WatchDog_Base USB – Hardware Watchdog for Mining Rigs, PCs, Servers, and Terminals

WatchDog_Base USB (WD_base / WD) is the foundation of our hardware watchdog timer lineup. It is a comprehensive hardware-software solution designed to automatically hard-reset a PC, mining rig, server, or unattended terminal in the event of a system freeze or software crash.

The System Includes:

The USB WatchDog module (Hardware device);
Device driver;
Desktop application software.

Key Features:

Simple installation and configuration;
Utilizes a solid-state relay (SSR) in the reset circuit, providing full galvanic isolation from the motherboard’s “Reset” pins and completely eliminating the need to observe polarity during connection;
Intuitive desktop software interface;
Informative status LED indicating the current operational state of the device;
Powered by a robust 32-bit microcontroller featuring a native hardware USB interface and an internal fallback watchdog to prevent the device itself from freezing;
Software integration to verify the active operation of Claymore (or any other application featuring a Web interface/network access port);
Configurable boot-loop protection (automatically restarts the PC if it fails to boot properly);
Automatic resumption of watchdog monitoring once the PC successfully boots after a reboot.

Uncompromising Reliability is Guaranteed By:

1. Purpose-built circuit design strictly optimized for watchdog stability:

The inclusion of a temperature-stable quartz crystal oscillator significantly increases operational stability and fault tolerance. This ensures a highly stable clock frequency for the MCU, which is critical for maintaining a stable USB connection. Many cheaper watchdog timers omit proper crystal oscillators to cut costs, relying instead on internal RC oscillators whose frequency drifts with temperature changes. Such USB communication failures can cause the timer to either stop functioning entirely or maliciously reboot a perfectly healthy PC;
The use of a solid-state relay provides total galvanic isolation between the MCU and the motherboard’s “Reset” circuit, resulting in: A) Increased EMI noise immunity for the watchdog; B) The reset is executed via a “Dry Contact”, meaning the motherboard is driven by its own intended voltage levels (acting as a perfect mechanical button equivalent); C) Simplified installation, as the connector plugs directly into the button header without worrying about polarity. Warning: Many cheap timers built on 3.3V development boards illegally inject 5V into the PC’s reset input, which can instantly destroy the motherboard;
Native hardware USB implementation: The watchdog uses a powerful 32-bit STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller equipped with a dedicated hardware USB peripheral, drastically reducing the risk of software resource starvation during operation.
2. Professionally architected, thoroughly tested, and optimized desktop software.

3. Utilization of the MCU’s internal hardware Watchdog Timer: If the watchdog module itself ever deviates from its normal execution loop, its internal fallback timer will forcefully self-reboot the module to restore operation.

System Requirements:

Available USB port;
“Reset” header on the motherboard;
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Linux;
JRE 1.7.0 or higher.

Installation:

Connects to a USB port and to the motherboard’s “Reset” header (replacing the physical front-panel Reset button).

Main Specifications:

Power supply: 5V via USB;
Reset circuit closure: Dry contact, maximum resistance 35 Ohms;
Reset connection wire length: minimum 800 mm.