Through this tutorial, learn how to determine HNT values and set up Helium Miners. Compare and select from the list of top Helium HNT Miners:
Helium (HNT) is a cryptocurrency built on the Helium blockchain which provides a blockchain-based radio frequency network for facilitating the connection and communication of IoT devices with each other.
Helium seeks to solve the problem of poor privacy, as witnessed in the popular Internet of Things hubs like Google and Amazon. It does so by using blockchain technology.
Helium open-source distributed wireless network enables IoT devices to communicate with each other over a low-cost internet. It does not work like a Wi-Fi network but uses Helium LongFi technology and routers. Using this technology has 200 times more coverage than Wi-Fi routers.
Only a few mining devices can produce enough radio frequencies to cover an entire city with Internet connectivity. Mining devices provide coverage and earn HNT in return.
What You Will Learn:
Helium HNT Miners – Introduction
The Helium network has distributed mining nodes known as Hotspots owned by its operators. Hotspots provide public network coverage for IoT devices that connect to and with each other on the network.
The nodes rely on the LoRaWAN media access control layer protocol. LoRaWAN has a cloud component to which platforms like Helium can connect. LoRaWAN is basically a low-power radio frequency network.
Helium has 25,000 Hotspots or nodes and hence the biggest LoRaWAN network. The nodes also use a mining device on the Helium blockchain.
Helium mining crypto blockchain was founded in 2013 but went live in 2019. The team is also working on a Helium 5G network on which participants can connect to the internet based on the data they consume and not a monthly or periodic subscription.
Market Trends:
- Helium HNT miners provide a LoRaWan and 5G network coverage to allow IoT devices to connect and top-range devices to manage between 5 dBi to 26.78 dBi in terms of antenna gain. Best to have card storage of 64 GB and above, give up to 7 or more frequency band choices, and have up to 8 GB of RAM or more.
- There are around 75,000 Hotspots (Helium nodes) in the top 10 US cities with coverage based on stats from Helium Tracker. Los Angeles has the highest with 31,075, followed by Austin with 5,705, Houston with 5,342, and Las Vegas, Calgary, Miami, and San Diego, each with 3,000+ Hotspots. You can view all the Hotspots globally on the map (explorer.helium.com) if you are about to decide to buy an HNT mining device.
- Helium can be bought and sold at 42 markets (on 30+ cryptocurrency exchanges) and on 7 perpetual futures exchanges. Its market cap is $617,064,558 daily volume is $55,291,316, circulating supply is 125.776 million HNTs and the current price is $4.61.
- Helium miners cost between $199 and $700 to thousands of dollars, depending on their capabilities as defined by their features.
Top 10 Helium markets:
[image source]
Expert Advice:
- The main factors to consider when choosing an HNT mining device include antenna gain, eMMc card storage, RAM, frequency choices, and most importantly, 5G support, although most devices do not have this latter feature.
- Other things to consider include whether or not the device is waterproof, which determines if it is only for outdoor or indoor use or both.
- HNT network coverage determines the types of activities your miner can engage in generating income as a Challenger, Transmitter, or Witness. Therefore. It matters to consider the market share and where the device is being used expansively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) Is Helium crypto a good investment?
Answer: Helium has very good price traction and given the price projections, it appears like a good investment. The IoT industry is also booming and the 5G support on Helium will likely boost its prospects.
Q #2) Is Helium crypto HNT real?
Answer: Yes. Helium cryptocurrency HNT is not a fad or scam. It is based on the Helium blockchain, which facilitates connection and communication among IoT devices through blockchain-based LoRaWan and 5G networks and not Wi-Fi. It is mined using special machines that transmit the radio frequencies that keep active and spread the network.
Q #3) What is Helium crypto worth?
Answer: Helium crypto is worth $4.91 per coin as of this research and the price is bound to change given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. The HNT crypto has great prospects when looking at its price projections. It is based on an expansive network of nodes, mined by thousands of individuals around the world, and the blockchain supports 5G.
