Setting up a lightning node in Bitcoin mainnet

So I have started a project to set up a lightning node in Bitcoin mainnet to support the growth of the lightning network.

I'm going to report my progress in this blog. Note that this is not a guide on how to exactly set up a lightning node.

I got important guidance from https://brettmorrison.com/running-a-bitcoin-lightning-full-node-on-raspberry-pi and http://bithub.co.ke/2018/03/25/tutorial-set-up-a-bitcoin-lightning-node-on-a-raspberry-pi/ so many technical credits go to those people behind the links. If you consider putting up your own node, visit the links above for more detailed instructions.

Initial setup and hardware:

• Raspberry Pi 3 model B starter kit (69,90$ on Amazon. Purchasing only the motherboard costs 39,90$)

• 500gb external hard drive with usb-connection (I used a Kingston SATA adapter box to get my old 500gb Toshiba hard drive to do something useful again)

Whole setup:

Steps to get the node up and running:

1. Setup the Raspberry pi, install Raspbian OS and update all packages (done)
2. Mount the hard drive as the blockchain storage area for both bitcoin and lightning networks (done)
3. Install necessary prequisities for compiling and running bitcoin and lightning networks (done)
4. Get a bitcoin full node up and running (blockchain sync in progress)
5. Get a lightning node up and running and fund the wallet
6. Enjoy the view as your node becomes a part of a ever expanding lightning network map at https://lnmainnet.gaben.win/

So right now I'm just waiting to get the blockchain synced on my node. So far so good.

Post comments if you have guestions etc.