I'd like to apply for one [1] single (or 2 :->) chips from Avalon test batch.
I'm planning to make an open-source design for a miner that could be
made at home.
What'd be so special about my project?
Simplicity - especially designed to be made at home
Use of development board Texas Instrument Stellaris Launchpad [or compatible version
http://www.ti.com/ww/en/launchpad/tiva_c_head.html?DCMP=tivac-series&HQS=tivac-launchpad-b] - this will take a lot of complexity from the board - programmer, USB as well as [possibly] 32Mhz clock.
PCB's that are 2 sided [or 2 sides + 1 layer - they can be made at home], that could be etched using photosensitive spray [or even laser printer if someone can make small enough tracks reliably].
Common components, not some strange chips that must be ordered from china.
I plan on making a 16 chip version, this uC should handle that without problems. However scaling down won't be a problem.
What will you get in return?
Both PCB's and firmware will be distributed in open-source fashion. So if you like to make homemade devices [or just have a know-how, but don't want to pay anyone to build it] the design will be available well before the start.
Note: I still plan on making a design and open-sourcing it even if I'll don't get the chips. Just the designs will be available few months later :-)
Note2: I don't have any plans yet for making the miners for other people. I might consider it after I make a batch for myself. [knowing the costs, timeframe, etc.]
Thanks for the quick reply!
I plan to very much work the same way as bcdev and many others creating "small scale" Avalon board projects. Here is a great thread if you are interested in this as well!
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=190731.0In fact if anyone would like to get a hold of me, I would like to share my experience in creating a SIMPLE data mining rig. I have been researching and practicing home etching and it's really fun! I have been experimenting with mixtures of ferric chloride & hot water to etch marker drawn designs into PCB board. After you have studied specs like Klondike has been kind enough to release. There are 307 small parts in Klondikes design and I plan to make very clear information on where to get and how to assemble those parts so it doesn't seem too confusing to those new to creating boards like myself. I will make youtube videos that explicitly deal with etching PCB's for home mining rigs.
Really this is the key here... I know that Avalon makes their communication protocols open source and I plan to work extremely diligently on cleaning up those protocols for the open source community =D. And unfortunately portions of the FPGA bit stream protocol are still licensed from my understanding, but in the future we will need to translate and upload bill of materials as well as clean up protocol. I would love to offer this as my service here as well.
I will open an appropriate thread here soon even without the kindness of sending me an experimental chip to send power through.. as this stuff is fun for me to do and anyone can! Plus we have to wait for the protocols so might as well start understanding how the power flows on the PCB =D
Hope this answers some questions.. there will be many more to come!
*EDIT*
Here is a good thread to watch if you are interested in using Avalon Technology to create your own mining rigs.. we shall see if they make good on the open source. Lets get our boards ready anyway.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=159401.0AND here is another thread from a user trying to work out a DIY board.. there are many challenges but it seems we can do this! Stay Tuned!
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=161715.280Regards
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