Q #4) Is Helium HNT using Ethereum?
Answer: No, it uses a blockchain called Helium based on a proof of coverage algorithm. Mining nodes on this blockchain are rewarded to secure, expand, and keep the blockchain-based radio waves and wireless access point networks through which IoT devices can communicate and connect.
Hotspot nodes use radio waves to validate hotspots, providing wireless coverage and earning from this.
Q #5) What does Helium crypto do?
Answer: Helium blockchain was constituted to solve the privacy and other issues found in the WiFi connectivity for IoT devices. It uses a secure decentralized network of nodes known as Hotspots.
Hotspots verify wireless access points that provide network coverage through which IoT devices can connect and communicate. Miners use mining machines to produce RF waves and earn from validating hotspots that provide wireless coverage to devices.
How Helium Works
Helium uses a network of nodes to provide a distributed blockchain-based network through which any IoT device can connect with and to each other. Although WiFi does support IoT devices and allows them to connect, it presents multiple privacy concerns, hence the need for use of a blockchain-based LoRaWAN network to facilitate IoT device connectivity.
The decentralized architecture and consensus mechanism give 200 times greater coverage than the Wi-Fi connection for IoT.
Helium node operators must hold HNT cryptocurrency to run a node and are incentivized to participate in the network. They must also buy a mining device from the Helium website to set up Hotspots. HNT can be earned by building Hotspots and through mining. Users who are node operators stake their nodes to earn more.
These Helium mining devices produce radio frequencies when they connect to the network. Frequencies facilitate connectivity between IoT devices on the network. The device can mine the cryptocurrency even at very low power (5 W) hence Helium achieves efficiency.
The blockchain has another crypto token known as Data Connects, which is spent in paying transaction fees on the network. These cannot be exchanged amongst users. Anyone willing to connect their IoT devices has to pay.
Helium blockchain uses proof of coverage consensus mechanisms to validate Hotspot locations and to distribute rewards to HNT holders and node operators. The consensus mechanism is based on the HoneyBadger Byzantine Fault Tolerance protocol. The latter allows the nodes to reach a consensus even when connection rates vary.
The protocol is an advanced proof of work algorithm and requires miners to validate wireless coverage produced by the nodes. Mining devices must be 300 meters apart to enable mining, but groups of miners can still work faster when nearby.
Network participants in the Helium blockchain can be Challenger, Transmitter, and Witness. Challengers create challenges on the network to validate radio frequencies. This occurs after every 240 blocks are mined. The validity of these challenges is verified and confirmed by the Transmitter nodes and to be verified, the Witness nodes must be near the Transmitter nodes.
The total supply of HNT tokens is 223 million and the inflation rate decreases over time. HNT was not pre-mined. Some are burned to remove them from circulation. The blockchain uses a Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium token model to generate Data Credit tokens. These tokens are generated by balancing newly mined HNT tokens (used to reward Hotspots) against HNT that are burned.
HNT can be stored in the Helium app for Android and iOS devices and offers pairing and Hotspot setups. Other wallets include the Command Line Wallet for tech-savvy users and hardware wallets like Ledger and Tezos. Others include Kriptomat. HNT can also be kept on multiple cryptocurrency exchanges.
What Determines HNT Value
HNT value is based on the utility and relevance of the Helium blockchain project as measured by the number of nodes and network participants, although the market value of the token and that of the blockchain do not match.
How to Mine HNT
Each device constructs PoC challenges for other routers besides expanding the network reach. They also complete PoC tasks sent to them by other devices and check the PoC activity of accessible hotspots.
Users can earn HNT by being a challenger to construct the challenges (up to a share of 2.11% based on your activity), joining a challenge (up to 11.78%), witnessing the challenge (up to 47.11%), through network data transfer (up to 35%), and being a consensus group member (6%).
The availability of tasks to do depends on your vicinity. All reward-generating activities are automatic and random. 33% of mining rewards go to Helium Inc. and investors. Helium rewards also half after every two years.
