Set-Up

This guide instructs how to prepare devices to be installed into a Cellhasher.

Step 1: Gather Equipment

• Acquire smartphones (choose your preferred phones).

  • Most activities related to Cellhasher require Androids. Though possible, using iPhone's are not recommended by the Cellhasher team.

• Gather Tools or Purchase with Chassis:

  • Phone disassembly tools

  • Soldering iron & solder wire (may not be necessary)

  • Multimeter

Step 2: Find Your Phone's Voltage Requirements

• Download DevCheck App or APK for Androids

  • DevCheck Play Store

  • DevCheck APK on APKPure

  • Available from other third-party APK providers.

• Monitor Voltage

  • Check the phone voltage while using compute-heavy applications (or the application you are intending to run) to determine the necessary voltage for that activity. Example: Orbic Joys phones run about 4.3V at full compute.

Step 3: Adjust the PSU Voltage in the Cellhasher

• Disassemble the Cellhasher Unit

  • Remove the PSU, and document or photograph its configuration for when you are ready to reassemble.

• Open the PSU by Removing Screws

  • Only screw is holding the lid on the PSU. There are two additional screws required for removing the PSU board from it's shell completely.

Screw holding lid

Two screws for removing the PSU unit from it's shell

• Set the Voltage Switch

  • Locate the red switch labeled 115V/230V and set it to your local power configuration.

  • For the US, switch to 115V (US residential power is typically 120V).

• Power On

  • Without fully reassembling, reconnect the PSU to the OTG motherboard and power supply switch. Plug in the Cellhasher unit to an outlet and power on. Verify that the fans are spinning; if not, check your connections and if you require 115V or 230V.

• Testing the Voltage

  • Use a voltage tester to measure the voltage on the OTG motherboard. Ensure you correctly orient the positive and negative pins.

Avoid touching positive to negative or shorting the unit, which could cause damage.

• Fine Tune the Voltage

  • Adjust the PSU output voltage to match your phone's requirements using the Trimpot Trimmer Potentiometer. Go gently and follow the guides + and - printed on the PSU as you turn the head. Example: Set the voltage to 4.3-4.4V for Orbic Joy phones.

  • If necessary, replace the Potentiometer with the provided 50k Ohm version (blue head) for a broader voltage range (4.15V-5.25V).

Once you've adjusted and affirmed your PSU matches the voltage of your phones at their expected compute level, you can reassemble and install the PSU.

Step 4: Prepare the Phone

• Enable Developer Mode

  • Go to device settings and tap "Build number" 7 times to enable Developer Mode. In most cases, you then can access Developer settings in "System".

• Enable USB Debugging

  • In Developer settings, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if possible).

• Authorize USB Debugging

  • Connect the device to a management computer. Allow USB Debugging from this computer for easy future access.

• Handle Devices Without Screens

  • Contact your phone's motherboard merchant for an ADB authorization document if needed. Place the adbkey.pub and adbkey files in C:\Users\[Your Username]\.android.

Step 5: Disassemble Phones

• Remove Battery and Other Unnecessary Components

  • Use a phone disassembly tools to remove components like the battery (highly recommended), camera, screen, or vibration device if desired.

Step 6: Connect Battery Management System Cables (BMS Cables)

• Use one of the following methods for your BMS cables:

  • Method 1: Use Cellhasher Provided BMS Cables

    • Cellhasher units come with BMS cables that attach to certain phones without additional DIY. The provided cables work with Samsung S10, S9, S8, S7, S6, Note9, Note8, and Note5 series.

  • Method 2: Custom Full Circuit

    • Use the entire battery circuit when creating the cable, soldering the positive and negative wires correctly. Wrap with electrical tape or heat shrink.

  • Method 3: Custom Without Circuit

    • Cut the BMS cable, expose the trace, and carefully solder the wires directly. Wrap the cable securely to avoid shorts.

• Test and Troubleshoot

  • Ensure the device powers on after connecting the BMS cable. If issues arise, check solder connections, voltage settings, and wire orientation.

Removing ribbon for method 2 & 3

Removing ribbon for method 2 & 3

Removing ribbon for method 2 & 3

Method 2

Method 2

Method 3

Showing method 1 & 2

Step 7: Tape and Replace Back Plate

• Use a snipping tool to cut majority of the backplate off. Leave enough to secure the battery connection point using a few screws.

• Gently fold, flatten, and tape the BMS cable to secure it.

Step 8: Insert Phones into Chassis

• Using the USB stubs provided, connect the phones and their BMS cable into each slot on the motherboard.

• Once complete, power on.

Step 9: Done!

• Proceed by downloading Cellhasher Control software for easy use.

• Follow us on X, post your setup, and tag us @cellhasher.