(Topic ID: 183206)

American Pinball Houdini thread

By lllvjr

7 years ago


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  • Latest reply 6 days ago by bobukcat
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There are 14,818 posts in this topic. You are on page 78 of 297.
#3851 5 years ago
Quoted from WillSmuz8999:

It is not advisable to just print to Vinyl. Those will rip quickly. The best solution is to print to 2.4 mil Vinyl with egress adhesive, and laminate over the top with a 3 mil velvet textured Polycarbonate. The Polycarbonate is durable and can withstand some abuse, and the artwork is not exposed on the outer surface.

I really like your ideas, I'm forwarding them to my custom sign guy. He can make anything from million dollar casino signs to wall graphics.

I think I'll order a spare set for replacements since they are so thin and fragile.

#3852 5 years ago

OK,a question for you current owners please???Do you get a owners manual for Houdini???

#3853 5 years ago

Reason I ask,is mine is coming end of this week,and I would like some kind of guide!!

#3854 5 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Reason I ask,is mine is coming end of this week,and I would like some kind of guide!!

It's not done yet. You can download the in-progress manual, though. Still a lot to be filled in, however.

Here's the link to the January 2018 in-progress pdf:
https://www.american-pinball.com/games/houdini/docs/Houdini-Service-Manual.pdf

#3855 5 years ago
Quoted from foobeer:

This didn't work for me either. I broke down last night and decided to just reset to factory defaults in order to reset high scores, but it retained coil strength and high scores! Unless I'm missing something, I guess there is no current way to reset high scores?

I guess you could set the reset High Scores counter really, really low as a work-around?? I agree it seems like a standard thing since all(?) DMD games have it but it was apparently not on the developer's mind when creating a completely new game system, surely they'll get around to addressing it as code support on this game has been fantastic so far.

#3856 5 years ago
Quoted from foobeer:

This didn't work for me either. I broke down last night and decided to just reset to factory defaults in order to reset high scores, but it retained coil strength and high scores! Unless I'm missing something, I guess there is no current way to reset high scores?

What’s wrong Foobeer, intimated by those beautiful ZLM initials every time you end a game?

#3857 5 years ago

I've had my Houdini for 2 months. First month I was lucky to break 200,000. I'm admittedly a below average player. After the latest code update I was able to set the stage mode timer to 60 seconds. Wow! What a big difference 15 seconds makes. Now, I'm starting to get somewhere in the game. This game is freaking amazing and getting better as I get deeper into the rules. I think the people that play it a few times on location and get frustrated by the tight, unconventional layout are really missing a great game.

But more than that, Houdini is making me a much, much better player. Last night, new high score. Not bad for a hack player like me.

IMG_3202 (resized).JPGIMG_3202 (resized).JPG

#3858 5 years ago

Just got a call from JJ Gexchange
My game with shaker, magic glass and art blades is being made next week.
I should have it a few days after he gets it.
I'm super excited about this !

At TPF 2018 BarryJ said it wouldn't be available until September! Wow API is really upping tbeir game!

Gexchange and API, over the top service.

Can't wait

#3859 5 years ago
Quoted from bobukcat:

I guess you could set the reset High Scores counter really, really low as a work-around?? I agree it seems like a standard thing since all(?) DMD games have it but it was apparently not on the developer's mind when creating a completely new game system, surely they'll get around to addressing it as code support on this game has been fantastic so far.

Did the same exact thing...... I set timers set to 60 seconds last week and what a difference it makes.

As for worrying about side art ripping.......I just don't put any on like all the rest of my games.

#3860 5 years ago

Are there some news when the first Houdinis will arrive in Europe?

#3861 5 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Reason I ask,is mine is coming end of this week,and I would like some kind of guide!!

All games ship with the Preliminary copy inside the cash box, the manual along with other important documentation can be found on our web site..

https://www.american-pinball.com/support/

Barry ;-/

#3862 5 years ago
Quoted from pinballinreno:

Just got a call from JJ gexchange
My game with shaker, magic glass and art blades is being made next week.
I should have it a few days after he gets it.
I'm super excited about this !
At TPF 2018 barryj said it wouldn't be available until September! Wow API is really upping tbeir game!
gexchange and API, over the top service.
Can't wait

Ha.. It's better to deliver early than late.. Customer Service 101

Barry ;-/

#3863 5 years ago

I am pleased to show you all our new game... I mean the final front cover of our Houdini manual!

