GUIDE 01 / FIRST INSTALL
Install VNISH on one miner
The full path for a single machine: identify the hardware, verify the file, flash it through the web panel or the toolkit, and own the first hour. Installation time varies by route. Start with one machine and keep the route-specific recovery guide open.
Before you start, have these three things
- The exact build for your model and control board (the file finder gives it to you)
- The miner reachable in your network - you can open its IP in a browser
- Five free minutes without a power cut during the flash
1 · Identify the machine
Two identical looking miners can need two different files. What decides the build is the model and the control board.
| BOARD | HOW TO RECOGNISE IT | TYPICAL ON |
|---|
AML | Amlogic A113D chip next to the SD slot, AML marking on the sticker | S21, S19 later batches |
XIL | Xilinx Zynq chip in the middle of the board, XIL marking | The most common S19 board |
CV | CVITEK CV1835 chip, CV marking | L9, T21, 2024+ boards |
BB | A separate BeagleBone daughter board plugged into the base board | Older S17 / T17 generation |
The model is printed on the sticker on top of the case. If you are not sure about the board, open the lid and compare the chip marking - or send a photo to support, we answer in minutes.
2 · Verify the file before it touches the machine
Every published build ships with its SHA-256. Compare it once - it takes ten seconds and it confirms that the file you downloaded matches the value published in the catalog.
# macOS / Linux
shasum -a 256 vnish-s21-aml-nand-v1.3.4.tar.gz
# Windows PowerShell
Get-FileHash .\vnish-s21-aml-nand-v1.3.4.tar.gz -Algorithm SHA256
Full walkthrough: verify a downloaded build.
3 · Flash it
Path A - through the miner web panel (one machine)
- Open the miner in a browserType its IP address. Default credentials are on the machine sticker
- Go to System → UpgradeSome stock builds call it Firmware Upgrade or Update
- Upload the .tar.gzDo not unpack it. Keep "Keep settings" unchecked for a clean first install
- Wait for the rebootTwo to four minutes. Do not cut power, do not reload the page
- Log in againThe VNISH interface opens on the same IP
Path B - through the HashCore Toolkit (recommended, and required for locked stock)
- Install the toolkitOn a computer in the same network as the miners
- Create a groupEnter the IP range and let it scan, then select your machines
- Choose Install firmwarePoint it to the folder with the downloaded file and confirm. Name and version fields can stay at their defaults
- Watch the logThe toolkit reports each machine separately. Do not cut power while flashing
Stock firmware from March 2024 or newer
Bitmain added signature locks. These machines install only through the toolkit flow (version 1.7.1 or newer). If the toolkit reports an ssh error, first update the miner with the newest stock web update, then retry.
Amlogic boards with stock from September 2025 also lock the USB port. It has to be unlocked first - write to support and we walk you through it.
4 · Own the first hour
- Set your poolsThree pools, primary first. The firmware falls back automatically
- Pick a presetStart with the balanced profile. Efficiency and performance profiles come after you know the machine
- Watch temperature and hashrate settleGive it 40-60 minutes. Chip temperature stabilises before the hashrate does
- Save the working configExport it - it becomes the template for the rest of the fleet
Safety netSupported configurations include a documented path back to stock firmware. Recovery time depends on the route and failure state - see rollback to stock.