ANTMINER S4 Discussion and Support Thread

[dmwardjr]

The problem was finding 30 AMP receptacle for a regular IEC-320-C13 3 prong cord to plug into, which is normally used for 15 AMP or 20 AMP circuit.  I could not find one.  I don't think they even make one.  So, I decided to get an L14-30P 4 prong circular receptacle that will push 30 AMPS so that two S4's can be put on one circuit.

One S4 is 1400 watts. Two S4's would be 2800 watts.  240 volts or 120 volts is not what is important.  The amperage is what is important in this application.  Each AMP can push 120 watts of power.  1400 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 11.6666667 AMPS for one S4.  2800 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 23.3333333 AMPS for two S4's.

With a 30 AMP circuit, yes, this would leave 6.6666666 AMPS remaining for the circuit if I was powering two S4's.  However, I do not want to push the circuit and the wiring to its limits.  I want to keep the heat down and have less chance of tripping the breaker.  I have approximately 800 watts per setup of two S3's with one 860 watt PSU.  Just because it can push 860 does not mean I'm using 860.  Theoretically, I could have 3 sets of S3's (6 of them) with three (3) 800 watt PSU's on a 20 AMP circuit.  800 watts x 3 = 2400 watts.  A 20 AMP circuit x 120 watts per AMP is 2400 watts.  That would be pushing that 20 AMP circuit to its max which would heat up the wiring more.

David

I'm on my cell so I didn't read your whole post and I'm going to be brief as posting with it is annoying.

You're making an error. You are running 240v to your outlets, right? Just to be sure.

1A on 120v = 120w
1A on 240v = 240w

Thus:

1 S4 on 120v = 1400w / 120v = 11.66a
1 S4 on 240v = 1400w / 240v = 5.83a

Big difference. You're doubling your capacity by using 240v vs 120v. IE only 2x S4 if 30a @ 120v, but 4x S4 if 30a @240v.

30a derated by 20% = 24a usable safely.

4 x 5.83a = 23.33a

Also, while I'm not endorsing this, I did all of my own electrical work and know that I used the best quality equipment. I've run a 30a 240v circuit 24/7 at 30a (7200w) without any issues. The wire was warm, but still well in what I would consider safe. Continually maxing the line out like that would likely wear the breaker out faster, though. Again, I'm not saying people should max out their amperage ratings, stick to -20%.

If you believe this would be better, please let me know:

Yes, that would be perfect.

When you are no longer on your phone and have an opportunity to answer at your computer, please answer the following questions:

Are you from the U.S.?

If so, what outlet do I need and what power strip do I need to power four S4's on on 240V/30AMP circuit?

[Prelude]

Thanks I appreciate it.
I was not expecting the card to corrupt.  Pulled it out it is a class 4 no wonder why it did not last long.

Does anyone have a direct link to the S4 complete image??
My SD card corrupted and I need to reimage one fast.
Thanks

If nobody else posts one before I can rip one from one of my S4s for you tomorrow.

I don't think class is necessarily a sign of quality, only speed. Brand name would be more important for quality. If I remember, S4s use kingston, but who knows if they're genuine or not.

The problem was finding 30 AMP receptacle for a regular IEC-320-C13 3 prong cord to plug into, which is normally used for 15 AMP or 20 AMP circuit.  I could not find one.  I don't think they even make one.  So, I decided to get an L14-30P 4 prong circular receptacle that will push 30 AMPS so that two S4's can be put on one circuit.

One S4 is 1400 watts. Two S4's would be 2800 watts.  240 volts or 120 volts is not what is important.  The amperage is what is important in this application.  Each AMP can push 120 watts of power.  1400 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 11.6666667 AMPS for one S4.  2800 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 23.3333333 AMPS for two S4's.

With a 30 AMP circuit, yes, this would leave 6.6666666 AMPS remaining for the circuit if I was powering two S4's.  However, I do not want to push the circuit and the wiring to its limits.  I want to keep the heat down and have less chance of tripping the breaker.  I have approximately 800 watts per setup of two S3's with one 860 watt PSU.  Just because it can push 860 does not mean I'm using 860.  Theoretically, I could have 3 sets of S3's (6 of them) with three (3) 800 watt PSU's on a 20 AMP circuit.  800 watts x 3 = 2400 watts.  A 20 AMP circuit x 120 watts per AMP is 2400 watts.  That would be pushing that 20 AMP circuit to its max which would heat up the wiring more.

David

I'm on my cell so I didn't read your whole post and I'm going to be brief as posting with it is annoying.

You're making an error. You are running 240v to your outlets, right? Just to be sure.

