Topic: ZTEX USB-FPGA Modules 1.15x and 1.15y: 215 and 860 MH/s FPGA Boards - page 50. (Read 182450 times)
October 21, 2011, 04:43:02 PM
Ah, my bad. I didn't see a power connector on the board... must have skimmed the pictures too quickly.
October 21, 2011, 03:02:35 PM
When you have an adapter where you can stack multiple FPGAs on top (or next to) of each other using the same communication board - then I'm ready to buy more than one.
I don't think you need any adapter however you can't just stack FPGA you can only stack boards.
The board has 4 screw cut outs. Using standoffs (like what you mount motherboard with but longer) longer than the heatsink you could build a "tower" of these. Might be better to turn them on their sides though and use a different heat sink which blows air across the heatsink not "up".
If what you were talking about is a board that had like 4 sockets that you could buy & plug in multiple FPGA that is interesting idea however that makes the cost of 1 FPGA higher (due to unused overhead) which likely means you need much bigger market to support that.
I was referring to both ideas. I really like idea of stacking them on top of each other with small heat-sinks sandwiched in that you could have air blow through.
Here's an example:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en535770
Notice the male connector surrounding the IC. What if you had that on an FPGA board with the ability to stack multiple ICs?
Each IC would be soldered to one of these for stacking
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/ultra-low-cost-diy-fpga-miner-175mhs-1mh-44891
Maybe there are design limits that would make this unfeasible, but it seams you should be able to stack at least 2 additional ones with a board design that supports it. Unless someone can convince me that it is impossible, I will be holding out on buying multiple of these. I really do like the featured product on the OP; it really shows that we are evolving fast which makes me very excited.
Edited for typos
October 21, 2011, 02:09:52 PM
Power: CON5 (see http://www.ztex.de/usb-fpga-1/usb-fpga-1.15x.e.html#con5) is used for external power supply.
USB connector is only used for communication.
The disadvantage of HDD or SATA connectors is that the amount of boards which can be connected to one ATX PSU is limited to 20 or so. Y adapter cables will not help much since each cable from the PSU can only supply up 5 to 10 boards (3.5 to 7 A), depending on the cross-sectional area of the cable. You also have to use the graphic card cables and/or the 12V lines intended for the CPU.
As simple solution I recommend modular PSU's, i.e. the ones with plugable cables. Cut of the connectors from these cables and connect them to this http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?&KeyWords=CP-2189-ND using crimp tools.
USB connector is only used for communication.
About the power...
Ztek why the decision to use Center pin DC instead of just using 12V Molex connector.
I could see rigging an adapter to install them in 3.5" HDD bay (some cases have 12+ 3.5" bays). It would be conveinent to power multiple boards via computer power supply MOLEX connectors. I am thinking of ultra low end CPU integrated MB running a lightweight linux distro (lubuntu, puppy linux, etc) as the host for multiple boards.
Maybe I could rig up some Molex to DC center pin adapter. See any problem with that?
Ztek why the decision to use Center pin DC instead of just using 12V Molex connector.
I could see rigging an adapter to install them in 3.5" HDD bay (some cases have 12+ 3.5" bays). It would be conveinent to power multiple boards via computer power supply MOLEX connectors. I am thinking of ultra low end CPU integrated MB running a lightweight linux distro (lubuntu, puppy linux, etc) as the host for multiple boards.
Maybe I could rig up some Molex to DC center pin adapter. See any problem with that?
The disadvantage of HDD or SATA connectors is that the amount of boards which can be connected to one ATX PSU is limited to 20 or so. Y adapter cables will not help much since each cable from the PSU can only supply up 5 to 10 boards (3.5 to 7 A), depending on the cross-sectional area of the cable. You also have to use the graphic card cables and/or the 12V lines intended for the CPU.
As simple solution I recommend modular PSU's, i.e. the ones with plugable cables. Cut of the connectors from these cables and connect them to this http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?&KeyWords=CP-2189-ND using crimp tools.
