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Kaneda's Never Forget: Deeproot Pinball's RAZA Walkthrough

Kaneda Pinball Podcast YouTube (main)·video·15m 46s·analyzed·Jan 30, 2023
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claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.022

TL;DR

Deep Root Pinball unveils RAZA machine with panoramic art, floating backbox, and touchscreen pin bar.

Summary

Robert Mueller, founder of Deep Root Pinball, provides a detailed walkthrough of RAZA (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland) in two editions: the Arcade Edition (budget) and Extra Edition (XE model with floating backbox). The presentation highlights design innovations including panoramic backlighting wraps, custom backlit side panels, touchscreen pin bar interface, modular topper connectors, and service-friendly playfield access. Mueller emphasizes Deep Root's design philosophy around visual aesthetics, user experience, and serviceability features.

Key Claims

  • RAZA features a panoramic wrap backlighting system instead of traditional trans light, creating 180-degree artwork visibility

    high confidence · Mueller directly demonstrates and explains the panoramic wrap feature and its visual impact compared to standard translites

  • Deep Root developed a drop-and-play socket connector system for toppers using four retention screws, eliminating traditional topper installation difficulties

    high confidence · Mueller physically demonstrates the topper connector mechanism and explicitly describes it as an innovation by Deep Root

  • The Extra Edition features a 'floating backbox' design that separates the video/speakers from the backbox to improve visual focus when looking between playfield and backglass

    high confidence · Mueller explains the floating backbox design rationale and demonstrates the spacing between components

  • RAZA is the first Deep Root pinball machine to not have a physical start button, using only the touchscreen pin bar for game initiation

    high confidence · Mueller explicitly states 'Deeproot is the first pinball machine to not have a start button' and demonstrates the pin bar interface

  • The Arcade Edition includes upgradeable AR (anti-reflective) glass to minimize reflections from the panoramic wrap and backbox screen

    high confidence · Mueller identifies AR glass as an upgrade feature on the Arcade Edition model

Notable Quotes

  • “When you're looking up, you want to quickly see information then look back down at the play field as you're playing. This floating design with that space in between creates a better visual focus for you when you bring your eyes up”

    Robert Mueller@ 2:20 — Explains the ergonomic design philosophy behind the floating backbox innovation

  • “Deeproot is the first pinball machine to not have a start button. And that is because this beautiful pin bar here allows you to either play and get going very simply and quickly, or to add extra players and power to your settings.”

    Robert Mueller@ 12:15 — Highlights a significant design departure from standard pinball conventions in favor of touchscreen-based game initiation

  • “Traditionally, toppers have been very difficult to not only retain and adhere to the cabinet, but also to get the necessary electrical and wiring to them. We at Deeproot have come up with a simple solution, and that is using a simple drop and play socket connector.”

    Robert Mueller@ 5:48 — Describes Deep Root's approach to solving a common pinball customization pain point

  • “We wanted to go with a panoramic wrap for several reasons. First, anything that's backlit really pops out, not only with other pinball machines, but when you're playing it.”

    Robert Mueller@ 0:31 — Establishes design rationale for the panoramic backlighting approach

  • “You have Wi-Fi access through three different dongles, audio and display settings, clock and sleep, and with updates, you can update your machine with the latest code every minute, every hour, every day.”

    Robert Mueller@ 11:03 — Details Deep Root's software update infrastructure and connectivity options for RAZA machines

Entities

Robert MuellerpersonDeep Root PinballcompanyRAZAgameJohn PapadukepersonKaneda Pinball Podcastorganization

Signals

  • ?

    community_signal: Deep Root integrating Pen Access iOS app ecosystem for profile management, multi-player coordination, and remote game control

    high · Mueller demonstrates pin bar functionality including QR code scanning, profile loading, and avatar-based player management via companion app

  • ?

    design_philosophy: Deep Root prioritizes panoramic backlighting, visual focus optimization (floating backbox), and serviceability in engineering decisions

    high · Mueller repeatedly explains design rationale: panoramic wrap for visual impact, floating backbox for ergonomic eye focus, lift-glass frame for easy playfield access

