Fremont, CA
Does anyone have any updates on when the next production run of Houdini's might be expected?
Update: I have now put a deposit down on a new one…
(Topic ID: 183206)
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Houdini
American Pinball, 2017
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discovered this episode on Houdini on my last road trip to North Carolina. Interesting listen and surprising details.
https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/harry-houdini-more-than-magic/id278981407?i=1000539295822
Quoted from rosh:In addition to checking left/right level, use the slow motion on your camera phone to watch the ball's flight path, check to be sure it is not hitting the plastic ramp, which will deflect it left.
Unfortunately I am experiencing this issue. My catapult never missed the trunk until a few weeks ago, now it deflects off the ramp and lands left of the trunk about half the time. I am new to pinball, this is my first machine so I am very cautious to attempt any adjustments aside from software settings. Aside from this issue it plays perfectly and I love it.
Is it safe to check the level with a torpedo level that contains a magnet? I haven't done this yet for fear of causing damage from placing the level on the playfield. If the left/right level is off, it isn't noticeable aside from this issue.
Quoted from FormerNightOwl:Unfortunately I am experiencing this issue. My catapult never missed the trunk until a few weeks ago, now it deflects off the ramp and lands left of the trunk about half the time. I am new to pinball, this is my first machine so I am very cautious to attempt any adjustments aside from software settings. Aside from this issue it plays perfectly and I love it.
Is it safe to check the level with a torpedo level that contains a magnet? I haven't done this yet for fear of causing damage from placing the level on the playfield. If the left/right level is off, it isn't noticeable aside from this issue.
I suspect you should be fine with your level. The pin should be off as you check levels. Take off the playfield glass and check the levels of the playfield itself. It can seem fine, but still be off. Check both the slope and side to side level. If either is off it can impact the trunk trajectory. The slope should be at 6.0. That’s the factory setting. If that’s all it is, good for you. If not, I suggest you call American Pinball since you are new to pinball. They are pretty good with customer service. The other fixes people suggest on this thread can be pretty involved. Bottom line, eliminate the simple first.
Quoted from zahner:I suspect you should be fine with your level. The pin should be off as you check levels. Take off the playfield glass and check the levels of the playfield itself. It can seem fine, but still be off. Check both the slope and side to side level. If either is off it can impact the trunk trajectory. The slope should be at 6.0. That’s the factory setting. If that’s all it is, good for you. If not, I suggest you call American Pinball since you are new to pinball. They are pretty good with customer service. The other fixes people suggest on this thread can be pretty involved. Bottom line, eliminate the simple first.
Sounds like a plan, thank you very much! I really hope it's just a matter of leveling it since I don't trust myself to attempt anything more involved on it yet. I was a bit concerned about the magnet with all the electronics and magnets inside the machine. I really appreciate the advice. This game is a masterpiece, I love having it in my home and playing it with friends and family.
Quoted from scbill88:Fixed!! 10 games, trunk shot hit every time. Some shots went right of center (but in) and that never happened before.
I still have to snip off the old holes to make it pretty. Also, there was a lot of torque on the ramp wanting to go back to
it's original position so I may order another ramp in case it cracks years down the road. Extra parts are always good to have!
[quoted image]
I made the same mod a few years ago...haven't had problem since...I left my old holes on.
Quoted from jewboyflowerhead:First post in probably the only pinside thread where i have read evey single post since the beginning. I'll try to make this as brief as possible.....
Bought a houdini used. Early production, outdated code, old power supply. Underforming coils. Flippers were weak, but i never completely lost power.
Upraded PS. Gameplay improved tremendously. Catapult hit everytime. However, flippers would lose power randomly and completely once magnets activate. Always at the beginning, so ball save would usually still be active, so gameplay would be minimally affected. Would always regain power after 5 seconds and function fine the rest of the game.
Added coil improvement board. Loses all power when magnets activate. Does not recover until magnets stop, and overall game plays pretty poorly with this board installed.
Any thoughts?
