Super excited your bringing the magic to PAGG!
Look forward to playing it and perhaps buy it in the year to come.
(Topic ID: 183206)
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Houdini
American Pinball, 2017
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Did i mention how excited we all are to see this at PAGG on May 18th in Dixon Ca!
Also had good friend whisper in my ear sunday that he may be a distrubutor for American Pinball in the So Cal area!
Exciting times and congratulations is already due for how far you have come since expo in oct.
3 weeks later
3 weeks later
Updates...we all love updates.
Weve heard shipping by Nov...
But when is full production line up and running and how many a week get made?
Fun details.
Thanks
Ut ohh, here goes the mad rush to find these.
Quoted from rosh:That figure is an action figure made by a company called Accoutrements
Since I played this amazing game at Pin a Go Go a few weeks ago, couple things came to mind.
The topper;
Been thinking 1/6 scale water torture tank. Similar but athentic, to say walking dead topper but the tank.
Second...it was early Friday morning of show, no ones around, ive been staring at this thing for 10 min...thinking.
"Its not even on, and I'm Sold"
"This is going to cost me money!"
Look forward to getting it, hoping by Christmas.
Quoted from nwpinball:Northwest debut of Houdini this weekend at the show! Houdini will be in the Nitro Pinball booth
Any news Nitro..
Hows the Houdini reception?
Yes, has Great tight shots and lots of them. This machine has combo's all over it. Looking forward to code developing by say, Expo in Oct.
Quoted from BorgDog:Has been a line at Houdini since the show opened, sometimes short, sometimes longish, but always somebody waiting to play. I played a couple (short cause I suck) games, looks good, lots of shots, cool stuff.
There was similar line all weekend at PAGG to.
Thanks Rosh!
By end of the year.
That's what I heard strait from the source at PAGG, and they were saying the same thing at NWPS 2 weekends ago.
But, its ok, lets be patient and let them release a complete game, time tested, and complete code.
I will be buying one for sure. Yes id like it by christmas, but if its next spring, im ok with that to.
Lets have the team take there time and not hammer them if it takes longer.
Quoted from Ricflair:Where's the water torture figure? Wasn't that on there earlier?
That's his most-known trick. Gotta be prominent on the playfield. Please!
Maybe i just can't see it for some reason. But that's way more known than the milk container i am seeing on there.
Why another playfield with a "phone-looking" device? Don't recall this on earlier playfields. A lot of people don't care for that on "Dialed In' - why is it here too? I sure hope this doesn't beat out the water-torture figure from being there.
Its there. It is one of the modes that will show up in this display. The bezel on display looks a little like the tank, zoom in to see bolts.
DI Phone ruined this innovative idea. Star wars bezel is just black right now and really doesnt work. This Houdini is the best display and bezel ive seen. The Hobbit display qnd book is pretty good to.
1 week later
2 weeks later
Quoted from kermit24:What is the latest with Houdini? Will it be shipping with the same layout shown at the shows like TPF and SFGE? Some of those shots seemed really tight to me.
Yes, there are tight shots. But, they flow great and are not hard to achive. Game plays awesome.
1 week later
Quoted from PinballManiac40:rosh Any chance you and Joe can bring a game to the Houston Arcade Expo Oct 20-21st? http://www.arcadecenter.com
So mamy shows!
Same weekend as pinball madness in banning CA. Would love to see it there, by then it will be close to shipping.
2 weeks later
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:That is too awesome. Anybody know how many games they (or say JJP for comparison) make in a week? This will be my first potential NIB and I'm curious how fast they tend to come once you pay in full
IMO there is no hurry. I hope for quality sake its 5 games a week. The games are coming, they will be made. Let them finish code, work out the bugs and ship solid machines with no problems. Quality or quantity anyday.
1 week later
Quoted from Kerry_Richard:I can say, I'm really excited about this game. I played it many times at Pin-a-go-go (California).
I would (and will) buy this NIB, before another Stern NIB. Just sayin.
Im going to have to agree with Kerry.
Not only is it a georgous game, but it plays very well. My only NIB game this year.
Hope to have it for seance night on Halloween, nice tribute to Houdini.
Quoted from Kerry_Richard:I was in Las Vegas last week. I went into New York New York and they had a Houdini store there.
They had some really cool posters, and a half a dozen of authentic items locked in a glass display he used / wore (hand cuffs / large steel ball w/ shackle for leg / one old shoe and ankle lock that looked mid-eveil).
Houdini collectables is a whole thing!
Couple auctions Ive monitored in past stuff went for crazy prices. The problem is provenance. How does one really know. The master himself actually didnt keep good records or have good biographer keeping track. His wife ran so much and didnt have time. Ive been into magic and the industry since i was 10. 40 years now. Im in entertaimment by trade and have the pleasure to work for many big names. Also got to see secrete Copperfield collection once. So cool, he spends big bucks and has an agent for before mentioned auctions.
I was told at pin a go go in may about the ramp on left going from plastic to metal and thought that was a great idea to improve visibility on that side. Also, in long run metal stronger than plastic. That's a great change and improvement.
Rosh, im not reading anything into your posts. We appreciate the updates.
To expand on Aurich comment above...I feel the news that does come out has been limited as to not create a Aliens debacle of false hope and promises.
Proud future owner of Houdini when its ready.
We do need a organized list of Dealers that will offer these nationwide. A coast to coast list would be nice.
I dont think cointaker is on the Houdini list, i could be wrong.
Thanks Joe! I know your a Great Business.
Just, its a Big country and theres bound to be somone pop up here in California.
1 week later
Getting itchy ....
Cant wait for this, looking forward to these rolling off the line in a month or so.
Quoted from rosh:Because the place is under construction and a mess! More important is that we can't risk any secret stuff accidentally being captured in the background getting published. You know how you guys study photos looking for clues about stuff.
I promise you guys at some point in the not too distant future I will post some photos of the factory.
Rosh- Thanks for the updates. I appreciate it and im sure others do to. Its the little things that help build confidence for customers like myself. Good news that all is moving forward nicely and timely.
1 week later
Quoted from cleland:Looks like the left ramp will remain plastic? I thought there was talk of changing it to a wireform? No worries either way, the game is looking to be fantastic!
I thought and noticed the same thing.
Bummer, wire would have been better.
Quoted from rosh:While not as exciting as ramps, grabbed a quick pick of this when walking through the factory.
Nice bolts.
And thank you for discription of ramp. I believe i know what you mean, played the proto a bunch.
1 week later
Quoted from rosh:Was walking through the factory today, grabbed a couple of quick photos . . .
Given these bags of sand are half empty, the rest must be at the start of the line . . .These huge pallets of color displays were being delivered, glad I'm not the one who has to break these down and put them in the parts cage, although some will go right to the back box line where they are needed.
PlaySand? From Home depot...Hummm. Hour glass best guess i could think of.
I like that in my mind.. I see my Display there on pallet, middle row front pallet.!
Love the updates, Thanks Rosh!
Sand could be used for little tiny stage sandbags used for counter weight or line pics.
Also used to fill something for ballest.
Quoted from PinMonk:Putting REAL sand or silica in tiny bags is asking for trouble. They'd be better off with the plastic SHAPE of a full bag and putting THAT inside the bags to give the illusion of full bags.
Yes agreed. I was just having fun with the picture above that has us all guessing what the sand is for.
I dont think sand belongs any where near a pinball machine.
Quoted from rosh:Here are a few more photos I took today, legs, rails and some heads on the backbox line.
Rosh, hard to tell. Is it the same powder coat color we saw on proto's on tour?
Quoted from rosh:"parts porn', but here is a photo some of you have been waiting for . .
Love that wire! Nice improvement from proto machine.
Whats your second station on assembly line?
This could be a fun game, until Houdini is finished.
Rosh, please give us updates this weekend for those of us that have to work and cant go.
I was curious about attendence and turn out at expo this year. With every new update cant wait to get thos game. 3 more items to buy.
Invisoglass
Shaker
And side blades...with shipping this will hit 8k for me fast. Still, buying this over any stern!
Beautiful factory! Whats really great about it is that you only have to build it once. I know im in on this bad boy, its the next couple games im intersted to see by maybe expo next year??
