AvalonMiner 1146 Maintenance & Repair Guide

AvalonMiner 1146 is a Bitcoin mining device produced by Canaan, a leading manufacturer of ASIC miners. It uses the SHA-256 algorithm to mine Bitcoin and other compatible coins. It has a maximum hashrate of 56 TH/s and a power consumption of 3192W. It features four cooling fans and a unique reinforcement design for durability. It was released in December 2019 and shipped in February 2020. It comes with a 360-day warranty from Canaan. AvalonMiner 1146 is one of the most efficient and powerful Bitcoin miners on the market, but it also requires a high upfront investment and a suitable mining environment.

Preparation and Maintenance Guidelines

• Prior to initiating the mining process, thoroughly read the user manual to understand the device’s operation and follow all safety precautions.
• Attach the miner management board to the power supply unit using the 6-pin connector, and connect the hash board with the 2×7-pin connectors.
• Locate the fan connector on the control panel and connect the fan cable to it.
• Use an Ethernet cable to link the network port on the control panel with your router or network switch.
• Power on the miner and wait for the light indicator to turn green, signaling that the device is ready for mining.
• Access the miner’s web interface through your internet browser by entering the miner’s IP address. The default credentials for both the username and password are “root.”
• Adjust the network settings, mining pool settings, user ID, and password to align with your preferences.
• Monitor the mining status and statistical data either through the web interface or by utilizing third-party software, such as Awesome Miner or CGMiner.
• To update the firmware, visit Canaan’s website to download the most recent version. Upload the file to the miner’s web interface and restart the device to apply the changes.
• If you need to reset the miner to its factory settings, press and hold the FUNC button for five seconds while powering on the device until the light indicator flashes white. Press RESET or power the device off and back on to complete the reset process.

Preparation Requirements for Repair Platform, Tools, and Equipment

• To ensure efficient and effective maintenance and repair of your AvalonMiner 1146, it is essential to prepare a well-equipped repair platform, gather the necessary tools, and have the required equipment at hand. The following is a comprehensive guide to help you set up an optimal repair environment:

1. Repair Platform: Choose a clean, dry, and well-lit workbench or table with sufficient space to accommodate the miner and its components. Make sure you have access to a grounded power outlet and a reliable internet connection to test the miner after completing repairs.
2. Tools: Assemble a set of essential tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, a multimeter, a soldering iron, solder wire, flux, and a heat gun. Additionally, it is crucial to use an anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge. To be well-prepared for various repair scenarios, have spare parts such as fans, cables, hash boards, and power supply units readily available.
3. Equipment: Equip yourself with a computer or laptop with the AvalonMiner Controller software installed, which will aid in diagnosing and resolving issues with your miner. You will also need an ethernet cable to connect the miner to the controller. For a thorough inspection of hashboards, consider having a microscope or magnifying glass available to identify any damage or defects.

By ensuring that these items are prepared before commencing repair work, you can efficiently and effectively address any issues with your AvalonMiner 1146.

A well-prepared repair platform, complemented by an assortment of specialized tools and equipment, is crucial for effectively maintaining and repairing mining machinery. In addition to a clean, organized, and adequately lit workspace, it is essential to implement necessary safety measures such as fire extinguishers and personal protective equipment to minimize potential hazards. A comprehensive set of diagnostic and repair tools, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, soldering equipment, and hand tools, is indispensable for troubleshooting and repairing mining machinery with precision and accuracy.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Canaan AvalonMiner 1146

To ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your Canaan AvalonMiner 1146, it is essential to follow preventive maintenance practices. Here is a comprehensive list of tips to help you maintain your AvalonMiner 1146 effectively:

• Environment: Place the miner in a cool, dry environment with a temperature range of -5°C to 35°C and a humidity range of 5% to 95%. Keep the miner away from heat sources, direct sunlight, or water sources to prevent overheating or moisture-related damage.
• Cleaning: Regularly remove dust and dirt from the miner using a soft brush, compressed air, or a vacuum cleaner. Avoid using water or any liquid to clean the miner, as it may cause damage to sensitive electronic components.
• Component Inspection: Periodically inspect the power supply, cables, fans, and hash boards for signs of wear or malfunction. Replace any damaged or faulty parts with original ones from Canaan to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
• Operation and Modifications: Adhere to the operating instructions and user manual to prevent errors or accidents. Refrain from overclocking, modifying, or disassembling the miner without authorization from Canaan, as doing so may void the warranty or cause damage to the device.
• Software and Monitoring: Utilize the latest software and management platform provided by Canaan to monitor the miner’s conditions. This will enable you to adjust the fan speed and identify potential network attacks and vulnerabilities proactively.