Curious what capacitor is on the coil board you have install? I noticed the original version coil board had a 10,000 mf capacitor design, but the october2021 manual shows they updated the capacitor on the coil board to a 33,000 mf capacitor. (Stores a lot more energy)
Quoted from Markharris2000:Curious what capacitor is on the coil board you have install? I noticed the original version coil board had a 10,000 mf capacitor design, but the october2021 manual shows they updated the capacitor on the coil board to a 33,000 mf capacitor. (Stores a lot more energy)
Interesting, i will check it out
Quoted from brenna98:Please send me a picture of your 48v power supply and connections along with the API store order#. [email protected]
Pics and order number incoming today. Checked through everything again, it it looks correct to me. Hopefully something jumps out at you.
OK, it must be me missing something, but while waiting/anticipating a new Houdini machine from the next production run, I was browsing around the web and came across the very early 2016 prototype pictures and a discussion about the machine, LONG BEFORE IT WAS ACTUALLY RELEASED. I had never seen this detail previously, so it was kinda fascinating to read about API's "magic" theme journey, (Starting with their Magic Girl involvement). Notice not surprisingly that the Flyer artwork and detail doesn't match the prototype machine, and the prototype machine doesn't match the production units at all.
The reporter's write up after seeing HOUDINI circa September 2016, in las vegas:
https://www.pinballnews.com/news/americanpinball2.html
And then pictures of the first prototype (notice the water torture chamber was replaced by the theater stage, and almost everything else changed too!) here:
h3 (resized).jpgh1 (resized).jpgh2 (resized).jpg
Barrie, ON
Quoted from Markharris2000:OK, it must be me missing something, but while waiting/anticipating a new Houdini machine from the next production run, I was browsing around the web and came across the very early 2016 prototype pictures and a discussion about the machine, LONG BEFORE IT WAS ACTUALLY RELEASED. I had never seen this detail previously, so it was kinda fascinating to read about API's "magic" theme journey, (Starting with their Magic Girl involvement). Notice not surprisingly that the Flyer artwork and detail doesn't match the prototype machine, and the prototype machine doesn't match the production units at all.
The reporter's write up after seeing HOUDINI circa September 2016, in las vegas:
https://www.pinballnews.com/news/americanpinball2.html
And then pictures of the first prototype (notice the water torture chamber was replaced by the theater stage, and almost everything else changed too!) here:
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
Pretty sure that is rhe JPop designed Houdini.
Quoted from Stebel:Pretty sure that is rhe JPop designed Houdini.
The early design was connected to him for sure. API was helping him get out of the Magic Girl mess when they started as a company, and his hand was all over the early prototype Houdini design. I haven't uncovered how their 'changing' relationship translated to the complete 180-degree change in Houdini but clearly it did. Based on what I see, I think we ended up with a far superior game...
Quoted from Markharris2000:The early design was connected to him for sure. API was helping him get out of the Magic Girl mess when they started as a company, and his hand was all over the early prototype Houdini design. I haven't uncovered how their 'changing' relationship translated to the complete 180-degree change in Houdini but clearly it did. Based on what I see, I think we ended up with a far superior game...
I would have loved to flip this JPop Houdini. I wonder where this proto Houdini is…
I do like the current Houdini, one of my favs in my collection. It’s definetly the style of game I enjoy.
Quoted from Stebel:I would have loved to flip this JPop Houdini. I wonder where this proto Houdini is…
I do like the current Houdini, one of my favs in my collection. It’s definetly the style of game I enjoy.
I know what you mean. I sold my first Houdini machine 15 months ago, and knew almost immediately I was going to regret it. Its the kind of theme I like as well. Now I have a new one on order and have been accumulating some mods for it. Still looking for some kind of flipper toppers. (The API store seems sold out for the last two months. Maybe when their deluxe machines hit the production line they will re-stock the plastic toppers).
Quoted from Markharris2000:The early design was connected to him for sure. API was helping him get out of the Magic Girl mess when they started as a company, and his hand was all over the early prototype Houdini design. I haven't uncovered how their 'changing' relationship translated to the complete 180-degree change in Houdini but clearly it did. Based on what I see, I think we ended up with a far superior game...
