Pinitech 6116 replacement NVRAM vs MCR version // Anypin DMD+ NVRAM comments // Swemmer

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Pinitech 6116 NVRAM Replacements - different versions

I recently added an NVRAM module to a Spy Hunter. There are threads here that talk about memory stability on MCR boards w/ NVRAMs improved with a 10k pull-up resistor. I saw one seller on eBay from the UK selling NVRAM modules with resistors on them, but nothing in the US. It turns out Pinitech has a version with the resistor.

Standard NVRAM:


Pinitech also has a page offering a 6116 NVRAM module for MCR boards, but it wasn't clear that it was any different from their other 6116 NVRAM module. The text on the page noted no differences, and the photos of the NVRAM modules are identical. I wrote and he confirmed the MCR version has (besides an extra $5 price tag), a surface mount 10k resistor (and a surface mount cap) on the bottom side of it.


So I suggested an edit to at least the MCR page which he did:

ARE THESE DIFFERENT THAN OUR 6116 NVRAM?
Yes, these are different than the "6116 NVRAM Module" we sell, even though the picture looks the same. This module utilizes the same PCB but has a few additional components to work with Bally MCR games (pull-up resistor, capacitor). This is so the module can be utilized without additional board modifications beyond removal of the original chip and installation of an IC socket.

There are still no images on the pages which show the differences, and since a photo is worth a thousand words... here is a photo below showing 'standard' vs the MCR versions:


IMG_4576.jpg

And yes, you can always save a bit and solder a resistor on yourself. In my case, saving $5 wasn't worth the hassle. More importantly, the space in between my boards was really tight, and the NVRAM module with the pins and black plastic tops on the pins means the NVRAM module rides really high. So I didn't have a lot of space on top of the module. I might have actually had to hang the resistor off the side of the module or underneath. The surface mount answer looks cleaner.

AnyPin DMD+ 6116/6264 NVRAM Replacement

Another option for 6116 replacement is the AnyPin DMD+. Except it doesn't come with the resistor on it.

Their web page mentions you can solder-jumper it to act either as a 6116 replacement or a 6264, however, they actually show up pre-soldered for 6264 use. When I wrote to ask why, the reply I received was "all anyPin come preconfigured as 6264, since that's by far the most commonly used RAM in pinball."

Rob also wrote, "...Usually yes, I can do the modifications for the anyPin DMD+ configuration for 6116 before they ship out. The 6116 version anyPin DMD+ that Marco sells I make exclusively for them. It doesn't have all the pins like the regular anyPin DMD+, so it can only be a 6116. I make them exclusively for them on their request."

That version seems like it is simply missing the extra 2 pins per row and is 6116 pre-soldered, but otherwise the same.

So while they seem to be a great 6264 replacement option, be specific when ordering if you want a 6116 version, and if you want one with a resistor already on-board, you might want to look towards the Pinitech. Even if you don't need the resistor, the AnyPIN DMD+ option is a tad messy since you would have a few extra pins hanging out into space if used as a 6116. The point though, is you could if you want to, and there is nothing wrong with the solution.



Swemmer 6264

Swemmer also has a 6264 version, available from Marco and elsewhere. This isn't a substitute for a 6116.
 
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I just checked my personal 6116 NVRAM design, and I have the 10K pullup on CEn. Phew. :)
The cap is just a 0.1uF VCC decoupler.

Did not consider the 6264 option. I'll have to review that. Thanks.
EDIT: Nah, I'd rather do a specific 6264 if I ever needed one considering the pin count difference.
EDIT AGAIN: LOL, I did do dedicated 6264 adapter. Damn, my loss of memory.

6264_Adapter.jpg


"Since the 6116 RAM is a smaller chip (24 pins compared to 28 pins on a 6264) the four front pins on anyPin will overhang out of the socket when being used as a 6116."

If I can design these, then anyone can. Just need KICAD and some datasheets. :)
 
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do alot of these sell? someone could design these in one day with a 50 cent micro controller and have them assembled and shipped for $1 each . then sell for $10
i would not care to do this just a random thought. maybe the cost is in the nvchip used?
 
Or you could solder a couple of wires to the linear power board where the onboard NiCd battery used to be and run them to a cordless phone battery and you're done, w/o having to do anything to your main boardstack. That's what I did 18 years ago and I've never had a problem with it, even when the game wasn't powered up for 6 months at a time.
 
do alot of these sell? someone could design these in one day with a 50 cent micro controller and have them assembled and shipped for $1 each . then sell for $10
i would not care to do this just a random thought. maybe the cost is in the nvchip used?

Of course the cost is the NVRAM -- and the time to solder the headers.

I stopped wasting my time making them years ago, when you could get them dirt cheap on AliExpress.
 
The AnyPin NVRAMs are neat and all... I work on a lot of pinball machines and would keep one handy in my "oh, shhhhiiii...." bag. Outside of that, I can't really see any use for them for the average Joe. You're not going to be moving them from pin to pin, so once they're set, you're probably never going to touch it again. I started making my own NVRAM boards and it's so much easier just hammering out a 6116 or a 6264 and calling it a day. I do 5101 and 5114 as well, but rarely need those... which is nice, because the 5101s are a bit of a PITA, TBH.

All of my 6116 boards have the pullup resistor... and I'm PRETTY sure I've used them in pinball and non-MCR arcade machine with no issues.
 
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