TECH MANUAL rev5_14 (resized).jpgTECH MANUAL rev5_14 (resized).jpg

#3864 5 years ago

Thank-you Vic,and all,mine also has side art,shaker,and Magic glass!! Its going to be delivered ,and I'm gonna be at the GSPF at Lodi!! Won't get a chance to unbox it till after the show,That could be cool 2!!!!

#3865 5 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

It's not done yet. You can download the in-progress manual, though. Still a lot to be filled in, however.
Here's the link to the January 2018 in-progress pdf:
https://www.american-pinball.com/games/houdini/docs/Houdini-Service-Manual.pdf

Wow, there’s been tons of updates since then. Which is pretty awesome. Pretty funny this manual looks like it will be completed before JJP’s Dialed In manual, which was a fairly code-complete game when it shipped! It’s very exciting to see the updates as they come out. Huge difference from what I’ve seen with Stern (though I’ve never owned a Stern I am only speaking from second-hand knowledge)

#3866 5 years ago
Quoted from ZMeny:

What’s wrong Foobeer, intimated by those beautiful ZLM initials every time you end a game?

Maybe

#3867 5 years ago

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.

#3868 5 years ago
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.

#3869 5 years ago
Quoted from BarryJ:

I am pleased to show you all our new game... I mean the final front cover of our Houdini manual!

R U sending buyers that have one a manual. All we got was a little guide

#3870 5 years ago
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.

#3871 5 years ago
Quoted from BarryJ:

I am pleased to show you all our new game... I mean the final front cover of our Houdini manual!

Is the printed manual going to be available for purchase? Do we get a coupon or discount for buying our games before its published?

I would be willing to pre-pay for one.

#3872 5 years ago

Meet Joe Balcer at Pintastic New England June 28th to July 1st. Don't miss the American Pinball seminar June 30 in the afternoon.

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#3873 5 years ago
Quoted from hoby1:

R U sending buyers that have one a manual. All we got was a little guide

Not sure how we will be getting them out at this time, probably have a couple more weeks of work on it still.

#3874 5 years ago
Quoted from pinballinreno:

Is the printed manual going to be available for purchase? Do we get a coupon or discount for buying our games before its published?
I would be willing to pre-pay for one.

No it wont be a purchase item for owners.. Just don't know how we will be distributing them at this time.

#3875 5 years ago
Quoted from BarryJ:

No it wont be a purchase item for owners.. Just don't know how we will be distributing them at this time.

Wow, good to hear.
You guys are the best!

#3876 5 years ago
Quoted from Rdoyle1978:

Wow, there’s been tons of updates since then. Which is pretty awesome. Pretty funny this manual looks like it will be completed before JJP’s Dialed In manual, which was a fairly code-complete game when it shipped! It’s very exciting to see the updates as they come out. Huge difference from what I’ve seen with Stern (though I’ve never owned a Stern I am only speaking from second-hand knowledge)

AP's attacked the easy parts first, as they should. JJPs manuals are an orgy of detailed assembly breakdowns and schematics. The easy part of any manual is the menus and playfield pictures. The morass for time is the assembly and schematic pages. Takes FOREVER to do them well, but JJP is the best out there in that department.

#3877 5 years ago
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 have seen them both lit and had the same thing that happened to you, but that was a long time ago and I thought it was fixed.

#3878 5 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

AP's attacked the easy parts first, as they should. JJPs manuals are an orgy of detailed assembly breakdowns and schematics. The easy part of any manual is the menus and playfielf pictures. The morass for time is the assembly and schematic pages. Takes FOREVER to do them well, but JJP is the best out there in that department.

I can’t wait - never saw the manual for either WOZ or TH when I had them. I’m keeping DI for the long haul so this will be great. The AP manuals also look really good even just from the newer CAD models

#3879 5 years ago

not that I am at ALL close to getting anywhere near it, but I am curious if there is a mini-wizard mode (other than the 2 main multiballs)?

#3880 5 years ago

Wow,Mod couple is already out of stock on the Water torture mod!!!!

#3881 5 years ago

My flipper broke

#3882 5 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Wow,Mod couple is already out of stock on the Water torture mod!!!!

We are back in stock for All mods just send me a PM and it can ship next day. Thanks to All for your interest!

The Mod Couple

#3883 5 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Wow,Mod couple is already out of stock on the Water torture mod!!!!

About 48hours after it was posted. Must not have made too many on the initial run.

