Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread

[jstefanop]

So by my calculations the included 512GB card will last just shy of 2 years?
(((512−412.19)×1,000)×10)
÷60÷24÷365=1.89897 years

Bitcoin blockchain is 412.19 GB so difference is 99.81 GB.
 multiply by 1000 to get MB (99,810)
Each 1MB takes 10 minutes so we multiply by 10 to get total minutes which is 998,100 minutes. Then divide by 60 for hours then 24 for days and finally 365 for years.  1.89897 years

Depends on whether blocks continue to not be full. If they are full most blocks are in the ~1.5 MB range due to segwit. At the very least the drive should last another year, at which point hopefully all the shortages will be gone and a 1TB drive will be half the current cost.

[kano]

...
1.89897 years

Nope - your guess is way too high.

Already worked this out in previous posts - the 512GB size is too small.
From now it's 11 months at most.

You have 13-14 months from June at most - i.e. around Aug or earlier next year the node will stop working and storage need replacing when it runs out of space.
I'd suggest May actually from my calculations I posted ... ... but anyway since people wanna believe phil - here's his 'will run out in August' post:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5340015.msg57197740#msg57197740

... and I commented when they first announced them long before they sent anyone any, that 512 was too small ...
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5314398.msg56289243#msg56289243

[heslo]

So by my calculations the included 512GB card will last just shy of 2 years?
(((512−412.19)×1,000)×10)
÷60÷24÷365=1.89897 years

Bitcoin blockchain is 412.19 GB so difference is 99.81 GB.
 multiply by 1000 to get MB (99,810)
Each 1MB takes 10 minutes so we multiply by 10 to get total minutes which is 998,100 minutes. Then divide by 60 for hours then 24 for days and finally 365 for years.  1.89897 years

Depends on whether blocks continue to not be full. If they are full most blocks are in the ~1.5 MB range due to segwit. At the very least the drive should last another year, at which point hopefully all the shortages will be gone and a 1TB drive will be half the current cost.

Yeah I'm watching to see if a drive comes up cheap to throw in there but I'm in no rush yet; I'll bide my time.

Also, how goes the latest software update? Any new info you can share? I'm keen to get the LN integration going

[robmarkham]

Full Apollo BTC package arrived a little over a week ago. Was up and running within minutes. It’s been mining smoothly ever since, but I’ve yet to have any success getting the node started up.

When I go to the node dashboard and click the start button, it says “please wait while the node is starting up” and indicates that this should take 5-15 minutes. This is as far as I’ve gotten though—eventually, after ~30 minutes it just cycles back to the original “node is offline” page with a start button. .

I’ve tried a dozen or so times and the same thing has happened each time. Also rebooted a couple times and triple-checked the instructions and haven’t been able to resolve the problem. I haven’t heard of anyone else having this issue and I’m wondering if I’m missing something.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Try reseating the node drive (power down, take out and reinsert)

Thanks for the response. I gave that a try, but unfortunately it didn't resolve the issue.

Below, I've included some additional info about my experience that I hope might provide some clues as to what the issue could be:

It sounds like in most people's experience, the node started syncing automatically the first time they powered on their units and that there was some kind of status tracker showing their Block Sync Progress as a percentage. This never happened for me.

Another point I found puzzling is that when I click on the node dashboard tab, it says:

Node is offline. Double-check your USB node drive is plugged in the USB port in the back of your Apollo, properly formatted with the folder name "Bitcoin" in the root directory, and press the Start button below.

The wording of this confuses me as my understanding is that the node operates on the NVMe SSD rather than through a USB drive (granted, I'm a noob, so maybe I'm misunderstanding how the terms are being used). Lastly, when I search through the files on my system, I can't find any with the folder name "Bitcoin"...

Thanks in advance for any additional suggestions.

[nyxmercer]

One of my units is having problems and I can't seem to get in contact with anyone. The node unit sounds like a fan might be failing and I have to regularly restart the mining or reboot the entire system to keep it going. It's also noisy as heck. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

[Max1965]

Full Apollo BTC package arrived a little over a week ago. Was up and running within minutes. It’s been mining smoothly ever since, but I’ve yet to have any success getting the node started up.

When I go to the node dashboard and click the start button, it says “please wait while the node is starting up” and indicates that this should take 5-15 minutes. This is as far as I’ve gotten though—eventually, after ~30 minutes it just cycles back to the original “node is offline” page with a start button. .

I’ve tried a dozen or so times and the same thing has happened each time. Also rebooted a couple times and triple-checked the instructions and haven’t been able to resolve the problem. I haven’t heard of anyone else having this issue and I’m wondering if I’m missing something.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Try reseating the node drive (power down, take out and reinsert)

Thanks for the response. I gave that a try, but unfortunately it didn't resolve the issue.

Below, I've included some additional info about my experience that I hope might provide some clues as to what the issue could be:

It sounds like in most people's experience, the node started syncing automatically the first time they powered on their units and that there was some kind of status tracker showing their Block Sync Progress as a percentage. This never happened for me.

