I want to run my first node but am overwhelmed by the choices \ stacker news ~bitcoin

I want to run my first node but am overwhelmed by the choices

6532 sats \ 37 comments \ @boisechampion 24 Dec 2023 bitcoin_beginners

Hey, So I've wanted to run a node ever since 2020 when I first got into Bitcoin but was never serious about it.

As of the last 3 months I've taken the idea more seriously. But I ran into a problem. There are so many choices?

-RoninDojo -Start9 -Nodl -mynode -10 others I've researched

Is there anyway to narrow down my options? How did you chose?

1434 sats \ 4 replies \ @Scoresby 24 Dec 2023

I just use bitcoin core on an old laptop. Easy to use and link with sparrow wallet for broadcasting and verifying transactions. Also, if you have a extra computer, its free.

396 sats \ 0 replies \ @itsrealfake 24 Dec 2023

This is the way

659 sats \ 0 replies \ @BlueSlime 24 Dec 2023

best answer in the thread!

489 sats \ 0 replies \ @ek 24 Dec 2023

Great answer but I would add that you don't even need an extra computer to get started. I used to run my bitcoin node on a dedicated machine. But now, I just run my bitcoin node on the same machine that I work from. I don't turn my PC off often (only sleep mode) but even if I would, syncing shouldn't take too long if you regularly use your computer anyway.

388 sats \ 0 replies \ @falsefaucet 24 Dec 2023

best way to start IMO. learn the basics, run core.

umbrel and the other preset nodes, while some offer great additional tools, its usually not stuff you NEED. and this way, the cost is literally ZERO and if you decide you want a more robust setup and tools, then make that decision.

1184 sats \ 2 replies \ @pillar 24 Dec 2023

You are overanalyzing. Get a 300$ Mini PC with 16gb RAM, follow the Start9 docs to install it and enjoy.

Once you go through setting and using your first node, you will discover that there are many things you would have liked to do differently. That's fine. We all go through it. It is only the experience that can show you that. Once you've done your first node, you'll probably set up a second one with better choices for yourself.

But the only way to get perfect is to just go and get started.

310 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 24 Dec 2023

Analysis paralysis is a killer.

70 sats \ 0 replies \ @boisechampion OP 24 Dec 2023

Amen!

89 sats \ 0 replies \ @CUMDUMPSTER 24 Dec 2023

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125 sats \ 0 replies \ @kristapsk 24 Dec 2023

Rasipi Bolt is the best if you want to understand from A to Z what and how is running on your node. Also, I would recommend some two drive setup with mirroring for LN node.

60 sats \ 6 replies \ @piecover 24 Dec 2023

Umbrel is the easiest one out there imo C If you want you checkout my tuto on piecover.com

122 sats \ 3 replies \ @Lost_dogz 24 Dec 2023

I politely disagree. Umbrel is easy for sure, but it's also a collection of third party software vulnerabilities for your Bitcoin node. This is not just common sense, history has proven this to be true multiple times already. It's true for any such platform, including start9

I'd stick to bitcoin-core for a bitcoin full node and raspiblitz if you want to run LN

50 sats \ 2 replies \ @kepford 24 Dec 2023

Hold up. I've run raspiblitz and umbrella. What "third parties" are you referring to. Both projects allow you to install different packages. That's on the operator. Not the projects. Umbrel uses docker containers so you do get some isolation of services.

For example you can install RTL and Thunderhub on both projects. Umbrel makes this easier but also has a huge selection of non bitcoin docker compose based projects you can install.

In general your node will be less vulnerable to attack if you have less code running that can be exploited. But again, you can run both project with only bitcoin core and LND.

I would say don't install a bunch of random apps on the same machine as your node. But then again if you are just validating your transactions maybe its not a huge issue. If you wanna run a lightning node it is a much bigger issue.

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Lost_dogz 25 Dec 2023

If you don't install anything besides Bitcoin Core, then you certainly don't need umbrel. But even umbrel doesn't think umbrel is secure, see: https://github.com/getumbrel/umbrel/blob/master/SECURITY.md

Docker is one example of a 3rd party vulnerabilities, but imo the biggest security hole is node.js packages. I assume Umbrel learned their lesson and no longer set a default password. This pw used to be "moneyprintergobrrr" and plenty of people lost sats because of it, and more than once

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 25 Dec 2023

That's fair. Also security is not a boolean. Umbrella is disclosing know weaknesses. Seems responsible to me especially when dealing with money.

I would not call these node packages holes but rather attack surface.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @Eobard 24 Dec 2023

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20 sats \ 0 replies \ @piecover 24 Dec 2023

Well I'd love it if they could leave it alone and never update it fover. Let Bitcoin work tick tock next block

80 sats \ 0 replies \ @newnym 24 Dec 2023

Just pick anything. As you put it yourself it's your "first" node. You can always choose another. Remember that you can copy the blockchain from one node to the other, so you don't have to resync every time you change your mind. ;)

500 sats \ 0 replies \ @haimot 25 Dec 2023

Highly recommend start9 on a pc or old laptop. it just works

26 sats \ 0 replies \ @xz 24 Dec 2023

I like old mac-minis, as a personal choice so far (2011-2012) with Linux of course. Any similar unit that has upgradeable memory and storage would be a good choice.

