Game Data Storage for Settings on S2000

[Ash100]

This may have been asked, but I couldn't find a direct answer, so forgive me if it's a duplicate question.


On an S2000 during initial programming after a clear is performed, where is that data stored?


Meaning, is it on the board itself in the RAM Chips or on the Backplane like in a 3902 game?


Example:
Programmed game, it plays for a week or two then develops a Board Error. Grab new Board, swap over all chips from old Board to new Board, including 2 RAM Chips. Install Board, go through the sequence of clearing errors etc.
Then game plays as before with no changes needed other than sound settings, maybe a few others.


So, what saved the settings? Onboard RAM or Backplane RAM?


Is it recommended to do another clear and start from scratch when doing a MPU swap? Or is everything going to stay the same?


Reason I ask is just had this exact scenario happen. The machine was set up for coin in/coin out, swapped Chips and Board, went through typical errors, turned key etc. Now the machine still accepts coins for credits like nothing was ever changed.


So, is that how IGT set it up? Quick change for casinos to minimize downtime?


Hope this makes more sense when you read it than it did while I typed it.


Thanks,


Curtis ash100

[RB]

The backplane doesn't have RAM. It has a serial eeprom. Your key chip settings are retained there as well as ticket data such as name, address, serial #, date, limits, etc. The static RAM on the MPU retains current game data such as number of games played, number of credits, etc. That is why when you turn the game off & back on credits are still there provided you have a good battery. The eeprom will recognize any changes made to the mpu such as a base chip change & cause a RAM error. Once it's cleared the eeprom is updated & the original settings are retained most of the time. Some exceptions apply. Changing SG chips will sometimes but not always cause a "machine type mismatch" & require a key chip.

[Tilt]

Also there's no need to use a "clear" chip unless you want to change the accounting denomination.  Many people think using the clear chip will clear whatever error message they have, but it usually only results in further problems like the machine type mismatch error RB referred to, along with some other setup issues.

[Ash100]

Thanks RB and Tilt.


Guess my terminology was off when it came to the Backplane EEPROM. I just knew there was some sort of storage device on it.


That's why I mentioned the 3902 system, because I knew about the serial EEPROM on the Backplane in its system, so the S2000 is the same way.


Thanks for the explanation. That certainly makes board swaps easier, and I only do a clear when I'm setting up a machine from scratch.


Curtis ash100