October 21, 2011, 01:38:24 PM
And the community is requesting that you don't have to request.
yeah, and BTC prices updated once per month ...
I'm sorry, but currently I'm to busy to implement an automatic solution in the shop. (I spent more time than planned for the BTCMiner software)
October 21, 2011, 01:36:29 PM
About the power...
Ztek why the decision to use Center pin DC instead of just using 12V Molex connector.
I could see rigging an adapter to install them in 3.5" HDD bay (some cases have 12+ 3.5" bays). It would be conveinent to power multiple boards via computer power supply MOLEX connectors. I am thinking of ultra low end CPU integrated MB running a lightweight linux distro (lubuntu, puppy linux, etc) as the host for multiple boards.
Maybe I could rig up some Molex to DC center pin adapter. See any problem with that?
Ztek why the decision to use Center pin DC instead of just using 12V Molex connector.
I could see rigging an adapter to install them in 3.5" HDD bay (some cases have 12+ 3.5" bays). It would be conveinent to power multiple boards via computer power supply MOLEX connectors. I am thinking of ultra low end CPU integrated MB running a lightweight linux distro (lubuntu, puppy linux, etc) as the host for multiple boards.
Maybe I could rig up some Molex to DC center pin adapter. See any problem with that?
October 21, 2011, 01:28:16 PM
Do you need a special type of USB port? You say it uses 8.5w, and a USB port provides 500mA @ 5v = 2.5w. While some USB ports can provide more amperage than that, the standard only requires 500mA...
It uses a power adapter (visible on PCB below USB on left hand side).
My understanding (ztek can correct me) is that the USB port is just used for communication.
Correct
October 21, 2011, 01:14:16 PM
Do you need a special type of USB port? You say it uses 8.5w, and a USB port provides 500mA @ 5v = 2.5w. While some USB ports can provide more amperage than that, the standard only requires 500mA...
It uses a power adapter (visible on PCB below USB on left hand side).
My understanding (ztek can correct me) is that the USB port is just used for communication.
October 21, 2011, 01:12:54 PM
Do you need a special type of USB port? You say it uses 8.5w, and a USB port provides 500mA @ 5v = 2.5w. While some USB ports can provide more amperage than that, the standard only requires 500mA...
October 21, 2011, 01:03:58 PM
When you have an adapter where you can stack multiple FPGAs on top (or next to) of each other using the same communication board - then I'm ready to buy more than one.
I don't think you need any adapter however you can't just stack FPGA you can only stack boards.
The board has 4 screw cut outs. Using standoffs (like what you mount motherboard with but longer) longer than the heatsink you could build a "tower" of these. Might be better to turn them on their sides though and use a different heat sink which blows air across the heatsink not "up".
If what you were talking about is a board that had like 4 sockets that you could buy & plug in multiple FPGA that is interesting idea however that makes the cost of 1 FPGA higher (due to unused overhead) which likely means you need much bigger market to support that.
October 21, 2011, 12:59:14 PM
so... no way to buy these using BTC?
+1. OP should make this an option.
Support the community you are trying to profit from (don't get me wrong profits = good) just support the community.
I would buy one w/ BTC next month.
As I wrote above, BTC orders are possible on request. Please use the contact form of the shop: http://shop.ztex.de
"BTC orders are possible on request"
And the community is requesting that you don't have to request.
I also want to purchase in Bitcoin, it's the only way to go.
Btw, do have a donation address? I would like to donate to your work.
I don't think I'm ready to buy one yet because it is not quite where it could be for it to be a competitive miner.
When you have an adapter where you can stack multiple FPGAs on top (or next to) of each other using the same communication board - then I'm ready to buy more than one.
Thanks
October 21, 2011, 10:42:10 AM
so... no way to buy these using BTC?
+1. OP should make this an option.
Support the community you are trying to profit from (don't get me wrong profits = good) just support the community.
