Thanks guys I’ll check into this tomorrow.

Which fix kits are available for The Hobbit. As I understand it, there are heavy duty springs for the drop targets, brackets for the beast doors (to prevent balls from getting caught), and a redesigned left wire form (to prevent balls from hopping over kick back post stop? Anything I'm missing?
Thanks!

Also,
I would like to add Mezel mods undercab light kit (basic non interactive kit) under Smaug Gold. Which color do you guys think would look better? Yellow or Red? .

https://mezelmods.com/collections/hobbit-pinball-mods/products/under-cabinet-lighting-kit-jjp?variant=35949545224

That’s all I’m aware of from JJP..

Better ramp flaps. I still haven't ever installed my ramp fix yet due to the complexity of it.

Thanks!

There is also an updated right wireform as well that does not have the 'cut out' in the side of it around the top left pop bumper.

What does that prevent?

Is it this one?
http://store.jerseyjackpinball.com/Parts/The-Hobbit-Parts/Wire-Ramp-Right-Hobbit-Chrome.html

Where did you get these?

Yes. It does not have a cut out to prevent it from falling against the pop bumper and getting stuck. If you look closely at this image:

http://store.jerseyjackpinball.com/core/media/media.nl?id=75913&c=3887496&h=44a0f57465b53b84210a

You can see that the top rail (below the book monitor and next to the pop bumper) has been removed so you can more clearly see the barrel. That ended up being a ball trap and a new wireform (without the cut) was used to remedy that.

If you look close you can see this one has the newer ramp:

https://images.pinside.com/1/91/191eaa17e88d998f17867352c48b39c701232e2d/resized/largish/191eaa17e88d998f17867352c48b39c701232e2d.jpeg

I don't think it is a big deal - but the new wireform does correct the ball getting stuck there issue...

Thank you for explaining that!
So far, I haven't had that happen. So I'll wait and see how it goes. But the left wire form has been causing the balls to jump the kick back post a lot! Too bad it's the most expensive one. Wish I could have caught it on sale.
Cheers!

Is there a Kit to fix the drop targets on the skill shot? Mine doesn't always work correctly.

That is what I have read on the web and here on Pinside somewhere. I submitted a support form to Jersey Jack last night about the kit and I'm waiting for a reply. I will post here when I get the info on it.

I am not aware of the issue (or the fix). Can you guys explain?

Thanks!

I assumed pacman11 was referring to the heavey duty drop target springs that JJ has released. I've already had the DWAR(F) drop target spring break and JJ advises to change them all out at once rather than going back in every time. Makes sense to me.

They're not heavy duty springs. Just longer.

Ah yes, thanks. I have the newer springs too. I am just replacing them as they break. Only had 2 so far in 3 years.

Jjp sent out a fix kit for us early buyers.

Fix kits are still available for The Hobbit.
I asked if kits included the heavy duty springs for the drop targets, brackets for the beast doors (to prevent balls from getting caught), and a redesigned left wire form.
They said that I had the kit contents correct. I hope they didn't misread my question, because I am surprised they will replace the expensive left wire form. But that's what they said. I'll report back when I get it.

J.J responded today that they are shipping me this kit free of charge based on the serial number I sent them. My game born on date is (05-19-2016). Machines built after (07/15/2016) do not need the updates as they were installed at the factory.

Springs are not heavy duty, just longer. Also, J.J. doesn't send a new left wireform (habitrail), they send a post for the ball trap that exists at the bottom of left wireform.

You are getting a new ramp, gratis?

It’s the return wireform on the right I believe.

My game also had some annoying drains from the -left- wireform for a long time. Eventually I found a good angle to bend the ball catch at the end and it’s never been a problem since.

Anybody have tips for spicing up the game ? I’ve been killing it lately and I want to keep the thrill going.

I was thinking of the reworked wireform returning to the left. If memory serves the reworked wireform wasn't offered as a warranty to those with the previous wireform. I wonder if this has changed?

Made it to 'Into the Fire' tonight and experienced flipper fatigue I believe. I didn't lift the playfield to feel the coils though. May have to look into the RC motor cooler fan thing.

You'll probably get a post to install next to wireform like I got. It does the trick just fine.

Have you removed the center post?
That increases the challenge quite a bit.

