Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does a WIN-TNT package consist of?

A. The WIN-TNT package consists of WIN-TNT Software, Four Port Voice Card, Temperature Measurement System, Speakers, Microphone, and User Manual. A Dell P4 Desktop Computer with Flat Panel Display is also included.
Please take a look at the Pricing section of our web site for more detail.

Q. How Much Does The WIN-TNT Package Cost?

A. A four port system costs $3499 plus shipping charges and applicable taxes . Please take a look at the pricing section for further detail.

Q. Are there additional charges to consider?

A. Yes. The WIN-TNT includes a one year warranty and one year of Weather Update delivery. At the end of the first year a maintenance contract may be purchased that provides software updates, technical support and replacement of any equipment supplied by TNT Plus, LLC that malfunctions due to normal use. Currently these charges are $200 with the weather updates. The WIN-TNT also requires dedicated telephone lines . Telephone line installation and monthly charges vary by location.

Q. Do You Have Any Customer References For Us To Speak With?

A. Sure. If you are seriously considering purchasing a WIN-TNT system we will put you in touch with several of our customers to discuss the quality of our product and service.

Q. How complicated is the installation?

A. Installation consists of setting up a standard desk top PC, installing the temperature probe outside, and making the proper connections to the telephone lines and temperature measurement system.

Q. Where does the weather forecast come from?

A. The source of the weather data is the National Weather Service Internet Weather Source. The WIN-TNT automatically updates the forecast.

Q. What about storm warnings?

A. The weather forecasts do not include storm warnings. Each weather forecast can include up to six parameters. These include Timeframe, Predominant Forecast Phrase, Forecasted High , Forecasted Low, Probability of Precipitation, and Expiration. Not all parameters are provided in every forecast.

Q. How many weather updates are there each day?

A. Usually three, sometimes more. The National Weather Service prepares a morning, afternoon, and evening forecast as well as updates and corrections to these forecasts throughout the day.

Q How is accuracy of the time maintained?

A. The WIN-TNT connects to a NTP Server every three hours to synchronize its clock.

Q. Is an Internet connection required?

A. No. However, an Internet Connection is recommended.

Q. Is an additional phone line required for the weather updates?

A. No.

Q. What else can the WIN-TNT System be used for?

A. Nothing. The computer system is dedicated to Time, Temperature & Weather use only.

Q. Will TNT Plus, LLC install the system?

A. That depends on your location. If you are located within 200 miles of Highland, IL then we can probably install your system for you for an additional charge.
An electrical contractor or a TV shop that installs TV antennas should be able to handle the temperature probe installation without problems.

We will be happy to speak with your installers and send them instructions before they start. In any case, we are available for assistance by phone at no additional charge during business hours.

Keep in mind that your WIN-TNT does not necessarily need to be installed at your place of business and was designed for easy installation by the user.

Q. Is a PC Based System Reliable?

A. In the early days of computing PCs were much more fragile than they are today. Most business now leave there workstations and servers powered on around the clock. If the technology was not reliable, PCs would not be used to store vital business information or run important applications. PC based systems are in use providing mission critical data, communication, security and automation applications around the world.   Time, Temperature and Weather is simply another important application that operates on a PC platform.

Q. How many calls can I expect?

A. Call count depends on many factors and varies greatly among systems. Call count should build over time and there is no guarantee of the number of calls a WIN-TNT system may receive.
A good target is 2% of the local calling area population per day. A city of 10,000 residents is may receive 200 calls per day. A City of 100,000 may to receive 2000 calls per day.

In order for your call count to build you must be patient and diligently promote your system.

Q. How are Time, Temperature & Weather services promoted?

A. The following are some of the promotional efforts our customers have reported to us.
Some customers post the Time, Temperature & Weather number on their marquee sign or have it painted on their storefront. Others distribute Time, Temperature & Weather magnets in packets handed out to new residents

Chambers of Commerce promote the system through their newsletter and signs posted at their member's businesses. Members with outdoor marquee signs are asked to occasionally promote the service.

Radio stations promote their Time, Temperature & Weather service through their own broadcast announcements.

Other ideas include partnering (provide advertising in exchange for assistance) with a video store, pharmacy, and/or pizza delivery to hand out your Time, Temperature & Weather flyer or magnet with each sale.

Business that advertise frequently (like a car dealer or real estate broker) may include the Time, Temperature & Weather number on all advertising and business cards.   Low cost, classified advertising in "Shopper" type newspapers may also be effective.

Sharing the cost of refrigerator magnets or door hangers with other businesses is a method of keeping your service in front of your callers. The bottom line is be creative, partner, and promote yourself with every letter, email, invoice, statement, yellow page ad, or customer interaction you have.

