Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Sega/Gremlin Hardware
Upgrade a documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCB with Free Play, Top 3 score display, storage for up to 30 total scores, serial EEPROM storage, real attract sounds, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
The HighScoreSaves Carnival Kit operates with original Sega/Gremlin arcade hardware rather than replacing the game board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system. Carnival remains the only selectable game.
HighScoreSaves Carnival Standard Kit
A focused upgrade for original Carnival gameplay with Free Play, saved scores, attract sound options, and modern operator features.
- Carnival support on compatible original Sega/Gremlin arcade hardware
- Displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation available
- Real attract sounds using authentic gameplay sound effects
- Adjustable attract sound frequency at 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Documented upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Verify PCB Compatibility Before Ordering
- The kit is designed for documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented Z80 processor location.
- A socketed Z80 CPU is required for installation.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- A qualified arcade technician must install a socket when the processor is soldered directly to the PCB.
- Remove only the program ROMs identified in the Carnival installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
Carnival Kit Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Carnival Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, saved high scores, attract sound options, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to a documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCB.
The daughterboard works with the original arcade hardware rather than replacing the game board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system. Carnival remains the only selectable game.
Main Carnival Kit Features
- High score saving: Displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores.
- Free Play: Start Carnival without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Continue accepting quarters or tokens when Free Play is disabled.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required.
- Real attract sounds: Includes authentic gameplay sound effects during attract mode.
- Adjustable attract sound frequency: Select supported attract audio at 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported DIP and operator options through the settings menu.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may optionally be removed when using supported ROM Saver features.
- Score backup and restore: Save and reload supported high-score data through the kit.
- Upright and cocktail support: Compatible with documented cabinet configurations.
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 and Saved High Scores
Free Play allows Carnival to start without inserting coins while retaining normal Coin-Up operation as an available setting. The kit displays the Top 3 scores and stores up to 30 total scores locally.
Saved scores are stored using reliable serial EEPROM memory, so batteries are not required for supported score storage. Backup and restore functions are included for supported high-score data.
Attract Sounds and Operator Settings
Carnival supports real attract sounds using authentic gameplay sound effects. Attract sound frequency can be configured for 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings.
Supported DIP and operator settings can be changed through the settings menu instead of adjusting physical settings every time changes are needed.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented Z80 processor location.
- A socketed Z80 CPU is required for installation.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible socket.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Carnival installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores and settings locally on the arcade PCB. It does not require an internet connection.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and adds online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves leaderboard platform.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Carnival gameplay, Free Play, attract sounds, local score saving, or settings-menu operation.
Carnival Kit FAQ
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?Yes. The kit supports Free Play while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation.
Can attract sounds be adjusted?Yes. Supported attract sound frequency can be configured for 25%, 50%, or 100% rotation settings.
How is the HighScoreSaves 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 installation require soldering?Not when the documented Z80 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. A qualified arcade technician must install a socket when the processor is soldered directly to the PCB.
Does the kit replace the original Sega/Gremlin PCB?No. The HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with a documented compatible original Sega/Gremlin Carnival arcade PCB.
Is Wi-Fi required?No. Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.