Subnostr

nostr:npub1ry930jxmrdtzvqfdrq7846ymzcc0hh0ll68ttvjg7kkrptsa0pds3vqy4m , I have been in the process of setting up a bitcoin node for the past couple of months on my Win11 machine. I am nearing the end of the downloading process. Only 25 weeks of data yet to download! It seems to be taking entirely too long to download... I am curious if there is a way to look at logs of what my instance of BTC is contributing to the network? Will my machine record any stats that I can go through later? Will it be possible to "ping" my machine somehow to make sure it is actually visible to the network, and not hidden behind my ISP's firewall?

I hope my questions were easy enough to understand - I'm told I complicate questions when I ask them. Thanks for any resources you can point me at!

Luke 7mo ago

It probably depends on what software your node will show you more specifics than the essentials, and as far as whether it is contributing to the network, as long as it is recording the blocks and you have peer connections, I would say it is working… mine is was just a plugin download on my Umbrel with very minimal effort to start up and set up and doesn’t give me a lot of data… I can download other plugins to explore blocks, but I focus more effort in maintaining my lightning node and just let the Bitcoin node do its thing

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Discussion

Joshua Farr 7mo ago

Thank you! My node is almost updated - just another few days to finish downloading. It has been a long time -- years -- since I ran a node, and I know blocks are downloading, so I assume things are fine. My question was about if the firewall needs to be adjusted. I'm running Core v 22.

Once Core is fully downloaded and online, I'm going to tackle setting up a Lightning node so I can truly be my own bank.

Thanks again for your reply! I found it helpful.

Luke 7mo ago

I wouldn’t think the firewall is a problem or else it wouldn’t be downloading the blockchain to begin with. No problem, I had more answers for you, but I learn as I go mostly… and a warning to lightning nodes… you will probably get very pissed at it when you start… don’t throw the computer… 🤣 I had to shut it down and avoid it for probably 4 months and did more research before going back to it and I am by far no expert or even an amateur at running one either… I just play with it enough to keep it up for my family and my needs 🤞

Joshua Farr 7mo ago

Got it! I was hoping it would be easy to work with. Oh well, thanks for the worning...and for the help. I just realized how dumb my question is. If I can download blocks, that's all my node needs to do. I won't be validating blocks.

I've read and heard people talk about running their own lightning node, and thought it would be a good idea to set up my own node. I'll work with the hardware I have, and later build a node on Raspberry Pi, I think - though the Start9 server sounds neat.

Luke 7mo ago

Yeah I actually built mine off the diy section of start9’s website because they will give you startOS for free on the diy setups, but you don’t get any support… but at the time, start9 wasn’t recommending ssd storage and wanted you to use just micro SD for storage and found a recommendation to use UmbrelOS if I was using ssd and their OS is free too, so that’s how I started running umbrel on a pi

S!ayer 7mo ago

Umbrel is easier and includes things like nostr relays.

Umbrel is also one click installs, and can run as a home server as well.

You don't need to buy new tech, second hand hardware will work just fine.

Seriously, most you should spend is on an ssd

Manánguri 7mo ago

You'll need to open port 8333 on your modem/firewall and forward it to your PC. You'll also have to open the same port on your windows PC.

If you do this to help the network, your Internet connection will get thrashed and you'll no longer be able to play any multiplayer online games because your latency will be shit.

Having a full node that only you have access to is good for your own privacy, that's all. If you want to run an LND node and route payments, you absolutely need a full Bitcoin node for LND security.

If you're planning on running a full node that you want to open to the public to help the network, you're crazy. Don't do it. It's not going to help the network and you're broadcasting your IP address which tells criminals to come and rob you.

Joshua Farr 7mo ago

Thank you so much for the information! I saw that you wrote me a message, but I am getting ready to put my youngest to bed for the night, so I will read what you sent in the morning. Again, thank you for your comments and thoughts!

I'll likely message you tomorrow. Good night!