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Troubleshooting

⚠ WARNING ⚠

Before performing any troubleshooting steps below, carefully follow all instructions regarding disconnecting the solar input.

When a step instructs you to disconnect the solar input, make sure the solar panel is fully disconnected from the SolarAxe Core before proceeding. Failure to do so could result in improper charging conditions or damage to the battery or electrical components.

If at any point you are uncomfortable continuing, stop troubleshooting and contact SolarAxe Support through the online chat or contact form.

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We’ll be happy to help walk you through the next steps.

Your miner will not start after connecting the solar panel and miner(s) to the SolarAxe Core.

Troubleshooting First Steps:

  1. Check the solar panel connection
    • Make sure the solar panel is securely connected to the MC4-to-XT60 adapter or extension cable.
  2. Check the PV input connection
    • Make sure the XT60 connector is fully inserted into the PV INPUT on the SolarAxe Core.
  3. Check the miner power connections
    • Make sure the miner power cables are securely connected at both the SolarAxe Core and the miner.
  4. Check the battery voltage
    • Open the SolarAxe Core with the front panel facing you.
    • On the right-hand side, the uppermost electronics board is the solar charge controller.
    • Check the battery voltage shown on its display.
    • If the displayed voltage is approximately 12.8V or lower, the battery protection circuit may currently be disconnected from the miner outputs.
    • The SolarAxe Core uses a low-voltage disconnect to help protect the LiFePO₄ battery from excessive discharge.
    • The disconnect is triggered at approximately 12.2V.
    • After the disconnect activates, miner power will remain off until the battery voltage recovers to approximately 12.9V or higher.
    • If this is the issue, place the solar panel in direct sunlight and allow the battery to recharge.
    • Recharge time will vary depending on sunlight intensity, panel angle, battery state of charge, temperature, and other conditions.
    • Once the reconnect voltage is reached, the voltage disconnect will automatically restore power.
    • If your miners are properly connected, they should automatically power back on.

Note: A 12.8V LiFePO₄ battery is referred to as a 12.8V nominal battery. The voltage shown on the controller will vary depending on battery state of charge and whether the battery is currently charging or under load.

    Troubleshooting Next Steps
    You have completed the First Steps Troubleshooting and your miner still will not start.

    1. Disconnect all external devices
      • Unplug your miner(s) from the SolarAxe Core.
      • Unplug the solar input from the SolarAxe Core.
    2. Check the battery voltage
      • Open the SolarAxe Core and check the voltage shown on the solar charge controller display.
      • If the voltage is approximately 12.9V or higher, continue to Step 3.
      • If there is no voltage reading at all:
        • Carefully disconnect the battery leads from the battery terminals and set them aside.
        • Follow the red battery wire to the black plastic inline fuse holder.
        • Open the fuse holder and replace the fuse with a 6×30mm 10A fuse.
        • Close the fuse holder and make sure it is screwed together securely.
        • Carefully reconnect the battery leads.
        • Check the solar charge controller display again.
        • If the voltage is below approximately 12.9V, reconnect the solar panel and allow the battery to charge until the reconnect voltage is reached.
        • Once adequate voltage is displayed, reconnect the miner(s).
        • If the miner(s) still do not start, continue to Step 3.
    3. Check the individual miner fuse(s)
      • If the solar charge controller displays approximately 12.9V or higher and one or both miners still will not start:
        • Carefully disconnect the battery leads from the battery terminals and set them aside.
        • Follow the red wire for the miner output that is not working to its black plastic inline fuse holder.
        • Open the fuse holder and replace the fuse with a 6×30mm 6A fuse.
        • Close the fuse holder and make sure it is screwed together securely.
        • Carefully reconnect the battery leads.
        • Reconnect the solar input to the SolarAxe Core.
        • Reconnect the miner(s).
        • If the system voltage is above the reconnect threshold, the miner(s) should automatically power on.
    4. Still not working?
      • If the miner(s) still do not start after completing all of the steps above, please contact SolarAxe Support for additional troubleshooting or next steps.
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    Important: Always disconnect the battery before opening or replacing any inline fuse. Never replace a fuse with a higher amperage rating than specified.