How to set up a Bitcoin Node with Start9 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 Start9?
Start9 is a pioneering tech company focused on digital sovereignty. Their flagship product, StartOS, is a personal server that empowers individuals and organizations to take control of their digital lives. By hosting services and applications, users can safeguard their data’s privacy and security, reducing reliance on centralized platforms. Start9’s commitment to open-source software and core values of privacy and decentralization make it a trailblazer in the movement for greater autonomy in the digital realm. In a world where data privacy is paramount, Start9 offers a powerful solution for those seeking to regain control over their digital infrastructure.
How to set up a Bitcoin Node?
To set up a Bitcoin Node with Start9 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 StartOS
Visit the Github release page to find the latest StartOS release.
At the bottom of the page, under “Assets,” download the startos-..._raspberrypi.img.gz file.
On Linux
Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub (SHA256):
sha256sum startos-0.3.4.2-efc56c0–20230525_raspberrypi.img.gzOn Mac
Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub by opening a terminal and entering:
openssl dgst -sha256 startos-0.3.4.2-efc56c0–20230525_raspberrypi.img.gzOn Windows
Verify the checksum against the one listed on GitHub by opening Windows PowerShell, changing your directory to where you downloaded the .img.gz file, and running Get-FileHash:
cd Downloads
Get-FileHash startos-0.3.4.2-efc56c0-20230525_raspberrypi.img.gzStep 4. Download Balena Etcher
Download and install Balena Etcher on your computer. It is required to flash the StartOS 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 StartOS
Open Balena Etcher and flash the downloaded StartOS gz 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 StartOS is accesible
After some minutes, your StartOS will be accessible at http://start.local on any device that’s connected to the same network as the Raspberry Pi. If you can’t access your StartOS, you can use Angry IP Scanner to find the IP address of your StartOS and type that in the browser instead of http://start.local.
Step 10. Configure StartOS
- Select “Start Fresh.”
- Select your storage drive
- Create a master password for your server and click
Finish.
- StartOS will initialize. This can take up to a few minutes.
Step 10. Install the Bitcoin Core Service
Go to the StartOS Marketplace and install the Bitcoin Core app.
This app will transform your StartOs into a Bitcoin node. It will automatically start to download the blockchain. Take into account that this will take several days.
Step 11. Install the Mempool Service
Go to the StartOs Marketplace and install the Mempool service.
This is the private replacement of https://mempool.space/. Now you will be able to explore the blockchain using the information of your node, without depending on any third-party server.
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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