LightningAsic usb miners based Gridseed GC3355 Tech Support Thread

[Andareed]

so whats the verdict was the firmware update a legit claim or what?
was it just a case of a seller taking a quick snapshot of high hash rates to increase sales?

Well, from what tech support on his Skype address told me today, we are apparently getting a controller firmware update tomorrow. So I guess we'll see!

Not entirely sure what a controller firmware update will do. The problem appears to be that the miners can't operate at high frequencies without additional power. From looking at the usb-miner diagrams posted on GridSeed's github, their choice of voltage converter allows 4 different voltage selections for the core voltage. Once I get my miners I'll try some things out, but in theory it should be possible to increase the voltages in three different ways: 1) solder a couple pins together, 2) use modified USB miner firmware (different from the TP-LINK USB controller running the custom LightningAsic software), which will require connecting a couple pins temporarily unless you have test units, or 3) use a modified cgminer/cpuminer. It's too bad asiabtc is not including the firmware button.

[worldlybedouin]

I have yet to receive my unit but I'd like to prepare.

Does the controller have to be wired or does it work on WiFi? If it needs to be wired I'll have to cable up the space where I'll put it.

Wired -- standard cat5 network cable.

[worldlybedouin]

Ok guys, here's a new twist in the saga...last night as I was sleeping I heard a loud pop and woke up.  I smelled something mechnical/metal burning...turns out one of the silver PSUs which comes with these burned out last night.

So now I've got 5 miners sitting there doing nothing...I guess I've got a couple of options...

1. Option 1 - Source the same PSU from some place like Amazon.  I recall someone had made a post to the exact item on Amazon but can't find it.  I don't really want to do this because I've never much cared for these no-name no-warranty PSUs.

2. Option 2 - Use a spare Corsair AX860 Platinum PSU I have sitting here to power all 10 of the miners.  I trust Corsair and have a long warranty on that PSU.


Option 2 requires knowing something about electricity, watts, amps, etc.  I don't know shit about this other than the basics and/or following instructions provided by those smarter than me in this area.  That being said, any one care to make a few LTC to help me with this Option 2? 

[Nurka]

I have yet to receive my unit but I'd like to prepare.

Does the controller have to be wired or does it work on WiFi? If it needs to be wired I'll have to cable up the space where I'll put it.

Wired -- standard cat5 network cable.

Thank you.

[EricKennedy]

Ok guys, here's a new twist in the saga...last night as I was sleeping I heard a loud pop and woke up.  I smelled something mechnical/metal burning...turns out one of the silver PSUs which comes with these burned out last night.

Here is a temporary solution (or a definitive one if you don't care about mining BTC)
1. uncheck BTC on the controller webpage, and save
2. turn off
3. wire all 10 cables to your second PSU (4 reds, 3 reds, 3 reds, 4 whites, 3 whites, 3 whites, Ground, Neutral, Phase)
4. turn on, happy LTC mining

In scrypt only, power consuption is low (70W total) and one PSU is largely enough.

[worldlybedouin]

Ok guys, here's a new twist in the saga...last night as I was sleeping I heard a loud pop and woke up.  I smelled something mechnical/metal burning...turns out one of the silver PSUs which comes with these burned out last night.

Here is a temporary solution (or a definitive one if you don't care about mining BTC)
1. uncheck BTC on the controller webpage, and save
2. turn off
3. wire all 10 cables to your second PSU (4 reds, 3 reds, 3 reds, 4 whites, 3 whites, 3 whites, Ground, Neutral, Phase)
4. turn on, happy LTC mining

In scrypt only, power consuption is low (70W total) and one PSU is largely enough.

Thanks EricKennedy...I'll give it a shot after breakfast, but I think the biggest challenge will be to try and get all those tiny wires crammed into the screw terminal.

I never tried dual mining because everyone said it was very unstable...and I figured these were annoying enough to keep running for LTC alone, why compound it with trying to deal with dual-mode?

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

The PSU I got with the miners states:  Unbranded model# S-360-12; Input 100-120V @60Hz; Output +12V - 30A

[richmke]

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

It will work.

Note: If you use a standard computer PSU, you should put a load on the 5 volt line. On many PSU's that is desirable to stabilize the 12 volt line.

