Crazy Climber Arcade PCB Upgrade Compatibility for Original Nichibutsu Hardware
Confirm whether your original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber arcade PCB is compatible with the HighScoreSaves Free Play and High Score Save upgrade. This installation replaces the original custom CPU block with a daughter-card assembly using a standard Z80 processor while keeping the original game PCB in service.
Choosing the Correct Crazy Climber Arcade PCB Upgrade
A Crazy Climber cabinet, marquee, or dual-joystick control panel does not by itself confirm compatibility. Vintage machines may have been repaired, converted, or fitted with replacement hardware, so the actual arcade PCB should be identified before ordering.
The HighScoreSaves Crazy Climber upgrade is intended for documented compatible original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber arcade hardware. This installation differs from many Z80 kits because the original Crazy Climber PCB uses a custom CPU block rather than supplying the standard Z80 required by the HighScoreSaves daughter card.
Original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber PCB Compatibility
How the Crazy Climber Z80 Daughter-Card Installation Works
The current Crazy Climber guide directs the installer to remove the upper CPU board and locate the original custom CPU block at D6/7. The custom CPU block is carefully removed from its socket.
A standard Z80 is then installed on the HighScoreSaves daughter card. Pin 1 of the Z80 must match the Pin 1 marking on the save kit. The completed daughter card is then installed in the socket previously occupied by the custom CPU block.
Before restoring cabinet power, verify Z80 orientation, every processor pin, daughter-card seating, socket condition, and any optional ROM Saver changes. The guide also recommends confirming that the original Crazy Climber board is fully working before beginning installation.
Crazy Climber Pre-Order Compatibility Checklist
Keeping the Original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber Hardware
The HighScoreSaves upgrade keeps the compatible original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber PCB in service while adding supported Free Play, permanent high score saving, menu-driven settings, attract sounds, score-management functions, ROM Saver support, and optional online capability.
For the exact Top 5 score-saving behavior, lives-based score tables, copyright-logo options, attract-sound settings, Reset Button and Fast Boot functions, Standard and Wi-Fi versions, included components, current price, and ordering choices, use the individual Crazy Climber product page.
Crazy Climber PCB Compatibility FAQ
Which Crazy Climber arcade PCB does the kit support?
The upgrade is intended for documented compatible original Nichibutsu Crazy Climber arcade PCBs. The current installation guide specifically states that the kit will only work on a Crazy Climber PCB.
Can I reuse the original Crazy Climber CPU with this kit?
No. The original PCB uses a custom CPU block. A separate standard Z80 is required for the HighScoreSaves daughter card.
Where does the HighScoreSaves daughter card install?
The original custom CPU block is removed from the documented D6/7 location. The Z80-equipped HighScoreSaves daughter card then installs into that former custom-CPU socket.
What does “NO CC7 ROM FOUND OR UNKNOWN DATA” mean?
The current guide says this message can appear when the CC7 sound ROM is missing, corrupt, or contains an unrecognized version. The documented workaround is to enter the settings menu, set Sound to Standard USA, and save the setting.
Can original Crazy Climber program ROMs be removed?
Yes, but only under the documented ROM Saver conditions. The current installation guide distinguishes between different sample-ROM versions, so follow its instructions rather than removing all program ROMs automatically.