Is the HPC 1200 still the de-facto machine in this trade?

by **WOT** » 23 Mar 2008 20:59

The Schlage Everest Primus spec sheet even mentions the code card number for the HPC 1200.

Is HPC 1200 the de-facto code machine for locksmiths? I looked through the catalog and the design looks so intentionally 1950s using a big analog panel meter as the read out in this digital age.

There are a handful of computerized code-machines with LCD read out and apparently they've been around for some time, such as the ILCO-UNICAN models.

Is the HPC 1200 deliberately kept in its antiquated setup for the diehard traditionalist, computer heating locksmiths?

by **Beyond** » 23 Mar 2008 21:31

WOT wrote:The Schlage Everest Primus spec sheet even mentions the code card number for the HPC 1200.

Is HPC 1200 the de-facto code machine for locksmiths? I looked through the catalog and the design looks so intentionally 1950s using a big analog panel meter as the read out in this digital age.

There are a handful of computerized code-machines with LCD read out and apparently they've been around for some time, such as the ILCO-UNICAN models.

Is the HPC 1200 deliberately kept in its antiquated setup for the diehard traditionalist, computer heating locksmiths?

It's so entrenched in the industry that I don't see it going anywhere for a long, long time. It's low on price (relative to others), it's heavily supported, and it's reliable.

But to answer your question, yes, it's still the top dog in this industry.

by **freakparade3** » 23 Mar 2008 21:41

As Beyond said the 1200 is the most used machine out there. I see the Blue Shark taking over in the future however, as soon as the price drops a little.

by **linty** » 24 Mar 2008 5:36

i personally love the big dial-and-card system. codesource and codesonline both let you print new cards for specs you don't have. codesonline even has weird cards made by blackhawk that there's no chance hpc would have released officially. And I love being able to just make cards by hand.

It could all be done with digital micrometer readouts, but the cards are simple, accurate, and intuitive.

I also use a 1200cm (digital) which i use more than the manual one because it is easier and faster, but it is really a pain to use if you don't have a DSD (think digital version of a card). If i could only have one it would be the 1200.

by **Eyes_Only** » 24 Mar 2008 5:44

What is this codesonline and how can I access it?

by **jimb** » 24 Mar 2008 6:21

Eyes_Only wrote:What is this codesonline and how can I access it?

http://www.lockcodes.com/

It requires a subscription.

by **linty** » 24 Mar 2008 16:39

it's well worth it though. I use it much more often than codesource.

The key blank cross-reference is also a must-have. It's saved me countless hours, and costs 20 a year or so.

by **hillel** » 8 Apr 2008 0:44

does anyone have any thoughts about or experience with the switch blitz - the 1233cm?

by **Eyes_Only** » 8 Apr 2008 22:23

I don't like the idea of it. If the duplicator fails, so does the code machine and vise versa.

by **hillel** » 9 Apr 2008 10:51

i see your point, but less wires and more space in the van could be worth the risk. ill probably be getting one of those within a few days - ill post a review.

by **MBI** » 9 Apr 2008 11:37

I have an HPC 1200CMB (upgraded Blitz) and I love it. It has a couple of little quirks that I have to watch out for, but nothing that causes any major problems. From my experience and from what I've heard other locksmiths say about them, it's the closes thing you'll find to an "industry standard" code cutter. Sometimes I wish I had a 1200PCH, but that's a purchase for another day.

by **hillel** » 9 Apr 2008 12:20

im working with the 1200pch now and its great, but from what i know, the 1200 cmb is mpore versatile and more accurate as well. it s a little frustrating to find out you missed the right key during progression because of inaccuracies (which can be fixed i know..) or for the same reason that you got the wrong cuts from the doors. but i never yet (hopefully never will as well) left a customer without a working key.

by **vrocco** » 9 Apr 2008 12:35

What is the difference between the 1200CMB and the Blitz?

I know the Blitz is a newer machine and that HPC sells an upgrade kit for the 1200CMB. What exactly does it upgrade?

by **Eyes_Only** » 9 Apr 2008 15:09

I think it comes with more add on stuff like cutters, code cards or something.

by **hillel** » 9 Apr 2008 15:40

the 1200cmb is the blitz, no?

Is the HPC 1200 still the de-facto machine in this trade?

Is the HPC 1200 still the de-facto machine in this trade?

Re: Is the HPC 1200 still the de-facto machine in this trade

the switch blitz

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