[richmke]

Not entirely sure what a controller firmware update will do. The problem appears to be that the miners can't operate at high frequencies without additional power. From looking at the usb-miner diagrams posted on GridSeed's github, their choice of voltage converter allows 4 different voltage selections for the core voltage. Once I get my miners I'll try some things out, but in theory it should be possible to increase the voltages in three different ways: 1) solder a couple pins together, 2) use modified USB miner firmware (different from the TP-LINK USB controller running the custom LightningAsic software), which will require connecting a couple pins temporarily unless you have test units, or 3) use a modified cgminer/cpuminer. It's too bad asiabtc is not including the firmware button.

I am guessing that is what "overclock" is that will void your warranty. Using higher hash rates (in LTC mode) without changing voltage is one thing. That should not damage the miner (no thermal problem). But, overvolting can cause damage, and shorten the life. But, a few more LTC today may be worth a lot more than no LTC 1 year from now.

[worldlybedouin]

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

It will work.

Note: If you use a standard computer PSU, you should put a load on the 5 volt line. On many PSU's that is desirable to stabilize the 12 volt line.

Thanks mate!  The one I linked comes with a 1 year warranty so at least it has that going for it. 

[worldlybedouin]

Ok guys, here's a new twist in the saga...last night as I was sleeping I heard a loud pop and woke up.  I smelled something mechnical/metal burning...turns out one of the silver PSUs which comes with these burned out last night.

Here is a temporary solution (or a definitive one if you don't care about mining BTC)
1. uncheck BTC on the controller webpage, and save
2. turn off
3. wire all 10 cables to your second PSU (4 reds, 3 reds, 3 reds, 4 whites, 3 whites, 3 whites, Ground, Neutral, Phase)
4. turn on, happy LTC mining

In scrypt only, power consuption is low (70W total) and one PSU is largely enough.

Thanks EricKennedy...I'll give it a shot after breakfast, but I think the biggest challenge will be to try and get all those tiny wires crammed into the screw terminal.

I never tried dual mining because everyone said it was very unstable...and I figured these were annoying enough to keep running for LTC alone, why compound it with trying to deal with dual-mode?

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

The PSU I got with the miners states:  Unbranded model# S-360-12; Input 100-120V @60Hz; Output +12V - 30A

Ok, I've hooked all 10 up to the only working PSU.  It was hard/tricky trying to get all those little wires crammed into the screw terminal.  For those who care:

Before:  2 PSUs, all 10 miners --> 108watts
After:  1 PSU, all 10 miners ---->   96 watts

[chMiner]

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

It will work.

Note: If you use a standard computer PSU, you should put a load on the 5 volt line. On many PSU's that is desirable to stabilize the 12 volt line.

Ähhhmmm sorry, but if I open this link, I see a power supply with 48V and 7.3 A.

That thing does not work, to much Volt (48V)!

If you take this power-supply, the power-regulator on your devices will go damaged!

You need this one: http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Regulated-Switching-Computer-Project/dp/B00D7CWSCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393248702&sr=1-1&keywords=12v+30a+power+supply

[worldlybedouin]

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

It will work.

Note: If you use a standard computer PSU, you should put a load on the 5 volt line. On many PSU's that is desirable to stabilize the 12 volt line.

Ähhhmmm sorry, but if I open this link, I see a power supply with 48V and 7.3 A.

That thing does not work, to much Volt (48V)!

If you take this power-supply, the power-regulator on your devices will go damaged!

You need this one: http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Regulated-Switching-Computer-Project/dp/B00D7CWSCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393248702&sr=1-1&keywords=12v+30a+power+supply

Wow thanks!  I cancelled the order and will get the 12V model instead that you linked to.

[bobby35ny]

Question:
I want to put 20 miners in a box and run all 20.
I guess I have to somehow tie the 2 10 port usb hubs together, or just go out and buy a 20 slot.
Anyone have their thoughts?

-bobby

[EricKennedy]

Question:
I want to put 20 miners in a box and run all 20.
I guess I have to somehow tie the 2 10 port usb hubs together, or just go out and buy a 20 slot.
Anyone have their thoughts?

-bobby

You can chain them, but then you'll have only 19 ports available for your units.

