The Complete NerdMiner TV Setup Guide: From Unboxing to Mining

*Your step-by-step guide to setting up the NerdMiner TV, choosing the right mining pool, and creating your first Bitcoin wallet*

NerdMiner TV Setup Guide

---

## What is the NerdMiner TV?

The NerdMiner TV (NM-TV) is a compact, educational Bitcoin mining device built on the ESP32 microcontroller platform. Unlike traditional mining equipment, the NerdMiner isn't designed to generate profits—it's a lottery ticket to the Bitcoin network and an incredible learning tool.

**Key Specifications:**
- **Hash Rate:** 380-1000 KH/s (depending on chip variant)
- **Power Consumption:** 0.5-1W (less than an LED bulb!)
- **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- **Display:** Built-in touchscreen for easy monitoring
- **Purpose:** Educational solo mining ("Bitcoin lottery")

### Understanding the Odds

Let's be honest: the chances of finding a Bitcoin block with a NerdMiner are astronomically low. With the global network hashrate exceeding 600 EH/s (exahashes per second), and your NerdMiner producing around 1 MH/s (megahashes per second), you're essentially buying a lottery ticket. But that's exactly the point! It's about learning, understanding the mining process, and being part of the Bitcoin network.

**Current block reward:** 3.125 BTC (approximately $345,000 at today's prices)

---

## Part 1: Setting Up Your Bitcoin Wallet

Before you can configure your NerdMiner TV, you'll need a Bitcoin wallet address where your winnings will be sent if you're lucky enough to find a block.

### Why You Need a Wallet First

Your Bitcoin address is where the block reward will be sent directly from the blockchain. Think of it like your bank account number—it's the destination for your potential mining rewards. The NerdMiner doesn't store Bitcoin; it just tells the network where to send the reward if you win.

### Choosing the Right Wallet Type

There are several types of Bitcoin wallets, each with different security and convenience trade-offs:

#### Option 1: Mobile Wallet (Best for Beginners)

**Recommended Wallet: BlueWallet**

Mobile wallets are the easiest way to get started. They're free, user-friendly, and you control your private keys (self-custodial).

**Setup Steps:**
1. Download BlueWallet from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store
2. Open the app and tap "Add Wallet"
3. Select "Bitcoin"
4. **CRITICAL:** Write down your 12-24 word recovery phrase on paper and store it somewhere safe. This is the ONLY way to recover your Bitcoin if you lose your phone
5. Never take a screenshot or store your recovery phrase digitally
6. Tap "Receive" to see your Bitcoin address
7. Copy your Bitcoin address (starts with "bc1q", "1", or "3")

**Other Good Mobile Options:**
- **Electrum Mobile** - Lightweight and established
- **Trust Wallet** - Multi-currency support
- **Samourai Wallet** - Privacy-focused (Android only)

#### Option 2: Exchange Wallet (Convenient but Less Secure)

**Recommended: Coinbase or Binance**

If you already use a cryptocurrency exchange, you can use their wallet. However, remember: "Not your keys, not your coins." The exchange controls your Bitcoin, not you.

**Setup Steps:**
1. Create an account on Coinbase or Binance
2. Complete identity verification (KYC)
3. Navigate to your Bitcoin wallet
4. Click "Receive" or "Deposit"
5. Copy your Bitcoin address

**Pros:**
- Easy to set up
- Simple to convert to cash
- No risk of losing recovery phrases

**Cons:**
- The exchange controls your Bitcoin
- Subject to hacks and freezes
- Less privacy

#### Option 3: Hardware Wallet (Most Secure for Serious Holdings)

**Recommended: Ledger Nano S Plus or Trezor One**

If you're planning to accumulate Bitcoin over time or already have significant holdings, a hardware wallet is the gold standard for security.

