Quoted from mbwalker:

Homedepot sells a rubber coated 'hanger' (not the clothes kind). It's like a bendable wire, but soft on the outside - great for hanging/holding things temporarily w/o scratching them.
Look up vid1900 here about the playfield, he seems to be one of the PF restoration gurus.

Quoted from wesman:

Unfortunately it didn't...Cliffy told me I got his first designed set. So yeah, I had to reloosen five screws this time, and that was my last resort after going in, and removing the metal rails....the one against the black side rail, as well as the actual guide rail.
I ending up having the VUK dangle, did you secure yours? I wanted to try and remove the power coupling white clasp, but that wasn't popping out to well. Is there an easy way to do that?
Man....the nuts supporting the VUK are a hassle to remove, but far worse to get back in with standard size non magnetic nut drivers. I spent an hour dancing with two that would fall, then my hunt for them, drop them again, etc.
I found the source of my chipped playfield, I'd hoped it was just a loose flake from manufacturing, as I found it just after I raised the game for the first time months back, and with less than 50 plays. Is there anyway to repair this or should I put mylar over it to prevent more damage?[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from wesman:

Oh that sounds like an awesome product! I'll definitely check that out!
Edit. Just found this. Would this work?

Quoted from wesman:

Curiously, that Seance VUK is half firing. I really don't recall if it was before loosening it, and reattaching it. I do know the VUK to the right of the chest often takes two fires to hit it up into the wire form. Are these both most likely due to the issues where the new power supply came into play?

Quoted from wesman:

I'll definitely go consult that user regarding the playfield chip! What can create a situation like that?
Thanks again for all of your help and suggestions! As you'd said about your own experiences installing this, I had minimal idea what to remove, until I did, and then removed more...and more, until it was able to slide into place.

Quoted from Platypus:

You will get more proficient over time, mostly you are only dealing with screws and nuts. just be observant where parts came from and go back. I would let heavy things dangle by their wires, support it somehow by string, scrap wire or something. The switch on that VUK has fragile connections. Eventually you may need to adjust switches, replace mosfets and coils, hopefully not for a while.
I believe you were advised to get magnetic nut drivers. I have multiple sets of non mag drivers ( use them for my work) and still bought magnetic ones just for pin work. I also have a magnitizer for my Philips drivers, That is a savior at times. I hate loosing a screw in the under playfield mechanics /switches and such. I have resorted to taping a screw to a driver is certain instances but then you have to contend with the tape if it doesn't release right once the screw is started.
Where did that chip come from? what might of caused it? did it happen with your playfield accedent? I doubt it was a ball. I would't be that concerned about those micro cracks under fasteners, you can't see them. be careful about over tightening

Quoted from wesman:

Oh that sounds like an awesome product! I'll definitely check that out!
Edit. Just found this. Would this work?...

Quoted from wesman:

All very sound advice!
I definitely wasn't comfortable letting the VUK dangle, and I think I only let that happen once, during the constant raise, lower, raise lowering of the playfield. I am paranoid if that maybe created an issue with the VUK firing half of the time now, but as I mentioned, I'm not sure if that was already occuring, and I just didn't notice....
The chip, I really have no clue. I know the piece slid out when I raised the playfield that first night, and I certainly didn't have any equipment fall on or scratch the table. I've forgotten to eject the balls a few times, but other than that, nothing else entirely boneheaded. Raising and lowering the playfield is definitely far, far more comfortable, as I now understand how the cabinet rails work. I really had zero prior experience with a pinball table mechanically prior to this.
That said, I returned the Klein magnetic nut drivers, due to reading some reviews where they said the bits turned into power and crumbled, and as well as the price, and I really figured I'd use them just once or twice for a few minutes. Weeks later, I now find myself removing multiple table parts, placing them on a sheet of paper with notes for screw and nut placement, all just to get one tiny protector in. I truly never imagined delving this deep. It's been an experience, that is for sure!

Quoted from GCS2000:

Managed to get the game unloaded and in the house.
The game is triggering end of ball every time a ball drains even if ball save has engaged and saved the ball.
Looked under the PF and I don't see anything out of whack, disconnected etc.
Software is 18-12-12
Ideas?

Quoted from GCS2000:

Managed to get the game unloaded and in the house.
The game is triggering end of ball every time a ball drains even if ball save has engaged and saved the ball.
Looked under the PF and I don't see anything out of whack, disconnected etc.
Software is 18-12-12
Ideas?

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:

Check the switches in the left lock, near the trunk. Check with your finger but then check with 3 balls one at a time. Make sure they are not engaged then trip each one with a ball in succession. They are super sensitive
then check all your trough optos. It’s not the software, I guarantee - had this same
Issue and It’s a switch.

