Tempest Free Play and High Score Save Kits
Download Tempest Install Guide (PDF)
Upgrade Your Tempest Arcade Experience
Bring modern convenience to your original Tempest arcade hardware with our collection of Tempest 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 vector shooter gameplay that makes Tempest a beloved arcade classic.
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Tempest | Tempest Tubes Multigame Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Customize Your Tempest Multigame 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. Just plug in and play. Save your scores forever: Uses reliable serial EEPROM (not failure-prone NVRAM or batteries). High Score Save: Stores the Top 8 scores. Attract Sounds: Set to 25%, 50%, or 100% of the attract rotation. Freeplay: No more coins or opening the coin door. Coin Up: Supports quarters or tokens if desired. Attract Mode: Reduces screen burn by avoiding static screens. Copyright Message: Choose original manufacturer or Highscoresaves. On-screen DIP settings: Change dips via menu; no cabinet pull-out required. ROM Saver: Original program ROMs can be removed (program is on the save kit). Cabinet support: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets. Additional Features Backup and Restore: Save and restore high scores (perfect before/after parties). Reset Button: Restart without powering off (enable in menu). Separate score tables: Different HSS tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives. Fast boot: No long initialization wait. Stealth Mode: Boots straight into the game. Choose Your Level: Start up to level 81. Extended level-select time: 60 seconds (instead of 10). Includes the latest ROM revision. Game List Tempest Tempest Tubes Important Installation Notes Socketed 6502 required: If your 6502 isn’t socketed, install a 40-pin socket for the kit to work. Read the Tempest Multigame Installation Guide (PDF) before setup. FAQ Do I need to solder anything?No. The kit is plug-and-play if your 6502 is socketed. Otherwise, install a 40-pin socket first. What’s the difference between the Wi-Fi and Standard kits?The Wi-Fi kit uploads scores online and syncs to your web page. The Standard kit saves scores locally only. Can I upgrade to Wi-Fi later?No. Wi-Fi hardware must be included at purchase—there’s no upgrade path later. Will it work in my cabinet?Yes. The kit supports both Upright and Cocktail Tempest cabinets. How many scores does it save?It saves the Top 8 scores with initials. Can I back up and restore scores?Yes. Backup & Restore lets you save before events and restore afterward. Does it support Freeplay and Coin Up?Yes. You can use Freeplay or keep coins/tokens enabled. What’s Stealth Mode?Stealth Mode boots straight to the game, bypassing setup screens. Can I select starting levels?Yes. Level Select lets you start up to level 81, with extended 60-second selection time. Where do I get the installation guide?Download the Tempest Multigame Installation Guide (PDF) Resources Tempest Multigame — Installation Guide (PDF) HighScoreSaves YouTube Channel — Installation Tips HighScoreSaves Facebook Page HighScoreSaves eBay Store
Details and Benefits
The Tempest Free Play and High Score Save Kit is engineered for original arcade hardware to fix unreliable score retention, improve play convenience, and preserve the core vector shooter experience. This upgrade delivers modern stability while keeping the fast-paced, geometric action that defines Tempest.
What This Kit Adds
- Free Play support — Enable coin-free play while still supporting traditional coin operation
- Reliable high score saving — Permanent storage of high scores using non-volatile memory
- On-screen settings menu — Adjust game and kit options without opening the cabinet
- Monitor-friendly attract behavior — Helps reduce static screen burn-in
- Cabinet compatibility — Works with Upright arcade cabinets
Advanced Features
- High score backup and restore — Save and reload score data as needed
- Separate score tables — Independent high score 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.