American Pinball Repair Guides

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1 Introduction

Manufacturer's website: https://www.american-pinball.com/

2 Games

• Houdini
• Oktoberfest

3 Technical Info

3.1 Boards

The "Add On Board" (PCB0021-01) 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)

3.2 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.

3.3 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.

3.4 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

3.5 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.

4 Problems and Solutions

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 168S is a knockoff (counterfeit) of the Lepai LP-168HA:

https://lepaiaudio.com/counterfeit/

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