Mining rewards are not guaranteed. If you are the only miner in your location, you can’t earn HNT by participating in other activities. You can only earn by being a Challenger.
How to Set Up Helium Miners and Start Mining: A General Guide for All Devices
Step #1: Connect the antenna and the power cables.
Step #2: Download and install the Android and iOS Helium app, which is supported by many Helium equipment models (Bobcat, Rak, MNTD, and Syncrobit). Download other apps for those devices that do not support the Helium stock app.
Create an account on the app and ensure to write down the 12-word passphrase (used in restoring the crypto wallet). Set up a 6-digit pin, add/choose your specific Helium miner to the app by tapping + Add a Helium Hotspot Miner on the app, turn on the mobile’s Bluetooth and turn on the mining Helium device’s BT button to pair.
Press Scan for a hotspot on the app. Select the WiFi network in the app and enter the password to pair the miner. It will link to the wallet application once it is set up.
List of Top Helium Miners
Popular and best Helium Mining Devices/Hardware/Machines list:
- SenseCAP Miner
- Browan MerryIoT
- Milesignt LoRaWAN
- Nebra ROCK Pi
- RADACAT COTX-X3
- Bobcat Miner
- MNTD Miner
- Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner
- Mimiq FinestraMiner
Comparison Table of Best Miners for Helium
Miner | RAM options | eMMC storage | Antenna gain; frequency support | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
SenseCAP Miner | 2GB/4GB/8GB | 64GB | 2.6 dBi; EU868 and US915 | $519 |
Browan MerryIoT | 4GB | 32 GB/64GB | 3.5/8 dBi; EU868 and US915 | 480 Sterling pounds |
Milesignt LoRaWAN | 2 GB | 32 GB | 3 dBi; RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923, AS923-2. | $790 |
Nebra ROCK Pi | 2GB | 32 GB | 2/5 dBi; RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923 | 495 Euros |
RADACAT COTX-X3 | 8 GB | 32 GB | 2 dBi; | $425 -$700 |
Detailed reviews:
#1) SenseCAP Miner
This is one of the official miners of Helium cryptocurrency, made in collaboration with the Seed hardware manufacturer. Distribution started in July 2021. It comes with a Raspberry PI 4, 64 GB sd card, Seed LoRaWan concentrator based on SX1302, and a secure element under the LoRaWan concentrator which has the Helium identity of the hotspot.
How to mine HNT with SenseCAP miner:
Step #1: Download the SenseCAP app. Create a Helium Wallet.
Step #2: Set up the device. Attach the power adapter and antenna, turn it on by pressing the button at the back for 6-10 seconds, tap/click Set up Hotspot, and choose SenseCap Miner from the list.
Click Scan for my Hotspot from the Bluetooth page, then connect to the miner. Select Wi-Fi and connect. Set up a Hotspot location and pay the location fee. The fee is paid in Data Connects. You can now sit back and the device will mine for you.
Features:
- Monitoring dashboard which displays all the technical information, such as temperature, health, sync progress, and block height.
- WiFi support, Bluetooth, 2GB/4GB/8GB RAM; EU868 and US915 frequency support.
- Cooling fan to cool Raspberry, pre-installed heat sink.
- 64GB eMMc storage.
- 2.6 dBi antenna gain.
Pros:
- The app allows the management of Hotspots from mobile.
- Quick and easy setup.
- Three RAM options.
Cons:
- Pricey
- 2 frequencies are supported.
Price: $519.
Website: SenseCAP Miner
#2) Browan MerryIoT
[image source]
It is a Helium Miner IoT Device. The network coverage range on this miner can be extended with an external antenna although there is an in-built one. The 32 GB/64GB TF eMMC storage card has the capability for an ultra-fast beacon discovery. The company has a long history of producing LoRaWan equipment.
The device features an indoor antenna, but you can upgrade it with any external antenna and a cable with an RP-SMA Male connector.
