How to set up a Bitcoin Node with RaspiBlitz on a Raspberry Pi 4
Run your own node and achieve unparalleled privacy by connecting your wallet directly to your Bitcoin node.
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 RaspiBlitz?
The RaspiBlitz is a do-it-yourself Lightning Node (LND and/or Core Lightning) running together with a Bitcoin-Fullnode on a RaspberryPi and a nice display for easy setup & monitoring.
RaspiBlitz is mainly targeted for learning how to run your own node decentralized from home, because: Not your Node, Not your Rules.
How to set up a Bitcoin Node?
To set up a Bitcoin Node with RaspiBlitz on a Raspberry Pi 4, 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 affiliate links on this article to support me.
Pick 8 GB RAM for maximum performance. Buy on Amazon
Wrap your new personal server in a nice box. Buy on Amazon
Make sure to use the official Raspberry Pi power supply to prevent any unexpected issues. Buy on Amazon
2 TB or more is recommended. Buy on Amazon
To connect the storage drive to the Raspberry Pi via USB. Buy on Amazon
The microSD card is only used for running the firmware. All of your apps and data are stored on the storage drive. Buy on Amazon
MicroSD Adapter (Optional)
You will need to buy an adapter if your computer doesn’t have a MicroSD slot. Buy on Amazon
To connect the Raspberry Pi to your internet router. Buy on Amazon
Step 2: Assemble the Node
Assembling the node is pretty easy. You just need to:
- Put the Raspberry in its case
- Put the storage drive in its enclosure
- Connect the storage drive into 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 latest firmware version from their GitHub:
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 RaspiBlitz is accesible
After some minutes, your RaspiBlitz will be accessible on any device that’s connected to the same network as the Raspberry Pi. You can use Angry IP Scanner to find the IP address of your node and type that in the browser.
Step 10. Configure RaspiBlitz
Every time you start with a fresh SD card image you will be offered different options. Given you are setting up a brand new RaspiBlitz you will choose here FRESHSETUP.
Then you will be asked what to do with the connected hard drive/SSD.
If there is already a blockchain on your hard drive/SSD you will be asked if you want to use this pre-synced/validated data or if its OK to delete it. If there is no blockchain data this question will be skipped.
Finally, you have to agree that all (other) data on the hard drive/SSD will be deleted, except the blockchain if you selected that previously. This might take some seconds.
First thing to setup is giving your RaspiBlitz a name:
Then you can choose which Lightning implementation you want to run on top of your Bitcoin Fullnode. Choose NONE if you're only interested in running a Bitcoin full node without Lightning.
If you don’t have a full copy of the blockchain pre-synced/validated on your hard drive/SSD then you will now be asked how you want to get your copy of the blockchain. There are two basic options :
You need to select the SELFSYNC option. It will take around 3–6 days to sync & validate directly with the bitcoin network. With this option, you have done the original don't trust, verify way.
And hooray :D Your RaspiBlitz is ready to go! Welcome new node operator.
If you hit OK, the RaspiBlitz will go into a final reboot.
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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