It's fairly well documented in interviews at Expo or TPF that when they brought Joe Balcer in he looked at JPOP's layout and found it to needed so much work (shots that go nowhere, etc.) he just scrapped it. I have seen the prototype playfield in person and it looks cool but I still think API did a better job capturing the actual, real person in their version.
hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
i started a list a while ago, left open and couldn't save it.
so if i forgot someone please let me know.
just shoot me a pm.
thanks everyone, bob.
Steampunk shooter rod, side (resized).JPGSteampunk shooter rods sept.22 (resized).jpgQuoted from beatmaster:hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
i started a list a while ago, left open and couldn't save it.
so if i forgot someone please let me know.
just shoot me a pm.
thanks everyone, bob.[quoted image][quoted image]
Pm sent.
Quoted from beatmaster:hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
i started a list a while ago, left open and couldn't save it.
so if i forgot someone please let me know.
just shoot me a pm.
thanks everyone, bob.[quoted image][quoted image]
PM sent ! I want this!
Quoted from beatmaster:hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
i started a list a while ago, left open and couldn't save it.
so if i forgot someone please let me know.
just shoot me a pm.
thanks everyone, bob.[quoted image][quoted image]
A must have.
Quoted from beatmaster:hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
i started a list a while ago, left open and couldn't save it.
so if i forgot someone please let me know.
just shoot me a pm.
thanks everyone, bob.[quoted image][quoted image]
Looks awesome, PM sent!!
Quoted from beatmaster:hi guys,
i rarely have the chance to do this.
i have 5 extra steampunk shooter rod ready to go.
.....
well, all gone!!!
thanks everybody!
might have enough parts left to do 2 or 3 more, not sure when, but i can put you on a list.
bob.
I recently added a 6" speaker in the bottom of my Houdini cabinet. I hooked it up to the sub on the small amp in the backbox.
It works but seems unclear and low in volume. Anybody else do this? What settings did you use on the amp? Would it work better hooked to the main speaker terminals? Thanks.
The houdini AMP has dedicated connections for left, right main speakers and a dedicated connection for the sub. The sub also has its own volume control on the amp. I assume you have the lepai 168h amp
here is the amp manual
https://www.parts-express.com/pedocs/310-308--lepai-lp-168ha-manual(2).pdf
Quoted from drummermike:I recently added a 6" speaker in the bottom of my Houdini cabinet. I hooked it up to the sub on the small amp in the backbox.
It works but seems unclear and low in volume. Anybody else do this? What settings did you use on the amp? Would it work better hooked to the main speaker terminals? Thanks.
Quoted from drummermike:I recently added a 6" speaker in the bottom of my Houdini cabinet. I hooked it up to the sub on the small amp in the backbox.
It works but seems unclear and low in volume. Anybody else do this? What settings did you use on the amp? Would it work better hooked to the main speaker terminals? Thanks.
I did this...and described how to do it several posts back. The amp has enough juice to blow the cabinet apart. Turn down main amp power...turn up the bass output on the far right of the amp...andjust game sound till its where you like it. If memory serves me correctly the main amp power is down and I have the bass output turned up about 1/4 from stopped or 0. Then I turned the sound up in the game software.
Also...leave it hooked up to the sub outputs as you did...and don't connect it to the main speakers.
The only issue you're having is making sound adjustments. It will work fine when you dial it in.
Edit...after looking today my settings are...main amp power output knob turned down to about 7. Bass output on far right is about 7 or 8. Crossover is 0. Game software volume is 5.0
Quoted from Soundkillr:I did this...and described how to do it several posts back. The amp has enough juice to blow the cabinet apart. Turn down main amp power...turn up the bass output on the far right of the amp...andjust game sound till its where you like it. If memory serves me correctly the main amp power is down and I have the bass output turned up about 1/4 from stopped or 0. Then I turned the sound up in the game software.
Also...leave it hooked up to the sub outputs as you did...and don't connect it to the main speakers.
The only issue you're having is making sound adjustments. It will work fine when you dial it in.
Its also popular to relocate the Amp into the lower cabinet to make adjusting it a lot easier.