How to mine HNT with Brown MerryIoT:
Step #1: Connect the device antenna and cables. Power it on.
Step #2: Set up the device. The device is connected to the gateway through the WiFi interface using the SSID and password at the back of the device. Find the SSID MerryIoT****** and input other details to connect. It will fetch the assigned IP range by the AP.
Open a web browser. Type in the IP 192.168.4.1. Choose whether to connect via WiFi or Ethernet. Configure the IP and DNS as per the setup guide if using Ethernet. For WiFi, simply find the SSID above and enter the password found at the back of the device.
You can also connect manually. Specify the gateway (third-party gateway server) you are connecting to and enter its password.
Step #3: Connect to a Hotspot. The gateway will scan and find neighboring access points. Choose a network and enter the password then click Join.
Features:
- 140X110X20mm; weight 160g.
- 4GB RAM.
- EU868 and US915 frequency support.
- Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 2.4 GHz, 2 dBi antenna gain, built-in antenna.
- Built-in antenna.
- Rockchip RK3566/Quad-core Cortex-A55.
- eMMC 32 GB/64GB
Pros:
- Crypto payment accepted. USDC or ERC-20.
- Features a crypto chip.
- External USB-A 2.0 connector reserved for future use.
Cons:
- Non-refundable pre-orders.
Price: 480 Sterling pounds.
Website: Browan MerryIoT
#3) Milesight LoRaWAN
The HNT miner has a high antenna gain of 2/5 dBi which differentiates it from other miners. This can render high HNT earnings because the miner provides a great range of Proof-of-Coverage. It comes with two model options for indoor (UG65) and outdoor use cases (UG67).
How to mine HNT with Milesight LoRaWAN:
Step #1: Mount the device on a wall or pole. Insert the SIM card and connect the antenna and all cables.
Step #2: Connect your computer to the Internet using the IP below from the Internet protocol setup on the computer. Wireless is also possible by searching for the AP named Gateway_****** and entering the following password and username. The *s is the last six digits of the MAC address.
You can also visit the web gateway using the default setup IP in the manual. IP 192.168.23.150 (type this on the web browser), the username is admin, and the password is password.
Step #3: Connect the gateway to the network. This can be done via WiFi, cellular, or WAN. With a WiFi connection, for instance, go to Network>Interface>WLAN>Client mode. Scan to search for WiFi access points, select the available one and click Join Network.
You can also connect the gateway to third-party network servers. You can also connect the device as a network server and transmit data to the Milesight IoT cloud or other platforms using MQTT/HTTP/HTTPS. See the manual on how to do this.
Features:
- Measures – 180x110x65.16mm; weight_
- 1.5 GHz quad-core, 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 Processor.
- 2 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC Storage, 2.4 GHz WiFi, 2/5 dBi antenna gain, frequency support — RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923, AS923-2.
Pros:
- High antenna gain that renders high HNT returns.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Multiple connection options during set up – WiFi and LAN.
- Multiple frequency options/choices.
- Quick to set up and start mining.
Cons:
- Pricey
Price: $790
Website: Milesight LoRaWAN
#4) Nebra Rock Pi
This Helium miner comes in two plans, paid for and free, with the paid being an advanced version. For instance, the advanced tier has an option for remote management of the miner. The device can be set up using a smartphone where you can also manage Hotspots using an app. It uses 15 W and thus is a low-power miner.
How to mine HNT with Nebra Rock Pi:
Step #1: Connect the antenna and cables, find a suitable location for the device to provide the best coverage, and connect to power via an appropriate adapter. Led is orange.
Step #2: Configure the device. Install the default Helium app on your smartphone, open the app, and press +, Add a Hotspot. Accept diagnostic permission (to allow the company to identify issues remotely if they appear) and power up the Hotspot (do not power it up when the antenna is not connected as this may damage it).
Turn on the mobile device Bluetooth and press the BT button on the Hotspot device once to pair both. Select the hotspot on the app (it has six last digits matching the mac address printed on the device sticker). Enter username and password. You can also use Ethernet by selecting Use Ethernet. Submit antenna height and power details.