#3884 5 years ago

I guess I could have waited 10 seconds to find out lol ^^^^

#3885 5 years ago
Quoted from WW2GURU:

About 48hours after it was posted. Must not have made too many on the initial run.

We were actually Amazed at the response. Didn't think that many games shipped but we put in a Full weekend sprint and All orders shipped on Monday as promised! We now have stock at full again and All items are available to ship next day again. Thanks to everyone for the interest, we are Honored to be part of your wonderful collections!!!

#3886 5 years ago

Hey guys, been a little busy last few days with some great stuff going on here AP, and maybe I'll be able to share some stuff soon. Did a quick glance through the posts to see what questions have come up, but suspect I've missed some, so if this posts misses not something, please repost.

High Score resetting . There is no command currently to just reset high scores (or to set your own). Clearing audits (via service menu -> Utilities), will reset the hight scores to the default (current audits will move to the middle column when viewing stats). It is on the list to add a command for this, but not the highest priority. As a reminder, all of that service menu and utility stuff had to be created since this is our first machine, and I am only one guy, so I pick and choose what I consider to be the most important items, but I will get to it. But certainly okay to raise issues and wants here so I can get a sense of which missing things people actually miss.

Quoted from pinden007:

What is everyone doing to reduce the rejects?
Other things I would like to see:
1. Bypass the match so I can start another game
2. Bypass the hat or option to turn off the non game items
3. Stop the timer when the ball is not in play
4. If lock is lit and I skill shot award lock, I think the lock should remain lit
5. Water torture - the ball shoots out before announcing what to shoot at
6. The out lane awards don't seem to be used much (unless I just don't know how to light them)

Rejects -- As someone suggested, flipper strength probably too high. Take down one notch and see if it improves, then take down another notch and see how it plays. On my machine I rarely get airballs and rejects, key is to find that sweet spot where the strength is strong enough to make the ramp, but not overly hot where you get rejects and airballs. You may find that having the left flipper one notch higher than the right makes sense. There will always be some level of rejects since the ball can get into the stage at angles and positions where it is just not going to stick.

1) you can turn off the match. I'd have to look more deeply to see if I can enable the start button to work during Match.
2) Non-game items only come up on 2 and 5th visits. I will be looking at what might work for a flipper escape on the magic hat, but it is somewhat more complex then going it for modes.
3) Is there a specific place you are seeing this? The timer is typically stopped when the ball is not in play
4) I agreed that it should, I'll have to check that.
5) noted
6) depending on settings Return from Beyond is lit by getting two jackpots during a seance multiball, Escape Death is lit by completing two jail escapes. If you earn the outlane mode via Magic Shop or Skill shot, then the lit outlane moves with each flipper hit. If you then earn either via the normal method, they will be both be lit.

Quoted from drummermike:

Mine shakes after the ball goes in and the lid closes.

Goal is to shake when lid closes, I've not noticed it being late, but I'll watch for it. So, based feedback I've seen so far, sounds like you guys are pleased with the use of the shaker. Goal is to find the right balance to enhance game play without over doing it or using it ways that don't fit.

Quoted from andrewket:

I get frustrated the other way- software upgrades that clear high scores. I know some pins have a way to export/import scores. I don’t understand why they don’t make that part of the regular upgrade process. Inevitably I forget and end up with factory scores

Code updates do not in anyway impact settings (other then if new settings are being added). it will not mess with pricing (so operators, please update to the latest code when available), it will not mess with settings, it will not mess with coil strength, it will not mess with stage calibration. Anytime you insert the USB stick it will save off settings and data, and I anticipate in the future there will be support to re-load settings (but not sure I will be adding support to import back in high score data).

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:

Agile != Waterfall

Setting aside that Agile is an umbrella term for a variety of methodologies (Scrum, RAD, Extreme, etc.), I use a completely different top secret methodology.

Not sure If I missed any other questions, if so, re-post.

#3887 5 years ago

"I anticipate in the future there will be support to re-load settings (but not sure I will be adding support to import back in high score data"

It's important to have a backup feature for all of the settings including all of the scores in case of a total meltdown or a complete wipe/reinstall of OS. Plus a reload feature.

I have had to replace a ssd and mainboard on a JJP game due to a power surge and thank goodness for a recent backup. Just reinstsll tbe OS and load the backup. It was sweeeeet!

#3888 5 years ago

Shaker came today, easy install!
Pleased with the use of shaker, love the perfect timing on the trunk lid slam! Have yet to feel it during "vanishing elephant"
Those awaiting your games well worth the price for this addition!

