Moon Patrol Free Play and High Score Save Kit
Product information "Moon Patrol Free Play and High Score Save Kit"
Moon Patrol Free Play and High Score Save Kit for Irem Arcade PCBs
Upgrade your original Moon Patrol arcade PCB with reliable Free Play, permanent high score saving, attract sounds, Practice Mode support, menu-driven settings, ROM Saver operation, hardware diagnostics, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard functionality while preserving authentic Irem arcade hardware.
Designed for original Irem hardware, this plug-and-play upgrade improves long-term reliability without changing gameplay timing, controls, sound, or the side-scrolling lunar patrol gameplay collectors expect.
Start games without coins while still supporting traditional Coin-Up operation.
Permanently stores the Top 5 supported scores.
Start at selectable checkpoints to practice difficult sections.
Upload scores online to global arcade leaderboards.
Upgrade Your Moon Patrol Arcade Experience
Restore and enhance your original Moon Patrol arcade machine with a professionally designed Free Play and High Score Save Kit built specifically for authentic Irem arcade hardware.
Original boards often lose high scores, rely on aging components, or suffer from unstable resets. This upgrade modernizes your PCB while preserving the original gameplay, controls, timing, sound, and side-scrolling arcade feel that made Moon Patrol a classic.
Unlike multigame systems or reproduction boards, this kit keeps your original arcade PCB in service while adding modern conveniences 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 Notes
- Z80 processor required: A Z80 processor must be installed in a compatible 40-pin socket.
- Socketed CPU required: If the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB, install a compatible 40-pin socket before installing the kit.
- Original hardware: Designed for original Irem Moon Patrol arcade hardware.
- Review the guide first: Read the Moon Patrol Installation Guide before installation.
Main Features
- Easy Install: No soldering, board modifications, or special wiring required when the Z80 processor is already socketed
- Permanent Score Storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage instead of batteries or NVRAM
- High Score Save: Stores the Top 5 supported scores permanently
- Attract Sounds: Adjustable at 25%, 50%, or 100% attract-screen rotations
- Free Play: Start games without coins or opening the coin door
- Coin-Up Support: Coins are still supported if desired
- Attract Mode Protection: Helps reduce monitor burn-in from static screens
- Menu-Driven DIP Settings: Change supported settings on screen without opening the cabinet
- ROM Saver: Optionally remove original program ROMs when installed as directed
- Cabinet Support: Works in upright and cocktail cabinets
Additional Features
- Backup and Restore: Back up high scores and restore them later for parties, service, or tournaments
- Separate Score Tables: Different high score saves for 2, 3, or 4 lives settings
- Reset Button: Restart a game without powering off the cabinet when enabled
- Practice Mode: Start at selectable checkpoints for targeted practice
- Game Menu: Quickly select lives or practice levels
- Flip Screen: Full flip-screen support included
- RAM and ROM Tests: Built-in hardware diagnostic tests
- Free Play Behavior: Continue mode is automatically disabled while Free Play is enabled
Installation Information
- Installation Difficulty: Easy
- Soldering Required: No, if CPU is already socketed
- Processor Requirement: Requires a Z80 processor
- Socketed CPU Required: Install a compatible 40-pin socket if needed
- Cabinet Compatibility: Upright and cocktail cabinets supported
- Installation Guide: Download Moon Patrol 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.
Moon Patrol Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Moon Patrol kit support?
The kit is designed for original Irem Moon Patrol arcade hardware.
Which processor is required for the Moon Patrol kit?
A socketed Z80 processor is required. Install a compatible 40-pin socket if the Z80 processor is soldered directly to the PCB.
How many high scores does the Moon Patrol kit save?
Moon Patrol saves the Top 5 supported scores using reliable serial EEPROM storage.
Does the Moon Patrol kit support Free Play and Coin-Up operation?
Yes. Free Play and Coin-Up operation are both supported. Continue mode is automatically disabled while Free Play is enabled.
Does the Moon Patrol kit include Practice Mode?
Yes. Practice Mode lets you start at selectable checkpoints to practice difficult sections.
What diagnostics are included with the Moon Patrol kit?
The kit includes built-in RAM and ROM tests for hardware diagnostics.
Does the Moon Patrol kit support Backup and Restore?
Yes. Backup and Restore support allows saved high scores to be backed up and restored later.
Does the Moon Patrol kit support upright and cocktail cabinets?
Yes. Upright and cocktail cabinets are supported, and full flip-screen support is included.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Moon Patrol kit?
No. Standard kits save scores locally to the PCB. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.
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2 reviews
September 23, 2025 2:07 AM
Installed just fine & lots of options.
Moon Patrol seems to be the black sheep in the Williams lineup with a 3-board sandwich that the others don't have. This kit fits right next to the long sound board, maybe even a little too close on mine. I had to adjust the four mounting screws on the sound board to angle it a bit to make room but it's sturdy. The kit also extends past the bottom of the boards and can bump the coin box when the sandwich is positioned in its usual mount spot inside the cabinet. I fixed this by adjusting the position of the wood block on the near side of the boards (when looking in from the back) so the boards can't slide and bump the kit. Not a big deal and should be stable for life.
September 23, 2025 12:27 AM
Easy to install, makes it fun to play my game again
As my title says this is totally easy to install and it does make it fun to play my game again looking at the high scores and not having to coin up all the time. These are super high quality as well.