PigeonCoin is a new coin that uses the X16S algorithm, which is similar to the x16R algorithm. The coin was designed to be a cryptocurrency that is ASIC resistant. ASIC’s are specialized hardware that can mine a specific algorithm way faster than GPU mining, and are much more efficient as well. The main argument against ASICs is that it creates a decentralized mining experience, since ASICs are more expensive and harder to get compared to a GPU or CPU. The x16R algorithm, is unique because it uses 16 different algorithms that are randomly selected based on the hash of the last block. Because of this, the order is always random, making it very hard to build an ASIC for. This unique algorithm is one of the reasons Raven coin has grown in popularity.

Pigeoncoin is a fork of Ravencoin. The reason there was a fork, was because the x16R switches to a new algorithm every block. Because of this there is a power down and power up on the GPU’s after every new block switch. The X16S algorithm changes this, so the power draw is smooth like most other algorithms.

Now that we know the details about Pigeoncoin, let’s get to mining some PGN!

Some General Mining Tips

So before we start this tutorial, I have two tips for making the most out of your mining experience. First make sure you have the latest drivers for your GPU’s. Secondly, most mining software will get flagged as a virus from virus scanners. Because of this, if your mining on your normal everyday use or gaming computer that has an antivirus installed, you will want to exclude the mining software from the antivirus. What I like to do, is I make one folder and then put all of my mining software in sub folders. I then exclude the top level folder from the antivirus and that excludes all the mining software.

Mining Pools

The first thing we need is a mining pool. You can solo mine, but the payouts could take months depending on how powerful your mining rig is, and the mining pools usually charge a very small fee (1% or less). Using a pool will allow you to receive consistent payouts, multiple times per day.

For this tutorial we will use https://blockcruncher.com/. I have chosen this pool because blockcruncher has low fees (0.25%) and lots of features. As for their features, there a large sized pool, with multiple ports.

Now that we have a pool, lets start mining!

CPU Mining

We will not focus on CPU mining since it is not profitable, compared to GPU mining.

GPU Mining – Nvidia

For GPU mining there are many programs for Nvidia, but the one I have found to be the best is CCminer. The miner does not have a Dev fee. This mining software is compatible with Windows and Linux, however there are only precompiled binaries available for Windows.

You can find the official page and the download link at https://github.com/tpruvot/ccminer/releases

Once downloaded, it is really simple to use.

Just create a new batch file (or script file if using Linux) inside the folder where the miner is and paste this into the batch file

ccminer-x64.exe -a algorithm -o stratum+tcp://mining_pool:port -u wallet_public_key -p c=coin_symbol

Replace “algorithm” with the algorithm you want to use. In this case we have to use “x16s”

Replace “mining_pool” with blockcruncher.com

Replace “port” with 3636

Replace “wallet_public_key” with your wallet address.

Replace “coin_symbol” with PGN

Double click the batch file to run the miner, and you should see something like this

The red arrow indicates the GPU detected and the total speed.

The blue arrow indicates the GPU clock speed, hashes per watt, total power usage, temperature and fan speed.

GPU Mining – AMD

For GPU mining there are many programs for AMD, but the one I have found to be the best is Avermore miner. The mining software is compatible with the Windows and Linux operating system. The mining software has a 1% Dev fee. This mining software is compatible with Windows and Linux, however there are only precompiled binaries available for Windows.

You can find the official page and the download link at https://github.com/brian112358/avermore-miner/releases

Once downloaded, it is really simple to use.

Just create a new batch file (or script file if using Linux) inside the folder where the miner is and paste this into the batch file

sgminer -o stratum+tcp://mining_pool:port -u wallet_public_key -p c=coin_symbol

Replace “mining_pool” with blockcruncher.com

Replace “port” with 3636

Replace “wallet_public_key” with your wallet address.

Replace “coin_symbol” with PGN

Double click the batch file to run the miner, and you should see something like this

The red box indicates the total speed for all of the GPU’s combined.

The blue box indicates each GPU’s temperature, fan speed and total speed.

If there are problems may not have enough virtual memory. You may need 16GB of virtual memory (for Vega GPU’s you need more like 16GB per GPU) to change this go to Control Panel -> System and Security -> System and the click Advanced system settings on the left. From there, click settings under the advanced tab. Next click change, and then on the third screen, uncheck automatically manage, choose custom size, and type in the size (in MB) for both text boxes. Then press the set button, and then the ok button.

General Troubleshooting

One thing to monitor for is stale or rejected shares. If you see a lot of stale shares, you may want to try a server that is closer to you. If you see a lot of rejected shares, try to lower the intensity of the miner if available.

How much PGN will I earn per day?

To figure this out, you would go to https://www.crypto-coinz.net/coin-info/?115-Pigeon-PGN-X16S-calculator/ and use their calculator. The calculator does provide a rough estimate, so you may get paid a higher or lower amount than what the calculator actually says.

Most of the values are already correctly entered, and you only need to edit a few values.

Hash rate: Enter your total speed (in megahashes per second) for all of your mining computers. This would be the “total speed” value in your mining software. Make sure to add up all of the computers your using for Pigeoncoin mining.

Power: Enter the total amount of power (in watts) that your mining rig is using. Some mining software will measure this for you. You can also measure total power consumption for your computer using special software, or a kilowatt meter. I prefer using a kilowatt meter, because I find it to be the most accurate. Make sure to add up all of the computers your using for Pigeoncoin mining.

Electricity Cost: Enter the cost per kilowatt hour that you pay to your electricity company. I was able to find this info in my monthly bill, as well as on their website.

Pool fee: Enter the pool fee + the miner software dev fee. For Nvidia, you would type in 0.25 + 0 = 0.25, and for AMD you would type in 0.25 + 1 = 1.25

Hardware cost: Enter in the total cost of all of your hardware.

Make sure to pick an exchange from the drop down menu.

In this image, we can quickly see how many coins and USD value we will make in certain time frames. You want to look at the Profit column, since this is the value after paying for your electricity usage. I usually just focus on the daily payout in USD. By just focusing on this number, you can run the calculator for a few different coins, and quickly see which coin is most profitable for your mining rig setup. Keep in mind you also want to weigh the daily payout with the market cap. A low market cap coin may be really profitable one day, and then could have half the payout tomorrow.

That’s it. You should now be mining Pigeoncoin! Make sure to type in your public key into the mining pool’s dashboard, to keep track of your statistics.