By following these preventive maintenance tips, you can maximize the efficiency, effectiveness, and lifespan of your Canaan AvalonMiner 1146, ensuring a worthwhile investment in your cryptocurrency mining endeavours.

Restoring Factory Settings

Restoring the factory settings of your AvalonMiner 1146 can help resolve common issues or errors by resetting the miner’s configuration, network settings, and firmware to their default values. Follow these comprehensive steps to restore factory settings:

1. Power Off: Turn off the miner and disconnect the power cable to ensure safety during the process.
2. Reset Button: Locate the reset button on the back of the miner, near the ethernet port.
3. Press and Hold: Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds, then release it. This initiates the factory reset process.
4. Power On: Reconnect the power cable and turn the miner back on.
5. Automatic Reboot: Allow approximately 4 minutes for the miner to restore factory settings and reboot automatically. During this time, the miner will reset its configuration, network settings, and firmware to their default state.

Please note that restoring factory settings will result in the loss of any custom settings or data you have configured on your miner. It is recommended to back up your information before performing a factory reset. If you have any questions or require assistance, contact Canaan’s after-sales service for support.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively restore factory settings for your AvalonMiner 1146, resolving common issues and errors, and returning the device to its original state.

Firmware Updates

Batch Upgrades Using FMS

FMS, a software and management platform from Canaan, enables you to monitor and manage multiple AvalonMiners simultaneously. To use FMS for batch upgrades, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the latest version of FMS on your computer or laptop, available from Canaan’s website.
2. Connect your AvalonMiners to the same network as your computer or laptop using an ethernet cable or a wireless router.
3. Launch FMS and scan the network for your AvalonMiners. The FMS interface displays their IP addresses, hashrates, temperatures, fan speeds, and other information.
4. Select the AvalonMiners you wish to upgrade and click the “Upgrade” button. You can choose to upgrade them individually or in batches.
5. Choose the appropriate firmware file for the upgrade, downloadable from Canaan’s website. Ensure the firmware file matches your AvalonMiner model and version.
6. Wait for the upgrade process to complete, which may take a few minutes depending on the number of AvalonMiners and the firmware file size.
7. After the upgrade, check the status of your AvalonMiners on FMS or log in to their web interfaces to verify their firmware versions.

Monitoring Firmware Versions

Regularly monitoring your firmware versions is crucial to ensuring optimal and secure operation of your AvalonMiners. You can monitor firmware versions using FMS or by logging in to your AvalonMiners’ web interfaces:

1. On FMS, view the firmware version of each AvalonMiner on the main interface. You can also sort them by firmware version or filter them by model and version.
2. On the web interface, check the firmware version of your AvalonMiner on the status page. Additionally, review the release notes and changelog of each firmware version on Canaan’s website.
3. If you discover that your firmware version is outdated or has issues, upgrade it using FMS or download the firmware file from Canaan’s website and manually flash it onto your AvalonMiner.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage firmware updates for your AvalonMiner 1146. Firmware updates are vital for enhancing the performance, efficiency, and security of your AvalonMiners.

LED Status Indicators

Understanding LED Status Sequences

The LED status indicator on the miner’s front next to the ethernet port displays the miner’s working status through different colors and sequences.

LED colors and their meanings:

• Green: The miner is working normally with no errors or issues.
• Red: The miner has encountered an error or issue requiring attention, such as overheating, network failure, hash board failure, or firmware corruption.
• Blue: The miner is booting up, upgrading firmware, or restoring factory settings.
• Yellow: The miner is in idle mode and not mining.

LED sequences:

• The LED indicator displays various color sequences to provide more detailed information about the miner’s status. For example, A green LED flashing once every two seconds indicates the miner is mining normally.
• A red LED flashing twice every two seconds signals a network failure.
• A blue LED flashing four times every two seconds signifies a firmware upgrade.

