Control board compatibility questions.

[divot]

So, I constantly see control boards from different model machines that look exactly the same ( not including the software). 

Are there any manufacturers or models that have control boards that can be swapped from different models if they look identical and the appropriate software is installed? 

Examples:

Royal Vendors Merlin control boards look just like the GIII boards.

Vendo Vue boards look like the 721 boards.

And the Vendo 9.1 boards look just like the 9.2 boards- this is the one I actually attempted to put the 9.2 software in the 9.1 board to no avail. 

Obviously, the reasoning for this question is as I need spare boards and some are easier or cheaper to source - it would be great to know if there are options available. I expect to hear it doesn't matter if control boards LOOK the same, but figure it wouldn't hurt to ask. 

[AZVendor]

Nope.  The closest you'll get to interchangeable boards would be the USI CB700 and one of the Royal Merlin boards (don't remember which one.)  They use different chips in the same board.  But it's really not worth your time to try to do this as there is no guarantee the one will ever work in another.  Vendo might have done something similar but I wouldn't bet on true compatibility.

[divot]

Would be nice if identical          " looking" boards did work like that, but not surprised by your response.

Thanks for the knowledge.

[Vendo Mike]

Having a different board for every style machine would be an inventory and sourcing nightmare.  Standardization makes life easier for everyone. 

 

Example - You need a board for a 721 but only have one for a Vue in your inventory.  By simply replacing the eprom in the "Vue board", you can easily set up for your 721.

[tblake05]

Like AZ said, cb700 and merlin 4 use the "same board" just by swapping eprom.  Issues come in when certain early revision boards aren't compatible with certain eproms.

GVC is a good idea from vendnet,  Universal board based off if it has a built on display or not.  Just program it to your machine once installed.  Sometimes can be a pain, but once you get the hang of them...

The SIID from Dixie seems pretty good too, just change the eprom to the one you need and good to go.

[divot]

Right. I have one of 3 or 4 of the universal boards out there to allow card readers with older non MDB snack machines. Though, using the universal boards with GIII machines I never considered. Thanks.