Quoted from Pinterest:I think that the discussion comparing using a CR2032 versus a $6 NVRAM is relevant though - don't you?
Or CR2032 versus $2.50 nvram imported directly. Which is probably why nvram came up in this thread to begin with (and not because I posted some thoughts on endurance that I'll agree may be better left to an nvram technical discussion thread).
Really though, I think the discussion specifically on CR2032s (if it could stay on just that topic) for a sepcific manufacturer's board (ie. WPC which was the topic of this thread) would be over quick. What's there to talk about? Or after a few people show pictures of installation methods on a specific board.. what more is there?
I'll offer another thought up -- I think It'd be nice if steps to doing CR2032 installations on various manufacturer's boards *cleanly* could get documented on PINWIKI.. with pictures -- that way when new threads like this are created people can be pointed to a good resource for installing CR2032 battery holders on boards & proper direction of diodes or clean ways to do the jumper wires if that's the method they want to take. I haven't really looked at what's out there but if there's not pages for every manufacturer showing how to install CR2032's if they're versatile across most of the major pinball manufacturers, then why not get them created and start pointing people there. Or adding to them as threads like this flush out better details or pictures or methods.
Taking it a step further then, document all the alternative ways for memory retention -- from the AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries that are considered a **GET THEM OFF THE BOARD** method -- to CR2032s and lithium AAs and remote battery packs with 10ft wires to reach the coin door.. to nvram. Just document the pros/cons, risk of invasiveness -- ease of install, etc. Then immediately point these threads to those resources to mitigate the same "fanboy" type of discussions that tend to occur in these threads because what works for someone doesn't work for someone else. If something gets discussed *over and over* then a resource can be created to help others and prevent threads from getting derailed too much with "my method is better than yours" conversation. Totally just my humble opinion here. Carry on with CR2032 discussion