1 week later
Houdini Seance Night.
Will we hear from him?
What's the secret word?
One year from tonight when I have my game we will have a party or something, seance.
Happy Halloween Everybody.
Quoted from Aquapin:Huge news! Seance worked last night, we were able to make contact with great Harry Houdini. However I think the message is meant more for American Pinball
My seance was similar...
Ouija board said order now!
1 week later
Quoted from greatwichjohn:Winners in Canada have a Houdini puzzle padlock for under $13 CDN + Tax (clearance, about 50% off list price). Cool looking lock (metal?) with keys. It's some type of puzzle, & padlock is large. Bayers Lake in Halifax had 2 on the shelves before check out.
amazon.com link »
Funny, been watching that lock on ebay for several months, just haven't pulled the trigger.
Quoted from Aquapin:I bought one of this from Ebay, was cheap ($2.79 shipped) and will be my keychain for the coin door. They also make them in copper and silver, but stuck with bronze to match the cabinet art.
Ebay link? Thanks
These reveiws are killing me. Frothing at the mouth. Was hoping by Christmas, but would rather wait for perfection. Im in, hopefully by 50 th birthday in April.
1 month later
So close.....i wanted one under the tree, but ill settle for a nice Valentine's gift.
JJ, please Answer phone on Wed when im able to give you a call. Your my closest distributor.
Quoted from hawkmoon:Has any one ordered side rail art blades and shaker yet??? What are they charging for these,if at all???
...and Magic Glass? Cost??
Rosh- i was watching some video. Quick question. Overtime when Im done with instructions for shots, will we be able to turn those off? Much like the giggling thats been discussed?
Happy Holidays and a very successful New Year for the AP team!
2 weeks later
Quoted from transprtr4u:In the factory photos , what is the difference between a HOU1234 and a HOU1234D
Good question.
Also saw a 1008 and 1016. Is this the numbering in production order?
1 week later
1 week later
Rosh-
Any update on what you choose for a match sequence?
Also, i know it doesnt have one yet....but will you write code for a knocker?
Love knockers, lets me know i did good, pavlov feeling of accomplishment.
Quoted from beatmaster:pretty sure modders outhere will be working on it, myself included.
We are going to need shooter housing mod for this one! How about a color changing version?
Personally, keeping my mod secret, its a one off for me only, but large in scale.
But ill share this i found. Key fob, maybe cover for the AP sticker at top of head.
1 week later
Played about 6 games at Ayci Gogi on Sat night. What an amazing game, all aspects. Display, theme, video clips and animations, cabinet, playfield, shots, call outs, that trunk shot is just damn fun.
So happy ive ordered one!
Quoted from beatmaster:Got my houdini for little more than a week now.
Can anyone tell me what's your coil setting for the upper catapult? for the past 30 games or so it doesn't make it, most of the time it just hit the upper entrance/ring and falls back down on the plastics or in the orbit, i know someone said something about it not too long ago.
Does it have the famous shooter housing mod yet? What color?
Quoted from transprtr4u:Had the same issue , put a 1/4 spacer to lift up the wire form now works flawlessly. Mine was always hitting the top of the form ...
Could you post a pic of this, area? Thanks
Quoted from PinMonk:Or just use a taller hex standoff to begin with.
That was my next question. Whats the height of that hex post?
Quoted from BarryJ:Yes we are both here to help!
Thanks Barry, welcome to pinside.
Quoted from RichieWrench:HI ALL -- DID SOMEONE SAY MY NAME????
Did you order a Houdini Richie?
Rosh- Never heard or saw. Did you come up with a match sequences? Then future programming for a knocker?
THANKS
Quoted from Kerry_Richard:Eric... That looks SWEET!
More to come tomorrow. Artwork and displays.
Im game 90, and it was born on March 6th, shipped the 8th. Arrived on 14th, 48 hours later at banning show for 3 days.
Will see how many plays we can get on this bad boy.
Quoted from hawkmoon:I hope Houdini makes it to the Golden State PF at Lodi!! We had a chance to play 2 balls on Houdini at PAGG last year!! Maybe that was the pin that broke the flipper rubber! No complete code at that time,ergo only 2 ball play!!Was fun then!!
Quoted from PinballManiac40:American Pinball seminar at TPF starting shortly. https://www.twitch.tv/texas_pinball_seminar
Thanks Paul. Ill have to you tube that later.
Arcade Expo Houdini non stop playing since we opened yesterday. I cant even get a game in on my own machine. Always a line!
Quoted from Jamaster10:UPDATE
Come to the Pincades
Booth @ the Ohio Pinball Show Starts Thursday 3-22-18
Pincades
Jesse T
Have a Great Show! There will be a line the whole weekend.
Michael Gottlieb stopped by and waited in line 30 min to play, average wait at 3 day Banning show was about 20 min.
On his first and only game he got 336,480!
He loved the game, looks, theme, cabinet, georgous playfield. He loved the shots.
He was happy to hear Joe Balcer was working for AP, and Josh and his amazing programming.
Quoted from transprtr4u:Emailed Jay from IPDB ... Houdini now registered on site....
Good call, surprised it wasnt already there.
Quoted from WW2GURU:You can by a convertor online. Plug one end in the wall and the other to the machine.
I thought several months ago Rosh commented that Euro power was coming after production was up and running. I think in a few months Wayne will be getiing a container full of magic.
Quoted from bemmett:But the version that will come to us buyers is the NEW version not the old one then? There isn't some excess stock of "old version" going to be dumped on us?
Pretty sure you read it wrong. The 2 sample sheets you will never see. The new, and only version didnt arrive in time for TPF.
Quoted from Kerry_Richard:I certainly hope Houdini playfields aren't switched to another vendor. The ones I've seen are beautiful, solid and amazing! I'm also saying this bcuz; I'm a future buyer of Houdini. Seems like a fair amount of time down the road and wouldn't want to get a different manufacture company's PF.
I'm very concerned with quality of others PF companies. Especially with issues noted with ghosting, planking and now a lot of noise about ribbing. Those PF's look BAD!
This playfield is amazing. Smooth as glass after 1000 balls in my machine. Demo Sterns from Banning show were showing signs of bumps after 300 plays. Everyone at show, some new stern demo owners loved the glass off , playfield up demo for techs on Sunday morning we had.
Quoted from pinballinreno:does the game come with coin mechs installed? If not then which coin mechs should I order for it?
Comes with fully loaded coin door!
Quoted from Ericpinballfan:Comes with fully loaded coin door!
Quoted from konjurer:? I'm guessing that there are a lot of Houdini's with Pinstadiums that are running into this issue.
I don't think Houdini needs it personally. Bright white GI throughout, the back strip light for rear of game. Playing it at night, I feel its pretty bright.
Quoted from Kerry_Richard:Eric... I agree that looks really tasteful! Not too much, subtle and sharp! Nicely done!
Thanks Kerry!
Got your PM, will contact you tomorrow.
It bothers me, I still need to hammer coat and make nuts and bolts copper.
Quoted from adamross:Can’t cut a break with the scoop shooting balls SDTM. I’ve tried adjusting coil strength but less than 6 it doesn’t get out of the scoop, over 6 it’s either SDTM or left flipper.
Did you try loosing mech from underneath and a slight turn to adjust?
Quoted from adamross:Thanks Eric, but I’m not sure what you mean.
Vireland said it best.
Quoted from PinMonk:Life the playfield, loosen the screws holding the scoop assembly, turn the scoop so it faces a smidge more towards the apron, then tighten the screws again while holding the new position of the scoop in place.
Quoted from Yelobird:6.5 degrees for perfection and owners are using a different angle?
Game is supposed to be 6.5. Out of box all leg levelers all the way up.
Quoted from VividPsychosis:Don’t you mean all the down? I dunno I have mine raised a bit from stock. Just habit I suppose but I do like my games playing fast.
Well...i guess i could word it better.
Leg levelers scrwed all the way up, not out...thus leg levelers as close to leg bottom as possible.
Quoted from Yelobird:Good tip thanks. That will help should I receive my games some day. lol Makes sense at 6.5
You will get your game soon i suppose as soon as its made. The wait is based on when you put deposit in.
