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FAQ-Bobcatminer.com

BOBCAT MINER 300

The people's miner

64GB Storage

Built-in 64GB eMMC

OTA Update

Supports over-the-air updates.

Low Power

Uses as little power as a 5W

A frequently asked questions

Shipping estimates for orders paid before 12 pm PDT on 5/1 will be 8-12 weeks. For orders paid after this date and time, shipping estimates will change to 12-20 weeks.

You will receive a tracking number once your order is ready to be shipped. Currently we are using the fastest available options to ensure orders are drop shipped to your door ASAP. Please check out our Shipping and Handling Policy to learn more about tariffs, delivery estimates, and more. The shipping fee for 10 or more units is the same.

We don’t prioritize customer orders based on quantity. The sooner the order the sooner the production and shipping.
Built-in 64GB eMMC flash for better data security and larger memory storage. All other Helium HNT miners on the market either use 32GB flashes or external SD cards. More memory means the miner is able to compute more at the same time, as well as longer device life expectancy (up to 10 years), because it allows 3000 write cycles, compared to 500 write cycles allowed by an SD card.
Enhanced 4dbi antenna provides wider network coverage, meaning better Proof of Coverage result for increased $HNT earnings. All other indoor Helium HNT miners on the market currently come with 2dbi antennas. In contrast, Bobcat Miner 300’s enhanced 4dbi antenna is able to provide 150% wider coverage.
A decision will be made by Q3 2021 on whether we will launch a second model this year. Currently our key focus is to make Bobcat Miner 300 a top-notch quality product for all users.
Unlike all other HNT hotspot miners on the market that run on Raspberry Pi, Bobcat Miner 300 uses the industrial-grade Rockchip PX30, a high-performance quad-core application processor designed for high-end commercial applications. This offers unmatched reliability and direct manufacturer support especially when it comes to debugging.

Bobcat Miner 300 uses an enhanced 4dbi antenna, this provides more coverage than most of our competitors on the market. It uses a 64GB eMMC flash instead of an external SD card. The flash is welded on the motherboard to avoid loose connection, and also has a longer life expectancy of up to 10 years because it allows 3000 write cycles, compared to 500 write cycles allowed by an SD card. Bobcat Miner 300 also uses a quad-core ARM processor, which consumes ultra-low voltage, running on no more than 0.12kWh per day.

Here is an awesome article written by the community on this. Quoting from the article:
So the TLDR is budget for 30gb between receive and transmit. Is that a lot? According to some sources, Netflix consumes between 20-60gb/month. So, bringing a Helium miner into your home is like having another roommate who watches a lot of Netflix.

It’s operating temp is 0-60C, and storage temp is minus 40 to 85C. See the specs here. See a tweet about the thermal chamber stress test. More lab test photos here.

Bobcat supports both Ethernet and Wifi.

No. The miner’s transmit power is lower than cell phones.

Bobcat miner 300 and its stock antenna are indoor rated. Currently we don’t offer outdoor enclosures.

Bobcatminer provides a power adapter with input voltage of DC12V. It cannot be powered via USB/COM port.

No. Detail specs can be found here.

First-time setup and location assert fees are waived.

Detailed specs here. Connector images here. You can also go to the antenna channel on Discord inside the Helium community to find out more information on alternative antenna options, installation tips, and coverage, etc.

Yes you can upgrade the antenna, though we strongly suggest you first try our enhanced 4dbi antenna that provides wider network coverage, meaning better Proof of Coverage. However, if you do decide to change an antenna, please check the product images, and antenna specs on the website with connector images: https://www.bobcatminer.com/product-page.

Yes. All of our stock antennas are 4dBi. The length of the antenna is proportional to the wavelength of the frequency band. The frequency wavelength of 470 mHz is roughly twice that of 915 mHz, so proportionally, the CN 470 stock antenna is longer than the US/EU stock antenna.

Watch the following videos for instructions on how to checkout using USDT. Video 1 and/or Video 2

It takes several minutes for the transaction to be recorded by the blockchain. The payment status will update from pending to paid usually within 10 minutes. You should also check your spam folder if you did not receive a payment confirmation email.

You must pay the order within the hour of it being generated. It will expire after 1 hour. If you have paid for an expired order, you will not get a payment confirmation. Email customer@bobcatminer.com with subject line [Paid an Expired Order], include order number, transaction ID, and screenshots of payment.

Orders are processed and shipped on a first come first served basis. The sooner you place an order, the faster you will receive your device and start mining! Currently we are estimating 8-12 weeks lead time from when an order is placed. This estimate was first provided in early March and remains unchanged as of now (3/21).