I would buy one w/ BTC next month.
As I wrote above, BTC orders are possible on request. Please use the contact form of the shop: http://shop.ztex.de
October 21, 2011, 10:20:18 AM
so... no way to buy these using BTC?
+1. OP should make this an option.
Support the community you are trying to profit from (don't get me wrong profits = good) just support the community.
I would buy one w/ BTC next month.
October 21, 2011, 07:35:56 AM
yours is 190 @ $460($2.50 m/hash) and there duel is 250 @ $580($2.35 m/hash).
There are volume discounts, see the initial post. If you order 5, the price is $430 or $2.26 per MH/s, the 25 units price is $1.94 per MH/s. If you search for an assembler and build an 50 GH/s rig, the price is about $1.02 per MH/s.
Quote
Even power usuage is in the same area
17W @ 250 MH/s: 14.7 MH/s per W
8.5W @ 190 MH/s: 22.3 MH/s per W
Thea is a difference of 50%.
ah yes, so it is
The duel is less efficent but when you talking 50% on the amount of watts were talking its neither here nor there compared to other options (VGA etc). Great little devices all the same October 21, 2011, 07:04:40 AM
yours is 190 @ $460($2.50 m/hash) and there duel is 250 @ $580($2.35 m/hash).
There are volume discounts, see the initial post. If you order 5, the price is $430 or $2.26 per MH/s, the 25 units price is $1.94 per MH/s. If you search for an assembler and build an 50 GH/s rig, the price is about $1.02 per MH/s.
Quote
Even power usuage is in the same area
17W @ 250 MH/s: 14.7 MH/s per W
8.5W @ 190 MH/s: 22.3 MH/s per W
Thea is a difference of 50%.
October 21, 2011, 06:30:31 AM
Looks like your not the only one..... not out QUITE yet but 250 m/hash
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
This board is more expensive (two FPGA's) and less efficient.
THey quote 200 (first post https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/x6500-custom-fpga-miner-40058) and get 250 on first test, with less than optimal software etc. So im guessing there single does about 150+ for $390($2.60 m/hash), yours is 190 @ $460($2.50 m/hash) and there duel is 250 @ $580($2.35 m/hash). If you ask me, your hitting about the same ball park, give or take. So i cant see the more expense in all honesty. Not that im having a go or anything. Complete opposite, its good to have 2 rival's but your price point is invalid im afraid as you can see, the Duel one works out cheaper per m/hash, Even power usuage is in the same area
I think theres alot more to come from FPGA's and may even become viable in the future but for now there costs are just too much. I mean i pay around £800-£900 to get 1600 m/hash. Yes, power is alot more but it would take YEARS to see anything coming back in. All depends on the BTC market weather it pans out ok for these or not though. I so want to play with one
October 21, 2011, 06:05:26 AM
so... no way to buy these using BTC?
BTC payment is possible on request.
October 21, 2011, 06:04:19 AM
Looks like your not the only one..... not out QUITE yet but 250 m/hash
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
This board is more expensive (two FPGA's) and less efficient.
October 21, 2011, 04:18:22 AM
so... no way to buy these using BTC?
October 21, 2011, 04:14:51 AM
Looks like your not the only one..... not out QUITE yet but 250 m/hash
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--7216
October 20, 2011, 06:58:50 PM
You could offer a few options:
1)Just the Board
2)Just the Board + components
3)Completed Board (already offered)
1)Just the Board
2)Just the Board + components
3)Completed Board (already offered)
1) is equal to the license production program I offered: You would purchase the empty PCB (including a license fee). But I do not recomment to solder the BGA's in a toaster or so. (I read that somewhere here in the forum.)
I also can offer license production for smaller amounts. But IMHO it's not very reasonable: the money you save have to be spent for more expensive parts and higher assembly costs (smaller amounts are more expensive)
2) Would not be much cheaper than 3) since assembly is not that expensive. I cant imagine the someone would be interested in this.
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