In 1988, a development contract was let by the Department of Trade and Industry for an Australian made stamp vending machine that was similar to the specification for the FRAMA Stamp Vending Machine introduced by Australia Post in 1984. While not tied to Australia Post, it was obviously a potential market for the machine together with any overseas interest that could be generated.

The contract was let with Aberfeldie, the same company that later supplied the coin validators for the Australian FRAMA machines. The company is probably better known for the ticket validating machines supplied to the NSW Transport Commission for use on the Sydney buses.

The original "bread board" prototype "communicated" with customer via a small video screen (about 100 x 120 mm) which displayed the necessary messages. The "stamp" was printed on a dot matrix printer and the output format was readily programmable to provide such fixed information such as "Australia" and machine number. The machine was programmed to query the user to his/her requirements and, having been established, the amount of coinage required displayed.

A later version was developed and fitted into a solidly constructed case. This version contained features which are not present in the FRAMA machine. It was fitted with a coin dispenser that would enable change to be dispensed to the nearest five cents. Similar to the normal food vending machines, two types of coins would be retained in separate holding bins for change.

While the two coins selected may be varied, the two most commonly selected are the 20 cent and 5 cent coins. At the start, the holding bins are "primed" with a few coins. The inserted coins of those values are retained until the bins are full at which time any further coins overflow into the main coin receptacle. As change is dispensed, the holding bins are replenished in the same manner.

The machine would then try to dispense change to the next lowest five cents subject to coins being available. For example, if a $1 coin was inserted for a 75 cent stamp, the machine would normally dispense a 20c and 5c coin in change. If the 20c bin was depleted, the change would be dispensed in 5c coins. If correct change was not available or the required change was not a multiple of five cents, the shortfall would be dispensed as a stamp.

The Aberfeldie coin validator as fitted to the FRAMA Stamp Vending machines was also used.

Like the "bread board" prototype, the preproduction prototype was fitted with a dot matrix printer that could be readily programmed with the fixed information.

The "smartness" of the machine had still to be fully developed but facilities allowed for included the ability to be remotely interrogated for statistics and ongoing correct operation and possibly for down loading of programmes to the inbuilt computing facility. The machine could also be operated by a swipe card similar to the recently introduced Telecom phonecard.

A trial batch of machines were expected in late 1990 for use in the Canberra area. Unfortunately, problems were experienced which prevented the development from being finalised.

With the development of the Retail Post concept, the project was put in abeyance.

Originally published in "Australian Postal Vending Machines" by Ken Sparks. (No longer in print)