Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Arcade Hardware
Upgrade a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven settings, score backup and restore, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
The HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Kit operates with the original arcade PCB without replacing it with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system. Dig Dug remains the only selectable game.
HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Standard Kit
A focused upgrade for original Dig Dug gameplay with permanent score saving and modern operator features.
- Dig Dug on documented compatible Namco or Atari arcade hardware
- Permanent Top 5 scores and player initials
- Separate score tables for two, three, four, and five lives
- Free Play with optional traditional coin operation
- Menu-driven gameplay and operator settings through the settings menu
- Score backup, restore, and reset options
- Documented upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi leaderboard support
Normal Free Play Start-Light Behavior
When Free Play is enabled, the Player 1 and Player 2 Start button lights do not flash. This is normal operation and does not indicate a problem with the kit or cabinet.
Verify PCB Compatibility Before Ordering
- The kit is designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented 40-pin Z80 processor location.
- The original Z80 is transferred to the daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- 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 Dig Dug installation guide.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
Dig Dug Kit Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Dig Dug Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds permanent Top 5 score and initials saving, Free Play, lives-specific score tables, menu-driven settings, and optional Wi-Fi support to a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB.
The daughterboard operates with the original arcade hardware rather than replacing the game board with an emulation platform, reproduction PCB, or multicade system. Dig Dug remains the only selectable game.
Main Dig Dug Kit Features
- Permanent Top 5 score saving: Retains the five highest supported scores after cabinet power is removed.
- Player initials: Stores qualifying initials with supported high scores.
- Free Play: Start Dig Dug without inserting coins.
- Traditional coin operation: Continue accepting quarters or tokens when Free Play is disabled.
- Lives-specific score tables: Maintains separate supported tables for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations.
- Menu-driven settings: Configure supported gameplay and operator options through the settings menu.
- Score backup and restore: Back up and restore supported high-score data through the settings menu.
- High-score reset: Clear supported saved scores when needed.
- Battery-free storage: Uses serial EEPROM storage for supported scores, initials, and settings.
- Upright and cocktail support: Compatible with documented cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add supported online score submission while retaining local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Dig Dug 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.
Normal Free Play Start-Light Behavior
When Free Play is enabled, the Player 1 and Player 2 Start button lights do not flash. This is normal operation and does not indicate a problem with the cabinet or kit.
Free Play and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Dig Dug to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional coin operation as an available setting. The kit permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores and qualifying player initials locally.
Separate supported score tables are maintained for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations. This prevents scores achieved under different lives settings from being combined into one table.
High-score backup, restore, and reset functions are available through the supported settings menu. Scores, initials, and settings remain stored after cabinet power is removed.
Dig Dug Controls and Operator Settings
The original joystick, pump button, start buttons, display hardware, and sound hardware remain in use. The kit does not alter Dig Dug gameplay, timing, controls, graphics, or sound.
Supported gameplay and operator settings can be changed through the settings menu instead of adjusting physical DIP switches. Changes are stored locally and remain active after the cabinet is powered off.
The kit also provides supported rotating attract displays rather than continuously showing one static screen.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Namco and Atari Dig Dug arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- The kit installs at the documented 40-pin Z80 processor location.
- The original Z80 is removed from the PCB and installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard unless a compatible processor option is selected.
- 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 Dig Dug installation guide.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation and inspect every processor pin before restoring cabinet power.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit permanently stores supported scores, initials, settings, and configuration data locally. It does not require an internet connection.
The optional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Kit includes the same local features and can also submit supported completed scores after qualifying initials are entered.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Dig Dug gameplay, Free Play, lives-specific score tables, local score saving, or settings-menu operation.
Dig Dug Kit FAQ
How many high scores does the Dig Dug kit save?The kit permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores and qualifying player initials.
Are scores separated by the number of lives?Yes. Supported score tables are maintained separately for two-, three-, four-, and five-life configurations.
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.
Why do the start-button lights not flash in Free Play?The Player 1 and Player 2 Start lights do not flash while Free Play is enabled. This is normal operation.
Does the kit support both Free Play and coin operation?Yes. Free Play can be enabled, or the cabinet can continue using traditional coin operation.
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 Dig Dug PCB?No. The HighScoreSaves daughterboard operates with a documented compatible original Namco or Atari Dig Dug arcade PCB.
Is Wi-Fi required?No. Standard kits save supported scores, initials, and settings locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online score submission.