NerdSoloMiner v2: A Pocket-Sized Bitcoin Miner for Your Desk
Looking to dive into Bitcoin mining without spending thousands of dollars on equipment? Meet NerdSoloMiner v2, a free, open-source project that aims to bring solo Bitcoin mining right to your desk. It’s designed for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to explore the world of crypto mining on a small scale. The NerdSoloMiner offers a unique and accessible way to learn about mining while also acting as a functional (and stylish) tech gadget for your desktop.
🚀 Project Overview
The NerdSoloMiner v2 builds on the foundations of the original HAN project by Valerio Vaccaro (available here). It utilizes affordable ESP32-based boards, allowing you to get started with minimal hardware investment. Whether you’re interested in understanding the mining process, testing pool compatibility, or simply want a fun tech project, NerdSoloMiner has something for you.
Key Features:
- Uses the Stratum protocol to connect and mine on solo pools.
- Multi-core and multi-threaded operation to maximize mining efficiency.
- Built-in screens to display real-time mining stats, global statistics, and even a stylish clock screen.
- WiFiManager integration for easy setup and configuration.
🛠️ Requirements
To build your own NerdSoloMiner, you’ll need:
- LILYGO T-Display S3 or another supported ESP32 board.
- A 3D-printed case (link to the box provided in the GitHub repository).
- A micro-USB or USB-C cable for power and data transfer.
📈 Supported Boards
The project initially started with the ESP32-S3, but it now supports a wide range of boards, including:
- LILYGO T-Display S3 AMOLED
- ESP32-WROOM-32
- Wemos Lolin S3 Mini
- ESP32-C3 Super Mini
- And many more! Check the full list on the GitHub page.
This flexibility allows you to choose the hardware that best suits your needs and budget.
🖥️ Mining Screens and User Interface
One of the coolest aspects of the NerdSoloMiner is its built-in screens. The device can switch between several display modes, making it both functional and fun to use. Here’s what you get:
- NerdMiner Screen: Displays essential mining stats like hash rate, accepted shares, and pool details.
- ClockMiner Screen: A stylish clock with a unique twist—integrated mining data.
- GlobalStats Screen: Shows global mining statistics and relevant data about the current mining environment.
💻 How It Works
The NerdSoloMiner v2 leverages both cores of the ESP32 for mining tasks. It uses multi-threading to handle different processes, including:
- Mining with the Stratum protocol.
- Managing WiFi connections and settings.
- Updating the display with real-time mining information.
This setup ensures efficient mining while minimizing idle time and maximizing the use of your hardware’s capabilities.
🌐 Connecting to Mining Pools
The NerdSoloMiner is primarily designed for low-difficulty share pools, making it compatible with several public solo mining pools. Here are some recommended options:
| Pool URL | Port | Web URL | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| public-pool.io | 21496 | web.public-pool.io | Open-source solo Bitcoin mining pool |
| pool.nerdminers.org | 3333 | nerdminers.org | Official Nerdminer pool site maintained by @golden-guy |
| pool.pyblock.xyz | 3333 | pool.pyblock.xyz | Maintained by @curly60e |
For more advanced users, there are options to connect to standard pools like solo.ckpool.org, though these are typically not optimized for low-difficulty shares.
🛠️ How to Build and Flash the Firmware
The easiest way to set up your NerdSoloMiner is by using the microMiners Flashtool. Here’s a quick guide:
- Get a supported ESP32 board (e.g., TTGO T-Display S3).
- Visit the NM2 flasher online tool (recommended to use via Google Chrome in Incognito mode).
- Follow the instructions to flash the firmware onto your board.
For those who prefer a manual setup, you can use the ESPtool:
- Download the repository from GitHub.
- Use the ESPtool online interface to load the appropriate firmware binary files.
- Connect your board, select the files, and start the flashing process.
Note: If you encounter issues, you might need to put your board in boot mode (hold the boot button while connecting the USB cable).
⚙️ Configuration and Setup
Once the firmware is flashed, setting up your miner is straightforward:
- Connect to the WiFi Access Point NerdMinerAP (default password:
MineYourCoins). - Enter your WiFi credentials and Bitcoin wallet address.
- Optionally, customize your worker name by appending it to the BTC address (e.g.,
yourwalletID.yourworkername).
You can also configure the miner using an SD card with a config.json file. This allows for easy offline configuration and changes.
🛑 Troubleshooting Tips
- Flashing Issues: If the firmware upload fails, try putting the board in boot mode or using the "Erase all flash" option.
- WiFi Problems: Reset the configurations and try connecting again. Sometimes, erasing the flash memory resolves connection issues.
- Low Share Difficulty: Not all mining pools support low share difficulty miners. Stick to the recommended pools for the best experience.
🎥 Build Tutorial and Video Guide
Want a visual guide? Check out the video tutorial below to see the NerdSoloMiner in action.
🚧 Ongoing Development
The NerdSoloMiner v2 project is constantly evolving. Here are some upcoming features:
- Daisy chain protocol via UART or I2C for connecting additional hashboards.
- BTC price display on the screen.
- BM1397 control support, adding compatibility with more mining hardware.
📦 Get Involved and Contribute
The NerdSoloMiner v2 is an open-source project, and contributions are welcome! Whether you’re a developer looking to refine the code or an enthusiast with ideas for new features, your input can help shape the future of this innovative project.
📎 Learn More and Get Started
Ready to build your own NerdSoloMiner? Visit the official GitHub repository for all the details, hardware requirements, and download links: NerdMiner v2 on GitHub.
Happy mining, and may the block rewards be ever in your favor! 🏴☠️💸
