Full release of New code soon ?
(Topic ID: 183206)
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Houdini
American Pinball, 2017
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4 months later
Quoted from finnflash:Just played Hot wheels, very cool game! I cant wait to see what else API comes out with. Hoping for more of a monster, scary theme, that's my go to.
Good to hear you liked playing Hot Wheels. I ordered Hot Wheels to sit next to my Houdini. 
Very much looking forward to it.
The games will have the original older power supply. But - you may not have issues with it. From what I understand some of the problem might be how consistent your line voltage is in your home. If you have issues you can upgrade to the newer power supply. If I recall correctly about $150.00
Set your games up, update the code, level carefully and see how they play. Enjoy.
Happy Father's day - good excuse to buy those games. Congratulations.
Quoted from rosh:Been pretty focused on Hot Wheels, but I expect in a few weeks I'll be making time for Houdini.
Stay Focused ! 
Hope to see one in my home soon.
Mine is positioned off center also, but appears to function alright during game play. Mine rides slightly differently, probably similar to what mbwalker reports.
1 month later
Quoted from rosh:Exactly, the original power supply is probably better at handling the game load, but does not like varying wall voltage, nor does the catapult. The switching power supplies will give consistent voltage regardless of wall voltage variations, but are not quite as good at handling peak loads, which is what Dave is currently looking at.
Great information and explanation.
I have a game with original power supply and apparently the wall voltage is pretty consistent. Flippers and catapult seem to stay stable. Have not had any problems. One in a great while I have had to adjust catapult coil up or down. Maybe once or twice in about 9-10 months of ownership. Have not had an issue with the flipper power.
Quoted from Chopper36:I am picking up NIB Houdini tomorrow,besides updating the code, anything I should watch out for (issues) or advice on setting it up
? My first Pin.
Thanks in advance
Read the set up flyer in the game. Level per the instructions, etc.
Quoted from pinballinreno:You can just use the small black furnature sliders from home depot
@ chopper36 : If the game moves around too much with furniture sliders, you can make some small carpet squares to go under the legs on top your finish carpet if worried about the finish carpet getting indentations in it over time.
Quoted from 27dnast:I've only had my game up and running for a few weeks and have been busy selling some machines, so haven't devoted a ton of time to dialing it in. I need to get the pitch down, because I think I'm close to 7-deg.
I just looked at the code it's running: 18.8.1
wow.
It runs extremely stable. I haven't noticed any issues. That said, I wonder how much has changed in the game between 18.8.1 and the beta code????
19.4.7 is the code between what you have now and beta. 19.4.7 is quite stable and fixes bugs etc from 18.8.1
You can get the code off AP website
Another option if worried about your finish floor are other leg levelers like big foots or levelers with nylon bases. Lot's of options if worried about the stock foot damaging a finished floor. There are also wood footies, etc, etc, or dream up your own solution. Here are a couple shown on Marco web pages. There are many others out there.
big foot (resized).jpgwood footie (resized).jpgIf it's an older NIB that has been sitting for a long time and not a more recent build you may need to rename the file. If it's that old of build.
Otherwise you need a good stick and put only the update files for the game on it etc.
I am sure one of AP guys will chime in. They are very helpful.
Enjoy your game.
I looked at the file I downloaded on my pc and saved last fall, then loaded on USB stick. I use a PNY stick...
Your issue might be how you saved the file, how you named it, or your stick or a combo of these.
This is how the file is named in my pc:
houdini-gamecode_19.4.7pkg
1 week later
2 weeks later
I have a brand new set of factory Inner Art Blades. I never bothered to install them in my game. Can ship in a tube. Shoot me a PM with an offer if anyone has interest in a set or wants some spares.
Added over 4 years ago:Art Blades no longer available. Headed to a fellow Houdini owner.
2 months later
Yes - You want to be at 6 degrees of pitch, plus maybe a hair. You don't want to set the game up too steep. Get it level side to side also. Use a good quality digital torpedo level on the playfield. You are getting good advice from the others.
If your floor isn't real level you can start with all the legs screwed out a little - an equal amount, so you can get 6 degrees while adjusting for differences in your floor.
I have a knocker on order. I also have the original power source in my game. @ Lilpro66 can you post a picture to clarify the install wiring ?
2 weeks later
Quoted from SpinnerAddict:Anyone happen to have the instructions on the water torture chamber? I cant find mine and couldn’t find anything on hooked website.
Thx
I think this may help you for hooking it up. Follow the photos.
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0r5VaUrzZ7DMA
and a link to the post where this came from earlier in the thread :
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/american-pinball-houdini-thread/page/230#post-5847671
Maybe check your game settings too and adjust to your liking. Might be some of the setting are set very liberal - not that I doubt your skill as a player. Set it up to your preferences. I know you are going to enjoy the game for a long time. One of my favorite games. Enjoy !
Your scores are impressive. Pull off one or both flipper bats and then you'll have a challenge. 
Better yet - Play blindfolded - appropriate for Houdini .
Hold and release flippers - toss cards into the moving targets. You'll get the hang of it after doing it a couple times.
1 week later
Quoted from Markharris2000:Did you install the new power supply? The EOS switches? The Coil Power Capacitor board? Code won't likely help, since nothing in software will help a flipper stop collapsing if hit hard enough and the main windings are already unpowered. Remember, initially both coil windings are energized to move the flipper, but a millisecond later, ONLY the holding coil stays ON. There is no way for the software to know if the flipper is knocked down without the EOS switches, and the ability for the holding coil to keep the flipper UP during fast play decreases greatly when using only the original unregulated power supply.
