AMA Summary 7/22/2025: Origin and Vision of BlackBox:

Q: "Where did the idea for BlackBox come from and what was the initial goal?"
A (Neil):
Inspired by personal frustration with paying for multiple cloud subscriptions (e.g., Netflix) and discovering self-hosted solutions.
Their goal was to create a plug-and-play hardware device that would allow users to regain control from centralized cloud providers.
It combines two worlds:
Cryptocurrency users seeking rewards in DePIN protocols.
Self-hosted solution enthusiasts seeking privacy and autonomy from Web2 companies.
Grand Vision: Build an easy-to-use "new internet" endpoint that hyperscales DePIN adoption while also serving as the hardware platform for Dawn 2.
Team Background: Andrina and Dawn:
Q: "How does Andrina rate the Dawn/Black Box team?"
A (Neil and James):
Andrina was a Web2 wireless ISP founded in 2017-2018. Neil started by installing fiber optics in his apartment, building antenna roofs, and selling internet door-to-door (e.g., first customer: a local cheese shop). 2.
Lessons Applied to Dawn:
Technology: Automated deployment tools for internet networks.
Real Experience: Connectivity-as-a-Platform model (e.g., deploying Helium nodes before Dawn).
Vision Alignment: Extending "internet-as-a-platform" to Black Box's multi-mining capabilities.
Black Box Functionality:
Q: "How does it work as a router/miner?"
A (Neil):
Hardware: Modular and upgradeable components (e.g., Wi-Fi cards, GPU slots). Comparable to high-end Juniper/Cisco routers (supports 10 Gbps networks).
Multi-mining: Runs more than 10 DePIN protocols simultaneously (e.g., Helium Mobile, Arcium, Inference AI, Storj). GPU-intensive protocols use a scheduler for priority assignment.
Self-hosting: Works as a remote server (VPN/Headscale support planned for global access).
Q: "Can I add unbound protocols?"
A: Yes! A developer portal will allow for custom workloads (e.g., Docker/VM support). Community-tested scripts will be labeled "use at your own risk."
Partnerships and Roadmap:
Q: "How are partners selected?" A (James):
Select the best DePIN projects (e.g., Storj chosen for its maturity/S3 compatibility). Partners are announced daily (more than 5 to date, including Helium and Inference AI).
Long-term: Create a DePIN app store where projects can apply to be listed. Users activate protocols with a single click.
Q: "Has the roadmap changed since the whitepaper?"
A (Neil):
Black Box preempted Dawn's dedicated nodes to deliver user value more quickly. The core vision (testing/rewards) remains unchanged.
Purchasing and Logistics:
Q: "Warranty/shipping/customs?"
A:
Warranty: There is no formal policy yet, but hardware issues (e.g., disk failures) will be addressed through modular replacements. A private Discord channel offers direct support.
Global Shipping: Taxes are calculated at checkout. Local customs duties may apply (using ChatGPT is recommended for regulations).
Discounts: Use Dawn's referral codes for extra points (some users double the points).
Q: "Which GPU model should I buy?"
A:
Higher VRAM (e.g., 20 GB) supports protocols that require more GPUs (e.g., AI). Cheaper models (6 GB) work but may receive fewer requests. All are field-upgradable.
Rewards and Points System:
Q: "How do points relate to the Black Box?"
A:
Buyers earn bonus points through referral codes
Future Rewards: Validators will earn points daily for sharing bandwidth (e.g., Gigabit plans = higher rewards). Exact mechanism to be determined.
Technical Concerns:
Q: "Will the protocols conflict if they run together?"
A: No, except for GPU workloads (the scheduler prioritizes tasks). Other components (CPU/RAM) manage simultaneous loads.
Q: "How does peer-to-peer relaying work during traffic spikes?"
A: Priority lanes through staking or micropayments (similar to ISP tiers for businesses). Queues manage congestion.
Merchandise/Roles: Black Box buyers get exclusive roles on Discord, merchandise, and support channels.
Content: Users are encouraged to share images and ideas in the Dawn community on Twitter.
Events: Chess tournaments and competitions scheduled weekly.
It’s so sad that when technical folks see what non-techies fail to see, and want to tell them not to throw their money away yet know it will fall on deaf ears. So they can’t be arsed anymore.