  • ?

    design_innovation: Deep Root developed proprietary drop-and-play socket connector for topper installation as competitive advantage over traditional wiring approaches

    high · Mueller demonstrates topper connector mechanism and explicitly frames it as an innovation solving traditional installation difficulties

  • ?

    announcement: Official walkthrough and feature demonstration of RAZA (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland) in two editions with specifications

    high · Robert Mueller directly presents and demonstrates RAZA Arcade and Extra editions with detailed feature breakdown

  • ?

    product_strategy: Two-tier product strategy: Arcade Edition (budget, vinyl side panels, stainless trim) vs Extra Edition (XE, backlit side panels, floating backbox, purple powder-coated trim)

    high · Mueller systematically compares features between editions throughout presentation, highlighting cost/feature tradeoffs

Transcript

youtube_groq_whisper · $0.047

0:00
Hi, my name is Robert Mueller, principal here at Deep Root Pinball, and I can't wait to take you through these two amazing machines, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland, or RASA for short. We have two editions with us here today. We have the Arcade Edition, which is our budget edition, and we have the Extra Edition, which is our XE model with the floating back box, but all blinged out with all the extra stuff that collectors would like. Let's start with what these two editions have in common. So the first thing that you'll notice is this beautiful panoramic wrap that you see in place of the normal trans light. We wanted to go with a panoramic wrap for several reasons. First, anything that's backlit really pops out, not only with other pinball machines, but when you're playing it. And the beautiful artwork here that usually is just lit on front with a normal pinball machine and has non-lit sides, it's much more dynamic here when you actually have a full 180 panoramic wrap of the artwork for the pinball machine. It really brings it in from just about any angle that you are looking at the pinball. One thing you'll notice is that the artwork is different. We have the amusement designed by John Papaduke on the arcade edition with more of a mix of reds and oranges and blues and purples and yellows. It's a very amusement type what you would see normally in an amusement park. Over here on On the extra, we have the Nebula version. The Nebula version is my design and it's more subdued and more galaxy, more space-like with oranges and purples and blues and a few little pinks to highlight it. And it goes well with the powder-coated purple that we have on the trim and armor on the extra. Next, let's look at the back boxes and see how they're different between the two editions. see the more traditional Williams-Bally style back box, one unit, but it has our unique deep root flare on it with the Cylon ultra wide stainless grill. On the extra, on the other hand, is my personal design. We call it the floating back box design and basically what it is, it allows us to put within this back bar, it allows us to put the video and the speakers together separated from the back box and the cabinet. The reason why we do this is very important. When you're looking up, you want to quickly see information then look back down at the play field as you're playing. This floating design with that space in between creates a better visual focus for you when you bring your eyes up and it's in a more compact and I think aesthetically pleasing package. Next, let's look at the two side panels and how they differ between the editions. On the Arcade Edition, you'll see that this is normal vinyl, and while it would normally look good on a pinball machine, next to the extras, backlit panels, it does wash out a little bit, doesn't it? So the extra, we decided to engineer a very unique molded custom cut side panel that goes on, that's backlit, and it really makes the artwork pop, not only by itself, but also in a collection of other pinball machines. and it will look great not only on location but also wherever you have your pinball machines in your house.
  • ?

    technology_signal: RAZA eliminates traditional start button in favor of exclusive touchscreen pin bar interface for game initiation

    high · Mueller explicitly states 'Deeproot is the first pinball machine to not have a start button' and demonstrates pin bar as sole control for starting play

