Carnival Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Sega/Gremlin Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, real attract sounds, adjustable attract sound frequency, menu-driven DIP settings, attract mode protection, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Carnival arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Sega/Gremlin PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Carnival installation requires a socketed Z80 CPU. No soldering is required when the Z80 CPU is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
Carnival Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Carnival kit is designed for original Sega/Gremlin arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, attract sound control, menu settings, service features, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Carnival gameplay, timing, controls, sound, and classic shooting-gallery arcade behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Displays the Top 3 scores on screen
- Stores up to 30 total scores
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- Real attract sounds with authentic gameplay sound effects
- Adjustable attract sound frequency at 25%, 50%, or 100%
- Attract mode protection to help reduce static-screen display time
- Menu-driven DIP settings for supported game options
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Requires a socketed Z80 CPU
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Carnival Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCB and a socketed Z80 CPU location. If the Z80 CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Carnival PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 3 on-screen score display, up to 30 stored scores, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, real attract sounds, adjustable attract sound frequency, menu-driven DIP settings, attract mode protection, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Sega/Gremlin Carnival 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 Carnival Kit Features
- Score saving: Displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required.
- Free Play: Start Carnival without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Normal coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Real attract sounds: Includes authentic gameplay sound effects during attract mode.
- Adjustable attract sound frequency: Supports 25%, 50%, or 100% attract sound rotation settings.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce static-screen display time during idle operation.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Configure supported game options directly from the on-screen menu.
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored high scores and restore them when needed.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Socketed Z80 requirement: Requires a Z80 CPU installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- 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 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.
Free Play, Coin-Up, and Score Saving
Free Play allows Carnival to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation when desired.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries are not required for saved scores. The kit displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores.
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.
Sega/Gremlin Hardware, Attract Sounds, and DIP Settings
Carnival uses original Sega/Gremlin arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original Carnival arcade PCBs.
Real attract sounds add authentic gameplay sound effects during attract mode. Adjustable attract sound frequency can be set to 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings depending on the desired cabinet behavior.
Menu-driven DIP settings allow supported options to be configured directly from the on-screen menu, reducing the need to adjust PCB DIP switches during normal setup.
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 Carnival installation guide.
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival 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, menu operation, Backup and Restore, or ROM Saver operation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a socketed Z80 CPU.
- The Z80 CPU must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 CPU is already socketed.
- If the Z80 CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must remove the CPU and install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Carnival 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 Carnival 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, 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 Carnival gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, cabinet settings, menu-driven options, Backup and Restore, or ROM Saver operation.
Carnival 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 high scores does the Carnival kit save?
The kit displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores.
Does the Carnival kit support Free Play and Coin-Up?
Yes. The kit supports 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.
Does the Carnival kit include real attract sounds?
Yes. Attract mode includes authentic gameplay sound effects.
Can attract sounds be adjusted?
Yes. Attract sound frequency supports 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings.
Which processor is required for the Carnival kit?
A socketed Z80 CPU is required. If the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before using the kit.
What is ROM Saver on the Carnival kit?
ROM Saver allows designated original program ROMs to be removed while the game runs directly from the kit when installed as directed.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Carnival kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.