NerdAxe: A High-Performance Upgrade for Your NerdMiner
The Inspiration Behind NerdAxe
The creation of NerdAxe wouldn't have been possible without the prior work of @skot and the Bitaxe developers. This project builds on the foundations laid by Bitaxe Ultra but brings a host of new features aimed at improving your mining experience. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a dedicated miner, NerdAxe serves as a reliable upgrade that bridges the gap between simplicity and advanced mining capabilities.
What Makes NerdAxe Stand Out?
The primary goal of NerdAxe is to offer a Plug & Play upgrade for NerdMiner users. Simply connect your existing NerdMiner board to NerdAxe, and you’re good to go. The board has been designed with user-friendly integration in mind, making it a straightforward enhancement for your existing setup.
Key Goals of NerdAxe:
- Plug & Play: Effortless connection to transform your NerdMiner board into a NerdAxe miner.
- Standalone Operation: Mines directly to your chosen pool over WiFi without needing an external computer.
- Embedded Design: Low-cost, reliable, and efficient for continuous operation.
- ASIC-Based Power: Utilizes the highly efficient BM1366 ASIC from Bitmain.
- Versatility: Supports solo and pool mining with features for automatic power, heat, and efficiency tuning.
- Open Source: All design files are openly available, encouraging community contributions and customization.
NerdAxe Hardware: Feature-Rich Design
NerdAxe offers a carefully curated selection of components designed to enhance your mining experience. The board is built using KiCad 7 design files, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts who want to customize or tweak their setup. Let’s dive into some of the main hardware features:
Core Components:
TTGO T-Display ESP32-S3:
- This WiFi-enabled microcontroller with a built-in display acts as the main control unit for NerdAxe.
- It leverages the powerful LVGL graphics library for a responsive and dynamic user interface.
BM1366 ASIC:
- The heart of the NerdAxe mining operation. The BM1366 ASIC is known for its exceptional efficiency, boasting a power consumption of just 0.021 J/GH.
- This ASIC is a significant upgrade, offering better performance and allowing longer serial chains, reducing the frequency of new work submissions.
TI TPS40305 Buck Regulator:
- Efficiently steps down the 5V input power to the required voltage for the BM1366 ASIC, ensuring stable operation.
Maxim DS4432U+ Current DAC:
- Provides precise voltage control for the BM1366 core, adjustable between 0.04V and 2.4V, allowing fine-tuning for optimal performance.
TI INA260 Power Meter:
- Measures the input voltage and current, giving real-time feedback on power usage.
Microchip EMC2101 PWM Fan Controller:
- Controls fan speed based on temperature feedback, helping maintain ideal operating temperatures.
SSD1306 OLED Display Module:
- An additional 0.91" display for essential status indicators and metrics.
Software and Firmware: Simplified Programming
The NerdAxe firmware is based on a custom version of ESP-Miner, tailored specifically for the TTGO T-Display board. The integration of LVGL as the graphics interface library results in a user-friendly and visually appealing display.
How to Flash the Firmware:
- Get a TTGO T-Display S3 Board: This acts as the main control unit.
- Get a NerdAxe Board: Connect it to your TTGO board.
- Use the Online Flasher Tool: Head over to the flasher tool at Bitronics Store for a quick and hassle-free firmware installation. It’s recommended to use Google Chrome in incognito mode for the best experience.
With the online tool, you can easily flash the NerdAxe firmware and get your miner up and running in no time.
The DIY Area: Tinkering and Troubleshooting
For the more hands-on users, NerdAxe’s DIY area offers plenty of opportunities for customization. The board’s design files and BOM (Bill of Materials) are available for download, making it easy to source components and assemble your own NerdAxe.
ASIC BM1366
- The BM1366 ASIC is an efficient and powerful SHA256 mining chip used in the Antminer S19XP.
- It offers excellent power efficiency and can be purchased for around $15 in small quantities.
- Be aware of its unique pinout and footprint, which differ from older models like the BM1387. You’ll need to take this into account when assembling your board.
Recommended Components:
- Heatsink and Fan: A 40x40mm heatsink paired with a 5V fan helps keep your ASIC cool. However, many of these fans can arrive damaged from third-party sellers. It’s advised to upgrade to the Noctua NF-A4x10 5V fan for quieter and more reliable cooling.
- Power Supply: A stable 5VDC power supply capable of delivering over 20W is necessary for consistent operation.
Programming the ESP32: Tips and Tools
To manually program the ESP32, you’ll need a few additional tools:
- ESP-Prog ESP32 Programmer
- TC2030-IDC-NL Tag Connect Cable
- TC2030-CLIP
Programming is best done using VSCode with the Espressif plugin, providing a robust environment for firmware development and debugging.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Upgrade for Your NerdMiner
The NerdAxe is a remarkable upgrade for those looking to push their NerdMiner to new heights. It offers a seamless, user-friendly solution with enhanced performance and a host of features tailored for the modern crypto enthusiast. With its open-source design and extensive DIY support, NerdAxe opens the door to a world of possibilities.
Ready to start mining with the NerdAxe? Visit the official GitHub page to get all the design files and start your journey today. Upgrade your NerdMiner experience and dive into the future of efficient mining with NerdAxe!
Download the project files and start building your NerdAxe today!
