5101 NVRAM Module for Pinball Machines (also replaces 2101 RAM)

Products >> Pinball NVRAM Modules >> 5101 NVRAM Module for Pinball Machines (also replaces 2101 RAM)

5101 NVRAM Module

No More Batteries!

This is a premium quality Battery Eliminator / NVRAM replacement for 5101 RAM used in many classic pinball / arcade machines. Replaces a 5101, 2101 or compatible pinout 256 x 8 SRAM that has its data inputs and outputs connected together (ie. the majority of pinball/arcade boards).

Please see the compatibilty list further down on this page for more info. These modules use CYPRESS F-RAM nvram ICs rated at 151-year data retention & 100 trillion reads/writes. Absolutely no batteries are needed to retain your high scores or game settings, you can remove them from your game. Machine pin headers are used on this module which are very durable and won't damage your socket at all.

Please note that on some games this will require removal of the existing RAM soldered to the board & installation of a 22-pin DIP socket (now included!!). Please see the compatibility list below for more info.

COMPATIBILITY
We've created a list that should help you easily identify what NVRAM to get for your machine(s). In addition, the compatibility chart below has diagrams of where the RAM is located on your board(s), difficulty of installation/upgrade & notes on the upgrade.

Pinball NVRAM Game List

BOARDSET	DIFFICULTY	RAM LOCATION	NOTES

CLASSIC BALLY (DASH-17, DASH-35, DASH-133)	EASY	U8 (see picture)	Plug-and-Play installation, existing RAM is socketed. Simply swap out the existing 5101 SRAM for the 5101 NVRAM Module.

CLASSIC STERN (MPU-100, MPU-200)	EASY	U8 (see picture) U13 also on MPU-200 No picture yet	Plug-and-Play installation, existing RAM is socketed. Simply swap out the existing 5101 SRAM for the 5101 NVRAM Module. Note that on Stern MPU-200 games you will need 2x modules -- or you can use the Stern MPU-200 NVRAM Module.

WILLIAMS SYSTEM 3-7	MODERATE	IC19 (pictures below) Williams Sys3 Williams Sys4 Williams Sys6 Williams Sys7	NOT PLUG-AND-PLAY. Requires removal of existing RAM & installation of a socket! Williams System 3-7 games did not have their RAM socketed from the factory. Unless someone has replaced the RAM and installed a socket, you will need to remove the existing RAM IC and install a 22-pin IC socket.

GOTTLIEB SYSTEM 80 (System 80, 80A, 80B)	MODERATE	Z5 (see picture)	NOT PLUG-AND-PLAY. Requires removal of existing RAM & installation of a socket! Gottlieb System 80 games did not have their RAM socketed from the factory. Unless someone has replaced the RAM and installed a socket, you will need to remove the existing RAM IC and install a 22-pin IC socket.

ZACCARIA GENERATION 1	EASY	IC7 (see picture)	Plug-and-Play installation, existing RAM is socketed. Simply swap out the existing 5101 SRAM for the 5101 NVRAM Module.

*NOTE: EACH MODULE NOW INCLUDES A FREE 22-PIN IC SOCKET!

**These 5101 NVRAM modules ARE NOT COMPATIBLE with GOTTLIEB SYSTEM 1 pinball machines!

ARCADE GAME COMPATIBILITY

Defender
Omega Race

The 5101 NVRAM Module may work with other arcade games that used a 5101 SRAM with the data inputs/outputs of the 5101 tied together. Note that the F-RAM chips latch each address on the falling edge of the /CE (chip enable) line, so in the hardware being upgraded the /CE line must be toggled for every read/write (not tied to GND). There may also be timing or other hardware incompatibilities to take into consideration. The chip enable circuit can be verified via schematic, but the toggling of the chip enable line on every read/write would need to be verified via logic analyzer.

--- NOTE ON BOARDS REQUIRING SOCKET INSTALLATION ---

Boards listed as "*requires socket installation" above (just WILLIAMS mpus at this time) will likely require the existing SRAM to be desoldered/removed from the board and a socket installed in its place. If you do not have proper equipment or experience to desolder ICs and install a socket, this mod may not be for you. Again of all the manufacturer's MPUs listed in the compatibility list above, only Williams MPUs would require socket installation. All other MPUs had sockets installed from the factory so they *should* be an easy swap with the existing RAM. If you're installing into a Williams MPU, please be aware of having to unsolder/remove the existing RAM chip and install a socket. Before purchasing the nvram module and understand the risks involved in attempting to upgrade your board. Any attempt to modify your board is AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you aren't comfortable with performing the modifications (should your board require any for nvram installation), please seek professional installation or use a remote battery pack instead.

NVRAM is shipped in anti-static foam & anti-static bag inside a small USPS First Class Mail box. Installation instructions are included.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Pinitech LLC offers a 180-day limited warranty against defects on all ASSEMBLED products manufactured by Pinitech. Warranty does not cover improper installation or modifications beyond intended use. DIY Kits are handled on a per-case basis and limited to parts replacement only. Due to their nature, we cannot warranty assembly done by others on DIY Kits.

LIABILITY INFORMATION

This product was designed ONLY for the purpose as stated in the product description. Pinitech LLC cannot control conditions of installation or use (ie. inadequate repairs of machines, improper installation, aftermarket modifications, etc). End user agrees to assume any and all liablity of this product. In no event shall Pinitech LLC be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special consequential damages, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our products.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you have any issues with using this product, please email us! We're happy to help answer your questions & will do our best to resolve any problems you may be having.
You can email us using the information on the Contact page. We usually respond within 24-48 hours.

SHIPPING INFO
Pinitech products are only shipping to the United States. International orders will be rejected or refunded immediately.