The AP gang tried to make this game out of box as easy as possible. Thus the design of out of box, leg levelers up, they come out of box this way, then game should be damn close to 6.5. Now if you have carpet or such, may have to make small adjustment.
Quoted from ZEUS:Curious if others are seeing this ?
Wondering if your flipper strength is to high?
I have not seen this, 460 games into my machine.
Quoted from PinMonk:One of the balls you see in the stage is "an illusion". It's not a loose, playable ball, but part of the assembly and the "magic".
Its a bummer to share that magic, but indeed fake ball there in mech.
You can see it in test mode by opening curtain and run that coil in test.
Quoted from pinballinreno:I really liked the use of magnets in the theatre of magic as far as the spirit ring and magic trunk effect.
Anything like that planned for Houdini?
Don't get me wrong I'm all in on Houdini, can't wait to get mine maybe before xmas.
Ive been seeing some neat magnet action on ball from the hands from time to time, swirling, hard toss, they work great. In seance ive had some mean ball drains from lower magnet, but thats pinball.
Quoted from rosh:I expect to button it up and start some 'field testing' by end of next week. Hard part is drawing a line in the sand and stopping adding/fixing/modifying things. Maybe if you guys stopped asking for stuff I'd be able to do that.
Thank you for making the game great.
I think on behalf of all current owners, and future buyers....we dont mind if you update and improve for years ro come. Same as Jersey Jack does. No Pressure.
I personally would love for the knocker option in future update. Not hard to buy standard Bally/ Williams knocker and run a couple wires and install. Or perhaps this is an item and kit available in the AP shop in future.
API is doing an amazing job getting these made each week at a steady pace. Another batch went out this week and more pinsiders will be posting next week about it.
Quoted from bemmett:Any quick checklist of items to check or adjust that are common on unboxing?
When you open top of box you will see yellow paperwork with instructions.
Everyone does an unboxing different.
I like to lay the whole box down and lay a couple packing blankets under box and area it will slide out on to. Open coin door and pull out onto blanket. I was lucky and had a few friends on hand. Group had been waiting for days and had a unboxing party.
There's a data east style hex wrench/key, this locks head. Only one cable harness from head to lower cab. No head bolts. The lock is a great idea borrowed from long ago.
Remove glass, there's some foam in pops and trunk, remove. Turn on!
Go to menu, eject balls, go to coil Settings, set trunk catapult power. Comes at 25 factory, out of box i only had to move it to 26.
Button it up, press start!
Enjoy....deep rules, tough game, still kicking my ass with personal couple hundred games in.
Quoted from JIM_Z:The developing reputation has me thinking of canceling my order......I'm an average player at best and don't think frustration equals fun.
That would be a mistake.
Ive owned a lot of pinballs, this is perhaps one of the best ever. Everthing gets easier with practice.
Quoted from pinden007:is there a 'match' when the game is over?
Not yet, coming soon. ~~~~fin~~~~
Based on numbers guys are posting, and ive been tracking and on this from first ship. AP is doing amazing things here. Id say average build is 20-25 a week.
I was also in from day 1 Pin-a-go-go last may and got mine March 15th, day before Banning show, just in time to take it. That was almost 10 months wait.
If your even on the fence send your $250 deposit to dealer of choice and get in line now. Something comes up, cant afford balance when you get the call. All dealers nationwide offering refund of said deposit.
This game is amazing, challenging, unique, solid build, fun, fun, fun!
Ive been staying up way to late last couple weeks getting in 10-20 games a night. Hard to turn off and go to bed.
Quoted from Ericc123:Machine number 150 just got delivered. I work until 9PM tonight so this day is going to be brutal.
You are going to be tired tomorrow.
Lets see home by 930, unboxing 30-60 min, test catapult, set strength. 10-20 games, post on pinside, now its midnight at best. Have fun!
Quoted from Ericc123:Could anyone who has a machine post some pictures of the sound box for me. My game had no sound whatsoever but I’m fairly certain this super bass box is unpowered. I can’t find any lose cords to plug into it to get it power.
Your power switch is turned off on amp in picture. And check those knobs/pots, they are either on blast mode, or turned all the way down. The red light should be eluminated on amp.
Quoted from Ericc123:It’s not the switch I’ve tried it both ways. The red light won’t light up either way it’s not getting power.
Amp has a power cord. I know, dumb to say, but did you check that power cord? Both ends?
You want red light on.
Quoted from MT45:. Also got an email back from Barry at API on this Saturday night at almost 9pm to help me trouble shoot it. (these guys ARE AMAZING!)
Barry is top notch guy.
This whole AP team are taking this to the next level.
Quoted from bobukcat:Pretty damned excited to join the owner's club, even better because it was a surprise birthday present from my wife! Have to give AP major props for the way they pack this game in the box, very, very well done. Have to adjust a few things here and there but so far I'm very happy other than having to figure out how to hit some of these shots!
Congratulations on best Birthday Gift ever!
What number did you get?
Quoted from bobukcat:My apologies if this has already been mentioned but one thing I would love to see added to software is a visual cue when the scoop is getting ready to eject the ball. This is pretty common on some other games and with the proximity to the flippers, the very real chance it's headed toward the middle and not one of the flippers and the fact the ball can come from one of three places (scoop, loop lock or shooter lane) really makes it difficult to handle scoop ejects during MB. Flashing the arrow insert rapidly right before it ejects would be a welcome aid.
Good idea. Over a couple hundred games now and Ive just taught myself to listen foe scoop. But an added visual would help.
Also important to point out that code is roughly at 90%. Josh is working on it all day, everyday, even weekends if i add it up correctly. Many great things are still coming.
Quoted from pinballinreno:Is the amp easily accessible? Those settings would be sufficient for just about anything.
From what I understand its buried in the backbox and the screen has to be removed to get to it?
Or can it be relocated?
Screen only needs removing if your hooking up a sub. The controls you see Barry holding are pointed up, so when backglass is off you see those adjustment pots. Easily reachable. With amp being in back box, i just went with a few backglass off games and made it to my liking. However, the settings shipped out were plenty good out of the box.
Quoted from pinballinreno:That's excellent news! I think I will definitely add the sub as well as a headphone jack to this game.
I really hope that some cool tricks with the magnets are going to be added to the code as Im replacing my Theatre of Magic with Houdini. I love the magnet tricks in ToM..... Its Magic!
I forgot to mention there is a master volume on coin door controls like every other Bally/Williams.
In the long run if youve had your TOM more than a couple years, you wont regret the upgrade to Houdini. Much more to do and master.
On a side not about subwoofers, thats todays project!
Quoted from pinballinreno:see a lot of guys adding subwoofers on the floor below their games.
Is it possible to add a sub inside the game (im just thinking aloud now...)?
No hole in bottom of cabinet. Where your used to seeing that speaker is just pretty cabinet. Personally i dont want to drill it. But you could, add a grill, and inside cabinet sub.
Quoted from pinballinreno:Sounds like an opportunity to use my giant hole saw
The little rusty gears in my head are starting to spin lol.
It will need 5 or 6 inch hole saw, or template and slow hand jig saw or panel saw after good 1 inch pilot hole.
Advantage if external....you can hook up more than one pinball machine. Add a inline switcher from Frys for $25. Just click to one of 4 pins. Less dust and no vacume needed.
It is a tight backglass, but it gives me comfort its in there secure. This Backglass is nice work of Art.
Quoted from mbelofsky:My Houdini arrived. Opened box in front of driver. Looks good. About to bring downstairs. Mine was assembled April 2018 so assume just a few days ago and number 1171.
Congrats! Welcome to the club. I got mine March 14th, #90. So 80 games in 4 weeks. Like ive said before, 20-25 games made a week and production continues to accelerate!
Officially, more Houdini's made than TNA i believe and they've had twice as long.
So kudos to American pinball.
Rip Harry Anderson. Great magician and teacher of magic. Kind soul. Playing Houdini for you tonight.
Quoted from thewool:This game was on my want list but my first experience was not a great one. Are all of these machines playing the same way? Could setup have something to do with it?
