Simple tricks every Nigerian should know when running a Node

[L E G E N D A R Y]

Good evening all.
I’ve been doing some bit of research about Bitcoin stuffs lately, I’ve recently joined the network and is very enthusiastic about knowing more about the technical aspects of Bitcoin and the technology behind it.

Okay today I’ll be sharing one of my findings and hope it helps a few interested people here.
I’ve come to realize that the biggest limitations of running your own node in Nigeria is,
1. Data cost (too expensive)
2. Power/Electricity (Epileptic)
Due to these reasons most Nigerians when they hear or realize how much data is required for the Initial Block Download (over 600GB+) they just give up even before they started, considering the cost of data now.

And then the power/electricity part, we’ll know that NEPA, hasn’t been friendly and even the cost of fuel is surging like no man’s business, which is why I had to do a few researches and came up with at least 3 methods to salvage or at least try to salvage the situation.

Method 1:
Tackling the data part.
The best way to tackle this would be to opt for an unlimited data plan which could’ve been less expensive if there were networks offering better options. Right now in Nigeria, the best options for unlimited data subscriptions is to opt for the starlink network (but too expensive) and the MTN fibreX (limited coverage).
So since I don’t have access to any of these I decided to
1. Run a pruned node

Code:

prune=550

2. Limit my node’s upload Bandwidth

Code:

 maxuploadtarget=5000 

and

3. Reduced the number of connections.

Code:

maxconnections=10

You can also choose to increase the prune space, and reduce the number of peers to suit you better, but these settings consumes less data but slows down syncing time, but it’s better than breaking your bank because you wanna run your own node.

Method 2.
Tackling the Power/Electricity Problem.

Well there are a few ways to tackle this part, but the best way is to have a backup power kit, for me, I opted for a portable solar generator. I know you guys might be thinking these shits are expensive, yeah they are but we also have very pocket friendly ones. I personally went for the all in one Lumos L1 solar powered box and it’s very durable, it’s around 400k+ but they also have installment plans that won’t let you break your bank. At least with this, I can sync my node non stop during the day uninterrupted, and also during the night too (except there’s no sun for that day) but this kinda solves your power issues.

Then method 3.
Use a trusted Snapshot.

If you don’t wanna go through the cost and hassle of the Initial Block Download (IBD) you can actually get a snapshot from a trusted person who has already finished syncing their nodes, just use a few GBs to download the snapshot, run it on your Bitcoin Core and then update it to the latest block height. This is actually much more easier if you wanna save cost and time.  
I hope this helps.

[Mia Chloe]

~snip

Have you run a node before? If you haven't you should not be creating posts like this so you don't mislead others. A steady power supply for a CPU unit and a monitor will cost well above the amount you mentioned and if you say you wanna run that node with a good laptop it's just a matter of time before it gives in especially if you don't have good cooling.

80% of the reasons for pruning is to save space which means If you have a good storage there's no need for that especially if you plan on running it only on the computer.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

Have you run a node before? If you haven't you should not be creating posts like this so you don't mislead others. A steady power supply for a CPU unit and a monitor will cost well above the amount you mentioned and if you say you wanna run that node with a good laptop it's just a matter of time before it gives in especially if you don't have good cooling.

80% of the reasons for pruning is to save space which means If you have a good storage there's no need for that especially if you plan on running it only on the computer.

Have you used this setup before?
If you haven’t then please get your facts right and be sure of what you’re saying before saying I’m misleading people here, cos I think you’re simply tryna sound cool.

This is a setup I’m currently using, and I’m running my node on a Mac which works pretty fine for me, I’ve been using this setup for almost a month now and I haven’t experienced or encountered any problems, so except you’ve tried out this exact setup and observed potential downturn, don’t speak out of assumptions. Thanks.

80% of the reasons for pruning is to save space which means If you have a good storage there's no need for that especially if you plan on running it only on the computer.

And yeah I’m aware of this, I only included it because not everyone can actually afford a 1TB external drive (which is mostly recommended) especially if they’re just starters. But if the user can, then they definitely don’t need to prune.