Situation 1:
If your order numbers is smaller than #12729 (you paid via Paypal) and you have received an order confirmation from bobcat, it means we have received your payment and order information, you’re all set and purchase will be fulfilled from 8-12 weeks from your order date. You do not have to follow up with us. The next steps will be we follow up with you to provide shipping and tracking updates.
Situation 2:
If your order number is between #12729 and #13567 (you paid via wire transfer), we are verifying all received transfers in our bank account right now. As long as you have followed the wiring instructions, emailed us your order number and bank receipt, please wait for us to reach out to you to confirm payment. The team is processing the orders and verifying each wire transfer receipt matches the amount received and the order number provided. We’re sorry it’s taking time for us to respond. You do not have to follow up with us. The next steps will be we follow up to confirm we received your bank transfer. We’re trying to complete this step by mid April. As long as your payment is successfully received, your order will be fulfilled within 8-12 weeks.
Situation 3:
If your order number is bigger than #14260 (you paid via USDT or CC), and you have completed payment either via USDT or Credit Card. See the next question below on how to check your payment status. If you paid after 4/10/2021, you should also receive a payment confirmation email from mugglepay – check spam first before contacting mugglepay if you paid after 4/10 but did not receive payment confirmation (see Payment section in this FAQ).
FCC Grantee Code is: 2AZCK
Grantee Code Registration Number: GC358658
FCC ID: 2AZCK-MINER300
We are waiting for final approval now. FCC and CE certification will be ready and listed on the website before the first batch ships.

Nope, The Helium Hotspot uses Long-Fi and uses your existing internet connection broadcast a radio signal, connecting low-power devices in your area….devices such as dog-collars, environmental sensors etc. that only need to transmit and share small bits of information (like a location or temperature). It does not replace internet or cellular service for regular devices like computers and smartphones.

We’ve designed the app to be pretty intuitive when on-boarding a new Hotspot, but sometimes a little additional information can help clear up any lingering questions about what to do next.  Here are the basic steps when installing your Hotspot:

 

Step 1: Download the app. If you already have, it’s recommended to check if there are any updates available. 

 

Step 2: Sign in or Create Account.

 

  • Don’t forget to write down your 12 word seed phrase, and keep them safe!! These can not be recovered if they are lost.

Step 3: Plug in the Hotspot:  

 

  • Pretty easy, right?  Plugging it into the outlet automatically powers it up.  You’ll see the light do the following:

  • The yellow light come on after about 5 seconds.  It will stay yellow for around 30 seconds as it boots up.  

  • The light will shut off for about 10 seconds and come back as a light green.

All told, it can take 45 seconds to a minute for it to boot up all the way, but that yellow light will appear pretty quickly

 

Step 4: In the app, go to the Hotspots tab at the bottom of the screen and click the green Set up Hotspot button.  That will walk you through pairing up over bluetooth.

 

  • FYI, this is done through the app, it won’t show in the phones ‘bluetooth devices’ area.  Note that both Bluetooth and Location Services need to be enabled in both the phone settings as well as the app settings.  

  • If you’re having trouble pairing, please check out the Hotspot Setup Troubleshooting Guide for suggestions.

Step 5:  Connect to the internet.  This can be done by selecting the WiFi network or plugging in an Ethernet cable.

 

Step 6: Add the Hotspot to the Blockchain.

 

  • Depending on when exactly your Hotspot was produced, it may require a firmware update as well.  You’ll see a page in the app of this if it’s required. In that case, you just need to leave it plugged in and connected to the internet for about 15-20minutes…so you can take a break, go grab a coffee, watch some TV, etc, and then come back, re-pair over bluetooth, and proceed through the steps.  At that point, as long as the internet has been properly connected it will have automatically updated and you’ll be able to skate through the setup.

  • You’ll see a note about On-Boarding Fees. For Hotspots purchased directly through helium.com, we waive this $40 fee (paid in Data Credits) for you!

Step 7: Set your Location

 

  • There will normally be a $10 fee to set your location (also paid in Data Credits), this is covered by Helium for the first two assertions but will incur a Data Credit cost after that. The fees are used to validate and safeguard the network.

  • Once past this screen, you can specify the location by zooming in on the map and Confirm Hotspot Location.

  • Note that this is not done automatically and is required before tokens can be earned.  

Step 8: You’re done!

 

  • Please allow 24-48 hours to fully sync the blockchain.

  • Note that we do push firmware updates regularly, so even if you do not see the screen noted above, your Hotspot will most likely update itself. This does reboot the Hotspot as well, so do not be alarmed if the light goes white for a little while, as that’s the firmware updating.

  • Once it’s synced, and if you’re data hungry or curious, you can monitor your Hotspot and the Network from within the app, or from one of the two following pages:  Our network visualizer: https://network.helium.com/coverage and by pasting in your wallet address here: https://explorer.helium.com/

For more information about what your hotspot is doing while it’s running, see the My Hotspot collection of articles in the support center.

https://www.bobcatminer.com/faq

 

HS Code:8517629900
You can consult the frequency plan guide on this website – find out which frequency plan matches your country. Similarly, you can also check here for your country’s support.
You will need to check with your local authorities the procedure. Bobcat Miner is not responsible to obtain approvals in your country for mining.
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