Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kits
Download Popeye Install Guide (PDF)
Upgrade Your Popeye Arcade Experience
Bring modern convenience to your original Popeye arcade hardware with our collection of Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kits. These plug-and-play upgrades add reliable high score saving, Free Play functionality, and an on-screen settings menu while preserving the classic sailor-themed arcade gameplay.
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Braze Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Braze Popeye High Score Save Kit — Features & Install 📄 Installation Guide (PDF) Overview A simple-to-install high score save kit for Popeye that permanently remembers the top 5 scores and initials—no batteries required. Includes enhanced Free Play with full attract-mode screens. Installs in minutes with no special wiring or soldering. Installation Summary Power down the cabinet and access the CPU board. Carefully remove the Z80 CPU from the Popeye CPU board. Insert the Z80 into the included daughter card. Plug the daughter card into the vacated Z80 socket on the CPU board. Power on and follow the install guide to verify operation. Key Features Installs in minutes: no board modifications or special wiring; no soldering. Top 5 High Score Save: scores and initials are retained permanently (no batteries). Enhanced Free Play: real Free Play with full, standard attract mode. Easy reset: in Popeye test mode, follow on-screen instructions to restore the default table. Improved test mode: clearer DIP verification plus a mini power-on self-test (POST) on each boot. FAQ Where can I download the install guide? Popeye Install Guide (PDF) Do I need to solder anything? No. Installation requires no soldering or special wiring. How do I reset the high scores? Enter Popeye test mode and follow the on-screen prompts to clear the table and restore factory defaults. Does Free Play keep attract mode? Yes. Enhanced Free Play includes full, standard attract-mode screens. Which CPU does this kit use? The kit interfaces with the Z80 CPU—remove the Z80, place it in the daughter card, then insert the card into the Z80 socket.
Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit. You can also add a processor and/or a 40-pin socket—optional but recommended for easy installation. Learn More About This Kit Click a button to view details, tips, or the installation guide. Main Features Easy install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring—plug in and go. Save your scores forever: Uses reliable EEPROM (no NVRAM or battery worries). High Score Save: Stores the Top 5 scores with initials. Attract sounds: Toggle ON/OFF during attract-screen rotation. Free Play: Start games without coins or opening the coin door. Coin Up: Supports standard coin/tokens if desired. Attract mode: Prevents static screens to reduce burn-in. Menu-driven DIP settings: Change settings on-screen—no more pulling the PCB. ROM Saver: Optionally remove original program ROMs to save power. Cabinet support: Works in upright or cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Backup & restore: Back up scores and restore later—perfect before/after events. Separate score tables: Saves different tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives. Reset button: Restart without powering off (enable in menu). Self-test: Accessible via the menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches to OFF. Important Installation Notes Socketed Z80 required: Install a 40-pin socket if your CPU is soldered. Read the Popeye Installation Guide (PDF) before installation. FAQ Do I need to solder anything?No, this kit is fully plug-and-play—no soldering required. Does it save scores permanently?Yes—EEPROM storage keeps scores even with power off. How many scores are saved?This kit saves the Top 5 scores with initials. Does it support attract sounds?Yes—toggle attract sounds ON or OFF as desired. Can I use Free Play and Coin Up?Yes—supports both Free Play and normal coin operation. Will it work in both cabinet types?Yes—compatible with upright and cocktail cabinets. Can I back up and restore scores?Yes—backup and restore options are included. Does it include a self-test?Yes—run self-test via menu or DIP switches all OFF. Can I remove original ROMs?Yes—the ROM Saver feature allows removing original program ROMs. Where can I download the installation guide? Popeye Installation Guide (PDF) Resources Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Details and Benefits
The Popeye Free Play and High Score Save Kit is designed for original arcade hardware to address common issues like lost high scores, unreliable resets, and limited configuration options. This upgrade brings modern reliability and convenience while preserving the classic action and puzzle gameplay starring Popeye.
What This Kit Adds
- Free Play support — Enable coin-free operation while still supporting traditional coin play
- Reliable high score saving — Permanent score storage using non-volatile memory
- On-screen control menu — Adjust settings without opening the cabinet
- Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce static attract screen burn-in
- Cabinet compatibility — Supports Upright arcade cabinets
Advanced Features
- High score backup and restore — Save and reload score data as needed
- Separate score tables — Independent tables based on configuration settings
- Optional Wi-Fi support — Upload and sync high scores online
Important Installation Notes
This kit requires a compatible socketed CPU. Always review the installation guide prior to installation to ensure correct setup and reliable operation.
Optional Wi-Fi enabled versions allow scores to be uploaded online and synced to your personal player page in addition to local high score saving on the PCB.