**Popular Hardware Wallets:**
- **Ledger Nano S Plus** (~$79) - User-friendly, widely trusted
- **Trezor One** (~$60) - Open-source, excellent reputation
- **Coldcard** (~$150) - Advanced security features

**Setup Overview:**
1. Purchase from the official manufacturer website only (never secondhand!)
2. Follow the device setup instructions
3. Write down your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet
4. Store recovery phrase in a secure location (consider a fireproof safe)
5. Install the manufacturer's software
6. Connect device and navigate to "Receive"
7. Copy your Bitcoin address

### Understanding Bitcoin Address Formats

Your Bitcoin address might start with different characters:

- **bc1q...** (Native SegWit/Bech32) - Recommended! Lowest fees, modern format
- **3...** (P2SH SegWit) - Lower fees than legacy, good compatibility
- **1...** (Legacy/P2PKH) - Oldest format, highest fees, universal compatibility

**For NerdMiner TV:** Use a **bc1q** address (Native SegWit) for the best results.

### Critical Security Tips

1. **Never share your private keys or recovery phrase** with anyone
2. **Backup your recovery phrase** on paper, not digitally
3. **Test your wallet** by sending a small amount first (from an exchange)
4. **Verify the address** - check the first and last few characters before sharing
5. **Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)** if available on your wallet

---

## Part 2: Choosing Your Mining Pool

The NerdMiner TV is designed for solo mining, meaning you're trying to find an entire block by yourself (and keep the full 3.125 BTC reward). However, you still need to connect to a "solo pool" that helps coordinate your mining efforts with the Bitcoin network.

### What is a Solo Mining Pool?

A solo mining pool isn't a traditional pool where rewards are shared. Instead, it's a service that:
- Provides an interface to the Bitcoin network
- Assigns work to your miner
- Validates your shares
- Broadcasts your block if you find one
- Sends the full block reward directly to YOUR Bitcoin address

**Important:** Solo pools don't take a percentage of your rewards (0% fee), but they may charge a small fixed fee (usually around 0.5-2%) ONLY if you find a block.

### Recommended Solo Mining Pools for NerdMiner TV

Not all mining pools support ultra-low hashrate devices like the NerdMiner. Here are the pools specifically designed for NerdMiners:

#### 1. Public-Pool.io (Default & Most Popular)

**Pool URL:** `public-pool.io`  
**Port:** `21496`  
**Fee:** 0% (donations appreciated)

**Why Choose This Pool:**
- Pre-configured as default on most NerdMiners
- Excellent web interface with real-time statistics
- Large NerdMiner community using it
- Can track your hashrate and shares online
- Custom worker names supported

**How to Monitor:**
Visit `https://web.public-pool.io/` and enter your Bitcoin address to see:
- Your current hashrate
- Valid shares submitted
- Best difficulty achieved
- Worker information

**Worker Naming:**
Add a custom worker name to identify your device:
`your_btc_address.workername`

Example: `bc1q28kkr5hk4gnqe3evma6runjrd2pvqyp8fpwfzu.office_miner`

#### 2. pool.nerdminers.org (Community Pool)

**Pool URL:** `pool.nerdminers.org`  
**Port:** `3333`  
**Fee:** 0%

**Why Choose This Pool:**
- Created specifically for NerdMiners
- No pool fees whatsoever
- Full block rewards go to your address
- Supports ultra-low difficulty
- Active community support

**Limitations:**
- Only supports NerdMiners and similar micro miners
- Regular miners are rejected (by design)

#### 3. solo.ckpool.org (CK Solo Pool)

**Pool URL:** `solo.ckpool.org`  
**Port:** `3333`  
**Fee:** 0.5% (only charged if you find a block)

**Why Choose This Pool:**
- Most established solo mining pool
- Not-for-profit service
- Anonymous (no registration required)
- Reliable uptime

**Note:** This pool doesn't provide detailed statistics for individual miners, so you won't see your hashrate displayed on their website.