Quoted from drummermike:I recently added a 6" speaker in the bottom of my Houdini cabinet. I hooked it up to the sub on the small amp in the backbox.
It works but seems unclear and low in volume. Anybody else do this? What settings did you use on the amp? Would it work better hooked to the main speaker terminals? Thanks.
Do you have a picture of the install? I assume you used a 6-inch hole cutter and put some metal mesh in front of the speaker itself? I have thought about doing so myself on a new machine coming in a few months and just wonder if it was worth the effort.
Update: I had an original Houdini serial around #1250 and it would have needed a cabinet speaker installed manually in the field. It sounds like API has added a cabinet speaker to the production build saving buyers the trouble of doing that. Is that correct?
Quoted from Markharris2000:Do you have a picture of the install? I assume you used a 6-inch hole cutter and put some metal mesh in front of the speaker itself? I have thought about doing so myself and just wonder if it was worth the effort.
I can tell you it is. Very easy...definitely worth it. I listed all the parts you need and links to them...again several posts back now. The only thing I didn't get was speaker screen. In any event...the pyle sub, hole saw and mdf speaker rings all together were under 60 dollars.
Quoted from Markharris2000:Do you have a picture of the install? I assume you used a 6-inch hole cutter and put some metal mesh in front of the speaker itself? I have thought about doing so myself on a new machine coming in a few months and just wonder if it was worth the effort.
Update: I had an original Houdini serial around #1250 and it would have needed a cabinet speaker installed manually in the field. It sounds like API has added a cabinet speaker to the production build saving buyers the trouble of doing that. Is that correct?
I bought a cheap 6.5" hole saw, wire and a round metal speaker cover on Amazon. I started the hole inside and finished it outside to get a nice smooth hole. I used a 6" speaker from a Stern that was replaced with Flipper Fidelity speakers.
The new Houdini pins have lower cabinet speakers.
See page 283 for pictures.
Quoted from Soundkillr:I did this...and described how to do it several posts back. The amp has enough juice to blow the cabinet apart. Turn down main amp power...turn up the bass output on the far right of the amp...andjust game sound till its where you like it. If memory serves me correctly the main amp power is down and I have the bass output turned up about 1/4 from stopped or 0. Then I turned the sound up in the game software.
Also...leave it hooked up to the sub outputs as you did...and don't connect it to the main speakers.
The only issue you're having is making sound adjustments. It will work fine when you dial it in.
Do you have a picture with all the knob settings? Where did you set the X-over? Thanks.
Quoted from drummermike:Do you have a picture with all the knob settings? Where did you set the X-over? Thanks.
This should get you in the ballpark. Take the bass (on the far right of the amp) knob to 10...then turn it back to six or seven or so...crossover is 0
Main volume on the amp is turned down to 7 or so
And volume in game settings software is at 5.0
This yields excellent results for a home environment.
I've found that turning down the sound on the main amp is very important to sound quality. Imo this cuts most of distortion of the sub.. it dumbs down the backbox some and brings out more sub. Remember to now adjust main volumes in software. Just move it around until you find what you like. The above settings netted me a nice clean rich sound.
1 week later
Quoted from Markharris2000:Do you have a picture of the install? I assume you used a 6-inch hole cutter and put some metal mesh in front of the speaker itself? I have thought about doing so myself on a new machine coming in a few months and just wonder if it was worth the effort.
Update: I had an original Houdini serial around #1250 and it would have needed a cabinet speaker installed manually in the field. It sounds like API has added a cabinet speaker to the production build saving buyers the trouble of doing that. Is that correct?
Yea my Houdini has the sub from factory and forgoes the bottom front speakers on the head.
I’m in the club!!! After my fourth full game I spelled Houdini and got to master magician BUT…the game bugged out after the first wiz mode inverted flipper wave and went into an unfruitful ball search. I had to pull the glass off and launch a ball by hand while the mode was still running. When it hurt the shooter lane switch it ended my game!!!! Akkkkk!!! It’s this a known bug? Maybe I’m running on old code? I’ve has the game for under 24 hrs. Really loving it so far! Although I do shudder to think what my 4.6 *million score COULD have been.
