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Galaxian High Score Save Kit Compatibility and Comparison

Compare two Galaxian arcade upgrade options for original hardware: the dedicated HighScoreSaves Galaxian high score save kit and the Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 Multigame Kit. The correct choice depends on your original PCB, the type of upgrade you want, and the installation work your cabinet can support.

Before You Order
Hardware: Verify compatible original Galaxian hardware and compare your actual PCB with the installation guide for the kit you are considering
Kit Choice: Choose the HighScoreSaves kit for a dedicated Galaxian upgrade or the Vector Labs 19-in-1 when you want a selectable multigame system
Installation: The HighScoreSaves kit uses the Z80 processor location; the Vector Labs kit requires additional ROM, color PROM, graphics-board, battery, ribbon-cable, and control-wiring checks
Galaxian Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Galaxian Free Play and High Score Save Kit

From $66.00
Details
Galaxian Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Galaxian Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit

From $175.00
Details

Choosing the Correct Galaxian Arcade Upgrade

This category contains two substantially different upgrades for original Galaxian-family arcade hardware. The HighScoreSaves Galaxian kit is intended for a dedicated Galaxian machine, while the Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 converts compatible Galaxian hardware into a selectable multigame system.

Both preserve original arcade PCB hardware, but their installation requirements are not interchangeable. Verify the exact board, processor sockets, ROM and PROM locations, controls, and wiring required by the kit you select.

Compare the Two Galaxian Kits

Kit Best Fit Important Compatibility / Installation Detail
HighScoreSaves Galaxian Kit Dedicated Galaxian cabinet where you want to keep the original game while adding Free Play and score-saving features Requires compatible Galaxian PCB hardware, a Z80 processor, and a suitable 40-pin Z80 socket
Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 Multigame Kit Compatible Galaxian hardware where you want a selectable 19-game menu Uses the Z80 socket at 8B plus separate color PROM and graphics boards, ribbon cables, CR1220 battery, and additional control-wiring considerations

HighScoreSaves Galaxian Kit Compatibility

Galaxian PCB Required The current HighScoreSaves installation guide specifically states that this kit works on a Galaxian PCB. Do not assume another visually similar arcade board is compatible.
Z80 Processor and Socket The original Z80 is removed from its socket, installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard, and the completed daughterboard is then installed into the original Z80 location.
Check Daughterboard Clearance After installation, verify that components or test points on the original PCB do not contact the underside of the HighScoreSaves daughterboard.

Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 Hardware Requirements

The Vector Labs multigame installation is more extensive than the dedicated HighScoreSaves Galaxian installation. It uses several separate boards and requires access to multiple locations on the original Galaxian PCB.

Z80 at Location 8B The Vector Labs guide instructs the installer to remove the original Z80 from socket 8B, install the main 19-in-1 board in that socket, and reinstall the Z80 on the multigame daughterboard.
Color PROM at 6L The kit uses a replacement color PROM board. Some Galaxian PCBs already have a socket at 6L. If yours does not, the original chip must be removed and a compatible 16-pin socket installed.
Graphics ROM Locations 1H and 1K The documented original ROMs at 1H and 1K are removed so the Vector Labs graphics board can be installed in those locations.
Original Large ROM Board The installation guide begins by removing the large original ROM board from the documented 7F and 7L locations.
Mini Grabber at IC 3J A supplied mini-grabber lead connects to Pin 1 of IC 3J as part of the multigame installation.

Vector Labs Battery and Socket Considerations

The Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 kit uses a CR1220 battery on the CPU daughterboard. The current installation guide notes a typical battery life of approximately one year.

Also inspect the color PROM location at 6L before ordering or installation. A board without a socket at 6L requires component removal and installation of a compatible 16-pin socket.

Multigame Control and Harness Requirements

The Vector Labs multigame can restrict its game list based on the controls installed in the cabinet. A 4-way joystick is the most flexible choice for the supported game list.

Additional Directions Several supported titles require joystick UP and DOWN inputs that are not part of a basic two-direction Galaxian control arrangement.
Second Button Scramble requires a 4-way joystick and two buttons. The Vector Labs guide documents a dedicated Player 1 Button 2 connection.
Edge-Connector Changes The multigame guide repurposes specific Galaxian edge-connector positions for Player 1 UP/DOWN/Button 2 and Player 2 UP/DOWN. Review the wiring requirements before choosing the multigame kit.

Vector Labs DIP Switch Requirement

For the Vector Labs Galaxian Multigame installation, the documented PCB settings are:

DIP3 = ON    DIP4 = ON    DIP5 = OFF

Do not leave DIP5 ON. The current product documentation warns that this clears NVRAM on each reset and prevents saved scores from being retained.

Galaxian Pre-Order Compatibility Checklist

1. Identify the Exact Galaxian PCB Confirm the original board rather than relying only on the cabinet artwork or the game currently running.
2. Decide Between Dedicated and Multigame Choose the HighScoreSaves kit if you want to keep a dedicated Galaxian setup or the Vector Labs 19-in-1 if you want a selectable multigame system.
3. Inspect the Required Processor and Sockets Check the Z80 installation location. For the Vector Labs kit, also inspect color PROM location 6L and determine whether the required 16-pin socket is present.
4. Check Controls and Harness Wiring For the Vector Labs multigame, verify joystick directions, required buttons, and whether additional UP/DOWN wiring will be needed.
5. Use the Correct Installation Guide The HighScoreSaves Galaxian kit and Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 use different hardware and installation procedures. Do not interchange their guides.

After Choosing the Correct Galaxian Kit

Once you have confirmed the original PCB and installation requirements, use the appropriate product page for complete features, current options, pricing, availability, and ordering information.

Galaxian Kit Compatibility FAQ

Which Galaxian kit should I choose?

Choose the HighScoreSaves kit for a dedicated Galaxian machine. Choose the Vector Labs 19-in-1 when you want multiple supported games running from compatible Galaxian hardware.

Does the HighScoreSaves kit require a socketed Z80?

Yes. Its Z80 installation location must have a compatible 40-pin socket. The original compatible Z80 can be transferred to the daughterboard.

Is the Vector Labs kit installed only at the Z80 socket?

No. It also uses a color PROM replacement board, graphics board, ribbon cables, battery, mini-grabber connection, and documented ROM locations.

Can the Vector Labs kit require soldering?

Yes. If color PROM location 6L is not already socketed, the installation guide requires removal of the original chip and installation of a compatible 16-pin socket.

Does the Vector Labs kit require different controls?

Some games require UP/DOWN joystick inputs, and Scramble requires a second fire button. A 4-way joystick provides the broadest compatibility across the 19-game list.

Does the Vector Labs kit use a battery?

Yes. The current Vector Labs installation guide specifies a CR1220 battery on the CPU daughterboard and notes typical battery life of approximately one year.

Do both kits use the same installation guide?

No. The dedicated HighScoreSaves Galaxian kit and Vector Labs Galaxian 19-in-1 use different hardware and require their own installation guides.

Helpful Galaxian Hardware & Compatibility Resources

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