Bitaxe: The First Open Source Hardware Bitcoin ASIC Miner

Bitcoin mining is a crucial component of the Bitcoin network. It involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, a public ledger of all Bitcoin transactions. Bitaxe miners participate in solving blocks on the blockchain, and successful block validation results in block rewards, which are a key incentive for miners, especially in solo mining scenarios. This process requires powerful hardware that can perform these calculations quickly and efficiently. However, as the Bitcoin network grows and the mining difficulty increases, there is a growing need for more efficient and cost-effective mining hardware. Decentralization is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of the Bitcoin network, as it prevents any single entity from gaining excessive control.

Enter Bitaxe, the first open-source hardware Bitcoin ASIC miner. This groundbreaking project is revolutionizing the Bitcoin mining landscape by providing an open-source, customizable, and efficient solution for Bitcoin mining. Bitaxe leverages the power of advanced Bitmain ASIC chips, known for their efficiency in SHA256 hashing power. This not only contributes to the security of the Bitcoin network by supporting decentralization and diversity in the mining ecosystem but also offers a cost-effective solution for those interested in Bitcoin mining. The Bitaxe series now includes the Ultra, Supra, Gamma, Hex, GT, and Touch models, each designed for different performance needs and use cases. Whether you’re a seasoned miner or a newcomer to the field, Bitaxe offers a unique opportunity to participate in the Bitcoin network.

The Evolution of Bitaxe: A Timeline

The Bitaxe project has evolved rapidly since its inception. Here is a timeline of every major milestone:

The pace of innovation in the Bitaxe ecosystem is extraordinary. What started as a single-chip proof-of-concept has grown into a full family of miners covering every performance tier and use case. D-Central Technologies has been involved since the early days, manufacturing Bitaxe units, creating the original Bitaxe Mesh Stand, and developing a full ecosystem of accessories.

Introduction

The Bitaxe series represents a new era in bitcoin mining hardware, designed to empower users with efficient, open-source solutions for participating in the Bitcoin network. With a strong focus on decentralization and community-driven development, Bitaxe aims to make mining accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background. The series includes several innovative models — such as the Bitaxe Ultra, Supra, Gamma, GT, Hex, and Touch — each tailored to different performance needs and user preferences. Whether you’re a veteran miner seeking the latest in energy efficiency or a newcomer eager to join the mining community, the Bitaxe series offers a reliable, customizable, and open-source platform. By fostering collaboration and transparency, Bitaxe is not just a set of mining devices — it’s a movement to democratize bitcoin mining and strengthen the global community of open-source miners.

Why Use Bitaxe for Bitcoin Mining

Bitaxe stands out in the Bitcoin mining landscape due to its open-source nature. Being open-source means that the software and hardware designs of Bitaxe are publicly accessible. This transparency allows users to understand the workings of the miner fully, and even make modifications to suit their specific needs. Bitaxe gives users full control over their mining hardware and software settings, enabling complete, customizable management and performance monitoring. This open-source ethos aligns with the decentralization principle of Bitcoin, promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation. It also fosters a community of users who can contribute to the project, share their experiences, and provide support to each other.

The Bitaxe series uses a range of Bitmain ASIC chips, each representing a different generation of mining silicon:

Bitaxe is not just efficient — it’s also versatile and user-friendly. It supports both solo and pool mining, allowing users to choose the mining approach that best suits their needs and preferences. Solo mining is a recommended approach for Bitaxe, especially for those who want to experience the full process of mining and have the potential to hit a full block reward. Bitaxe is compatible with solo mining pools like Public Pool and solo.ckpool.org, as well as standard pools like Ocean and Braiins Pool. The autotune feature allows for automatic adjustments of power, heat, and efficiency settings, optimizing the miner’s performance without requiring constant manual intervention. Users can also control and monitor Bitaxe mining through the AxeOS web interface, providing a seamless and intuitive experience.

Moreover, Bitaxe incorporates an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 wifi microcontroller on board. This feature allows the miner to connect directly to the mining pool over WiFi, eliminating the need for an external computer. This not only simplifies the mining setup but also reduces the overall cost and energy consumption.

For a complete comparison of every Bitaxe model to help you decide which one to buy, see our Bitaxe Buying Guide.

D-Central Technologies: Pioneer in the Bitaxe Ecosystem

D-Central Technologies proudly presents a comprehensive lineup of Bitaxe products. As one of the earliest manufacturers in the Bitaxe ecosystem, D-Central has been involved since the project’s infancy. Key milestones include:

• Created the original Bitaxe Mesh Stand — the first commercially available enclosure for Bitaxe miners, now an industry standard.
• Developed the Bitaxe Hex Heatsink — purpose-built thermal solution for the 6-chip Hex form factor.
• Stocks every Bitaxe variant — from single-chip Ultra to the Gamma Hex, plus the Bitaxe GT and all accessories.
• Carries the full open-source miner lineup — including Nerdminer, NerdNOS, NerdQAxe, NerdQAxe++, and more.