[bobby35ny]

Question:
I want to put 20 miners in a box and run all 20.
I guess I have to somehow tie the 2 10 port usb hubs together, or just go out and buy a 20 slot.
Anyone have their thoughts?

-bobby

You can chain them, but then you'll have only 19 ports available for your units.

Ya, thats what I thought, I'll just use 2 smaller 2U cases in put 10 in each.
Thanks for the input.
-Bobby

[EricKennedy]

After a few days of mining in dual mode with 20 units, here are my remarks :
- stable power draw of 1200W
- very unstable software, rigs reboot every 40 minutes
- sometimes hardware on/off is needed (impossible to restart from web app)
- low performance on BTC mining : 180Ghs instead of advertised 200Ghs
- low performance on LTC mining : ~5Mhs instead of adverstised 6Mhs (maybe because of profit switching pool; it is possible LTC mining gives 6Mhs)

In any case, I have never came close the 10Mhs I was hoping from asiabtc's secret screenshot.
So far, impossible to run cpuminer directly on units from Linux.

In conclusion, GPUs are still a very good bet.
Unless a very good firmware update is coming soon, price of these miners is really to high to achieve any quick ROI.

I hope Gridseed will just forget about dual mining and focus on scrypt, to get fair price rackable 15Mhs units.

Eric

[FreeJack2k2]

I don't even bother with the dual mining, it appears to be too buggy and it doesn't yield enough BTC to make it worth doing, anyway. You make more just putting the full hashrate toward Scrypt. But the reboot problem happens with Scrypt-only, too. At least once an hour, my controller reboots everything. From what I'm told, the new firmware is supposedly going to fix this. We'lll see.

[EricKennedy]

I don't even bother with the dual mining, it appears to be too buggy and it doesn't yield enough BTC to make it worth doing, anyway. You make more just putting the full hashrate toward Scrypt. But the reboot problem happens with Scrypt-only, too. At least once an hour, my controller reboots everything. From what I'm told, the new firmware is supposedly going to fix this. We'lll see.

180Ghs yields 0.02304 BTC/day which is the equivalent of 2.2Mhs scrypt on a profit switching pool.
So unless LTC mode only boosts to 7.2Mhs (instead of 5Mhs), I'd better run on dual mode (I have cheap electricity).
Of course, in 2 weeks this won't be the same story...

I didn't see any boost of performance when mining LTC only. Maybe I didn't test enough.
Can anyone confirm scrypt hashrate is higher when mono mining compared to dual mining ?

[richmke]

Can you or anyone else confirm if this is the correct replacement PSU from Amazon? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLBZRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1G6FH2VD75Q7T&coliid=I28K8HE9ZL5LU1)

It will work.

Note: If you use a standard computer PSU, you should put a load on the 5 volt line. On many PSU's that is desirable to stabilize the 12 volt line.

Ähhhmmm sorry, but if I open this link, I see a power supply with 48V and 7.3 A.

That thing does not work, to much Volt (48V)!

If you take this power-supply, the power-regulator on your devices will go damaged!

You need this one: http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Regulated-Switching-Computer-Project/dp/B00D7CWSCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393248702&sr=1-1&keywords=12v+30a+power+supply

Sorry about that.

[richmke]

I didn't see any boost of performance when mining LTC only. Maybe I didn't test enough.
Can anyone confirm scrypt hashrate is higher when mono mining compared to dual mining ?

I get about 3.5Mhs with 10 miners, or the equivalent of 7.0Mhs with 20.

> In conclusion, GPUs are still a very good bet.

On a $/hash basis, the ASIC are cost competitive. R9 280x are around $450-$500 now and hash around .730Mhs, so for 3.5Mhs, you are looking at $$2,750-$3,000 for the cards only.

But, GPUs take a lot more power. 1500 watts vs 100 watts.

Noise is a big factor for me. I will eventually cut the fan power and run them in silent LTC only mode. Good luck doing that with GPUs.

I know, there is residual value with the GPU's. If the ASICs become worthless, what does that imply about the graphics cards for mining? Right now, their used prices are maintained because of miners. If ASIC mining (with these units) is not worth it, then GPU mining with the current cards will not be worth it. Sure, they will be useful for gaming (old games by then). But, there will be such a glut of cards on the market that you will be lucky to get $50-$100 for one.