DATUM
DATUM (Decentralized Template Auction Machine / UTXO Manager) is a protocol that lets miners build custom block templates directly on their own node and submit them to a mining pool—without the pool dictating what transactions go into the block.
Core Purpose
- Put block template control back in the hands of the miner
- Integrate with Ocean.xyz for pooled rewards or solo mining
- Reduce trust in pool operators (censorship resistance)
How It Works
- Run Bitcoin Knots on your own node
- Configure DATUM to issue custom work from your mempool
- Point your ASIC or BitAxe at the DATUM endpoint
- Optionally fail over to Ocean.xyz pool if solo connection drops
Configuration (Solo / Lottery Mining)
- Remove text from "Datum Pool Host" (leave blank for solo)
- Disable "Pooled Mining Only"
- Optionally disable "Failover To Lottery" if you want pure solo
Relationship to Other Protocols
- Builds on Stratum V2 concepts (miner-initiated templates)
- Used by Ocean.xyz as its native template layer
- Complements C-Lightning (Core-Lightning) when combined with Bolt 12 for Lightning payouts
Related Entities
- Ocean.xyz — pool that natively supports DATUM
- BitAxe — low-powered miner compatible with DATUM solo setups
- Bitcoin Knots — recommended full node with enhanced template options
- AxeOS — custom Bitaxe firmware that can talk to DATUM
References
- Meetup #30: Decentralized Mining Workshop ^[raw/decentralized-mining-workshop-meetup-30.md]
- Bitaxe deck (April 2025) ^[raw/decentralized-home-mining-bitaxe-2025-04.md]
Related
- Bitcoin Data Carving (Ordinals, Inscriptions, BRC-20, Runes) — Template control and the inscriptions debate