Q. Is Time, Temperature & Weather advertising a good value?

A. Do the math. Assuming you pay $3499 for the WIN-TNT package, $200 in installation charges, and $30 a month for a phone line, your estimated total cost over 60 months is $5499.
If you receive 250 calls per day, that calculates to a little more than $.01 per call.   These figures are for example only. The number of calls you receive may be more or less than the example.
Your actual installation and telephone charges will probably be different and you are likely to incur additional costs associated with promoting your system such as magnets, print advertising, and signs that are not calculated in the above example.

Q. Is WIN-TNT a Microsoft Windows XP Application?

A. Yes.

Q. I want to start a new advertising business. Is the WIN-TNT a good choice for me?

A. Typically our customers are existing mainstream businesses and organizations already using some form of business promotion (Newspaper Ads, Yellow Pages, Mailers).
TNT Plus, LLC is not in the business of helping to start or manage new businesses. Our support is limited to the proper operation of our equipment and software.

We specifically make no specific claim as to the ability to generate revenue with our product. Please take a look at the Important Information section of our web site.

Q. What if another Time, Temperature & Weather service is already operating in our area?

A. That's OK. It probably has been in service many years, providing the sponsor with an exclusive advertising medium that was unavailable to your business or organization. Now all that has changed.
Communities with an existing Time, Temperature & Weather provider are already familiar with the concept. If you keep your advertising messages brief, and enable the daily high and overnight low messages, your WIN-TNT can provide an attractive alternate service.

For the Business that dedicates the the system for their exclusive use, the WIN-TNT can provide high prestige advertising at a very low cost per impression.

When the WIN-TNT is shared by multiple businesses each business can help promote the service for the greater good of all.

Q. What kind of reports does the WIN-TNT produce?

A. The WIN-TNT produces an End of Day Report that details the number of calls received each day and includes the daily high and low temperature.
The WIN-TNT also produces a Detail Call Report that first provides a summary of the number of times each message was delivered and then lists the time and date each message was delivered.

These reports may be printed on an attached printer or exported to a floppy disk or USB drive.

Q. What if we have more questions?

A. Call Us. We'll work with you, introduce you to our reference customers, and help you benefit from Time, Temperature and Weather advertising. We love talking about our products and we'll do our best to remove any obstacles that might prevent your organization from benefiting from Time, Temperature and Weather promotion.

Q.	What does a WIN-TNT package consist of?
A.	The WIN-TNT package consists of WIN-TNT Software, Four Port Voice Card, Temperature Measurement System, Speakers, Microphone, and User Manual. A Dell P4 Desktop Computer with Flat Panel Display is also included. Please take a look at the Pricing section of our web site for more detail.

Q.	How Much Does The WIN-TNT Package Cost?
A.	A four port system costs $3499 plus shipping charges and applicable taxes . Please take a look at the pricing section for further detail.

Q.	Are there additional charges to consider?
A.	Yes. The WIN-TNT includes a one year warranty and one year of Weather Update delivery. At the end of the first year a maintenance contract may be purchased that provides software updates, technical support and replacement of any equipment supplied by TNT Plus, LLC that malfunctions due to normal use. Currently these charges are $200 with the weather updates. The WIN-TNT also requires dedicated telephone lines . Telephone line installation and monthly charges vary by location.

Q.	Do You Have Any Customer References For Us To Speak With?
A.	Sure. If you are seriously considering purchasing a WIN-TNT system we will put you in touch with several of our customers to discuss the quality of our product and service.

Q.	How complicated is the installation?
A.	Installation consists of setting up a standard desk top PC, installing the temperature probe outside, and making the proper connections to the telephone lines and temperature measurement system.

Q.	Where does the weather forecast come from?
A.	The source of the weather data is the National Weather Service Internet Weather Source. The WIN-TNT automatically updates the forecast.

Q.	What about storm warnings?
A.	The weather forecasts do not include storm warnings. Each weather forecast can include up to six parameters. These include Timeframe, Predominant Forecast Phrase, Forecasted High , Forecasted Low, Probability of Precipitation, and Expiration. Not all parameters are provided in every forecast.

Q.	How many weather updates are there each day?
A.	Usually three, sometimes more. The National Weather Service prepares a morning, afternoon, and evening forecast as well as updates and corrections to these forecasts throughout the day.

Q	How is accuracy of the time maintained?
A.	The WIN-TNT connects to a NTP Server every three hours to synchronize its clock.

Q.	Is an Internet connection required?
A.	No. However, an Internet Connection is recommended.

Q.	Is an additional phone line required for the weather updates?
A.	No.

Q.	What else can the WIN-TNT System be used for?
A.	Nothing. The computer system is dedicated to Time, Temperature & Weather use only.

