Ha Ha! Funny you say that - I would visit these threads, see the high scores and think, "Boy, I really suck at pinball!" For me, some games are just flat out brutal. But always a blast to play!

I have yet to beat Smaug. It's in one of the modes you can unlock, right? I know I've tried hitting him a few times with the windlance, but with zero success. Loving the new beta code, btw!

So I’m having an odd issue with my Hobbit I’m hoping someone could help with. I played a single game today without an issue. When I started a second game, a message read “pinball missing”. After searching over the playfield for a missing ball (and not finding one) I turned the game off and restarted. This time, most if not all playfield lighting was dark and when I pressed the start button, a ball immediately launched, random awards were given (skill shot, dwarfs, etc.), the drop targets fired randomly, etc. The test mode is indicating Ball Trough Jam Switch #006. I removed the balls, dropped them back down the center and the same problem persists. Any ideas? Also, when it test modes I’m getting flashing, clicking and odd patterns on the screen. Ugh.

Thanks for the quick reply, LTG. Honestly, I don't know. When I enter the test screen the boxes flash, click and flash and out. Return six reads 6 Ball trough jam. Could it be some strange opto issue?

Ok, thanks. Will do. Yes - there are five balls in the trough.

Hey, Hobbit owners! Here is hoping you might lend a hand. Just recently, my ball has been getting stuck on the ramp after kicking up the Radagast VUK. A month or so ago, it would only occur on occasion; not it happens every time. I'm still running 1.9 code. Coil strength on Radagast VUK is 23 (20 on Balin). Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

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Thanks for the input, guys. I'll check the pitch on the machine when I get home; frankly, I'm not sure what it is. Great idea on the washer...I'll try that too. Appreciate the help!

Not cool. I think Goronic was tongue and cheek with his post. So what, you joined Pinside a week ago and start taking shots at people? Let's keep the spirit of this thread intact - and celebrate a significant code update on an already special pin. I suck at pinball...but I still have fun smacking around the silver ball!

I can't wait!

I know there has been quite a bit of speculation since the last update - here, on the JJP owner's group, etc. Does anyone have an idea of what to expect? Any leaks? I'm just curious to see what everyone has heard.

Considering JJP is live streaming, I think the update should be substantive (more than simply bug fixes). But who knows? Fingers crossed we see more callouts - particularly Smaug!

Thanks for the information, Panzer. Love the idea of the star rating on modes. I'll never see the final wizard mode though, I know that. Additional callouts are an absolute necessity too. Smaug is the main feature in the game and the dialogue gets repetitive.

Does anyone have an idea if the code JJP features on the twitch stream is also available for owners to download the same day? My fear is that we might have to wait a few days.

Thank you for the feedback, gentlemen. Makes sense to me...

Is it just me or has the latest update (and even before, frankly) cemented TH as the GOAT? Pinball is all about creating a world under glass, and this machine just sucks me in like few others ever have.

Hello, fellow owners! My Hobbit has me stumped and I’m hoping someone might lend a hand. Here’s the challenge in a nutshell: when the ball is cradled (or in play), drop targets will fire, switches will register, points will be rewarded in rapid fashion (even if I’m not hitting anything and the ball is resting on the flipper). Other odd behaviors abound. On some games, the ball takes about 20-30 seconds before it’s fed into the ball trough. On other games, all lights are out with the exception of the spotlights. Other times when I turn the machine off and on, they are fine. I’ve had similar issues in the past shortly after I purchased my pin. After a series of calls with Frank at JJP tech support and troubleshooting fixes, he sent me a new IO board to replace the existing one (it’s a long rectangular board that sits inside the metal box in the cabinet). After that the game was fine and there weren’t any issues. Now the same thing is resurfacing. I find it hard to believe it’s the same board that zotzed out but I suppose it’s possible. At any rate, I know there are people here with way more knowledge than me so I thought I would throw it out. Thanks, everyone!

Ha ha! At this point, I'm tempted to. The problem is so frustrating!

Hmm, I'm not certain. Here is a photo of the boards that I already replaced that JJP sent me.

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Thanks so much, GTO, I'll try that fix. One question, which one is the BAG board? Apologies in advance for my ignorance!

Thanks so much for the savvy help - it is much appreciated! I purchased a new USB cable and before installing it, I reseated all the connections to the BAG board and the main USB connection. I've played about 10 games and I'm happy to report the problem seems to be solved; the only minor issue I'm having is Smaug's mouth remains open at all times although it might be a separate issue. Again, thank you!