Help a potential first pin owner out, please. I have a lead on Getaway. I may be getting it this weekend, if the planets align. As a newbie, I'm apprehensive about the potential problems that can go wrong. The person I'm hoping to get it from looks to know what he's doing, and has taken care of this Getaway, and added numerous mods to it. Am I asking for headaches getting this? Do I need an electronics degree to figure out how to fix it? Ideally, it won't have any issues, but by the number of posts on this thread about problems, I am having doubts about buying this pin, or any pin at all, if I'm going to have to be troubleshooting it all the time. Thoughts? Thanks for the input.

This is the ad for it; https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/37974. It's over two hours away from me, so he won't be giving it a warranty. A local guy is warning me about warranties, saying don't get it if it's not covered for 6 months. And he says he will not work on it unless he sold it to me, so I can't get help from him. Another local guy has offered help if I get in trouble with it, and the forum here does seem to be very helpful. I can use a meter, and a soldering iron, and have both. I get that a 24 year old machine is bound to have issues. But if it's gonna have problems every other week, then I'm not sure I want the hassle. My motivation is to have a game room where my kids want to stay home and invite their friends over to play; you know, be the cool place to go. I knew a place like that when I was a teenager, and it was a cool thing. Thanks for the replies.

Getaway Club, if a number of things work, I'm joining the Getaway Club soon, (pending any extreme initiation practices). What I need to know is if it will fit in my Ford Flex to travel 2 hours home. I have plenty of width and depth, but I'm really close on height. I have 31 3/4" height clearance to clear the lift gate. I've been told it is 31" tall with the back cab folded down. Would someone be willing to verify the folded down height of a Getaway? If it doesn't fit, I'd have to make other transportation arrangements. Thanks for the help.

Thanks. It will fit then. And as I understand it, it is 29" wide and 54" deep, which I am good with. Appreciate taking the measurements.

I'm another step closer to getting the Getaway. Wife is OK with it. That's a big one. (Got her a multicade PacMan last week). It's cool too. Seller sent me shop pics. Very clean and organized under and behind. And it looks like Matthew won't hit us bad. Could be a solo trip to get it but could likely get help unloading once back.

Y'all think 2 people can load it? I may have to drive solo. I have a carpeted moving dolly. Don't have a refrigerator hand truck tho.

1st floor load out and 1st floor load in. 75' carry to my car on load out. I guess we take breaks along the way, since I'm a middle age white guy.

Just to followup; I got it. Hope to get it setup tomorrow once the rain stops. It's idling in the garage now waiting for the rain to stop. Makes sense to keep a Lamborghini in the garage.

Thanks Paul. Looking forward to running it

Newbie with three questions;
1) For piece of mind, I'm going to change out the 4 AA batteries on the back board. Should it be on or off when I change them? My understanding is that it should be on, so I don't loose settings, but I'm always fearful to do anything electrical when it's on, for fear of blowing something. And yes, it has been modded so that the battery pack is off the board.
2) And second question; I have an intermittent bulb on the playfield. It's LED, and most times is off, but sometimes on. I'm going to check it, with the game off, and see if reseating it will keep it on. I'll check the leads to see that it's making contact. Anything else to look for? Yes, I'll take the balls out first.
3) And last question; the lock to raise the playfield 90 degrees vertically up does not latch for some reason. I'm hesitant to start bending metal pieces to try and get it to latch. What could have happened and how can I get it to work again?
Thanks in advance. Loving this pin.

1 - Thanks
2 - Wedge I believe. It's on the first left bank of targets, halfway up before the supercharger ramp.
3 - I have no clue. It will pivot up but not catch and lock on anything. I don't recall seeing a spring.

1) done and saved
2) swapped bayonet bulbs with the #2 target bulb and same result. #3 socket is out.
3) I see a difference between tilt's and mine but can't see any combination of spring maneuver or hook hinge to make it work.
Pics attached. Thanks.

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

I am meeting resistance, so I stopped

Yes. That's the LED. It works. Seems to be a cold solder joint. I may have to flow it again. It randomly comes on and off.

Thanks to y'all issue #3 is now resolved. The hinge had been jammed over the playfield rail edge. Pulling it off and lifting it up the correct way latched both sides in. Did it twice just to be sure. Issue #2 still persists. With the playfield in a comfortable vertical position I could get to it easier. Tried tweaking the socket pins but no luck. Don't have any spare sockets but I'll get some and try that. Thank you tilt, weaver, per3 and everyone else for the help.

