Show off your hardware wallet

[The Sceptical Chymist]

My contribution to this thread is going to seem very plain-Jane (at least this post), but I picked up a Ballet Lunar New Year 2022 Edition gift card 5-pack recently, as....I'm a sucker for Ballet and for limited edition HW wallets--especially ones in card form like these:




If there wasn't that damn security issue that's far too big to ignore--the one everyone here knows about--Ballet would probably be my go-to HW wallet for cold storage.  But as it is, these will remain in my small but growing collection of card-type wallets.

Edit:  WTF?  Somehow I made this thread self-moderated, which I did not intend to do.  Sorry about that and don't worry about having your posts deleted.

[1715190562]

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[Lucius]

Edit:  WTF?  Somehow I made this thread self-moderated, which I did not intend to do.  Sorry about that and don't worry about having your posts deleted.

You're a little confused, the self-moderated thread was made by @Pmalek who started this thread, so only he can delete posts.


As for these HWs, I understand that they have collector's value for someone and I don't see anything wrong with wanting to have as large a collection as possible - I used to collect various things too, and now they collect dust

[Pmalek]

My contribution to this thread is going to seem very plain-Jane (at least this post), but I picked up a Ballet Lunar New Year 2022 Edition gift card 5-pack recently...

Thanks for the contribution. Since those gift cards are not proper hardware wallets, I will not add them to the table. 

Edit:  WTF?  Somehow I made this thread self-moderated, which I did not intend to do.

No, you didn't. I did back in December when I created this discussion, so everything is OK. But thanks for the laugh and for freaking out a little bit.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

You're a little confused, the self-moderated thread was made by @Pmalek who started this thread, so only he can delete posts.

OMG, I'm more than a little confused....this is what happens when the human mind is taken through a 70+ hour insomniathon and decides to make a coherent post on bitcointalk.  Pardon me for that.

As for these HWs, I understand that they have collector's value for someone and I don't see anything wrong with wanting to have as large a collection as possible - I used to collect various things too, and now they collect dust

I think of the oddball HW wallets as a future part of crypto history if you know what I mean.  The feeling I get when I see wallets like Ballet and quite a few others that either have serious flaws or just don't have any name recognition is that they're not going to be around in a few years.  I don't collect other bitcoin-related things, as they just don't appeal to me--but HW wallets do for some reason.

I wish I could make a giant display album out of the ones I've got (which isn't that many, but I pick them up when I see a bargain).  There doesn't seem like there's a great way to display them otherwise.  Hang them on my walls, maybe?

No, you didn't. I did back in December when I created this discussion, so everything is OK. But thanks for the laugh and for freaking out a little bit.

I am such a dumbass, and I'm really embarrassed about writing that. 

[Pmalek]

I wish I could make a giant display album out of the ones I've got (which isn't that many, but I pick them up when I see a bargain).

Yeah, do that. Share it here. I am sure many would be interested in what's out there.  

I am such a dumbass, and I'm really embarrassed about writing that.

No, you are human. We are a species with flaws of all kinds. Anyone active in these technical boards feel dumb at times when they see the levels of knowledge those top posters possess. No harm in that. Btw, I am not counting myself in that group just so we are clear.     

[aoluain]

snip...

As for these HWs, I understand that they have collector's value for someone and I don't see anything wrong with wanting to have as large a collection as possible - I used to collect various things too, and now they collect dust

I think of the oddball HW wallets as a future part of crypto history if you know what I mean.  The feeling I get when I see wallets like Ballet and quite a few others that either have serious flaws or just don't have any name recognition is that they're not going to be around in a few years.  I don't collect other bitcoin-related things, as they just don't appeal to me--but HW wallets do for some reason.

I wish I could make a giant display album out of the ones I've got (which isn't that many, but I pick them up when I see a bargain).  There doesn't seem like there's a great way to display them otherwise.  Hang them on my walls, maybe?

Yes as PmaleK posted you should take some nice snaps of your collection, we would like
to see that.

I havent seen you over at the "Collectibles" board?

Check out Cygan's thread on his collectibles > [INFO] CCC - cygan's crypto collection - constantly updated

Also krogothmanhatten created an info thread in suppliers of display items,
you might find something there which helps you out.>
[INFO]- STORAGE ITEMS FOR YOUR COLLECTABLES

[cygan]

I wish I could make a giant display album out of the ones I've got (which isn't that many, but I pick them up when I see a bargain).

Yeah, do that. Share it here. I am sure many would be interested in what's out there.  
✂

i would also be in favor of you creating an extra thread here in forum for your whole collection - in the collectibles section people like you are always very welcome
that was also my intention when i created my own, which has kindly posted here by aoluain

✂
Check out Cygan's thread on his collectibles > [INFO] CCC - cygan's crypto collection - constantly updated

Also krogothmanhatten created an info thread in suppliers of display items,
you might find something there which helps you out.>
[INFO]- STORAGE ITEMS FOR YOUR COLLECTABLES

[kcnelson]

I have an Arculus, so far it works.

