Bitcoin Global News (BGN)
February 21, 2019 -- ADVFN Crypto NewsWire -- In September of
last year a startup called casa released a standalone Bitcoin
Lightning Network node device. The device comes pre-loaded with all
software required, and much of the downtime need to upload the
Bitcoin network already done for the consumer. The device has no
screen, but connects to a platform the designed specifically for
interacting with the hardware in an extremely user-friendly way.
The company hopes that the device will break down the barriers of
entry for those who are interested in participating in and
sup[porting the Bitcoin Lightning Network (LN).
It was first proposed in 2015 as a
method for users to make payments and to receive payments on side
channels. These transactions are grouped outside of standard
Bitcoin blocks through a series of connections between users
operating nodes. The transactions are later confirmed to the
Bitcoin ledger when there are enough transactions to fill a block.
This system allows the trusted Bitcoin network to be easily engaged
with near-instant payments. However, there are still issues with
how consumers and merchants can easily use this
capability.
The problem is that at this time,
the vast majority of individuals who are involved with
cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology in any serious way are
primarily focuses on either a financial interest in the technology
or they are developers who can actually handle working with the
kind of hardware and software needed to use the Bitcoin Lightning
network already. The Casa Node device itself costs $300, and
because of these factors, it is a fairly niche product.
Importance of Open-Source
Software
Quickly after releasing the
product, Casa released the software that the product operates on,
allowing developers or tech savvy individuals the ability to build
their own version of the Casa Bitcoin LN Node. This inspiredd
another project on GitHub.com called RaspiBlitz, which performs the
same functions as the Casa Node, but includes directions and the
programming needed to include an LCD screen.
“In general, the version 1.0
signals that I see the RaspiBlitz package is ready to be shared
with friends and colleagues for its intended purpose: To set up a
bitcoin and lightning node during a workshop, which takes about 3
hours, or as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project over the weekend when
you order the parts from Amazon.” - Project lead Christian
Rootzoll
The devices both utilize Raspberry
Pi computers. These are small versatile computers, which can be
used to make just about anything from a DIY cellphone to the brain
of a simple robot. The devices only cost about $100 depending on
what is included and what version of the product it is. They are
only about the size of small wallet, but allow full
customization.
“For now if you like to have a
little hands on and searching for a cheap starting point to become
part of the lightning network – the RaspiBlitz project is the
choice by a lot of people. And now with version 1.0 the package is
ready to be spread across the world.” - Christian
Rootzoll
By: BGN Editorial Staff