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

Thanks for the tips. I won't do that until after this weekend. Bunch of my kid's friends over on Saturday. Getaway and the PacMan multicade should get some plays. And thanks for the compliments. I did absolutely nothing to make it look this nice except drive to Arlington and buy it from per3per3. He did all the work.

Just when I thought all was cool.

image (resized).jpeg

Oh OK. Show I just showed y'all that I need more practice. How long ago is 'awhile' cause I multi balled about 6 games ago

So, I'm only on page 13 of this thread so far. I have a long way to go. Interesting read so far. Y'all have been into Getaway for at least three years? Cool.

So, my next round of newbie questions is;

1) What basic tools should I have on hand? I have already purchased and used a multi-bit magnetic driver and LED headlamp. Any specific tools like switch adjuster, flipper gauge, inclinometer, Novus #1, #2 cleaner, wax? I also have a multimeter and a complete solder station.

2) What spare parts should I have on hand; bulbs, sockets, fuses.

3) Balls; Which ones and where to get them?

I'd like to have a supply of simple stuff on hand for when something happens. Thanks again.

And I tried to add a comment to an old thread about what to do with old balls, but since I'm an Apprentice, I couldn't revive the thread. My idea was to make a Newton's Cradle.

Can't find balls on http://www.pinballlife.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=49&pg=1. Not selling them for some reason.
And since Getaway uses magnets in the Supercharger, don't you need ones that are resistant to being magnetized? Read something about that in my searches.

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/BALL-STEEL

https://www.pinbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=283&zenid=e095dcd5a35b1bb6bfa798acfcf95244 seems to be sold out.

http://www.pbresource.com/Balls.html, but doesn't seem like the best ones.

http://www.thepinballwizard.net/index.php?p=product&id=849; seem good.

There's an app for that. I have 14* on the glass. If the playfield is that steep it's no wonder I can't make it up the supercharger ramp.

image (resized).png

Super shiny or standard shiny? I'm thinking super. https://www.titanpinball.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=57
But this warning about them becoming magnetized in games that use magnets. Isn't that possible with any pinball?

Thanks for the tip. Will do. This app does not get that granular to tenths of a degree. It only goes in one degree increments. Until I get the Sears level, this what I'll have to use.

Just placed an order with Titan for (6) Super Shinies, and also a sample Novus #1,#2, and #3 pack, and (3) red standard Competition flipper rings while I was at it.

I have the same issue. One of the tach inserts is raised to the point where it diverts the ball. Afraid to just try and press it down for fear of breaking it. Does the hair dryer trick work?

I'm up to page #22 of this thread. A third of the way to catching up!

Got my Super Shineys. They're nice. Washed and waxed them before loading them in. A side by side comparison shows the difference between old and new. Saved the 2nd set in a Food Saver bag to keep them shiny.

image (resized).jpeg
image (resized).jpeg

A decent whiskey and the bags make good temporary ball holders when servicing. I do really like the Crown Rye.

So The Getaway got some action Saturday night. 35 teenagers over for a party. It performed very well. But today not so good. I first noticed issues when the Supercharger ramp would light up but not divert the ball in. Doing a divertor test shows that it does indeed work but not in game play. A total of 4 errors came up tonight;
Check switch 74 top lock,
Check switch 75 mid lock,
Check switch 84 enter left ramp,
Divertor error
I have some fiddling to do. I guess first I'll reseat the switches if I can find them and see if that clears the issues. Suggestions appreciated.

It is hard to keep a straight face while talking about how shiny my balls are.

Did a diverter test and it opens and closes. Did a supercharger test. It's running around 110. Diverter stays closed all the time even when conditions are met and supercharger lights turns on. Still lost here. Thanks for the help.

Pacman11,
Looks brand new. Very nice work!

Through some more looking around my best guess is either the opto on the entrance ramp or the opto in the supercharger loop on the right. Found this thread that brought some insight; https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/getaway-diverteropto-problem#post-2825408. so I'll find the opto number and check it by blocking it during a switch levels test, I think, and see if one of them isn't registering. Will try reseating the connector or reflow the solder points.

Pardon me talking this through here. Trying to get this car back on the road.

OK. Thanks. So I need to check those individual optos, and the switches that they correspond to?

I looked into it today. I think it's the Diverter Lo switch and the enter left ramp to the supercharger switch. Decided to punt and call The Pinball Doctor, Chuck English. He's gonna look at it next week. If I can figure it out before then, I'll call him off, but until I have some more experience under my belt repairing this I have to bite the bullet. Maybe Chuck will give me some tips. I'm defineately looking over his shoulder and asking questions. He says he's been fixing pinballs for 50 years. I bet he knows something after all that time.

