Is it common for the modules on the batch 3 units (the slimmer - as in width) to die? I just had a second module die, this time on a different miner. It's the same nonsense as before - smoke and sparks. Either the caps can't stand extensive heat or they're just poor quality. Has anyone had something similar happen and the Avalon guys sent replacement parts?

Board mostly designed, waiting on docs for data protocol info and pin outs. Expect a couple days after docs for first version to factory - hope to verify power before ordering first main board. I'm doing small tweaks each day as I find things to improve. Will throw up a revised 3d render soon.

Firmware started. Have set up and compiled the USB stack and I'm adding cmd protocol code. Temporary hold there while I do this power board.

No samples known to have been shipped.

I have some test stuff ordered and have almost finished a small test power board for seeing how the power supply functions alone (same layout) before using it in the main board. Will order that soon and put in an initial order for prototype parts. That means I can't program and debug a chip for at least another week or so (shipping time).

Thank you to those who have sent me donations.
I sold some of the bitcoins and I'm ordering some more stuff today.

This one shows holes and heat sink pads under the thermal vias. It's the bottom mask - areas of exposed copper. The thermal pads are 1cm square. I forget now the hole diameter, maybe 4mm but if there is a good standard size let me know. (Don't measure here as this includes a ring around the hole)

http://i.imgur.com/zMSgPvm.png

This script is used to generate bootstrap.dat:
https://github.com/jgarzik/pynode/blob/master/mkbootstrap.py

It requires an up-to-date pynode chain database.

In theory, someone could write a script that processes bitcoind's $DATADIR/blocks directory into bootstrap.dat, but no one has written that yet.

I just saw that zefir was posting something about "sample" chips that get sent by the factory in May before the final chips. First I heard about this.

He said that he would distribute them to buyers in proportion to their order qty. I don't think he knows yet what qty of samples may be due.

So if anyone interested in my board has large chip orders with him you may be able to get some sample qty. in May. If so, it would be very, very, very helpful to try and arrange for those samples to be sent on to me for early board testing so that I can debug and once we know the board works, we can order a large batch in time for final chip deliveries.

BTW I'm moving the power connector down to the end and turning it so that a right angle connector could be used. A little better for those who want to stack boards.

Building a rig takes more work than you think. I am a B.S. EE/CS and I can tell you that if you don't have a Open Source Project lined up for you to show you how to build it and program it, it requires a LOT of work.

To design a full system you basically need:

• A background in embedded design with microcontroller/microprocessors or FPGA's
• PCB Design (Eagle, Altium, etc.)
• Xilinx and VHDL/HDL (Hardware description language).
• An understanding of a system datapath for a given architecture
• Digital and Analog Design.

For the most part.

And basically any programming and electronics analysis as well as other similar skills will further help you. Soldering a few hundred chips by hand is tedious, and we're talking SMT. If I could get a reflow oven to use, I would do it in a heartbeat. For now however, I just have a hot air rework station.

If you don't have any experience in hardware design, systems programming or the like. Don't even think you can design a system. What most of you are asking for is for somebody to create a Open Source design (which will take time) and provide you with a list of parts so that you can just build it.

So adomaz, I'm not quite sure I can vouch for him yet because he's very broad with his description. Plus when I see a serious thread like building a DIY ASIC in the Newbie thread, I get a little concerned. Not because people who are just joining the forums don't know what they're doing, but it's where a lot of scam posts begin.

However he mentions he is offering a manual, so if he does produce a manual and I look over it, I can give you an answer.

Just a question. sorry i am very new in theese thinks. my onyl worry the nowdays we can hear about lot of hackers, what if somebody break into my system and just still my wallet number? can this happen? what can you do to avoid this?

SCAmASICS.

I'm intereseted I also own some Avalon chips and I think it would be a great idea to give a general introduction of the main components of an ASIC miner. What do you think?

It looks good and informative too. I received 0.000025 BTC.

Hello there, what do you have in mind? Please input your thoughts and ideas. If you have questions please mail me.
Cheers