ANTMINER S3+ Discussion and Support Thread

[pekatete]

I would like the bring up the discussion about downvolting again..  it doesn't appear to make a difference measured by the a killawatt at the wall when lowering the voltage.

the watts go down some when you lower the freq., but you should be able to get a better Gh/j with the voltage change... right?

has anyone been able to lower the watts at the wall???

Have you got a killawatt and have you measured / monitored? I'd hazard to say thats your answer; but bitmain (or someone else) may have other empirical evidence / knowledge.

Yes I do, reference the post you quoted!

I'd hazard to say thats your answer!

[pekatete]

If anyone still running the new firmware, would you please post here the line used to start cgminer? It "should" be in the System Log (under Status) immediately after starting up (I think that is where I saw it before, but may be wrong!) or even better, if you SSH into the rig open the file /etc/init.d/cgminer with vi editor and scroll down to the line that starts PARAMS= (not #PARAMS=). I think the issue of dropping hash-rate may be due to the setting of auto-voltage / frequency (and the startup line may reveal that!).

[IITravel01]

Dumb question, but I can't seem to find in the menus of the S3 (with Oct. 2014 firmware) where to change the IP address of the AntMiner from the default .99.  Any help?  I've gone through all the setting and have forgotten where I changed them before, was it moved in a later firmware or have I just missed it?
Thanks,

[jjiimm_64]

Dumb question, but I can't seem to find in the menus of the S3 (with Oct. 2014 firmware) where to change the IP address of the AntMiner from the default .99.  Any help?  I've gone through all the setting and have forgotten where I changed them before, was it moved in a later firmware or have I just missed it?
Thanks,

i think there is a network tab

[IITravel01]

So trying to figure out where to change the IP address (Network settings that doesn't show when you select DHCP), seems now the S3 isn't responding.  Funny how the firmware update for Nov. caused the hashing to drop to less than 50Gh/s so I reverted back to the Oct. firmware (yes, the one where the reset button doesn't work).  So no reset button.   Anyone have any suggestions on what to do, I tried pinging the default address as well as the one the router gave it when I selected DHCP, but no response from either.

[727miner]

So trying to figure out where to change the IP address (Network settings that doesn't show when you select DHCP), seems now the S3 isn't responding.  Funny how the firmware update for Nov. caused the hashing to drop to less than 50Gh/s so I reverted back to the Oct. firmware (yes, the one where the reset button doesn't work).  So no reset button.   Anyone have any suggestions on what to do, I tried pinging the default address as well as the one the router gave it when I selected DHCP, but no response from either.

Check your router and see if it assigned a different IP address to it. If you don't have access to the router, try using an IP address scanner such as Angry IP scanner to scan the subnet to see if you can find it's ip address. Do you have a link light on the nic?

[IITravel01]

So trying to figure out where to change the IP address (Network settings that doesn't show when you select DHCP), seems now the S3 isn't responding.  Funny how the firmware update for Nov. caused the hashing to drop to less than 50Gh/s so I reverted back to the Oct. firmware (yes, the one where the reset button doesn't work).  So no reset button.   Anyone have any suggestions on what to do, I tried pinging the default address as well as the one the router gave it when I selected DHCP, but no response from either.

Check your router and see if it assigned a different IP address to it. If you don't have access to the router, try using an IP address scanner such as Angry IP scanner to scan the subnet to see if you can find it's ip address. Do you have a link light on the nic?

No, there isn't a IP address showing up for the S3 using an IP scanner (192.168.1.99 or the one the router gave it previously aren't showing and there isn't any other ones new that have showed up).  The S3 has both lights on the NIC on the S3 on and one's flashing next to the red light on the S3.

[727miner]

So trying to figure out where to change the IP address (Network settings that doesn't show when you select DHCP), seems now the S3 isn't responding.  Funny how the firmware update for Nov. caused the hashing to drop to less than 50Gh/s so I reverted back to the Oct. firmware (yes, the one where the reset button doesn't work).  So no reset button.   Anyone have any suggestions on what to do, I tried pinging the default address as well as the one the router gave it when I selected DHCP, but no response from either.