Thanks monster. The ramp error is the opto that is on the ramp to the supercharger. The diverter issue is a big deal cause the ball never goes in the supercharger even though it's lit. It always exits down the left wire loop. I did both supercharger tests and tested the sc optics individually also. All good. The diverter gate will pen for the test and run the balls. Maybe it's just an adjustment on both of the issues, I'm just not seeing it. I know there is an answer and it will work again. It's just not in my wheelhouse yet since I so new at this.

These look great. Since I am having my glass off a lot lately, I think I'll try a few of these. Dumb question; what specifically do you print on to make the images a sticker? I've never seen blank sticker sheets that are printable. Where would I find this material!

Cool! Looks better than the original text. Having trouble accessing your site (http://www.thezumwaltfamily.com/getawaypinball). It's down for some reason. Nice work on the graphics!

Thanks Monster, I'll try that.

The frustration I'm having with these issues is like when a cat tries to bury a turd on a tile floor.

My $.02; two of them should have these license plates. Hard to tell what the plate on the third car reads.

image (resized).png

On a different subject, (to stop me from thinking about my diverter issue), I like the Mars lamp but I think it would have been better with a smaller version of a light bar. Matches the time frame of the cop cars better.

image (resized).jpeg

I've got one that you could enjoy fixing!!

I had to mow the yard last night, so I didn't open it up to test. Plan to look at again tonight. Picked up some 91% iso. alcohol to clean the optos.

I read somewhere on here that the optos should look clear and an aged one has yellowed and looks like a popcorn kernel. I think the entrance ramp to the sc is like that.

Also after some looking around it seems like everyone is getting 80s on the sc test, and I'm around 110. I need to wax to improve speed, and I'll look at opening up the sc and cleaning the optos there to try and get some more speed. It was BlackRose videos where I saw that he was getting high speeds in the sc. Maybe I should change out all the optos, even if they are working,

I paid $2,600 and it was a two hour drive; in the rain. So yea sounds like a deal to me. Mine was marginally shopped, and does have a full LED kit, if that adds to it's value. The cabinet is somewhat faded; the reds are kind of pink now. Otherwise it's in pretty good shape, except for a flaky lamp, and my dreaded diverter issues.

I am hoping I don't have to take the sc off to get to my diverter issue, (https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/hs2-supercharger-removal-tutorial). Looks like a long process, but it could be the problem. It will open for the sc test and stay open for the test, but will not open during game play.

OK. Info I didn't know. Will try that.

Wait, I thought you left...

Tantrum, to my eye, it should be this font, but that's me. It's cool either way. I've got the DH plastic building so you do what you want. All neat stuff.

image (resized).png

Yea that's a bit brighter!

Now I did it. Did the factory reset like Onlyest suggested. Cleared every issue except the diverter error. But now it wants quarters. How do I set it to free play?

Found free play. Yes diverter broken was already set to off.

Yes it does work in test mode. Supercharger opens up and runs all three balls around 110. Not super fast but it does work. Diverter will open for the test then close for everything else so there must be a divertor high setting and a diverter low setting. And one of those two is out of whack.

Thanks for the clarification, Only. I'll look at that.

Thanks, Tantrum. You, Tilt, and Only are sending down the same rabbit hole to find the problem. Y'all have been a big help to this newbie. I got so frustrated last night cause I thought I was onto something solving this issue, and then the forum locked me out for trying to post more than 5 comments in one hour, since I am a newbie. I'm ready to get past this newbie status so I can comment on old threads and post when I need to.

So in the manual, section 2-39, is item #10 the opto board for the entrance ramp, 3 super chargers, and made loop optos?

image (resized).jpeg

If the ramp opto is bad, which I suspect, my guess is it would throw the diverter error? Even though the supercharger test works. I guess I also need to do a diverter test. I did it one other time, where everything went off in sequence; knock, lock ramp, flippers, kickback. I think I need to find that test again.

I'll do the switch edge test again and a DC test just to see again. Ordered 6 sets of optos from pl and threw in a collapsible PinGulp cause I need a drink.

OK. Did some cleaning and tests. Have two problems for sure; entrance ramp opto seems dead. Ordered from Pinball Life. And the solenoid test shows that the Diverter Lo test does nothing. The diverter hi test opens the supercharger ramp. So now what do I need to do to fix the diverter lo? It's essentially a flipper coil right, and it's under the supercharger ramp and above the playfield?

