NMMiner (also stylized “nmminer”) is firmware and an ecosystem built around small Bitcoin “lottery mining” on ESP32-based boards. It is closely related to / derived from / competing with the NerdMiner project.
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It aims to allow users to run a Bitcoin solo mining (“lottery miner”) setup using low-power microcontroller boards (ESP32 variants).
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Users flash the firmware to an ESP32 board; the device connects via WiFi, participates in lottery blocks, shows stats (hash rate, addresses, etc.).
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There is a license fee (e.g. ~$2.99) for NMMiner to activate full functionality.
How It Relates to NerdMiner
The relationship between NMMiner and NerdMiner is somewhat complex and partially contentious. Key points:
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NerdMiner is one of the earlier or original projects for “Bitcoin lottery miners” using ESP32 development boards. It is open source, with available hardware and firmware for users to build their own.
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NMMiner builds on that ecosystem: it offers firmware optimized for better hash rates, more board support, management tools, etc. Some users believe NMMiner is derived (forked or built on) from NerdMiner code.
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There are debates in the community about whether NMMiner just reworks NerdMiner (e.g. stripping out display-refresh overhead, optimizing code) or whether it’s substantially new.
Key Features of NMMiner
From the sources:
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Supports a range of ESP32 chips: ESP32-D0, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3 etc.
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Hash rates: For certain boards, up to ~1,000 kH/s (i.e. ~1 MH/s) on ESP32-D0 boards. Others (S3, C3) somewhat less.
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Low power usage, since ESP32 is a low-power microcontroller.
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Standalone operation: device connects to WiFi, no computer required; web-flash tools; license activation.
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Display options (screens), optional modes (desktop clock mode, display off, etc.) to balance visibility vs performance. Display refresh etc. affect hash rate.
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Management tools: “NMController” (client & web tools) to manage multiple devices.
How the Lottery Miner Model Works
Because ESP32 boards are far less powerful than ASIC miners, their chances of mining a full Bitcoin block on their own are very, very small. So these devices are sometimes referred to as lottery miners:
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They participate solo mining: attempt to find a block by themselves (or via lightweight pool), but the chance is extremely small given current network difficulty.
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The term “lottery” comes from the fact that you are buying tiny chances; occasionally (very rarely) someone might hit a block or win some reward.
Strengths
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Accessibility / learning tool: These devices cost much less than full-ASIC miners, are low power, simple to set up; good for hobbyists, education.
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Low energy use: Compared to ASICs, the power draw is tiny, so electricity cost is minimal.
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Low barrier to entry: Use of cheap ESP32 boards; license cost modest; flashing / firmware tools provided.
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Incremental improvements: The community has been improving firmware, optimizing code, reducing overhead, getting better hash rates.
Limitations and Risks
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Almost no real income: Given Bitcoin network hash rate and difficulty, the odds of such a miner earning a block ‒ or even part of a block via solo mining ‒ are extremely low; more of a hobby / novelty.
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License and cost: You pay for the firmware license; there's risk you might not get much return.
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Hardware limitations: ESP32 boards are not designed for sustained high hash computations; wear, heat, WiFi instability etc. Display drawing, WiFi dropping can reduce performance.
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Timing, competition, and difficulty: As Bitcoin difficulty increases, the chance for micro-miners becomes even more negligible.
What We Know / What is Unclear
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The exact derivation of NMMiner vs NerdMiner in terms of code licensing is somewhat murky. Some users allege NMMiner uses substantial parts of NerdMiner firmware/code, but this is disputed.
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Real hash rate in practice vs claimed rates can vary depending on board, firmware version, whether display is active, quality of WiFi, etc.
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How often lottery draws pay out to these devices: odds are extremely low, so many devices may never see a block-reward event.
Bottom-Line
NMMiner is an enhanced / optimized version of the NerdMiner idea: small, low-power ESP32 devices participating in Bitcoin “lottery mining”. It offers better performance (hash rate), better tooling, support for a wider variety of hardware, and polished firmware. But in terms of financial returns, it remains more of a novelty / hobby / educational tool than a serious income generator.
NMMiner Upgraded 1060 KH/S Harshrate, 2.8 Inch Smart Display,Solo Lottery Miner,USB NMMiners for home (2 PCS)
Product information
$53.55
Product Review Score
4.41 out of 5 stars
96 reviews