Provide location permission, which helps assert the location of the device. Confirm the location of the hotspot. Confirm the location of the hotspot. Click continue and place the device as per on the map. The first $10 payment in HNT or Data Connect is paid.
Features:
- 94x70x53mm; weight 353g.
- 1.8 GHz Quadcore a53, 1.4 GHz. Dual-core Cortex A72 CPU. Rock Pi processor.
- 2GB RAM
- Bluetooth 5, WiFi, 3 dBi Antenna gain, 32 GB eMMC Storage.
- RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923 frequency support.
- Indoor and outdoor options.
Pros:
- Provides a huge range of frequency selections suitable for different countries.
- Large technical support team.
- One of the fastest processing units.
- Nebra dashboard allows miner management.
- 1 tree is planted per every order.
- High-quality saw filters for optimized beaconing.
- $1 was donated to Dew for every miner sold.
- Secure components.
- $40 onboarding fee and first $10 location assert covered.
Cons:
- $10 location assert after the first covered one. This is paid for every time you move the hotspot to a new location.
- The advance plan is paid.
Price: 495 Euros.
Website: Nebra Rock Pi
#5) Radacat Cotx-X3
The Radacat is an indoor Hotspot mining device. It has an optional high-gain antenna and LCD. The latter shows different working statuses very easily. The main board is a Raspberry Pi 4B and it uses Ubuntu 20.04 OS and above.
Its high-gain antenna assures high network coverage compared to most Helium mining devices on the market today. This mining device can even be utilized for large-scale farm HTN mining applications at the enterprise level.
The company says that the current average network earnings for this device are 0.15 NT per day. The device is sold with a 14-day return and refund policy.
How to mine HNT with Radacat:
Step #1: Buy and plug the device into your existing network.
Step #2: Place the antenna as high as possible, e.g. near a window where there is no obstruction.
Features:
- Quadcore Cortex A72, 1.5 GHz processor.
- 8 GB RAM, Bluetooth 5.0, Wifi 2.4/5 GHz, 3.5/8 dBi antenna gain.
- 32 GB Micro SD card.
- Ethernet support.
- USB 2.0 included.
Pros:
- 99.9% guaranteed uptime.
- High network coverage (80%) compared to most devices.
- Can be used in an enterprise mining setting.
- Potential earnings of up to $9,000/year in 5 years.
Cons:
- Pricey.
Price: $425 -$700.
Website: Radacat Cotx-X3
#6) Bobcat Miner
This device was ranked as the favorite hotspot in 2021 by the Helium community. It also features a powerfully fast eMMC storage which makes it capable of generating good HNT income when mining. The Bobcat app also allows miners to manage Hotspots. The device also supports 5 G for mining HNT.
How to mine HNT using Bobcat Miner:
Step #1: Install the antenna and hanger. Hang it or just place it on a desktop. Connect your computer to the Internet. Turn on Bluetooth and GPS on your mobile phone. Install the Helium app from Google Play, iOS Apple Store, or an app.
Step #2: Set up the device. Open the app and select Hotspots on the login page. Choose a miner. You can check the configuration guide or skip it.
Connect power to the miner. It will be light red then yellow. Insert the pin into the Bluetooth buttonhole and hold on to the button to turn it BT on.
Tap Scan my Hotspot on the mobile app when the indicator lights blue as it should. Once the miner is found, tap on it and then set up the network. Enter your WiFi password or use the Ethernet. The light will turn from blue to green when connecting.
Features:
- Quadcore Cortex A35 CPU, 2GB RAM.
- EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923 frequency support.
- Bluetooth 5.1 and WiFi support, 4dBi antenna gain.
- OTA upgrades.
- 64GB eMMC 5.1 Flash memory.
Pros:
- Manage and control Hotspots using the Bobber app.
- 30% global market share for the Bobber network which provides additional earning opportunities for the Hotspots.
