I solved my issue - used a different network and it connected with no issues. So these boxes are finicky especially when first setting up. Once set up, you can then transfer to your network and it should work fine. I also see that the Mini-Doge has 3 power settings like the X5, high med, low - interesting.
I have 2 that I bought at different times in the last couple months. I had no issues setting up at all using f2pool. Got them up and running within a couple minutes. Just depends on what internet and or routers you use I guess. Just don’t panic lol. Good luck!