#### 4. pool.nerdminer.io

**Pool URL:** `pool.nerdminer.io`  
**Port:** `3333`  
**Fee:** 0%

**Why Choose This Pool:**
- NerdMiner-specific pool
- Zero fees
- Simple and straightforward

#### 5. pool.nerdminer.de (European Pool)

**Pool URL:** `pool.nerdminer.de`  
**Port:** `3333`  
**Fee:** 0%

**Why Choose This Pool:**
- Based in Europe (good latency for European miners)
- NerdMiner-friendly
- No fees

### How to Choose the Best Pool for You

**Choose Public-Pool.io if:**
- You want to monitor your stats online
- You like the web interface
- You want custom worker names
- You're using the default setup

**Choose pool.nerdminers.org if:**
- You want absolute zero fees
- You prefer a community-run pool
- You want NerdMiner-specific support

**Choose solo.ckpool.org if:**
- You want maximum anonymity
- You don't need detailed statistics
- You trust established infrastructure

**Pro Tip:** You can experiment with different pools! Simply reset your NerdMiner and try a different pool to see which one you prefer.

### Can You Use Regular Mining Pools?

**Short answer:** No.

Regular mining pools (like ViaBTC, F2Pool, AntPool) require a minimum hashrate of at least 1 TH/s to credit shares. Your NerdMiner produces around 0.001 TH/s, so it won't even register. These pools are designed for ASIC miners costing thousands of dollars.

Solo pools are specifically configured to accept the ultra-low difficulty shares that NerdMiners produce.

---

## Part 3: Setting Up Your NerdMiner TV

Now that you have your Bitcoin wallet address and have chosen a mining pool, it's time to configure your NerdMiner TV!

### What You'll Need

- ✅ NerdMiner TV device
- ✅ USB-C cable (must support data transfer, not just charging)
- ✅ USB power source (computer, wall adapter, or power bank)
- ✅ Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz band - 5GHz won't work!)
- ✅ Your Bitcoin wallet address (copied and ready)
- ✅ Computer or smartphone

### Step-by-Step Setup Process

#### Step 1: Initial Power-Up

1. **Remove the protective film** from the screen if present
2. **Connect the USB-C cable** to your NerdMiner TV
3. **Plug the other end** into a power source (USB wall adapter or computer)
4. **Wait 10-15 seconds** - the device will boot up and display a WiFi setup screen with a QR code

**Troubleshooting:** If you don't see the WiFi setup screen:
- Wait up to 30 seconds
- Try a different USB cable (many cables are charge-only)
- Ensure your power source provides at least 0.5W

#### Step 2: Connect to NerdMiner's WiFi

Your NerdMiner TV creates its own temporary WiFi network for initial setup.

**On a Smartphone (Easiest Method):**
1. Scan the QR code displayed on the NerdMiner's screen
2. This will automatically connect you to the NerdMiner's WiFi network
3. Skip to Step 3

**Manual Method (Computer or Phone):**
1. Open your WiFi settings
2. Look for a network named: **`NerdMinerAP`**
3. Connect to this network
4. When prompted for a password, enter: **`MineYourCoins`**
5. Wait for the connection to establish

#### Step 3: Access the Configuration Page

Once connected to the NerdMiner's WiFi:

**Automatic Redirect (Most Common):**
- A configuration page should open automatically in your browser
- If this happens, proceed to Step 4

**Manual Access:**
If you're not automatically redirected:
1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
2. In the address bar, type: `192.168.4.1`
3. Press Enter
4. You should see the NerdMiner configuration screen

#### Step 4: Configure WiFi and Mining Settings

You'll see a configuration page with several options. Here's what to do:

1. **Click on "Configure WiFi"**

2. **Select Your Home WiFi Network:**
   - A list of available networks should appear
   - If you don't see your network, click the "Refresh" button
   - Select your home WiFi network from the list
   - **Important:** NerdMiner only works with 2.4GHz WiFi networks, not 5GHz

3. **Enter Your WiFi Password:**
   - Type your WiFi password carefully (it's case-sensitive)
   - Double-check for typos!

4. **Enter Your Bitcoin Address:**
   - Paste your Bitcoin wallet address (starting with bc1q, 1, or 3)
   - **CRITICAL:** Delete the placeholder text "yourBtcAddress" first
   - Use bc1q format (Native SegWit) if possible
   - **Verify the address** - check the first and last few characters

5. **Configure Pool Settings (Optional):**

   **Default Pool (Public-Pool.io):**
   - Pool URL: `public-pool.io`
   - Pool Port: `21496`
   - Pool Password: `x`
   
   Most users stick with the default and it works great!

