Yo!
I just dropped a livestream where I dove deep into how I run my own Bitcoin node using Umbrel, and I wanted to share the highlights here for anyone curious about node sovereignty and Lightning Network strategy.
Why run your own node?
For me, it’s about true Bitcoin ownership — controlling my private keys, enhancing privacy, and taking full sovereignty over my funds without relying on third parties.
Why Umbrel?
It’s the easiest, most modular way to get started without needing to build everything from scratch. Umbrel acts as a personal home server with a clean interface and an app store full of powerful Bitcoin and Lightning tools. I’m running it on the Umbrel Home device — plug and play, no hassle.
My favorite Umbrel apps:
- Bitcoin Core: Full blockchain validation — no trust required.
- Electrum server: Connects privacy wallets like Blue Wallet via Tor.
- LND: My main Lightning node implementation.
- Thunderhub: A sleek UI to manage channels and sign messages.
- LNbits: Lets me create subwallets for spending or testing without risking my main wallet.
- LNDG: Analytics and automation for channel health.
- Tailscale VPN: Secure remote access to my node anywhere in the world.
- Alby Hub & Nostr Relay: Social and payment tools connected to my node for the Bitcoin community.
- Mempool.space (self-hosted): Real-time transaction monitoring with full privacy.
Lightning channel strategy: I think of channels like roads — who you connect to determines how fast and reliably your payments get where they need to go.
- ACINQ is my main, big channel, well-connected to almost everyone.
- lndus0.zaphq.io is my second channel, chosen for cheaper exchange-related payments and geographically close.
- LNBiG [Hub-1] helps naturally rebalance traffic between my bigger channels.
I prefer organic routing for rebalancing — it’s fee-free and less hassle than manually moving funds around.
Fee management: I use Amboss.space to analyze network fee rates and set mine competitively, sticking to a zero base fee and charging only a proportional fee based on the network’s standard deviation. This keeps my channels balanced and attractive for routing.
Tips for new node runners:
- Don’t overload your node with apps you won’t use.
- Start with strong, well-connected channels like Async.
- Regularly back up your data and configs.
- Keep channel sizes reasonable — no need to lock up tons of Bitcoin in one place.
- Watch your routing paths in tools like LNDG and Zeus to plan new channels.
Want to open a channel with me?
If you’re interested, I’m open to partnerships with a minimum 1 million sats channel. Reach out via email (livingonbitcoin@gmail.com) and we can chat about fees and options.
I’m still growing my channel and doing a 100 subscriber giveaway, so if you haven’t subscribed yet, please do — it means a lot!
Upcoming: I’m planning weekly livestreams Sundays and regular video drops Tuesdays and Fridays. If you have questions about running your own Lightning node or Bitcoin sovereignty, drop them here or in the comments on the video!
Stay humble, stack sats.
Nittany out.