Houdini
American Pinball, 2017Quoted from pinballinreno:Yes, since there are no insert lights to keep track of locked balls what does one do?
But there are. Next time you have a ball locked, look right down in front of you and look for a lock with an insert lit in multiballs turquoise color. There is a second lock right next to it for lock 2.
Those inserts also light when mini-magician modes are ready, in the appropriate color, and there is an icon on it telling you which as well.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:It's just held on with some screws on the backboard; mine has fallen off 3 times now. It's the shade for the LED strip at the back. It's noticeable when not installed but not terrible. I am considering maybe adding washers to it next time to get better grip, since there are no holes drilled through the actual piece.
Can you post a close up pic of the installation? Or maybe one of the screws? Or reference an earlier post about it?
I'm not seeing it yet... 
Quoted from pinballinreno:Can you post a close up pic of the installation? Or maybe one of the screws? Or reference an earlier post about it?
I'm not seeing it yet...
Will do when I get home! There are 3 screws IIRC, on the backboard. You may have to pull the PF to see them properly
Quoted from wesman:These are all for protecting the bottoms? I figured they protected the top.
The danger is from the side. They are slightly larger than the plastic so they absorb a direct hit to the edge.
Quoted from Osro:After installing the new power supply (which I did largely to fix the lower catapult issue) I'm experiencing similar behavior. I can't remember the exact power settings I have it at, but at X the catapult throws the ball dead center and it hits the front edge of the trunk which 50% of the time results in the ball bouncing in to the trunk and 50% of the time results in the ball bouncing out of the trunk and 100% of the time results in minor damage to the trunk. At X+1 strength the ball goes wide left 100% of the time.
Just want to give a quick shout out to the AMAZING customer support I received from Barry at API last night. I got him on the phone and he was able to help me get this whole thing straightened out in about 10 minutes. World class service!!
Quoted from John_I:Just getting back to working on the non-booting Houdini. I've checked all of the connections in the backbox and basically everything in the cabinet and bottom of the playfield. The game simply stopped working and won't boot. Here is a video that shows all of the boards and LED colors and symptoms:
I can help.
224.422.3191
[email protected]
Quoted from pinballinreno:Yes, since there are no insert lights to keep track of locked balls what does one do?
I like the secret missions, it always amuses me when I complete one or 2.
After all, they're secret ! lol.
Delete - didn't see Josh's response before I posted mine.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Will do when I get home! There are 3 screws IIRC, on the backboard. You may have to pull the PF to see them properly
Thanks, I'll take a much closer look tonight.
Quoted from bobukcat:There are two indicators for locked balls on the playfield and they are lit solid turqouise when the corresponding balls are locked for Trunk Multiball. I don't have any easy way to describe them or point them out but they are there.
Wow, I never noticed!
I'll take a look.
Quoted from pinballinreno:Wow, I never noticed!
I'll take a look.
Can someone post a photo if they find this?
Quoted from gmanrulz46:i worry about battery leakage on pinball machines. are there any on houdini? that i should know about and how often do i change them
There is no 3-pack of batteries to leak out on Houdini compared to the older 90's games.
Technology has changed a bit since then.
Quoted from wesman:Can someone post a photo if they find this?
They’re just the lights on the images of the locks...very convenient and well thought out. Once again, they turn turquoise
8C01EAB9-0AB8-47A1-A61F-CA3AA3A172D3 (resized).jpegQuoted from wyopin:well thought out
Not sure I'd go that far. Was lamenting one day that there was no way to know how many balls were locked, and looked down and said, hey, I can use those locks, they are easy to see, and are not lit very often, and even if they are, I can just alternate colors.
Obviously knowing how many are locked can factor in your strategy.
Quoted from rosh:Not sure I'd go that far. Was lamenting one day that there was no way to know how many balls were locked, and looked down and said, hey, I can use those locks, they are easy to see, and are not lit very often, and even if they are, I can just alternate colors.
Obviously knowing how many are locked can factor in your strategy.
It really does make way too much sense!
It never dawned on me that those were used as lock 1, and lock 2.
Quoted from Osro:Just want to give a quick shout out to the AMAZING customer support I received from Barry at API last night. I got him on the phone and he was able to help me get this whole thing straightened out in about 10 minutes. World class service!!
Ditto here too. Talked to Barry at AP today after trading a couple of e-mails. Excellent service!!
Barry: Thanks again - It is sincerely appreciated.
Quoted from rosh:Not sure I'd go that far. Was lamenting one day that there was no way to know how many balls were locked, and looked down and said, hey, I can use those locks, they are easy to see, and are not lit very often, and even if they are, I can just alternate colors.
Obviously knowing how many are locked can factor in your strategy.
Good to know. I figured the padlock lights were telling us what the next shots should be. Will pay more attention to them now.
Quoted from rosh:Not sure I'd go that far...
Hahaha...you could’ve fooled me...locks for locks...just seemed too clever not to be thought out. I like how I don’t have to look up to check on the screen too
Pincades Attending Pincinnati
I will have show games available for sale! 3 maybe more, or nib
If your interested lmk I can bring what ever is needed. (Glass, Blades, Shaker, any combination.)
