{"id":662,"date":"2026-01-16T20:46:47","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T20:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/?p=662"},"modified":"2026-01-18T23:28:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T23:28:04","slug":"nerdminer-explained-tinker-learn-and-laugh-at-the-odds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/16\/nerdminer-explained-tinker-learn-and-laugh-at-the-odds\/","title":{"rendered":"Nerdminer Explained: Tinker, Learn, and Laugh at the Odds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"295\" data-end=\"577\">If you\u2019re into crypto, DIY gadgets, or just like having blinking little devices on your desk, you\u2019ve probably heard of the <a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/BitMaker-hub\/NerdMiner_v2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nerdminer<\/a>. I\u2019ve been playing around with these hobby miners myself, and let me tell you \u2014 they\u2019re <em data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"574\">terrible for making money, but amazing for tinkering<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"579\" data-end=\"717\">Here\u2019s my personal take on Nerdminer setups, how they work, and why I keep going back for more\u2026 even knowing the odds are laughably low.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"722\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"749\">What Is a Nerdminer?<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"956\">A Nerdminer is basically a tiny Bitcoin mining device that runs quietly on your desk. Most hobbyists, myself included, use ESP32 microcontrollers or small ASICs to experiment with Bitcoin mining.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"1173\">I use mine for hands-on learning, seeing hash rates tick up, and just feeling like a crypto wizard while sipping coffee. You don\u2019t need a warehouse to participate \u2014 just a little desk space and some curiosity.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1178\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1233\">How Nerdminers Work (Warning: <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Odds Are Terrible<\/span>)<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1294\">Nerdminers mostly do lottery mining. Here\u2019s the deal:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1525\">\n<li data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1338\">\n<p data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1338\">Your device connects to a mining pool.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1431\">\n<p data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1431\">Every ~10 minutes, there\u2019s a tiny chance your miner or pool finds a valid Bitcoin block.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1432\" data-end=\"1525\">\n<p data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1525\">Most of the time, nothing happens. Your Nerdminer just blinks at you like it\u2019s shrugging.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1717\">Honestly, the odds of earning a full block are about the same as winning the lottery while being struck by lightning. But that\u2019s kind of the point \u2014 it\u2019s about tinkering, not retiring.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1820\">\n<p data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1820\">Nerdminer rule #1: Don\u2019t expect to get rich. Expect to tinker, learn, and feel nerdy as hell.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1825\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"1827\" data-end=\"1859\">My Personal Nerdminer Setup<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1934\">Here\u2019s what I actually use on my desk to experiment with crypto mining:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1966\"><strong>Hardware \/ Models I Use:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"2304\">\n<li data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"2094\">\n<p data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"2094\">LILYGO\u00ae T-Display-S3 ESP32-S3 1.9 inch ST7789 LCD Display Development Board \u2013 Wifi + Bluetooth 5.0, 170\u00d7320 resolution.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2190\">\n<p data-start=\"2097\" data-end=\"2190\">LILYGO T-Dongle-S3 ESP32-S3 TTGO Development Board \u2013 0.96\u201d ST7735 LCD display, TF card.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2304\">\n<p data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2304\">ESP32-2432S028R ESP32 2.8&#8243; Display Resistive Touchscreen TFT LCD Module \u2013 240\u00d7320, perfect for tinkering.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2323\"><strong>Pool I Use:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2442\">\n<li data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2442\">\n<p data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2442\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.public-pool.io\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2374\">web.public-pool.io<\/a> \u2014 simple, open pool that lets my devices contribute without fuss.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2459\"><strong data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2457\">Firmware:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2613\">\n<li data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2613\">\n<p data-start=\"2462\" data-end=\"2613\">I run the <a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/BitMaker-hub\/NerdMiner_v2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">open source Nerdminer V2<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s super flexible and great for experimenting with firmware tweaks and learning how mining actually works.