Whether you are looking for a pre-assembled, ready-to-mine Bitaxe or a DIY kit to build your own, D-Central has the complete ecosystem. All products ship from Canada with expert support available.

Design and Development

The design philosophy behind the Bitaxe series centers on delivering top-tier energy efficiency and robust performance. Each model is engineered to meet the evolving demands of bitcoin mining, utilizing state-of-the-art ASIC chips for optimal results.

The progression from Max to Ultra to Supra to Gamma to GT represents a relentless pursuit of efficiency:

• Bitaxe Ultra: BM1366 chip from the Antminer S19XP, achieving ~500 GH/s at 21.5 J/TH.
• Bitaxe Supra: BM1368 chip from the Antminer S21, pushing to ~650 GH/s at 18 J/TH.
• Bitaxe Gamma: BM1370 chip from the Antminer S21 Pro, hitting ~1.1 TH/s at 15 J/TH.
• Bitaxe GT: Dual BM1370 chips on a single board, delivering ~2.2 TH/s while keeping the compact form factor.
• Bitaxe Touch: Same performance as current-gen single-chip models with an integrated touchscreen for monitoring and configuration.

All single-chip models are powered by a 5V DC power supply with a 2.1/5.5mm barrel jack connector, ensuring easy integration. The GT uses a 12V input due to its dual-chip design. To encourage innovation and customization, the complete design files for the Bitaxe series are available online, enabling users to adapt and enhance their miners to suit specific requirements.

Open Source Benefits

A defining feature of the Bitaxe series is its open source nature, which gives users unparalleled control over both hardware and software. This open source design means that anyone can review, modify, and improve the Bitaxe miners, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. Users are free to tailor their mining setup, experiment with new features, and even contribute enhancements back to the community. The Bitaxe series is supported by Open Source Miners United, a collective dedicated to advancing open-source mining and providing resources for miners worldwide. By avoiding proprietary restrictions, Bitaxe ensures that users are never locked into a single vendor or software stack, granting them the freedom to choose their preferred mining software, pools, and configurations.

Features and Specifications

The Bitaxe series is packed with features designed to make bitcoin mining efficient, user-friendly, and accessible. Every model is equipped with Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to connect their miner to a local Wi-Fi network and start mining with minimal setup — no external computer needed. The inclusion of a quiet fan ensures that mining operations remain unobtrusive, making Bitaxe an excellent choice for home environments. With a focus on low maintenance and high reliability, these miners are built to run smoothly with minimal intervention.

Key features across the lineup:

• AxeOS firmware with web-based management interface
• ESP32-S3 WiFi for direct pool connection without a computer
• OLED display (or touchscreen on Touch model) for real-time stats
• Autotune for automatic power/efficiency optimization
• Solo and pool mining support out of the box
• USB-C for firmware flashing (not for powering)
• Fully open-source hardware schematics and firmware

For detailed setup instructions for any model, see our setup guides:

• Bitaxe Ultra Setup Guide
• Bitaxe Supra Setup Guide
• Bitaxe Gamma Setup Guide
• Bitaxe GT Setup Guide
• Bitaxe Hex Setup Guide

Building and Assembling a Bitaxe Miner

Building and assembling a Bitaxe miner can be an exciting project, especially for those who enjoy hands-on work and learning about the inner workings of Bitcoin mining hardware. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the instructions provided in the Bitaxe GitHub repository:

1. Gather the necessary equipment and materials: This includes the Bitaxe PCB, the chips and ICs kit, a convection toaster oven, a thermocouple thermometer, Sn63/Pb37 no-clean, leaded solder paste, and a set of tweezers. You’ll also need a heatsink and fan to keep your miner cool.
2. Stencil the solder paste onto the PCB: Take your time with this step to ensure the paste is applied correctly. If necessary, don’t hesitate to wipe it off with IPA and try again.
3. Place the components on the pasted board: Use tweezers to carefully place all of the parts on the pasted board.
4. Reflow the board in the toaster oven: Place the board in the toaster oven and follow the specific temperature and timing instructions for the “soak” and “reflow” phases.
5. Cool and inspect the boards: Once the boards have cooled to touch, inspect them for dry pads or bridges. If necessary, fix these up with paste flux, solder braid, and your soldering iron.
6. Repeat for the second side if necessary: If you have parts on both sides of the board, repeat the steps for the second side.

After assembling your Bitaxe miner, you may need to update the firmware. This process typically involves downloading the correct firmware file and using a USB C cable to connect your computer to the Bitaxe device.

If you prefer a ready-to-mine solution without soldering, D-Central sells fully assembled and tested Bitaxe miners. Check our Bitaxe product page or the Bitaxe Mini Miner DIY Kit for a middle ground between full DIY and pre-assembled.

