Coke vending machines are everywhere. They're getting more and more like regular computers with LEDs that show little "ICE COLD" messages and whatnot. Well, there's a lot more to those little built-in computers than you may think. Included in the low-level operating system that these babies run on is an actual debug menu that gives you access to all sorts of machine information and possibly gives you free cokes in older machines.
WHICH MACHINES WORK?
There's a very strict list of vending machines that have the debug menu. First off, they're all COCA-COLA product vending machines. This means the giant, un-missable picture on the front must show any of the following: Coke, Dasani (Water), Barq's Root Beer, Vanilla Coke, Cherry Coke, Sprite, Evlan (water), Fanta, Fresca, Frutopia, Hi-C, Sprite Remix, Mad River, Mello Yello, Minute Maid, Nestea, Odwalla, Mr. Pibb/Pibb Xtra, Planet Java, Power Ade, Seagram's Ginger Ale, Simply Orange, Sparkletts, or Tab. Of course anything Diet or Caffeine free works too. The machine must have an LED screen. Some of the older ones just allow the LED to be set to a price amount and won't have the debug menu. You're safer if the little LED is telling you something. Usually it will scroll a little message like "Ice Cold Cokes". Newer machines are more likely candidates.
ACCESSING THE MENU
To enter the menu, there's a button combination. HERE'S THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO REALLY REMEMBER:
[4]-[2]-[3]-[1]
The buttons are numbered depending on how they are positioned. They will either be vertical (more likely), or in horizontal rows of 4 buttons per row. If it is vertical, the first button is #1, the one below it is #2, and so forth. If the buttons are in horizontal rows, the first button is #1, and the one to the right of it is #2. The numbers work like a type writer after that. In rows of 4, the first button of row 2 will be button #5. So, to review, getting in to the debug menu looks like this:
COKE MACHINE:::::: $1.00 ------- ------------- [ Coke ] -- Hit this button last [ Coke ] -- Hit this button second [ Diet Coke ] -- Hit this button third [ Sprite ] -- Hit this button first [ And so on ] -------------
Some text should show up on the LED (probably the word "Error", we'll explain what it means next sections). If nothing happens, your machine doesn't have the debug menu.
NAVIGATION
To navigate from option to option (What they are is next section), remember the numberings we gave the buttons. They work as follows: Button [ 1 ] - Exit/Back Button [ 2 ] - Up Button [ 3 ] - Down Button [ 4 ] - Select
OPTIONS
Depending on the age of the machine, you will get a varying amount of default options available. On older machines: SALE, VER, EROR, and RTN On newer machines: CASH, SALE, EROR, and RTN
CASH - Machine Earnings Display The CASH option will display how much money is in the machine currently. It generally takes a second or two to load. From here, you can scroll up and down through 12 or 16 different options, depending on the machine age. These other options display how much money was spent on each individual item, classified through its button (or slot, as I like to call it) number. A neat side note about the slot numbers is that there are more slot numbers than there are actual slot, so usually the last 4 buttons contain zero money. This could be so that the same OS could be used on bigger machines, but the newer machines have even more slot numbers.
SALE - Total Sale Count The SALE option displays how many drinks have been sold out of the machine. This tends to be cumulative, but not on all machines. The stock guy is probably supposed to reset this each time he re-stocks. Also, this has the same sub-options as the CASH option, where you can scroll up and down and see how many drinks have been sold from each slot.
VER - System/Machine Version? This option will cause a large alphanumeric string to scroll across the LCD. The number looks very much like a serial number, but doesn't vary from machine to machine. It is most likely the OS or machine version number, but of the older machines that have the option, I haven't seen one that doesn't have the same number.
EROR - Error Log There are 8 different types of errors - COLJ (Column Jams), VEnd (Vend Mechanism), door (Door Switch), sels (Select Switch), CHAR (Changer Errors), acce (Acceptor Errors), StS (Space-to-sales errors), and bVal (Bill Validators). The separate types and actual errors are useless, as you assumably can't get inside the machine, BUT(!) you can clear the errors. Hold the enter (Number 4) button down for about 2 seconds, and it should clear the error.
RTN - Return This is simply the return option. Selecting this will exit the debug menu. On newer machines, pressing the BACK button at the main menu will not exit, and RTN must be selected. A side note: The menu can also be exited by pressing the coin return button.
EXTRAS By holding in the coin return button and not releasing, on the newer "big-button" machines, this will display the internal temperature in Fahrenheit, as in "42F".
