Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Konami Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, ROM Saver support, attract sound options, menu-driven settings, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Kicker or Shao-Lin's Road arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road installation requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the processor location is already socketed.
Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit is designed for original Konami arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, and operator convenience while preserving the original martial arts gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 5 high score saving
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or NVRAM required
- Optional attract sounds during every attract screen
- Attract mode protection to help reduce CRT monitor burn-in
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- 16 separate score tables based on lives and difficulty settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCB and a socketed 6809E processor location. If the 6809E processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 5 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, attract sound options, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, 16 separate score tables, backup and restore, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Konami arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Kit Features
- Top 5 score saving: Stores the Top 5 supported high scores permanently.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM.
- Free Play: Start Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Attract sounds: Optional attract sounds can play during every attract screen.
- Attract mode protection: Helps minimize CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported settings directly on screen without opening the cabinet.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- 16 separate score tables: Score tables are separated based on lives and difficulty settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and restore scores later for parties, service work, or tournaments.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road 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, Attract Sounds, and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation as an available setting.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries or NVRAM are not required for saved scores. The kit stores the Top 5 supported high scores.
Optional attract sounds can play during every attract screen, and attract mode protection helps minimize CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
Konami Hardware, ROM Saver, and Score Tables
Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road uses original Konami arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original martial arts gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road installation guide.
The kit supports 16 separate score tables based on lives and difficulty settings, helping keep high score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
Backup, Restore, and Cabinet Support
Backup and restore support allows saved scores to be preserved and reloaded when needed for service, event preparation, parties, or tournaments.
Upright and cocktail cabinet support is included for documented compatible cabinet configurations.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- This kit requires a 6809E processor.
- The 6809E processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- No soldering is required when the processor location is already socketed.
- If the 6809E processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, board seating, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road installation guide before installation.
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, ROM Saver operation, score tables, backup and restore, 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 Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Konami Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit?
The kit requires a 6809E processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit save?
The kit stores the Top 5 supported high scores using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit support separate score tables?
Yes. The kit supports 16 separate score tables based on lives and difficulty settings.
Does the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road 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 ROM Saver on the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit?
ROM Saver allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the installation guide.
Does the Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Kicker / Shao-Lin's Road kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.