Braze Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Braze Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Braze Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Nintendo Arcade PCB
Upgrade a compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade PCB with the Braze Technologies Popeye kit, adding enhanced Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, an improved test mode, high score clearing, and a power-on self-test.
The kit installs through the original Z80 CPU socket and uses the processor from your Popeye board. No soldering is required when the original Z80 is already installed in a compatible socket.
Start games without coins while the full standard attract mode continues to run.
Permanently saves the five highest scores and player initials.
Provides clearer DIP-switch verification and score-table clearing.
Runs a brief diagnostic check whenever the game is powered on.
Braze Popeye Kit Features
- Enhanced Free Play: Start games without inserting coins while the full standard Popeye attract sequence continues to run.
- Permanent High Score Saving: Retains the Top 5 scores and player initials after cabinet power is turned off.
- Battery-Free Storage: Saved scores and initials do not require a backup battery.
- Improved Test Mode: Provides clearer verification of supported DIP-switch settings.
- High Score Clearing: Enter Popeye test mode and follow the on-screen instructions to erase the saved table and restore its defaults.
- Power-On Self-Test: Runs a brief diagnostic test whenever the game is powered on.
- Original Nintendo Hardware: Continues to use the original Popeye arcade PCB, Z80 processor, controls, game program, graphics hardware, and sound hardware.
Hardware Compatibility
- Compatible Hardware: Compatible original Nintendo Popeye arcade PCB
- Processor Requirement: Original Z80 processor from the Popeye CPU board
- CPU Socket Requirement: The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket
- Cabinet Access: Access to the Popeye arcade PCB is required during installation
- Special Wiring: No special cabinet wiring is required for normal installation
Installation Requirements
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the original Z80 processor is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, when the original Z80 is already installed in a compatible socket
- If the Z80 Is Soldered: A qualified arcade technician must remove the processor and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used
- Installation Process: The original Z80 processor is transferred to the Braze daughterboard, and the assembled daughterboard is installed in the vacated CPU socket
- Installation Guide: Download the Braze Popeye Installation Guide PDF
Installation Overview
- Turn off and unplug the arcade cabinet before accessing the Popeye arcade PCB.
- Carefully remove the original Z80 processor from its socket on the Nintendo Popeye board.
- Install the original Z80 into the socket on the Braze daughterboard, observing the correct Pin 1 orientation.
- Install the assembled daughterboard into the vacated Z80 CPU socket on the original Popeye PCB.
- Confirm the processor and daughterboard orientation before restoring cabinet power.
- Power on the cabinet and verify operation using the Braze installation guide.
Enhanced Test Mode and Score Reset
The Braze Popeye kit includes an improved test mode with clearer verification of the original board’s supported DIP-switch settings.
The saved high score table can be cleared through Popeye test mode. Follow the on-screen instructions to erase the stored scores and restore the default table.
A brief power-on self-test also runs whenever the cabinet is turned on.
Braze Popeye Kit FAQ
Is this the Braze or HighScoreSaves Popeye kit?
This page is for the Popeye kit manufactured by Braze Technologies. A separate HighScoreSaves-designed Popeye kit is also available in the Popeye category.
Does the Braze Popeye kit support Free Play?
Yes. It provides enhanced Free Play while retaining the full standard Popeye attract-mode screens.
How many scores and initials are saved?
The kit permanently stores the Top 5 scores and player initials.
Does installation require soldering?
No soldering is required when the original Z80 processor is already socketed. If it is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket first.
How do I clear the saved high scores?
Enter Popeye test mode and follow the on-screen instructions to clear the table and restore the default scores.
What does the improved test mode provide?
It provides clearer verification of supported DIP-switch settings and access to the documented score-table reset procedure.
Does the kit run a diagnostic test?
Yes. A brief power-on self-test runs whenever the game is powered on.
Which processor does the kit use?
The kit uses the original Z80 processor from the Nintendo Popeye board. The processor is installed into the Braze daughterboard before the daughterboard is installed on the PCB.
Where can I download the installation guide?
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1 review
September 23, 2025 12:33 AM
Works perfectly!
Not only was this easy to install but now I can set the attract mode a little differently so it doesn't always come up with the Popeye music or I can have it on. I'm a big fan of the game so when I finally got a board I had to buy this the next day. As with all the kits this is super high quality if you're kind of on the fence don't be because you'll enjoy it and it's nice to be able to keep the scores saved