Quoted from GCS2000:

Umm my apologies all I had an Rdoyle moment
7 balls in the game and its uhh supposed to be 6

Quoted from mbwalker:

Looks like what I got (but mine are a lot shorter). You can probably buy at any hardware store or Wallymart for a few bucks. Various sizes I just toss a couple of them in my 'tool bucket' so I always have them. Comes in handy for holding a lot of things. I originally used them to hang the flood lights off the gutter while I was installing the wires...and they've come in handy under the PF. The inside 'wire' holds the shape you bend, soft silicone (maybe) on the outside.
Your VUK - have you adjusted the coil strength in the menu? [quoted image]

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Sticking nut drivers on a big magnet for a few days, like a car speaker will magnetize them efficiently.
On my games that have a cabinet speaker, I stuck my non magnetized tools to it for a week and now they are perfect.
My magneitc Klein nut drivers have never given me any problems, other than a magnet came out one day. I glued it in with red locktite and it's been good for years.

Quoted from wesman:

Do you have any idea what that wire might he called?
Oh no....I haven't! Did you adjust your VUK strength? I hadn't even thought of that!

I bought one of these to magnetize them...left them on for at least a week, and they didn't get magnetized. Would having multiple on there together effect polarity?
https://m.harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-parts-holder-61428.html
I might need to get those Klein's just for the sake of future efforts!

Quoted from wesman:

Do you have any idea what that wire might he called?
Oh no....I haven't! Did you adjust your VUK strength? I hadn't even thought of that!

I bought one of these to magnetize them...left them on for at least a week, and they didn't get magnetized. Would having multiple on there together effect polarity?
https://m.harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-parts-holder-61428.html
I might need to get those Klein's just for the sake of future efforts!

Quoted from GCS2000:

So I know I am in the "honeymoon phase" but all the people bitching about this game ... gimme a break.
I know its hard, the shots are tight, I get a lot of bounce outs, I get a lot of rattles trying to make the tight shots but damn I still like the game. I do keep coming back for more as I keep saying I know I can make that shot, that combo etc. And this is all coming from someone who is not a good player. Will this last permanently ... nope. Will it last for a while til something else comes out we want yep. It's a beautiful game (I like the look) the BG is awesome wish MFRs still did this but I get it - its expensive.
Anyway just wanted to add something positive about the game because of all the bashing its getting in the other Houdini thread.
What would I give this game up for, not sure - WOZ probably if I didn't have to add too much $$. Maybe a Dialed In, GOG Premium perhaps. Who knows but for now this is a good solid game that is fun (FOR ME) and I firmly believe it can help me become a better player. If I can make shots on this game well ....

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Isn't having an extra ball a Houdini thing?
It seems fitting...

Quoted from wesman:

Do you have any idea what that wire might he called?
Oh no....I haven't! Did you adjust your VUK strength? I hadn't even thought of that!...

Quoted from pinballinreno:

My game plays like a dream.
Adjust pitch to 6.2 or 6.0
Lower flippers until only a perfect shot makes the ramp from a cradled position.
Set the slings -1 from default.
Check my tweaks in this thread.
Some are really good.
Game is amazing!

Quoted from Platypus:

That little tray won't do much. That is for your screws and nuts when you remove them. I have one of these for magging my tools:
https://www.wihatools.com/magnetizer-and-demagnetizer?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn9mR6ZXE4AIViANpCh16ighAEAQYBCABEgIJMPD_BwE
lots of other brands out there

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Needs to be a very big magnet like on a big speaker.
Or get the tool magnetizer from harbor freight
Magnetic hollow nut drivers are life changing lol
If you haven't already, get one of these:
V8 Tools 3826 Mighty Worm 26" Flexible Magnetic Pickup Tool amazon.com link »
Super strong magnet, fits in very small places. Bendable to go in odd crevices.
I use it to fish for lost parts, it always finds them even in blind out of reach places

Quoted from mbwalker:

I think it's a Gear Tie (I had to google it.) Link: https://www.homedepot.com/s/gear%2520tie?NCNI-5 There's probably cheaper knockoff's by now, but these are built really well and were only a few bucks.
I adjusted the VUK settings just so it barely makes it out. Didn't want want it blasting out.

Quoted from GCS2000:

Ironically my thoughts are all based on the game unloaded legs on and turned on no set up done yet as we are still doing reno in the game room this week
It should get better.

Quoted from wesman:

Saw one of those in a video! I guess the underside of that tray wasn't strong enough... Thank you, just ordered one!

I actually got this the other day. Definitely helped snag and search for parts last night! That worm looks fantastic!
https://m.harborfreight.com/18-inch-telescoping-magnet-37187.html
Tom, did you adjust your VUK settings at all?

Sweet. Grabbed some of those too! Thank you! The one with the carabineer looks nifty also.
So you felt your VUK was a bit weak?

