bitaxeUltra: Open source Bitcoin miner using BM1366 ASIC

Just wanted to share some exciting news about a fresh version of the bitaxe miner that's in the works, built on the Bitmain BM1366 ASIC from the Antminer S19XP. Like the earlier versions that used BM1387 (S9) and BM1397 (S17), this one is completely open source for both hardware and firmware. Check out the GitHub repo for hardware development: https://github.com/skot/bitaxe/tree/ultra Let's kick things off!

Thank you Skot for proposing great projects like this one! We need more open source ASIC projects! I hope you'll be able to produce something as cool and clean with bitaxeUltra as you did with Bitaxe! I wish to you and this project a great success! As always, don't hesitate to let me know if you need funds or components, I'd be happy to contribute to the project!

Let me start with  I'm watching this for sure! I've got a few remarks after looking at the schematics. I presume you've got the bm1366's connections from tracing the signals on a hash board and not from an 'official' repair guide? There are a few things that stand out to me and might be worth looking in to; - the mode_0(in) and mode_1 signals are connected together.   && - the decoupling caps c4 & c16 are connected to to these pins   To me it seems as both pins are actually ground (vss). You can check for connection of these pins with the big ground pad to see if that is correct. - the mode_0 pin is left floating for mode0   Antminer has previously defined mode0 as mode_0 pin connected to ground. Changing the description of these pins and of the mode does not change the functionality of anything but seems more correct to me (if the 2 connected pins are actually vss). Did you find a way to log the communication with the hash boards or are you going the software disassembly route first?

First, Thank you for all your efforts. Did you find any datasheet on 1397/1398 yet?

AFAIK there are no datasheets for these parts.

- how much hashrate you've manage to get out of bm1366? - I think you should somehow arrange your tree branch in github someway. maybe sort them by chip kind. its a bit confusing by their names IMO. hex, ultra and some number based branches... - did you see gekko compac f? it's using much less components as far as I know, like doesn't include any microcontroller or esp for mining and solely depends on usb, right? any thought on doing something like that? thanks again.

Initial tests are sitting just under 500 GH/s and 22 J/TH. plenty of optimization left to do. I agree.. things have been moving a little fast for organizing just yet, but it does need to happen sooner or later yes, definitely. GekkoScience is cool stuff! I'm probably not going the usb stick miner route myself, but all the design files are out there, so you could easily adapt it if you'd like.

Thank you for your efforts, skot! I've been following your project for a while. I have thought several times about building my own miner with the help of your detailed instructions. Unfortunately I haven't had the courage so far. Wondering if it would be possible to get a few chips attached to a single board? Would this be a thing for the future? I know that there are some Gekkos out like the R909 but your project comes with a lot of benefits like: - Open-source - Standalone Miner - way more efficient

Hi seek3r! Thanks for your support! It’s a daunting project for sure. Have you heard of d-central? They are a miner repair shop in Canada that has been a big supporter of the bitaxe. They are selling partially assembled kits that sound like what you are looking for. https://d-central.tech/product/bitaxe-diy-kit/ Currently d-central just has the BM1397-based bitaxe, but that is a great place to get started, IMO. I haven’t ordered from d-central myself, but I know of several people who have, and no complaints!

Thank you for ur reply. Yeah. I watched the 3 hour livestream video on YT when they assemblied the v2.2 a few days ago! Would wait for Kit with the BM1366 chip instead of buying one of the S17 chip. But still curious if its possible to use boards with the possibility of using more chips.

Yes, it’s very possible! There are a couple designs in the works that I know about with both BM1397 and BM1366. The BM1366 is especially well suited to chaining multiple chips together. The ASIC is the hardest part to solder, by far. I suspect once we get into multi chip boards, soldering beginners will be left behind.

As long as both versions exist, I think it could be of interest to everyone. Those (like me) who are new to chip soldering will always have the basic version to get the hang of it and build their experience. Having an open source multi-chips board would be great, and I actively support this idea!

it would also be cool if Skot would team up with crypto cloaks to make a nice case for their ultras, which would also be available in different colors. cc has already printed/manufactured the matching boxes for some hardware in the past. what about the cooling - how hot do the chips get? as i can see on the picture, a noctua nf-a4x10 would be enough, right?

Can help you out with some 3d designing for ur bitaxe if needed. It doesn't necessarily have to be a business and might be easier. Atleast for the individual and personal design. If you are satisfied with their prints you are good to go! There are already a few simple solutions for cases if you look around on Twitter.. um I mean X!

I'am in! Got the KiCad drawings downloaded and I will Post changes also open source (or send it to you, as I got no Github account). My time is limited until end of september, but then I can produce a batch of boards. I mean fully assembled SMT and THT. So I can start to do some work with Hard and Software.

Good offer? https://bitcoinmerch.com/products/bitcoin-merch%C2%AE-bitaxe-1366-solo-bitcoin-miner-up-to-500gh-s?variant=43907234169062

Depends on ur skills. If you got some free time you can invest it in building it on ur own. Way more fun and you would save more than 100$. In addition to saving money, you get so much more into the matter and keep yourself busy automatically. But as mentioned before, you have to see for yourself whether you have the time + desire to do so. Otherwise, the offer is of course an alternative, but of course you pay.

If you only want to use one Bitaxe, it's a good deal. If you want more than one, and you have the desire (motivation + skills ) and the time to build them yourself, it would probably be much more cost-effective to buy the tools needed to assemble your own ones than buying them like the link you shared. Buying equipment, if you don't already have it, would be expensive for a single Bitaxe, but that depends on who it's for. If you see building it as a hobby, the cost shouldn't bother you too much either.

Has anyone pointed out the equipment required to attach a BM chip to the board? Anyone got any idea how much that is?

Yeap, Some answers on Bitaxe's github : https://github.com/skot/bitaxe/blob/master/assembly.md Zeus Mining for the prices : https://www.zeusbtc.com/ASIC-Miner-Repair/