Revision as of 07:08, 27 September 2020


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1 Introduction

Most modern game systems have a free play option available within the game's settings. However, older games do not always have an obvious way to enable free play. That being the case, the goal is (with the original boardset) to avoid having to install an extra switch / button on the outside of the cabinet or coin door and to avoid having to open the coin door.

There are a few different options depending on the game system:

Set the first replay score value to 10,000 (or whatever the lowest possible score is).
Add a stacked switch to the start/credit button switch.
Add a switch to the coin reject button.
System-specific wiring / jumper modifications.
Replace the game ROM with an EPROM with a modified version of the game code (typically known as a free play ROM or Home ROM). Some of these ROMs have additional fixes/features beyond just a free play option. Most MPUs will need to have some jumpers changed in order to accommodate an EPROM.

2 Generic Solutions

2.1 Stacked Switch

2.2 Coin Reject Switch

2.3 Add-Ons

onecircuit.com/CoinUp - Designed for video arcade games, but might also be applicable to pinball machines. However, this device will not work with games that include the coin switches within a switch matrix.

2.4 Replay Score

This option may work when bringing games to shows more than in a home environment. Set a replay score that is very low so it can easily be achieved in order for a credit to be awarded.

3 Game Systems

3.1 Allied Leisure

3.1.1 Generation 1

Credit switch stack instructions

3.1.2 Generation 2

A game-specific free play option is not available.

3.2 Atari

3.2.1 Generation 1

No game-specific free play options available.

3.2.2 Generation 2

The MPU dip switch in switch section A, switch 6 will enable free play when set to "on".

3.3 Bally

3.3.1 -17/-35/-133 MPU

New ROM code with free play and additional fixes/features for various games.

TwoBits / Game Boards USA - Fix It module

~~Add-on coin door connector board~~ (NLA?)

3.3.2 Hybrid Games (-133 MPU)

On the MPU, setting dip switch 30 to "on" enables free play mode.

3.3.3 6803 MPU

In the menu settings, go to adjustment 42, and set the value to 65.

3.4 Capcom

A free play option is built into the game code. Set menu option B:10 to YES. Default is NO.

3.5 Data East

See Here

3.6 GamePlan

On the MPU, setting dip switch 8 to "on" enables free play. The credit display will show 99 credits, credits will be subtracted until reaching 0, and then cycle back around to 99.

3.7 Gottlieb

3.7.5 System 3

A free play option is built into the game code. To access this option in a menu with Cue Ball Wizard and newer games, the tournament switch must be switched to ON. On earlier games, the setting varies (adjustment 27 on Lights Camera Action, but adjustment 29 on Deadly Weapon).