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Vuk has to be adjusted so that the ball just makes it out most of the time.
If it takes 2 or more tries, go up 1 unit at a time until it makes it out consistantly.
If it fails once in awhile during multiball with shaker running that's ok.
The power supply upgrade helps this a bit.

Quoted from wesman:

It seems to go up about half of the time on the wireform one in the back, and the seance one. It often kicks, fails, then kicks once more effectively.
I figure my next project, after drilling in the side rail protector, will be that.

Quoted from GCS2000:

So I know I am in the "honeymoon phase" but all the people bitching about this game ... gimme a break.
I know its hard, the shots are tight, I get a lot of bounce outs, I get a lot of rattles trying to make the tight shots but damn I still like the game. I do keep coming back for more as I keep saying I know I can make that shot, that combo etc. And this is all coming from someone who is not a good player. Will this last permanently ... nope. Will it last for a while til something else comes out we want yep. It's a beautiful game (I like the look) the BG is awesome wish MFRs still did this but I get it - its expensive.
Anyway just wanted to add something positive about the game because of all the bashing its getting in the other Houdini thread.
What would I give this game up for, not sure - WOZ probably if I didn't have to add too much $$. Maybe a Dialed In, GOG Premium perhaps. Who knows but for now this is a good solid game that is fun (FOR ME) and I firmly believe it can help me become a better player. If I can make shots on this game well ....

Quoted from GCS2000:

Umm my apologies all I had an Rdoyle moment
7 balls in the game and its uhh supposed to be 6

Quoted from PhantomO:

I put in the scoop cliffy and since then the exit is even more inconsistent. Mine hits the top of the right sling more often than not at 6 and 7 power. 8 sometimes lands on the flipper, sometimes shoots down the middle. I yanked around the scoop hood and the steel rail, but nothing has lasting impact. So I just learned to play it where it lands.

Quoted from GCS2000:

So I know I am in the "honeymoon phase" but all the people bitching about this game ... gimme a break.
I know its hard, the shots are tight, I get a lot of bounce outs, I get a lot of rattles trying to make the tight shots but damn I still like the game. I do keep coming back for more as I keep saying I know I can make that shot, that combo etc. And this is all coming from someone who is not a good player. Will this last permanently ... nope. Will it last for a while til something else comes out we want yep. It's a beautiful game (I like the look) the BG is awesome wish MFRs still did this but I get it - its expensive.
Anyway just wanted to add something positive about the game because of all the bashing its getting in the other Houdini thread.
What would I give this game up for, not sure - WOZ probably if I didn't have to add too much $$. Maybe a Dialed In, GOG Premium perhaps. Who knows but for now this is a good solid game that is fun (FOR ME) and I firmly believe it can help me become a better player. If I can make shots on this game well ....

Quoted from wesman:

So you felt your VUK was a bit weak?

Quoted from mbwalker:

Oops, to clarify...I'm talking about the one on the scoop, not the one in the back. I could go up a notch on the settings, but it pops out almost always, at least to the point I don't really notice if it takes two tries. I adjusted once the new PS was installed just for the sake of doing it.

Quoted from dung:

Looks like I get to call AP up. I just updated from 18.4 something to the latest. Game said to restart after the update was complete so I did. On startup I get the AP splash screen, and then the display will keep flashing blue or a black command prompt that says automatic login on one line and then last login on the next, and it never does anything else.

Quoted from wesman:

I found a photo from before I lifted the playfield for the first time two days after I unboxed Houdini. Seems the chip existed then, and when I lifted it minutes later, that's when it fell out.
I wonder if this damage was from shipping or left manufacturing like that? The box was in pretty good shape, and it wasn't tilted.
[quoted image]

Quoted from wesman:

I found a photo from before I lifted the playfield for the first time two days after I unboxed Houdini. Seems the chip existed then, and when I lifted it minutes later, that's when it fell out.
I wonder if this damage was from shipping or left manufacturing like that? The box was in pretty good shape, and it wasn't tilted.
[quoted image]

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:

THAT. SUCKS. One the other hand, at least it didnt' come from playing the game. I just had a piece chip out of my MB, and I just had to glue it back in.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Looks like maybe shipping or from assembly.
See what API says. It's not from ball damage.
It my be possible to carefully glue the chip back into place with high quality CA glue and wax paper or teflon sheet to press it down.

Quoted from GCS2000:

So I know I am in the "honeymoon phase" but all the people bitching about this game ... gimme a break.
.

Quoted from wesman:

I guess I'm "happy" anything I did in getting familiar with this machine, didn't create it. But damage is damage..
What happened in your situation? I thought the clearcoat was supposed to make these rock hard and secure?

