KIND OF related to this topic (Antminers breaking and then hacking them...):
I didn't realize until now that different versions of the S9 and their hashing boards MAY not be interchangeable due to the fixed frequency vs. auto tune versions, as well as other minor changes.
I searched all over the net to try to figure out the version history of the S9, and what's compatible and what isn't but I came up empty.
Does anyone know how the different versions of the S9 control boards and the hashing boards match up? E.g. my S9s are version 1.6. and I just bought a version 3.75 hashing board to replace a failed one, but realizing my ignorance I thought I would find out if they are compatible before I drop in the new hashing board.
I think this info (like a compatibility chart) would be very useful for anyone who needs to replace a hashing board or a control board. They come up for sale on eBay every once in a while but it's better to be sure in advance if what you are buying will actually work...
Any words of wisdom on this would be greatly appreciated.
Topic: Hacking Bitmain Antminers (S7 & S9) because man a lot of these break...... - page 3. (Read 2251 times)
January 10, 2018, 08:05:43 PM
January 06, 2018, 05:50:16 PM
Those have their advantages, but I don't know if they do quite as well on airflow/heat transfer. Properly lined up individual heal sinks can dissipate a lot of heat, but when they shadow each other you get a turbulent mess.
Avalon A6's for example have a full plate heat sink and don't drop heat quite as well.
I think Bitmain just needs to pay more attention to quality control. Maybe it's not such an issue when they have no competition and people are literally shoving money at them, but a crappy product is still a crappy product. And some of these seem to be lesser in terms of quality.
C
Avalon A6's for example have a full plate heat sink and don't drop heat quite as well.
I think Bitmain just needs to pay more attention to quality control. Maybe it's not such an issue when they have no competition and people are literally shoving money at them, but a crappy product is still a crappy product. And some of these seem to be lesser in terms of quality.
C
January 06, 2018, 02:53:15 AM
Bitmain should go back to the drawing board when it comes to heat sinks. They should utilize the same type Gridseed blades use. Gridseed and others used a full aluminum block heat sink for each hashing board.
It made them very heavy but their blades were reliable and stable.
It made them very heavy but their blades were reliable and stable.
January 04, 2018, 11:13:04 PM
Thus not something to use. Meantime been working on a few more S7 boards and Titans, never dull in this world.
January 04, 2018, 06:58:40 PM
Quote
You are correct regarding the likelihood of the ASICs being counterfeit on Alibaba.
They are more than likely a generic chip with fake asic number screened over the chip.
There are no 'generic' chips that can be used for counterfeiting. Unlike say the USB-Serial converter chips from FTDI, mining ASIC's cannot be built up and (poorly) cloned using mask-programmed micro-processors or gate arrays.They are more than likely a generic chip with fake asic number screened over the chip.
Ja, if a counterfeiter *really really* wanted make a functional SHA256D ASIC then yes the mask programmed (and dirt cheap) route could work but performance would be horrible and not even come close to what Genuine chips run. The internal physical layout of mining chips are optimized to the nth degree for maximum throughput and trying to emulate them to burn into blank gate arrays just does not work anywhere near as fast.
That leaves the chips as either improperly disposed of (stolen) rejects or a relabeled other kind of chip. Either way has SCAM written all over it.
January 03, 2018, 12:36:09 PM
Just before the tool itself, I dont want any gunk going in the air tools or being sprayed on whatever im cleaning. I like the one i linked because it fits nicely in line and doesnt get in the way.
January 03, 2018, 08:07:16 AM
One other thing of note, to everyone saying to use an air compressor there is one warning nobody has mentioned. Air compressors can get condensation inside of the air storage tank, which is why they come with bleeder valves. Make sure that you spray something like a piece of wood down first so you can see if moisture is being sprayed out.
I use something like this on my compressors:
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-30252A-Water-Separator-Outlet/dp/B002GQ3SUA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5TFZJ8TZ5Q486ZC943VZ
That's a good point on the compressor and condensation. Do you install quick connect fittings on this and put right before your spray nozzle (or tool) or do you install this closer to the tank?
January 02, 2018, 01:31:20 PM
It's possible this was done by someone after the unit was shipped, but since I see this on a number of bad S9 boards I'm thinking it might be a out of the box problem. Interesting.
Can confirm it is an out of the box problem. I have disassembled dozens of s9s while breaking the warranty seal, meaning i'm the only one since the factory to look at the hash boards, and a large number have poorly seated heat sinks.