Another point I found puzzling is that when I click on the node dashboard tab, it says:

Node is offline. Double-check your USB node drive is plugged in the USB port in the back of your Apollo, properly formatted with the folder name "Bitcoin" in the root directory, and press the Start button below.

The wording of this confuses me as my understanding is that the node operates on the NVMe SSD rather than through a USB drive (granted, I'm a noob, so maybe I'm misunderstanding how the terms are being used). Lastly, when I search through the files on my system, I can't find any with the folder name "Bitcoin"...

Thanks in advance for any additional suggestions.

have you tried to re-flash sd on sbc?

On explorer dashboard can you see under

System Utilization part of

DISK /MEDIA/NVME USAGE

?

 

[Max1965]

One of my units is having problems and I can't seem to get in contact with anyone. The node unit sounds like a fan might be failing and I have to regularly restart the mining or reboot the entire system to keep it going. It's also noisy as heck. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

looks like fan on sbc 2 screws needs to tight.

[gt_addict]

One of my units is having problems and I can't seem to get in contact with anyone. The node unit sounds like a fan might be failing and I have to regularly restart the mining or reboot the entire system to keep it going. It's also noisy as heck. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

looks like fan on sbc 2 screws needs to tight.

Fan on the SBC is a known issue, I replaced mine for a Sunon Maglev one and its been flawless.

If its the larger fan on the hashboard units then there hasn't been any reports of problems with those.

jstefanop, is there a planned update to include "bestshare" on the dashboard? Just to for us sad individuals who like to know how high it gets 

[jstefanop]

One of my units is having problems and I can't seem to get in contact with anyone. The node unit sounds like a fan might be failing and I have to regularly restart the mining or reboot the entire system to keep it going. It's also noisy as heck. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Yes this is a known issue with a bad batch of fans from some units in Batch 1. Send us an email and well send out a replacement that does not have this issue.

[jstefanop]

Full Apollo BTC package arrived a little over a week ago. Was up and running within minutes. It’s been mining smoothly ever since, but I’ve yet to have any success getting the node started up.

When I go to the node dashboard and click the start button, it says “please wait while the node is starting up” and indicates that this should take 5-15 minutes. This is as far as I’ve gotten though—eventually, after ~30 minutes it just cycles back to the original “node is offline” page with a start button. .

I’ve tried a dozen or so times and the same thing has happened each time. Also rebooted a couple times and triple-checked the instructions and haven’t been able to resolve the problem. I haven’t heard of anyone else having this issue and I’m wondering if I’m missing something.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Try reseating the node drive (power down, take out and reinsert)

Thanks for the response. I gave that a try, but unfortunately it didn't resolve the issue.

Below, I've included some additional info about my experience that I hope might provide some clues as to what the issue could be:

It sounds like in most people's experience, the node started syncing automatically the first time they powered on their units and that there was some kind of status tracker showing their Block Sync Progress as a percentage. This never happened for me.

Another point I found puzzling is that when I click on the node dashboard tab, it says:

Node is offline. Double-check your USB node drive is plugged in the USB port in the back of your Apollo, properly formatted with the folder name "Bitcoin" in the root directory, and press the Start button below.

The wording of this confuses me as my understanding is that the node operates on the NVMe SSD rather than through a USB drive (granted, I'm a noob, so maybe I'm misunderstanding how the terms are being used). Lastly, when I search through the files on my system, I can't find any with the folder name "Bitcoin"...

Thanks in advance for any additional suggestions.

Sounds like there could be an issue with the SSD or SSD board. If you know how to open a terminal type below two commands

lsblk

lspci -vv

That will tell us where the issue is, can also shoot us an email and well troubleshoot.

[DoofyWops]

I have a few questions:

Occasionally I get a popup asking me to update things on the Apollo. I usually dismiss it because I'm unsure if this is the system update or the OTA updates. Can someone please clarify this for me? Do the OTA updates automatically happen, or do I get prompted? Another thing was my Apollo basically locked up when this popup came up after leaving it up for a few days (I was gone over a weekend). I could move the mouse around, but was unable to dismiss the modal or get FireFox to resume focus. The miner was still going though. I had to power it down manually and bring it back up again so I could interact with it.


Another question, has anyone hooked this up to Nice Hash successfully? I'm wondering what algorithm I should be using when referencing this page: https://www.nicehash.com/asic-mining


And I just want to say thanks again to jstefanop! I have 3 LTC moonlanders that I was tinkering with years ago and I'm stoked to finally have this upgrade! I really appreciate all the work you've done over the years and I want to congratulate you on building a successful business around it. Good job!

[gt_addict]

DoofyWops, I’m running mine on nicehash on the normal sha256 server. Not the asisboost one.

Also i get the updates window for the OS. Dont update it otherwise you will have to reflash the SD card.

[poonasor]

Hey,

I've tried searching and going through the thread to find my answers and can't seem to find the exact answer I am looking for maybe some of you guys know the answers or solutions to my questions.

