American Pinball Repair Guides


Note: This page is a work in progress. Please help get it to a completed state by adding any useful information to it.

1 Introduction

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

2 Games

Houdini
Oktoberfest

2.1 Machine Pictures

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).

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. 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.

3.6 Cabinet Parts

4 Problems and Solutions

4.1 Power Supplies

4.2 Solenoid Problems

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

https://lepaiaudio.com/counterfeit/

4.7 Flipper Problems

4.8 Pop Bumper Problems

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)

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