ANTMINER S3+ Discussion and Support Thread

[Atomar]

There are allready some S3+ on ebay ! ;-)

[Gogreen]

There are allready some S3+ on ebay ! ;-)

are you planning to buy from ebay? Lol

[Atomar]

Nope. Just looking arround what's available and what price ... :-)

Looking with one eye over to the "Tube" miner though

[hurricandave]

i received an email from info@bitmaintech.com. their name usually comes up as "Bitmain Tech" but this time it was "bitmain tech". the subject of the email was Invoice payment with an attachment called Invoice_7845.jar and nothing else written in the email. in the jar there was an ID file, a Main.class and a MANIFEST.MF and a Server.class file.

just thought will let you guys know.

I've been noticing a big surge in emails attempting to distribute a virus, using Bitcoin related subject lines.  Emails pretending to be from various manufacturers with "invoices" attached (virus in a .jar), others pretending to be from cex.io and ghash.io as well.  While I know at least some of these are likely targeting me specifically (I've had some pretending to be from pool users), some of them look much more generic.

So this is just going out there as a reminder that you shouldn't click links in email or download attachments you were not expecting.  There is absolutely no reason for a Bitcoin company to send you an invoice as an attachment.  Summer time has always seen a big surge in phishing attempts, and another surge in account compromises from users who got tricked by them.  Luckily there hasn't been any noticeable surge in "my account as hacked" type emails over the last few months.

Be Warned- especially since this notice is from a pool operator and major forum contributor.

[Bitsaurus]

I received my B6 S3s today - the first ASICs I've bought since my BFL SC Single Day 0 pre-order that cost me 210BTC

I know it's been a little over a year since I received my single but the S3 just exudes quality compared to the crap that was BFL. Even my best friend who doesn't mine but has helped me set up many a GPU rig commented on how much nicer the S3s are.

I have a question about the interface.  3 of the S3s show the standard info at the bottom of the miner status page (shows the chain #, asic #, clock speed, fan speed, temps, status).  One of the miners says "This section contains no values yet".  Even if I refresh the page nothing shows up there.  Do I have to reset it or powercycle it?  I'm running it at stock speed and am currently viewing it remotely through teamviewer on my office network.

[jimmyoh]

Has anyone else with a Batch 8 order lose their edit option?
Seems a little too soon for that to happen.

It may be a way of protecting your purchase at the current price. With the HUGE drop in BTC value the last couple of days It's possible they may have closed editing and will raise the btc price very soon to reflect the current exchange rate.

Shipping is starting soon? 

I don't think that they've shipped out all of the batch 7's yet so I think probably not.

[eoakland]

I am curious has anyone had any RMA issues with Bitmain ?  i have provided them with the order ID and I am still having the hardest time getting RMA information from them.  They have demanded I perform a test with something called a multimeter (which i do not own, i had to go purchase one)  so i could test the chains.  My s3 device pretty much bricked itself with a firmware upgrade.  I cannot access the UI, the ip is not found (never changed from default).  I used an ipsniffer, and still zilch....anyhow, i am curious to know how Bitmain has dealt with RMA requests from others.   Thanks

It took me 2 1/2 weeks of those emails back and fourth. I finally told them I would sell it for parts on Bitcointalk.org and tell everyone about them not honoring warranty. Then and only then did they sent a RMA form. I sent it(controller) off 3 weeks ago and still don't have a replacement. Good luck.

I have been exchanging emails with someone by the name of "Tim" from Bitmain.  He gave me a laundry list of things/diagnostic checks to perform.  I have done them all, he even forced me into buying a multimeter (which i am not familiar with).  He still will not give me RMA instructions.  It's clear as day to me that my s3 has a bad controller card.  i can't login to it, or find the ip.  This is something I would not expect from Bitmain.  I never had an issue with them before.  they asked me for my order # and when i provided it, i get an email that states "Hi there,
Should there be a carrier tracking number showing that this miner came from our factory, we can also provide RMA for your faulty parts."  that's the last communication i have received from Bitmain.  i am super disappointed to say the least

[jimmyoh]

I received my B6 S3s today - the first ASICs I've bought since my BFL SC Single Day 0 pre-order that cost me 210BTC

I know it's been a little over a year since I received my single but the S3 just exudes quality compared to the crap that was BFL. Even my best friend who doesn't mine but has helped me set up many a GPU rig commented on how much nicer the S3s are.

I have a question about the interface.  3 of the S3s show the standard info at the bottom of the miner status page (shows the chain #, asic #, clock speed, fan speed, temps, status).  One of the miners says "This section contains no values yet".  Even if I refresh the page nothing shows up there.  Do I have to reset it or powercycle it?  I'm running it at stock speed and am currently viewing it remotely through teamviewer on my office network.

I'd start with the GUI reboot.

[eoakland]

I am curious has anyone had any RMA issues with Bitmain ?  i have provided them with the order ID and I am still having the hardest time getting RMA information from them.  They have demanded I perform a test with something called a multimeter (which i do not own, i had to go purchase one)  so i could test the chains.  My s3 device pretty much bricked itself with a firmware upgrade.  I cannot access the UI, the ip is not found (never changed from default).  I used an ipsniffer, and still zilch....anyhow, i am curious to know how Bitmain has dealt with RMA requests from others.   Thanks

It took me 2 1/2 weeks of those emails back and fourth. I finally told them I would sell it for parts on Bitcointalk.org and tell everyone about them not honoring warranty. Then and only then did they sent a RMA form. I sent it(controller) off 3 weeks ago and still don't have a replacement. Good luck.