1A on 120v = 120w
1A on 240v = 240w

Thus:

1 S4 on 120v = 1400w / 120v = 11.66a
1 S4 on 240v = 1400w / 240v = 5.83a

Big difference. You're doubling your capacity by using 240v vs 120v. IE only 2x S4 if 30a @ 120v, but 4x S4 if 30a @240v.

30a derated by 20% = 24a usable safely.

4 x 5.83a = 23.33a

Also, while I'm not endorsing this, I did all of my own electrical work and know that I used the best quality equipment. I've run a 30a 240v circuit 24/7 at 30a (7200w) without any issues. The wire was warm, but still well in what I would consider safe. Continually maxing the line out like that would likely wear the breaker out faster, though. Again, I'm not saying people should max out their amperage ratings, stick to -20%.

If you believe this would be better, please let me know:

Yes, that would be perfect.

When you are no longer on your phone and have an opportunity to answer at your computer, please answer the following questions:

Are you from the U.S.?

If so, what outlet do I need and what power strip do I need to power four S4's on on 240V/30AMP circuit?

Already did:

Prelude,

Are you from the United States?

I need to know what outlet I need and what special extension cord I need in the U.S. to plug in four S4's into a 240 Volt outlet?

Canada, but our electrical specs are the same. What you posted was perfect, especially the 6 outlet extension that you removed. NEMA L6-30 is the connector style you want. You should also look into used 240v 30a server PDUs on ebay. That would be the best option, but possibly a little more costly.

NEMA L6-30 Socket on wall:




Power strip (PDU = Power Distribution Unit): http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-PDU1230-L6-30P-Horizontal/dp/B0007YG85A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415684755&sr=8-1&keywords=240v+30a+pdu

Or similar to that PDU. Any 240v 30a PDU will come with the right L6-30 connector. You'll need special wires from the PDU to PSU, though. About 5$ each.

If not, that extension you posted and removed earlier (with 6 outlets) would be perfect also.

For my own setup, I splurged a bit when mining was more profitable and got some of these: http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-PDUMH30HV-Metered-Horizontal/dp/B0053YIUPK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415684970&sr=8-3&keywords=240v+30a+pdu





Think I paid $250 each on sale. I like being able to monitor their loads in real time. I generally keep them under 26-27a continuous.

Wires needed for PSUs if you use a PDU: http://www.amazon.com/C2G-Computer-Extension-IEC320C13-IEC320C14/dp/B000YFBOV0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1415685291&sr=8-7&keywords=c13+to+c14



So, TL;DR... PDU is the best way to go, but more expensive. Your extensions would do just fine.

[Prelude]

Might want to refrain from including the images in your quotes, these pages are getting stretched LOL.

Yeah, that's the extension. Unfortunately I was wrong, that isn't a L6-30P connector. Looks like a L14-30 or something. Do they have a L6-30P version? That's what you need.

You might want to take a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Should give you a good idea.

[dmwardjr]

Might want to refrain from including the images in your quotes, these pages are getting stretched LOL.

Yeah, that's the extension. Unfortunately I was wrong, that isn't a L6-30P connector. Looks like a L14-30 or something. Do they have a L6-30P version? That's what you need.

You might want to take a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Should give you a good idea.

So, the L14-30 that is 120/240 is not good enough?

It has to be just 240?

Not 120/240?

by the way, this is the 240 Volt L14-30 to 6 120V circuits I had up earlier but deleted:

[Prelude]

Might want to refrain from including the images in your quotes, these pages are getting stretched LOL.

Yeah, that's the extension. Unfortunately I was wrong, that isn't a L6-30P connector. Looks like a L14-30 or something. Do they have a L6-30P version? That's what you need.

You might want to take a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Should give you a good idea.

So, the L14-30 that is 120/240 is not good enough?

It has to be just 240?

Not 120/240?

Remember I'm posting from a cell LOL... The original socket you posted:



Should work. You'd only use 3 of the 4 pins, one ground two live. Just make sure the extension is L14-30P. 125/250 doesn't matter, it just means it can legally be wired for both.

I'd try to find L6-30R + L6-30P if you can, though.

[dmwardjr]

Might want to refrain from including the images in your quotes, these pages are getting stretched LOL.

Yeah, that's the extension. Unfortunately I was wrong, that isn't a L6-30P connector. Looks like a L14-30 or something. Do they have a L6-30P version? That's what you need.

You might want to take a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Should give you a good idea.

So, the L14-30 that is 120/240 is not good enough?

It has to be just 240?

Not 120/240?

Remember I'm posting from a cell LOL... The original socket you posted:

Should work. You'd only use 3 of the 4 pins, one ground two live. Just make sure the extension is L14-30P.