- 5G cellular support in addition to LoRaWan coverage for mine HNT.
- LongFi compatibility.
- Mine by witnessing, beaconing, and transferring LoRaWan data.
- Ultra-low power consumption at just 5W.
Cons:
- Pricey mining device.
Price: $272
Website: Bobcat Miner
#7) MNTD Miner
The device is based on RAK Hotspot. It comes in two forms – the Limited Edition Goldspot and the black standard edition called the Blackspot miner. The former comes with 8 GB of RAM while the other has 4GB. Goldspot comes with VIP support.
When you set up the account, you need to secure the account by writing down the 12-word passphrase and keeping the piece of paper very safe.
How to mine HNT with MNTD:
Step #1: Set up the miner. Plug the antenna and the USB-C power cable.
Step #2: Download the Helium Wallet app. Open the app, click the + icon at the right corner, choose the miner brand, locate it by scrolling to the Rack Hotspot on the app, swipe to the last card, and confirm to have read the guide. Confirm you understand and then tap ‘I’m powered up.’
Enable the phone’s Bluetooth and tap Scan for my Hotspot/ it should find the Rak Hotspot through Bluetooth. The device will show up as a Helium Hotspot. Click on it and wait.
Step #3: Set up the Internet connection with the miner through WiFi or Ethernet.
Step #4: Set up Hotspot location. It costs $10 with HNT tokens, but this is covered for a new device. Choose the antenna or use the default 2.8 dBi. Confirm the location and antenna on the confirmation page.
Re-add the miner if you see an error.
Click Go to Wallet. Do port forwarding on your WiFi router as well as reserve a static IP for the miner. Otherwise, the status will turn to Relayed after you set it up and this could affect mining earnings.
Features:
- Raspberry Pi 4.
- 4/8 GB RAM.
- RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923, US915, CN470 frequency support.
- Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 & 5 GHz WiFi support.
- 5.8 dBi antenna capability.
- In-built heat sink.
- 32 GB SD card storage.
- Setup instruction guide.
Pros:
- Possibility to update to 5.8 dBi antenna for better earnings.
- Two RAM options.
Cons:
- Pricey.
- Complicated setup.
Price: $399.99.
Website: MNTD Miner
#8) Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner
The Dusun miner features high-quality antennae that can be deployed outdoors for better performance. The device offers coverage of up to 26.78 dBi, which means a wider LoRaWan. It can also be managed with an app.
It is equipped with LongFi technology, which gives roaming capability and supports micro-payment transactions such that customers can pay based on network usage without needing to deploy gateways or network servers. The technology combines with LoRaWan protocol on Helium to allow any LoRaWan device to relay data on the Helium network.
How to mine HNT with the Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner:
Step #1: Restore the device to factory settings by pressing and holding the reset button on the gateway. Press until the green light blinks.
Step #2: Set up the device. Place the device on a window or other place without any metal obstruction in front. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent overheating. Power it on. Install an antenna to the gateway. Use Ethernet if possible instead of WiFi. Download the iOS, Android Helium, and Dusun app, scan the QR code on the manual and install.
Step #3: Activate the Dusun hotspot. On red light kept on after power and Ethernet connection, power up Bluetooth, increase the separation between device and receiver and ensure the device is connected to a different circuit outlet on which the receiver is connected.
Ensure to keep a distance of 20 cm when working on the device to comply with radiation exposure recommendations. Do not expose to water.
Step #4: Connect the gateway with the router using the WAN port. Connect the PC to the same route, log in to the IP address via a browser on the PC with the username and password at the back of the device, and it will automatically find the Hotspots you should choose and connect.
Features:
- Devices pay for access with Data Credits.
- Uses iOS and Android apps for diagnostics, adding Hotspots, upgrading Hotspots, and updating installation location and antenna.
- 27x18x6m size; 0.7g.
- US915, EU868, US915, AU915, RU864, KR920, IN864, TH923 frequency support.
- Quadcore Cortex A53 CPU, Linux system, 2 GB RAM, Rockchip 3328 CPU.
