diff --git a/src/helpers/NRF52Board.h b/src/helpers/NRF52Board.h
index 5158229d..c349a8e7 100644
--- a/src/helpers/NRF52Board.h
+++ b/src/helpers/NRF52Board.h
@@ -6,7 +6,12 @@
 #if defined(NRF52_PLATFORM)
 
 class NRF52Board : public mesh::MainBoard {
+protected:
+  uint8_t startup_reason;
+
 public:
+  virtual void begin() { startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL; }
+  virtual uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
   float getMCUTemperature() override;
   virtual void reboot() override { NVIC_SystemReset(); }
 };
diff --git a/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.cpp b/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.cpp
index 54929cd1..ad5f1333 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason)
 }
 
 void MeshSolarBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   meshSolarStart();
 
diff --git a/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.h b/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.h
index 24c5a812..0ccbb127 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.h
+++ b/variants/heltec_mesh_solar/MeshSolarBoard.h
@@ -22,12 +22,8 @@
 
 
 class MeshSolarBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override {
     return meshSolarGetBattVoltage();
diff --git a/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.cpp b/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.cpp
index f46a1a84..4730a49b 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.cpp
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void T114Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   NRF_POWER->DCDCEN = 1;
 
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
diff --git a/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.h b/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.h
index e35afeb1..a040e37f 100644
--- a/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.h
+++ b/variants/heltec_t114/T114Board.h
@@ -10,12 +10,8 @@
 #define  MV_LSB   (3000.0F / 4096.0F) // 12-bit ADC with 3.0V input range
 
 class T114Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.cpp b/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.cpp
index 44940b8f..bf3f4a9e 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void IkokaNrf52Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   // ensure we have pull ups on the screen i2c, this isn't always available
   // in hardware and it should only be 20k ohms. Disable the pullups if we
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.h b/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.h
index 87f85980..25cf643c 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.h
+++ b/variants/ikoka_handheld_nrf/IkokaNrf52Board.h
@@ -7,12 +7,8 @@
 #ifdef IKOKA_NRF52
 
 class IkokaNrf52Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.cpp b/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.cpp
index ee799692..15507ad3 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void IkokaNanoNRFBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT, INPUT);
   pinMode(VBAT_ENABLE, OUTPUT);
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.h b/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.h
index 2d185365..e6da3d11 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.h
+++ b/variants/ikoka_nano_nrf/IkokaNanoNRFBoard.h
@@ -7,12 +7,8 @@
 #ifdef XIAO_NRF52
 
 class IkokaNanoNRFBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.cpp b/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.cpp
index 6b660383..1adc14bd 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void IkokaStickNRFBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT, INPUT);
   pinMode(VBAT_ENABLE, OUTPUT);
diff --git a/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.h b/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.h
index 1a9b00c4..78cb8a7f 100644
--- a/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.h
+++ b/variants/ikoka_stick_nrf/IkokaStickNRFBoard.h
@@ -7,12 +7,8 @@
 #ifdef XIAO_NRF52
 
 class IkokaStickNRFBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.cpp b/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.cpp
index 46bff1fc..a61909fe 100644
--- a/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.cpp
@@ -7,8 +7,7 @@
 static BLEDfu bledfu;
 
 void KeepteenLT1Board::begin() {    
-    // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-    startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+    NRF52Board::begin();
     btn_prev_state = HIGH;
   
     pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
diff --git a/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.h b/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.h
index 2e720b72..e98972ae 100644
--- a/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.h
+++ b/variants/keepteen_lt1/KeepteenLT1Board.h
@@ -6,14 +6,11 @@
 
 class KeepteenLT1Board : public NRF52Board {
 protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
   uint8_t btn_prev_state;
 
 public:
   void begin();
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
   #define BATTERY_SAMPLES 8
 
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override {
diff --git a/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.cpp b/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.cpp
index dee14688..e1259644 100644
--- a/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void TechoBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   Wire.begin();
 
diff --git a/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.h b/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.h
index 316536ae..b7650d00 100644
--- a/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.h
+++ b/variants/lilygo_techo/TechoBoard.h
@@ -14,19 +14,11 @@
 #define REAL_VBAT_MV_PER_LSB (VBAT_DIVIDER_COMP * VBAT_MV_PER_LSB)
 
 class TechoBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
-
   void begin();
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override;
   bool startOTAUpdate(const char* id, char reply[]) override;
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override {
-    return startup_reason;
-  }
-
   const char* getManufacturerName() const override {
     return "LilyGo T-Echo";
   }
diff --git a/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.cpp b/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.cpp
index dee14688..e1259644 100644
--- a/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void TechoBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   Wire.begin();
 