I'd try to find L6-30R + L6-30P if you can, though.

Okay,

Thank you very much!

Unfortunately, I already purchased the L14-30P outlets

[Prelude]

No problem. Good luck!

[NotFuzzyWarm]

Might want to refrain from including the images in your quotes, these pages are getting stretched LOL.

Yeah, that's the extension. Unfortunately I was wrong, that isn't a L6-30P connector. Looks like a L14-30 or something. Do they have a L6-30P version? That's what you need.

You might want to take a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Should give you a good idea.

So, the L14-30 that is 120/240 is not good enough?

It has to be just 240?

Not 120/240?

Remember I'm posting from a cell LOL... The original socket you posted:



Should work. You'd only use 3 of the 4 pins, one ground two live. Just make sure the extension is L14-30P. 125/250 doesn't matter, it just means it can legally be wired for both.

I'd try to find L6-30R + L6-30P if you can, though.

Local Ace or True value hardware as well as Home Depot, Lowes should have them. From McMaster, these are very nice http://www.mcmaster.com/#7174k18/=ujkq67
matching plug http://www.mcmaster.com/#7162k53/=ujkru9

[dmwardjr]

Local Ace or True value hardware as well as Home Depot, Lowes should have them. From McMaster, these are very nice http://www.mcmaster.com/#7174k18/=ujkq67
matching plug http://www.mcmaster.com/#7162k53/=ujkru9

I would like to use the L14-30 because I already purchased them.  I have one here at the house that I purchased from Lowes.  The other 3 are on the way from Amazon.

[NotFuzzyWarm]

What I was curious about is how long it takes for payment to be confirmed and they send an email to me?  I already received an email telling me I have one hour to make my purchase before cancelation.  I completed that purchase about 2 minutes after receiving that email.

Within a few hours, usually. Don't worry, as long as you sent the correct amount of BTC to the address they provided, you'll be fine.

Okay, sweeeeeeeeeet

Thanks for the reply so I won't be pulling my hair out.

Thank you very much!
It's a lot to send to someone in another country.

David

It sure is, and I remember that very same feeling the first time I made my first BITMAIN order, but in a few days you'll have a nice shiny S4 at your door and you won't think twice about ever buying from anyone but BITMAIN. For all the bitching I've done about  not receiving my compensation yet, I can't deny that BITMAINTECH.COM (or any authorized reselllers, like SUSHI) is without a doubt the way to go. You will never want to waste your time or money buying rigs on ebay again, especially when 95% of the bitcoin rigs on ebay are way overpriced, and typically have always been used (sometimes even damaged or DOA).

ditto.
My first 4 Ants were bought on Amazon via Jones Gear back in March for minimal markup over direct from Bitmain but gave nice fuzzy warm feeling of Buyers Protection (um, seriously burned by Joshoua Zipkin / AMT Miners). However asy my mined BTC rose said what the heck and went direct. Now 24 various Ants of all models 'cept the USB toys later gotta say, Bitmain is the only way to go.

Spondoolies also good but are hairdryer loud by nature.

[dmwardjr]

The problem was finding 30 AMP receptacle for a regular IEC-320-C13 3 prong cord to plug into, which is normally used for 15 AMP or 20 AMP circuit.  I could not find one.  I don't think they even make one.  So, I decided to get an L14-30P 4 prong circular receptacle that will push 30 AMPS so that two S4's can be put on one circuit.

One S4 is 1400 watts. Two S4's would be 2800 watts.  240 volts or 120 volts is not what is important.  The amperage is what is important in this application.  Each AMP can push 120 watts of power.  1400 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 11.6666667 AMPS for one S4.  2800 watts divided by 120 watts per amp = 23.3333333 AMPS for two S4's.

With a 30 AMP circuit, yes, this would leave 6.6666666 AMPS remaining for the circuit if I was powering two S4's.  However, I do not want to push the circuit and the wiring to its limits.  I want to keep the heat down and have less chance of tripping the breaker.  I have approximately 800 watts per setup of two S3's with one 860 watt PSU.  Just because it can push 860 does not mean I'm using 860.  Theoretically, I could have 3 sets of S3's (6 of them) with three (3) 800 watt PSU's on a 20 AMP circuit.  800 watts x 3 = 2400 watts.  A 20 AMP circuit x 120 watts per AMP is 2400 watts.  That would be pushing that 20 AMP circuit to its max which would heat up the wiring more.

David

I'm on my cell so I didn't read your whole post and I'm going to be brief as posting with it is annoying.

