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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 05/04/2025, 04:07:56 UTC
are there any release notes as to what has been updated? 2.06 is stable for me I dont want to jump up just yet if the updates arent critical.


thanks

Don't do it if it's working fine. the update bricked mine. Flashing sd card back to 2.0.6 now...
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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 05/03/2025, 01:34:11 UTC


Honestly, I've had only the issue I mentioned with using the units on the "new" software version on WIFI. I prefer hardwired anyway but had one unit in my "back hall" with no ethernet cable access (I set up an older WIFI router as an "extender" on my network, hardwired the Apollo 1 Node unit to it, zero issues since). I also had to re-install the software once (Apollo 1 unit, early on) so replaced the original sim card with a newer one I had on hand with no issues since. I have one original Apollo Node Unit with two Apollo Miners running on it as well as 2 Apollo 2 Node units each with one Apollo Miner connected. I heat my small home with them and again, have had no issues other than what I've mentioned already. I did follow all of the set-up instructions to the letter, have very good internet service with my own high quality modem and router, and all my electronics plugged into APC Line-R Voltage Regulator units. Wish I could provide more help but would suggest:

*Replace the original sim card with a same size higher quality one (cheap) and re-install official software
*Consider buying a cheapish voltage regulator and use that to protect/ensure the Node Miner is getting clean voltage (and the one's I use act as a surge protectors too; we suffer spikes/minor outages here in the East Tennessee Valley due to storms at times)
*Review and be sure to follow directions for set-up to the letter
*Don't run the miner while downloading the chain

I realize this is all pretty basic but I honestly have had a great experience with these miners and can only suggest what has worked for me. I hope this helps even if just a little. Good luck!
[/quote]

I tried the reindex.  It really doesn't work like you think.  Better to start over.  
Things to consider.  Have you monitored the bitcoin log.  Theres a command a few pages back explaining how to open a window and watch the bitcoin log live.  Sometimes you get errors that points you in the direction of the problems.  It will also show you the program is running when you think nothing is going on.  

Also check the bitcoind program in the system monitor and watch that run.  If it disappears you know the program crashed.   Sometimes its better to reboot the system and allowing the node to restart or restarting the node after a reboot.  Just restarting the node after a crash may mean strange things might be happening with memory or something and I've seen more problems just restarting the node.

I found that the bitcoind program would crash I reboot the system and it picks up where it left off.  A chainstate error does not get fixed by reindexing.  A restart and fresh run of bitcoind would usually fix this.  This is the database bitcoind writes from the blockchain database as a reference.  This chainstate is already rewritten on every reboot and over time with new block data.

One other thing I did was get another pcie memory stick and backup the blockchain during successful downloads after getting to a specific point.  As you get later in the download after i think around year 2020 the blockchain data changed, got bigger and each new block took longer to process so the first 3/4 could take 2 days and the last 1/4 takes another 2 days.
Don't use the apollo to do anything else but download the blockchain.  no surfing or browsing.  I even close the browser windows and monitor remotely.  Uses less memory and processing power.

Once you get the IBD, my system is running very well in all modes.  ECO, normal and TURBO.  Right now I'm in ECO for quiet and running very stable.
A good surge suppressor/noise conditioner is important for the power to the apollo II along with a backup power supply.   Crashes have the chance of corrupting the bitcoin database.  
[/quote]


Thanks everyone for the help. I have tried most of those things, including having a UPS on the system and trying different NVME drives that people listed here that would work. I finally heard back from futurebit and they said I have the "rare" controller hardware issue and are issuing me a RMA... we'll see how long this takes.
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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 01/03/2025, 23:58:06 UTC

[/quote]

I had similar problems only my node lost synchronization 1-2 times a day and the miner disappeared from the network every 2 days and had to reload it hard, I opened RMA and sent it to replace 10 days, but so far there was no answer.
[/quote]


That's exactly what's happening to mine. I haven't heard anything back from futurebit yet.
Keep us updated if you get it back and it works better.
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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 01/03/2025, 03:37:30 UTC

[/quote]

No, it's new, just bought. I did a "reindex" and for 3 days (I think I have 3 more days left to finish) the operation seems a bit "robust" to me. Many crashes, restarts, errors and blocks... so far more doubts than certainties.
[/quote]


Did you ever get yours to work?
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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 28/02/2025, 21:50:29 UTC


[/quote]

Are you hardwired or using WIFI? I had issues with using it on WIFI similar to what you've described, zero issues with the units hardwired.
[/quote]

Yes, all hardwired. Sorry I should have mentioned that.
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Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 28/02/2025, 18:06:52 UTC
It has been almost a month since I got my Apollo 2 and I still cannot get it to function properly.
I have not been able to get the node to fully sync. I have even started a node on a PC which only took 1 day, then pointed the Futurebit to it on the local LAN. After 3 days I'm only at 76%. The system still locks up a couple of times a day requiring a power cycle.

I have already tried every step that I have found on reddit and other forums.
I have: replaced the microsd and reinstalled the software, reseated the nvme drive, I do NOT run the miner when trying to start the node. I have lost count of how many times I have reformatted the drive and started over, with all the various node commands for memory and re-indexing.

I also tried just running the miner alone for a day on eco mode and the system still freezes up.

At this point I think that there has to be something wrong with the hardware.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

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Board Hardware
Re: Official FutureBit Apollo II/BTC Software/Image and Support thread
by
oneeighteen
on 17/01/2025, 19:38:46 UTC

[/quote]

The only officially supported NVMe drives are Kingston NV2s and Curcial P2/P3s.

We have also noticed some newer Gen4 drives are not compatible and this is a hardware issue. Our custom SSD drive adapter for this board is only designed for 2x PCIe Gen 2 lanes.

There is no need to buy higher end NVMe drives for this system as its a waste, they will either fail because they draw to much power, or newer Gen4 pcie protocol is incompatible with our hardware.

We are currently sourcing Kingston NV3 drives, but only one type with a certain controller works with our system, they have two types with a different controller that does not work.

Also I know 660GB/1TB seems like the drive is almost full, but bitcoin is growing at about 100GB/Y even in its current maxed out full blocks state. 1TB drives have at least 2-3 years of life left, and 2TB drives will literally last the life of the system at over 10 years.

2TB is boarderline overkill, 1TB will last enough where you can get a 2TB for half the cost in 2 years.
[/quote]



Does a Gen 3 drive work? Specifically a Crucial P3 Gen 3 x 4
model# CT2000P3SSD8