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

In the previous node guide, we followed a step by step instructional focused on configuring a full node for the Ubiq network with a Raspberry Pi computer. The Raspberry Pi line of single-board computers is still the most accessible and user-friendly option when creating a Ubiq node. However, there is an ever increasing array of viable alternatives that will work just as well, and in some instances even better than a Raspberry Pi.

We have been spending some time experimenting with different SBC’s and Linux distributions to determine which systems would be good options when creating a node. The included guide applies to all boards mentioned in this article, and each computer was selected based on a number of different criteria. Some of these details include the following;

Does the SBC have an ARM based processor ?

Does the SBC have at least 1gb of RAM ?

What operating systems are available for this hardware ?

Do board dimensions and I/O connections closely match that of a Pi?

We are pleased to report that the following models of single-board computers are either currently running as Ubiq nodes, or have been tested successfully using the steps outlined in this article;

There are various other single board computers that could potentially serve as Ubiq nodes. If you successfully run a Ubiq node on a similar device not listed here, please reach out on the Ubiq Discord to have it added to the list.

The most success has come from using the stable Armbian distributions that are available for each computer. In each instance the server version of the OS was used instead of the desktop version to avoid unnecessary extra software that may bloat the system. Armbian has versions available for a wide variety of single-board computers and is well maintained. Other Linux distributions also work to configure a Ubiq node, but currently we recommend officially supported Armbian releases for ease and reliability.

Another thing considered for an SBC candidate was its physical similarity to the Raspberry Pi. While not a requirement, this detail is helpful when considering accessory availability. I choose to use a HAT (“hardware attached on top”) made for an mSATA solid state hard drive. It reduces cabling and makes the device more compact and clean. Boards that conform to the same dimensions and I/O design as a Raspberry Pi are able to accept the same accessories like HAT’s, and can generally make use of the same cases.

A Raspberry Pi 3B, with mSATA HAT, and mSATA SSD storage

The following guide assumes you are using Armbian OS, unless you are using a Raspberry Pi. Pi’s should utilize Raspbian Lite. Consider whether you need to run Gubiq ARM7 (32bit) or Gubiq ARM64 (64bit). The average time to fully sync the Ubiq blockchain to a brand new node is less than a day depending on your internet connection.

The instructions provided assume that you have had at least some experience using the command line. If you are less familiar and feel that you require a more detailed explainer, please see the original Ubiq Node guide.