You're making an error. You are running 240v to your outlets, right? Just to be sure.

1A on 120v = 120w
1A on 240v = 240w

Thus:

1 S4 on 120v = 1400w / 120v = 11.66a
1 S4 on 240v = 1400w / 240v = 5.83a

Big difference. You're doubling your capacity by using 240v vs 120v. IE only 2x S4 if 30a @ 120v, but 4x S4 if 30a @240v.

30a derated by 20% = 24a usable safely.

4 x 5.83a = 23.33a

Also, while I'm not endorsing this, I did all of my own electrical work and know that I used the best quality equipment. I've run a 30a 240v circuit 24/7 at 30a (7200w) without any issues. The wire was warm, but still well in what I would consider safe. Continually maxing the line out like that would likely wear the breaker out faster, though. Again, I'm not saying people should max out their amperage ratings, stick to -20%.

If you believe this would be better, please let me know:

Yes, that would be perfect.

Here's where I was getting confused:

When Amazon's product description told me it was converting 240 volt circuit into 2 or 6 120 volt circuits, I was doing my math for wattage based off 120 volts instead of 240 volts for a 30 AMP circuit.

Another good thing is I will be able to run more S4's than I previously determined.

[dmwardjr]

WOW

This means I can have 18 S3's instead of only 16 I have now [cause I can run 18 S3's on one 240V/30 AMP circuit]; and 21 S4's on 4 240V/30 AMP circuits with PSU's or the special extension cords I showed you.  This would leave me 50 AMPs for everything else in the house.

That would be 50 Th/s

sweeeeeeeeeeet

Sorry, I'm drooling at the mouth over here right now.

Tell me something:

The power company will see this "wattage" and charge me based on that wattage instead of amperage?

Yes, I think that is right.  Cause it is based on kW hours not amperage.  Excuse me, I'm just thinking out loud.

[dmwardjr]

This means I'm going to be ripping out a lot of the 20 AMP 12/2 wiring I've already done to this closet.

Oh well...  Gotta do it.

[bgibso01]

Any update on when Bitmain will release a new firmware patch to fix the pool issues?  I use CK's fix now, but any time there needs to be a reboot, it has to be reloaded.

[dogie]

Any update on when Bitmain will release a new firmware patch to fix the pool issues?  I use CK's fix now, but any time there needs to be a reboot, it has to be reloaded.

No ETA but definitely being worked on.

[dogie]

Does anyone have a direct link to the S4 complete image??
My SD card corrupted and I need to reimage one fast.
Thanks

Mega link, DHCP image

[PatMan]

@ Bitmain:

Spondoolies just slashed reduced the price of their SP20 home miner - any chance you'll be doing the same for the S4?

It's needed & overdue....

[Prelude]

Here's where I was getting confused:

When Amazon's product description told me it was converting 240 volt circuit into 2 or 6 120 volt circuits, I was doing my math for wattage based off 120 volts instead of 240 volts for a 30 AMP circuit.

Another good thing is I will be able to run more S4's than I previously determined.

Post the link to the extension on amazon. It's possible that you will only get 120v at the plug, a properly wire L14-30 has one ground 2 120v legs and a neutral. If it's sending only one 120v to the 5-15R you won't be using 240v and you would be limited to 2x S4s per 30A outlet. You need to make sure you're getting 240v to the S4s.

[Prelude]

Yeah, that's no good. I should have realized just by looking at the picture, it has 1 green (ground) 1 black (120v) and 1 white (neutral). If it were 240v it would be 1 black (120v 1 red (120v) and 1 green (ground).

So you'll only be sending 120v to the S4, and it will consume 11.66a instead of 5.83a. No good. A PDU outputs 240v, not 120v.

I'd seriously consider returning everything you bought, and replacing your L14-30 with good quality (Hubble) L6-30R sockets. Generally what you'll find in hardware stores aren't the best quality. You could also consider making your own wiring harness for the L14-30 instead of buying an extension or a PDU.

To clarify, a PDU will take the input voltage (generally 208v - 250v) and output the same voltage among all it's outputs.

[dmwardjr]

Yeah, that's no good. I should have realized just by looking at the picture, it has 1 Green (ground) 1 Black (120v) and 1 white (neutral).

So you'll only be sending 120v to the S4, and it will consume 11.66a instead of 5.83a. No good. A PDU outputs 240v, not 120v.

I'd seriously consider returning everything you bought, and replacing your L14-30 with good quality (Hubble) L6-30R sockets. Generally what you'll find in hardware stores aren't the best quality. You could also consider making your own wiring harness for the L14-30 instead of buying an extension or a PDU.

I agree with you 100%