Cooling Options

Effective cooling is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of any bitcoin miner, and the Bitaxe series offers a range of solutions. D-Central Technologies has developed several cooling accessories specifically for Bitaxe:

• overclocking/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Premium Bitaxe Heatsink — High-performance aluminum cooler compatible with Ultra, Supra, Gamma, and NerdAxe models
• Bitaxe Hex Heatsink — Purpose-built for the 6-chip Hex form factor
• Bitaxe Basic Heatsink — Entry-level cooling for stock operation
• Bitaxe Modern Heatsink — Sleek design with solid thermal performance
• Ice Cooler Tower Socket — Advanced tower-style cooling for maximum overclocking headroom

For users seeking even quieter operation, third-party upgrades like the Noctua fan are fully supported. The Bitaxe series includes temperature monitoring through AxeOS that tracks temperature and performance, enabling users to fine-tune their cooling setup and prevent overheating.

For detailed overclocking settings and thermal limits for each model, see our Bitaxe Overclocking Manual.

Challenges and Considerations

Bitcoin mining, while rewarding, comes with its own set of challenges. The difficulty of mining increases over time as more miners join the network, requiring more computing power. When it comes to using Bitaxe, there are specific considerations:

• Solo mining is probabilistic: With a single Bitaxe Ultra at ~500 GH/s, the average time to find a block at current difficulty is measured in centuries. However, it has happened — the “FU Pleb Block” proved that any hashrate can win. Higher-hashrate models like the GT and Hex significantly improve your odds.
• Technical skill for DIY builds: Assembling from PCB requires soldering skills. Pre-assembled units from D-Central eliminate this barrier.
• Power supply compatibility: Different models require different voltage and amperage. Single-chip models use 5V, the GT and Hex use 12V. Using the wrong PSU can damage the board.
• WiFi stability: The ESP32-S3 connects via 2.4 GHz WiFi only. Ensure stable WiFi coverage where you place your miner.

Despite these considerations, the benefits of Bitaxe — open-source transparency, educational value, solo mining potential, and contribution to network decentralization — make it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone passionate about Bitcoin.

Getting Started: Your Bitaxe Journey

Ready to join the open-source mining revolution? Here’s your roadmap:

1. Choose your model: Use our Bitaxe Buying Guide to find the right Bitaxe for your budget and goals.
2. Order from D-Central: Browse the Bitaxe, Bitaxe GT, or Bitaxe Hex in our shop.
3. Follow the setup guide: Each model has a dedicated guide. Start with the Bitaxe Ultra Setup Guide or whichever matches your model.
4. Configure AxeOS: See our AxeOS Complete Guide for every firmware setting explained.
5. Start mining: Point your miner at a solo pool like Public Pool or a standard pool like Ocean.
6. Optimize: Once stable, explore our Overclocking Manual to push your hashrate higher.
7. Join the community: Connect with other Bitaxe miners on the OSMU Discord and share your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Open Source Miners United?
Open Source Miners United is a community-driven collective of innovative “mining hackers” who are building a variety of open-source mining devices. These devices, available for free or commercially, are disrupting the Bitcoin mining market by providing transparent, accessible alternatives to proprietary hardware.

What is the difference between Bitaxe GT and Bitaxe Hex?
The Bitaxe GT uses 2 BM1370 chips for ~2.2 TH/s at 12V input. The Bitaxe Hex uses 6 chips (variant-dependent) for 3-6+ TH/s at 12V input. The GT is a compact step up from single-chip models, while the Hex is the maximum performance option. See our Buying Guide for a detailed comparison.

What is the Bitaxe Touch?
The Bitaxe Touch is a variant that replaces the small OLED display with an integrated touchscreen. It provides the same mining performance as current-gen models but with a significantly enhanced monitoring and configuration experience. You can view stats, change settings, and manage your miner directly from the built-in screen.

Can a Bitaxe really mine a full Bitcoin block?
Yes. In 2024, a single Bitaxe miner solo-mined Bitcoin block 853742, earning the full block reward. While the odds are extremely low for any individual miner, it is mathematically possible with any amount of hashrate. Every hash counts. Read the full story of the FU Pleb Block.

What services does D-Central Technologies offer?
D-Central Technologies offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of Bitcoin miners: consultation, sourcing of mining hardware, hosting mining operations (Quebec only), ASIC repairs, maintenance training, and comprehensive mining support. We have been serving the Bitcoin mining community since 2016.

Explore the Full Bitaxe Ecosystem

• Bitaxe Hub — The definitive resource center for all things Bitaxe
• Bitaxe Buying Guide — Which model is right for you?
• Overclocking Manual — Maximum hashrate from every model
• AxeOS Guide — Every firmware setting explained
• Solo Mining Guide — The complete guide to lottery mining
• Bitaxe vs NerdAxe — Open-source miner comparison

Bitaxe is not just a Bitcoin miner — it’s a project that embodies the spirit of Bitcoin and the potential of open-source hardware. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when technology is made accessible and customizable, and it’s a promising development in the ever-evolving landscape of Bitcoin mining. Every hash counts.

Updated for 2026: See our complete Bitaxe model comparison covering the Supra, Ultra, Gamma, GT, and Hex variants, plus our Bitaxe buying guide to find the right model for you.