Sep 10, 2021 - Bobcat pushed the latest OTA update at 10:00 PDT today.

The following updates occurred in this OTA:

• Bobcat Miner Firmware updated to 1.0.2.23S

• New features added to Bobcat Diagnoser

We expect this OTA will fix some of the most commonly seen issues that have appeared in the last week, including hotspots going back to syncing, hotspots unable to load snapshots, and hotspots stuck in syncing state for long periods of time.

Bobcat Diagnoser Update

 

Performance Optimizations

1. The diagnoser page now loads as soon as the system starts running. The previous logic made the diagnoser start 5 minutes after the hotspot booting, which was confusing users who then rebooted their miner repeatedly, as they believed the hotspot was not working.

2. Netspeed added back to the diagnoser menu.

Features added: (username: bobcat; password: miner)

Fast Sync

This is an alpha feature that gives healthy miners a sync boost, so they can quickly catch up to the top of the blockchain from the block they are syncing at.

 

IMPORTANT: this feature will NOT work for healthy miners whose gap to the blockchain is smaller than 400 blocks.

Resync Miner

This action deletes the blockchain data. It does not, however, delete the helium software. Your miner will start syncing from 0.

Reset Miner

Consider this a system wide wipe over. This action deletes both the blockchain data and the helium software. Your miner will reload everything and start syncing from 0.

 

Must Read: How to Use These 3 Features

Consider the reset, resync and fast sync features in this order: prescription medicine, OTC (over the counter) medicine, and supplement. The first two treat symptoms and the last one only boosts the immune system. Resync will reload the snapshot, while the Reset feature will not only do the resync but will also rebuild the docker.

You should always try the resync feature first. If the system notification shows the resync was successful, you can then follow up with a Fast Sync to boost syncing speed.

If the system notification shows the resync failed, then opt to utilize the reset miner option instead. You can still follow up with a fast sync once the reset is successful.

Diagnoser FAQs

1. Why the sync status is red and status says alert?

This is normal. It means your miner just started syncing & there is a long way to go to catch up to the blockchain. The next Diagnoser update will change the sync status to 2 colors: (1) green means fully synced & your hotspot should be making rewards; (2) white means it’s not synced & will not make rewards.

2. How do I choose between resync and rest miner?

You should always try to resync first, as this is less ‘destructive.’ Use the reset feature only as a last resort if resync did not work.

3. When can I use Fast Sync?

Fast Sync is a ‘supplement’. You cannot use it on a ‘sick’ hotspot or a hotspot that’s fully synced. It is best to use after a successful reset/resync, when the LED has turned green. You can also use it on a healthy hotspot that’s out of sync.

4. If I choose reset miner, do I have to set up my hotspot in the helium app again?

No.

5. I see a negative gap in Sync Status. Is it normal?

Yes. It means your miner is fully synced and ahead of the blockchain. This is normal.

Important Reminders

1. Users can check both Helium and Bobcat firmwares by running the Diagnoser.

2. Firmware update is scheduled to push in batches. All Bobcat fleet should receive the latest update within 24 hours.

3. Hotspots connected to Ethernet/Wifi will receive these updates automatically. No manual intervention is needed. You do not need to open any ports.

4. If your hotspot happens to be offline at the time of the update, it will still receive the OTA when it reconnects to the internet.