This is a guest post on the Ubiq Report blog from Ubiq community member, Matt.

This guide outlines the materials and steps to set up a Ubiq full node on a Raspberry Pi 3 micro-computer with the recommended set up utilizing an externally connected USB SSD drive.

This guide is intended as a straightforward explainer for people like myself who have no programming experience. This node is not intended to hold funds, and this guide does not include the steps to configure accounts in gubiq.

Full nodes are an important component to the health of a blockchain network. They relay transactions to other participants and verify that the data received conforms to the consensus rules of the network. A full node is a device that stores a constantly updated and complete copy of the blockchain. In some instances desktop wallet software can act as a full node, as is the case with Ubiq’s application Fusion. This guide however, outlines the assembly of a device that operates independently of your home computer.

Unlike mining, you will not be recouping the costs of materials or the cost of operation of your node (which are negligible). This project is intended to provide instruction for an important, simple, and inexpensive way for the community to support the network without the financial overhead or the financial consequences related to mining. As with anything that requires the use of electricity, please use caution.

Thank you to the Ubiq developers and community for all their patient assistance and valuable input while helping to complete this project. Thanks as well to everyone who have shared other guides and resources related to this topic. You can find links to them at the end.

Raspberry Pi board (CC Image)

When describing the components that you will need to complete this setup, the items are geared toward people who may not have used a Raspberry Pi computer before. As such, the list has an ease-of-use focus. If you are someone who is more familiar, and want to use alternate components, that is your choice. There are alternative ways to set up a node such as this one. This is a more straightforward and reliable way for a novice.

You will need —

Raspberry Pi 3 kit such as the Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 starter kit.

— This kit comes with a microSD card pre-loaded with NOOBS, which installs the Raspbian OS on the system. If you buy a kit that includes a microSD without NOOBS preloaded, you will need to download it and load it onto the microSD card yourself. The following link has instructions and downloads —

How to Get NOOBS

A wired USB mouse such as the Amazon Basics mouse.

A wired USB keyboard such as the SR Mini keyboard.

A powered USB hub such as the Plugable 4 Port Hub

A 32gb or larger external SSD hard drive such as the iRecadata SSD

A television or computer monitor with an available HDMI port.

Connections and Start-Up

Connections:

Place the Pi into the bottom tray of the case. Gently attach the middle section of the case to the bottom tray. It will snap into place. Place the lid on top.

Insert the microSD card loaded with NOOBS into the microSD port on the bottom of the Pi. The card port does not have a latching mechanism, so be sure that the card is seated firmly.

Connect the USB cable from the miniUSB Data Out of the USB Hub to one of the USB ports on the Pi.

Connect the USB Keyboard to one of the USB ports of the USB Hub.

Connect the USB Mouse to one of the USB ports of the USB Hub.

Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the Pi, and to the HDMI port on your monitor.

Connect ethernet cable to an available port on your router, and to the ethernet port on the Pi. If you encounter a connectivity issue you will need to be sure your router has DHCP enabled, which can be done in the routers settings page.

Connect the USB Hub power cable to the USB Hub.

Connect the 2.5A microUSB power supply cable to the microUSB port on the Pi.

Power on the monitor.

Connect the USB Hub power cable to power outlet 1.

Connect the power supply cable for the Pi to power outlet 2.

The Pi will start up when connected to power.