Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit
$66.00
Available, processing time: 1-3 days
Product information "Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Data East Arcade PCBs
Upgrade your original Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade PCB with Free Play, permanent score saving, initials support, menu-driven DIP settings, ROM Saver support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard functionality while preserving authentic Data East arcade hardware.
Designed specifically for original Data East hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay timing, controls, sound, or the competitive martial arts gameplay arcade collectors expect.
Play without coins while traditional Coin-Up operation remains supported.
Permanently saves all scores shown on screen using serial EEPROM storage.
Enter and permanently save player initials with scores.
Upload supported scores online to global arcade leaderboards.
Upgrade Your Karate Champ Player vs Player Arcade Experience
Restore and enhance your original Karate Champ Player vs Player arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Data East arcade hardware.
Original boards often lose scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, controls, timing, and competitive fighting gameplay that made Karate Champ one of the earliest martial arts arcade classics.
Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB intact while improving long-term reliability for collectors, operators, and restoration projects.
Available Kit Options
Build your kit exactly how you want it. Choose between a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit or a Standard Save Kit.
Optional processor and socket upgrades are also available to simplify installation on original hardware.
Important Installation Information
- Z80 Processor Required: This kit requires a Z80 processor.
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB.
- ROM Saver Locations: D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 program ROMs may optionally be removed when installed as directed.
- Read the Karate Champ installation guide before installation.
Version Selection Using DIP1
Karate Champ Player vs Player supports Version 1 and Version 2 selection through DIP1.
- DIP1 = ON: Version 1
- DIP1 = OFF: Version 2
Main Features
- Easy Install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required when the CPU is already socketed
- Save Your Scores Forever: Uses reliable serial EEPROM instead of batteries or failure-prone NVRAM
- High Score Save: Saves all scores shown on screen permanently
- Initial Entry: Enter and permanently save player initials
- Copyright Options: Switch between original manufacturer and HighScoreSaves logos
- Free Play: No coins required to start gameplay
- Coin Up: Coin operation remains fully supported
- Attract Mode: Reduces CRT monitor burn-in with no static screens
- Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Change supported settings directly on screen
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove original ROMs to reduce heat and power usage
- Cabinet Compatibility: Works in Upright and Cocktail cabinets
Additional Features
- Backup and Restore: Back up high scores and restore them later
- Separate Score Tables: Independent score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings
- Stealth Mode: Supports a more stock-style startup appearance
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy when the CPU is already socketed
- Soldering Required: No, if the CPU is socketed
- Processor Requirement: Requires a Z80 processor
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and Cocktail supported
- Installation Guide: Download Karate Champ Installation Guide PDF
Optional Wi-Fi Features and Online Leaderboards
Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit to upload scores online and compete against players around the world, locally within your arcade, or across your own connected cabinet network.
Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB, while Wi-Fi kits add automatic online score syncing through the HighScoreSaves global leaderboard platform.
Karate Champ Player vs Player Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
Does the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit require soldering?
No soldering is required if the Z80 processor is already installed in a compatible socket. If the CPU is soldered directly to the PCB, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed first.
Which scores are saved on the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
All scores shown on screen are permanently saved using serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Karate Champ kit save player initials?
Yes. Initial entry and permanent initials saving are supported.
Will Free Play disable Coin-Up operation?
No. Free Play and Coin-Up operation can both be used.
What does ROM Saver do on the Karate Champ kit?
ROM Saver allows ROMs D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, and D13 to be removed when installed as directed, helping reduce heat and power usage.
How do I select Karate Champ Version 1 or Version 2?
Set DIP1 ON for Version 1 or DIP1 OFF for Version 2.
Does the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. The kit supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
Is Wi-Fi required for the Karate Champ Player vs Player kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.
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