Troubleshooting Based on LED Status

When facing a problem with your AvalonMiner 1146, use the LED status indicator to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Identify the color and sequence of the LED status indicator, and consult Canaan’s website or user manual to understand its meaning. This information will help you determine the problem and the necessary steps to fix it.
2. Example scenarios:

• If the LED status indicator displays a red LED flashing once every two seconds, the miner is overheating. Check the miner’s temperature and environment to ensure they are within the recommended range, and verify the fan speed and airflow. You may need to lower the miner’s frequency or voltage, or move it to a cooler location.
• If the LED status indicator shows a blue LED flashing once every two seconds, the miner is booting up. Wait a few minutes for the booting process to complete and the LED status indicator to turn green. If the booting process takes too long or fails, check your network connection or power supply, upgrade your firmware, or restore factory settings.

You can effectively monitor and manage your mining operations by understanding and utilizing LED status indicators for your AvalonMiner 1146.

Overview of AvalonMiner 1146 Components

Here is an overview of AvalonMiner 1146 components:

• Control panel: Located at the front of the miner, the control panel features a network port, a fan connector, a reset button, a function button, and a light indicator. These components enable easy management and monitoring of the mining device.
• Miner management board: Responsible for overseeing the miner’s operation and configuration, this board connects to the power supply unit, the hash board, and the fan using various connectors.
• Power supply unit (PSU): This essential component supplies power to the miner. With a rated power of 3500W, it requires a 220V AC input voltage for proper functioning.
• Hash board: Comprised of ASIC chips that execute hashing functions, the miner houses four hash boards, each containing 72 chips. These chips perform the crucial calculations required for mining.
• Cooling fans: The AvalonMiner 1146 is equipped with four fans (two on each side) that work to dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures.
• Built-in AI chip: This advanced chip enhances the miner’s performance and efficiency by automatically adjusting the frequency and voltage of the ASIC chips in response to temperature fluctuations and network conditions.
• Unique reinforcement design: This innovative design feature bolsters the miner’s durability and stability. Metal brackets and screws are employed to securely fasten components, safeguarding them from potential damage caused by vibration or shock.

AvalonMiner 1146 Hashboard Structure

The Avalon Miner 1146, part of the A11 series, features a hash board designed with 1146 ASIC chips. These chips are organized into groups that are connected in series, and each chip plays a crucial role in the overall operation of the mining hardware. Understanding the signal direction of these 1146 chips is vital for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair tasks.

In the Avalon Miner 1146 hash board, each ASIC chip has four key signals: CK (Clock), C (Clock Transmit), R (Reset), and D (Data). These signals are responsible for the proper functioning and communication between the chips and the entire system. Here’s an overview of each signal and its role in the signal transmission of the 1146 chips:

1. CK (Clock): The CK signal serves as the working clock for the chip. It operates at a frequency of 25MHz, maintaining the timing for the chip’s operations and coordinating data processing. The CK signal is crucial to ensure that the ASIC chip can perform mining calculations efficiently and accurately.
2. C (Clock Transmit): The C signal is responsible for transmitting the clock signal between chips. It operates at a frequency of 5MHz, and its primary purpose is to synchronize the operations and data processing of all chips in the system. This synchronization allows the Avalon Miner 1146 to function as a cohesive unit, maximizing its overall mining performance.
3. R (Reset): The R (Reset) signal serves as a reset pin for the ASIC chip. This signal is used to initialize and reset the chip when necessary, ensuring that it operates correctly and reliably. The reset signal is essential for maintaining the stability of the mining hardware and preventing errors or malfunctions during operation.
4. D (Data): The D signal is responsible for transmitting data between chips. This signal carries the mining data and any additional information required for processing. Proper transmission of the D signal ensures efficient communication between the ASIC chips, enabling the entire system to work together and produce the desired mining results.

The signal transmission direction of the 1146 chips is essential to understand when troubleshooting or repairing Avalon Miner 1146 hash boards. Each group of chips consists of multiple parallel ASIC chips, with the signals connected in series. The series connection allows for the smooth flow of information and coordination between the chips, optimizing the overall performance of the mining hardware.

