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Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node

Date: 2025-11-13
Presenter: Round Rock Bitcoiners

Outline & Notes​

Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node

Date: November 13, 2025 Presenter: RRBTC

Event Overview​

Hands-on workshop to build a DIY x86 Start9OS node and personal server. Assert monetary sovereignty.

Workshop Goals​

  • Assemble and install a Bitcoin node from scratch
  • Understand sovereign self-hosting with Start9OS
  • Leave with a fully operational node ready to sync Bitcoin Core or Knots
  • Compare Core vs. Knots and CLN vs. LND
  • Practice software verification and manual backups

Why Run Your Own Node​

  • Verify don't trust — enforce your own rules
  • Avoid 3rd-party reliance & censorship
  • Support Bitcoin decentralization
  • Run Lightning, Electrum, Mempool privately

Hardware Inventory​

| Component | Spec | | Desktop | Dell OptiPlex 9020M Micro (i7-4785T 2.2 GHz) | | RAM | 16 GB Crucial DDR3L 1600 MHz | | SSD | Samsung 870 QVO 2 TB |

BIOS Configuration​

  • Boot Mode: Legacy
  • Secure Boot: Disabled
  • SATA Operation: AHCI
  • Virtualization: Enabled
  • Boot Order: USB → Internal SSD

Software Verification​

Download Start9 image from GitHub and verify SHA-256 checksum.

sha256sum startos-0.3.5.1-39de098_x86_64-nonfree.iso
# 29b0f1e0211568ea66d6b729536ff84aed3b6cbc1c38540a7c80a391fd01616e

Flashing & Installation​

  1. Flash Start9OS to USB using Balena Etcher
  2. Boot from USB (F12), choose Install Start9OS
  3. Select internal SSD, confirm erase, install
  4. Remove USB, restart

Network Architecture​

Internet → Tomato Router (192.168.79.1) → GS105 Switch → Nodes

Post-Install Stack​

  • Bitcoin Core or Bitcoin Knots
  • CLN, LND, Electrum, Mempool
  • Manual USB backups (critical after opening Lightning channels)

Slides in this Deck​

Slide 2 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 3 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 4 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 5 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 6 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 7 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 8 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 9 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 10 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 11 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 12 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 13 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 14 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 15 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 16 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)

Slide 17 of 17 from 'Node Builder Workshop – Build a Start9OS Bitcoin Node' (2025-11-13)