Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit
$66.00
Product information "Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Sega/Gremlin Arcade PCB
Upgrade your original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent high score saving, real attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support while preserving authentic gameplay and original arcade hardware.
Designed specifically for original Sega/Gremlin hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade displays the Top 3 scores, stores up to 30 scores, and improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay, timing, sound, controls, or the classic shooting-gallery arcade experience collectors expect.
Play without coins while retaining optional Coin-Up operation.
Displays the Top 3 and stores up to 30 scores using reliable serial EEPROM.
Upload qualifying scores online to the global arcade leaderboard.
Preserves the original Carnival PCB, gameplay, timing, sound, and controls.
Upgrade Your Carnival Arcade Experience
Restore and enhance your original Carnival arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Sega/Gremlin arcade hardware.
Original arcade boards can lose high scores, rely on aging components, or require repeated setup after power cycles. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, sound effects, timing, controls, and arcade feel that made Carnival one of the most recognizable shooting gallery arcade games of the early 1980s.
Unlike multigame systems, reproduction boards, or emulation platforms, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB in service while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Included Carnival Kit Features
- Easy Installation: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required when the Z80 CPU is already socketed
- Permanent Score Saving: Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- High Score Save: Displays the Top 3 and stores up to 30 scores
- Real Attract Sounds: Includes authentic gameplay sound effects during attract mode
- Attract Sound Frequency: Adjustable 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings
- Free Play and Coin-Up: Supports both Free Play and traditional coin operation
- Attract Mode Protection: Helps reduce static-screen display time during idle operation
- Menu-Driven Settings: DIP options are configurable directly from the on-screen menu
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored high scores and restore them when needed
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove designated original program ROMs when installed as directed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations
- Optional Wi-Fi: Adds qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving
Access the HighScoreSaves Carnival Settings Menu
To access the settings menu, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Why Upgrade Your Original Carnival PCB?
Original Carnival arcade boards were built for authentic arcade operation, but they were not designed around modern score retention, menu-driven setup, or long-term operator convenience. This kit keeps the original Sega/Gremlin PCB in use while adding reliable score saving, Free Play, attract sound options, Backup and Restore, ROM Saver support, and optional online leaderboard support.
For collectors, operators, and restoration projects, the upgrade helps preserve the original shooting-gallery gameplay while reducing the frustration of lost scores and repeated cabinet setup changes. It adds useful features without replacing the cabinet with emulation, a multigame board, or reproduction hardware.
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the Z80 CPU is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, if the Z80 CPU is already socketed
- Socketed Z80 Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail configurations supported
- PCB Type: Designed for documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs
- Installation Guide: View/Download Carnival Install Guide (PDF)
Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards
Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal Carnival gameplay, local score saving, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu settings, Backup and Restore, or ROM Saver operation.
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to submit qualifying scores online and compete against players through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Carnival kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs.
How many scores are saved?
The kit displays the Top 3 and stores up to 30 total scores using reliable serial EEPROM.
Does the Carnival kit support Free Play and coin operation?
Yes. The kit supports both Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation.
How is the HighScoreSaves Carnival settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
What are real attract sounds?
Attract mode can include authentic gameplay sound effects instead of silent attract mode.
Can attract sounds be adjusted?
Yes. Attract sound frequency can be set to 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings.
Can I change settings without opening the cabinet?
Yes. Supported DIP options are configurable through the on-screen menu system.
What is ROM Saver?
ROM Saver allows designated original program ROMs to be removed while the game runs directly from the kit when installed as directed.
Do I need a socketed CPU?
Yes. A socketed Z80 CPU is required for installation. If the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed first.
Will this kit change the original gameplay?
No. The kit preserves the original Carnival gameplay, timing, sound, and controls while adding Free Play, high score saving, menu settings, attract sound options, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard features.
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