Set up has a lot to do with it. Every coil including flippers you can control strength with in settings. Mine is playing great. I have played another that hadn't had a lot of attention to settings and several aspects of it needed tweaking. Some operators are more dedicated than others.
I wouldnt let one on route set your opinion on game. In time you'll have a chance at another, id wait for a final opinion.
In the mean time, place a deposit with your local distributor, when you get home set it up to your liking. 
Just updated successfully. It will go to red writing that says updating. Then ypu get tbe green pictured above.
Quoted from PinMonk:I don't think I've seen the pirate pull! I'll add it to the list. Be funnier if it pulled the cut jjPotC playfield map rings out.
There will probably be one last or two code updates. Plenty of time to get that in.
Quoted from LTG:On the Dialed In ? Looks like the CE topper.
LTG : )
Lloyd, did you mean MB?...is that a hint?
Quoted from beatmaster:thanks for the kind words Lou, I'm glad you like it.
Hey, nice keychain.
The shooter Rod is awesome. Enjoyed mine for over a month now. The black shroud decals Rock as well! Thank you!
Quoted from BladeFury:Never paid attention that my start button doesn't even light up....checked bulb and good... any ideas where problem may be? Remember reading somewhere about a dip switch caused this on another game?
Thx for any help
Don't know if this will help. But here's a pic of the back of the button and wires.
Quoted from transprtr4u:There will be a third ... Dan from Tilttoppers is making one as well!
I just remembered. My game came with mini topper in coin box!
Quoted from LTG:Fat 32
Instructions in the manual page 6-1, you can download the latest version here : https://www.american-pinball.com/support/
LTG : )
2 GB is a big enough usb stick.
Quoted from bobukcat:Cool, looks like there's one in my goodie bag too, haven't opened it yet. Speaking of that, what's the board with the switches and ribbon cable in there for? I noticed it when unboxing and I think I've read the answer somewhere but I'm feeling too lazy to look for it right now.
You just got your game a week ago right?
That could be a secondary power supply board for the transformer. You should send an email to Barry tomorrow and see if there is instructions for it.
Quoted from BladeFury:That's how mine looks. .. any chance you could get me pics of boards on side of machine dip switches?
Done. Picture is strait forward as you look at left to right.
Quoted from PinMonk:Powdercoating the service rails was also wasted money. It looks fantastic, but it's not durable, so it ends up looking much rattier than a regular steel set of service rails with chips and scratches in the coating pretty quickly. More heavy-duty service rails with no powder coating would have been better.
Haven't had time to comment on this one.
Day one, unboxing several pinheads from my area were over for the big day. Service rails came right up on topic in first 15 min game was plugged in while we were under hood checking things out. Why would they do this (AP)? Immediately an operator here in so cal for many, many years commented how smart that was...SAFETY YELLOW. Now he commentented how many times he's bumped his head on these rails for years.
Never had a second thought about them and think it was a smart thing to do.
They were powder coated for safety. Durability I don't think is an issue, there service rails, i actually think they are pretty durable and I have no flaking paint or scratches on mine.
Quoted from Yelobird:Sooooo close! After 10 months of waiting I Believe this is the week I Finally get my Houdini's!! Urika! I have a chalk outline on the floor waiting for his arrival and the Escelara is all charged up for the decent. Just waiting on the green light from Joe at PinballStar!
Let's all text Joe at 3am and get this game to you now. Worth the wait Modfather.
Quoted from Yelobird:First off Love that idea and intend to text him just for fun all evening with Every game played. Second, while honored the ModFather is the Man and in a league of his own. Not me. Love his stuff very much!!
Oops, my apologies!
Just reading fast, Freudian slip.
Your both great Mod couple too! 
Quoted from LTG:First thing I thought of. For safety. In home or on location.
LTG : )
I've had way to many pinball injuries to count.
I appreciate the safety yellow service rails.
Quoted from CUJO:No I did not. Are you telling me I need to UP the settings?
The Ball Scoop eject has been working perfectly. The balls that get stuck are ricochets from other places.
No,No...
Not to speak for Barry, but ive spoken with Barry several times.
Over setting the flippers can cause serious ricochet's...ie flippers above 23.
I suggest out of box set flippers to 21...play 30 games and up by 1 if need be. Never really a need to go above 22.
Quoted from jesselee72:Hey all, just got my Houdini today, it's Dead on Arrival, I'm sure it's something simple but does anybody have some simple things to check first? Thanks much
To add to LTG.
See if the black power cord fits securly to back of cabinet.
There is also a fuse at power box inside coin door. Check and see if it is firmly connected, twisted in, clockwise.
Mod couple...( Got it right this time)
Congrats on your new game.
What numbered machines did you get?
Think I see Hou1208? And?...
Wow....So amazing American Pinball!
Do i count 100 machines shipped in April?
Quoted from Rferullo:Houdini arrives today!!! Any suggestions or things to check before I start playing?
There is a set of instructions when opening box. Pretty plain forward like most unboxings.
Leg levelers should start all the way up, screwed up touching legs.
If your on carpet check your pitch, ideal is 6.5 deg.
Glass off, eject balls, go to menu, first screen, all the way to right, select, coin door open , pull interlock switch out, hit start, all 6 balls should come out. My game shipped with balls in through.
Now go to coils in settings. Hand feed ball into lower catapult, check to see how balls go into trunk. Adjust by 1, up or down depending on how it goes in, or no adjustment if good.
Place all 6 balls in through. It far right button twice, game will go in to attract.
Play and have fun all day, pump up the volume.
Oh, put glass back on.
Quoted from PinballTilt:I'm out of the club. Houdini was not the right game for me. Fortunately it was easy to trade it for something else. American Pinball, you guys are great though and I wish you the best.
That quick! 
Sorry it didnt work, glad trade was easy.
Quoted from hawkmoon:OK,lots of second thoughts going on! Whats the deal??Are the shots just to tight? I've heard about the flow,some saying its slow go and requires you to hit targets in sequence? PinballTilt is out,any thoughts??
Hawkmoon. Cant speak for pinballtilt but game is challenging, ie Woz is best example. Combination of shots to earm modes. 25 modes in total with some mini wizard modes.
Shots are tight, but not that tight, all doable with a little practice and feel for flow. Yes my first 20 or so games were drain monsters but over past month and half Ive only enjoyed the game more and more.
With any game some arent for all.
Example, not a fan of Medieval madness, but some swear by it. Im not a WCS 94 fan based on theme, ok to play, but wouldnt buy one.
Always play a game before purchasing perhaps best advice.
Quoted from konjurer:API Grand Theater Stickers are awesome! Well worth the $30. Beatmaster also threw in a Houdini poster magnet that looks great on the coin door.
Agreed, they are a great cover to the black box.
Quoted from HOOKED:Anyone else noticed the naked girl in the window on the center plastic? Noted it today when i was toying with a mod placement.
No, but now Im going to look as soon as I get home. 
Mods eyy, center plastic?
What do I get if I guess it?
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Aah that makes sense! Thanks guys. Darn it, now I need to wait until I get home!!
Same thing happened to me. Since your there loosing those 3 screws. Take a moment and bend the bracket towards the backboard a little. Now when you tighten it all back up you will get that extra pinch to hold that Led strip shield on better.
Quoted from rosh:Talk about white glove service
Wow, Ill say. I dont see this option at check out to add to cart. American pinball continues to step it up a notch.
Quoted from hawkmoon:Well,hopefully,JJ at GEX will be contacting me soon!!!Hard waiting and watching you guys rip it up
JJ will hook you up soon. Call him and have him delivery and set up before Golden State pinball show.
Quoted from PinMonk:You can't just slide a piece of paper or business card between the opto and the channel while in switch test mode? That's what I usually do.
I could swipe my finger through it.
Quoted from PinMonk:Not knowing where the opto was, I assumed that would be hard if it's inside the subway pressed against the underside of the PF. I know for the ones by the scoop on the right using paper to trigger them is easiest.
Your way is good to. There is a good air gap between subway and playfield. Opto is about 4 inches down hill from the trunk hole and divertor.
Been working on this for a month.
Hope you all like it.
