Kung-Fu Master Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Irem Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Irem Kung-Fu Master arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 20 high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, ROM Saver support, attract sounds, menu-driven settings, God Mode, Flip Screen support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Kung-Fu Master arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Irem PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Kung-Fu Master installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
Kung-Fu Master Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Kung-Fu Master kit is designed for original Irem arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original side-scrolling martial arts gameplay, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Irem Kung-Fu Master arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 20 high score saving
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or NVRAM required
- Attract sounds during every attract cycle
- Original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves logo selection
- Attract mode screen cycling to help minimize CRT monitor burn-in
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Separate score tables for 3, 4, or 5 lives settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Stealth Mode for a stock-style startup appearance
- Fast Boot with quick self-test access
- God Mode for extended practice gameplay
- Adjustable Easy or Hard difficulty settings
- Adjustable energy-loss settings
- Flip Screen support for cabinet setup flexibility
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Kung-Fu Master Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Kung-Fu Master Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Irem Kung-Fu Master arcade PCB and a socketed Z80 processor location. If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used. Depending on board revision, daughter-card clearance and additional spacer placement may also need to be checked during installation.
Kung-Fu Master PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Kung-Fu Master Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 20 high score saving, serial EEPROM storage, attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, separate lives-based score tables, backup and restore, Stealth Mode, Fast Boot, God Mode, difficulty settings, energy-loss settings, Flip Screen support, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Irem arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Irem Kung-Fu Master arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Kung-Fu Master Kit Features
- Top 20 score saving: Stores the Top 20 supported high scores permanently.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of NVRAM or batteries.
- Free Play: Start Kung-Fu Master without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Attract sounds: Hear attract sounds during every attract cycle.
- Copyright options: Switch between original manufacturer and HighScoreSaves logos.
- Attract mode protection: Helps minimize CRT burn-in through screen cycling.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported settings directly on screen.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Separate score tables: Independent score tables for 3, 4, or 5 lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and restore high scores when needed.
- Stealth Mode: Stealth Mode support is included.
- Fast Boot: Quick self-test is available through the menu or DIP switches.
- God Mode: Extended gameplay mode without a game over state.
- Difficulty settings: Easy and Hard modes are adjustable.
- Energy-loss settings: Adjust how quickly energy depletes.
- Flip Screen: Rotate display orientation for cabinet setup flexibility.
- 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 Kung-Fu Master 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 Kung-Fu Master 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 20 supported high scores.
Attract sounds can play during every attract cycle, and attract mode screen cycling helps minimize CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
Irem Hardware, ROM Saver, and Score Tables
Kung-Fu Master uses original Irem arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original side-scrolling 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 Kung-Fu Master installation guide.
Separate score tables are supported for 3, 4, and 5 lives settings, helping keep high score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
God Mode, Difficulty, Energy Loss, and Flip Screen
God Mode allows extended gameplay without a game over state, making it useful for practice and demonstration play.
Difficulty can be adjusted between Easy and Hard modes. Energy-loss settings can also be adjusted through the supported menu options.
Flip Screen support allows the display orientation to be rotated for cabinet setup flexibility.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Irem Kung-Fu Master 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 socket.
- No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
- If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a qualified arcade technician must install a compatible 40-pin socket before the kit can be used.
- The daughter card may need to be slightly raised to prevent contact underneath the PCB.
- Additional spacers may be required depending on board revision.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Kung-Fu Master installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, daughter-card clearance, spacer placement, board seating, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Kung-Fu Master 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, God Mode, Flip Screen, difficulty settings, energy-loss settings, 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 Kung-Fu Master gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Kung-Fu Master Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Kung-Fu Master kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Irem Kung-Fu Master arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Kung-Fu Master kit?
The Kung-Fu Master kit requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
Does Kung-Fu Master installation require extra clearance checks?
Yes. The daughter card may need to be slightly raised to prevent contact underneath the PCB, and additional spacers may be required depending on board revision.
How many high scores does the Kung-Fu Master kit save?
The kit stores the Top 20 supported high scores using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Kung-Fu Master kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Kung-Fu Master settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Does the Kung-Fu Master kit include God Mode?
Yes. God Mode allows extended gameplay without a game over state.
Can Kung-Fu Master difficulty and energy-loss settings be adjusted?
Yes. Difficulty and energy-loss settings are adjustable through the supported menu options.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Kung-Fu Master kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.