponder ($25 + tax) which you could get at either CVS or Publix.

~Karen
Sun Pass Customer Service Rep

This didn't answer my original question. I am looking for a scientific-based answer as to why holding or taping the sticker to the windshield would not work. In all 3 cases (permantly affixed, taped or held to windshield), the RFID chip is physically touching the windshield, completing the so-called windshield/sticker amplification. Unless there is some breakthrough in conductive adhesives that increases the effectiveness of an RFID chip being in contact with glass, I still will not believe that this must be permantly stuck to the window; I maintain the theory that FDOT can't advertise a potential act of unsafe driving (by holding it to the windshield while driving), and/or want to attempt to force a reduction in potential device theft.

[CPT Hammonds]

Do I understand that I cannot throw my sunpass in my girlfriend's car and head to the beach without her tag not matching my sunpass account (with plenty of credits on it) because they will send here a ticket?!

That's what I think I understood from someone else's post...granted I've been up for two days! (I hope I'm writing in clear and complete sentences...)

[Keeper]

What type of transponder is it Cpt Hammonds?

If it is the regular size that sticks on the windshield then it will work.. the mini.. I will leave to those who know..

Can you get more than one sticker for the mini's?

[bittrswtsilnc]

Originally Posted by wg1234

This didn't answer my original question. I am looking for a scientific-based answer as to why holding or taping the sticker to the windshield would not work. In all 3 cases (permantly affixed, taped or held to windshield), the RFID chip is physically touching the windshield, completing the so-called windshield/sticker amplification. Unless there is some breakthrough in conductive adhesives that increases the effectiveness of an RFID chip being in contact with glass, I still will not believe that this must be permantly stuck to the window; I maintain the theory that FDOT can't advertise a potential act of unsafe driving (by holding it to the windshield while driving), and/or want to attempt to force a reduction in potential device theft.

honestly, if i knew that, would I be working at Sun Pass? I would contact the company that makes the transponders for us - they would know the answer better then me. Just remember, the minis have only been out for a month - I don't have all the answers - but when I do fund otu, i will post it.

[bittrswtsilnc]

Originally Posted by CPT Hammonds

Do I understand that I cannot throw my sunpass in my girlfriend's car and head to the beach without her tag not matching my sunpass account (with plenty of credits on it) because they will send her a ticket?!

That's what I think I understood from someone else's post...granted I've been up for two days! (I hope I'm writing in clear and complete sentences...)

well, it is recommended to add the tag on the account just in case the transponder doesn't register - it decreases the chance of receiving a violation - not alot of people do that - but it is recommended that whatever vehicle you may use the transponder in, that you list the car and tag