Upgrade Your Circus Charlie Arcade Experience
Download Circus Charlie Install Guide (PDF)
Bring modern convenience to your original Circus Charlie arcade hardware with our collection of Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kits. These plug-and-play upgrades add reliable high score saving, Free Play functionality, and an on-screen settings menu—no cabinet disassembly or PCB changes required.
Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Learn More About This Kit Click a button to view details, tips, or the installation guide. Main Features Easy installation: No soldering—just plug in and play. Permanent high-score saving: Serial EEPROM (not NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save: Stores the Top 7 scores. Attract Sounds: Plays at 100% of attract rotations. Freeplay mode: Play without coins. Coin-Up support: Keep quarters/tokens enabled. Attract Mode: Cycles gameplay demo to reduce screen burn. Menu-driven DIP settings: Adjust everything on-screen. ROM Saver: Remove original program ROMs to reduce power. Cabinet compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Separate score tables: Eight tables—one for each difficulty/lives combo. Backup & Restore: Save/restore scores for events. Stealth Mode: Boots to look stock while keeping save kit features. Important Installation Notes This kit requires a 6809E processor. A socketed CPU is required — install a 40-pin socket if needed. Read the Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide / Manual (PDF) before setup. FAQ How many scores are saved? The kit saves the Top 7 high scores. Does this kit support Freeplay and coins? Yes — choose Freeplay or coin-up. Are there separate score tables? Yes — 8 total score tables (difficulty × lives). What is Stealth Mode? Boots to look stock while keeping all save-kit features. Which CPU is required? A 6809E processor — must be socketed. Where can I download the Installation Guide? Download the Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit Setup Instructions / Installation Manual (PDF) Resources Circus Charlie — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Details and Benefits
Looking for more technical details before purchasing? The information below outlines the full capabilities and installation requirements of the Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit.
The Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit is designed for original arcade hardware and addresses common issues found on aging boards, such as lost high scores, reset reliability, and limited configuration options. This upgrade delivers modern stability and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the original gameplay experience.
What This Kit Adds
- Free Play with flexibility — Enable coin-free operation while still supporting traditional coin play
- Reliable score retention — High scores are stored permanently using non-volatile memory
- On-screen control menu — Adjust game options without opening the cabinet
- Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce burn-in on CRT displays
- Cabinet compatibility — Supports Upright arcade cabinets
Advanced Features
- Backup and restore — Save and reload high score data as needed
- Separate score tables — Independent high score tables based on configuration settings
- Practice mode support — Additional options for training and testing
Important Installation Notes
A socketed processor (such as Z80 or compatible) is required. If your board is not already socketed, install the appropriate socket before using this kit. Always review the installation guide prior to installation to ensure proper setup and reliable operation.
Optional Wi-Fi enabled versions allow scores to be uploaded online and synced to your personal player page in addition to local high score saving on the PCB.