When it comes to earning crypto through hardware, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different devices serve different purposes, appeal to different risk profiles, and require very different levels of commitment.
Today, we’re comparing two very different approaches to crypto earnings:
a traditional Bitcoin ASIC miner (the Avalon Q) and a DePIN project device (4DSKY).
Both have potential upsides, and both come with trade-offs. Let’s break them down so you can decide which option fits your goals, budget, and risk tolerance.
Overview: What Are These Devices?
What Is 4DSKY?
4DSKY is a DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) project focused on tracking drones and aerial activity. The hardware consists of a central unit paired with multiple antennas that must be installed outdoors, typically on a rooftop, with a clear line of sight to the sky.
Instead of mining blocks, 4DSKY earns rewards by collecting and contributing real-world data. Your earnings depend heavily on location, antenna placement, and environmental conditions.
What Is the Avalon Q ASIC Miner?
The Avalon Q is a Bitcoin ASIC miner, built for one purpose only: mining Bitcoin using SHA-256. ASIC miners are highly specialized, power-hungry machines that compete directly with the global Bitcoin network.
There’s no ambiguity here, if the device is running and connected, it’s mining Bitcoin. The main considerations are electricity cost, noise, heat, and long-term profitability.
Installation & Setup
4DSKY: A Complex Installation
Right out of the gate, 4DSKY requires more effort to install properly.
- Antennas must be mounted on a roof or elevated location
- Cables must be run from outdoors into your home
- Proper grounding is required to prevent static buildup or lightning damage
- Clear line of sight is critical for optimal rewards
- Full setup guide here
For many users, this can be a deal-breaker. Not everyone is comfortable working at heights, drilling into rooftops, or routing outdoor cabling. If installed poorly, performance, and earnings, can suffer.
Avalon Q: Plug-and-Play (Mostly)
The Avalon Q is significantly easier to deploy:
- Plug it into a power outlet
- Connect to the network
- Configure and start mining
However, there is one major caveat: power.
This miner should be on its own electrical circuit. Plugging it into a shared outlet with appliances like microwaves or heaters will almost certainly trip breakers.
Still, compared to rooftop antenna installs, the Avalon Q wins easily on simplicity.
Winner for ease of setup: Avalon Q
Power Consumption & Electricity Costs
This is where the difference becomes dramatic.
4DSKY Power Usage
- ~17 watts
- Comparable to a lightbulb
- Costs only a few cents per day in electricity
For users in high-energy-cost regions, this is a massive advantage. You can run it 24/7 without thinking about your power bill.
Avalon Q Power Usage
- ~1700 watts
- Comparable to running multiple space heaters
- Roughly $3–$5 per day depending on electricity rates
Over a month or a year, power costs can quickly eat into mining profits, especially if Bitcoin price stagnates or difficulty increases.
Winner for efficiency: 4DSKY
Noise, Heat, and Living Conditions
Although not always discussed, this matters.
- Avalon Q produces significant heat and fan noise. It’s rarely suitable for living spaces unless you have a garage, basement, or dedicated mining area.
- 4DSKY is nearly silent, produces minimal heat, and blends easily into a residential environment.
If you live in an apartment or shared space, this alone may influence your decision.
Trust in the Project & Long-Term Vision
Bitcoin & ASIC Mining
Bitcoin doesn’t need much explanation. It’s the most established cryptocurrency in the world, with deep liquidity, global demand, and a clear economic model.
When you mine Bitcoin:
- You know what asset you’re earning
- You know it has buyers
- You know it isn’t going away anytime soon
The main uncertainty isn’t Bitcoin, it’s profitability over time.
4DSKY & DePIN Risk
4DSKY operates in a newer, less proven space.
Before committing, you should ask:
- Do you trust the founding team?
- Is drone-tracking data valuable?
- Who buys this data, and why?
- Can the project scale and monetize effectively?
DePIN projects can succeed, but they can also fail. The upside may be higher, but so is the risk.
Lower risk: Avalon Q (Bitcoin)
Higher risk, higher uncertainty: 4DSKY
Token Demand & Market Liquidity
Bitcoin
Bitcoin has no demand problem. It trades on every major exchange, 24/7, with deep liquidity. You can sell it instantly, hedge it, or hold it long-term.
4DSKY Token
As of now:
- The token is not live
- There’s no confirmed market demand
- Pricing, liquidity, and exchange listings are unknown
Even if you earn tokens, you may not be able to sell them easily, or at all, at launch.
This is one of the biggest unknowns for any early-stage DePIN project.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Choose 4DSKY If:
- You want ultra-low power costs
- You’re comfortable with rooftop installations
- You believe in DePIN and data-based networks
- You’re willing to accept higher uncertainty for potential upside
Choose the Avalon Q If:
- You want exposure to Bitcoin specifically
- You prefer a simpler, indoor setup
- You understand and can manage electricity costs
- You value liquidity and long-term asset certainty
In the end, neither option is objectively “better.” They serve very different types of users. One trades certainty for efficiency and innovation, while the other trades power consumption for proven value.
The right choice depends entirely on your risk tolerance, environment, and long-term strategy.