And I did another supercharger speed test and now the ball will travel about 15 times but hits the top left inside ramp where it opens at the diverter ramp. So that's issue 3 I guess. Speed is around 95 - 100. (Part 2 of this coming soon)

So since I had it open o decided to do some cleaning and waxing. Cleaned and waxed lol the stainless ramps. Took off the mountain mod to get in tighter to the ramp. Cleaned in the back of the playfield; around the loops as far as I could go; behind the poppers. In and around where I could reach. So put it all back together and decided I like it better without the mountain mod. I think I want to sell it. Like the more open look and can see ball travel better. Pics attached. What to with the non working diverter lo issue? And the ramp opto seems to line up now.

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

Seems to hit on the inside and not the flap itself. Will go around hitting the inside corner right before it goes in again. (I'm on post 3 in an hour. I only have two more in this hour before I get shut out)

And where might someone find this custom LED guide? Bring the link!

This seems like another concern. The list is getting longer. Shouldn't the plunger line up with the ball. Can't figure how to adjust it. And also looks like I need new plunger rubber, right?

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

Did more cleaning around the playfield this morning and put on 3 new Titan flipper rubbers. Didn't think they would fit.

image (resized).jpeg

It gets around but it's not speeding by any means. More of a cruise.

I don't believe I've had a tour of yours. Care to show what the rest of us have to strive to achieve? I'm only up to page 31 of this thread. Pics or a link please. Mine has LEDs and some extras, but nowhere near the bling that some of y'all have.

The mountain mod has been sold and is going to a good home. I'm keeping the Donut Heaven building mod. I like it. Thanks for looking.

If it's a mod that goes to the fridge and gets me a beer so I don't have to stop playing to get it myself, I want one too!

It's going to someone you know.

I just noticed; I got member status. I'm not a Newbie anymore!

Am I crazy to be looking at another pin already? Do I want more headaches? Am I addicted? Is there a 12 step program? I found an ad for a Judge Dredd near me on craigslist? I like the artwork on it and it seems like an OK game? richmond.craigslist.org link

I'm half way caught up on this thread. Wow, what a journey so far y'all have been on. I'm up to Christmas last year and seeing all the presents ya got.

My MIL has an actual traffic light like this. It's in Cleveland and its big and heavy. Tough time getting it down here. Would be a sweet mod. Have the light change for what mode the game is in.

I'm having trouble picturing where when you say "under the domes". I'm not up on the terminology yet

Looks good SuperPin. That's a clean one. I thought mine was a clean example until I really looked close at it. I'm cleaning and waxing and still find something dirty every time I look.

Ok. I have a LED strip under there. It lights the poppers.

I don't know the exact part name, but here is a good place to start; http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/257 for a better pic.

I took a pic. That's a hard one to get at 7am. Here's the best shot I could take without taking the supercharger cover off.

image (resized).jpeg

Wish I had downloaded it before he took it down. I think his is better.

Let me Google that for you. "DIY Vinyl Decals"; first hit in the shop by Google; https://www.walmart.com/ip/10285214?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222228000010367&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40939512632&wl4=pla-78876057872&wl5=9008421&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=10285214&wl13=&veh=sem

For $20, it's worth a shot.

Some morning ball; testing my new collapsible PinGulp.

image (resized).jpeg

Yes, and I've been working on the left side alot over the past two weeks, but this morning was a test and the results were good. Replaced the entrance ramp tx and rx optos and it works now. Diverter opens to let the ball in the supercharger. Coffee will not be the next beverage to go in the PinGulp. I'll be drinking and driving this weekend!

Now I want to figure out how to get some more speed out of the supercharger. It lopes around but I've seen video of ones that go alot faster.

Big shout out to The Onlyest for lots of help over PM to get me through this. Also tiltmonster gave me some good tips and where to check. Appreciate the help from all of you here. Very thankful.

I'll do a speed test again, but before the opto issues it was around 110. And I'm assuming 110 means the number of milliseconds between each made loop pass, since a lower number means faster?

I looked back, and I see I started having this issue 10 days ago. Seems like a lifetime already. I have tools all over the game room. Wife has been patient with me. She likes a neat house.

Call me lame but I haven't been to RM yet.

So my supercharger issue. The balls runs around like normal but at like every 8th rotation it gets caught at the opening on the inside top left. See pic pointing at where it hits. And now also when done looping, the diverter closes too early and the ball hits it and sends it back down the entrance ramp instead of going through the "hair pin" turn. Yes it was normal before I started having issues with the opto. Yes, I did mess with it some; but all I did was clean the magnet optos and made loop opto with alcohol and q tips and wax the stainless ramp. I know, why did you mess with it if it was working.b as far as speed goes, I am getting 90s, so speed is OK. I have new optos for the other 4 optos. Not sure if I should swap them out or not if that would make a difference.

image (resized).jpeg

And what kind of Mustang is it? Tell me something late 60's big block.

