Black Widow Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Atari Vector Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven settings, multiple score tables, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, ROM Saver support, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Black Widow vector arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Atari vector PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Black Widow installation requires a 6502 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the 6502 processor location is already socketed.
Black Widow Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Black Widow kit is designed for original Atari vector arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, score-table management, quick restart support, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Black Widow vector gameplay, timing, controls, sound, and classic arcade behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Saves the Top 5 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Separate score tables based on lives and bonus awards, up to 4 tables
- Adjustable attract sounds at 25%, 50%, or 100%
- Attract mode protection to help reduce vector monitor screen burn
- Menu-driven settings for supported game options
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- Reset Button support for soft restart without cycling cabinet power
- Fast Boot support for minimal startup initialization time
- Stealth Mode support to boot directly into gameplay
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding selection
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Black Widow Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Black Widow Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCB and a socketed 6502 processor location. If the 6502 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Black Widow PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Black Widow Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent Top 5 score saving, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven settings, up to 4 separate score tables, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, ROM Saver support, upright/cocktail cabinet support, manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding selection, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or generic multicade platform.
Main Black Widow Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Stores the Top 5 high scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or failure-prone NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start Black Widow without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Standard coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Separate score tables: Supports up to 4 score tables based on lives and bonus awards.
- Adjustable attract sounds: Attract sounds can be set to 25%, 50%, or 100%.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce vector monitor screen burn and prolonged static-screen display.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported game options directly from the on-screen menu.
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored score data and restore it when needed.
- Reset Button: Soft restart without turning the cabinet off.
- Fast Boot: Minimal startup initialization time.
- Stealth Mode: Boots directly into gameplay.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Branding selection: Choose original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding where supported.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Black Widow 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.
Free Play, Score Saving, and Separate Score Tables
Free Play allows Black Widow to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation when desired.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries or NVRAM are not required for saved scores. The kit stores the Top 5 high scores.
Separate score tables are supported based on lives and bonus awards, with up to 4 different score tables available for supported configurations.
Atari Vector Hardware, Attract Sounds, and Stealth Mode
Black Widow uses original Atari vector arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original Black Widow vector arcade PCBs.
Adjustable attract sounds can be set to 25%, 50%, or 100%. Attract mode protection helps reduce vector monitor screen burn and prolonged static-screen display during idle periods.
Stealth Mode boots directly into gameplay, while Fast Boot reduces startup initialization time for faster cabinet operation after power-up or service.
ROM Saver, Backup and Restore, and Reset Button
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Black Widow installation guide.
Backup and Restore support allows stored score data to be backed up and restored later for service, events, parties, or tournament preparation.
Reset Button support allows a soft restart without turning cabinet power off.
Branding, Cabinet Support, and Local Saving
The kit includes a branding option that allows original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves identification to be selected where supported.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade hardware.
Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally to the installed arcade PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal gameplay, local score saving, cabinet settings, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, or ROM Saver operation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a socketed 6502 processor.
- The 6502 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the 6502 processor location is already socketed.
- If the 6502 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove the processor and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Black Widow installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, board seating, ROM removal locations, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Black Widow installation guide before installation.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores and settings locally to the PCB and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, menu settings, ROM Saver operation, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, or local score saving.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and can submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard after a player enters their initials.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Black Widow gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, Reset Button support, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, or menu-driven options.
Black Widow Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Black Widow kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Atari Black Widow vector arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Black Widow kit?
A socketed 6502 processor is required. If the 6502 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before using the kit.
How many high scores does the Black Widow kit save?
The kit stores the Top 5 high scores and supports up to 4 separate score tables based on lives and bonus awards.
Does the Black Widow kit support Free Play and Coin-Up?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Black Widow 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 is Stealth Mode on the Black Widow kit?
Stealth Mode boots directly into the game without showing startup menus.
What does the Reset Button do on the Black Widow kit?
Reset Button support allows a soft restart without turning the cabinet off.
Does the Black Widow kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations using compatible original Atari vector hardware.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Black Widow kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.