The new regulated supply is a tremendous upgrade to the toroidal unregulated supply that comes in the machine. A regulated supply ALWAYS delivers 48VDC regardless of the input voltage to the pinball machine. That eliminates all of the hundreds of discussions in this thread about line voltage and variacs. A regulated supply such as this has enough amps to power all the activated coils, and the voltage never changes. Bottom line: If you are having flipper performance issues still, invest in the Upgrades shown above. (API sells the three items for about $210 today, and if you talk to Kishan, he'll provide the $150 credit which will entirely covers a knocker and shaker or a knocker and art side blades)
(Not recommended, but the DIY version is to find any quality 48VDC 600-750 watt or greater supply, and install it yourself. Then look in this thread on installing your own EOS switches which are quite common parts. You can also add a coil performance 10,000uf 63volt capacitor yourself too. )
also review this : You may not need all of this. The original power supply has it's pluses and minuses as does the upgraded one. Thats why the capacitor kit was added for the newer supply. If your home voltage is consistent and you are on a good circuit in your home you may need nothing. I run the original power supply and have no issues. Here is a good explanation about the differences in game power supply - see link
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/american-pinball-houdini-thread/page/223#post-5804376
As long as it's done well I don't think a future owner - if you sold it - would ding you for it. Nice clean job and placed in a "stock" looking location I'd say you are probably good.
You seem to know your electronics and such - I'd say let her rip if that's your fancy.
1 week later
I have no troubles bone stock as originally issued with 1st run power supply. Flipper positions stock etc. No power loss with trunk and Seance multiballs running at same time etc. Catapult consistent. But I had new dedicated circuits for my pins put in when I upgraded the main panel electrical service in my house a few years ago. My Houdini is on a circuit with two other pins. Wired it for 3-4 pins per circuit. House voltage is pretty stable to start with.
Your mileage may vary due to your particular game and existing conditions.
1 week later
1 week later
Nice topper. Just don't have the room for one in my game room... Everything stays topless ... I'm ok with that.
1 week later
Mirror blades too thick for Houdini.
Besides if you put in Mirrors you would need smoke. ( Smoke and Mirrors - it's Magic )
2 months later
1 month later
Two new non licensed titles yet this year is the latest information if what I have read is correct. First title in another month or two if that is also accurate.
This from web sources and not any direct information. We will know the title on announcement.
I was told awhile back, that they will not announce until they have games in boxes ready to ship. If that still holds true, and the other info considered I think we will see a new game yet this summer ?
Bring it on AP !
1 month later
I have one of the early run Houdini's with original power source etc. No electrical modifications and have no issues and catapult is consistent, flippers are fine and no issues with multiball play etc. However I think power into my house is consistent and I do have dedicated circuits and breakers for my pinball line. I have no more than 3-4 pins per circuit breaker. Added those pinball circuits when I had my electrical service upgraded at my house about 5 years back.
I think the consistency of power and draw on your circuits has a bearing on whether or not you experience a variance in how your game operates.
My game plays great and it's an early model. But as stated I have good clean dedicated line for power. Adjustments and set up I am sure are a factor too, but if you have good power your odds of things running consistently go up.
Quoted from splitcms:I just ordered a Houdini today. Never played an American pinball game before but American pinball seems like a good company and I’d like to start giving them my business. Excited to play it and potentially buy Oktoberfest next.
Congratulations. You may also want to consider a Hot Wheels as your next AP title choice !
4 weeks later
Quoted from Vegas9:Our production lines continue to be very busy. I can share on behalf of all of us at AP, that we are extremely grateful that more and more folks are discovering American Pinball games.
Michael
Vegas9 - Michael - Help me discover game #4 !
Thanks
John
2 months later
Quoted from brenna98:just incase you missed my post in the black Friday thread.
[quoted image]
Thanks Dave. Hadn't seen this.
Quoted from cpr9999:You buying toppers now? Great Black Friday deals!
No on Toppers - always topless in my basement. You know that.
Nice to know there are Black Friday deals though.
2 weeks later
Quoted from Moomert1:Anyone else have family who wont play the game because its "too difficult"? I like the game a lot.......but I might sell it to get something more family friendly for the whole household to enjoy.
Houdini is an excellent game, but if you have to switch out for another game for the family I'd suggest Hot Wheels. Should be fun for everyone.
1 week later
Quoted from Shaqatak:Hi guys, I am in Australia and just picked up my NIB Houdini from the distributor yesterday. It is a 2018 build. Loving the game. The only issue I am having is the right flipper losing power during multi ball. I noticed there were posts on this from 2 years ago but did not see what the fix is. I have the current code. TIA for any help.
Your line power - voltage into the house or specifically the circuit to the game can make a difference too. I have dedicated circuits for my pins and have no issues. My Houdini runs the first generation power supply, I have no upgrades to the flippers and my game performs admirably. Trunk shot extremely consistent and my flipper strength is fine even during stacked multiballs.
I have 20 amp breakers with no more than 3 games on each circuit. I have 6 separate breakers for my pins and all pins can be played heavily at once when I have league or a party. Right now I am sitting with 18 games but I can squeeze in a few more and run 3-4 per circuit with never a worry. Went on the side of more circuits than needed but since I had the electrician installing them when I had my main fuse panel upgraded the cost wasn't much more adding a circuit or two more than I needed.
Quality and consistency of your line power to the game does have some bearing I believe. Your mileage may vary.
2 weeks later
Quoted from 27dnast:The grill is arriving tomorrow
Installing a grill in a pinball machine is a crazy idea. You could start a fire ! Best to grill outside. 
2 weeks later
Quoted from c818919taylor:best ive done in a bit
great night of Houdini.
[quoted image]
I probably couldn't even get that score with the glass off. And you did that in a little over 18 minutes. Holy cow.
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