Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Original Vanguard Hardware

Vanguard Kit Details and Benefits

The Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit upgrades documented compatible original Vanguard arcade hardware with Free Play, permanent Top 5 high score saving with initials, menu-driven settings, serial EEPROM storage, ROM Saver support, backup and restore, selectable shooting controls, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.

This is a focused original-hardware upgrade for Vanguard. It keeps the original PCB platform, controls, sound, timing, and gameplay feel while adding reliable score retention, easier configuration, and useful operator features.

Main Vanguard Kit Features

• Original Vanguard PCB support: Designed for documented compatible original Vanguard arcade hardware.
• Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 5 supported high scores.
• Initials entry: Supports 3-character initials.
• Free Play: Start games without inserting coins.
• Coin-Up operation: Continue using traditional quarters or tokens when desired.
• Serial EEPROM storage: Saves supported score data without batteries or NVRAM.
• Attract mode: Helps reduce long periods of static display content.
• Menu-driven DIP switches: Change supported settings directly on-screen.
• ROM Saver support: Original program ROMs may optionally be removed.
• Backup and restore: Save and restore supported high-score data when needed.
• Cabinet compatibility: Supports documented upright and cocktail configurations.
• Optional Wi-Fi: Add supported online score submission while retaining local score saving.

Accessing the Settings Menu

To access the supported HighScoreSaves settings menu, power the cabinet off, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on, and release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.

Free Play, Coin-Up, and Top 5 Score Saving

Free Play allows Vanguard to start without inserting coins, while traditional Coin-Up operation remains available for quarters or tokens when desired.

The kit permanently saves the Top 5 supported scores and provides 3-character initials entry. Score data is stored using serial EEPROM rather than batteries or failure-prone NVRAM.

Separate high score tables are provided for supported 2, 3, 4, and 5 lives settings. Backup and Restore functionality also allows saved score data to be preserved and restored when needed.

Shooting Controls and Advanced Vanguard Features

Vanguard supports selectable 1-button or 4-button shooting through the kit menu. The two shooting configurations maintain separate high score tables so scores earned under different control modes can remain properly separated.

• Reset Button: Enable a menu option that allows the game to be restarted without cycling cabinet power.
• Fast Boot: Start the game without a long initialization delay.
• Stealth Mode: Boot directly into the game for a stock-style presentation.
• God Mode: An additional selectable gameplay option included with the kit.
• 1-Button or 4-Button Shooting: Select the preferred shooting-control configuration from the menu.

ROM Saver and Cabinet Support

ROM Saver support allows the original program ROMs to be removed if desired while the HighScoreSaves kit provides the supported game program. The original Vanguard PCB remains the core hardware platform.

The current Vanguard product specifies support for both upright and cocktail cabinet configurations. Always confirm your exact PCB and cabinet setup before installation.

Installation and PCB Requirements

• Designed for documented compatible original Vanguard arcade PCBs.
• A 6502 processor is required.
• The 6502 location must have a compatible 40-pin socket.
• No soldering is required when the CPU location is already properly socketed.
• If the 6502 is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed first.
• Original program ROMs may optionally be removed as part of the ROM Saver setup.
• Review the installation guide and verify CPU orientation and installation before restoring cabinet power.

Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions

Standard kits save supported scores locally. An internet connection is not required for gameplay, Free Play, Coin-Up operation, menu access, or local high score saving.

Optional Wi-Fi Enabled kits include the same local features and add supported online score uploading and synchronization through the HighScoreSaves leaderboard platform.

Vanguard Kit FAQ

Which PCB is required?

This kit is designed for documented compatible original Vanguard arcade hardware.

What CPU is required?

A compatible 6502 processor is required.

Does installation require soldering?

Not when the 6502 location already has a compatible 40-pin socket. If the processor is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible socket must be installed first.

How many scores are saved?

The kit saves the Top 5 supported high scores and supports 3-character initials entry.

Are there separate score tables?

Yes. Separate tables are available for supported 2, 3, 4, and 5 lives settings, and the 1-button and 4-button shooting configurations also use separate score tables.

Can I use 1-button or 4-button shooting?

Yes. The shooting configuration can be selected through the kit menu.

Does it support Free Play and Coin-Up?

Yes. Free Play is supported, and normal quarter or token operation can still be used.

Can I back up and restore high scores?

Yes. Backup and Restore functionality is included.

Does the kit work in upright and cocktail cabinets?

The current Vanguard product page specifies support for both upright and cocktail cabinets.

Is Wi-Fi required?

No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for supported online leaderboard functionality.