Nostr Web Client

1/ Over the past months I've tested various #Bitcoin nodes that run on Raspberry Pi. The nodes tested are pretty simple to setup and don't require technical skills, anyone can run one.

Before we jump in with my thoughts, some notes:

My main reasons for having a node:

- contribute to the bitcoin network's security and decentralization

- connect bitcoin wallets to maintain privacy

- explore the blockchain with @mempool and Bitcoin Explorer (bitcoinexplorer.org)

- create multisig wallets with Specter Desktop

- create lightning channels

Some of the nodes below take the home server approach, i.e. they want to be your private server used as a replacement for many cloud services. While this is a great way for users to learn about self-hosting and data ownership, I would not recommend it. My preference is to keep node and bitcoin related apps separate from other home server applications. Luckily you can simply opt to not install/remove any of these apps and keep it a pure bitcoin machine.

For each node I indicate software versions for Bitcoin Core, Mempool, and Specter on the date I started putting this together. All nodes receive updates regularly, but some are faster than others.

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Discussion

svrgnty 2y ago

2/ Off topic, but for those curious what the 5 screens are, they are nerdminers by BitMaker_ on a #nerdminer 1U rack by sulfuroid. Nerdminer is a lottery miner. It is great FOSS project that allows you to learn about bitcoin mining

svrgnty 2y ago

3/ With that said, here is the good, bad, and neutral, of the different #Bitcoin nodes in no particular order.

svrgnty 2y ago

4/ Start9 StartOS

Pros

+ Nice interface and easy to use

+ Though not as extensive as Umbrel, the marketplace has enough applications to easily get up running quickly

+ Https: local network communication is encrypted

+ Most up-to-date

Cons

- Specter seems to be a bit buggy. Not sure if it is due to the newest version having more bugs, the computing power of the Raspberry Pi, or the implementation for StartOS. Though refreshing the page usually resolves issues, it is frustrating

- Missing Bitcoin Explorer

Neutral

~ Home server approach

Software versions on 12 July 2023:

Bitcoin Core: 25.0.0

Mempool: 2.5.0

Specter: 2.0.2

svrgnty 2y ago

5/ RaspiBlitz

Pros

+ Though not required, I do recommend the screen. It provides details about your node without the need to access the interface. It is also eye candy

+ Just Bitcoin

+ FOSS (free and open-source software)

+ Https: local network communication is encrypted

+ Nice CLI

Cons

- Unlike all other nodes, it does not provide a url to access the interface, but instead you need the IP (it is displayed on the optional screen)

- The installation process can seem more complex for a noob, e.g. having to select a Lightning client

- No update notifications

Software versions on 12 July 2023:

Bitcoin Core: 24.0.1

Mempool: 2.4.0

Specter: NA

svrgnty 2y ago

6/ MyNode

Pros

+ Just Bitcoin

+ Https: local network communication is encrypted

Cons

- Does not require a license, but does "unlock" certain features like updates, which otherwise would be much more difficult.

- Out of all nodes, probably my least preferred UI

Software versions on 12 July 2023:

Bitcoin Core: 25.0

Mempool: 2.5.0

Specter: 1.14.1

svrgnty 2y ago

7/ @umbrel

Pros

+ Nice interface

+ Probably the most popular node (and the one I've had the longest) so there is a large support community

+ Biggest selection of applications, also has apps not available on other nodes like Nostr Wallet Connect from @getAlby

Cons

- Telemetry collected seems unneeded and a privacy concern. https://twitter.com/runcitadel/status/1680227793106247681

- Connecting wallets can be confusing (Bitcoin Core, Electrs, Lightning)

- It is currently in beta and is not considered secure. Would not use as a primary node. https://github.com/getumbrel/umbrel/blob/master/SECURITY.md

Neutral:

~ Home server approach

Software versions on 12 July 2023:

Bitcoin Core: 25.0

Mempool: 2.5.0

Specter: 1.14.2

svrgnty 2y ago

8/ Citadel

Pros

+ Https: local network communication is encrypted, though it needs to be setup

+ FOSS (free and open-source software)

+ Big focus on privacy

Cons

- Still in heavy development, and lacking many apps (temporary)

Neutral

~ Though still in development, it is very promising. With the release of Nirvati I expect this to be a top tier node

~ Home server approach

Software versions on 12 July 2023:

Bitcoin Core: 25.0.0

Mempool: NA

Specter: 2.0.1

svrgnty 2y ago

/9 What is my favorite? They all have pros and cons, but I do have some preferred nodes:

1. StartOS - Currenty is my main node and the one I use the most

2. RaspiBlitz - I just love the screen, and love looking at it every time I walk by it

3. Citadel - Still in the early development phases, it resembles the first versions of Umbrel, though with better privacy. I really look forward to the Nirvati release, good chance this becomes one of my top 2

4. @umbrel - My first node and still in use for apps not available elsewhere, but the security and privacy issues, + switch to home server are a turn off.

5. MyNode - The license requirement can be a turn off for some, but an advantage is that it is bitcoin only node

₿itcoin 2y ago

Maybe also run the utxoracle script.