HARDWARE
Complete parts list and sources for building nodes

  • Storage solutions
  • Displays
  • Full Shopping list: Including link to method of construction for the Node with display, close-ups and exploded views (acrylic layers).

Storage

All Nodes here are constructed using the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
Unless making a node with a display, nearly all required parts can be found in Raspberry Pi 3B starter kits. All that needs to be added is a suitable USB storage solution to fit the blockchain. Requirements are as follows: - 

This list was made January 2018 and storage requirements are approximate and will increase with time.
  • Bitcoin Core (regardless of SegWit/Unlimited/Classic) 150GB
  • Ethereum 301GB (Full-sync) 40GB (Fast-sync)
  • Monero 30GB
  • Litecoin 10GB
  • Dogecoin 24GB
  • GameCredits 2GB


64GB USB Sticks can be used for Monero, Doge, GameCredits and Litecoin if you have a spare one laying around.
For any Bitcoin or Ethereum node I recommend either an external USB HDD with it's own power supply, due to the Pi's low power output. Or dedicated drives for the Raspberry Pi do also exist, such as the Western Digital Pi Drive.

Alternatively...
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I have been experimenting with 2.5" Laptop HDD with SATA -> USB adapters. This so far seems to be the cheapest and most efficient way to go for all node builds. This is cheaper and more reliable than USB sticks.

Purchased for £1.53 from ebay, (delivered to the UK from china). This type of adapter is great for connecting a single drive to the Pi. It has a "pig-tail" style USB lead that when you connect both USB plugs to the Pi with utilize the full 1.2A supplied from the Pi giving good stability.

The main plug (shown to the left of image) has data and power functionality, whilst the USB plug shown to the right is power only to supplement the drive.

On the SATA connection "block" there are two LEDs. A blue one indicating power, and red for data activity. Both LEDs are suppressed (in a good way) by their enclosure and are good indicatiors but not overpowering in brightness, neat.
Then I have found that best supplier of the HDDs is CEX (UK link)
They also have stores in USA, Spain, Ireland, India and Australia. I use them because although the drives are Used, they offer a 24 month warranty, which eliminates the risk of buying used. 
Full parts list for Nodes:
Clickable image links to sellers
Raspberry Pi starter Kit: 2.5A Power supply, 16Gb SD card, Raspberry Pi model 3b and case (case style can vary by kit, some are suitable to fit with screens).
​             I picked this kit up for around £50.
SATA -> USB adaptor. These are the best type SATA to USB
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ebay £1.70 free delivery.
Raspberry Pi 3b 3.5"
Touchscreen LCD display. 

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ebay  £10 free delivery
USB Storage: If you can find a supplier that offers a warranty with 2nd hand HDDs then this will be your cheapest option. As I've said I use CEX(UK) they have stores in USA, Spain, Ireland, India and Australia. 500GB 2.5" drive available for £20.
Acrylic sheets (A3 x 3mm used in these projects)


£2.32 Free delivery ebay
M3 Nylon risers, screws and nuts 300x for building case layers.
£3.86 Free delivery ebay.
Ancillary components:
Ethernet connection to link Pi to router (before Wifi config)

Approx £1, ebay, custom length, free postage
Cheap generic USB mouse for Pi interaction

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£1, ebay, Free delivery
Cheap generic USB UK keyboard for Pi interaction.

£5.50 ebay, free delivery
Construction:
Raspberry Pi with display:
More details on how to put together the node with display can be found here (link to image gallery)
In total, an estimated cost is between £90 - £100 for a node with 500Gb HDD and display.
Raspberry Pi without display:

Nodes for Raspberry Pis without displays are best suited to whichever case is provided with your Raspberry Pi starter pack.

If you require a 2.5" SATA drive for a large blockchain, enclosures for the drive with USB adaptors built in do exist...


Use a caddy like this to keep your HDD protected. 
The HDDs are made of thin metal and can be susceptible to crushing or being deformed if dropped/mishandled.
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2.5" SATA HDD to USB drive, caddy/enclosure. ebay £2.80 free delivery