Amidar Arcade PCB Upgrades for Original Konami Z80 Hardware
Research the HighScoreSaves Amidar upgrade for compatible original Konami arcade hardware. This kit is designed for an original Amidar PCB and installs at the documented Z80 processor location while retaining the original game board as the operating arcade platform.
The upgrade adds permanent Top 10 high score saving, Free Play, menu-driven settings, serial EEPROM storage, lives-based score tables, ROM Saver, Backup and Restore, God Mode, and optional Wi-Fi functionality without replacing the original Konami game hardware.
This is an original-PCB upgrade rather than a replacement JAMMA board, reproduction PCB, generic multicade, or software-emulation platform.
Amidar Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide
Before ordering, verify that your cabinet contains a compatible original Konami Amidar PCB and confirm the Z80 processor and socket configuration shown in the installation guide. The existing arcade board should be fully working before the upgrade is installed.
Amidar Z80 and PCB Compatibility
The HighScoreSaves daughter card installs at the documented Z80 CPU location on compatible original Amidar hardware. A suitable socketed 40-pin Z80 processor location is required for installation.
- Designed for documented compatible original Konami Amidar arcade PCBs
- Requires a compatible Z80 processor
- Requires a suitable socketed 40-pin Z80 CPU location
- No soldering is required when the documented CPU location is already properly socketed
- Correct Z80 Pin 1 orientation and daughter-card seating must be verified before power is restored
HighScoreSaves designs and supports Amidar upgrades for compatible original Konami arcade PCBs using Z80 processor hardware.
Understanding the Amidar Original PCB Upgrade
The Amidar kit adds supported upgrade functionality while continuing to use the compatible original Konami game PCB. The HighScoreSaves daughter card interfaces through the documented Z80 processor location rather than replacing the complete arcade board.
Correct identification of the actual PCB is important because vintage cabinets may have been converted, repaired, or fitted with replacement hardware during decades of service. Cabinet artwork alone should not be used to determine kit compatibility.
Amidar Z80 Processor and Daughter-Card Installation
Installation uses the documented Z80 processor location on the original Amidar PCB. The CPU location must use a suitable 40-pin socket so the HighScoreSaves daughter card can be installed correctly.
If the Z80 is soldered directly to the arcade PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be professionally installed before fitting the upgrade. When the Z80 location is already properly socketed, normal kit installation does not require soldering, trace cutting, or special cabinet wiring.
Pin 1 Orientation and Board Inspection
Before restoring cabinet power, verify the documented Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, daughter-card seating, socket condition, and all processor pins. Inspect the installation carefully from multiple angles before powering the game.
Amidar ROM Saver and Original Program ROMs
The Amidar kit includes ROM Saver support. Designated original program ROMs may be removed when the kit is installed according to the Amidar installation guide. Only the specifically documented ROM locations should be removed.
ROM Saver allows supported program code to be supplied through the upgrade while the compatible original Konami PCB remains the underlying arcade hardware.
Original Konami PCB vs. Replacement Hardware
The HighScoreSaves upgrade keeps the compatible original Amidar PCB as the operating game platform. It does not replace the machine with a generic multicade, replacement JAMMA board, reproduction PCB, or software-emulation system.
Why Keep the Original Amidar PCB?
- Retains compatible original Konami arcade hardware in the cabinet
- Keeps the original Amidar PCB as the operating game platform
- Continues using the original Z80-based hardware architecture
- Adds supported functionality through a removable daughter-card upgrade
- Avoids replacing the original game hardware with a generic multicade or emulation platform
Amidar Score Saving and Supported Upgrade Features
The HighScoreSaves Amidar kit permanently saves the Top 10 supported scores using battery-free serial EEPROM storage. Multiple score tables are maintained based on the selected lives configuration.
Additional supported features include Free Play with optional coin operation, attract-sound settings, menu-driven DIP options, Backup and Restore, ROM Saver, upright and cocktail cabinet support, and God Mode for unlimited-lives practice. Scores earned while God Mode is enabled are not saved.
What to Check Before Ordering the Amidar Kit
Inspect the actual arcade board before ordering and confirm that the hardware matches the documented Amidar configuration.
- Confirm that the cabinet contains a documented compatible original Konami Amidar PCB
- Verify that the game board is fully working before installation
- Locate the documented Z80 processor and CPU socket
- Confirm that the Z80 location uses a compatible 40-pin socket
- Inspect the processor pins and CPU socket for damage or previous repair work
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and daughter-card seating before applying power
- Review the Amidar Installation Guide before ordering or beginning installation.
After confirming compatible original Amidar hardware, visit the Amidar Free Play and High Score Save Kit product page for current pricing, Top 10 score saving, Free Play, lives-based score tables, God Mode, ROM Saver, Backup and Restore, Standard and Wi-Fi options, configuration choices, and ordering.