Check your router and see if it assigned a different IP address to it. If you don't have access to the router, try using an IP address scanner such as Angry IP scanner to scan the subnet to see if you can find it's ip address. Do you have a link light on the nic?

No, there isn't a IP address showing up for the S3 using an IP scanner (192.168.1.99 or the one the router gave it previously aren't showing and there isn't any other ones new that have showed up).  The S3 has both lights on the NIC on the S3 on and one's flashing next to the red light on the S3.

If the reset button won't work, I think you're screwed. Reach out to Bitmain support and see if you can RMA it.

[mrpark]

This may seem dumb, but try a different port on your switch, also try another cable. One time a telcom cat 5 cable got mixed in with my data cables and that is why my S3 wasn't working.... Make sure you ports are set to Auto on the switch. Also, if you do get in your miner, make sure you use 8.8.8.8. I suppose you tried and IP scanner of the 192.168.1.x range already...

[IYFTech]

@ Bitmain:

How about taking that piece of junk firmware off your website before someone else makes the same mistake I did & tries to update their S3's with it?

I just spent 4 hours upgrading then downgrading all my S3's because, once again, you release firmware that is completely untested.

One is not amused 

[IITravel01]

@ Bitmain:

How about taking that piece of junk firmware off your website before someone else makes the same mistake I did & tries to update their S3's with it?

I just spent 4 hours upgrading then downgrading all my S3's because, once again, you release firmware that is completely untested.

One is not amused  

Here's some info. I learned this morning regarding the new November firmware.  There's a temporary fix for the new firmware to prevent the low hashing.  Set the AntMiner S3 to the default speed and put in 0725 in the voltage (from default 0770).  I was still having a problem on one of my S3+ with the fix set, that had Pool Balance setting set to Balanced from Fail (default) that was still doing the slow hashing, but when I selected Fail and rebooted it's been hashing at full speed so far.  Finger's crossed.

[IYFTech]

@ Bitmain:

How about taking that piece of junk firmware off your website before someone else makes the same mistake I did & tries to update their S3's with it?

I just spent 4 hours upgrading then downgrading all my S3's because, once again, you release firmware that is completely untested.

One is not amused  

Here's some info. I learned this morning regarding the new November firmware.  There's a temporary fix for the new firmware to prevent the low hashing.  Set the AntMiner S3 to the default speed and put in 0725 in the voltage (from default 0770).  I was still having a problem on one of my S3+ with the fix set, that had Pool Balance setting set to Balanced from Fail (default) that was still doing the slow hashing, but when I selected Fail and rebooted it's been hashing at full speed so far.  Finger's crossed.

That's great. A temporary fix to fix the broken new firmware that was released to fix the previous broken new firmware.....maybe.

Nah. I'll pass.

I have a better & novel idea: Why don't Bitmain simply test any firmware release thoroughly before releasing it - instead of using their customer base as guinea pigs, knocking their miners out in the process?  A bit like every other manufacturer does........much easier, simpler & customer friendly.

[cdjbolton]

IM NOT HAPPY BITMAIN

I returned an RMA board back to bitmain from a new batch of miners nearly 2 weeks ago, I keep sending bitmain the same details over and over and over and over again, and i keep getting the same generic response back asking for the details.

SO HERE FOR ALL TO SEE - HERE IS MY TRACKING NUMBER 6116164880 - It was sent with interlink express, and i have also spoke to the UK mail box and they have received it, he also told me it was in his hands but bitmain had not collected it.

Not happy as this is my first warranty repair to date, after ordering more than 30 S3 machines, 3 S2 machines, and one S4

So i don't understand what the issue is, why so many emails saying the same thing over and over and over again, getting fed up of asking now.