*not billion lol
6BC32722-7BDB-4B2D-B3AF-E7B0C0236EDA (resized).jpeg
Quoted from mpdpvdpin:I’m in the club!!! After my fourth full game I spelled Houdini and got to master magician BUT…the game bugged out after the first wiz mode inverted flipper wave and went into an unfruitful ball search. I had to pull the glass off and launch a ball by hand while the mode was still running. When it hurt the shooter lane switch it ended my game!!!! Akkkkk!!! It’s this a known bug? Maybe I’m running on old code? I’ve has the game for under 24 hrs. Really loving it so far! Although I do shudder to think what my 4.6 billion score COULD have been.
[quoted image]
What version are you running? the latest is from last october, Version 21.10.25
Quoted from mpdpvdpin:I’m in the club!!! After my fourth full game I spelled Houdini and got to master magician BUT…the game bugged out after the first wiz mode inverted flipper wave and went into an unfruitful ball search. I had to pull the glass off and launch a ball by hand while the mode was still running. When it hurt the shooter lane switch it ended my game!!!! Akkkkk!!! It’s this a known bug? Maybe I’m running on old code? I’ve has the game for under 24 hrs. Really loving it so far! Although I do shudder to think what my 4.6 billion score COULD have been.
[quoted image]
If you ever get into the billions on Houdini please do let us know! 
Hahaha people gripe about this game being hard to shoot, I think it shoots great. Bit of tightness but certainly nothing to complain about and I’m loving sniping those shots.
Quoted from bobukcat:If you ever get into the billions on Houdini please do let us know!
I’ll check what code v the game is running when I get back to my location tomorrow. Thanks for the info
Quoted from Markharris2000:What version are you running? the latest is from last october, Version 21.10.25
What shaker does this game take? Same as Stern? I definitely plan on putting one in mine very soon
Quoted from rockrand:The game is just fantastic and even new pricing is a deal with what you get and used what a bargain! I believe the shaker implementations are the best in pinball.
Quoted from mpdpvdpin:What shaker does this game take? Same as Stern? I definitely plan on putting one in mine very soon
Shaker is used for the Elephant, not sure what else. The knocker though is better imo, used for the bullet catch.
Shaker used in pops! And I have discussed this before buy there is a big difference in shaker implementations have you ever felt some shakers buzzy and crappy feeling and some just role up your arms and are just wonderful jjp does a good job also ,I really don’t know why buts it very real.i also move weights around on most game also.
Quoted from rockrand:Shaker used in pops! And I have discussed this before buy there is a big difference in shaker implementations have you ever felt some shaker buzzy and crappy feeling and some just role up your arms and are just wonderful jjp does a good job also ,I really don’t know why buts it very real.i also move weights around on most game also.
Oh yea the pops! So good and subtle I forgot about it!
Quoted from mpdpvdpin:I’m in the club!!! After my fourth full game I spelled Houdini and got to master magician BUT…the game bugged out after the first wiz mode inverted flipper wave and went into an unfruitful ball search. I had to pull the glass off and launch a ball by hand while the mode was still running. When it hurt the shooter lane switch it ended my game!!!! Akkkkk!!! It’s this a known bug? Maybe I’m running on old code? I’ve has the game for under 24 hrs. Really loving it so far! Although I do shudder to think what my 4.6 billion score COULD have been.
[quoted image]
seems strange while its very low on points for having reached MM !? (my high is 55M)
than check the code & if all is set to factory (but i'm quite sure you've done it already)
Quoted from mpdpvdpin:What shaker does this game take? Same as Stern? I definitely plan on putting one in mine very soon
API has the shaker on their store, $125
Quoted from finnflash:I like it when the trunk closes
The shaker ramps up violently right before the lower catapult is launched.
1 week later
Getting tempted to buy another Houdini. I sold mine a few years ago. Seems like a lot of magic is missing from the new releases. This game is packed compared to them. I should add, already bought a second Oktoberfest. Great game!
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