The fourth installment of Compass Mining's Bitcoin Technical Operations Meetup brought together an engaged audience of mining professionals, industry experts, and enthusiasts to discuss key topics in Bitcoin mining. From job opportunities to in-depth technical insights, the evening provided a wealth of knowledge on hardware diagnostics, maintenance strategies, and power compatibility. Watch the meetup recording here.

Key Speakers

The event was led by Curtis, who kicked off the night by introducing the guest speakers:

  • Eli Hendrickon – Facility Manager at Novo Mod, a Bitcoin mining repair startup specializing in enterprise-level control board and hardware repair. Eli previously managed Compass Mining's service centers in Oklahoma and Washington before expanding to Denver.
  • Tatum Cave – Field Deployment Technician at Compass Mining, with hands-on expertise in hardware repairs and facility management, Tatum provided practical insights into mining operations.

Bitcoin Mining Job Opportunities

As is tradition at these meetups, the evening began with a discussion of hot mining job opportunities. Some of the roles highlighted included:

Main Discussion Topics

The meetup delved into several crucial technical topics, each led by industry experts who shared insights, best practices, and real-world challenges in Bitcoin mining.

Understanding Hardware Control Boards and Power Compatibility

Eli and Tatum provided a detailed breakdown of different control board models used in mining rigs, explaining their compatibility with various ASIC units. They highlighted the importance of selecting the correct control board and power supply unit (PSU) for different mining setups.

A key point was the compatibility issues between various versions of Antminer PSUs, particularly the APW12 1215 models. The discussion also covered firmware issues that can impact miner functionality and how incorrect control board swaps can lead to complications.

Common Miner Failures and Maintenance Strategies

Mining hardware inevitably faces failures, and the speakers covered expected failure rates. While manufacturers claim a 4% failure rate, real-world experiences sometimes suggest much higher numbers. For example, some batches of miners have seen up to 40% dead-on-arrival rates due to manufacturing defects, requiring miners to engage with manufacturers for potential recalls or replacements proactively. The discussion highlighted the importance of keeping spare parts on hand, particularly for large-scale operations, as delays in replacing critical components can lead to significant downtime and revenue loss.

The conversation expanded to cover bolt-on repairs, referring to easy-to-replace components such as:

  • Fans – The most commonly replaced component due to wear and tear
  • Power supply units (PSUs) – Failures can often be diagnosed through miner logs
  • Control boards – Require careful selection to avoid compatibility issues

Leveraging his vast experience, Tatum emphasized the importance of proactive maintenance, including proper site filtering to reduce dust buildup, extend hardware lifespan and reduce frequent failures.

Reading and Interpreting Miner Logs

For miners troubleshooting hardware issues, understanding miner logs is essential. The logs provide a step-by-step breakdown of a miner’s startup process, including:

  • Fan status and speed
  • Power checks
  • ASIC chain verifications
  • Frequency adjustments

Eli detailed how to analyze logs to pinpoint failures, whether related to fans, hashboards, or control boards. He also highlighted the importance of using miner management software like Foreman to remotely monitor and manage multiple miners at scale.

Bitcoin Mining at Scale – Uptime vs. Depreciation

A hot topic in the Q&A segment was whether large-scale miners are more concerned with maintenance costs or hardware depreciation. The consensus was that uptime is king, as miners prioritize keeping their hardware operational to maximize profitability. However, the decision to upgrade hardware is often influenced by the efficiency gains of newer models versus the cost of maintenance on aging equipment.

Final Thoughts

The fourth Compass Mining meetup reinforced why these events are becoming an essential gathering for the Bitcoin mining community. From technical deep dives to practical job insights, attendees walked away with valuable knowledge, new industry connections, and an increased appreciation for the complexities of mining operations. Whether you're a seasoned miner or just getting started, these meetups provide an invaluable platform to learn, connect, and grow in the industry. You can watch the entire Meetup here. 

The next Compass Mining Bitcoin Technical Operations Meetup is set for March 13, with Tatum stepping in as the event’s lead MC and Vishnu McIntyre joining as the guest expert. If the energy from this meetup is any indication, the next event promises to be just as engaging and informative! Register here for the next meetup and attend in person or via a livestream on X.