> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://catalyst.revelar.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://catalyst.revelar.co/catalyst-updates/fund-8-updates/low-cost-node-hardware.md).

# Low Cost Node Hardware

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{% tab title="June Updates" %}

### <mark style="color:orange;">6/23/22 Report:</mark>

**Previous Milestone:**

As a recap of this proposal we are expanding upon our learning from our completed Fund 7 Proposals: [Easy Cardano Node](https://catalyst.revelar.co/easy-cardano-node-deployment/) and our [Off Grid Solar Enclosure](https://catalyst.revelar.co/off-grid-solar-cardano-node-enclosure/) where we found that there was major roadblocks for Raspberry Pi based hardware due to supply chain shortages, but huge opportunity with low cost hardware using a M.2 NVME drive to expand RAM on low end devices. \
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We envisioned using similar hardware such as a Rock Pi with its onboard M.2 NVME expansion to improve on the learnings with managing a full node by increasing the RAM virtually and actually getting devices in the current supply chain shortages. (USA)<br>

**Progress:**\
Our first step was making sure we have the hardware needed to test our theories and setup a node on a Rock Pi. \
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Following Materials have been purchased to begin our experiments setting up a node and expanding the low (4GB) RAM with a virtualized SWAP. \
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\- [Rock Pi 4 Plus Model B Rockchip RK3399](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095LGKP5J?psc=1\&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) (4GB)\
\- [M.2 NVMe SSD 256GB ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XHMB5GP?psc=1\&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)\
\- [Heatsinks (Repurposed from Raspberry Pi)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0963BMGFY?psc=1\&smid=A2NBN5PD2G7LDZ\&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp) - better options exist if shipping from China.\
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![](/files/Kdhpjm920EGZKK3gvRNU)\
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Finally we will be using this Thingiverse File for holding the M.2 SSD in place. <https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5247971>

&#x20;

**Next Steps:**\
Tinkering! We will be starting from the previous deployment experiment from our Easy Cardano Node to see what roadblocks come up with deploying a better node.&#x20;

**Roadblocks:**

None

**Status:**\
ON TIME&#x20;
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{% tab title="Final Update" %}

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###