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Bitaxe

Bitaxe is an open hardware design for Bitcoin ASIC mining. The documented Ultra revision pairs a BM1366 SHA-256 ASIC with an ESP32-S3 Wi-Fi microcontroller and supports standalone pool mining, as well as solo or pool use. Its board includes adjustable ASIC voltage, input power measurement, fan control and an OLED display.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Bitaxe — OpenViST project profile in Mining.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use the design when you want to build or adapt a small, standalone Bitcoin ASIC miner and are prepared to handle PCB assembly, cooling, power and firmware setup.

Who it is for

  • Hardware builders interested in assembling an open Bitcoin ASIC miner.
  • Bitcoin miners seeking a standalone Wi-Fi device for pool or solo mining.
  • Developers adapting ESP-Miner firmware to supported BM1366 or BM1397 hardware.

Documented uses

  • Build a compact Bitcoin ASIC miner from the published hardware design.
  • Connect a miner to a pool over Wi-Fi without a separate computer.
  • Adjust ASIC voltage and manage fan operation while monitoring input power.
  • Use a standalone device for solo or pool mining.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The documented Ultra design is open source under CERN-OHL-S-2.0. The repository provides design files; it describes the build as advanced and notes that the hardware work has moved to model-specific repositories under bitaxeorg.

  • The Ultra design uses a BM1366 ASIC; that chip has a different footprint and pinout from the BM1397 and BM1387 used in earlier Bitaxe revisions.
  • Active cooling is required, and the board has a connector for a 5V fan.
  • The repository specifies 5V DC only, approximately 15W, and a 5.5×2.1 mm center-positive barrel jack; another voltage can damage the device.
  • The board includes an ESP32-S3, an INA260 power monitor, digital core-voltage adjustment, PWM fan control and an SSD1306 OLED interface.
  • ESP-Miner is the firmware identified by the repository; its main branch is stated to support BM1366 and BM1397.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Prepare parts for a Bitaxe Ultra hardware build

Gather the documented hardware and power components for a Bitaxe Ultra build.

Before you start

  • PCB fabrication access and the KiCad design files.
  • The BM1366 ASIC and the other PCB components listed in the bill of materials.
  • A heatsink, active 5V fan, and good-quality thermal compound.
  • A 5V DC power supply rated for the miner’s 15W requirement; the README notes 25W (5V, 5A) supplies have worked well.
  • The README links to building and assembly guidance for the next stages.

Steps

  1. Use the Gerber files in the Manufacturing Files directory to order a 4-layer PCB and the top and bottom stencils.

  2. Obtain the PCB components other than the ASIC using the BOM, and obtain a BM1366 ASIC.

  3. Prepare a 40×40 mm heatsink and 5V fan, applying good-quality thermal compound between the heatsink and ASIC; active cooling is required.

  4. Select a 5V DC-only supply with a 5.5×2.1 mm center-positive barrel connector and enough capacity for the 15W requirement.

Expected outcome

The documented PCB, components, cooling parts, and power supply are prepared for the build; the README points to building.md and assembly.md for PCB-ordering and assembly tips.

Guide limitations

  • The README describes this as an advanced build and does not provide the detailed assembly procedure here.
  • Do not use a supply other than 5V DC; the README warns that another voltage will damage the Bitaxe.
  • The main repository says the hardware work has moved to model-specific repositories under bitaxeorg; confirm the appropriate model-specific materials before proceeding.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
15 October 2026
Original website title
skot/bitaxe · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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