Cosmic Avenger Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Arcade Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, attract mode protection, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, Stealth Mode, separate score tables, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Cosmic Avenger arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Cosmic Avenger installation requires a Z80 processor and a compatible socketed CPU location. No soldering is required when the Z80 CPU is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
Cosmic Avenger Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Cosmic Avenger kit is designed for original arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, attract sound behavior, menu settings, service features, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Cosmic Avenger gameplay, timing, controls, sound, and classic vertical shooter behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Saves the Top 7 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- Attract sounds during 100% of attract screen rotations
- 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
- Stealth Mode for a more stock-looking boot appearance
- Eight separate score tables based on supported difficulty and lives settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Requires a Z80 processor and compatible 40-pin socketed CPU location
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Cosmic Avenger Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Cosmic Avenger Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCB and the required 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.
Cosmic Avenger PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Cosmic Avenger Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent Top 7 score saving, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, Stealth Mode, separate score tables, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Cosmic Avenger 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 Cosmic Avenger Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 7 scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required.
- Free Play: Start Cosmic Avenger without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Normal coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Attract sounds: Plays sound during 100% of attract screen rotations.
- 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.
- Stealth Mode: Boots with a more stock appearance while preserving save kit features.
- Separate score tables: Includes 8 score tables based on supported difficulty and lives settings.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Z80 processor requirement: Requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socketed location.
- 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 Cosmic Avenger 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 7 Score Saving
Free Play allows Cosmic Avenger 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 saves the Top 7 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.
Original Hardware, Attract Sounds, and DIP Settings
Cosmic Avenger uses original arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCBs.
Attract sounds play during 100% of attract screen rotations. Attract mode protection helps reduce static-screen display time during idle operation.
Menu-driven DIP settings allow supported game options to be configured directly from the on-screen menu, reducing the need to adjust PCB DIP switches during normal setup.
ROM Saver, Stealth Mode, and Separate Score Tables
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Cosmic Avenger installation guide.
Stealth Mode boots with a more stock-looking appearance while preserving the installed save kit features.
The kit includes 8 separate score tables based on supported difficulty and lives settings, helping keep score tracking organized across different cabinet setups.
Cabinet Support and Local Saving
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger 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, Stealth Mode, or ROM Saver operation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a Z80 processor.
- The Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socketed location.
- No soldering is required when the required 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 Cosmic Avenger 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 Cosmic Avenger 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, Stealth Mode, 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 Cosmic Avenger gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, cabinet settings, menu-driven options, Backup and Restore, Stealth Mode, or ROM Saver operation.
Cosmic Avenger Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Cosmic Avenger kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Cosmic Avenger arcade PCBs.
How many high scores does the Cosmic Avenger kit save?
The kit saves the Top 7 scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Cosmic Avenger kit support Free Play and Coin-Up?
Yes. The kit supports Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation.
How is the HighScoreSaves Cosmic Avenger settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Are separate score tables available?
Yes. The kit includes 8 score tables based on supported difficulty and lives settings.
What is Stealth Mode?
Stealth Mode boots with a more stock-looking appearance while preserving the installed save kit features.
Which processor is required for the Cosmic Avenger kit?
A Z80 processor is required and must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socketed location.
What is ROM Saver on the Cosmic Avenger 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 Cosmic Avenger kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.