   **To Use a Different Pool:**
   
   For pool.nerdminers.org:
   - Pool URL: `pool.nerdminers.org`
   - Pool Port: `3333`
   - Pool Password: `x`

   For solo.ckpool.org:
   - Pool URL: `solo.ckpool.org`
   - Pool Port: `3333`
   - Pool Password: `x`

6. **Set Your Timezone (Optional):**
   - Enter your UTC offset
   - For US Eastern Time: `-5` (winter) or `-4` (summer)
   - For Central Europe: `+1` (winter) or `+2` (summer)
   - For UTC/GMT: `0`

7. **Worker Name (Optional):**
   - Add a custom worker name after your Bitcoin address
   - Format: `your_btc_address.workername`
   - Example: `.office_miner` or `.bedroom_miner`
   - This helps identify multiple NerdMiners

8. **Click "Save"**
   - Your NerdMiner will save the settings
   - The device will restart automatically
   - The screen may go blank briefly—this is normal!

#### Step 5: Mining Begins!

After saving your settings:

1. **The NerdMiner will disconnect** from your phone/computer
2. **It will connect to your home WiFi** (this takes 10-30 seconds)
3. **The main mining screen will appear** showing:
   - Current hashrate (should show ~55-78 KH/s depending on your model)
   - WiFi status icon (should be connected)
   - Pickaxe icon (indicates active mining)
   - Local time
   - Valid blocks found (will show 0 unless you're VERY lucky)
   - Best difficulty achieved
   - Pool information

**Success Indicators:**
- ✅ WiFi icon is displayed (connected to internet)
- ✅ Pickaxe icon is shown (actively mining)
- ✅ Hashrate shows 50-1000 KH/s
- ✅ "Valid shares" counter increases over time

### Navigating Your NerdMiner TV

The NerdMiner TV uses a touchscreen interface:

**Touch Actions:**
- **Short Touch:** Switch to the next display screen
- **Long Touch (hold):** Force configuration mode (to change settings)

**Display Screens:**
Your NerdMiner has multiple screens you can cycle through:
1. Main mining statistics
2. Hashrate and difficulty
3. Network information
4. Time display
5. Pool statistics

### Monitoring Your Mining Activity

#### On the Device

Check your NerdMiner's screen for:
- **Hashrate:** Should display 55-1000 KH/s consistently
- **Valid Shares:** This number should increase regularly (every few minutes)
- **Best Difficulty:** Your highest difficulty share submitted
- **WiFi Icon:** Confirms internet connection
- **Pickaxe Icon:** Confirms active mining

#### Online (Public-Pool.io)

If you're using Public-Pool.io:

1. Visit: `https://web.public-pool.io/`
2. Enter your Bitcoin address in the search field
3. Click "Search" or press Enter
4. You'll see:
   - Current hashrate
   - Total shares submitted
   - Worker information
   - Best difficulty
   - Last share submitted time

**Note:** It may take 5-10 minutes for your miner to appear in the stats.

---

## Part 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Problem: WiFi Setup Screen Doesn't Appear

**Solutions:**
1. Wait longer - can take up to 60 seconds on first boot
2. Use a different USB cable - must support data transfer
3. Hold the reset button for 5 seconds to force configuration mode
4. Try a different power source (ensure it provides enough power)

### Problem: Can't Connect to NerdMinerAP WiFi

**Solutions:**
1. Verify you're typing the password correctly: `MineYourCoins`
2. Move closer to the NerdMiner device
3. Disable mobile data on your phone (can interfere)
4. Try a different device (phone vs computer)
5. Reset the NerdMiner by holding the button for 5 seconds

### Problem: Can't See My Home WiFi Network

**Solutions:**
1. Click the "Refresh" button on the configuration page
2. Ensure your WiFi is 2.4GHz (not 5GHz only)
3. Check if your WiFi is hidden - you may need to type the name manually
4. Move the NerdMiner closer to your router
5. Restart your router

