Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save Upgrades for Original Midway Arcade PCBs
Research Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save upgrade options for compatible original Midway arcade hardware. The HighScoreSaves Space Zap Kit adds permanent Top 5 high score saving with initials, Free Play, attract sounds, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard functionality while keeping the original Space Zap PCB stack, cabinet controls, sound hardware, and arcade platform in service.
This is an original-PCB upgrade rather than a replacement JAMMA board, generic multicade system, reproduction PCB, or software-emulation platform. It is intended for collectors, restorers, and operators who want modern score-saving and configuration features while continuing to use the original Midway Space Zap arcade hardware.
Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide
Before ordering, verify that your cabinet contains a compatible original Space Zap PCB stack and review the installation guide to confirm the Z80 processor, socket condition, board-cage arrangement, ROM and RAM removal requirements, and correct daughterboard orientation.
Space Zap Arcade Hardware Compatibility
The upgrade is designed for documented compatible original Midway Space Zap arcade hardware. Installation uses the Z80 processor location on the CPU board and also requires the Space Zap board stack to be arranged correctly. Unlike related Midway board stacks, Space Zap does not use the memory board when this upgrade is installed.
- Designed for compatible original Midway Space Zap arcade PCB hardware
- Uses a compatible socketed Z80 processor location on the CPU board
- Game board installs in slot 1, slot 2 remains empty, pattern board installs in slot 3, and CPU board installs in slot 4
- The original Space Zap game-board ROMs and RAMs identified in the installation guide must be removed before operation with the kit
- If the Z80 is soldered directly to the CPU board, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before the kit can be used
HighScoreSaves designs and supports Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save upgrades for compatible original Midway Space Zap arcade hardware with Z80 processor hardware.
Understanding Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save Arcade Upgrades
A Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save upgrade adds permanent score storage and modern configuration features to compatible original Midway arcade hardware. For collectors who want to preserve the original Space Zap board stack, this approach is different from replacing the arcade hardware with a modern multigame board or converting the cabinet to a general-purpose emulation system.
Original Midway Space Zap Hardware vs. Replacement Arcade Hardware
There are several ways to add modern features to a classic arcade cabinet. Some systems replace the original game hardware with a modern JAMMA, FPGA, reproduction, or emulation-based board. An original-PCB upgrade takes a different approach by adding functionality to the existing arcade hardware.
The HighScoreSaves Space Zap Kit is intended for owners who want to continue using compatible original Midway Space Zap hardware. The original board stack remains the foundation of the machine while the upgrade adds permanent high score saving, Free Play, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver functionality, and other supported convenience features.
Why Keep the Original Space Zap Hardware?
- Preserves the original Midway Space Zap arcade board stack in the cabinet
- Retains the cabinet's original controls, graphics hardware, sound hardware, and gameplay platform
- Avoids converting the machine into a generic multicade
- Adds battery-free high score saving and supported operator functions to the original hardware
- Allows the cabinet to remain a dedicated Space Zap arcade machine while adding supported modern convenience features
Space Zap Board Stack and ROM Saver Requirements
Space Zap has installation requirements that differ from many single-board arcade games. The original Midway board cage must be assembled in the documented order, and the Space Zap memory and program configuration changes when the HighScoreSaves kit is installed.
- Slot 1 — Space Zap game board
- Slot 2 — remains empty because the memory board is not required with the kit
- Slot 3 — pattern board
- Slot 4 — CPU board installed fully forward in the cage
- Game-board ROMs and RAMs — remove the designated devices identified in the Space Zap installation guide and store them safely
- Z80 installation — install the Z80 on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard and verify Pin 1 orientation before inserting the kit into the CPU-board socket
These requirements make it especially important to identify the original Space Zap boards and their cage positions before removing anything. Photographing and labeling the original board stack and connectors can help ensure that the hardware is returned to the correct positions during installation.
What to Check Before Choosing a Space Zap High Score Save Kit
Original arcade machines may have been repaired, modified, converted, or fitted with replacement boards during their lifetime. Do not rely only on the cabinet artwork or marquee when determining compatibility.
- Confirm that the cabinet contains the documented compatible original Midway Space Zap board stack
- Locate the Z80 processor position on the CPU board
- Verify whether the Z80 is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket
- Identify the game board, pattern board, CPU board, and empty memory-board position before disassembly
- Review the Space Zap Installation Guide before ordering or installing the upgrade.
Once hardware compatibility has been confirmed, visit the Space Zap Free Play and High Score Save Kit product page for current pricing, kit configuration choices, detailed features, score-saving information, Standard and Wi-Fi options, and ordering.