[Mia Chloe]

This is a setup I’m currently using, and I’m running my node on a Mac which works pretty fine for me, I’ve been using this setup for almost a month now and I haven’t experienced or encountered any problems, so except you’ve tried out this exact setup and observed potential downturn, don’t speak out of assumptions. Thanks.

When you are right you shouldn't have the feeling of being threatened. Well now that you've said so I feel it's a nice addition to the local board to start with something minimal I'll like you to run Electrum server and share your link here I can add that to my wallet for transaction broadcasts.

Currently I'm using the one from someone on the technical board though I disconnect sometimes if I face broadcasting issues. Plus take note you are not in a position for me to sound cool to you.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

When you are right you shouldn't have the feeling of being threatened. Well now that you've said so I feel it's a nice addition to the local board to start with something minimal I'll like you to run Electrum server and share your link here I can add that to my wallet for transaction broadcasts.

Currently I'm using the one from someone on the technical board though I disconnect sometimes if I face broadcasting issues. Plus take note you are not in a position for me to sound cool to you.

First of, I’m not feeling threatened. Not at all… I mean why would I? Was simply making, or better still correcting a point.

Secondly, I think your attempt to sound cool was successful 

I'll like you to run Electrum server and share your link here I can add that to my wallet for transaction broadcasts

Well thanks for reaching out. But for now, I’m still focused on verifying my own personal transactions and possibly a private Electrum setup. But I’ll definitely consider opening it up in the future when I have a more stable setup. I’ll definitely reach out to you when I do. 

[Agbamoni]

.
Tackling the Power/Electricity Problem.

Well there are a few ways to tackle this part, but the best way is to have a backup power kit, for me, I opted for a portable solar generator. I know you guys might be thinking these shits are expensive, yeah they are but we also have very pocket friendly ones. I personally went for the all in one Lumos L1 solar powered box and it’s very durable, it’s around 400k+ but they also have installment plans that won’t let you break your bank. At least with this, I can sync my node non stop during the day uninterrupted, and also during the night too (except there’s no sun for that day) but this kinda solves your power issues.

Let me guess, you spent up to a million buying a portable solar generator, because the last time I check thats how much it cost.
If I'm not mistaken, you are referring to a portable power station with around 300W output? If that's what you meant, yeah, that works fine for me. While running your node, you only need your PC and a public network to stay active. The one I have used lasts up to 24 hours, provided I'm using it for only my mini setup alone.
And for the price, there are some that cost below 400k. A typical example is the Colasolar 1000 Pro.

[Amphenomenon]

Overall your strategy is good but not really cost efficient. While Pruning doesn't eat up more storage you still have to synchronize to the latest time which still make things expensive. This is not really different from what we have heard except from the solar gen as a means of power supply but still can be expensive, though anyone who can afford it should go for it.

Method 2.
Tackling the Power/Electricity Problem.

Well there are a few ways to tackle this part, but the best way is to have a backup power kit, for me, I opted for a portable solar generator. I know you guys might be thinking these shits are expensive, yeah they are but we also have very pocket friendly ones. I personally went for the all in one Lumos L1 solar powered box and it’s very durable, it’s around 400k+ but they also have installment plans that won’t let you break your bank. At least with this, I can sync my node non stop during the day uninterrupted, and also during the night too (except there’s no sun for that day) but this kinda solves your power issues.

It is funny considering 400k as cheap and even the installment payment will cost additional fee, right?
That aside, it is not necessary that your download/synchronization must be done at a go, it can be paused before shutting down your pc until you are able to recharge your pc battery.

[Mia Chloe]

It is funny considering 400k as cheap and even the installment payment will cost additional fee, right?
That aside, it is not necessary that your download/synchronization must be done at a go, it can be paused before shutting down your pc until you are able to recharge your pc battery.

I wouldn't advise splitting syncing. Not all computers can handle hibernation properly and one disgusting thing about it is sometimes the file can get corrupt aside from that you may even end up completing synchronization before the get an error message.