    • 3:16
    Next, let's focus on two things that are very obvious here and that all of you want to know a little bit more about, and that is the lift glass frames that's standard on all editions, and the pin bar, the touchscreen that we have on both editions as well as standard. On the arcade edition, we have a beautiful stainless look that goes all the way around, including on the lock bar that protects the pin bar here, as well as the legs and as we talked about before, the Cylon version of our back box grille. On the extra edition we have a beautiful purple powder that goes very well with the artwork Not only is the back box powder but you also have the legs the full lock bar and glass frame as well as the front coin door Now for the Arcade Edition you can upgrade and be able to get the same trim here with the exception of the Cylon which will always stay stainless So you can get the glass frame, the lock bar, and the legs, and the coin door all in purple if you would like on your Arcade Edition. Now, the Arcade Edition that you see here has two additional features that are upgraded from the base model that I want to go over real quick. The first is the upgraded toy package that is normally standard on the Extra that we've included here, which includes the Jet Star, the motorcycle, and the stickers on the Atomic Shop. You can add those if you'd like into your order, or you can leave them off. The second thing that we've upgraded in this Arcade Edition is the anti-reflective or AR glass that we have on here to prevent a lot of reflection of not only this production but it also is a great AR glass that prevents and minimizes reflection from the panoramic wrap and the back box screen. Next let's look at some of the special features the Extra Edition has on its playfield. First in the very back and very noticeable will be the net which is not only mechanized but also has the great beautiful lead light turrets. You'll get the full toy package that's the Dizzy Doozy, the Atomic Shop, the motorcycle, the Jet Star. In addition you'll also get the laser etched apron and the neon rings that will go over most of the structural components. Last but not least is our beautiful overhead GI track on either side of the glass frame that will give you extra light to your playfield, especially in dark environments. So next, let's see how we at Deeproot Pinball have decided to connect and attach these toppers to our pinball machines. Traditionally, toppers have been very difficult to not only retain and adhere to the cabinet, but also to get the necessary electrical and wiring to them. We at Deeproot have come up with a simple solution, and that is using a simple drop and play socket connector. Let's see how it works. That's it. And all you have to do now is there's four retention areas here, four screws. It adheres it to the cabinet and you have a beautiful topper, dropped and played, innovation by Deeproot. Next, let's take a look at some options that you have to service your pinball machine using some of our innovations with the glass lock frame that goes up and down with shock absorption and how the playfield will come up and sit proudly in the middle of the cabinet, leaving two ends of the cabinet with easy access to all the componentry below.
    6:38
    So, traditionally, we do the same on a DeepRoot machine that we do on any other pinball machine. We turn the key and open up the coin door. This also, just incidentally, allows you to access the admin features within the pin bar itself.
    6:53
    Next, in order to lift the glass lid, you basically push one button and it comes up. Now, leaving this at the first position, one thing I want to point out are the rotator locks here that are often found in many automobiles. It creates a nice pillow lock. So even if I were to bring it down and forcibly slam it, it protects the pin bar and all the componentry. So lifting it back up, I want to point out the shocks and the shock absorption that are on both sides. As you bring it down, there's force moving against you to keep it very nice and controlled until about a point of climax right here where it will close on its own. Just doing that again so you can see how nice and easy this is. That's it. Now as you bring the glass lid up this is the first position but in order to get the servicing of the playfield you want to go to the top position here Sorry got to pull the pin until it locks. And so this sits and will fit most even low ceiling basements. Next, let's take a look at how to bring the playfield proud in the middle of the cabinet. To do that, there'll be two locks, one on either side. you basically undo those locks and then you're able to bring the playfield out to its first resting position. To bring it up fully proud like every other playfield, you bring it down until it clicks. And then for safety purposes, because it's vertical in the middle of the playfield instead of resting against the back box, we basically have a kickstand and there we go. That's how to service your playfield here, not only the backside of the playfield with all the wiring but also the front as well and again you have two cavities here to be able to access the components as it's sitting proud. To release and go back, you basically undo the latch, you bring it back down and it fits snugly right back into the cabinet. You simply both lock both levers and close the coin door and then you undo the pin here from the top lock.
    9:27