diff --git a/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.h b/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.h
index db800951..c92bcfca 100644
--- a/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.h
+++ b/variants/lilygo_techo_lite/TechoBoard.h
@@ -14,19 +14,11 @@
 #define REAL_VBAT_MV_PER_LSB (VBAT_DIVIDER_COMP * VBAT_MV_PER_LSB)
 
 class TechoBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
-
   void begin();
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override;
   bool startOTAUpdate(const char* id, char reply[]) override;
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override {
-    return startup_reason;
-  }
-
   const char* getManufacturerName() const override {
     return "LilyGo T-Echo";
   }
diff --git a/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.cpp b/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.cpp
index 0d0e8993..0fa7d5f9 100644
--- a/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.cpp
+++ b/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.cpp
@@ -20,8 +20,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason)
 }
 
 void HeltecMeshPocket::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   Serial.begin(115200);
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
 
diff --git a/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.h b/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.h
index fd9c819e..0f4d2c8b 100644
--- a/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.h
+++ b/variants/mesh_pocket/MeshPocket.h
@@ -10,14 +10,8 @@
 #define  MV_LSB   (3000.0F / 4096.0F) // 12-bit ADC with 3.0V input range
 
 class HeltecMeshPocket : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
-
 
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override {
     int adcvalue = 0;
diff --git a/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.cpp b/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.cpp
index 561ed504..c38f71e4 100644
--- a/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.cpp
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@
 #include <bluefruit.h>
 
 void MinewsemiME25LS01Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   btn_prev_state = HIGH;
   
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
diff --git a/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.h b/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.h
index ba496491..34612e93 100644
--- a/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.h
+++ b/variants/minewsemi_me25ls01/MinewsemiME25LS01Board.h
@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@
 
 class MinewsemiME25LS01Board : public NRF52Board {
 protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
   uint8_t btn_prev_state;
 
 public:
@@ -42,8 +41,6 @@ public:
     return (ADC_MULTIPLIER * raw);
   }
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
   const char* getManufacturerName() const override {
     return "Minewsemi";
   }
diff --git a/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.cpp b/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.cpp
index 9a278287..6a749aab 100644
--- a/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.cpp
+++ b/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.cpp
@@ -24,8 +24,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason)
 
 void NanoG2Ultra::begin()
 {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   // set user button
   pinMode(PIN_BUTTON1, INPUT);
diff --git a/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.h b/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.h
index 1e8dbce4..6961fc86 100644
--- a/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.h
+++ b/variants/nano_g2_ultra/nano-g2.h
@@ -36,16 +36,11 @@
 #define REAL_VBAT_MV_PER_LSB     (VBAT_DIVIDER_COMP * VBAT_MV_PER_LSB)
 
 class NanoG2Ultra : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override;
   bool startOTAUpdate(const char *id, char reply[]) override;
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
   const char *getManufacturerName() const override { return "Nano G2 Ultra"; }
 
   void powerOff() override {
diff --git a/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.cpp b/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.cpp
index b923e16e..4ac72072 100644
--- a/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.cpp
@@ -7,8 +7,7 @@
 static BLEDfu bledfu;
 
 void PromicroBoard::begin() {    
-    // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-    startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+    NRF52Board::begin();
     btn_prev_state = HIGH;
   
     pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
diff --git a/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.h b/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.h
index 55137010..ba002134 100644
--- a/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.h
+++ b/variants/promicro/PromicroBoard.h
@@ -22,15 +22,12 @@
 
 class PromicroBoard : public NRF52Board {
 protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
   uint8_t btn_prev_state;
   float adc_mult = ADC_MULTIPLIER;
 
 public:
   void begin();
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
   #define BATTERY_SAMPLES 8
 
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override {
diff --git a/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.cpp b/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.cpp
index 97a96602..1a37db15 100644
--- a/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.cpp
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void RAK4631Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   pinMode(PIN_VBAT_READ, INPUT);
 #ifdef PIN_USER_BTN
   pinMode(PIN_USER_BTN, INPUT_PULLUP);
diff --git a/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.h b/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.h
index 8922cc31..394b05fb 100644
--- a/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.h
+++ b/variants/rak4631/RAK4631Board.h
@@ -30,12 +30,8 @@
 #define  ADC_MULTIPLIER   (3 * 1.73 * 1.187 * 1000)
 
 class RAK4631Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
   #define BATTERY_SAMPLES 8
 
diff --git a/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.cpp b/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.cpp
index 68638f0d..11b9f0a5 100644
--- a/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.cpp
@@ -19,9 +19,8 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void RAKWismeshTagBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
-  
+  NRF52Board::begin();
+
   // Enable DC/DC converter for improved power efficiency
   uint8_t sd_enabled = 0;
   sd_softdevice_is_enabled(&sd_enabled);
diff --git a/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.h b/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.h
index 732edc69..032b00af 100644
--- a/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.h
+++ b/variants/rak_wismesh_tag/RAKWismeshTagBoard.h
@@ -9,12 +9,8 @@
 #define  ADC_MULTIPLIER   (3 * 1.73 * 1.187 * 1000)
 