FYI: October fest will there as well!
Stop by the API/Pincades Booth and go for a Flip!
Happy Holidays
Pincades
Jesse T
Anyone else have trouble losing the ball in the trunk during the needle trick? My trunk shot never loses a ball unless i am in the indian needle illision. During that illusion, if i hit a ball into the trunk, it sits until a ball search releases it into the tunnel. Re-created that multiple times last night. Once released, the ball comes back into play, but i lose most or all of my time. Anyone else see this?
Quoted from Manimal:Anyone else have trouble losing the ball in the trunk during the needle trick? My trunk shot never loses a ball unless i am in the indian needle illision. During that illusion, if i hit a ball into the trunk, it sits until a ball search releases it into the tunnell. Re-created that multiple times last night. One released, the ball comes back into play, but i lose most or all of my time. Anyone else see this?
This hasn't happened to me exactly, but I was losing balls in the catapult itself for a while - turned out to be a switch issue. I'd be willing to bet it's the same here. VERY Slightly bend the switch up a tiny tiny bit and it should register. Not sure why it only happens to you in Needle mode, but maybe something to do with how it lands when fired from the catapult.
Quoted from PinMonk:One-way gate will solve that problem.
I was thinking a code adjustment to momentarily fire the coil on that post that diverts to the catapult VUK, and traps the ball
Also, I got my left lock sorted out. It was indeed the switch! The ball was settling slightly to the left of the left lock post, and just not triggering the switch consistently. I guess this is why it worked in test but not all the time in gameplay. I slightly bent the switch to favor the left side of the game more, and it appears to be working well now. Like I said, I hate these rollover switches!
Thanks for talking me through Josh! Here's another shout out to AP's awesome customer service!
Quoted from Manimal:Anyone else have trouble losing the ball in the trunk during the needle trick? My trunk shot never loses a ball unless i am in the indian needle illision. During that illusion, if i hit a ball into the trunk, it sits until a ball search releases it into the tunnell. Re-created that multiple times last night. One released, the ball comes back into play, but i lose most or all of my time. Anyone else see this?
Sort of... wife has mentioned that several times the ball sits in the stage. Switch is working and ball is correctly resting in the 'cradle '
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:This hasn't happened to me exactly, but I was losing balls in the catapult itself for a while - turned out to be a switch issue. I'd be willing to bet it's the same here. VERY Slightly bend the switch up a tiny tiny bit and it should register. Not sure why it only happens to you in Needle mode, but maybe something to do with how it lands when fired from the catapult.
Switch is registering just fine...this only happens during the needle illusion. Trunk lock is 100% the rest of the time.
Again koodoo's to all staff of AP on handling issues in an utmost professional manner! The trivial issue on my end was handled with complete professionalism!
Thanks for setting a high standard with my first NIB experience!
Quoted from transprtr4u:Again koodoo's to all staff of AP on handling issues in an utmost professional manner! The trivial issue on my end was handled with complete professionalism!
Thanks for setting a high standard with my first NIB experience!
2nd that!
Barry took my quick dumb call on knocker last week. Power supply question, connectors, ground wire, just top notch service as always.
Called during expo and was pleasantly surprised that Barry took my call. Got me sorted out with the power supply, thanks for that!
Just saw this story about a new Houdini documentary series being released soon, should be an interesting show:
https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/11/science-channel-announces-houdinis-last.html
Last night we were playing Houdini & I was able to achieve a 4x's milkcan multiplier. After several minutes, the playfield bonus went away. Does this multiplier only last for a limited time? Also I noticed that when in the milkcan stage mode, this multiplier is automatically achieved when going through the milkcan loop or by simply hitting the magic targets. It seems that there is no need to hit the ramp after a milkcan loop to acquire 2x's, etc. playfield bonus.
Not sure if this has to do w/ what is in my current settings, or if this multiplier is just generously a give-in for multiplier completion. It's very lucrative to have 4x's playfield multiplier just before a trunk multiball or stage mode. I know I did hit the second combo completion for a big 300,000 score!
Quoted from bobukcat:Just saw this story about a new Houdini documentary series being released soon, should be an interesting show:
https://www.wildabouthoudini.com/2018/11/science-channel-announces-houdinis-last.html
Jan 6th, Ill set my Dvr. Thanks for the heads up!
Quoted from kdecgp:The little display on the API Grand is just showing a white screen. How do I begin to try and fix it? Am I unscrewing that big plastic piece behind it?
Check connector to display on back, yes, unscrew the black plastic shroud.
not sure i've got the correct info, but talking about the code, right now, what still need to be done for being complete ? only the final wizard mode ?
(than not talking about polishing & bug correction)
tanx
Quoted from RipleYYY:not sure i've got the correct info, but talking about the code, right now, what still need to be done for being complete ? only the final wizard mode ?