If you ever wanna run a node just make preparations for enough space and get a full node it's more rational pruning wastes data since you still have to download the entire Blockchain just to verify the Merkel tree.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

Let me guess, you spent up to a million buying a portable solar generator, because the last time I check thats how much it cost.
If I'm not mistaken, you are referring to a portable power station with around 300W output? If that's what you meant, yeah, that works fine for me. While running your node, you only need your PC and a public network to stay active. The one I have used lasts up to 24 hours, provided I'm using it for only my mini setup alone.
And for the price, there are some that cost below 400k. A typical example is the Colasolar 1000 Pro.

Oh no, not up to a million, I’m using the Lumos L1 power kit which costs around 420k. Although it doesn’t last up to 24 hrs when fully charged, but it works well. I was planning on getting the cola power station too to increase backup time, but I wasn’t sure it’d give me what they actually said it would, but now you confirmed, I feel more confident and will plan towards it, although I have a petrol generator too, but I don’t often use it due to the high cost of fuel, I only use it for backup, just like yesterday the weather was a bit cloudy and my solar kit couldn’t charge up to 100, so I had to get a few liters of fuel, and completed the charging with generator, it does come in handy in such cases.

If you ever wanna run a node just make preparations for enough space and get a full node it's more rational pruning wastes data since you still have to download the entire Blockchain just to verify the Merkel tree.

And the worst part is that, if one is running a pruned node, prolly due to a low SSD and then maybe decides to switch to a full node in the future when you’ve made availability for enough space, you’ll still need to sync the  blockchain from the genesis block (except for the data that wasn’t pruned), because one can’t just switch from a pruned node to a full node since most of the blockchain data is already deleted and you’ll need the complete data to run a full node.

[Tungbulu]

The one I have used lasts up to 24 hours, provided I'm using it for only my mini setup alone.
And for the price, there are some that cost below 400k. A typical example is the Colasolar 1000 Pro.

How much did you get your Colasolar 1000pro? I’ve been checking it out online for the past few days across different online shopping apps, but I’m seeing different prices there, and I’m not sure which one is authentic, so did you get yours locally or online, if online, what platform did you use for your purchase and how much did you get it, I really need one of those, especially the one that can run my basic appliances for at least 24hrs. Please give me recommendations.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

Overall your strategy is good but not really cost efficient. While Pruning doesn't eat up more storage you still have to synchronize to the latest time which still make things expensive. This is not really different from what we have heard except from the solar gen as a means of power supply but still can be expensive, though anyone who can afford it should go for it.

Yeah it’s almost the same thing as the regular, asides the part I mentioned about limiting your node’s upload bandwidth and reducing the total number of peers to connect to. These configurations might not seem like much but trust me, it does wonders if you’re looking for a way to cut down the data cost because it kinda fixes the “you don’t have to sync the whole node on the go” you just mentioned, cos constantly turning your computer off and back on isn’t such great idea, asides the data corruption part (which of course is the major downside) it’ll literally slow down your sync, the node syncs faster when it’s not constantly interrupted. but this is mostly efficient when you’ve already synced the whole network and just tryna keep your node running because using this configuration may reduce the data consumption required for syncing but it’ll definitely make the sync process slower than usual, almost 2x or 3x slower which might take you several weeks or even months to be able to fully sync your node, but if someone has the luxury of waiting, it’s far better than breaking your bank just to sync the node
But the best thing you can do for yourself is to check if you have the MTN fibreX within your coverage because that’s kinda like the best solution for unlimited data bundle and it’s quite cheap too.

It is funny considering 400k as cheap and even the installment payment will cost additional fee, right?
That aside, it is not necessary that your download/synchronization must be done at a go, it can be paused before shutting down your pc until you are able to recharge your pc battery.

Oh no I don’t consider 400k as cheap, I’m not one of Tinubu’s sons
The reason I mentioned it is particularly because of the installment packages, yeah that’ll cost you some thousands too but it’s a lot more flexible and less expensive compared to depending on petrol generators, or buying it upfront. Someone who’s serious about running his node would definitely opt for this shit.