 class RAKWismeshTagBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED) && defined(LED_STATE_ON)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.cpp b/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.cpp
index d6c044d1..1493d22a 100644
--- a/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.cpp
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void SenseCapSolarBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
 #if defined(PIN_WIRE_SDA) && defined(PIN_WIRE_SCL)
   Wire.setPins(PIN_WIRE_SDA, PIN_WIRE_SCL);
diff --git a/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.h b/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.h
index f14f2f1a..eab08163 100644
--- a/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.h
+++ b/variants/sensecap_solar/SenseCapSolarBoard.h
@@ -5,12 +5,8 @@
 #include <helpers/NRF52Board.h>
 
 class SenseCapSolarBoard : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.cpp b/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.cpp
index a41abd92..27432b1b 100644
--- a/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.cpp
+++ b/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.cpp
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@
 #include <bluefruit.h>
 
 void T1000eBoard::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   btn_prev_state = HIGH;
 
   // Enable DC/DC converter for improved power efficiency
diff --git a/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.h b/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.h
index 02aa0733..c16d8ccd 100644
--- a/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.h
+++ b/variants/t1000-e/T1000eBoard.h
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@
 
 class T1000eBoard : public NRF52Board {
 protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
   uint8_t btn_prev_state;
 
 public:
@@ -34,8 +33,6 @@ public:
   #endif
   }
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
-
   const char* getManufacturerName() const override {
     return "Seeed Tracker T1000-e";
   }
diff --git a/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.cpp b/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.cpp
index 12dd7362..bfec5f3f 100644
--- a/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void ThinkNodeM1Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   Wire.begin();
 
diff --git a/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.h b/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.h
index b6eff743..7e961f00 100644
--- a/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.h
+++ b/variants/thinknode_m1/ThinkNodeM1Board.h
@@ -14,19 +14,12 @@
 #define REAL_VBAT_MV_PER_LSB (VBAT_DIVIDER_COMP * VBAT_MV_PER_LSB)
 
 class ThinkNodeM1Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
 
   void begin();
   uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override;
   bool startOTAUpdate(const char* id, char reply[]) override;
 
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override {
-    return startup_reason;
-  }
-
   #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
     digitalWrite(P_LORA_TX_LED, HIGH);   // turn TX LED on
diff --git a/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.cpp b/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.cpp
index 34d9a874..d07df83f 100644
--- a/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.cpp
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void WioTrackerL1Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
   btn_prev_state = HIGH;
 
   // Enable DC/DC converter for improved power efficiency
diff --git a/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.h b/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.h
index b51f56bd..e1930ff7 100644
--- a/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.h
+++ b/variants/wio-tracker-l1/WioTrackerL1Board.h
@@ -6,12 +6,10 @@
 
 class WioTrackerL1Board : public NRF52Board {
 protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
   uint8_t btn_prev_state;
 
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.cpp b/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.cpp
index 153d476c..cb54609d 100644
--- a/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.cpp
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void WioWM1110Board::begin() {
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   // Enable DC/DC converter for improved power efficiency
   uint8_t sd_enabled = 0;
diff --git a/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.h b/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.h
index 5d36834b..9b4e153b 100644
--- a/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.h
+++ b/variants/wio_wm1110/WioWM1110Board.h
@@ -12,12 +12,8 @@
 #define Serial Serial1
 
 class WioWM1110Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(LED_GREEN)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {
diff --git a/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.cpp b/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.cpp
index f847c654..34c15767 100644
--- a/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.cpp
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ static void disconnect_callback(uint16_t conn_handle, uint8_t reason) {
 }
 
 void XiaoNrf52Board::begin() {
-  // for future use, sub-classes SHOULD call this from their begin()
-  startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_NORMAL;
+  NRF52Board::begin();
 
   // Enable DC/DC converter for improved power efficiency
   uint8_t sd_enabled = 0;
diff --git a/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.h b/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.h
index 32dcc576..1f1490cf 100644
--- a/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.h
+++ b/variants/xiao_nrf52/XiaoNrf52Board.h
@@ -7,12 +7,8 @@
 #ifdef XIAO_NRF52
 
 class XiaoNrf52Board : public NRF52Board {
-protected:
-  uint8_t startup_reason;
-
 public:
   void begin();
-  uint8_t getStartupReason() const override { return startup_reason; }
 
 #if defined(P_LORA_TX_LED)
   void onBeforeTransmit() override {