What were your failure symptoms? I had one die today.. going to have to go down this road...

as of right now, the only thing that happens when i plug in power is the fan spins for a minute and stops.  and i get a flashing red light that blinks.  that's about it.  prior to that all worked fine.  i performed a firmware update and the thing went kaput.  it's been about 2 weeks now, and about a week's worth of email exchanges with someone by the name of "tim" from bitmain.  and now i am the proud owner for a diagnostic tool that i will never again use (multimeter). 

I agree with Billbangs approach, i am going to tell them i am going to sell it on Bitcointalk and leave them a bad review.   

[poorsnail]

I just had my miner die on me during Flashing a new firmware.  The issue was that my powersupply shut-off while the firmware flash was in progress.

After that, the RED light keeps flashing and the green Ethernet light flashes but I cannot go online through WEB or PUTTY anymore.

I tried resetting the unit but it won't work.

BITMAIN, do you SELL CONTROL BOARDS ONLY?

It would be nice to see a JTAG for bad firmware flash.

If all fails, I am willing to sell the HASHING BOARDS to someone with a good control board

OR

I am willing to buy a control board off someone with bad hashing boards.

LET ME KNOW IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED!

[heslo]

I just finished an RMA process with Bitmain and it couldn't have been smoother. Also dealt with Tim and he seemed to be good at responding to my emails. Just stay on top of them communication wise like I did and it should go smoothly but YMMV

[eoakland]

I just finished an RMA process with Bitmain and it couldn't have been smoother. Also dealt with Tim and he seemed to be good at responding to my emails. Just stay on top of them communication wise like I did and it should go smoothly but YMMV

that's definitely encouraging to read.  did the tim guy demand that you go out and buy a multimeter and perform diagnostic tests too ?  it's really weird.  after i did everything the guy asked for.  i received one email indicating that they could not process an RMA request....then 5 minutes later i get another email that indicates they can if they find a courier tracking number and can prove that the s3 is from their factory. 

my last few communications with tim have left a bad taste in my mouth.  with each email he changes requirements or makes new requests of things i must do in order for Bitmain to process an RMA. 

if anyone is interested in purchasing this s3, that is not operable PM me, I am thinking of selling it for the right offer.  And i think i will leave Bitmain negative feedback.

[heslo]

Nope, no demands, no fuss. Had a checklist of things for me to try (which I already did before emailing thanks to some lovely help from a nice fella on this thread) and when none of that worked, sent me a slip for my RMA. Was simple as that

Seems you've definitely had the reach around. What exactly has been your issue?

[eoakland]

Nope, no demands, no fuss. Had a checklist of things for me to try (which I already did before emailing thanks to some lovely help from a nice fella on this thread) and when none of that worked, sent me a slip for my RMA. Was simple as that

Seems you've definitely had the reach around. What exactly has been your issue?

i performed a firmware upgrade.  immediately following the upgrade, the device became bricked.  i performed a factory reset and have used an ip sniffer...so the controller card seems to have taken a bad flash.  when you used the multimeter, what did your chain 1 and chain 2 plugs test at ?  i have never used the device and i keep getting a zero reading for both. 

[heslo]

Didn't use a multimeter bud, it wasn't requested. If it helps, my issue was one whole chain was down so I was only hashing at half speed. Easily identifiable by switching over the plugs on the controller/hash boards and seeing the broken chain switch sides on the settings menu. Remove the board, sent it away, got the new one today, fitted it all up with new thermal paste and booted it up. Bingo, full speed and both chains at 100%

It does sound like the firmware flash went wrong. Possibly an incomplete download on the file?

[eoakland]

Didn't use a multimeter bud, it wasn't requested. If it helps, my issue was one whole chain was down so I was only hashing at half speed. Easily identifiable by switching over the plugs on the controller/hash boards and seeing the broken chain switch sides on the settings menu. Remove the board, sent it away, got the new one today, fitted it all up with new thermal paste and booted it up. Bingo, full speed and both chains at 100%

It does sound like the firmware flash went wrong. Possibly an incomplete download on the file?

yeah, that's what it sounds like to me too, it did not agree with the flash. 

[heslo]

Sorry to hear bud Hopefully you can get a resolution to your problem. I can only recommend messaging Tim again and seeing if he can sort something out for you

[buy4crypto]

S3+ is funny, I bet you they tested all of our machines, kept the best performing machines, sold out all the lemons in batch 1-7,8, and then use all the good hashing boards, components for the S3+.

After seeing so many of my machines mangled in shipping, and or also struggling to perform, why all of a sudden these new machines are the same machines, but better?

The ROI may even work out, but this was my first, and last purchase from bitmain.

GL to everyone trying to maintain a hashrate that was sold to us. I know several of my machines in batch 5 will never see that day.

[BennyTheBall]

Just got done flashing all four to the new firmware, hope all holds up well. If not, I go my backup I made.

Which BTW, can backups be used as rollbacks ?

Ex. Say new FW hates me, can I use backup to go back or do I need to get a new DL from the Bitmain site ?

The backups only backup the /etc/config directory, not the firmware.

[MoreBloodWine]

Just got done flashing all four to the new firmware, hope all holds up well. If not, I go my backup I made.

Which BTW, can backups be used as rollbacks ?

Ex. Say new FW hates me, can I use backup to go back or do I need to get a new DL from the Bitmain site ?

The backups only backup the /etc/config directory, not the firmware.

Ahh, well were ~10hrs since flash and all seems well for the four machines except for one. But this quirkiness will be posted about later since it was going on even before the flash and is not too big of a deal.