**Update**
There are many more menu options that are only accessible if they've either been enabled from the computer inside the machine, or on the internal computer behind the door (Probably not feasible for you to access).
CPO - Coin Payout Mode You can can dump coins from the coin mechanism, and the various menu options allow you to choose which type of coins (Nickels, dimes, etc.) are dumped.
tVFL - Tube Fill Mode This is useless to you. This allows you to load coins into the coin tubes, which you can't do from the outside.
TEST - Test Routines This allows you to test the following various routines: SE Allows you to test the buttons. Will give you number of button when you press it SP Sold-out paddle test. Not quite sure, most likely internal function. Su Sold-out switch test. Same as paddle. CO Motor test. Will run various column motors. Cn Coin test. Put in a coin and it will tell you what kind of coin it is. nA Note acceptor test. Same as Cn, but for bills. dSP Display test. Will illuminate various LEDs. vErS Rattles off version number.
RELY - Relay test This tests the relay electronic control of various parts. Do not do, as it will cause damage if various internal parts are not unplugged before usage.
PASS - Password This is not normally accessible, but allows you to change the menu password from the 4-2-3-1. Whoo!
PrIC - Price Setting Used to set the price for a drink. Not sure how to work it, but it seems simple enough.
StOS - Space-to-sales routine Lets you change the STS routine and other options. This means that various buttons will all mean the same thing, i.e. the 6 coke buttons don't actually vend from 6 different columns, but vend from one (changing when one runs out of course).
COn - Machine Configuration/Permissions This is the machine config menu that decides what of these options you are allowed to access through the outside panel. This is probably only accessible with the door open. I won't go into detail, but I'll list the Config numbers and what each do: C1 sets price menu on, C2 sets special (manufacturer) options on), C3 disables the "ICE COLD COKE" message. C4 is autoviewing of menu when door is opened, C5 is door switch status, C6 is mysteriously reserved for "future use", C7 determines whether your money credit stays in for 5 minutes or indefinitely, C8 is Force Vend, C9 allows multiple vends without putting in more money (i.e put in a 5 and get 3 cokes and then your change), and C10 is Escrow Inhibit.
CCoC - Correct Change Only Control Adjusts Correct Change only rule to your liking.
TIME - Time Adjustment Allows you to set the machine's local time.
LANG - Language Selection Not sure how many languages are supported, but there are apparently more than just English.
USEFULNESS Unless you can get behind the door, there's little you can do with this except impress your friends. However, if you're able to set the C-switches properly, you'll be able to manipulate the machine in any way you want, get free drinks, change the price, set up cool buy-one-get-one-free deals, etc, etc . Not to forget, knowledge is power. One step closer to free sodas!
-------------------- Nico Sasha In between my father's fields;And the citadels of the rule; Lies a no-man's land which I must cross; To find my stolen jewel. Posts: 4912 | From: VA | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Comes from this site. I found it a few months ago while boringly (is that a word?), searching for pop on the internet. I was suprised to find it. I haven't tried it yet, of course, I'm a little skeptical of it. Never liked coca cola anyway, along with new coke, cherry coke, lime coke, vanilla coke, coke coke and whatever else they come up with.
Well, wait. Vanilla coke wasn't actually that bad...I'm rambling again aren't I. Sorry.
-------------------- Come on! Ninja kick the damn rabbit! Posts: 273 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Boots - no longer muffin with honey: Never liked coca cola anyway, along with new coke, cherry coke, lime coke, vanilla coke, coke coke and whatever else they come up with.
Well, wait. Vanilla coke wasn't actually that bad...I'm rambling again aren't I. Sorry.
I can't live without my Coca-Cola. It's bad for my teeth, but I brush regularly and chew gum as well. Hopefully that'll slow down the rot.
Personally, I love Coke with lime.
-------------------- Eppis: Do you know why being a revolutionary doesn't work in this country? Being a revolutionary in America is like being a spoil sport at an orgy. All these goodies being passed around and you feel like a shit when you say no. Posts: 294 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Nov 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Jack Dylan: I can't live without my Coca-Cola. It's bad for my teeth, but I brush regularly and chew gum as well. Hopefully that'll slow down the rot.
Personally, I love Coke with lime.
Although coke apparently has a stronger caffeine content, I just can't down it. It tastes like a weaker version of Pepsi, which I'm waaaaay to addicted to.
-------------------- Come on! Ninja kick the damn rabbit! Posts: 273 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 2004
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posted
There are 2 coke machines I can try this out on: one in my office and another just around the corner in the shopping centre. I will attempt this on both of them and see if they work.
