docs_tfgrid_get_started/docs/farming/setup.md

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Set Up Your Node

This guide provides an overview of setting up your ThreeFold node. The process differs depending on whether you bought a pre-built node or are building your own (DIY).

Setup Overview

The setup process differs based on your hardware choice:

Pre-Built Node (Easiest)

Time to farm: ~30 minutes (after node arrives)

1. Create Account - Download ThreeFold Connect app and create account
2. Create Farm - In the app, go to Farming → Create farm and save your Farm ID
3. Order Node - Purchase from official vendor and provide your Farm ID
4. Receive & Power On - Connect to network, plug in, and power on
5. Verify - Node appears online in ThreeFold Connect app

Important: You need your Farm ID BEFORE ordering the pre-built node, as the vendor will configure it with your Farm ID.

DIY Node (More Steps)

Time to farming: ~2-6 hours

1. Create Account - Download ThreeFold Connect app and create account
2. Create Farm - In the app, go to Farming → Create farm and save your Farm ID
3. Download Zero-OS - Get bootstrap image with your Farm ID from v4.bootstrap.grid.tf
4. Burn to USB - Write the image to a USB drive using BalenaEtcher or similar tool
5. Configure BIOS - Enable virtualization, set USB boot, configure power settings
6. Boot Node - Insert USB, power on, and wait for Zero-OS to load
7. Verify - Node appears online in ThreeFold Connect app

DIY requires creating a bootable USB and configuring hardware settings manually.

Step-by-Step Details

Download ThreeFold Connect App

📱 Get the App

• iOS: Apple App Store
• Android: Google Play Store

Create Account & Farm in ThreeFold Connect

1. Open the ThreeFold Connect app
2. Create a new account and securely save your seed phrase
3. Verify your email address
4. Go to Farming section → Click the + button
5. Choose a farm name and select a wallet
6. Click Create
7. Save your Farm ID (shown below "Farm ID" on the farm page)

🔐 Security Warning

Your seed phrase is the only way to recover your account. Write it down and store it safely offline. Never share it with anyone.

Verify Your Node is Online

After your node is powered on:

1. Wait 5-10 minutes for initial connection
2. Open ThreeFold Connect app
3. Go to Farming → Your farm name
4. Your node should appear with status Online
5. Check that resources (CPU, RAM, Storage) are correctly detected

Troubleshooting

Node not appearing?

• Wait 10-15 minutes for initial sync
• Check network cable is connected
• Verify Farm ID is correct
• Restart the node

DIY node won't boot?

• Check BIOS boot order (USB should be first)
• Verify virtualization is enabled in BIOS
• Try re-burning the USB image
• Check USB drive is properly inserted

Need Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions?

This guide provides a quick overview. For comprehensive setup instructions with screenshots and detailed troubleshooting, visit the ThreeFold Farming Manual:

📖 Comprehensive Setup Guides

If you bought a pre-built node:

• Pre-Built Node Setup Guide

If you're building your own (DIY):

• DIY Node Build Guide

Both guides include:

• Step-by-step instructions with screenshots
• BIOS configuration details
• Detailed troubleshooting
• Advanced farming options

What's Next?

🎉 Congratulations! Your node is now farming on the ThreeFold Grid.

Monitor Your Farm

• ThreeFold Connect App - Check node status and farm details
• Community Support - Join Telegram Farmers for help and tips

Grow Your Farm

Once comfortable with one node, you can add more to increase capacity and earning potential. Each additional node is simpler since you already have your farm set up!

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:::tip Need Help?

The Farmers Community has experienced farmers ready to help you succeed. Don't hesitate to ask questions! :::