[Review] Avalon 6 Miner - Winter Mining - Notlist3d - Also FAQ and Help

[philipma1957]

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2) The base image from ehash.com is actually quite small. It would almost certainly fit on a 1 Gbyte card, if that's what you happen to have. No need for an 8GB card.

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I have a mac and could not use software that would allow a 1 gb sd card or a 4gb sd card I was stuck with 8gb cards for my rasp pi's


could be operator error or software I used to burn an image to the sd cards.

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[notlist3d]

Thanks for sharing your note's sloopy.  It is always welcomed to share information on miners and what works best for you.  One of the best things about these threads, is when we get lot's of users and lot's of good information.

I will go though it in your order and just my thoughts on a few of them.

• Voltage- I personally did not under/over volt.  It can be done safely but the risk outweighed the reward for me.   Yes disappointing speeds sometimes (depends on PSU) but compare that to a A6 with only 1 hashing board it is a ton better.  And you overvolt to much you might end up with 1/2 an A6 so it for sure is at your own risk.
• RPI Image - Yes there are newer and smaller images since thread has started.  I have left the original BlockC kit image up.  It is large, and dated but it works great still.  I did no modification to the image it is straight from original kit
• Fan Speed - I personally just left on auto it can be changed if needed to be quieter, but I saw it as already not to loud of a miner so never did mess with this.
• 2 Versions of A6- I can only speak for the 1st models as mine were all bought early.   I did not have any later models to compare them to.  Even on the new one though no one ever really got past "smart speed" so it did not have the underclock/overclock like the Avalon 4.1's
• BlockC- At this point they chances are who you would want to contact for parts like you mention USB.   You might be able to get it from Ehash (Canaan) but are in huge buyout process so not sure on individual sales (have not contacted them for a while they did take down store)

[tlhIlwI]

My own notes on the same, from the perspective of the revision 2 A6 (I do not have any of the first model):

• Voltage- I do overvolt to 12.2V in the UI.  On batch 2 this means 12.15V PSU and provides about 3.9TH (this is a much lower voltage requirement than the batch 1 voltage).  Even during hot summer days I've had no difficulty with this overvolt.
• RPI Image- I'm running a 2016-02-05 image.  Any version is quite stable, but it can be noted that later images try to keep the temps to 68C; the original BlockC image targets 75C.  The later images that target 68C do result in some unusual fan ramping action that didn't happen with the original BlockC image, but it is easily fixed (see next point)
• Fan Speed- I've never tried the AVA4_OPTIONS for a fixed fan speed, but I do use min 40 in the Cgminer Configuration tab.  Using the default speed results in the miner getting stuck in a fan ramp up/down cycle and underperforming at only 3.2TH.  Min 40 fixes the issue.  This doesn't mean that faster is better though-- if the miner gets too cold then performance starts to drop (e.g. I tried min 70 once and was very disappointed with the 3.6TH result-- 40 seems to be the best setting for my case and provides the expected 3.9TH).  I'm still running the original A6 fans-- I have the Sanyo fans here but I haven't switched them out yet; I do not know if the Sanyo fans change this issue.

[aarons6]

my notes about fan speed.. the faster you make the fan the slower the a6 mines..

if you set the fans to 100% you will never get above 2.7th/s



also..


can i do something else with the RPI?


id like to put a 16gb SD in it and put a real version of ubuntu on it..

if i do, can i compile cgminer to see the A6 as a usb device with minera?

[Mikestang]

I know Avalon recently released new software for the A6.  Should I update my rpi controller with it, or should I keep using the BlockC image?  Did BlockC release a new image based on the update from Avalon?  Their site, http://www.blockc.co/, seems to be down.  Thanks for any info.

[notlist3d]

I know Avalon recently released new software for the A6.  Should I update my rpi controller with it, or should I keep using the BlockC image?  Did BlockC release a new image based on the update from Avalon?  Their site, http://www.blockc.co/, seems to be down.  Thanks for any info.

Personally I am of the mindset if it's working leave it alone on firmware (unless good new feature happens).   I did get rid of my A6's a bit back due to efficiency so I have not been able to test any recent update.   I did run with the BlockC image entire time I owned them without issues.   So it works fine but I agree it is dated at this point.

Any updates are going to be from Canaan Creative most likely if you do want to try them out - https://canaan.io/en/support/ .  I'm not sure with big buyout what BlockC and Canaan relationship is currently.  But if you do upgrade please let us know how it goes!

[toptek]

the new update is mostly for the RPI3 im using it on my rpi3 there is not much it does that i see other then give support for that PI .I didn't check efficiency, probable won't , I'm running it off a evga 1300 watt psu on a 220 line and it seems ok.

