I just wrapped a livestream showing how I live on Bitcoin, mine at home, and get direct Lightning payouts straight to my own node. Here’s a summary for anyone curious about self-custodial mining and instant payouts.
Watch the full livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/9yWgHtyhtZY
Key Takeaways You don’t need huge ASICs to start. I use a small DIY miner (Bitaxe) and a beginner-friendly Avalon Nano 3S. Small-scale mining lets you stack sats while learning how Bitcoin’s infrastructure works.
I’m looking at the Avalon Mini 3 (works as a space heater + miner) and the Avalon Q (professional-grade home miner). Both can increase hash rate without massive electricity costs.
This is the crucial part: my miners point to Braiins Pool, which allows direct Lightning payouts. Pool mining gives steady, predictable Bitcoin rewards — unlike solo mining, which is more like a lottery.
Direct Lightning Payouts via Umbrel + AlbyHub
- Braiins Pool collects the mining output and sends it straight to my Umbrel node via Lightning.
- Alby Hub automatically generates Lightning invoices, so payouts go directly to self-custody with zero fees.
No third-party custody, no on-chain fees, and payouts are instant.
Even small miners may not produce huge daily profits, but you’re converting electricity into Bitcoin that appreciates over time. It’s educational, hands-on, and fully sovereign.
If you want to experiment with mining and get direct Lightning payouts, this setup is a great start.
Connect your miners to Braiins Pool, route payouts through Umbrel + Alby Hub, and maintain full control of your Bitcoin.
Nittany out!
That’s a beautiful vision! Mining at home may seem small, but it makes the force even stronger
Each step builds both personal freedom and a stronger community.
Truly inspiring! Allow me to say this that I’ve always had a heartfelt desire to contribute to Bitcoin in every way possible, running own node, mine Bitcoin at home, not just for myself but to help others discover its beauty. Your example shows it’s possible and worth sharing with the community.
Keep it up.
You're so kind, thank you for your thoughtful response. 😁
Wnats the minimum payout on Braiins Pool?
Like a sat or two.
Ah nice, and forgot to ask, whats the fee?
Braiins Pool charges a 2.5% FPPS fee. Other than that, there is no fee to receive to your node (using Alby Hub's Lightning Address).