Ladybug Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Universal Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Universal Ladybug arcade PCBs, including Free Play, Top 9 high score saving with initials, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, ROM Saver support, adjustable attract sounds, menu-driven settings, Reset Button support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Ladybug arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Universal PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or multicade system.
Ladybug installation requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible 40-pin socket. No soldering is required when the Z80 location is already socketed.
Ladybug Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Ladybug kit is designed for original Universal arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original maze-chase gameplay, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Universal Ladybug arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation retained
- Permanent Top 9 high score saving with initials
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries or failure-prone NVRAM required
- Selectable 3 or 10 character initials through the on-screen menu
- Adjustable attract sounds at 25%, 50%, or 100% of attract rotations
- Attract mode protection to help prevent CRT monitor burn-in
- Menu-driven DIP and operator settings
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Separate score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings
- Backup and restore support for saved high scores
- Reset Button support to restart gameplay without powering down the cabinet
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Ladybug Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View Ladybug Installation Guide
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Universal Ladybug 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.
Ladybug PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Ladybug Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, Top 9 high score saving with initials, serial EEPROM storage, selectable 3 or 10 character initials, adjustable attract sounds, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, separate lives-based score tables, backup and restore, Reset Button support, upright/cocktail support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Universal arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Universal Ladybug arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or multicade platform.
Main Ladybug Kit Features
- Top 9 score saving: Permanently saves the Top 9 supported scores with initials.
- Initial entry options: Select either 3 or 10 character initials through the on-screen menu.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of failure-prone NVRAM or batteries.
- Free Play: Start Ladybug without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Adjustable attract sounds: Set attract sounds to 25%, 50%, or 100% of attract rotations.
- Attract mode protection: Helps prevent CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported DIP settings without opening the cabinet.
- ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Separate score tables: Independent score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings.
- Backup and restore: Save and restore high scores when needed.
- Reset Button support: Restart gameplay without powering down the cabinet.
- 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 Ladybug 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, Initials, and Permanent High Scores
Free Play allows Ladybug 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 permanently stores the Top 9 supported scores with initials.
Initial entry can be set to either 3 or 10 characters, giving operators and collectors a choice between a classic-style initials format and a longer player-name format.
Universal Hardware, Attract Sounds, and ROM Saver
Ladybug uses original Universal arcade hardware, and this kit is designed to preserve the original maze-chase gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and cabinet behavior.
Attract sounds are adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% of attract rotations. Attract mode protection helps reduce CRT monitor burn-in during idle operation.
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Ladybug installation guide.
Score Tables, Backup and Restore, and Reset Button Support
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings, helping keep score results organized across different gameplay configurations.
Backup and restore support allows saved scores to be preserved and reloaded when needed for service, event preparation, or maintenance.
Reset Button support allows gameplay to be restarted without powering down the cabinet when the feature is configured for the installation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Universal Ladybug 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.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Ladybug 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 Ladybug 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, Reset Button support, score tables, 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 Ladybug gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, ROM Saver operation, cabinet settings, or menu-driven options.
Ladybug Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Ladybug kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Universal Ladybug arcade PCBs.
Which processor is required for the Ladybug kit?
The Ladybug kit requires a Z80 processor installed in a compatible socketed 40-pin processor location.
How many high scores does the Ladybug kit save?
The kit permanently saves the Top 9 supported scores with initials using serial EEPROM storage.
Can Ladybug initials be set to different lengths?
Yes. Initial entry can be set to either 3 or 10 characters through the on-screen menu.
Does the Ladybug kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation are both supported.
How is the HighScoreSaves Ladybug 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 does the Reset Button feature do on the Ladybug kit?
Reset Button support allows gameplay to be restarted without powering down the cabinet when configured for the installation.
Does the Ladybug kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The Ladybug kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Ladybug kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.