How to build your own Bitcoin node
Step by step guide to setup your Bitcoin node on a Raspberry Pi
Why run your own bitcoin node?
For bitcoin to function reliably and securely, it relies on the voluntary participation of thousands of individuals worldwide. Nodes, which make up the bitcoin network and verify transactions and blocks, are crucial to this process. There are many reasons to consider running your own bitcoin node, including personal benefits and the benefits to the security and resilience of the bitcoin ecosystem. The following article explains some reasons to run your own bitcoin node:
What’s a Raspberry Pi?
A Raspberry Pi is a small, affordable, and versatile computer that is widely used for a variety of DIY and educational projects. Due to its low power consumption, compact size, and flexibility, it’s popular for running lightweight servers, media centers, smart home devices, and even Bitcoin nodes.
What nodes can install on a Raspberry Pi?
- Umbrel (Raspberry Pi 4 / 5)
- Start9 (Raspberry Pi 4)
- MyNode (Raspberry Pi 4 / 5)
- Citadel (Raspberry Pi 4 / 5)
- RaspiBlitz (Raspberry Pi 4 / 5)
How to set up a Bitcoin Node on a Raspberry Pi?
To set up a Bitcoin Node on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, you need to follow the following steps:
Step 1: Buy the parts
You will need to buy the following parts. You can buy them using the Amazon or AliExpress affiliate links in this article to support me.
Starter Kit: Raspberry Pi 4 + Case + Power Adapter
Pick a Raspberry Pi 4 with 8 GB RAM for maximum performance.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
Starter Kit: Raspberry Pi 5 + Case + Power Adapter
Pick a Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB RAM for maximum performance.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
Storage Drive
2 TB or more is recommended.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
Storage Drive’s Enclosure
To connect the storage drive to the Raspberry Pi via USB.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
microSD card
The microSD card is only used to run the firmware. All of your apps and data are stored on the storage drive. You will need a 32GB+ microSD.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
MicroSD Adapter (Optional)
You will need to buy an adapter if your computer doesn’t have a MicroSD slot.
Some good options on Amazon:
Some good options on AliExpress:
Ethernet Cable (Optional)
You can connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet using Wifi or Ethernet. If you choose Ethernet, you will need an Ethernet cable to connect to your router.
Some good options on Amazon:
- Amazon Basics RJ45 Cat 7
- Vabogu Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
- DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Some good options on AliExpress:
- CYANMI Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- UGREEN CAT8 Ethernet Cable
- Vention Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- D-Sunty Ethernet Cable CAT8
Step 2: Assemble the Node
Assembling the node is pretty easy. You need to:
- Put the Raspberry in its case
- Put the storage drive in its enclosure
- Connect the storage drive to any of the two USB 3.0 ports (blue colored) on the Raspberry Pi
- Connect the Raspberry to your router using the ethernet cable
- Connect the power supply to the Raspberry. DON’T CONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY TO THE POWER YET
Step 3: Download the Firmware
Download the Bitcoin node firmware from the official website:
Step 4. Download Balena Etcher
Download and install Balena Etcher on your computer. It is required to flash the firmware file that you downloaded in the previous step onto the microSD card.
Step 5. Plug the microSD card into your computer
You might need a card reader if your computer doesn’t have one. Here’s a good one on Amazon.
Step 6. Flash the Firmware
Open Balena Etcher and flash the downloaded firmware file on the microSD card. You need to follow these steps:
- Pick the
Flash from fileoption
2. Pick theSelect Target option
3. Check the SD Card and click on Select
4. Click on the Flashoption
5. When finished, you will see a Flash Complete legend.
Step 7. Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry
After the flash is successful, remove the microSD card from your computer and insert it into the Raspberry Pi.
Step 8. Power up
Power up the Raspberry Pi to turn it on.
Any existing data on the SSD will automatically be deleted when you turn on the Raspberry Pi.
Step 9. Wait until the node is accesible
After 5 minutes, your node will be accessible at a local url (http://umbrel.local, http://start.local, http://mynode.local, http://citadel.local , etc) on any device that’s connected to the same network as the Raspberry Pi. If you can’t access your Umbrel, you can use Angry IP Scanner to find the IP address and type that in the browser.
Visit our Website
With so many Bitcoin nodes on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. That’s where our Bitcoin Nodes Comparison TheBitcoinHole.com website comes in. You will find the most comprehensive and honest resource for comparing the features of the top Bitcoin nodes.
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