Extremely impressive launch from Proto yesterday. Honored to attend and represent the heatpunks.
Here are my big takeaways as someone who’s working build a new segment of the heating industry - powered by hashrate.
Modularity:
The notion of rig as infrastructure makes so much sense. Why would you replace the furnace or boiler every few years when only the “heating element” needs an upgrade or swap?
Software not Firmware:
Fleet is the new interface for the machine(s). How often do you go into the bios of your motherboard on your desktop? Exactly. Everything should automatically boot, authenticate, and be controllable from the fleet software. Imagine a future where installing a hashrate water heater is as simple as plugging in, connecting internet, and entering a bitcoin address for rewards. That day will come.
Trickle Down:
Standardized hashbaord form factors to fit rig will have trickle down effects. The pub-cos can buy the cutting edge silicon to keep their margins. Off grid “in the bush” mines will become the retirement homes for last gen Proto boards. Then the heatpunks can take what’s unprofitable in a mining business and turn it into electric heating with a rebate.
Open Source:
It’s unbelievably refreshing to have a team like Proto committed to open source, documentation, and overall communication. This is what happens when the mining hardware / software team are also bitcoiners.
Bits and Bobs:
Single phase power is great for Heatpunk tinkering. Residential homes and small businesses in the US don’t have three phase industrial power. Ability to run with missing hashboard configurations lets us match hashrate to heat demand more easily (sizing). Dynamic power tuning and rapid hashrate response means a new heating control method is unlocked. We can dial back the throttle to get the exact heat we want. No more bang/bang on off. Overall documentation and FOSS commitment means controlling a Proto miner from a regular smart thermostat is inevitable.
These are just my initial thoughts. Super impressive. The ideas are flowing.
Thank you to the incredibly impressive @protomining team and @jack
If you want to hear more of my thoughts, check out the most recent rips on the @256FOUNDATION podcast.

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