Bomb Jack Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Tehkan Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract sound options, menu-driven settings, Backup and Restore, Fast Boot, Self-Test support, 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 Bomb Jack arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Tehkan PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Bomb Jack installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 processor location is already socketed.
Bomb Jack Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Bomb Jack kit is designed for original Tehkan arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, attract sound control, menu settings, service features, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Bomb Jack gameplay, timing, controls, sound, and classic arcade behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Saves the Top 10 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Authentic attract sound effects
- Adjustable attract sound frequency options
- Attract mode protection to help reduce prolonged static-screen display time
- Menu-driven settings for supported game options
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- Fast Boot support for quicker startup
- Self-Test support for hardware verification
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Bomb Jack Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Bomb Jack Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade PCB and a socketed Z80 processor location. If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Bomb Jack PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Bomb Jack Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent Top 10 score saving, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, authentic attract sounds, adjustable attract sound options, menu-driven settings, Backup and Restore, Fast Boot, Self-Test support, ROM Saver support, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Tehkan Bomb Jack 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 Bomb Jack Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 10 scores directly on screen.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or failure-prone NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start Bomb Jack without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Normal coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Authentic attract sounds: Includes real Bomb Jack gameplay sound effects during attract mode.
- Adjustable attract sound options: Select supported attract-audio frequency settings.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce prolonged static-image display time during idle periods.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported game options directly from the cabinet.
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored high scores and restore them when needed.
- Fast Boot: Supports quicker startup after power-up or service.
- Self-Test: Helps verify supported hardware operation.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail Bomb Jack cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Bomb Jack 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, Coin-Up, and Top 10 Score Saving
Free Play allows Bomb Jack 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 saves the Top 10 scores directly on screen.
Backup and Restore support allows stored high score data to be backed up and restored later for service, events, parties, route use, or tournament preparation.
Tehkan Hardware, Attract Sounds, and Self-Test
Bomb Jack uses original Tehkan arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original Bomb Jack arcade PCBs.
Authentic attract sounds and adjustable attract sound frequency settings help make the cabinet more engaging while still allowing attract-audio behavior to be controlled for home arcades, collections, events, and route use.
Fast Boot helps reduce startup time, and Self-Test support helps verify supported hardware operation during setup, service, or troubleshooting.
ROM Saver, Cabinet Support, and Local Saving
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Bomb Jack installation guide.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack 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, Self-Test support, Fast Boot, or ROM Saver operation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a socketed Z80 processor.
- The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 processor location is already socketed.
- If the Z80 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 Bomb Jack 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 Bomb Jack 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, Self-Test support, Fast Boot, 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 Bomb Jack gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, Fast Boot, Self-Test, or menu-driven options.
Bomb Jack Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Bomb Jack kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Tehkan Bomb Jack arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Bomb Jack kit?
A socketed Z80 processor is required. If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before using the kit.
How many high scores does the Bomb Jack kit save?
The kit saves the Top 10 scores directly on screen.
Does the Bomb Jack kit support Free Play and Coin-Up?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Bomb Jack settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Does the Bomb Jack kit include authentic attract sounds?
Yes. The kit includes authentic gameplay sound effects and adjustable attract sound frequency settings.
Does the Bomb Jack kit include Self-Test support?
Yes. Self-Test support helps verify supported hardware operation during setup, service, or troubleshooting.
Does the Bomb Jack kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations using compatible original Tehkan hardware.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Bomb Jack kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.