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2618\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"2657\">Why I Keep Nerdminers on My Desk<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2740\">Even knowing I\u2019ll probably never mine a full Bitcoin, I love these devices for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"3153\">\n<li data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"2842\">\n<p data-start=\"2743\" data-end=\"2842\"><strong data-start=\"2743\" data-end=\"2765\">Learning by doing:<\/strong> Watching hash rates, tweaking firmware, and understanding pools firsthand.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2843\" data-end=\"2933\">\n<p data-start=\"2845\" data-end=\"2933\"><strong data-start=\"2845\" data-end=\"2866\">Tinkering factor:<\/strong> Screens, LEDs, Wi-Fi setups, small firmware hacks \u2014 endless fun.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"3040\">\n<p data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"3040\"><strong data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2961\">Conversation starter:<\/strong> People see blinking screens and ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s that doing?\u201d Instant nerd cred.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3041\" data-end=\"3153\">\n<p data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3153\"><strong data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3068\">Desktop satisfaction:<\/strong> There\u2019s something oddly soothing about tiny devices working silently on your desk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3244\">Honestly, the Nerdminer experience is more like a fun puzzle than a profit machine.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>FOR MORE INFO ON NERD MINER:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/BitMaker-hub\/NerdMiner_v2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Official Github NerdMiner_v2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/NerdMiner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nerdminer Subreddit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3249\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"3251\" data-end=\"3302\">Want Slightly Better Odds? BitAxe and NerdQAxe<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3430\">If you like lottery-style mining but want a bit more hash power (and slightly better chances at rewards), you can check out:<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3448\"><strong data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3446\">BitAxe<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3609\">\n<li data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3493\">\n<p data-start=\"3451\" data-end=\"3493\">More hash power than standard Nerdminers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3531\">\n<p data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3531\">Robust connectivity for hobbyists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3532\" data-end=\"3609\">\n<p data-start=\"3534\" data-end=\"3609\">Perfect for tinkerers looking to step up without building a warehouse rig<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3629\"><strong data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3627\">NerdQAxe<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3781\">\n<li data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3660\">\n<p data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3660\">Advanced DIY-focused miner<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3709\">\n<p data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3709\">Slightly higher lottery mining success rates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3781\">\n<p data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3781\">Great for experimenting with firmware, pools, and efficiency tweaks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3882\">\n<p data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3882\">Still not a get-rich-quick scheme \u2014 but more fun and more chances to see those numbers tick up!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3887\" \/>\n<h4 data-start=\"3889\" data-end=\"3908\">Final Thoughts<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"4258\">Nerdminers aren\u2019t about making a fortune. They\u2019re about hands-on learning, tinkering, and geeky satisfaction. Watching my little ESP32 boards blink and hash, learning firmware tweaks, and experimenting with pool settings is just as rewarding as seeing a large ASIC churn coins in a warehouse\u2026 maybe even more satisfying, because it\u2019s my desk.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4260\" data-end=\"4417\">If you want to tinker, learn, and laugh at the odds, grab a Nerdminer (or a BitAxe\/NerdQAxe if you want more juice) and join the hobbyist crypto scene.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4422\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4424\" data-end=\"4586\">\u2705 <strong data-start=\"4426\" data-end=\"4438\">Pro Tip:<\/strong> Track stats, tweak firmware, play with the pool, and most importantly \u2014 enjoy the tinkering process. Nerdminer = education + fun + nerd cred.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re into crypto, DIY gadgets, or just like having blinking little devices on your desk, you\u2019ve probably heard of the Nerdminer. I\u2019ve been playing around with these hobby miners myself, and let me tell you \u2014 they\u2019re terrible for making money, but amazing for tinkering. Here\u2019s my personal take on Nerdminer setups, how they [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,31],"tags":[4,5,6,7,29,32,28,30],"class_list":["post-662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cryptocurrency","category-gadgets","tag-bitcoin","tag-btc","tag-crypto","tag-cryptocurrency","tag-gadgets","tag-miner","tag-mining","tag-tech"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=662"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":670,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662\/revisions\/670"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stinkypot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}