Anaheim, CA
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/houdinicustom-planchette-upgrade3d-engraved-playfield-mod
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Oh man.. that looks fantastic! My wallet hates you
2 Style's available. On bottom Arch under the"All Seeing Eye", it either says Houdini or Oracle.
Some have suggested the game says Houdini to much. Thus, I came up with the Oracle.
Quoted from beatmaster:nice work Eric. can't wait to try it out.
Thanks Bob.
That's a huge compliment coming from you.
Love my shooter rod and API Theater decals!
I have early production game #90. Im able to hit all skill shot targets. Now getting the skill shot is another story.
Soft plunge is the key. To much strength on plunge and it adds a velocity that is impossible to control.
Quoted from rosh:As far as Barry’s other comment about no “variable skill shot” clearly he and production are not reading what has been on the white board in my office for months, then again, with my handwriting…
Thats funny. Barry is a busy guy..that and you keep the door locked to your office with a sign that says no Barry and Joe B. 
Quoted from billsfanmd:Any way to buy a large Houdini pin poster? Would love one next to the pin when I get one.
I bought, framed and LED'd the translite.
Quoted from PinMonk:Yellow leds will probably look better than white for the colors in the translite.
It actully is color changing and goes thru whole spectrum. There is a few points going from red to orange and blue to green where it appears that the stage and Houdini are 3D.
Quoted from hoby1:Not mine.
Super soft plunge?
Have you tried moving to a brown shooter spring, low tension?
Quoted from pinden007:My coin door is a little wobbly and I have to lift up to close the door.
Open door and check every bolt.
Something is loose.
Quoted from JIM_Z:looks like its all in the hinge...
Personally I just remove the coin box all-together. Home use don't need it.
Flippers at 21 is a good Landing point.
Carpet can be tricky. The machine sinks in after a couple days. So yes, being on carpet means you may have to raise rear legs a litlle to get to 6 deg.
Quoted from pinden007:I thought someone said that the levelers should be all the way down on all 4.
Wrong way to say it. The leg levelers should be screwed all the way up touching the bottom of the leg. No screw threads showing.
Quoted from rosh:For those who don't follow Nitro on Facebook, you need to check this out. This is a guy who knows how to make his Houdini Pinball machine feel at home.
https://www.facebook.com/NITROPINBALL/videos/1142690015867915/
I thought Rdoyle78 had a really nice setup, https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/american-pinball-houdini-thread/page/74#post-4387713 but this guy took it up a notch.
Also love that it is his first machine.
WOW! That Cage is amazing! Current Mod winner for sure if AP has a competition Going. Send that Guy a T-Shirt!
Quoted from hoby1:Ive spent hours....
Im wondering if from factory you had this inset for the guide? , notch in the wood rail?
I also have no problems hitting all 3 skill shot targets.
Quoted from PinMonk:Art blade already torn?
Yup- There all beat up. What happens when your modding your game, demo parts. Playfield been pulled out and up more than most I'm sure.
I don't like to use the word torn, I call them character marks to match the Steampunk feel. Have them on both sides.
I can't blame design or cabinet. Besides, they were to new and shiny anyway.
Figured when I'm done customizing in a year I'd get new one's.
Quoted from hawkmoon:SO,now we have to redo the shooter lane guide!!! And try to set the catapult at the right power! And this is ok with all of you?? No,sorry.I'm not up to rebuild a brand new pin any more! After GB node board failure,B66LE broke in box,I'm looking for a pin that works right at least new in box!! I guess pinball manufactors don't give a shit how there product is presented! Gonna have to rethink if I want a pin to work on,or,just play!!!!This isn't it
Hawkmoon- I get what your saying but its not like what you describe.
The catapult is just part of set up. Between your floor, leg levelers, pitch, in-line power stenght...there is a lot of physics going on to throw that ball into trunk. Each coil is adjustable on this pin. Much like the JJP design its to our benefit to control coil strength.
Sure, I've had a few switches get loose. But every problem Ive come across has been minor. Easy fixes.
The shooter lane topic. If you read back what you see with that modification that person is in the minority. Most everyone can hit the 3 targets from shooter lane. He took his idea and was convinced that was the fix.
This is no stern..., period, mic drop, etc..
AP has churned out a quality product that is very impressive.
Also reading back I see mostly satisfied customers. These are mechanical devices, things will break.
My post reflects that I have been an early beta tester to tell the factory minor tweaks. I given Barry several ideas to say, hey do this, do that. He has been very receptive and its only to make your unboxing a pleasant experience. I think you will be happy with your game.
You have my number, call me with any questions when you get your game.
Quoted from pinden007:Is it possible to have both return from beyond and escape death lit at the same time? I thought that was the case last night (via 2nd seance jackpot and magic shop visit) and when the ball drained over the escape death, I didn't get a change to escape death - I died.
I've seen them both lit, but i drained down the middle.
Quoted from hoby1:R U sending buyers that have one a manual. All we got was a little guide
Ask your distributors. I think Joe pinball star said something about that few months back.
Quoted from WW2GURU:Who did you order it from? AP or your dist?
American Pinball website. Click store, cart it up and paypal. Super easy. $99 plus shipping.
Quoted from rosh:There are no Zs in the machine so I can not fully endorse this mod
There is one "Z" now. 
Quoted from Gooch:So got Houdini in the house a couple of days ago, absolutely love it! But, started having resets every game for some reason last night. Try to put a second player game on and machine would go dark and reset. Try to play through a single player game, maybe make it to the third ball, and then goes dar. Kicks a ball out into the shooter lane and resets. Anybody experienced this? Rosh or Barry, any ideas?
Im not Barry or Josh...but try reseating or make sure all your hdmi cables are plugged in and not loose from shipping. Double check backbox and under playfield left side.
Quoted from Malibu-SS:Having a problem with the ball trough.Takes multiple trys to get the ball out....have tried many different coil strengths.no difference.Looked at the assembly and everything looks good and nothing is loose,any ideas?
Check the spring on coil into shooter lane. They can get bent and off to one side causing it to jam a little and not react correctly. Another theory, ive seen a loose nut or bolt get down there and block exit. Eject all 6 balls and inspect with flashlight and magnet extender.
Quoted from Litedpinballmods:How many Houdini's are they making? Are they making for a few years as long as they sell, or is it a limited run?
Open run, no license.
As long as there is interest they can produce machines.
Quoted from pinballinreno:It may just be me.
But I like the before picture the best.
This title doesnt need pinstadium IMO...
Already comes with nice GI, and a pinstadium style strip on backboard.
Quoted from rosh:Was just in the factory, saw 1304 in the shipping area.
That's amazing American Pinball!
300 machine's in 5 months.
Quoted from BarryJ:No worries.. What is clear to me might not be to someone else, just looking for feedback. Maybe with the black and white pictures I will add a close up...OR would you rather be able to pull the color version off the web??? LMK
Yes, all updates, revisions, installation instructions, tweaks, should go up on webpage under support page. Big clear color pics for all with bad vision.
Thanks Barry.
Loving the shaker. But, I dont feel it for any trunk movement, throw or trunk drop.
Pops are nice with it, seems to build the more you hit, first couple hits doesnt seem to kick right in. I like the jail door slam. I felt shaker on a really great game earning it at free game boosts, however didn't feel shaker on final match I got on that game.
Love to see it implemented in a few more places but agree , to much can be to much.
Perhaps when ball ejects into shooter lane, just a small rumble would be nice. Also, still waiting for a shooter lane switch noise when you plunge.
Man from beyond as you chip out of ice would be another great shaker sequence.
Installation is a breeze for shaker.
Use a magnetic nut driver for two screws closet to cabinet wall. Wire harness a bit in the way to coin door for shaker cover. Unscrew the harness at coin box board first by tilt. Then theres plenty of room to manipulate the harness around during installatuon. When done make sure you have room for tilt mech to swing freely.
Great add on at an amazing price.