Troubleshooting Common AvalonMiner 1146 Failures

Hashing Boards Not Being Detected

Hashing boards not being detected can be attributed to various factors, including loose connections, defective cables, damaged hash boards, or unsuitable firmware. To address this issue, consider the following comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Examine the connections: Carefully inspect the power supply unit, miner management board, and hash board connections. Ensure they are securely and correctly plugged in.
2. Assess cable integrity: Inspect the cables for the fan, network port, and hash boards, ensuring they are free from damage or breakage.
3. Evaluate hash board status: Utilize the web interface or third-party software to check the status of each hash board. If any board displays a zero hashrate or abnormal temperature readings, it might be faulty and require replacement.
4. Verify firmware compatibility: Confirm the miner’s firmware version. If it is outdated or incompatible, consider upgrading to the latest version available on Canaan’s website.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively identify and resolve issues related to undetected hash boards, ensuring the optimal operation of your AvalonMiner 1146.

Low Hashrate

Low hashrate issues in mining devices can stem from high temperatures, insufficient voltage, network problems, or improper settings. To address this concern, consider the following comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Monitor temperature levels: Examine the miner’s temperature as well as the surrounding environment. If temperatures are too high, improve ventilation and cooling systems or adjust the frequency and voltage of the ASIC chips to lower levels.
2. Verify voltage stability: Inspect the power supply unit’s voltage and outlet’s voltage. If the voltage is insufficient, switch to a more stable and powerful power source or modify the miner’s voltage settings.
3. Assess network connection and stability: Investigate the quality and consistency of the network connection. If the connection is poor or unstable, consider upgrading to a more reliable router or switch, or change the mining pool or server to improve performance.
4. Review miner settings: Utilize the web interface or third-party software to check the miner’s settings. If the settings are incorrect or unsuitable, reconfigure them according to your preferences and the specific mining conditions.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve low hashrate issues, ensuring your AvalonMiner 1146 operates at peak performance.

Fan Failure

Fan failure in mining devices can result from dust accumulation, fan damage, or issues with the fan cable. To address this concern, consider the following comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Inspect the fan blades and vents: Examine the fan blades and vents for the presence of dust and debris. If they appear dirty or obstructed, clean them gently with a soft brush or use compressed air to remove any accumulated particles.
2. Monitor fan speed and noise levels: Utilize the web interface or third-party software to check the fan speed and noise. If the readings are abnormal or inconsistent, consider replacing the malfunctioning fan with a new one.
3. Assess the fan cable and connector: Inspect the fan cable and connector for damage or loose connections. If they appear faulty or disconnected, repair or replace the affected components as necessary.
4. Verify fan voltage and current: Check the fan voltage and current using the web interface or third-party software. If the readings are either too high or too low, adjust the voltage settings of the miner or the power supply unit accordingly.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively identify and resolve issues related to fan failure, ensuring the optimal operation and longevity of your AvalonMiner 1146.

Abnormal Temperature

The abnormal temperature in mining devices can arise from factors such as high ambient temperature, inadequate ventilation, dust accumulation, fan failure, or issues with the hash boards. To address this concern, consider the following comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Monitor miner and environmental temperature: Check the temperature of the miner and its surroundings. The recommended operating temperature range for the miner is -5℃ to 35℃. If the temperature is too high, consider lowering the room temperature or relocating the miner to a cooler area.
2. Assess ventilation and cooling systems: Ensure that the miner and the environment have sufficient airflow and space. Avoid placing the miner close to heat sources or in direct sunlight, as these can exacerbate temperature issues.
3. Inspect fan blades and vents for cleanliness: Examine the fan blades and vents for dust and debris accumulation. If they appear dirty or obstructed, clean them gently with a soft brush or use compressed air to remove any accumulated particles.
4. Verify fan speed and noise levels: Utilize the web interface or third-party software to monitor the fan speed and noise. If the readings are abnormal or inconsistent, consider replacing the malfunctioning fan or repairing the fan cable or connector.
5. Review hash board status: Check the status of the hash boards using the web interface or third-party software. Any hash board displaying a zero hashrate or abnormal temperature readings may be faulty and require replacement.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve issues related to abnormal temperature, ensuring the optimal operation and longevity of your AvalonMiner 1146.

Conclusion

Maintaining your AvalonMiner 1146 is essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively diagnose and resolve low hashrate issues due to fan failure or abnormal temperature conditions. Additionally, regular maintenance such as cleaning dust from vents and monitoring fan speed will help keep your miner running smoothly. With proper care and attention, you’ll be able to maximize the efficiency of your mining operations while minimizing costly downtime.