Nostr Web Client

With the help of ChatGPT and the community of developers, I was finally able to launch my own Lightning address using BTCPay Server. I no longer have to rely on a company's wallet.

Previously, I used Wallet of Satoshi for my Lightning address and never had any issues with them. I still recommend their service, but I prefer hosting my own solutions.

Setting up my own server and software wasn’t easy, but I managed to do it, with a lot of help from ChatGPT.

I’m now self-sovereign!

https://mar101xy.com/uploader/images/2025/01/28/bitcoin-lightning-address-mar.webp

#btcpay

#lightning

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Discussion

Emperor Kuzco 11mo ago

What hardware did you use for the server? I currently have an unutilized Qnap server.

mar 11mo ago

I got the cheapest server from SoYouStart

4Core 2.2GHz processer, 32GB Ram, 2 x 480GB SSD

Around 30.41 USD monthly.

The hard drive is filled up to about half because I am running BTCPay as pruned for the Bitcoin node.

I am also not paying for a panel like cpanel or direct admin because it's too expensive and I find I don't need a panel anymore. I do everything via the linux command line. Chatgpt can't guide you through almost anything.

I don't like VPS because I find I always run into problems and they limit the CPU so getting a dedicated server it's cheaper. I also find most time to you access to areas that VPS don't give you and VPS are also not powerful.

BTCPay server is medium difficulty to setup. If you need help I can help or they offer help in their group chat.

https://www.soyoustart.com/us/essential-servers/

GoneGone 11mo ago

This is great. I use Alby for my LNURL, but I had first wanted to use BTCpay Server but I am not a programmer and couldn’t figure it out. I just had a conversation with a friend who needs a donation campaign for a non-profit and I offered to help so she can get bitcoin donations. So the whole BTCpay thing starts anew.

Is it possible for a regular pleb to set up and use BTCpay? I would want: LN donations and onchain donations capable. No LNURL needed. I run a nostr:npub126ntw5mnermmj0znhjhgdk8lh2af72sm8qfzq48umdlnhaj9kuns3le9ll node and have open LN channels and use them frequently. But again, I know NOTHING about programming. But I can usually follow instructions.

mar 11mo ago

You have to have a medium level of expertise in order to install BTCPay. Have you ever installed a website on a Linux server using the CLI?

All you really have to do is install the Linux OS, open up the ports, install ssl, and install the BTCPay software all of this using the CLI.

If you need help I can help. You can look up vidoes and tutorials as well.

GoneGone 11mo ago

Thanks for that offer. I may very well take you up on the offer. I use Ubuntu as my personal computer OS and am very simply aware of CLI. I have trouble even wrapping my head around the needs to make this happen. For example, if I run a node and install BTCpay on it, why doesn’t it just work there? What’s the need of a website? Novice questions. I am starting from level 0. But I would like to learn and figure this out eventually. Donations for non-profit is something I work with so I’ll need this going forward eventually.

What I could use is some video tutorial suggestions. I’ll watch those. Gonna be out of town/busy until mid march when I’m planning on picking this back up.

mar 10mo ago

What I mean is if you have setup a website on a Linux server using the CLI then setting up BTCPay is very similar.

I don't know what you mean by installing BTCPay on your node.

BTCPay server will install the Bitcoin node and also the lightning node. It does it all for you. You just need to install it.

GoneGone 10mo ago

I run a Start9 node. BTCpay server is an app you can install on it. Thanks for clarifying. I’ll hit you up for help if I get stuck.