Q.	Will TNT Plus, LLC install the system?
A.	That depends on your location. If you are located within 200 miles of Highland, IL then we can probably install your system for you for an additional charge. An electrical contractor or a TV shop that installs TV antennas should be able to handle the temperature probe installation without problems. We will be happy to speak with your installers and send them instructions before they start. In any case, we are available for assistance by phone at no additional charge during business hours. Keep in mind that your WIN-TNT does not necessarily need to be installed at your place of business and was designed for easy installation by the user.

Q.	Is a PC Based System Reliable?
A.	In the early days of computing PCs were much more fragile than they are today. Most business now leave there workstations and servers powered on around the clock. If the technology was not reliable, PCs would not be used to store vital business information or run important applications. PC based systems are in use providing mission critical data, communication, security and automation applications around the world. Time, Temperature and Weather is simply another important application that operates on a PC platform.

Q.	How many calls can I expect?
A.	Call count depends on many factors and varies greatly among systems. Call count should build over time and there is no guarantee of the number of calls a WIN-TNT system may receive. A good target is 2% of the local calling area population per day. A city of 10,000 residents is may receive 200 calls per day. A City of 100,000 may to receive 2000 calls per day. In order for your call count to build you must be patient and diligently promote your system.

Q.	How are Time, Temperature & Weather services promoted?
A.	The following are some of the promotional efforts our customers have reported to us. Some customers post the Time, Temperature & Weather number on their marquee sign or have it painted on their storefront. Others distribute Time, Temperature & Weather magnets in packets handed out to new residents Chambers of Commerce promote the system through their newsletter and signs posted at their member's businesses. Members with outdoor marquee signs are asked to occasionally promote the service. Radio stations promote their Time, Temperature & Weather service through their own broadcast announcements. Other ideas include partnering (provide advertising in exchange for assistance) with a video store, pharmacy, and/or pizza delivery to hand out your Time, Temperature & Weather flyer or magnet with each sale. Business that advertise frequently (like a car dealer or real estate broker) may include the Time, Temperature & Weather number on all advertising and business cards. Low cost, classified advertising in "Shopper" type newspapers may also be effective. Sharing the cost of refrigerator magnets or door hangers with other businesses is a method of keeping your service in front of your callers. The bottom line is be creative, partner, and promote yourself with every letter, email, invoice, statement, yellow page ad, or customer interaction you have.

Q.	Is Time, Temperature & Weather advertising a good value?
A.	Do the math. Assuming you pay $3499 for the WIN-TNT package, $200 in installation charges, and $30 a month for a phone line, your estimated total cost over 60 months is $5499. If you receive 250 calls per day, that calculates to a little more than $.01 per call. These figures are for example only. The number of calls you receive may be more or less than the example. Your actual installation and telephone charges will probably be different and you are likely to incur additional costs associated with promoting your system such as magnets, print advertising, and signs that are not calculated in the above example.

Q.	Is WIN-TNT a Microsoft Windows XP Application?
A.	Yes.

Q.	I want to start a new advertising business. Is the WIN-TNT a good choice for me?
A.	Typically our customers are existing mainstream businesses and organizations already using some form of business promotion (Newspaper Ads, Yellow Pages, Mailers). TNT Plus, LLC is not in the business of helping to start or manage new businesses. Our support is limited to the proper operation of our equipment and software. We specifically make no specific claim as to the ability to generate revenue with our product. Please take a look at the Important Information section of our web site.

Q.	What if another Time, Temperature & Weather service is already operating in our area?
A.	That's OK. It probably has been in service many years, providing the sponsor with an exclusive advertising medium that was unavailable to your business or organization. Now all that has changed. Communities with an existing Time, Temperature & Weather provider are already familiar with the concept. If you keep your advertising messages brief, and enable the daily high and overnight low messages, your WIN-TNT can provide an attractive alternate service. For the Business that dedicates the the system for their exclusive use, the WIN-TNT can provide high prestige advertising at a very low cost per impression. When the WIN-TNT is shared by multiple businesses each business can help promote the service for the greater good of all.

Q.	What kind of reports does the WIN-TNT produce?
A.	The WIN-TNT produces an End of Day Report that details the number of calls received each day and includes the daily high and low temperature. The WIN-TNT also produces a Detail Call Report that first provides a summary of the number of times each message was delivered and then lists the time and date each message was delivered. These reports may be printed on an attached printer or exported to a floppy disk or USB drive.

Q.	What if we have more questions?
A.	Call Us. We'll work with you, introduce you to our reference customers, and help you benefit from Time, Temperature and Weather advertising. We love talking about our products and we'll do our best to remove any obstacles that might prevent your organization from benefiting from Time, Temperature and Weather promotion.