I just finished doing that. Hit it with alcohol and wiped it down. Can't do any more testing tonight. The Mustang is very nice. I can see that are a few mods on it. Had to flare the fenders to fit those big meats under there. Love those pictures. I have a 2008 Charger R/T. It's hot enough stock to get me in trouble.

So I'm trying to get better at pinball. I essentially had access to a single EM machine in the 70's, and then limited access to ss machines in the 80's, when I would go to the mall. Grew up in a small town. After say 1981, when I got my driver's license, I had other things on my mind besides pinball! Told you I was a noob. I got tips from watching these videos; https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj1kypAWfgD1CXGldaJQnvhvLA17b6c2v. So I want to be able to Nudge, but the Getaway front legs are on carpet. The back legs are on hardwood floor with cushioned glides under them. It won't nudge easily. What are under your legs to help you nudge? (That sounds funny when I read it back.)

I have new optos, but why would replacing them make a difference? They either work or they don't. I've learned my lesson not to fudge with something that's working on these machines.

You mean for the donuts from Donut Heaven? I always eat them in the Lambo, so no need for a holder.

It is supposed to keep a jumping ball from dropping into the bottom of the cabinet, I believe. Not sure how one would get up there in the first place, but that is how I understand it. To me, it's just a place for a "Hair Pin" sticker.

Not me. I already had one. Kdunbar from post #3638 had an extra.

So where it is now. Did a full reset; unplugged and took the batteries out for 30 minutes. Cleaned the wax off with alcohol and microfiber cloths. I'd say 45% of time it works as it should; diverting to the hairpin turn. 45% of time it closes too early, hitting the diverter and rolling back down the entrance ramp; and 10% of the time somehow closing to send it to the opening over the poppers. Speed it OK now, fast as is to be expected. Pretty sure all optos and magnets work. Just some sort of timing issue. Diverter seems fine. Will snap open and closed.

Pretty sharp there, Mr. T!

Another newbie question; I reset the high scores to 00 on all 4 places so that high scores reset, but the grand champion default score is still there. Not sure how to rest grand champion score. The loops high score is there to but I'm not worried about that.

I did that but he grand champion is stil DWF at 200,000,000

Y'all were right. I must have done something else after I did the reset. Worked this time. Side note, the lowest minimum score is this; only interaction I did for the game was to launch the balls. And; slate 3 of the my custom message...

image (resized).jpeg

image (resized).jpeg

..bump..Happy Sunday to everyone! I need to hydrate. Went to a costume Halloween party last night. Thanks to Ibuprofin, I'm feeling OK this morning.

Weaver, I'm not much better than that even when I use the flippers

Is there a way to test the Mars lamp besides in a game?

T, I can probably do that for you. I have a scanner at work. Would 600 dpi be good?

Ended up taking the glass off and and ran a really good game. I wanted to see what my LED bulb looked like. Borrowed it from my outdoor lamp post light. It's brighter.

image (resized).jpeg

Not sure what lumens it is. Will have to look it up. Looks like this one. https://www.hidnation.com/products/1156m-led-bulbs?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=15299191619&gclid=CNWy5JTVg9ACFcEmhgodWhEBQw

Yea it's weird. Like the timing is off somehow. Diverter is not sure where the ball is, is what it seems. I'll shoot video but it has to be game Video not a test. Which is hard to play and then shoot it but I'll try

Mr. T, I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull that sign off yesterday. I'll try and get to it soon. Now that I look at mine closer, I see it has a crack at a screw hole. Will try and keep it from spreading with some superglue.

The one I tried in there from my lamp post is 270 lumens, 30 LED, warm white 3000 K temperature. I found something like it, but inside a glass bulb. Will likely order it, and get some landscape lighting LED replacement bulbs at the same time, to save on shipping. I'm sorry, but I think this is the best way to go for me.

Jaws,
I believe now that you are correct. Did some Googling and found this; https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/getaway-supercharger-diverter-issue. One of the solutions was that the ball was hitting the plastic cover on turn. Now, when I had the covers off and waxing, I did come across two felt spacers/washers, and another washer. When I put it all back together, since I wasn't sure where they came from, I left them out. I think now, that someone put them in at the diverter plastics area to solve the same issue. I'm going to put them back in or find some new ones and replace them and try again.