### Problem: "Check WiFi Connection" Error

**Solutions:**
1. Verify your WiFi password is correct
2. Ensure your router allows new devices to connect
3. Check if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router
4. Try rebooting your router
5. Use a different WiFi network temporarily (like a mobile hotspot) to test

### Problem: Hashrate Shows Zero or Very Low

**Solutions:**
1. Check internet connection (WiFi icon should be visible)
2. Verify you entered a valid Bitcoin address
3. Wait 2-3 minutes for mining to stabilize
4. Try a different mining pool
5. Reflash the firmware using the web flasher tool

### Problem: No Shares Being Submitted

**Solutions:**
1. Check that pickaxe icon is showing (indicates active mining)
2. Verify pool URL and port are correct
3. Ensure Bitcoin address is valid (starts with bc1q, 1, or 3)
4. Wait up to 10 minutes - sometimes takes time for first share
5. Check online pool stats to confirm connection

### Problem: Need to Change Settings

**Solutions:**
1. **Long touch** the screen to enter configuration mode
2. Or **reset the device:**
   - Hold the touch pad for 5 seconds
   - This will reset all configurations
   - The device will reboot to the setup screen
   - You'll need to re-enter all settings

### Problem: Device Won't Power On

**Solutions:**
1. Try a different USB cable (must support data, not just charging)
2. Use a different power source (wall adapter vs computer)
3. Check if the USB port provides enough power (0.5W minimum)
4. Inspect the USB-C port for damage or debris

---

## Part 5: Understanding Your Mining Stats

### What Do the Numbers Mean?

**Hashrate (KH/s):**
- This is your mining speed
- NerdMiner TV typically shows 380-1000 KH/s
- Higher is better, but won't significantly change your odds
- Should remain relatively stable

**Valid Shares:**
- These are "lottery tickets" you've submitted
- Each share is a potential winning ticket
- More shares = more chances (but odds are still tiny)
- Normal to submit hundreds or thousands

**Best Difficulty:**
- Your highest difficulty share
- Shows your "closest near miss"
- Higher numbers mean you got closer to finding a block
- A winning block requires difficulty > network difficulty (~60 trillion)

**Network Difficulty:**
- Current difficulty to find a Bitcoin block
- Currently over 60,000,000,000,000 (60 trillion!)
- Adjusts every 2016 blocks (~2 weeks)
- Makes finding a block extremely rare

### Calculating Your Odds

With a NerdMiner running at 1 MH/s (1,000 KH/s):
- Network hashrate: ~600 EH/s (600,000,000,000 MH/s)
- Your odds of finding the next block: 1 in 600,000,000,000
- Expected time to find a block: ~1,140 years

**But someone wins every ~10 minutes!** That's the lottery nature of Bitcoin mining.

### Has Anyone Actually Won with a NerdMiner?

While it's incredibly rare, there have been instances of solo miners with modest setups finding blocks and winning the full reward. The lottery nature means it's technically possible, just astronomically unlikely.

**The Real Wins:**
1. **Learning:** Understanding how Bitcoin mining works
2. **Participation:** Being part of the Bitcoin network
3. **Community:** Connecting with other Bitcoin enthusiasts
4. **Entertainment:** Watching your stats and dreaming big
5. **Conversation:** An amazing desk decoration that starts discussions

---

## Part 6: Optimizing Your Setup

### Power Consumption Tips

- **Power cost:** At 1W, running 24/7 costs about $1-2 per year in electricity
- **Use a timer:** If you want to save even more, use a smart plug to run it during off-peak hours
- **Monitor temperature:** Should stay cool (it barely generates heat)

### Multiple NerdMiners

Want to increase your odds? Run multiple NerdMiners!

**With multiple devices:**
- Use unique worker names: `.miner1`, `.miner2`, `.miner3`
- Monitor each one separately on the pool website
- Each device multiplies your odds (but they're still tiny!)

