Elevator action
If you're ever in a rush, and you're taking an elevator and don't want to be forced to stop for other people, try this intriguing elevator hack. Apparently it's possible to totally 0wnz0r the machine, as TheDamnBlog.com reports:
The designers of some elevators include a hidden feature that is very handy if you're in a hurry or it's a busy time in the building (like check-out time in a hotel). While some elevators require a key, others can be put into "Express" mode by pressing the "Door Close" and "Floor" buttons at the same time. This sweeps the car to the floor of your choice and avoids stops at any other floor.
This reminds of Colson Whitehead's superb novel The Intuitionist, which is about elevator repairpeople, and contains reams of amazing trivia about elevators. There's an excerpt here on Salon.
(Thanks to Gizmodo for this one!)
Posted by Clive Thompson at August 03, 2005 12:11 AM
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This is a total violation of the urban social contract.... and yes, I plan to test it in every building I enter this week.
Posted by: Steve at August 3, 2005 7:25 AM
Posted by: Clive at August 3, 2005 10:02 AM
I knew it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world found about my secret. Few, I suspect, know my secret escalator trick though.
Posted by: daniel luke at August 4, 2005 12:04 AM
An elevator hack that's slightly less in violation of the social contract; I've heard that if you press three buttons in a vertical row (eg 1,3,5) simultaneously, you can cancel out the buttons that have been pressed, useful if you hit the wrong floor or if someone swipes all the buttons. I haven't yet been able to test it, though (I'm currently at Scientist Summer Camp in New Hampshire, miles from an elevator); could some urbanite put it to the test and report back?
Posted by: debcha at August 4, 2005 11:45 AM
Are there any good elevator button features for not only skipping floors but also speeding up the elevator? It's not about being in a rush-- I'd just like the adventure.
Posted by: Pork Chop at August 6, 2005 5:42 PM
sweet. i will be trying this as well. Clive - i saw a guy who looks like you in the edinburgh airport. you're not there right now, are you for the festivals or game conferences, etc.
Posted by: ksquire at August 8, 2005 6:57 AM
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This is a total violation of the urban social contract.... and yes, I plan to test it in every building I enter this week.
Posted by: Steve![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 3, 2005 7:25 AM
Heh. Me too!
Posted by: Clive![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 3, 2005 10:02 AM
I knew it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world found about my secret. Few, I suspect, know my secret escalator trick though.
Posted by: daniel luke![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 4, 2005 12:04 AM
An elevator hack that's slightly less in violation of the social contract; I've heard that if you press three buttons in a vertical row (eg 1,3,5) simultaneously, you can cancel out the buttons that have been pressed, useful if you hit the wrong floor or if someone swipes all the buttons. I haven't yet been able to test it, though (I'm currently at Scientist Summer Camp in New Hampshire, miles from an elevator); could some urbanite put it to the test and report back?
Posted by: debcha![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 4, 2005 11:45 AM
Are there any good elevator button features for not only skipping floors but also speeding up the elevator? It's not about being in a rush-- I'd just like the adventure.
Posted by: Pork Chop![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 6, 2005 5:42 PM
sweet. i will be trying this as well. Clive - i saw a guy who looks like you in the edinburgh airport. you're not there right now, are you for the festivals or game conferences, etc.
Posted by: ksquire![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.collisiondetection.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 8, 2005 6:57 AM