-------------------- I shall baffle you with cabbages and rhinoceroses in the kitchen and incessant quotations from "Now We Are Six" through the mouthpiece of Lord Snooty's giant poisoned electric head. So there! Posts: 802 | From: London, UK | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Cool! This worked on the coke machine here!
It actually has a keypad on it, in three columns. A - F, 1 - 6, 7 - *. I pushed the numbers 4-2-3-1, and got to the sales part. Forgot what to push after that, because I didn't read the rest of the OP before going down. I didn't think it would work...
quote:Originally posted by Boots - no longer muffin with honey: Never liked coca cola anyway, along with new coke, cherry coke, lime coke, vanilla coke, coke coke and whatever else they come up with.
Well, wait. Vanilla coke wasn't actually that bad...I'm rambling again aren't I. Sorry.
I can't live without my Coca-Cola. It's bad for my teeth, but I brush regularly and chew gum as well. Hopefully that'll slow down the rot.
quote:Originally posted by InfraPurple: Cool! This worked on the coke machine here!
It actually has a keypad on it, in three columns. A - F, 1 - 6, 7 - *. I pushed the numbers 4-2-3-1, and got to the sales part. Forgot what to push after that, because I didn't read the rest of the OP before going down. I didn't think it would work...
huh? so it works!!!. I thought that even if this were true, someone would have changed the password. Can you try whether you can get into the advanced menu?
-------------------- Nico Sasha In between my father's fields;And the citadels of the rule; Lies a no-man's land which I must cross; To find my stolen jewel. Posts: 4912 | From: VA | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Tried it and it didn't work. I think the machines aren't the right sort. I do know of another machine on the way home, so I'll have a go with that one and see what happens.
-------------------- I shall baffle you with cabbages and rhinoceroses in the kitchen and incessant quotations from "Now We Are Six" through the mouthpiece of Lord Snooty's giant poisoned electric head. So there! Posts: 802 | From: London, UK | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Is anyone here concerned about being caught on a security camera or by someone walking by? I'd hate to see someone get charged with vandalism or theft...just a thought.
Men"yeah, I'm a killjoy"olly
-------------------- Let's just pretend we're normal for a minute ~ New favorite T-shirt quote Posts: 1193 | From: Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
slight hijack here... When I was in Summer Youth Theatre at The Arts Center if you put in fifty cents and hit the Coke button twice quickly you'd often get two cokes. I should mention that this was an ANCIENT can machine.
Also there used to be a Wall Street Journal machine that if you hit the coin release button, quaters would come flowing out like a friggin slot machine.
glisp"and people wonder why I randomly press the coin release buttons on news machines"42 /hijack complete we now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.
quote:Originally posted by Menolly: Is anyone here concerned about being caught on a security camera or by someone walking by? I'd hate to see someone get charged with vandalism or theft...just a thought.
Men"yeah, I'm a killjoy"olly
Actually, that's why I posted it here, instead of trying it out myself. I thought that someone who has worked with Coke machines (or vending machines) would be able to tell us whether Coke machines work this way.
-------------------- Nico Sasha In between my father's fields;And the citadels of the rule; Lies a no-man's land which I must cross; To find my stolen jewel. Posts: 4912 | From: VA | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Menolly: Is anyone here concerned about being caught on a security camera or by someone walking by? I'd hate to see someone get charged with vandalism or theft...just a thought.
Men"yeah, I'm a killjoy"olly
I have to admit that if they are stealing or vandalizing the machine (as opposed to just playing Curious George), I don't mind at all if they get charged.
Seaboe
-------------------- Education is not the filling of a hard drive, but the lighting of a bulb. -- Yeats via Esprise Me Posts: 5562 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I tried a few today, I needed some extra money for bus fare, and was hoping that I could get some by way of Coke Maching Hacking.
I'll let you know how it turned out...I ended up walking. Although, I did get into the menu. At one, I couldn't figure it out, and I think I accidently changed the price from $1.00 to $1.50
The second one, I could only get Sales, RTCN, DEFV (I think thats what I got anyway). I couldn't figure much out from there either.
-------------------- Come on! Ninja kick the damn rabbit! Posts: 273 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 2004
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posted
When I owned our cafes we had Coke machines--the really new, cool ones with the scrolling message screen and the whole nine yards. You could get info by pressing the outside buttons, and that's what the suppliers would do to see how much product to drop off if I didn't give them a specific order. However, to do anything of real importance you had to get to the guts of the machine inside the door. Really, there was no way to change anything or have money come out from the outside.