**Setup tip:** Configure them all with the same Bitcoin address but different worker names.

### Firmware Updates

Keep your NerdMiner updated with the latest firmware:

1. Visit: `https://bitmaker-hub.github.io/diyflasher/`
2. Connect your NerdMiner via USB-C
3. Select the latest firmware version
4. Click "Flash"
5. Wait for the process to complete

**Benefits of updating:**
- Bug fixes
- Performance improvements
- New features
- Better pool compatibility

---

## Part 7: Advanced Configuration

### Changing Pools

To switch to a different mining pool:

1. Long touch the screen to enter configuration mode
2. Or hold for 5 seconds to reset
3. Reconnect to NerdMinerAP WiFi
4. Access 192.168.4.1
5. Enter new pool URL and port
6. Save and restart

### Using Mobile Hotspot

If your home WiFi isn't working:

1. Enable hotspot on your smartphone
2. Make sure it's set to 2.4GHz (check phone settings)
3. Connect NerdMiner to the hotspot
4. Monitor data usage (very minimal - a few MB per day)

### Custom Worker Statistics

For Public-Pool.io, add a worker name to track individual devices:

**Format:**
`bitcoin_address.worker_name`

**Examples:**
- `bc1q28kkr...fpwfzu.office`
- `bc1q28kkr...fpwfzu.bedroom`
- `bc1q28kkr...fpwfzu.miner_01`

Then visit the pool website and filter by worker name to see individual stats.

---

## Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I mine other cryptocurrencies?

Yes! The NerdMiner can mine any SHA-256 algorithm coins:
- Bitcoin (BTC) - most popular
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Bitcoin SV (BSV)

However, most NerdMiners stick with Bitcoin as it has the most pool support.

### Can I mine on the Lightning Network?

No, the NerdMiner mines on the main Bitcoin blockchain (Layer 1), not the Lightning Network (Layer 2).

### Do I need to run it 24/7?

No, but running it continuously gives you the best chance (still tiny) of finding a block. The beauty is it costs almost nothing to run.

### What happens if I find a block?

1. Your NerdMiner submits the winning proof to the pool
2. The pool broadcasts it to the Bitcoin network
3. The block is added to the blockchain
4. The 3.125 BTC reward is sent directly to YOUR Bitcoin address
5. After 100 confirmations (~16 hours), you can spend it
6. You become a legend in the NerdMiner community!

### Can I use the same Bitcoin address on multiple NerdMiners?

Absolutely! This is actually recommended. Use the same address but different worker names:
- NerdMiner 1: `your_address.miner1`
- NerdMiner 2: `your_address.miner2`

If any of them finds a block, it all goes to your address.

### Is this profitable?

**Short answer:** No, not in terms of expected value.

**Long answer:** The expected value of running a NerdMiner (factoring in electricity and odds) is negative. You're paying ~$1-2 per year in electricity for a lottery ticket that's unlikely to ever win. However, the educational value, entertainment, and tiny chance of winning big make it worthwhile for many people.

Think of it like buying a lottery ticket, but one that also teaches you about Bitcoin mining!

### Can I sell my NerdMiner if I get bored?

Yes! There's an active secondary market for NerdMiners:
- eBay
- Bitcoin forums
- Reddit r/BitcoinMining
- Local crypto meetups

### How do I know it's actually mining?

Check these indicators:
1. **On device:** Pickaxe icon, increasing share count
2. **Online:** Visit your pool's website and enter your Bitcoin address
3. **Network:** Check the pool's global statistics to see it's operational
4. **Shares:** Valid shares should submit every few minutes

---

## Part 9: Safety and Security Reminders

### Protect Your Bitcoin Address

While your public Bitcoin address is safe to share, remember:
- Anyone can see your balance using a block explorer
- Anyone can see your transaction history
- If privacy is a concern, use a new address periodically

### Secure Your Recovery Phrase

If you're using a self-custodial wallet:
- **Write it on paper**, never digital
- **Store it securely** - fireproof safe, safety deposit box
- **Never share it** with anyone, ever
- **Make a backup** stored in a separate secure location
- **Test your backup** by recovering a small test wallet