[Mikestang]

Cool, thanks for the replies.  I think I'll go with not broken don't fix it route since it's run so well with the image that it has.  Plus I don't know rpi's that well so if I "broke" something I'm not sure I'd want to try and fix it. 

[toptek]

tip: I took a orange PI installed Ubuntu 15.10 sense 16 still has issue with those type pi . even the rasp pi still doesn't work right with Ubuntu 16.04.1  or you got to do so much BS to make it work right with that PI or  any PI, you don't need to with 15.10 or lower .  i then went to nice hash and downloaded there version or fork of CGMINER they have posted for Avalon, it seems to work better then the master version or the one cc posted  and it lets me use #xnsub with the nice hash fork , the CC fork doesn't, or it doesn't work for me . I mine alt coins with this miner and some older miners and trade those coins up and try to make more you can still. it's actually a lot fun to do .


I cp the nice hash fork into minera after i compile it.!!!

then use this line

Code:

--lowmem --avalon4-iic-detect --avalon4-fan 20-100 --avalon4-freq 400

 if you leave out

Code:

--avalon4-iic-detect

you may get a ton of hw error's, i did .

I used the RPI 3 version off avalon/CC's site, to test it .

you can actually over clock them that way with no locks like the Openwrt software  has, if you want to . there is another setting you can use for the voltages i don't use, I'm happy with the results and I'm not limited to avalon/CC's soft ware.

[notabeliever]

Anyone see what error code 1028 is?

Hashing maybe on one board or atleast 1500-2000 ghs

Nice and quite

[fanatic26]

Anyone see what error code 1028 is?

Hashing maybe on one board or atleast 1500-2000 ghs

Nice and quite

1028 is probably a dead board or there is a power fault in the PSU. If you look in between the two PCEI plugs there should be two green LEDs on whenever the board is powered. If you see this and still get the error your board is pretty much dead.

FYI to check on any avalon status codes go here:  https://canaan.io/downloads/querystatus.html

Loop 0 is the right hand board looking at it from the power plug side. Loop 1 is on the left.

[toptek]

i bricked another MCU/master control unit, inside the miner, but the new one CC sent free of charge has pins on it to reprogram it,the first MCU/master control unit, inside the miner, didn't , i have to find out how to and do it one day. like you could with the S3 controller but had to solider on pins or like side Hack does with the S7 or like jstefanop does here https://litecointalk.org/index.php?topic=27370.0 .same things needs to be done or ask cc for another MCU and that one won't be free but i was wiling to pay for the one they gave me free .

there is all kinds of stuff on the Webb that might help with that but not to sure i want to right now,

ETH and script mining is more fun to me, then BTC mining, so it may never be done and that A6 will set. I think i was sold a bad used A6 any way it never hashed any higher then 3.1 th no matter what i did, no mater how i set it up and why i bricked two MCU/master control units, inside the miner, doing MM updates. or it could be one of those batches that needs a really high powered PSU i read about a page back i only powered it with a 1300 evga at this point , don't really care.

[toptek]

Anyone see what error code 1028 is?

Hashing maybe on one board or atleast 1500-2000 ghs

Nice and quite

you can unplug the good board and try ? for sure use this for any errors it is very detailed or gives enough info to TS ).

https://canaan.io/downloads/querystatus.html

[fanatic26]

I experienced a few A6's that only hashed at 3.1th with a 12.0v psu. Plugging in a server PSU putting out 12.26v got the same machine hashing at 3.6t Its not about the wattage its about the voltage being supplied to the boards. There is no internal regulation so you can overclock in this manner to get back your lost speed. I would not recommend going over 12.3v as a number of people fried their boards that way on this forum.

Also about the bricked controller....thats exceptionally rare on the Avalons. i was able to recover every controller I worked on by simply reflashing a good MM to the controller (outside of one that popped a cap of course)

There are two marked pinholes on the controller to power it up on its own without being connected to an Avalon board. I would try and power them up in this manner and then flash a known working MM to it. I am almost 100% sure it will recover the dead controller.

[toptek]

I may look into it sense 3.1 th may be normal for this unit to hash @ I'll be honest i wasn't gonna worry about any more but sense you and a few others say that may a be a normal hash for this unit .i may try to un brick the controller .

thanks

I see those two pin holes.

would those two pins holes be marked as 12v I/0 ?  as soon as my phone recharges I'll post a picture, my picture taking skills suck but you can see it, if that's  cool ?. .

[Mikestang]

My A6 hashed at 3.1TH before I got a 220V server psu for it, then I would see 3.5TH.  I've used the same psu on 110V and saw reduced hash rate.  The power supply and quality of power greatly affect how these machines operate.

Now if only there was word on the A7...

