Setting Up a Node in India

Requirements:

• Windows, Mac, or Linux PC
• 8 GB RAM recommended
• 10 GB (pruned) or 600 GB (full) free space
• Stable broadband

Steps:

1. Download Bitcoin Core from bitcoincore.org only
2. Install and launch — choose pruned mode if storage is limited
3. Let it sync (leave running overnight on broadband)
4. Enable RPC if connecting a wallet like Sparrow

Popular in the Bitcoin community:

• Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB RAM minimum)
• 1 TB external SSD for full node, or 64 GB for pruned
• Flash Umbrel, Start9, or RaspiBlitz OS
• Plug in, connect ethernet, follow setup wizard

Cost in India: roughly ₹8,000–15,000 for Pi + SSD — a one-time sovereignty investment.

Have an old laptop? Perfect:

• Wipe it, install Linux (Ubuntu)
• Install Bitcoin Core
• Leave plugged in on a shelf — dedicated node machine

Once your node syncs:

1. Install Sparrow Wallet on your main computer
2. Point it to your node's address (127.0.0.1:8332)
3. All balance checks now go through your node

You are no longer trusting Blockstream, Wallet of Satoshi, or anyone else.

• Power cuts: UPS (battery backup) keeps node running — ₹2,000–5,000
• Heat: Ensure ventilation — Indian summers are hot
• Data caps: Pruned node + schedule sync during off-peak
• Noise: Pi and laptops are silent — no mining-style noise