Quoted from hawkmoon:Well,8 days ago,JJ called and said my houdini with shaker,side art blades and magic glass was on his dock ready to go! I payed in full the next day! 7 days have gone by and I don't even have a tracking number! Yes I know JJ was at the GSPF,so was I and I tried for 2 days to get a msg.to him,no luck! The guy I know who deals with JJ says his pins come in 3 days! We live in the same town,so,I don't see all this fabulous service everybody raves about
Hawk, call JJ. Kinda his deal, distributors are responsible for final payment to factory and all shipping details. I spoke with him twice last week, he's very responsive. Call now and he will call you back after morning cup of coffee.
Quoted from rosh:Should feel it when the trunk closes after the ball is thrown.
I'll go play a game right now. Never to early for pinball. Maybe it's that I'm on carpet? Is there a shaker intensity adjust yet? Maybe in future could add that to features like coil adjustment, not much, maybe a 3 tier implement, soft, med, A lot! .
Quoted from rosh:Should feel it when the trunk closes after the ball is thrown.
Got shaker to work on trunk. Had to give minor bend to that switch behind trunk lid behind backboard. Was just missing it by a millimeter sometimes.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:So what was wrong? It wasn’t detecting the trunk closing?
Correct, but technically not detecting trunk open making contact with switch.
Quoted from rogerdodger:Hi Guys:
I have played a few games on Houdini and am really trying to love it but I am 'on the fence' about buying one. I love the theme, art, LCD and toys but the gameplay didn't grab me. Having said that, I didn't know the rules, so was just shooting the balls around.
There seems to be quite a number coming up for sale or trade, with very low plays, here and in other pinball groups.
In hindsight, would all or most of you buy Houdini again, after owning it for a while?
No flames, please. Just helpful, honest, opinions will help me decide.
Thanks so much.
Roger
If i had the money right now...
I would buy another, keep it in the box in storage for 10 years, just so I have a fresh one a decade from now. Or sell it for 25k, because ill still own my game #90, and these will have legs for years to come.
Deep fun rule set.
Quoted from BladeFury:Fun Shot I'm learning
» YouTube video
Ive been practicing that lock shot for a month just like you. Im only at maybe 10%. Improved my milkcan considerably over time, maybe 50% succsess.
Quoted from hawkmoon:Houdini finally in the house!!!!Good pointers on that milk can shot!! Haven't been able to lock in that shot yet!! Mucho fun!!!!
Congratulations Hawk!
Glad it finally made it. What game number did you get?
Quoted from CUJO:Forgive me if this has been answered and I thought I had asked about a solution to this earlier but was there a "fix" or solution to the ball getting stuck behind the planchette? This is happening a a lot to me as of late. I have tried moving the wires and turning the planchette a little to make a way for the ball to get thru but never seems to work long term.
You need to shift planchette a little more to the right. The bent metal can be angled so that there is no flat spot, ball will roll right off into shooter lane.
Quoted from rosh:Heading to the airport soon!
Congratulations to American Pinball again!
First of all they are at game 325 by June 1st!
And games are heading overseas! I know the certs took awhile but getting it right was more important than rushing them out.
Quoted from mcbPalisade:You tested it with the generator or it will be powered with one there?
A generator is a bad choice to test with because of variance. Both voltage and frequency vary with engine RPM on simple generators. Might I suggest you'd be much better off with a high-quality 50Hz sine wave inverter or an HQ inverter-based generator.
Thats the correct inverter on the rolly cart to the right in picture, top shelf of cart.
Quoted from volkdrive:Set mine up yesterday and the catapult is shooting right of the trunk. Any direction on what to look at? The catapult itself doesn’t appear centred, should it be or off to one side slightly?
Start with coil strength. Set to 24, if it falls short, try 25. By 26 or 27 you should be nailing it. Now, if you go to 28 or 29 its to strong and veer's to the right.
Quoted from WW2GURU:I chatted with Barry a couple weeks ago and already have some odds and ends getting dealt with. As a pilot I'm a firm believer in redundancy. Therefore I've emailed, called and posted online. That said, the help email doesn't kickback a ticket, case number or confirmation email to verify it has been received. I was also hoping someone could chime in to say what board is driving this particular LED strip so I can start to troubleshoot over the weekend. Start with the east things like output voltage and connector seating. Already tried to follow the harness and haven't found the end.
Im willing to bet its not a board issue for your led strip. My best guess is connectors at either end. The black shrinkwrap off of led strip on backboard is hiding the connector to the strip. A good ball hit could loosen it. Second wires come out the back are a yellow and orange/black. They dont go far, about 20 inches under playfield to connector pictured below. Try reseating both ends.
20180603_074201 (resized).jpg20180603_074251 (resized).jpg20180603_074314 (resized).jpgQuoted from Josho:I'm a semi-pro magician and I've just acquired a Houdini. Got it set up today and seems to be working great. But I do have a couple of questions.
Josh- Welcome to Pinside! Congrats on getting a Houdini!
Quoted from Josho:1. There's a little bit of "play" in the front panel, even when it's locked into position. Is this normal?
Yes. It's normal for this pin. The lockdown bar has a slight play. It's a cabinet thing discussed a few pages back. However, you can place a couple rubber tabs left and right on the bar itself to reduce the movement.
Quoted from Josho:2. I'm wondering about Attract mode. I have both Attract Sounds and Attract Music enabled, but I'm hearing almost nothing...no music, and a bit of speech maybe every 8-10 minutes or so. Is this normal?
I'm running the current version of the code -- v18.5.4.
So far that is all there is. More code updates to come, very easy to update with a USB stick. Standby for that attract music. Rosh on this forum is the programmer. Maybe he can chime in, but I'm sure there's more to come soon.
Just so Happens, His real name is Josh as well.
Quoted from Josho:I just cleared the red on the "tilt" feature by testing the plumb bob and touching it to the ring.
But I have no idea how to test the Left Locks 1, 2, and 3.
Quoted from Audioenslaved:From the sounds of things you haven’t hit those switches in a while. But I’m just guessing from what you’ve said in this post. Maybe pull the glass off and hit those switches.
Indeed. Pull glass and touch them by hand.
Your game is new! Yes, we all want these perfect out of box but life doesn't work that way.
Just set up a Dialed In recently out of box and it had a few bugs to. These are large mechanical devices sent upright on trucks.
My point above; I had those 3 switches a little loose out of box, but my #2(center) was way to tight, so tight it wasn't activating the micro switch inside.
Big heads up here on this pin. VERY tight playfield when pulling table out and lifting playfield. Try and keep it to a minimum. On the right side is the 3 opto subway midfield underneath. Those can get bumped off when lifting table if not careful.
Quoted from WW2GURU:So it turned out thats exactly what it was, the connector under that shrink wrap. although now I kinda like the shadows cast by the wireform by only having the spotlight on the trunk lol.
Nice , you found the problem!
Those tiny pins at the end of LED strips are tricky. When I build projects with them I always hot glue gun the connectors together.
I recommend this when you fix it.
Quoted from nwpinball:Joe Balcer streaming live at the Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show right now!
http://www.nwpinballshow.com/live-stream
Nice stream. Thank you for doing this Northwest Pinball!
Quoted from bobukcat:I agree with Rosh that those two modes are tough enough as it is, don't think I've ever spelled SEANCE in order yet.
Same here. With all the balls flying around, never spelled seance in order yet.
Quoted from transprtr4u:Never noticed .. "Ball in play#"
I love the light bulbs representing ball in play on right side of scoring screen.
I always looked for partial credits as a kid.
Games that said 1/2 credit, got my money first. To this day on locations I like to win games and leave them behind for the next guy, gal or kids.
Quoted from BladeFury:Aaaaaaaaaaaaah flipper buttons???
Nailed it.
Quoted from LTG:In the coin box is odd. When flipper buttons break, they are usually on the outside of the game somewhere.
LTG : )
I didnt get a set of buttons in my coin box. 
Quoted from Lysurgeon:To much work or no interest?
Maybe Rosh will chime in tomorrow.
I personally think that stat would be skewed with modes and not reflect true points per flip.
Quoted from LTG:Great interview. You know he has a lot of work in it, and there is still excitement in his voice. Makes for a great game !
LTG : )
Disclaimer : I have to get one of the stuffed monkeys.
You mean a neutered monkey.
Quoted from Josho:So I've had my Houdini for 2-3 weeks now, and I've noticed that the stand-up target that's the first E in "Escape" has started to get a little torqued. I suspect it's from the ball hitting it, at an angle, off the flippers.