One other thing of note, to everyone saying to use an air compressor there is one warning nobody has mentioned. Air compressors can get condensation inside of the air storage tank, which is why they come with bleeder valves. Make sure that you spray something like a piece of wood down first so you can see if moisture is being sprayed out.
I use something like this on my compressors:
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-30252A-Water-Separator-Outlet/dp/B002GQ3SUA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5TFZJ8TZ5Q486ZC943VZ
January 02, 2018, 08:46:43 AM
Nice work Lightfoot, i admire your tenacity and driven curiosity.
You are correct regarding the likelihood of the ASICs being counterfeit on Alibaba.
They are more than likely a generic chip with fake asic number screened over the chip.
HOWEVER, if you knew who the supply chain was for them in China that would be a massive plus.
I have always hated ROHS boards / solder and the cheap ass thermal adhesive compound chinese EMS use. Absolutely nasty QA and SCM of their BOMs.
Buy / assemble cheap / buy twice. Although they arent cheap which is scary.
Quietly watching on the sidelines mate and living vicariously through you.
I almost been a decade since i fired up the METCAL last.
UA
You are correct regarding the likelihood of the ASICs being counterfeit on Alibaba.
They are more than likely a generic chip with fake asic number screened over the chip.
HOWEVER, if you knew who the supply chain was for them in China that would be a massive plus.
I have always hated ROHS boards / solder and the cheap ass thermal adhesive compound chinese EMS use. Absolutely nasty QA and SCM of their BOMs.
Buy / assemble cheap / buy twice. Although they arent cheap which is scary.
Quietly watching on the sidelines mate and living vicariously through you.
I almost been a decade since i fired up the METCAL last.
UA
January 02, 2018, 08:20:55 AM
Ali express has seller protection. Alibaba you're on your own to negotiate a payment in a safe format.
Try to agree through Paypal, or even Payment through Alibaba. Alibaba does give you seller protection, if you don't transfer to mysterious bank account from private chat.
January 02, 2018, 07:07:17 AM
I know can of air is safe. Is there any risk of electrostatic discharge damage if use air compressor or anything other than can of air?
No such risk at all with compressed air.
Only if you use a vacuum cleaner, there is a risk for static electricity.
January 02, 2018, 05:10:45 AM
How often do u clean the antminer. U use a can of airspray right? Do u also use air filter for your room intake air?
I used compressed air from my air compressor. If you don't have an air compressor, you should consider purchasing one. They're extremely handy for many-a-things besides cleaning miners. Impact tools, filling tires, filling inflatable pools, dusting the interior of your car. etc etc...
I know can of air is safe. Is there any risk of electrostatic discharge damage if use air compressor or anything other than can of air?
I used compressed air from my air compressor. If you don't have an air compressor, you should consider purchasing one. They're extremely handy for many-a-things besides cleaning miners. Impact tools, filling tires, filling inflatable pools, dusting the interior of your car. etc etc...
Oh yeah, compressed air is great. That and a pressure washer. You would not believe the amount of stuff you can do with a pressure washer, everything from cleaning the house to gutters to your shower tiles to cleaning baked on crap for a bitcoin board (just kidding)For the really messy boards I typically use air to blow off the big crap, followed by 95% isopropyl alcohol, followed by air, then alcohol, then Q-tips to get the crud out. That pretty much does it, just have to do it outside in the yard....
Isopropyl alcohol is safe to use without issues? Also, does this require opening the miner such that it voids warranty ?
January 01, 2018, 05:59:28 PM
I used compressed air from my air compressor. If you don't have an air compressor, you should consider purchasing one. They're extremely handy for many-a-things besides cleaning miners. Impact tools, filling tires, filling inflatable pools, dusting the interior of your car. etc etc...
Oh yeah, compressed air is great. That and a pressure washer. You would not believe the amount of stuff you can do with a pressure washer, everything from cleaning the house to gutters to your shower tiles to cleaning baked on crap for a bitcoin board (just kidding)For the really messy boards I typically use air to blow off the big crap, followed by 95% isopropyl alcohol, followed by air, then alcohol, then Q-tips to get the crud out. That pretty much does it, just have to do it outside in the yard....