I'm going to contact Barry on friday directly, seems he's the guy who handles most issues like this. Hopefully he points me in a direction that works the best here?
I finally got this up and running, with most of my protectors in too! I hadn't played it for weeks, on that account. And doing the scoop protector finally had me notice it. I had the flake for so long, didn't see anything, and just hoped it was some random paint from the factory....
Will I risk further damage by playing it?

Quoted from fxdwg:

I have had mine since it was released, I actually switched from a JJP-POTC and moved to Houdini. Although I don't play it as much as some of other machines, I do still play it quite a bit. And I STILL don't have it dialed all the way in.
Playing this machine, has made me a better player. I purchased the PS upgrade a few weeks ago and still need to put that in. Have never had scoop or trunk issues, do feel the flippers are weak at times. But as I said still need to dial in the settings on this game that others have posted!
Still VERY satisfied with this machine, and definitely out of the "honeymoon" phase. LOL

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:

Well first, the MB is an original, new playfield though, and I had it cleared by Ron Kruzman about 2 years ago. The damage is 100% mine - I had one of those stupid wire ball guides pop out, and I was jamming it back in and... ugh. I guess I should have drilled it again? So not comparable to what you have - I just thought it was an interesting coincidence.
Hoping to get protectors on Houdini as soon as I get them from Cliff...

Quoted from Hdmike444:

I have a question regarding buying a new Houdini it is new in box but not from a distributor it is from someone who took it as a trade.
I’m just wondering how everybody’s experience with American pinball has been in regards to issues warranty etc. etc.
I played the game a few times and I really enjoyed it. I know it is a tight shot game and hope in a home environment I will enjoy it more but what concerns me a little is issues with playfield etc. is that blown way out of portion or realistic and how does the company handle this I’m not sure this game will even have a warranty seeing it is not coming from a distributor even though it is brand new in the box. I was told it was just picked up from the factory so I’m assuming it will.
Thx for any input

Quoted from Hdmike444:

I have a question regarding buying a new Houdini it is new in box but not from a distributor it is from someone who took it as a trade.
I’m just wondering how everybody’s experience with American pinball has been in regards to issues warranty etc. etc.
I played the game a few times and I really enjoyed it. I know it is a tight shot game and hope in a home environment I will enjoy it more but what concerns me a little is issues with playfield etc. is that blown way out of portion or realistic and how does the company handle this I’m not sure this game will even have a warranty seeing it is not coming from a distributor even though it is brand new in the box. I was told it was just picked up from the factory so I’m assuming it will.
Thx for any input

Quoted from Hdmike444:

I have a question regarding buying a new Houdini it is new in box but not from a distributor it is from someone who took it as a trade.
I’m just wondering how everybody’s experience with American pinball has been in regards to issues warranty etc. etc.
I played the game a few times and I really enjoyed it. I know it is a tight shot game and hope in a home environment I will enjoy it more but what concerns me a little is issues with playfield etc. is that blown way out of portion or realistic and how does the company handle this I’m not sure this game will even have a warranty seeing it is not coming from a distributor even though it is brand new in the box. I was told it was just picked up from the factory so I’m assuming it will.
Thx for any input

Quoted from dung:

Wanted to say that after talking with AP got the game running again. The usb drive I was using died while it was updating it seems. The second i pulled out of the drawer was dead as well so had to go buy more.
I have the game at 6.2 degrees and I am gonna go to 6.5. Even with flippers at 23 each, they are just too powerful. Slings are fine, lower catapult I have dialed in. Upper catapult still don't have the power right on it. The flippers at 24 the ball would fly off the ramp.
Game itself is fun. Couple shots are tight, but I hit them when I want to most times. This game was routed and I have had to fix a few things, reinstall the post between the flippers. Think I will move the left outlane post back as it is in the top hole. Pop bumpers need to be made more sensitive still.
Game itself is fun, my only real gripe is that there are a number of shots that when lit do not seem to give feedback. The main ramp will often be lit, you hit it and the game registers it, but I have no idea why it was lit or what I got for shooting it. The 2x shot also seems to do this at times.

Quoted from GCS2000:

Anyone know where I can get a leg bracket for the game (inside the cab). Mine is stripped out and needs to be replaced.
Is this a generic part or specific to Houdini?

Quoted from Hdmike444:

I have a question regarding buying a new Houdini it is new in box but not from a distributor it is from someone who took it as a trade.
I’m just wondering how everybody’s experience with American pinball has been in regards to issues warranty etc. etc.
I played the game a few times and I really enjoyed it. I know it is a tight shot game and hope in a home environment I will enjoy it more but what concerns me a little is issues with playfield etc. is that blown way out of portion or realistic and how does the company handle this I’m not sure this game will even have a warranty seeing it is not coming from a distributor even though it is brand new in the box. I was told it was just picked up from the factory so I’m assuming it will.
Thx for any input