Description
Why run a Bitcoin node?
- Independently verify your balances and incoming transactions to confirm it is Bitcoin that you are receiving
- Broadcast transactions without being censored
- Retain privacy when transacting on the Bitcoin network
- Support the decentralisation of the Bitcoin network
More details discussed here.
What is the Ministry of Nodes Bitcoin Nodebox?
It is a mini personal computer that you run at home 24/7 that downloads and stores all Bitcoin transactions since its inception.
Hardware specifications:
- A refurbished Dell Optiplex MicroPC or Lenovo ThinkCentre MiniPC
- i5 processor
- 8GB RAM
- Brand new 2TB SSD (SATA connection)
- Metric measurements: 1.5kg, 18cm x 18cm x 4cm
- Imperial measurements: 3.3lbs, 7inch x 7inch x 1.6inch
It comes with the following software installed:
- Operating system: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin Core
- Private Electrum Server: electrs
- Blockchain explorer: mempool.space
Who is this product suitable for?
Households, small businesses, family offices, organisations. The goal is to have a Bitcoin node sitting beside every internet router in the world!
What are the requirements?
To have a good time with the Nodebox, you will need:
- 24/7 electricity connection. It is a device that is designed to be kept online at your premises 24/7.
- An internet connection plan with no data usage limits or caps. There are no minimum speed requirements, a stable internet connection is preferred.
- Physical access to your router to plug the Nodebox in using an ethernet connection. Wireless connectivity on the Nodebox is not supported.
- An existing personal computer or laptop (Windows, Mac, Linux) with Sparrow Wallet installed. Your personal computer will need to be connected to the same network as your Nodebox. This can be either through WiFi or by plugging your computer directly into the router using ethernet cable.
Note: By default, the Nodebox will only work when you are connected your home network. Remote access has NOT been configured. Instructions can be provided so you can access the services of your Nodebox from anywhere in the world, provided you have internet connectivity. It is deployed using a free and open source software and service called Tailscale.
How do I use the Nodebox?
Running a Bitcoin node requires a basic level of computer competency. Watch the 6 minute instructional video here to see if this product is for you. It goes through in detail on how to setup and use your Nodebox.
Need help accessing the dashboard? See the troubleshooting tips.
What are the design decisions of the Nodebox?
The Nodebox is designed to be a simple, robust Bitcoin node that you and your household can rely on. Keeping bloat to a minimum, it is optimised for speed, stability and minimal downtime. There isn’t an array of options and features to customise, which is by design. There is no data that is unique to your specific node, which eliminates the need to worry about encryption, backups, redundancies, snapshots, disaster recovery, alternative file systems and other administrative tasks. The goal is to provide a node that requires minimal intervention and just keeps ticking along.
This is a simple Bitcoin node with an electrum server and a blockchain explorer. It is not suited to be used as a Lightning Network node.
However, if you so choose, the Nodebox can be expanded upon and built into a powerhouse, using a series of video tutorials on the Ministry of Nodes YouTube channel. More information below.
How is the Nodebox built?
The Ministry of Nodes YouTube channel has a publicly available series of video tutorials that goes through how to build your own Nodebox from the ground up. It can be found here. It is a series of tutorials for those who wish to take a DIY approach, sourcing their own hardware and installing/configuring the software themselves.
The Ministry of Nodes Bitcoin Nodebox offers beginners a way to get up and running with the necessary hardware and software to verify, broadcast and explore Bitcoin transactions privately, all pre-configured.
Each Nodebox computer is acquired, alongside a brand new solid state drive (SSD). The SSD is loaded with all the software required to run a Bitcoin node. The BIOS is then configured to start the machine on power and boot from the SSD. The blockchain is synchronised to the chain tip. Each unit is tested, packaged up and shipped out.
Where should I keep the Nodebox?
The Nodebox should be kept close to your home internet router, in a dry, well ventilated area. Ideally, it should not be accessible to children or pets.
If you relocate to another address (or country), you can take the Bitcoin Nodebox with you and plug it into your router there. It is lightweight and portable. Note, you may need a power plug adapter for the country you are moving to.
What happens in the event of an internet or power outage?
In the event of an internet outage, you will not be able to verify your balances or transact on the Bitcoin network. Once internet connectivity resumes, the Nodebox will synchronise back to the Bitcoin network (i.e, pick up where it left off) and will resume full functionality. There may be instances where the Nodebox requires a reboot after a prolonged internet outage.
In the event of a power outage, you will be unable to use your Bitcoin node. Upon power and internet being restored, your Nodebox will automatically turn on and synchronise back with the Bitcoin network. Thereafter, full functionality will be restored. There is a very rare possibility of data corruption in the SSD when the power goes out. Contact support if you suspect this may be the case.
How do I upgrade the Nodebox?
Critical operating system updates are handled automatically using the unattended-upgrades software package in Ubuntu. Ubuntu 22.04 is supported until April 2027. A new SSD will be made available for purchase closer to that time with the latest versions of Ubuntu, Bitcoin Core, Private Electrum Server and Mempool.space. Instructions will also be made available on how to replace the old SSD with the new one.
Where do you ship to?
Shipping is worldwide. Be sure to order the correct power plug for your region.
Where can I find support?
There is a Ministry of Nodes public telegram chat room to ask questions in. Nobody will DM you directly. Keep all correspondence in the public chat. Beware of scammers.
If you prefer one on one guidance, book in a Zoom video call consultation on the calendar here.
For any queries, email [email protected] or [email protected]
More information about Ministry of Nodes can be found at ministryofnodes.com.au
This product is made and shipped by @_k3tan with 🧡 from Australia.
Disclaimer
The purchase of a Ministry of Nodes Bitcoin Nodebox requires an element of trust. If you are not comfortable with this, you should watch and follow the publicly available video series to build a Nodebox, sourcing your own hardware and installing/configuring the necessary software yourself. It is highly encouraged you watch the series and follow along.