Maybe I missed some secret info when I looked through the manual,or maybe there are different types of 'new, cool' machines. But as a person with first hand experience I'd say that if you want to get coin outta there, you'll need the key.
-------------------- As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly. Posts: 1679 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2004
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where i'm from, you don't need money to buy a coke out of a vending machine - you can use your cell phone... i would try this out, but i think the menu will be in japanese...
spr "all this vending machine and cell phone technology, but i'd rather japan just invest in learning how to properly insulate and heat homes - it's cold!" yte
-------------------- "Let's enjoying!" Posts: 122 | From: New Orleanian in Japan | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Tried it here and it works. I got a few strange looks though. I was going to try the Pepsi machine across the street, (Instructions), but I ran out of time. Aressel
-------------------- "You just have to show technology who's boss" -Cyan Posts: 16 | From: BC, Canada | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Spryte: where i'm from, you don't need money to buy a coke out of a vending machine - you can use your cell phone... i would try this out, but i think the menu will be in japanese...
spr "all this vending machine and cell phone technology, but i'd rather japan just invest in learning how to properly insulate and heat homes - it's cold!" yte
you can use your mobile phone here (australia) on some machines when i was in japan (summertime ) it was hot and humid also very poor insulation so the homes are to hot
-------------------- Wake up --- time to die So I'm Evil Get over it
People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people Posts: 1551 | From: NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Spryte: where i'm from, you don't need money to buy a coke out of a vending machine - you can use your cell phone... i would try this out, but i think the menu will be in japanese...
spr "all this vending machine and cell phone technology, but i'd rather japan just invest in learning how to properly insulate and heat homes - it's cold!" yte
I don't think it willl work here. (Of course, I tried just to be sure!) The machines here don't have the same programming. The commands on the one I just looked at were in English. (That's normal, I think, for systems where there isn't enough space on the display for kana or kanji.) But I don't know how to hack it. There are many different manufacturers of machines here.
(You miss central heating? Not me. I like just heating the part of the home we're using.)
Posts: 4922 | From: Kyoto, Japan | Registered: Sep 2005
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-------------------- Leashes?! We don't need no stinking leashes!! Posts: 4771 | From: The Berkeley of the East Coast: Montgomery County MD | Registered: Mar 2003
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I have a 60 second snack idea for Rachel (Ray): Xanax, vodka, fall asleep.--Adrianne Frost, Best Week Ever. Posts: 2374 | From: Naw-fik, VA y'all | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
This is very tempting for me to do. Not to steal, but to change the pass code. People that leave their password/code set to the default are asking for thier password/code to be changed or worse. I love change it to piss them off and make them think about all the other things I could have done.
Posts: 597 | From: Bellingham, WA | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Worked at my work. As for being concerned about being caught. It was sunday there was only myself and one other person at work. I got.. SALE, CASH, EROR and RTN only though. As it says in the original article you presumably have to have the door open to access the more advanced functions.
I think I'd disagree with some of the things they said about the 'alternate' menu options in CASH & SALE. With me they just started at a certain number and decremented by the same amount until it switched back to the first number. I find it hard to believe that we have bought cokes and other coca-cola items in such a precise and methodical manner.
Had to do it all off memory though as I didn't print out the article..
Posts: 116 | From: Australia | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
So I guess I'll ask...what, again. is the point of all of this? There isn't anyway to change anything unless you get into the machine itself, far as I can see (and as far as I've seen in hands-on experience).
OK, I have a bit of a cold so maybe I'm crabby...sorry. If the point is "'cause you can", well, I guess I'm down with that
-------------------- As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly. Posts: 1679 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2004
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Okay, this isn't Coke machine-related, but it snack vending machine-related...
Once at work, I managed to get three bags of Doritos for the price of one from our vending machine, and I didn't do anything to make it happen...I didn't even *expect* it to happen. I put the $1.25 in, and selected the bag of Doritos. The first bag got caught against the glass and held there. A second bag came up behind it, jostling the first bag, but it too got stuck against the glass the same way. Finally, the third bag came out, unstuck the second bag, and didn't get stuck itself on the way down.
Woohoo! Two free bags of Doritos. Posts: 80 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: Apr 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Dogwater: If the point is "'cause you can", well, I guess I'm down with that
Yeah, I think that's it. That and the fact that it's secret. Secrets (even silly ones) are always fun.
Posts: 2352 | From: California | Registered: May 2001
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