#3889 5 years ago
Quoted from transprtr4u:

Shaker came today, easy install!
Pleased with the use of shaker, love the perfect timing on the trunk lid slam! Have yet to feel it during "vanishing elephant"
Those awaiting your games well worth the price for this addition!

+1

I installed mine last night, i'm sure it can only get better.

#3890 5 years ago
Quoted from transprtr4u:

Shaker came today, easy install!
Pleased with the use of shaker, love the perfect timing on the trunk lid slam! Have yet to feel it during "vanishing elephant"
Those awaiting your games well worth the price for this addition!

Who did you order it from? AP or your dist?

#3891 5 years ago
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.

#3892 5 years ago
Quoted from Ericpinballfan:

American Pinball website. Click store, cart it up and paypal. Super easy. $99 plus shipping.

Super fast shipping too

#3893 5 years ago
Quoted from WW2GURU:

Quoted from transprtr4u:
Shaker came today, easy install!
Pleased with the use of shaker, love the perfect timing on the trunk lid slam! Have yet to feel it during "vanishing elephant"
Those awaiting your games well worth the price for this addition!
Who did you order it from? AP or your dist?

Sure we both use Tommy ... But I just ordered off the AP site , came in 3 days ....

#3894 5 years ago

Earned my first extra ball via King of Cards.

Couple of tips for that - you can toss one card through both rings; you can toss 2 cards through the same ring.

Put up 1.7mm last game. Had a stack going of 2x stage / straight jacket with trunk MB and seance MB.

I really like the multiple ways to earn EBs and letters and the stack-ability of modes.

#3895 5 years ago
Quoted from pinden007:

Earned my first extra ball via King of Cards.
Couple of tips for that - you can toss one card through both rings; you can toss 2 cards through the same ring.
Put up 1.7mm last game. Had a stack going of 2x stage / straight jacket with trunk MB and seance MB.
I really like the multiple ways to earn EBs and letters and the stack-ability of modes.

King of Cards is the first stage mode I play every game for that reason. Easy Extra Ball.

#3896 5 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

King of Cards is the first stage mode I play every game for that reason. Easy Extra Ball.

clearly I need to make it tougher.

Like any video mode, safe way to gain points, etc with no risk of losing the ball -- thus why many don't like them.

While I did tweak some scoring (primary MB), does not account for the rise of reported scores I'm seeing, so shows some owners are starting to find the shots and learn some of the strategy. Those going to a longer timer is probably helping since often the later shots in a mode are more valuable.

#3897 5 years ago
Quoted from rosh:

clearly I need to make it tougher.
Like any video mode, safe way to gain points, etc with no risk of losing the ball -- thus why many don't like them.
While I did tweak some scoring (primary MB), does not account for the rise of reported scores I'm seeing, so shows some owners are starting to find the shots and learn some of the strategy. Those going to a longer timer is probably helping since often the later shots in a mode are more valuable.

I mean, it would take away my guaranteed extra ball per game, but maybe if you made the extra ball only happen if you made the double ring shot? After hitting 3 rings, the front ring changes to "EXTRA" and the back ring changes to "BALL" and you have to make the double ring shot to collect? It would certainly make it less of a guaranteed collect like it is now.

#3898 5 years ago
Quoted from rosh:

clearly I need to make it tougher.

The user can make it tougher by setting the timer down to where there is 0 margin of error. I'm not there yet.

I do like the idea of also requiring a double ring toss to achieve EB (as an option)

What became of the ppl mentioning they have never received a tilt warning? You can add me to that list. Is that some that can be tested to see if it's working? I know when you have the door open the game does not play so I couldn't easily test it that way.

#3899 5 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

King of Cards is the first stage mode I play every game for that reason. Easy Extra Ball.

I still have not got the timing down yet!! Not so easy for me yet.

#3900 5 years ago
Quoted from rosh:

While I did tweak some scoring (primary MB), does not account for the rise of reported scores I'm seeing, so shows some owners are starting to find the shots and learn some of the strategy. Those going to a longer timer is probably helping since often the later shots in a mode are more valuable.

The extra seconds made a huge difference in my score cause I just could not get the ball/keep the ball under control long enough to complete a mode and it was getting frustrating. But now it’s just right at 60 seconds.

My shots are getting pretty accurate now. The shots feel sooo good when you dial them in.

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