So far, the switch is working just fine, but I wonder if this is something that needs to be corrected, or if it's just a cosmetic issue that I should learn to deal with. If it DOES need to be corrected, is it something that I can do easily from the top (with just the glass removed), or does it require something more involved?
Thanks for any know-how...
Josh
This damage is indicitive of Flipper strenght to high. What are your flipper coils set at?
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:I dont think so. You can see tye ball. It just sits in the catapult below the chest
Well, that is the catapult switch.
Does the ball just sit there and wait till a ball search happens?
If so, check the switch under playfield. It's tight back in that lower left corner and if the table has been raised a few times you can easily pop a wire off switch. Ive Done it twice. Quick solder and i was up and running. The switch itself is new, so check that it isn't loose, ie the 2 screws holding on. Can get a little loose and lower a bit. Then there's the switch itself, check the micro black button on arm into white housing.
Quoted from Tuna_Delight:Anyone added a "hammered bronze" (or other color) Chrome Candy shooter rod to their Houdini and have a pic you can share?
I purchased Beatmasters shooter rod.
Like it a lot. Whole hand grasp feel.
20180327_140849 (resized).jpgQuoted from Tuna_Delight:Thanks - that does fit well with the look of the game, but I prefer the feel of spherical shooter knobs.
I'm thinking this one may match the armor best:
https://chromecandy.com/collections/all/products/pinball-shooter-rod-hammered-bronze
TUNA- That shooter rod looks amazing. If I already didnt have one Id buy that today.
Quoted from konjurer:My upper catapult quit working after I pulled the playfield. Looking at the switch, you can see that the contact got sheared off. The contact is sticking right out into the track just begging to be cut off. Not sure that was the best design. Be careful when pulling the playfield!
I could attempt to solder but there is almost no play in the wire leading to that contact and my soldering skills are not that good. Any ideas?
Its tight back there for sure.
See my post #4517, done it twice.
You can remove the switch to make it easier to solder. Only need metal on metal to make it work. I didnt think mine was fixable but i did make it work again.
You could ring Barry up and he probably could tell you where to source a new one.
Sorry Barry, bus was just sitting there.
Quoted from enkiktd:After 5 videos and a bunch of pictures, Barry was able to help me find why my flipper was annoyingly weak (seriously the thing was driving me nuts). We went through adjusting and tightening everything on the assembly, and it turns out that there’s just no coil sleeve.
That’s so unusual that I didn’t even think to look to see if it was missing. Doh!
9 times out of 10, its something simple.
Just like oil on new factory leafs mentioned above. Kudos to Barry for helping you through this.
Quoted from mcbPalisade:Look at how many inspections this got through, scary
Scary, No. Its an assembly line, things happen.
Quoted from PinMonk:Super Secret Skill shot!
Quoted from Tuna_Delight:Super secret" skill shot?!
I actually thought i found one.
So skill shot scrolls thru 3 targets at a certain pace, increases as you make it from ball to ball getting faster scroll. Been several times ive eraned an extra ball off the skill shot but extra ball wasnt one of the 3 choices. Was thinking its those moments you catch 2 targets at once?
Quoted from rosh:You probably had gotten hold bonus multiplier on your previous ball (with a 2x or higher multiplier) and then hit the 5X Bonus Multiplier on the skill shot which then increased it high enough to get the bonus multiplier extra ball. Although also depends on what you have it set at, the default is 7, but if you set it down to 5 . . .
Thank you Josh.
Thats also a great idea and method of potential extra ball!
Mines set to 7x, Im 98% factory presets 3 ball. So enjoy earning a few extra balls during a good game. Just gives me more chances to screw up.
Quoted from Tuna_Delight:Very cool! I have Eric's fantastic Houdini mods and coincidentally, just ordered The MOD Couple's "Q The Robot" mod earlier this evening. Thanks for producing these excellent additions to the game!
Thanks Tuna!
What a pleasure it is to work with themodcouplepinball.com !
So Honored they aporoached me for a great partnership.
They will now carry all my mods full time.
Quoted from Yelobird:Theres a reason Bally/Williams/Others put all those big redundant parts into the pinball machines. Just an observation. Not all sites/locations are created equal.
I believe daughter board is in the works.
Barry and I have talked about it.
Quoted from billsfanmd:thx. i’ll try it!
Once leg levelers are all the way up on on 4 legs...take lower catapult back down to 26. When you unbox a new Houdini it has a set of paperwork telling you about this leg leveler set up.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:Might be a good idea to check and make sure you have a coil sleeve; that was an issue on somebody’s game earlier in the thread
2nd that thought. Seems odd, but when a manufacturer assembles 1000 flipper mechs, this can happen. Cant blame American Pinball for this oddity, happens in all products. Perhaps on the line that one guy after lunch wasnt thinking and left out the sleeve in a dozen or so mechs.
Quoted from RTS:Yeah, but only on the left flipper coil? Unlikely.
And twice reported in 3 days...hummm.
Quoted from RTS:Turns out the sleeves were not missing. I just wasn't able to see any of the sleeve tip protruding like the other coils. Swapped out the left coil sleeve anyway.
Also, on my game, the ball is never able to reach the top skill shot target, even at a full plunge. The shooter lane ball guide is pretty solidly screwed into position. It doesn't seem possible to adjust it to send the ball higher.
Has anyone else had this issue and/or know of a fix?
There is a fix for this on AP web site. Takes a little work, but worth it.
Quoted from MMP:Visited the AP factory and GAP while in the area a couple of weeks back. Was impressed with both. Can't wait for my Houdini to arrive.
Quoted from LTG:That would be fun to do. The new factory too, once it's rolling.
LTG : )
Wonder if New building will be ready by Expo?
On bucket list!
Quoted from Manimal:I'm sure this is covered somewhere and I am missing it, but every time I lift the playfield, I have a ball in the subway. I am assuming it gets held during multiball, but shouldn't it eject at the end of of the game? It is before the subway diverter, and I have verified the subway optics work. Thanks
Both the subway and playfield ball locks hold balls from game to game. Much like the Idol lock on Indy.
Since glass is off and lifting playfield Ive just gotten into the habit when needed to, "Eject Houdini's Balls".
Quoted from jeffspinballpalace:Holy Smokes! Only played about ten games on Houdini and watched a few vids. But I read through the service manual and was blown away how legit this game is. Looks to be solidly designed and very difficult to complete if you leave Houdini letter settings as default. This game has jumped the shark ... and landed on top my want list ahead of POTC.
Took you long enough Jeff.
Deep, Fun and all engrossing game play.
Shaker motor is a must when you order one.
Quoted from MightyGrave:My Houdini arrives in 2 days and i'm very excited. So i want to ask if there are any advices, tips or things to look for when settingup / adjust the magic Houdini.c
Quoted from ezeltmann:i'm getting one within the hour and am interested in the same info!!!
Ok guys, not only are you two very lucky...
Your going to love this pin.
Im considering selling several now that this has hit the house.
1) Follow instructions when you open box.
2) Make sure you roll leg levelers all the way up, ie. Touching the bottom of leg, no threads showing.
3) Remove glass, and open coin door, remove coin box, leave it out unless on route.
4) Make sure balls all come out. In instructions.
5) Now set lower catapult, put on 26 if not already. Test all 6 balls in lower catapult, you can just place them in it one at a time. If not making trunk shot increase by 1. Should be fine at 26.
6) If you dont have it yetx install an inclimeter on smart phone, see if you are at 6.5 on playfield with the glass off.
7) How is that lower catpult now?
8) Level, Level, level,nmeaning left to right is balanced.
9) Be careful every time you raise playfield. Its a tight fit, if your not careful you can pop off opto's on right side for subway lock.
10) Put glass back on, dont cheat, Enjoy the hell out of it all night long!.
Quoted from LTG:This thread keeps getting better and better.
Thank you American Pinball !
LTG : )
And...When the new code update drops...
This game gets better and better!
1 week later
Quoted from CUJO:Mine seem to be getting more snappy the more I play Houdini. I've had mine for 3 months now. They were sorta lethargic at first but they are now very lively without any adjustments made by me.
