Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save Upgrades for Original Taito Arcade PCBs
Research Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save upgrade options for compatible original Taito arcade hardware. The HighScoreSaves Stratovox 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 Taito PCB, cabinet controls, sound hardware, and voice-synthesis 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 without replacing the original Stratovox arcade hardware.
Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save Kit Installation Guide
Before ordering, verify that your cabinet contains a compatible original Taito Stratovox PCB and review the installation guide to confirm the Z80 processor, socket condition, board configuration, and correct daughterboard orientation.
Stratovox Arcade Hardware Compatibility
The upgrade is designed for documented compatible original Taito Stratovox arcade PCBs. Installation uses the original board's Z80 processor location. The Z80 is removed from the PCB and installed on the HighScoreSaves daughterboard, so the processor location must use a compatible 40-pin socket.
- Designed for compatible original Taito Stratovox arcade PCBs
- Uses the original Taito arcade hardware rather than replacing the PCB
- Requires a compatible Z80 processor
- Requires a compatible socketed 40-pin Z80 processor location
- If the Z80 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before the kit can be used
HighScoreSaves designs and supports Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save upgrades for compatible original Taito Stratovox arcade PCBs with Z80 processor hardware.
Understanding Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save Arcade Upgrades
A Stratovox Free Play and High Score Save upgrade adds permanent score storage and modern configuration features to compatible original Taito arcade hardware. For collectors who want to preserve an original boardset, this approach is different from replacing the Stratovox PCB with a modern multigame board or converting the cabinet to a general-purpose emulation system.
Original Taito PCB Upgrade 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 board.
The HighScoreSaves Stratovox Kit is intended for owners who want to continue using compatible original Taito Stratovox hardware. The original PCB remains the foundation of the machine while the upgrade adds permanent high score saving, Free Play, menu-driven settings, and other supported convenience features.
Why Keep the Original Stratovox PCB?
- Preserves the original Taito Stratovox arcade PCB in the cabinet
- Retains the cabinet's original controls, sound hardware, and voice-synthesis game platform
- Avoids converting the machine into a generic multicade
- Adds battery-free score saving and supported operator functions to the original hardware
- Allows the cabinet to remain a dedicated Stratovox arcade machine while adding supported modern convenience features
Stratovox Score-Saving and Operator Features
The HighScoreSaves Stratovox upgrade adds functions designed for regular use of an original Stratovox cabinet while retaining the original Taito arcade PCB:
- Top 5 high score saving — permanently stores the five highest supported scores with player initials
- Battery-free storage — retains supported score data using serial EEPROM
- Free Play and Coin-Up support — allows coin-free operation while retaining traditional coin play
- Attract sounds — enables supported attract-mode audio during game rotation cycles
- Menu-driven settings — allows supported DIP and operator options to be adjusted on-screen
- ROM Saver — designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed according to the guide
- Backup and Restore — supports saving and restoring stored high-score information
- Separate score tables — independent supported score tables are available for 2, 3, and 4 lives settings
- Cabinet compatibility — supports documented Upright and Cocktail Stratovox configurations
Standard kits retain supported scores locally on the arcade PCB. Optional Wi-Fi Enabled versions add qualifying online leaderboard submission while preserving the same local score-saving functions.
What to Check Before Choosing a Stratovox 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 a compatible original Taito Stratovox arcade PCB
- Locate the documented Z80 processor position on the PCB
- Verify whether the Z80 processor is already installed in a compatible 40-pin socket
- Inspect the processor socket, surrounding PCB area, and processor pins for previous repairs or damage
- Review the Stratovox Installation Guide before ordering or installing the upgrade.
Once hardware compatibility has been confirmed, visit the Stratovox 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.