Bitcoin Forum

Hi there!

I'm a Linux newbie and currently working on a project to safeguard my keys/wallets.
The idea is to install different wallets (for many different coins) into my raspberry pi, generate private keys offline and keep it all offline.
I bought a rasp pi just to work on this project and I wonder if Raspbian (the easy to use linux version for RPi) is the best version in order to install and run wallets.
My main concern is in terms of compatibility with the wallets and Raspbian.
What do you guys think about this? Is Raspbian a good version of linux to install several different wallets?
I appreciate every answer.

Thanks and best regards.

Raspbian is based off debian. If you are able to run it on Ubuntu or Debian, you should be able to run it on Raspbian. It's not the easiest thing to handle an offline wallet with different coins. Each of them would require at least a site to obtain the transaction information and broadcast the transaction. If it doesn't exist, you will need to run an online instance of the coins, though your wallet need not be on it.

Raspberry Pi is not the ideal device to run nodes on, be it offline or online. You could handle much more wallets offline but it would be a strain if you run them all simultaneously.

Agree. Do not forget that the Bitcoin blockchain is bigger than 140+ GB and the cost for such a microSD is truly expensive (about $120 for quality ones). Also for that price, it is possible to afford a PC with big space size with low-priced components.
Apart of that, a server in the cloud is not recommendable though because of unsafe securities.

Hello I have a few Raspberry Pi's wallet running around and I can recommend you to get a laptop of tower PC and download the Bitcoin Core client (pruned in my case). Then move the bitcoin directory to the raspberry pi because if you don't do it that way the Raspberry Pi will last ages to syncronize with the bitcoin network. I don't even try it, I just copy and pasted the pruned .bitcoin folder.

I have issues with my network but other than that the Raspberry Pi runs very good on IPv6, IPv4 and/or TOR

good luck

Better install Ubuntu on Raspberry Pi. Ubuntu has a nice interface (GUI).

Thanks for all the answers!

The idea is not to run a node or sync the blockchain.
It's just to have a few wallets to generate private keys and store them on keepass.
Just trying to do it the safest I can and with some degree of compatibility/easy to use.
Any suggestion is welcome.

Your idea of a offline Raspberry Pi works. If you are completely offline (and also via cable, not WiFi) signing Transactions and relaying them to your online PC.
But in terms of usability.. i would recommend you a hardware wallet.
There are quite a few on the market which can hold different Cryptocurrencies.
And for a few (which cant be hold by HW wallets, because of too less of adoption) you can use your offline RASP.
The RASP is definetly more "complex to use" and not that "error forgiving" as a hardware wallet (e.g. trezor or ledger)

I'm doing the same using Raspian.
If you just want to keep your crypto safe, it is a good choice.
Remember to write down the seed, of all your wallets.

Which Distribution are you using? This is quite interesting for me too. I´m using the RASPberry type B, do you have some information about the usability of your RASP?

Regards

anyone have experience with the raspberry Pi3 & multi wallets?
my Pi3 will arrive soon, hopefully ill have no issues to get my wallets running on linux ;-)

I've installed Raspbian in my Raspberry Pi 2 and Electrum 2.9.3 (It was done before the 3.0 version).
Then I've disconnected the Pi from internet and generated a wallet.
I wrote down the seeds ,I've copied the addresses in a memory stick and I've formated the SD card.
I am a BTC holder so whenever I buy some I'm sending them in one of my addresses.

This is my cold storage method.

From your experience the pi3 can handle a full node? Have you tried also running multiple alts nodes at the same time? Thank you

Sorry, I didnt try it yet.
You're going to need a 256GB micro SD card, which costs almost $150.
That's too much.
In my opinion use an old PC or laptop or if you dont have any buy a second hand PC. It will cost you less than the card.

I've a Raspberry Pi right now. Yes, it can handle a full node. However, the whole synchronization process would take a very long time. If possible, use another computer to download the blockchain first and place it in the data directory of your Pi. You can use an external HDD for this, SD cards are not designed for extended period of reads and writes.

Now, as to how much it can handle, not very much. If you are looking for a full node with incoming connections, you have to limit it. Otherwise, if you're only using it as a wallet, I'll really recommend Electrum instead, if your coin has a fork for it.

That sounds good to me. When i have the time i try to set up a similar system. Thanks for your explanation.