Please can anyone help me, or point me in the right direction, as this is the second time i have posted in this thread about it 

[GigaBit]

That said, I would, however, still want Bitmain OEM parts on my Bitmain AntMiners... :/

Mind what you ask for, else you'll get it!
I'd say not worth it getting bitmain parts (more relevant though not worth for bitmain!). They'll charge you a packet for shipping, as they'd rightly have to, and their prices are ridiculous to say the least.
A replacement S3 controller board, for example, is nothing short of $ 110 plus shipping (or you'll have to make an order for an S3 and they'll ship both together at no extra shipping cost).
At the end of the day, the parts bitmain use, aside from their custom chip, are OEM parts which you can get on the open market.

I told them many times I'd pay the ridiculous shipping or whatever, I don't care, plus I'm not too keen on buying any more of their HW...

BitCrane I think will be my next builder of choice but don't know their service quality either.

Bitmain customer service is just pathetic, took like a month to get a new S1 ECB (When they were in their prime)

I also resell my miners once they become viably non-feasible and not having all original parts cuts down the value drastically.

Even the S3 B1-B2's get a lesser value because of the un-muteable beeper, not even worth reselling; they'll make their way in my museum lol

I want the wire so I don't lose to much of a value, it costs me less to pay $35 for a new wire than lose $100 on the item's total value itself.

A spare's just a spare, it's not an original, those cost money, was my fuck up, I'll pay the price for my fuck up.

Most miners who buy used equipment want all original parts, even if replaced at some point.

Re-selling is a way to pay for my power and re-investments so I want to keep a good reputation and even one wire can screw everything up.

In a world where $500 is a good chunk of change for most, quality used goods = $$$ & repeat buyers and free WOM advertising.

IM NOT HAPPY BITMAIN

I returned an RMA board back to bitmain from a new batch of miners nearly 2 weeks ago, I keep sending bitmain the same details over and over and over and over again, and i keep getting the same generic response back asking for the details.

SO HERE FOR ALL TO SEE - HERE IS MY TRACKING NUMBER 6116164880 - It was sent with interlink express, and i have also spoke to the UK mail box and they have received it, he also told me it was in his hands but bitmain had not collected it.

Not happy as this is my first warranty repair to date, after ordering more than 30 S3 machines, 3 S2 machines, and one S4

So i don't understand what the issue is, why so many emails saying the same thing over and over and over again, getting fed up of asking now.

Please can anyone help me, or point me in the right direction, as this is the second time i have posted in this thread about it 

It's Bitmain dude, either you suck it up for fuck off... they tell you using other words.

Hardware and price is great but service is probably the worst on the planet.

I been arguing for a week just to get a wire shipped to me, best of luck to ya.

Either buy and take their crap or go buy elsewhere... again, they tell you that using other words.

[dogie]

IM NOT HAPPY BITMAIN

I returned an RMA board back to bitmain from a new batch of miners nearly 2 weeks ago, I keep sending bitmain the same details over and over and over and over again, and i keep getting the same generic response back asking for the details.

SO HERE FOR ALL TO SEE - HERE IS MY TRACKING NUMBER 6116164880 - It was sent with interlink express, and i have also spoke to the UK mail box and they have received it, he also told me it was in his hands but bitmain had not collected it.

Not happy as this is my first warranty repair to date, after ordering more than 30 S3 machines, 3 S2 machines, and one S4

So i don't understand what the issue is, why so many emails saying the same thing over and over and over again, getting fed up of asking now.

Please can anyone help me, or point me in the right direction, as this is the second time i have posted in this thread about it 

If you've sent it to the UK address then you can contact them directly. And don't send 30000000 emails, it just makes it harder to help you.

[cdjbolton]

IM NOT HAPPY BITMAIN

I returned an RMA board back to bitmain from a new batch of miners nearly 2 weeks ago, I keep sending bitmain the same details over and over and over and over again, and i keep getting the same generic response back asking for the details.

SO HERE FOR ALL TO SEE - HERE IS MY TRACKING NUMBER 6116164880 - It was sent with interlink express, and i have also spoke to the UK mail box and they have received it, he also told me it was in his hands but bitmain had not collected it.

Not happy as this is my first warranty repair to date, after ordering more than 30 S3 machines, 3 S2 machines, and one S4

So i don't understand what the issue is, why so many emails saying the same thing over and over and over again, getting fed up of asking now.