January 01, 2018, 05:17:40 PM
If you don't have a compressor, I recommend this instead of canned air:
https://www.amazon.com/XPOWER-Airrow-Multi-Use-Electric-Computer/dp/B01BI4UQK0
It won't freeze if you use it for long periods and it has a bit more flow than canned air (though maybe not as much as a compressor). Also, it doesn't run out
https://www.amazon.com/XPOWER-Airrow-Multi-Use-Electric-Computer/dp/B01BI4UQK0
It won't freeze if you use it for long periods and it has a bit more flow than canned air (though maybe not as much as a compressor). Also, it doesn't run out
January 01, 2018, 03:10:37 PM
Kind of overkill to buy a compressor
(yeah, I get it, it has other uses). I'd go for this instead: https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Off-Disposable-Compressed-Duster-Cans/dp/B00FZYT2782 cans for 12 bucks? It'd probably take two cans per miner to do a good job.
Or a pancake compressor for 99 bucks. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-150-PSI-Portable-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor-C2002/203162815
Chances are, you're going to go through a ton of those cans in your lifetime using electronics.
January 01, 2018, 02:37:59 PM
How often do u clean the antminer. U use a can of airspray right? Do u also use air filter for your room intake air?
I used compressed air from my air compressor. If you don't have an air compressor, you should consider purchasing one. They're extremely handy for many-a-things besides cleaning miners. Impact tools, filling tires, filling inflatable pools, dusting the interior of your car. etc etc...
(yeah, I get it, it has other uses). I'd go for this instead: https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Off-Disposable-Compressed-Duster-Cans/dp/B00FZYT278 January 01, 2018, 12:00:05 PM
How often do u clean the antminer. U use a can of airspray right? Do u also use air filter for your room intake air?
I used compressed air from my air compressor. If you don't have an air compressor, you should consider purchasing one. They're extremely handy for many-a-things besides cleaning miners. Impact tools, filling tires, filling inflatable pools, dusting the interior of your car. etc etc...
January 01, 2018, 11:49:40 AM
Another good reason to keep these units fairly clean and dust-free. Not only does the accumulation of dust act as an insulator, but it also provides fuel for a fire. I picked up a used S7 and it looked like it had been run inside a barn. I wore a full on respirator to clean it.
Yep. I have had small flames shoot out the end of one miner on the bench, it's short lived but an impressive sight. If the miner had been clogged with debris at the time it would have been a larger fire. And yes, I have gotten miners in that literally have hay and horse crap in them, seriously I can't believe someone would take a 5k unit designed for a data center and run it in a horse barn.These are designed to run in a data center....
Quote
Do you think, under the right circumstances, that this could cause the whole unit to go up in flames? How well will green PCBs burn once they're in contact with flames?
Possible, the question is what is on the other side of the exhaust fan. I doubt the PCB would catch fire right off the bat, but if something flammable was on the other end of the miner and the person was using one of those massive power supply busses that can feed a thousand amps into a shorted unit then yes, you might have a nice lint fire.I recommend cleaning units every few months when they get dusty. Quick minute with a vacuum cleaner will do it. And don't run them in mines or barns.
Yep. I had feathers and animal crap inside mine before I cleaned it. Some of the fins were completely blocked on the intake side. Unbelievable.
And good point about the fuel sources in and around the miner. I've tried to remove all the fuel sources around my miners. I had a Asicminer Cube go up in flames on me and burn a small hole in the carpet. So we're on metal bakers racks in the garage now.
Mine safely!
January 01, 2018, 11:35:13 AM
Gotta be careful with that vacuum cleaner though. 
Because of the static electricity.
It is more safe to use compressed air instead.
Great thread btw once again, thanks for the efforts in the hardware section!
Because of the static electricity.
It is more safe to use compressed air instead.
Great thread btw once again, thanks for the efforts in the hardware section!
January 01, 2018, 11:25:57 AM
Another good reason to keep these units fairly clean and dust-free. Not only does the accumulation of dust act as an insulator, but it also provides fuel for a fire. I picked up a used S7 and it looked like it had been run inside a barn. I wore a full on respirator to clean it.
Yep. I have had small flames shoot out the end of one miner on the bench, it's short lived but an impressive sight. If the miner had been clogged with debris at the time it would have been a larger fire. And yes, I have gotten miners in that literally have hay and horse crap in them, seriously I can't believe someone would take a 5k unit designed for a data center and run it in a horse barn.These are designed to run in a data center....
Quote
Do you think, under the right circumstances, that this could cause the whole unit to go up in flames? How well will green PCBs burn once they're in contact with flames?
Possible, the question is what is on the other side of the exhaust fan. I doubt the PCB would catch fire right off the bat, but if something flammable was on the other end of the miner and the person was using one of those massive power supply busses that can feed a thousand amps into a shorted unit then yes, you might have a nice lint fire.I recommend cleaning units every few months when they get dusty. Quick minute with a vacuum cleaner will do it. And don't run them in mines or barns.
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