### Beware of Scams

**Never:**
- Share your private keys or recovery phrase
- Send Bitcoin to "verify" your wallet
- Click links in unsolicited messages about your mining
- Download firmware from unofficial sources
- Trust anyone claiming to help you mine faster for a fee

**Always:**
- Download firmware from official GitHub: `github.com/BitMaker-hub/NerdMiner_v2`
- Use official pool websites
- Verify Bitcoin addresses carefully before sending
- Keep your recovery phrase offline

---

## Part 10: Joining the Community

### Where to Connect

**GitHub:**
- Official Repository: `github.com/BitMaker-hub/NerdMiner_v2`
- Report bugs, suggest features, contribute code

**Telegram:**
- BitMaker Telegram Group
- NerdMiner community discussions
- Support and troubleshooting

**Reddit:**
- r/BitcoinMining
- r/Bitcoin
- NerdMiner-specific threads

**Discord:**
- Various Bitcoin mining servers
- NerdMiner channels for support

### Contributing

The NerdMiner is open-source! You can:
- Report bugs on GitHub
- Suggest improvements
- Contribute code
- Create custom firmware
- Design 3D-printed cases
- Share your setup photos

### Supporting the Project

If you find value in the NerdMiner project:
- Donate to the developers (addresses on GitHub)
- Support pool operators
- Share your experience with others
- Create tutorials or videos
- Buy officially licensed hardware

---

## Conclusion: Your Bitcoin Mining Journey Begins

Congratulations! You've successfully set up your NerdMiner TV, created your Bitcoin wallet, and chosen your mining pool. You're now actively participating in the Bitcoin network, running a real mining operation that's securing the blockchain.

**What You've Accomplished:**
✅ Created a secure Bitcoin wallet  
✅ Understood Bitcoin address formats  
✅ Chosen the right solo mining pool  
✅ Configured your NerdMiner TV  
✅ Connected to the Bitcoin network  
✅ Started submitting shares  

**Remember:**
- This is about **learning** and **participation**, not profit
- Your odds of finding a block are tiny, but not zero
- The education and experience are the real rewards
- You're now part of Bitcoin's decentralized network
- Every share is a lottery ticket to ~$345,000

**Keep Mining:**
- Monitor your stats regularly
- Experiment with different pools
- Update firmware when available
- Connect with the community
- Most importantly: have fun!

The NerdMiner TV is more than just a gadget—it's a window into how Bitcoin works, a conversation starter, and a tiny chance at life-changing wealth. Whether you ever find a block or not, you're now a Bitcoin miner, and that's pretty cool.

Happy mining, and may the odds be ever in your favor! 🚀

---

## Quick Reference Card

**For First-Time Setup:**
1. Plug in NerdMiner → see WiFi screen
2. Connect to NerdMinerAP (password: MineYourCoins)
3. Open browser → 192.168.4.1
4. Configure WiFi → Enter Bitcoin address → Save
5. Wait for mining screen → Confirm WiFi + pickaxe icons

**Default Pool Settings:**
- URL: public-pool.io
- Port: 21496
- Password: x

**Alternative Pools:**
- pool.nerdminers.org:3333
- solo.ckpool.org:3333
- pool.nerdminer.io:3333

**Recommended Bitcoin Address Format:**
- Use bc1q... (Native SegWit)

**Monitoring:**
- Public-Pool.io: https://web.public-pool.io/ + your BTC address

**Reset Device:**
- Long touch screen for 5 seconds

**Update Firmware:**
- Visit: https://bitmaker-hub.github.io/diyflasher/

**Support:**
- GitHub: github.com/BitMaker-hub/NerdMiner_v2
- Telegram: BitMaker Group

---

*This guide is community-created and not officially endorsed by any wallet provider or mining pool. Always verify information from official sources. Bitcoin mining involves risk, including the potential loss of your device's value and electricity costs. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. This is educational content only, not financial advice.*

**Version 1.0 - January 2026**  
*Created for the Cyber NOW Education community*