Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Konami Hardware
Upgrade a documented compatible original Konami Circus Charlie arcade PCB with Free Play, Top 7 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, 100% attract sounds, eight separate score tables, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, Stealth Mode, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
The HighScoreSaves Circus Charlie Kit operates with original Konami arcade hardware rather than replacing the game board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system. Circus Charlie remains the only selectable game.
HighScoreSaves Circus Charlie Standard Kit
A focused upgrade for original Circus Charlie gameplay with Free Play, permanent score saving, attract sound support, ROM Saver features, and modern operator settings.
- Circus Charlie support on compatible original Konami arcade hardware
- Stores the Top 7 high scores
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation available
- Attract sounds play during 100% of attract rotations
- Eight separate score tables based on difficulty and lives combinations
- Menu-driven DIP settings through the settings menu
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Backup and restore support for saved scores
- Stealth Mode for a stock-style boot appearance
- Documented upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Verify PCB Compatibility Before Ordering
- The kit is designed for documented compatible original Konami Circus Charlie arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- A 6809E processor is required.
- No soldering is required when the processor location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- A qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket if the processor is not already socketed.
- Remove only the original program ROMs identified in the Circus Charlie installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, and all pins before restoring cabinet power.
Circus Charlie Kit Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Circus Charlie Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 7 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, 100% attract sounds, eight separate score tables, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, Stealth Mode, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to a documented compatible original Konami Circus Charlie 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. Circus Charlie remains the only selectable game.
Main Circus Charlie Kit Features
- Top 7 score saving: Stores the seven highest supported scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required.
- Free Play: Start Circus Charlie without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Continue accepting quarters or tokens when Free Play is disabled.
- Attract sounds: Plays supported attract sounds during 100% of attract rotations.
- Eight separate score tables: Maintains supported score tables based on difficulty and lives combinations.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Adjust supported settings directly through the settings menu.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when using supported ROM Saver features.
- Score backup and restore: Save and restore supported scores for parties, events, or tournaments.
- Stealth Mode: Boot with a stock-style appearance while preserving save kit features.
- Upright and cocktail support: Compatible with documented cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Circus Charlie 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 Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Circus Charlie to start without inserting coins while retaining normal Coin-Up operation as an available setting. The kit stores the Top 7 supported high scores locally.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries are not required for saved scores. Backup and restore functions are included for supported score data.
Circus Charlie also supports eight separate score tables based on difficulty and lives combinations. This keeps supported score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
Attract Sounds, Stealth Mode, and Operator Settings
Supported attract sounds play during 100% of attract rotations, giving the cabinet a more active presentation during idle periods.
Menu-driven DIP settings allow supported options to be adjusted through the settings menu instead of relying only on physical switch changes.
Stealth Mode allows the cabinet to boot with a stock-style appearance while preserving the Free Play, high score saving, and save kit features.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Konami Circus Charlie arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- A 6809E processor is required.
- No soldering is required when the processor location already has a compatible 40-pin socket.
- If the processor is not already socketed, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Circus Charlie installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, and every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores locally to the PCB and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, settings-menu operation, or local score saving.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and adds online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Circus Charlie gameplay, Free Play, attract sounds, local score saving, Stealth Mode, or settings-menu operation.
Circus Charlie Kit FAQ
How many high scores does the Circus Charlie kit save?The kit stores the Top 7 supported high scores.
Does the Circus Charlie kit support Free Play?Yes. The kit supports Free Play while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation.
Are there separate score tables?Yes. The kit supports eight separate score tables based on difficulty and lives combinations.
Do attract sounds play during attract mode?Yes. Supported attract sounds play during 100% of attract rotations.
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.
What is Stealth Mode?Stealth Mode boots with a stock-style appearance while preserving the save kit features.
Which processor is required?A 6809E processor is required and must be installed in a compatible socketed location.
Does installation require soldering?Not when the processor location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. A qualified arcade technician must install a socket if the processor is not already socketed.
Is Wi-Fi required?No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.