- 32 GB eMMC storage card.
- WiFi and Bluetooth support. LoRaWan support.
- Up to 26.78 dBi antenna gain.
Pros:
- Wider LoRaWan coverage of up to 26.78 dBi.
- Can manage Hotspots via the Helium mobile app.
- High-quality antenna for better wireless coverage.
Cons:
- No outdoor usage. It can be damaged by water and overheats in direct sunlight.
Price: $179
Website: Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner
#9) Mimiq FinestraMiner
The device can be mounted for high stationing with a provided non-adhesive mount for better network coverage. The Helium or FinestraMiner apps support dashboard management. It can be mounted on a window or a flat surface using a reusable adhesive base. This also makes it easier to set it up.
The Cloud Dashboard web-based interface allows you to manage a fleet of FinestraMiner from anywhere and at any time. The dashboard will help you identify areas that require performance improvement in maintenance or other, e.g., CPU temperatures, online/offline status, RAM usage, etc.
How to mine HNT with Mimiq:
Step #1: Download the Helium app from the Google and Apple app stores and install it. Sign up and write down the 12 passphrases to keep the paper safe.
Step #2: Set up the device. Connect the antenna and cables. Power off the device. Connect the miner to the Internet. Place it near the window or hang it on the window.
From the app, tap + button, add your gateway, and follow the in-app instructions. Turn on Bluetooth and enable Location permissions on the app from the App info>Permissions>Location.
See additional instructions from the setup guide.
Features:
- 4.3×4.3×1.6 inches, weight 300 g (10.5 oz).
- Non-metallic RF transparent enclosure for the high-performance radio reduces signal losses associated with metallic enclosure shielding.
- Raspberry Pi 4 processor, 4 GB RAM.
- EU868 frequency support.
- Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wifi support, Ethernet support.
- 2.8 (EU) or 2.6 (US and Canada) dBi antenna gain.
- 64GB eMMc storage.
Pros:
- Highly secure gateway with heartwarming design.
- Can be installed from the mobile app Helium.
- Easy and quick setup with support for Helium App.
Cons:
- Limited warranty on the device.
- Not water resistant thus for indoor use only.
Price: $249
Website: Mimiq FinestraMiner
Conclusion
This tutorial looked at what Helium is, How Does Helium Mining Work, and the top Helium miners we consider best for your buying. There are many factors we used to rank these mining machines, including profitability, popularity, pricing, features, and utility.
Most people would want to buy official hardware from Helium and SenseCAP miners may come top on the list but Bobcat is one of the main devices out here for mining Helium with 32% total global coverage among Helium miners.
The Dusun Indoor HNT Miner is a clear winner in terms of network coverage per device with 26.78 dBi, which means you win more HNT than any other HNT mining device. Radacat HNT gives an optional 8 dBi which is also a winner in the modern market when it comes to antenna gain followed by Milesignt with an optional 5 dBi antenna gain.
But Bobcat is also great for miners because the 32% market share provides expansive coverage for nodes, which ensures you do not miss as many HNT mining opportunities as a Challenger, Transmitter, and Witness. Bobcat device also manages a 4 dBi antenna gain, which assures more HNT mined compared to most devices.
Helium miners are low-voltage miners with pretty many managing a 5W power consumption. Any HNT miner is good with 2 GB RAM, but Radacat, MNTD, and SenseCap Miner have an option of 8 GB of RAM option and are clear winners.
In terms of SD card storage, the best option would be 64 GB on Bobcat and Browan MerryIoT which makes the devices faster enough to generate HNT cryptocurrency revenues.
In terms of cost, Dusun is probably the cheapest option out here at $199, followed by Mimiq FinestraMiner at $249, and MNTD at $399.99, although most of these devices can be bought at a cheaper price from secondary markets.
Research process:
- HNT Helium miners initially listed for review: 3
- HNT Helium Miners reviewed: 9
- Time spent in researching and writing: 27 hours