1. Miner stats on web dashboard not showing even when timezone is set to the UK
I made the mistake of changing the timezone when I first got the machine and read on the forum that I needed to change it back to London - which I did. It was working fine but now its not displaying even with the timezone set to London, United Kingdom

2. Is it possible to install VNC on the FutureBitOS?
I know raspberry pi's has the VNC capabilities, is there a specific version or is it even possible to get VNC on the OS? I want to be able to remote into the device and control it even when I am away from my house.

Thanks in advance, it is much appreciated

[DoofyWops]

DoofyWops, I’m running mine on nicehash on the normal sha256 server. Not the asisboost one.

Also i get the updates window for the OS. Dont update it otherwise you will have to reflash the SD card.

Thanks a bunch!!!  Can I ask what rate you're getting? I'm getting 0.88 TH/s

[gt_addict]

DoofyWops, I’m running mine on nicehash on the normal sha256 server. Not the asisboost one.

Also i get the updates window for the OS. Dont update it otherwise you will have to reflash the SD card.

Thanks a bunch!!!  Can I ask what rate you're getting? I'm getting 0.88 TH/s

Nicehash has a high diff for such a small miner so pool side will fluctuate big time. Aslong as the GUI on the unit shows what it should then its fine.

[crypto_curious]

Hey,

I've tried searching and going through the thread to find my answers and can't seem to find the exact answer I am looking for maybe some of you guys know the answers or solutions to my questions.

1. Miner stats on web dashboard not showing even when timezone is set to the UK
I made the mistake of changing the timezone when I first got the machine and read on the forum that I needed to change it back to London - which I did. It was working fine but now its not displaying even with the timezone set to London, United Kingdom

You may need to reinstall SD card image, do updates and see if hashrate is showing. Don't touch timezone. Also when you reinstall, keep NVMe drive disconnected while SD card boots for a first time, otherwise it may get reformatted (as I remember from other posters here). Only plug in after you log in to dashboard for a first time and everything works. That way you not losing anything, bitcoin full node will keep all blocks.

2. Is it possible to install VNC on the FutureBitOS?
I know raspberry pi's has the VNC capabilities, is there a specific version or is it even possible to get VNC on the OS? I want to be able to remote into the device and control it even when I am away from my house.

Yes I use VNC on many Raspberry and other SoC boxes, there are VNC servers in Ubuntu repository, so Apollo with their Armbian Ubuntu should have them. Just open terminal and see what you got.
I use very simple and effective "x11vnc" server.

[n0nce]

Yes I use VNC on many Raspberry and other SoC boxes, there are VNC servers in Ubuntu repository, so Apollo with their Armbian Ubuntu should have them. Just open terminal and see what you got.
I use very simple and effective "x11vnc" server.

I haven't received my Apollo yet - doesn't it have a web interface in the local network? Or is it theoretically only controllable with HDMI screen and USB keyboard (if not using VNC)?

[gt_addict]

Yes I use VNC on many Raspberry and other SoC boxes, there are VNC servers in Ubuntu repository, so Apollo with their Armbian Ubuntu should have them. Just open terminal and see what you got.
I use very simple and effective "x11vnc" server.

I haven't received my Apollo yet - doesn't it have a web interface in the local network? Or is it theoretically only controllable with HDMI screen and USB keyboard (if not using VNC)?

yes it has a web UI on the local network.

[n0nce]

yes it has a web UI on the local network.

With the same or limited functionality?
If it’s the same, there’s no need for VNC really.

[poonasor]

Hey,

I've tried searching and going through the thread to find my answers and can't seem to find the exact answer I am looking for maybe some of you guys know the answers or solutions to my questions.

1. Miner stats on web dashboard not showing even when timezone is set to the UK
I made the mistake of changing the timezone when I first got the machine and read on the forum that I needed to change it back to London - which I did. It was working fine but now its not displaying even with the timezone set to London, United Kingdom

You may need to reinstall SD card image, do updates and see if hashrate is showing. Don't touch timezone. Also when you reinstall, keep NVMe drive disconnected while SD card boots for a first time, otherwise it may get reformatted (as I remember from other posters here). Only plug in after you log in to dashboard for a first time and everything works. That way you not losing anything, bitcoin full node will keep all blocks.

2. Is it possible to install VNC on the FutureBitOS?
I know raspberry pi's has the VNC capabilities, is there a specific version or is it even possible to get VNC on the OS? I want to be able to remote into the device and control it even when I am away from my house.

Yes I use VNC on many Raspberry and other SoC boxes, there are VNC servers in Ubuntu repository, so Apollo with their Armbian Ubuntu should have them. Just open terminal and see what you got.
I use very simple and effective "x11vnc" server.

i'll take a look at reinstalling the SD card image.. thank you for the NVMe tip - I'll be sure to disconnect the m.2 before I do that.

For the VNC I followed this tutorial: https://diyprojects.io/armbian-access-remote-desktop-orange-pi-vnc/
But now when I try to use VNC Viewer all I get is a blank grey screen, I've been trying to resolve it all day but had no luck - any suggestions?

thanks