Whatsminer Common Diagnostics Guide

Overview

This guide covers diagnostic tools and techniques applicable to all Whatsminer models (M20S, M30S, M30S++, M50, M50S, M56S, M60, M60S, and newer). Unlike Bitmain's Antminer platform which uses cgminer, Whatsminer uses its own btminer software and WhatsMiner Tool for management and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tool #1: WhatsMiner Tool

The WhatsMiner Tool is the primary management application for Whatsminer miners:

Installation:

1. Download from MicroBT's official support page
2. Available for Windows (primary platform)
3. Install and launch — no special dependencies required

Key features:

• Network scanning — finds all Whatsminers on your network
• Real-time status monitoring (hashrate, temperature, fan speed)
• Firmware upgrade management
• Batch configuration (pool settings, network settings)
• Fault code display and basic diagnostics
• SD card firmware preparation tool

Basic usage:

1. Open WhatsMiner Tool
2. Click "Scan" to find miners on your network (or enter IP directly)
3. Select a miner to view detailed status
4. Navigate tabs: Status, Configuration, Firmware, Diagnostics

Diagnostic Tool #2: SSH Access

For deeper diagnostics, SSH into the miner:

# Connect via SSH
ssh root@<miner-ip>
# Default password varies by firmware version (commonly blank or a default string)

# View real-time mining log
tail -f /tmp/btminer.log

# Check chip status
cat /tmp/chip_status

# View hashboard detection
cat /tmp/board_status

# Check temperatures
cat /tmp/temperature

# View fan speeds
cat /tmp/fan_speed

# Network configuration
ifconfig eth0

# System information
cat /etc/version
uname -a

Advanced btminer commands:

# Restart mining software without rebooting
killall btminer
/usr/bin/btminer &

# Check mining pool connection
cat /tmp/pool_status

# View error log
cat /var/log/messages | grep -i "error\|fault\|fail"

# Check power consumption
cat /tmp/power_status

Diagnostic Tool #3: Web Dashboard

Access the web dashboard at http://<miner-ip>:

Dashboard sections:

• Summary — overall hashrate, uptime, pool status
• Hash Board — per-board chip count, temperature, hashrate
• Pool — pool connection status, accepted/rejected shares
• Fan — fan speed percentages, RPM readings
• Network — IP configuration, DNS settings
• System — firmware version, uptime, error log
• Configuration — pool settings, fan mode, network settings

LED Status Codes

Whatsminer LED patterns differ from Antminer:

Error Code Reference

Whatsminer uses numeric fault codes. Here are the most common:

Common Issues Across All Models

Issue 1: Hashboard Not Detected (Fault 130/131)

Diagnosis steps:

1. Check physical connector — reseat both ends
2. Try the hashboard in a different slot
3. Check 12V power at the hashboard connector
4. Check data signal continuity
5. Try a different hashboard in the suspect slot (isolates board vs control board issue)

Issue 2: Temperature Errors (Fault 110/111)

Diagnosis steps:

1. Check actual ambient temperature
2. Verify fan operation (all fans spinning at expected speed)
3. Check for dust blockage in heatsinks and fans
4. SSH in and read raw temperature data
5. If readings are abnormal (-1, 999, or wildly inconsistent), the sensor has failed

Issue 3: Voltage Errors (Fault 200/201/231)

Diagnosis steps:

1. Check PSU output voltage (should be 12V ±5%)
2. Check AC input voltage
3. If PSU output is correct, the issue is on the hashboard — perform domain voltage testing
4. Disconnect hashboards one at a time to identify which board has the fault

Issue 4: Low Hashrate

Not always a fault code — may just show reduced performance:

1. Check chip temperatures — overheating causes throttling
2. Check per-board hashrate in web dashboard — is one board underperforming?
3. Check pool connection — high reject rate indicates network or configuration issue
4. Check firmware version — older firmware may have performance bugs

Firmware Management

Checking Firmware Version

# Via SSH
cat /etc/version

# Via WhatsMiner Tool: Status tab shows firmware version
# Via Web Dashboard: System page shows firmware version

Updating Firmware

Factory Reset

To reset all settings to factory defaults:

1. Use the SD card firmware flash method (resets everything)
2. Or via SSH: factory_reset (if available in your firmware version)
3. Or via web dashboard: System → Factory Reset

Network Diagnostics

# Check IP configuration
ifconfig eth0

# Test internet connectivity
ping -c 4 8.8.8.8

# Test DNS resolution
ping -c 4 stratum.slushpool.com

# Check pool connection
cat /tmp/pool_status

# View network errors
dmesg | grep -i "eth\|network\|link"

Common network fixes:

1. No IP: Check cable, try different port, verify DHCP server
2. IP but no pool: Check DNS, pool address, firewall rules
3. High latency: Check for network congestion, try a geographically closer pool

When to Seek Professional Repair

Troubleshooting FAQ

Where do I download WhatsMiner Tool?

From MicroBT's official website support section. The tool is free and does not require registration.

Can I use Bitmain diagnostic tools on Whatsminer?

No. Bitmain tools (IPReporter, BMMiner, etc.) are not compatible with Whatsminer hardware. Use WhatsMiner Tool and btminer-based commands.

How do I find the default password for my Whatsminer?

Default credentials vary by firmware version. Check MicroBT's documentation for your specific firmware version. Common defaults include blank password or a model-specific string.

Can I install custom firmware on Whatsminer?

Whatsminer has fewer custom firmware options than Antminer. MicroBT's stock firmware is the primary option. Some third-party firmware may be available for specific models — check with the firmware vendor for compatibility.

What is the difference between fault codes and error messages?

Fault codes (numeric: 110, 130, 200, etc.) are hardware-detected conditions reported by the mining software. Error messages in the system log provide more detailed text descriptions. Use fault codes for quick identification and error messages for detailed debugging.

Related Guides

• Whatsminer M50 Hashboard Repair
• Whatsminer M30S Hashboard Repair
• Whatsminer M56S Hashboard Repair
• Multimeter Testing Guide