Dang, good idea. Nope I haven’t done that yet

Ya, I rely on it and get a drain too often. But my wife doesn't want me to remove it. She really loves this game.

is Hobbit like WOZ and the Standard is actually the most limited in number?

I've got the Black Arrow edition, I am assuming this was the latest run and had most of the updates/fixes.. Correct?

Yes,
Machines built after (07/15/2016) do not need the updates as they were installed at the factory. Your build date should be on rear of cab. But Black Arrow was the latest model built.

I believe the Black Arrow is the smallest run at 750 machines.

You may want to rebuild your flippers. You shouldn't have issues that quick. I have played hour long games with no issue.

Ya, I thought about that. But it would probably induce a current into the copper pipe. Not sure how that would affect the coil?
Any electrical engineers out there want to chime in?

My wife warmed them up for about a half hour before I started and I had a multiball going for quit a long spell. Flippers assemblies look new. This game has low plays. But I'll look closer.

Hi All...just joined the club with a HUO Smaug. So far I love it! I have a question about the fix kit. My born-on date is 7-12-2016 which just misses the date where all machines had the fixes. I have no idea if the previous two owners installed the fixes. How can I tell if the beast brackets, springs, etc. have been installed? I’m not even sure what I’m looking for.

Congrats! It's a great game. Some easy fixes to see would be ramp flaps are blue steel if fixed, and the beasts all should have a clear insert in front of them so balls can't get stuck in them. Also, a post on the left side of the game next to left habit trail drop.

alright I am a fool, just figured out you can select a few different skill shots, so thats why my dwarf target weren't always working. lol They are loud though when they reset..

Go up on J.J.'s website and fill out a service ticket form and include your serial number. They will send you the kit if you need it.

You can see the beast brackets pretty easy when they pop up during gameplay. Should be a white color in front of beasts..

The drop target springs are another matter though. I wouldn't know by looking at them. But no big deal. The left ramp post fix is. Mine jumps the pop up post all the time.

New springs are longer.

Thanks all. I definitely don't have the blue steel ramp flaps or the beast inserts. I'll contact JJP.

--Luke

Here is the upgrade kit J.J sent. They didn't send a new left wireform. Just the post (like konghusker said above). Kit includes said post, new drop target springs, brackets for the beast doors with screws, and instructions for installation.
DSCN0083 (resized).JPGDSCN0084 (resized).JPG
Remember that machines built after (07/15/2016) do not need this update kit as it was installed at the factory. Your build date should be on rear of cab. So Black Arrow doesn't need this kit.

Also got another switch error today.
Matrixed switch #15 Subway Entrance (stuck open)
Hole behind Smaug.

The post is for the left wireform.
It keeps the ball from hanging up.

Balls flying off the right wireform can be adjusted out with discrete bending and flipper power adjustments.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/hobbit-setup-tweaks-and-adjustments

Sorry, I'm meant Left wireform. (Corrected above)
My ball is often flying over the pop up post that catches the ball before going down the left out lane?
Thanks

Your flipper power is way too high.

Ball is moving too fast.

Adjust the game pitch to 7.1 degrees.

Adjust flipper power so that the ball can make either ramp from a cradled position.

The ball should just make the ramp and slow up at the top.

Then roll down the wireform naturally.

This is essentially how its supposed to work on all games, not just hobbit.

Thank you. I'll do this!
But why did J.J. update their left wireform to the new style? This must have been a common problem. Unless it's just because they know most people won't make these adjustment.

Since entering the home market, JJP has had to go above and beyond anything William's ever did.

This includes making poorly adjusted games play somewhat properly.

Go into Tests - Switches - Matrixed and toss a ball in. May not have been hit in awhile.

LTG : )

The last couple of cross wires at the end of the ramp hit the ball and eject it from the ramp.
If a thicker gauge wire was used or if the wires were just a little closer a lot of this issue would have been avoided.
I assume there were additional issues that led to the redesign or JJP just wanted to nail this figurative door shut by creating a non-ejecting ramp.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/hobbit-owners-thread/page/10#post-3171275
Here is a link to a posting from Jvspin covering a file sculpt repair of the cross wires and many including myself have bent the end of the wireform up to solve eject issues.

I keep saying ramp when I mean to say wireform or habitrail.

Thanks fnosm! I'll look into this as well.

The upgrade kit I just got doesn't explain where the left wireform post they included is supposed to go?