Add/Enable Free Play

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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

2.3 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.

3 Game Systems

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 Fix It module

3.3.2 Hybrid Games (-133 MPU)

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

3.4 Capcom

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.6 Data East

See Here

3.7 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.

3.8 Gottlieb

3.8.1 System 1

See Here

3.8.2 System 80

See Here

3.8.3 System 80A

The U2/U3 ROMs can be replaced with a modified EPROM.

3.8.4 System 80B

• See Here
• The game PROM can be replaced with a modified EPROM.

3.8.5 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).

3.9 Heighway Pinball

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.10 Jersey Jack Pinball

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.11 Sega

A free play option is built into the game code. Instructions here.

3.12 Spooky Pinball

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.13 Stern

3.13.1 MPU-100/MPU-200

• TwoBits Fix It module

3.13.2 SAM/Whitestar

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.13.3 SPIKE

A free play option is built into the game code.

3.14 Williams

3.14.1 System 3-7

• In the bookkeeping settings, setting adjustment 18 (maximum credits) to zero allows free play.

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

3.14.2 System 9

In the bookkeeping settings, setting adjustment 18 (maximum credits) to zero allows free play.

3.14.3 System 11/11A/11B/11C

A free play option is built into the game code. Set adjustment 23 to YES (default is NO).

3.14.4 WPC

A free play option is built into the game code. Set Pricing Adjustment (A.3) setting 17 to YES (default is NO).

3.15 Zaccaria

3.15.2 Generation 1

Modified game ROMs that enable free play are available here.

3.15.3 Generation 2

Modified game ROMs that enable free play are available here.