[Pmalek]

I have an Arculus, so far it works.

I have never heard anyone mention this particular brand of hardware wallets before except maybe Ratimov in that big list of his. Feel free to share some more information about it and tell us how it works. Some pictures would also be appreciated similarly to how other users submitted theirs.   

[n0nce]

I have an Arculus, so far it works.

I have never heard anyone mention this particular brand of hardware wallets before except maybe Ratimov in that big list of his. Feel free to share some more information about it and tell us how it works. Some pictures would also be appreciated similarly to how other users submitted theirs.   

It's a closed-source device that was given to Bitcoin Miami 2022 attendees for free [1].
From what I heard, it was criticized a lot for being all closed and sketchy to get something like this for free. Like, if you think about this, it has the potential to be worse than 'free USB sticks' [2].

Do not plug an unknown USB drive into your computer.

^^^ This also applies to closed-off hardware wallets, in addition to the ability to deanonymize and / or steal from your wallet.

It wasn't accepted well by everyone, understandably:

Taking home a free hardware wallet from a bitcoin conference the same opsec as plugging in a USB device you found in the parking lot.

Don’t touch it… #Arculus

Arculus. It kind of sounds like those multi-billion dollar "Ark" and "Oculus" companies, but in fact, it's just a dumb portmanteau that I promptly deposited into my waste receptacle. #Bitcoin2022 @nvk

"We reserve the right to suspend, restrict or terminate your access to your Arculus Wallet and all services therein without any liability to you"

They allowed this hardware wallet to be given out as a freebie at the bitcoin conference. Fuck the attendees!! Anything for profit

I took one look at that free arculus wallet in my bag at the conference and immediately threw it in the trash where it belongs.

And a big one:

It’s even worse, shows you the seed on your phone during setup. Their customer support tells you to put your phone in airplane mode if you’re concerned.

[1] https://bitcoinmagazine.com/business/bitcoin-2022-attendees-to-receive-bitcoin-hardware-wallet
[2] https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/tips/ST08-001

[dkbit98]

I have never heard anyone mention this particular brand of hardware wallets before except maybe Ratimov in that big list of his. Feel free to share some more information about it and tell us how it works. Some pictures would also be appreciated similarly to how other users submitted theirs.  

Oh you are really interested about Arculus?  
I wrote about Arculus last year it in our Croatian local section, and I would never suggest anyone to waste money on this device/wallet!
It is only available in United States, and it can't be used anywhere outside it's borders, that means nothing will work including their app...
They also don't accept Bitcoin payments for purchases   , they are closed source and I heard many bad comments about them in last year.

[Pmalek]

Oh you are really interested about Arculus?  

I was interested to see how it looked and what the user's experience with the wallet is. But not because I like it or appreciate the geographical restrictions and limitations it comes with. A hardware wallet that was given away for free to visitors of a Bitcoin conference doesn't sound very appealing.

[SFR10]

was given to Bitcoin Miami 2022 attendees for free [1].

After seeing how much each of the attendees had to pay for various ticket passes, I wouldn't call it free ^{[I'm sure it was already factored in (except for the SM pass holders)]}.

"We reserve the right to suspend, restrict or terminate your access to your Arculus Wallet and all services therein without any liability to you"

And they still had the audacity to use the following words on their website ^[SMH]: "Security and privacy"

[Cricktor]

I have assembled a piTrezor recently to play around with as I had a spare Raspi Zero W for it. The OLED bonnet didn't cost much, so no big deal. Wireless networks are of course deactivated by appropriate dtoverlay settings. I had no use for a Raspi Zero w/o wireless connectivity, so none at home.



Until I understand the changes to the original Trezor One firmware, I won't trust the piTrezor to generate me a seed for mainnet Bitcoin or other coins.
As unmodified software like Electrum or the Trezor Suite work properly with the DIY piTrezor, I would be fine to restore an existing wallet with mnemonic seed and use it with the piTrezor. My main goal is to have something to play with and get used to a hardware wallet. I am fully aware that a piTrezor is less safe than the original genuine device as it lacks any storage and boot protection. The piTrezor boots up pretty fast and with multiple microSD cards you could switch multiple wallets easily.

Bonus is your (online) parts orders don't leave some crypto hardware wallet data trails that might one day hurt you. (Ledger™, I see you!)

[Pmalek]

<Snip>

Very interesting project. I am gonna add it to the table as DIY PiTrezor, unless you think it should be called differently?
I found this neat little explanatory guide that explains how to build one of these devices yourself in case someone is interested. Is that what you used or do you have alternative sources?

[Cricktor]

<Snip>

It's Yannick's project on https://www.pitrezor.com and he calls it: PiTrezor
I'd stick to that name. No need to add DIY in front of it as DIY is implied.

Yes, that is exactly what I used and in addition I watched one or two Youtube videos just in case if there's something to pay attention to in particular. But the details on the blog are sufficient to assemble the device and get it up and running.