    And there you go. That's how you service a Deep Root Pinball machine. So now let's go through the pin bar and see how Deep Roots addition of an Ultra HD touchscreen to the front of a pinball machine brings more power and excitement and fun to your pinball ownership and playing experience. The first is always the same card that you would normally see on the apron, which has a very simple list of basic rules to the game. If you're an admin, you'll have the ability to change the tracked audio, whether on or off, and the actual volume of the machine.
    10:01
    Next, we'll go into the settings. In order to access the settings, you need the coin door open, a physical lock, and you need a digital lock, in this case, just one number. We can go ahead and close the admin door now. Now we've accessed the settings screen. The settings screen has different menus, as you can see at the left, all easily touchable using the touchscreen.
    10:25
    And it has each submenu and options in the main screen here. So, for example, the environment settings menu basically allows you to select whether your machine is in a home or a public setting. At home, you'll have access to settings like volume and brightness versus public, which is if you take your pinball machine to an event, or if it's on location, will restrict any settings changes unless an admin comes in and switches it off or changes it themselves.
    10:58
    In addition, you have saved profiles for friends or family so they can easily load their profile on your machine. You have Wi-Fi access through three different dongles, audio and display settings, clock and sleep, and with updates, you can update your machine with the latest code every minute, every hour, every day.
    11:17
    You have a reset based on base settings, and you have about, which has code versions. Next, with the testing menu, you can test switches, lamps, solenoids, motors, and magnets. For instance, with switches, it will not only have all the switches listed here on a menu, it will also have each time and the total times that switch has been hit within each of the times that you have here It a nice way to see and diagnose your machine here but also see audits as well Going back to settings you have game settings and then you have specific settings for instance like Rasa where you can choose the number of balls timers tickets, etc. Support allows you to submit a support ticket directly from your pinball machine. You also can do that from our pin access iOS app. Last but not least are statistics, not only audits but the machine status, game statistics, and high scores. Exiting the menu is very easy. Just the upper right, you'll see the X there. Deeproot is the first pinball machine to not have a start button. And that is because this beautiful pin bar here allows you to either play and get going very simply and quickly, or to add extra players and power to your settings. So let's see how that works. For a simple player who wants to get going, it's simply hitting start, adding a player, and then clicking play.
    12:40
    Now, if you have saved profiles, I'll just use this one, you will have your saved profiles here. So friends and family members who have saved their profile on your machine can easily pull up their profile so all their scores are saved under their profile. Now, if you want a little extra power, you simply take the Pen Access app
    12:59
    and you go in, you simply scan the code, click join, and then basically whether or not your pinball machine is connected to the internet. The internet through your phone will connect with the Deep Root servers and you see my avatar here, which is my lovely dog, Bentley, is listed up. You can add additional players if you want. They can either log in or they can add themselves as a safe profile guest. So that's three different ways that you can access. Once you're ready to go, you simply hit play.
    13:33
    Now on Rasa, we have an intro screen. And then you have a really neatly done skill shot menu. Now you can take the random skill shot that's listed here, or you can choose the skill shot that you would like to start with. When you're ready to play, you simply plunge, as I've done here.
    13:53
    And we'll let that go ahead and drain out. What I want to show real quick are the five different areas of the pinball machine. During gameplay, your pin bar will look very similar to this. However, we've added a lot of customization. So, there are really five panels as you look from left to right across the pin bar screen. You have the first panel, which is simply that you can do with a thumb or a finger without even looking at it. You can bring up sub-menus. Those submenus add in the second panel a shot log, in the fourth panel from left to right, a what's next card deck, or you can make them disappear depending on your play preference. Next, you can change the volume here very quickly during play, as long as it's in the home environment profile. So by populating this entire screen, you can see the five panels here, which at the very end will always be a virtual button. That virtual button will change from the game to game and maybe during the game it will be something different. For Rasa, it will always be your Magna Save button. In the middle, you have a copy of the back bar screen. A simple touch can take your HUD numbers and data off or bring it back for easy viewing. It will also have all of the avatars and all of the players that are playing the game. We can take both of those panels off and just leave your back bar screen and the virtual button there. It's completely up to you how you customize your screen at any given time. So that's the arcade and the extra edition. We can't wait to see these editions of Raza in your houses soon. Thank you for joining us.