Question for node runners, specifically on Umbrel and Raspberry Pi 5. Just got my first node set up! Running on Raspberry Pi 5 8GB, 2TB SSD drive, enclosure with heat sink and fan, as well as a powered USB hub. My overall interest will mainly be around: - Bitcoin Core Node - Maybe a Lightning Node - Likely a BTCpay server - Home media server (family photo/video archive) 1) First, I’m just curious if there’s anything I should be doing first thing. For example, maybe security related, etc.? 2) Second, I’m wondering what is considered the best app for a family photo archive? Think along the lines of Google Photos sort of thing… something where I can consolidate multiple years worth of family memories. Would be good if my wife could access it somehow to help organize it. Would also be amazing if it could be viewed on other devices in the home, like our TV. Anything like that? 3) What is the best way to make backups of the SSD drive so if something happens I have a backup to fall back on? Is there a good way to make a clone of the drive? 4) Fourth, even though I already have a 2TB drive, I’m already thinking ahead on what to do to expand storage on the future if/when needed. Would this be as simple is just plugging in another USB drive into one of the USB ports, and Umbrel would recognize an additional drive connected and use it in addition to the first? What’s the best way to handle this? That’s it for now. Thanks!

Replies (6)

Greetings and congrats on your decision to start a node! 1) initially, umbrel is available only on your local network so pretty secure. If you want to enable remote access, you use tor (considered secure) or (maybe even better) you install Tailscale app to access it remotely with a private encrypted vpn (based on wireguard). 2) there are many apps for photos. I 'd like to recommend nextcloud. You can use it for all your personal files. And all members of your family can access it. Locally or through tailscale. Of course you can connect to your umbrel and any app from your smart tv 3) for backups maybe it is best to switch off umbrel, disconnect the drive and use a different machine to copy all the files to another drive. You can even use the "dd" command in Ubuntu to create an .img file in your pc (which will be a clone of the drive) 4) as far as i know , currently @umbrel doesn't support multiple usb devices (maybe i' m wrong and you should check with them). PS. : I would like to recommend also electrum server app. After your node is synced, install "electrs " so you can connect all your wallets and they will do fast syncs. (Sparrow, blue wallet, etc...) Hope this helps🤙
1)The rabbit hole goes deep, but other than replacing your router with a secure beast which runs behind your VPN, as long as you connect through tor you're good. 2) Personally I'd avoid the media aspect. 3&4) Power down and clone the drive once setup completes. Use Balena etcher or similar. You can also clone an existing drive to a larger one. The backup would need to catch up on the latest blocks if/when used.