I think the Umbrel node doesn't have upgradeable memory/storage. I guess it depends how many applications you wanted to throw on it. I just keep it simple.

I used to use a laptop but just don't like the form-factor as much as ras-pi or mini/nuc type things.

53 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bitcoiner1 24 Dec 2023

I'm doing it with Bitcoin core on a old laptop and an external hard drive.

I installed Ubuntu and just following some YouTube tutorials.

24 sats \ 0 replies \ @gd 24 Dec 2023

Take the easiest route for you. Your first node will not be your last node, no matter how much research you do or how much you spend. You’ll learn a bunch by setting it up and you’ll be helping the network at the same time. Don’t overthink it

23 sats \ 0 replies \ @justBrian 24 Dec 2023

If you are simply wanting to run a bitcoin node, anyone of those will work and there is basically no difference. Its the other offers from those products that may or may not appeal to you, and sway your decision. But running a node, could load umbrel or start9 OS onto an old linux computer, and have it running in two or three days easily.

23 sats \ 0 replies \ @windward 24 Dec 2023

determine whether or not you want to run a lightning node in addition to your full node on the same device - that will help narrow down some options for you.

as far as I know, ronindojo doesn't have support for lightning - it's mostly focused on Samourai's Whirlpool implementation & running a node for privacy.

are you going to DIY the node, or buy one from a vendor? nodl's dojo implementation has support for lightning.

do you want your node to just be a node, or do you want additional self hosted services?

Umbrel, Start9 & CasaOS (mostly anything based on Docker) support additional services you can self host that aren't strictly bitcoin related(think ad blockers, media hosting, personal LLMs)

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @tigstigs 29 Dec 2023 freebie

By k3tan

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCRbH-IWlcW2A_kpx2XwAMgT0rcZEZ2Cg

he runs the site https://ministryofnodes.com.au/

Hopefully is of some help!

30 sats \ 0 replies \ @crankykernel 25 Dec 2023 freebie

Just use Bitcoin Core. The docs are great. Started running it the other day on a Linux machine that also does some home server functions.

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @analogvoid 24 Dec 2023 freebie

I ran into the same thing in the last couple months when setting up my first node. I ended up going with bitcoind (node), btc-rpc-explorer (lets you see your node's status and explore the blockchain), and electrs (electrum wallet server). Both btc-rpc-explorer and electrs talk to your node to do their thing.

I made this choice because it seemed 1/ minimal enough to allow me to use the Electrum wallet app (the wallet I use) wherever I am with my own node, 2/ because I could run the services as podman containers easily on my home server (amd64 linux) and, 3/ the solution seemed well proven (and documented well enough to hack together).

Here are the container images I used:

P.S.

I'm a minimalist so I'm curious about skipping electrs and using a wallet like Sparrow that talks directly to the node, as mentioned in the top reply right now. Though, what I read was this wasn't great for performance reasons. Probably doesn't matter though if the node is only serving a single user's wallet apps. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @garyKrause_ 25 Dec 2023

Start9

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinosphere 25 Dec 2023

I can't stress enough how you want to do this on an old laptop.

I've used RasPis for nodes for several years and 3 different builds now. They always underwhelm when an old laptop would work far better. (And have it's own battery meaning no down-time even in power outages!)

As for the operating system, the best one changes often. Just make sure the one you choose has the apps you want on it and is open source, with a busy community & lots of software contributors. Umbrel seems to be the biggest one of those but the Openness is in question. (Still a great team behind it tho.)

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @4DChess 24 Dec 2023

I've used RoninDojo for multiple years and it has required very little maintenance. There have been a few times that I needed to use the terminal to fix something. Normally, it's just been giving the node a reboot. RoninDojo doesn't support Lightning, so as of lately, I've been using Start9 because it is stable and they also have a great support team. I am probably going to stop using my RoninDojo because I'm trying to significantly reduce my on-chain activity due to fees and any other privacy benefits. I don't have experience with any other node packages, as RoninDojo was covering all of my needs. Maybe, I might keep them both running.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @sudonaka 24 Dec 2023

I went with raspiblitz for my first node. Gives some basic gui, and easy to start using commands later on

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @SovranSystems 24 Dec 2023

We make it easy with a Sovran Pro! All you have to do is plug it in! The Sovran Pro Runs a full Bitcoin node with the entire block chain already downloaded. Plus it has your own Lightning node already installed. No need to install anything. Also, I will personally help you with any questions you may have.

It also is a full desktop computer as well. No one offers that in this space and we don't use docker.

Additionally, the OS of the Sovran Pro, Sovran_SystemsOS, is fully open source.

Also, we don't use any banks and are not registered with any governments. We are a completely private movement, as we stand for absolute Freedom.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 24 Dec 2023

Well, why do you want to run a node? Do you want to have lightning? I mean its totally fair to not know. To just wanna try it. Honestly if you don't know just pick one you listed. One with docs that make sense to you. Its not like you can't try multiple ones. Indecision is worse here than picking the "wrong" one.

You also didn't mention what hardware you have. If you have a pi that narrows it. If you have a PC you can leave running that is much better.