Mining Cryptocurrency in 2020

In Tempe, Arizona, my suitemates and I found ourselves sharing a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom living space. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a unique opportunity, one that would lead to one of my crazier ideas.

The Opportunity

As I closely monitored Bitcoin’s price, a seller’s offer caught my eye. Antminer S9 systems were available at a remarkable $200 each. It was an offer too good to pass up.

Coincidentally, my curiosity led me to explore Helium, a cryptocurrency project aiming to create decentralized wireless data coverage.

Embracing Helium

My interest in Helium grew, and I soon secured a remote job with a vendor specializing in hardware for data coverage deployment. They entrusted me with three devices, allowing me to mine Helium and explore its capabilities.

Helium’s Rise

Timing played a crucial role in this journey. Helium was on the rise, and the devices I had were generating substantial earnings. On average, they brought in around $125 per day, with some exceptional days exceeding $200.

The Noise Dilemma

There was a challenge I had to overcome regarding the Bitcoin equipment. These devices are notorious for noise and heat production. With three ASIC miners in our apartment, the noise level soared to 85 decibels, equivalent to a non-stop blender. I actually had one of them running underneath my bed for a couple nights.

Some Less than Ideal Solutions

To tackle the noise and heat issue, I embarked on a Walmart run. I acquired Wi-Fi to Ethernet devices, smart outlets for remote control, and plastic storage bins. The goal was to make the miners wireless and weatherproof. I really don’t recommend trusting platic bins to keep your miners safe, I had a pretty good network that would help me watch the devices when weather did turn bad.

Collaborative Balconies

Resourcefulness came into play as I reached out to friends who generously offered their balconies and outdoor spaces. I found homes for my mining devices, with one on our 18th-floor balcony, another on the 17th floor, and a third in a different apartment building.

Success

The unconventional plan yielded remarkable results. I not only mined significant returns but also embarked on a journey through the western United States. By day, I traveled really amazing landscapes, charged battery devices with solar panels, and set up camp. By night, I managed my mining devices remotely while working.

Conclusion

Innovation and exploration go hand in hand. It was a great project and a really great time thanks to the massize price action we saw during that time. At the peak of the bull market, I ended up selling each device for over $1000.