Please can anyone help me, or point me in the right direction, as this is the second time i have posted in this thread about it 

If you've sent it to the UK address then you can contact them directly. And don't send 30000000 emails, it just makes it harder to help you.

I have sent 3 emails, as every time i was asked for the same information, so i wasn't sending 30000000 emails i was replying to the same question over and over again. And the only reason i wanted it replacing was because it was from a brand new machine that only arrived 2/3 weeks ago.

I have also spoke to the UK department, and they are just a PO BOX for other companies, Bitmain being one of them so he couldn't help me.

[PatMan]

And don't send 30000000 emails, it just makes it harder to help you.

For a perfectly legitimate customer support question - that's a completely sh*t answer! Is that what Bitmain are paying you for?

@ cdjbolton,

Have you tried emailing them directly? Try these emails:

yoshi@bitmaintech

ting.shao@bitmaintech.com

xiaoqian.chen@bitmaintech

info@bitmaintech.com

These are the emails I use whenever I want to get a real answer from bitmain support - I have had excellent communications with all of them.

Good luck 

[cdjbolton]

And don't send 30000000 emails, it just makes it harder to help you.

For a perfectly legitimate customer support question - that's a completely sh*t answer! Is that what Bitmain are paying you for?

@ cdjbolton,

Have you tried emailing them directly? Try these emails:

yoshi@bitmaintech

ting.shao@bitmaintech.com

xiaoqian.chen@bitmaintech

info@bitmaintech.com

These are the emails I use whenever I want to get a real answer from bitmain support - I have had excellent communications with all of them.

Good luck 

Thanks i will wait a couple more days and if no luck i will try those emails above, And i couldn't agree more about the way that answer came across, as i have only come one here to try and get some support, I would understand if these were free or used products. I only wanted a resolution.

[tt_1111]

A few days ago I got myself an Antminer S3+.
Upgraded it to latest available firmware 20141126

It's basically working fine — apart from the fact that after some hours of mining at full speed it might happen the hashing speed decreases to about 10% of what it should be (i.e. ~45 GH/s instead of ~450 GH/s).

As I learnt within this forum I'm not the only one having such problems. However I haven't found a solution in this thread, thus this post.

Rebooting seems to resolve the issue, but the usual AM user has neither time nor patience to babysit his mining device all the time. And yes, it may happen he wants some hours of sleep.

In an old post regarding the Antminer S1 a Cron job is suggested:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=588253.0

The procedure:
(1) Loading up (or creating) a script ('hashcheck') to/on the Antminer

#! /usr/bin/ash
var=$(cat /proc/loadavg | grep . | cut -c 1)
if [ $var -lt 1 ]
then
/sbin/reboot
fi

(take care linebreaks are only <LF>, not <CR><LF> if you choose the
upload variant.)

(2) chmod 775 to the hashcheck script.

(3) Entering hashcheck into the list of Cron jobs:
System -> Scheduled tasks:
*/5 *  *   *   *     /usr/bin/hashcheck

The script is definitely running, it shows up every five minutes in
Status -> System log

However it does exactly nothing, even when the miner has slowed down to a crawl.

A closer inspection (looking into the Antminer's file system with WinSCP) shows that the grepped file
/proc/loadavg
always seems to have exactly 0 Bytes on the Antminer S3+, no matter in which condition the miner is running — 100% or 10%.
No output, nothing to cut, thus the reboot condition never becomes true.

Is there another way to check the miner's current condition and trigger the reboot if needed?

Or have I missed another solution for this apparently well known problem despite reclaiming / sending in the whole Antminer?

Thanks a lot in advance!

[pekatete]

Is there another way to check the miner's current condition and trigger the reboot if needed?

I have not tried this, but it uses the api to get the average hash rate, if it falls below mingh (505) then it reboots.

Code:

#! /usr/bin/ash
mingh=505
var=$(`cgminer-api lcd|grep -o '\[GHSavg\] => .*$'|cut -d' ' -f3|cut -d'.' -f1`)
if [ $var -lt mingh ]
then
/sbin/reboot
fi