American Pinball Repair Guides
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1 Introduction
Manufacturer's website: https://www.american-pinball.com/
American Pinball, Inc. 1448 Yorkshire Drive Streamwood, ILL. 60107 Telephone: (847) 893-6800 info@american-pinball.com
2 Games
Title | Date of Release | Model # | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Houdini | 12-2017 | ||
Oktoberfest | 03-2019 | ||
Hot Wheels | 04-2020* | *Expected production date, however subject to change |
3 Technical Info
3.1 Game Code Updates
Game code updates can be downloaded here: https://www.american-pinball.com/support/updates/
There is a USB jack located near the service outlet in which a thumb drive loaded with the update can be plugged in.
3.2 Manuals
- Oktoberfest Game Manual: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-7/Oktoberfest-Manual-new.pdf
- Oktoberfest Assemblies Manual: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-7/Assembly.pdf
- Houdini Game Manual: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-10/AP_Houdini-Service-Manual_091018.pdf
3.3 Boards
The "Add On Board" (PCB0021-01) on Houdini controls the Start Button LED (12 volts), Shaker Motor (12 volts), and Knocker Coil (48 volts). It can control a maximum of 7 devices.
American Pinball uses the MultiMorphic board sets.
- P3-ROC CPU (PCB0002-00)
- SW-16 board
- PD-16 board (PCB0004-00)
- PD-LED2 board (PCB0008-00)
3.4 Power Supplies
The power supply which operates the coils is a Mean Well model RSP-750-48 (48 volts @ 15 amps, 750 watts). Jameco Electronics has it as their stock number 2172148. Some machines may have a Velika (www.best-force.com) model S-800-48 (48v @ 16.7 amps) power supply installed.
3.5 Displays
Main monitor in backbox is 15.6" Monitor Assembly # MASM0026-00. It is an Astouch model A156-OPD01 which operates on 12 volts DC @ 4 amps. The Stage Monitor is 4.3" screen size.
3.6 Speakers
Houdini uses the following speakers:
- (2) midbass 4" backbox speakers # ELE005-00
- (2) midbass 3" backbox speakers # ELE004-00
- (2) tweeters 2" backbox speakers # ELE0003-00
There is no woofer speaker in the bottom cabinet of Houdini.
3.7 Flippers
Houdini uses Williams WPC style flipper assemblies. The flipper coil is a lugless type with a connector already on it so no soldering is needed. Just plug/unplug the coil. American Pinball coil # COL0003-00. End of stroke switches are normally open when the flipper is at rest and closes when the flipper is energized.
3.8 Cabinet Parts
Ball shooter assembly is the common Williams shooter housing and sleeve combo, but the housing is powder coated to match the game it's installed on. Coin door is a Happ Controls door with the four pushbutton switches much like a Stern Spike system door. Caution note: Houdini uses 12 volt dc coin door LED bulbs. Power switch and service outlet are in the normal locations.
4 Problems and Solutions
4.1 Power Supplies
4.2 Solenoid Problems
Coil driver transistors are type IRL540N (N channel FET).
4.3 Switch Problems
4.4 Lamp Problems
4.4.1 General Illumination Problems
4.4.2 Controlled Lamp Problems
4.5 Display Problems
4.6 Sound Problems
Houdini uses a Lepy model LP-168S or Lepai LP-168HA (sold by Parts Express) super bass power amplifier. Specs are 2 X 40 watt amplifier and 1 X 68 watt subwoofer output. Owner's manual for the LP-168HA is located here: https://lepaiaudio.com/docs/manuals/310-308--lp-168ha-manual.pdf
The Lepy LP-168S is a knockoff (counterfeit) of the Lepai LP-168HA:
https://lepaiaudio.com/counterfeit/
4.7 Flipper Problems
Williams WPC style flipper assemblies. End of stroke switches are normally open when the flipper is at rest.
A common problem is the flipper gets stuck in the up position. This can be due to a broken flipper return spring.
https://store.american-pinball.com/products/houdini-flipper-spring-set
4.8 Pop Bumper Problems
Houdini uses the black color Data East/Sega pop bumper assemblies.
5 Optional Equipment
These are some of the optional accessory equipment available for American Pinball machines.
- Shaker Motor Kit # KIT0001-00 (plugs into "Add On Board" )
- Knocker Kit # KIT0002-00 (adds a real knocker, plugs into "Add On Board" )
- Add On Driver Board # PCB0021-01 (allows connection of accessory items such as shaker motor and knocker)
- End Of Stroke Switch Kit # KIT0004-00 (for Houdini flippers, corrects flipper problems)
- Houdini Power Supply Upgrade # MASM0132-00 (Houdini only, operates coils better than original power supply)
- Houdini Topper # MASM0071-00 (includes ac power adapter)
5.1 Bill Acceptors
- Houdini comes factory pre-wired for 120 volt AC power Mars bill acceptors.
- Oktoberfest comes factory pre-wired for 12 volt DC bill acceptors. Use ICT model A6-25SCP-USD4-II.
6 Game Specific Problems and Fixes
Houdini weak or erratic odd feeling flippers: Early production Houdini machines did not have End-of-Stroke switches on the flipper assemblies. Order Kit # KIT0004-00 End Of Stroke switch kit.
https://store.american-pinball.com/collections/all/products/houdini-end-of-stroke-switch
Houdini coils are weak: Early production Houdini machines need an additional 48 volt power supply for the coils. Order kit # MASM0132-00 Power Supply Upgrade Kit: https://store.american-pinball.com/products/houdini-power-supply-upgrade
6.1 Service Bulletins
- Houdini Scoop Adjustment: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-6/SCOOP-ADJUSTMENT.pdf
- Houdini Skill Shot Fix: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-5/Houdini-Skill-Shot-Fix.pdf
- Houdini Speaker Grill Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-6/Speaker-Grill-Installation.pdf
- Houdini Stage Door Servo Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-9/Stage-Door-Servo-Installation.pdf
- Houdini "Add On Board" (for connecting accessories): http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-9/Add-On-Board.pdf
- Houdini EOS Installation (flippers): http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-10/End-Of-Stroke-Switch.pdf
- Houdini Knocker Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-9/Knocker-Installation.pdf
- Houdini Power Supply Kit (48 volts): http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-10/Power-Supply-Kit-Installation.pdf
- Houdini Shaker Motor Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-6/Shaker.pdf
- Oktoberfest Knocker Kit Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-5/Knocker-Installation.pdf
- Oktoberfest Power Distribution Wiring: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2018-10/Power-Distribution.pdf
- Oktoberfest Shaker Motor Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-9/Oktoberfest-Shaker-Installation.pdf
- Oktoberfest Bar Door Not Working: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-7/Bar-Door-Check.pdf
- Oktoberfest Dollar Bill Acceptor Installation: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-6/Wire-Diagram-DBA.pdf
- Oktoberfest Add On Board Wiring: http://s4.american-pinball.com/img/support/2019-5/New-Add-On-Board.pdf