Agreed 100%. They are new machines. The more you play it, the more the pops loosen up so to speak.
Quoted from MMP:My Houdini arrived last night. I've had a few NIBs and never seen a game packed as well as this one! Solid and heavy as a tank too.
The packing job is very well done. Ive unboxed an AcDc luci, Di and Houdini in the last couple months. Houdini wins hands down.
Quoted from MMP:I had 1 ball miss the trunk, now trunk post won't go down. Anyone have that happen and know what's the fix?
White nylon post that holds trunk open?
It would be unrelated to a ball miss. Game not that smart.
Go to coil tests and run thru them all. Then do trunk several times to see how it reacts.
Report back.
Quoted from MMP:Got it. your address?
actually it was just the mechanism bent not allowing the post to slide up and down.
Was going to mention only possibles would be debri, bent, alignment.
Quoted from MMP:I must admit I sliced up the box at 4 corners because that's my normal unboxing.
My cat was a trooper, even when I piled my extras on her scratching post lounger.
I saved my box. Out here in Ca we keep them in case of earthquakes, that way we can always sleep in them. I need to look but pretty sure instructions are on box.
Quoted from CUJO:Funny you should say that Rosh....should start a thread on pinball box uses next...
Here's where my Houdini box ended up... "2 Devils being married??"
That is frickin adorable! What great kids!
This video has cute factor of 10++
Quoted from hawkmoon:Thank-you fellas,Tuna wuz right,clelend,also and thanks mightyGrave!!:)I'm at 785,480 point wise,can do 2 tricks,no houdini letters as of yet! Any body got Houdini letters yet????
My record is 3 Houdini (HOU) letters with glass on, lol.
Quoted from rosh:For those going to CAX, I'll be doing a talk Saturday at 4PM in the Magnolia Room. You will also find me hanging out with Houdini in Don's Custom Service's booth.
Look forward to finally meeting you Sat Josh!
Quoted from konjurer:Since a setting was added to give more time per mode I can get one or two modes (Illusion) completed and maybe the first combo and if I’m on fire perhaps a movie. I’m an average player.
I think I’m really going to have to dial down the difficulty level to have hope of reaching any mini wizard mode.
I gave in about a month ago and lowered the posts on left and right out lanes. To my surprise, not much help for extended game or ball save in those out lanes. The ball on left still can just miss post and drain. On the right, it's actually going to shooter lane, say 5% of the time. Helping on right but auto kicker will just kick it out as it should during those multiballs.
Quoted from Tuna_Delight:I have mine set to 5 balls, outlanes on narrowest setting, and modes set to 60 secs too. The game is still VERY challenging, but a lot of fun overall for me.
Im still on 3 balls. I am firm believer that all Houdini's on location should be 5 balls.
Quoted from Ericc123:I never had an issue with the negative call outs. For me that was part of the fun/humor of the game. I'm actually surprised with how many people that it bothers.
The audience boooing at failed modes makes me laugh.
Theres a great shop in Carmel. The tin toy, or Tin soldier. They sell miniature figures and chess sets. Soldier regiments and what not. Awesome store.
Quoted from Yelobird:Will spit work? I'm out of 409!
Nose grease. Very common product, always there when you need it. Actually works great on film gates and fine threads to.
Before everone strats messing with catapult start at zero....
All leg levelers all the way up!
Sorry, thought i should say it out loud again.
Joe B"s design.
2 weeks later
Ok, I cant figure it out. Was just going through manual online.
How do I do a Custom Message? I have custom message on in settings.
Thanks in advance gang.
Quoted from Josho:You will need to create a .png file (you can do this with Photoshop or similar programs). Your image needs to be set to 72 dpi (this may actually show up as 72.009) and the image itself needs to be 1360 pixels by 768 pixels. It's important that you follow these guidelines.
Once you have the .png file, put it on a USB stick (best not to have any othe rfiles on that stick!). With the game powered on, plug in the USB stick. Once the file is transferred, you will need to power cycle the game.
Good luck!
Josh
Josh- Thank you so much!!
Now to work on my image and File.
Quoted from pinballinreno:With the logo in the upper right my theory is the coating is on the bottom of the glass at that point.
I think you should be okay, as I said earlier my logo was in the upper left when I got the game.
Is it wrong I hate that printing on the glass?
How visible is it during game play.
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:It should be under the lock bar when it's on the bottom like that
Thanks, I couldn't tell from the pic.
And what is the best way to clean Magic glass?
Lastley- when you get a sheet, are there no instructions for installation or care?
Quoted from Yelobird:Not sure if there is a Mod opportunity but curious if anyone has considered adding a strip of mylar to the edge of the playfield or possibly to the side art itself? Fairly thin and yes might be slightly shiny but rather strong in most cases. I think Marco sells it by the foot to whatever size you like. Just a thought and yes I agree the side art is painfully thin..
Ive considered a thin piece of 1 inch felt along both sides of the playfield to prevent side art damage. Has anyone else tried this?
Quoted from CoPinfan:Has anyone heard when the knocker for this game might be available?
I second the Knocker question, when?, Soon?
oops, just dropping this here again.
Detailed thread here.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/houdinicustom-planchette-upgrade3d-engraved-playfield-mod
Quoted from jkashani:Shout out to Barry for providing excellent customer service. American Pinball does it right.
Agreed, Barry and team are awesome.
Ohh, and game is awesome to.
Quoted from colonel_caverne:can anyone slide fully the playfield when you raise it? There was a cable that was too short that prevent to slide it fully.
The table slides all the way forward, then locks, and then can be raised all the way to resting against head.
Ist step is just lifting table till yellow rails are above the lockbar. Then slide table forward. This is were you may have a bind. Make sure the usb cable for updates isnt tied or bound into something. The playfield wire harness may also be in one of those white cable keepers binding preventing table to slide forward.
Quoted from mcbPalisade:Anyone heard any news about the catapult power fix? Seems like that should come out before they start the next adventure.
I second a Power-Fix for catapult and raise you a Knocker!
Been a couple months since both were mentioned by American Pinball.
Quoted from abelelectronics:Houdini playfield seconds available in limited quantities at the Clevend Pinball show. $200 each or $250 for one signed by Joe Balcer. PM for any interest.
Humm- Not going to the show. Nice opportunity. If after show you have leftovers , please let me know.
Quoted from Ferret:Rosh! It's been two hours since you've checked in code for game 2! Get back to work!
And what's this new game??
Looking forward to the Knocker Josh.
Quoted from BarryJ:If you are having problems with the Lower Catapult making it into the Trunk.
Try this..
Should be on the web site shortly also.
[quoted image]
That's only step #1, right?
Quoted from pinballinreno:I wonder if rosh or anyone fron API can chime in.
It would be good to know, I may have to stock up on them if they are specialized.
Its ok for Rosh and Barry take weekends off.
The servo must likely has built in "Stops".
Most likely mechanism specific.
Quoted from bobukcat:Yeah, I have the manual and it is pretty nice. I just did some basic testing and I believe the servo is bad, when compared to the servo for the captive ball I get very different resistance measurements between the pins going to the two motors and the curtain one is very, very high (~2.3M) whereas the captive ball one is about 16K.
Its ok to email Barry or open a ticket over weekend.
If you guys havn't seen the front page.
Two big pieces of news this week.
First Josh mentions reveal of game #2 at expo.
Now today, Joe Balcer reveals game #2 is ....
Drum roll.....Oktoberfest..!
Im a little speechless on this one.
I look forward to playing it before passing judgement.
Quoted from LTG:German maidens clutching 6 beer steins in each hand.
There's only 2 things I want to clutch from a German Maiden.
But now that you mention it, a "Tapper" type video mode would be cool.
Quoted from BarryJ:I was at the CLEPIN Show in Cleveland over the weekend, working my magic
Great little show, I recommend it to everyone!
So much for getting the weekend off. 
Glad you had fun.
Quoted from MightyGrave:Is the Switch maybe not adjusted corretly? Or can I also do other things to get it work correctly.
In short we all need a separate power board for catapult. Until this happens we are chasing our tales on this lower catapult.
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