(than not talking about polishing & bug correction)
tanx
The final wizard mode exists, all mini-wizard modes exist in the latest beta. They are all functional but need a lot of polish - and if you get the final wizard mode, the game resets! But it’s just a bug, I think the last beta was in September, so there is probably a code update on the horizon. I do remember the September beta made the game a LOT more fun, seems like there were a lot of tweaks and small changes that really positively affected gameplay. So hopefully it will be release in full soon!
BLACK FRIDAY THRU CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!!
$90 ALL 3 PIECES SHIPPED and Free Key FOB.
PM/Message me for details.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:The final wizard mode exists, all mini-wizard modes exist in the latest beta. They are all functional but need a lot of polish - and if you get the final wizard mode, the game resets! But it’s just a bug, I think the last beta was in September, so there is probably a code update on the horizon. I do remember the September beta made the game a LOT more fun, seems like there were a lot of tweaks and small changes that really positively affected gameplay. So hopefully it will be release in full soon!
tanx 
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Will do when I get home! There are 3 screws IIRC, on the backboard. You may have to pull the PF to see them properly
All fixed!
So, the lampshade is a friction fit behind the LED strip.
If the 3 screws that hold the LED fixture become loose, the lampshade can be knocked off by the trunk lid or pretty much anything.
Looking at it, there doesnt sseem to be an easy, or cosmetically viable solution.
It would have been good to have added tabs to the lampshade that corresponded to the holes in the LED fixture.
If it continually becomes a problem, I think a little double sided thin-tape might do the trick, behind the lampshade itself.
Quoted from Ockeyhead:After several minutes, the playfield bonus went away. Does this multiplier only last for a limited time? Also I noticed that when in the milkcan stage mode, this multiplier is automatically achieved when going through the milkcan loop or by simply hitting the magic targets. It seems that there is no need to hit the ramp after a milkcan loop to acquire 2x's, etc. playfield bonus.
yes, the playfield multiplier times out, there is an indication on screen of current multiplier (when 2x or above) and how relative time left. In milkcan escape, you only need to hit the loop to get awarded the shot and to increase the multiplier. The magic stand-up will work time to advance it during that mode.
I'm testing the latest code this weekend, now that I have a machine at home. Code is almost ready to release, but since a lot of you have a long weekend and black friday sales to avoid, if anyone wants to help test, and you know how to update the code on the machine, you can use the link below. There is quite bit that has been added and fixed since the September beta release, which is why there has been the delay in this release. Let me know if you run into issues.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PvxDRQ7No1HiiLKVbr3IjdnlSnmIBuw4
Added over 5 years ago:updated link . . .
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_4TxAu8njGnDB1UinatWG_SR80iC3hTT
i dont have a HOUDINI (still), but seing guys from the company involved here with their customers is really a good thing !
even more when its (personal feeling) linked with the code evolution...
Quoted from RipleYYY:i dont have a HOUDINI (still), but seing guys from the company involved here with their customers is really a good thing !
even more when its (personal feeling) linked with the code evolution...
The guys have bent over backwards to help, it has been a pleasure and honour meeting them in person, and the legacy of this game will continue to benefit from it!
I can’t believe I’m not at home to test out this new code!!
Quoted from dannunz:Been playing my Houdini a lot lately. I'm finding the shots are getting much more makable and it's a lot of fun. I'm getting games that are 15 to 20 min long now. Love stacking multiball modes!
Nice work! 
I'm lucky to get three minute games..... 
Quoted from wesman:Nice work!
I'm lucky to get three minute games.....
Sloooooow down is the best advice i can give. Also when you’re first staring on this game, it helped me a lot to dial down the flipper strength. Make sure your scoop is shooting down to the right flipper too; that can throw your game off big time if it is positioned off.
Quoted from Nepi23:I ordered today a variac to help to see if the helps my troubles with the catapult, will let you know how it goes with it. (For EU there is no other power solution as of yet.)
Good decision! I installed my variac and it helps a lot. No week Flippers, stable power for catapult and all coils ! Now Houdini is More fun then before.
But I hope AP will bring out the fix for european customers.
@ rosh: thanks for sharing the code. Will try it today.
Quoted from pinballinreno:Code downloaded, waiting to install it.
Installed on 8gb flash drive.
The update installed flawlessly.
Wow, really nice update.
Lots of great fixes.
I'll have to put some time on it this weekend to see more of them.
So far I'm really liking the fast restart at game end!
I had to dial down flipper strength 1 notch for each flipper.
Quoted from wesman:Nice work!
I'm lucky to get three minute games.....
Set flippers to 23 or 24.
Set playfield pitch to 6.2, no higher.
Turn down slingshot power 1 notch below defaults.
Wanna join the discussion? Please sign in to reply to this topic.
Great to see you're enjoying Pinside! Did you know Pinside is able to run without any 3rd-party banners or ads, thanks to the support from our visitors? Please consider a donation to Pinside and get anext to your username to show for it! Or better yet, subscribe to Pinside+!
This page was printed from https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/american-pinball-houdini-thread/page/145?hl=kdecgp and we tried optimising it for printing. Some page elements may have been deliberately hidden.
Scan the QR code on the left to jump to the URL this document was printed from.
Marion, IA
Edmonton, AB
Helsinki