I didn't want to use a custom case to avoid making it look like a crypto hardware wallet. My assembly could be taken apart, the microSD card hidden and it would be rather "innocent" for visitors, bene- or malevolent.

[dkbit98]

I have assembled a piTrezor recently to play around with as I had a spare Raspi Zero W for it. The OLED bonnet didn't cost much, so no big deal. Wireless networks are of course deactivated by appropriate dtoverlay settings. I had no use for a Raspi Zero w/o wireless connectivity, so none at home.

Nice one, but I think you should check out one more wallet project that is based on same Raspberry Pit Zero device, and it's called SeedSigner.
SeedSigner is only supporting Bitcoin and it's air-gapped device comunicating with other devices with QR codes.
That means you would need to buy few small parts like camera, 1.3 inch WaveShare LCD display, and print your own 3d case (or purchase from third party).
This is more like signing device and it doesn't have permanent storage, so I consider it safer than Trezor and other hardware wallets.
Seed words are quickly imported with QR code scan.
https://seedsigner.com/

[Pmalek]

It's Yannick's project on https://www.pitrezor.com and he calls it: PiTrezor
I'd stick to that name. No need to add DIY in front of it as DIY is implied.

I still feel like there should be a clear distinction in the table between a fully operational hardware wallet that you buy, take out of the packaging, and it's ready to be used, and one that you have to build yourself. I don't want someone to see the post and think that's how the HW is supposed to look only to receive a chopped up version of it that needs to be assembled. The next thing on their mind could be: Pmalek, may you burn in hell! I don't want that.

[Cricktor]

...
Seed words are quickly imported with QR code scan.
https://seedsigner.com/

I have already seen SeedSigner and thought about it. Personally what I don't like with this product is that you need to have the mnemonic seed QR to use it, i.e. the most valuable wallet information unencrypted at home. Sure, you can hide it. Sure, you can add the protection layer of a mnemonic seed passphrase (I believe).
I felt that SeedSigner isn't quite the gadget that I need, yet. Worth considering though should I go more heavy on multi-signature wallets.

I still feel like there should be a clear distinction in the table between a fully operational hardware wallet that you buy, take out of the packaging, and it's ready to be used, and one that you have to build yourself. <snip>

Sure, why not. The PiTrezor is in my opinion somewhat a "hacky" solution. While working pretty much the same as an original Trezor One, it's wallet data safety is basically non-existent if you don't use a mnemonic seed passphrase. The SeedSigner is a device on its own and doesn't store vital wallet data at all.

I have looked at available hardware wallets on the market. Almost all have something that I'm not happy with.
Ledger is NoNo, I'm not willing to support this company with a single penny/Satoshi.
Trezor One is pretty limited, same for PiTrezor; Trezor T too expensive for my taste. I hope a new Trezor with their own open-source SE chip isn't going to be with a price tag as model T.
Specter DIY is an interesting option for me.
Passport batch 2 looks interesting, too.
Bitbox02, well, not bad, but doesn't really outshine in my opinion.
Coldcard's recent move and future Mk4? Hm, not so happy and amused.
Other hardware that focusses on smartphone use or hasn't own displays is out of consideration for me.

Just wanted to give a glimpse of my thought processes... (I don't feel a pressing urge to have and use a hardware wallet, yet.)

[n0nce]

I have looked at available hardware wallets on the market. Almost all have something that I'm not happy with.
Ledger is NoNo, I'm not willing to support this company with a single penny/Satoshi.
Trezor One is pretty limited, same for PiTrezor; Trezor T too expensive for my taste. I hope a new Trezor with their own open-source SE chip isn't going to be with a price tag as model T.
Specter DIY is an interesting option for me.
Passport batch 2 looks interesting, too.
Bitbox02, well, not bad, but doesn't really outshine in my opinion.
Coldcard's recent move and future Mk4? Hm, not so happy and amused.
Other hardware that focusses on smartphone use or hasn't own displays is out of consideration for me.

Just wanted to give a glimpse of my thought processes... (I don't feel a pressing urge to have and use a hardware wallet, yet.)

I agree almost 100% with everything you said here. To me, I think a Trezor One with secure element would be worth like $200 or 200€, but the current model T price tag is already around the 300 mark, without this new custom chip so I won't hold my breath.
You correctly figured out that most wallets have one problem or another; not open source, no screen, wireless connectivity, price - so even though at first glance hardware wallets seem like a pretty exhausted field after so many years, I'm pretty excited to see what the next months and years will deliver and if we can get the perfect device.

Do note, regarding SeedSigner and having to store the seed 'in the open' in your home, that any device without secure element is doing just the same. Software wallets and hardware wallets like Trezor models without SE (including PiTrezor), basically store the seed 'in the open' as well, just digitally.

The question whether this is a potential attack vector entirely depends on the circumstances: where will the device be stored, where will it be used, by whom will it be used, how often and does someone have access to it for longer periods of time unattended? In some cases it will be better to have a fully open device (but without SE) and in others you rather put some trust in the SE to be benevolent to in turn get almost guaranteed protection from technological attacks by malicious parties in your surrounding.