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After updating Umbrel, my Bitcoin Node disappeared from the dashboard and I couldn’t reinstall it from the App Store. Here’s how I fixed it. The Problem After updating Umbrel and restarting the VM: Bitcoin Node disappeared from the Umbrel dashboard App Store showed Bitcoin Node as available for installation (like it was never installed) All my blockchain data seemed gone Root Cause The Umbrel update overwrote /etc/fstab, which contained the mount configuration for my external drive. Without this entry: ...

Running a Bitcoin Full Node requires over ≈800GB of storage. This guide shows you how to keep Umbrel fast on an internal drive while storing blockchain data on an external drive. Requirements Homeserver with Proxmox and Umbrel VM installed External USB drive (2TB SSD recommended) Used in this tutorial: 🛒 Kingston XS2000 2TB Cheaper alternative: 🛒 Kingston XS1000 2TB Proxmox Setup For these steps, I followed the video by @absprog on YouTube. ...

Info: This article will be gradually enriched with additional information. The conclusion refers to the current state of knowledge of the characteristics compiled in the article. The top models among AC-coupled storage systems: The Hoymiles MS-A2* and the Marstek Venus C*. Both storage systems can be excellently integrated into an existing balcony power plant. In this article, you’ll learn what distinguishes them and where their strengths lie. Key Specifications: Hoymiles MS-A2 and Marstek Venus C Specification Hoymiles MS-A2 Marstek Venus C Capacity 2.24kWh 2.56kWh Cell Type LiFePO4 LiFePO4 Weight 32kg 45kg Max. Input Power (AC) 1800W 2500W Max. Output Power (grid-tied) 800W 800W (2500W possible) Max. Output Power (off-grid) 800W (briefly: 1200W) 2500W (briefly: 3500W) Smart Meter Shelly Pro 3EM* Shelly Pro 3EM* Even more characteristics and comparison with many other storage systems can be found in the comprehensive 📑 Balcony Power Plant Storage Comparison (in German) as PDF right here on the blog. ...

Bitaxe Gamma: The open source Bitcoin miner for your home Bitcoin mining doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the Bitaxe Gamma, also known as the “Lucky Miner,” you can dive directly into the world of mining from home – with a device that is not only powerful but also completely open source. When solo mining with the Bitaxe Gamma, you participate in a kind of “Lucky Lottery”: Your chance of finding a Bitcoin block and collecting the full reward of 3.125 BTC (€240,625 at €77,000/BTC as of March 2025) is small but real. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the Bitaxe Gamma, explain its features, and show how you can optimize it with simple upgrades. ...

AxeCalibur: Off-Grid Bitcoin Mining with Solar Energy Is it possible to run Bitcoin mining around the clock using solar energy? The AxeBox from 100 Acres Ranch has proven it works. In this article, I’ll introduce this DIY solution, explain why replicating it – dubbed the “AxeCalibur” – might be worthwhile, and provide a parts list for building it yourself in Europe. AxeCalibur – The Miner That Can’t Be Unplugged: Solar-Powered, Battery-Driven, 24/7 Unstoppable. ...

Buying Bitcoin or Buying a Miner – Which Is More Worthwhile? Bitcoin (BTC) remains a hot topic in 2025. But what pays off more: buying BTC directly or investing in a Bitcoin miner like the Bitaxe Gamma? On March 21, 2025 – Plebday – I’m launching an experiment: I’ll invest €130 in Bitcoin and €130 in a Bitaxe Gamma. This article compares both approaches, and I’ll update it regularly. As something came up in my private life, I postponed the experiment by roughly a week and am starting it at the same time as Mining Disrupt, a conference on the topic of Bitcoin. ...

In a recent article I already showed the configuration of a Wireguard setup for Mikrotik routers and Android(EN) devices. With RouterOS version v7.12, this is now even easier to do, as Mikrotik has announced in a forum post the new “Back to Home VPN” feature, which builds on a standalone app for Android and iOS as support, making setup much easier. Requirements RouterOS version required: v7.12 Hardware requirements: ARM/ARM64/TILE architecture devices 🛒 MikroTik hAP ax2 C52iG-5HaxD2HaxD-TC* 🛒 MikroTik hAP ax3 C53UiG+5HPaxD2HPaxD* Packages required: routeros (Source) ...

In this article, I want to share how I set up a VPN connection via WireGuard between my MikroTik router and my Android phone. This VPN connection allows me to securely access my home network from anywhere in the world. MikroTik documentation used for this guide. WireGuard VPN Setup on the MikroTik Router a) Quick & Easy (without own domain) In this quick and easy setup, the MikroTik´s own DDNS (Dynamic DNS) service is used. This can be activated in the terminal (source): ...

UPDATE (2024): Barclays has updated its price list with effect from 07.12.2023 and the conditions mentioned here in the article no longer match. A travel (credit) card comparison - is there only one sitting on the throne? Traveling is fun and one of the purposes of life and spending money is generally a part of it. This guidline is based on my experiences and answers the question “if there is one single best (credit) card for travelling?”. ...

Disable Wi-Fi Over Night to Save Energy This article is the first in a series where I will be discussing various topics related to MikroTik devices and their configuration. I’ve been looking for ways to save energy and I recently discovered that turning off the Wi-Fi interfaces on my MikroTik hAP ax^3 (C53UiG+5HPaxD2HPaxD) router at night can make a difference. I used to leave my router on 24/7, but by turning off the Wi-Fi interfaces during hours when I’m not using them, I’m not only reducing my energy consumption and lowering my electricity bill, but I’m also doing my part to be more environmentally friendly. It’s a small change, but it’s an easy and effective way to make a positive impact on the planet. ...