[toptek]

hm i have that evga plugged into a 220 line been using it that way with S5's when i  had them and i may try a server PSU once i get it back up and running . i wasn't gonna brother with it till you all are telling me that might be normal for that A6 .

[Mikestang]

hm i have that evga plugged into a 220 line been using it that way with S5's when i  had them and i may try a server PSU once i get it back up and running . i wasn't gonna brother with it till you all are telling me that might be normal for that A6 .

I would recommend sidehack's breakout board with the appropriate matched psu: http://holybitcoin.com/product/gekkoscience-dual-purpose-dps800-dps1200hp-common-slot-breakout-board/

I have an "inferior" breakout board that works with the same psu, if you want to save some money I'd sell it to your for next to nothing, but sidehack's is much more robust.

[toptek]

hm i have that evga plugged into a 220 line been using it that way with S5's when i  had them and i may try a server PSU once i get it back up and running . i wasn't gonna brother with it till you all are telling me that might be normal for that A6 .

I would recommend sidehack's breakout board with the appropriate matched psu: http://holybitcoin.com/product/gekkoscience-dual-purpose-dps800-dps1200hp-common-slot-breakout-board/

I have an "inferior" breakout board that works with the same psu, if you want to save some money I'd sell it to your for next to nothing, but sidehack's is much more robust.

I have two of his boards one i have to send back to him so he can fix it which i keep forgetting to do and the other one is being used on a 1200 watt server PSU as I type, I may buy two more in Nov .. I was one of the first to buy one from him or buy his new boards that can run a few different watt PSU , once i get around too sending it to him i may buy a 1600 watt server PSU it fits  and un brick that A6 MCU and see if that works .
.I would use side's board over Optimizer's  https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1373092.0 both are good to use i like side's boards more no idea why just do . i have a few from Optimizer would still buy from both, i won't buy form any one else .


you can buy Side's cheaper here or could at one time https://asicpuppy.com/magentoPuppy/index.php/gekko-dl580-bb.html , some times holy can be a bit of ass, but i guess he has to be with the volume of stuff he seems to move .

[toptek]

thought id come and say how things are going after i bought a new used controller off side hack .

I replaced the fan with this one http:// www.ebay.com/itm/252579063556?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT that made it pick up in speed , it runs cooler, the wires don't get hot so far at the PSU like they were with the other fan and it run way way quieter and @ around avg 3.5 th now like it should it was actually the factory fan that was holding it back . I did try it with a 2 k PSU and optimism Break out board and it still only hashed at 3.1  0r lower with the old fan.

downside Avalon openWrt software miner will not run it unless i use the factory fan which is not a downside for me i never used it any way or liked using it and I also use the Nice hash forked version of CGMiner with minera on a banana PI , it seems to run it better .

Last thought the only bad thing about any of the 3 th or higher miners that are not 14/16 nm chips is the power usage it seems.

can't wait for side to start selling his upgrades for the S1 to S5,  IVE been reading about, i will be getting a few upgrade kits . Ive got my heat sinks waiting .

Thanks top .

Code:

 cgminer version 4.9.2 - Started: [2016-12-23 20:04:07.923]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (5s):4.890T (1m):3.731T (5m):3.557T (15m):3.143T (avg):3.620Th/s
 A:1586176  R:0  HW:0  WU:50603.1/m
 Connected to diff 8.19K with stratum as 
 Block: 13fd07c6...  Diff:310G  Started: [20:22:43.747]  Best share: 39.3M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 [U]SB management [P]ool management [S]ettings [D]isplay options [Q]uit
 0: AV6 20141122:  495Mhz 3808.72GHS 26C-73C  76% 12.0V | 5.408T / 3.622Th/s WU:
 50603.1/m----------------------------------------------------------------------
 [2016-12-23 20:32:52.339] Accepted 024950a1 Diff 28.7K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:01.681] Accepted 03da2fe4 Diff 17K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:01.682] Accepted 05d47adb Diff 11.2K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:01.682] Accepted 0362d974 Diff 19.4K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:01.683] Accepted 015f4d84 Diff 47.8K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:08.522] Accepted 05339c20 Diff 12.6K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:33:35.049] Accepted 018116fe Diff 43.6K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:34:03.281] Accepted 014951ae Diff 50.9K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:34:27.687] Accepted 05ccbec3 Diff 11.3K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:34:30.950] Accepted 06f674d7 Diff 9.41K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:34:31.876] Accepted 04ab3a34 Diff 14K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:35:01.271] Accepted 063c3240 Diff 10.5K/8192 AV6 0
 [2016-12-23 20:35:17.736] Accepted 04d8ff2e Diff 13.5K/8192 AV6 0