docs_tfgrid_get_started/docs/farming/setup.md

---
sidebar_position: 3
---

# 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](https://yourdata.network/product-category/nodes/) 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](https://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

<div className="info-box">

**📱 Get the App**

- **iOS**: [Apple App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/be/app/3bot-login/id1459845885?l=nl&mt=8)
- **Android**: [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.jimber.threebotlogin)

</div>

### 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)

<div className="info-box">

### 🔐 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.

</div>

### 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

### What Happens Next? Start Earning SPORE

🎉 **Congratulations!** Your node is now connected to the ThreeFold Grid and ready to start earning SPORE!

#### When Will You Start Earning?

- **First earnings**: Within 24-48 hours of going online
- **Automatic process**: No manual intervention needed
- **Continuous earning**: SPORE accumulates as your capacity is used

#### How to Monitor Your Earnings

1. **Check your SPORE balance** in the ThreeFold Connect app
2. **View earnings history** to track your progress
3. **Monitor utilization** - see how much of your capacity is being used
4. **Track performance** - CPU, RAM, and storage usage over time

#### Understanding Your Earning Data

| **Metric** | **What It Means** | **How to Improve** |
|------------|------------------|-------------------|
| **SPORE Balance** | Total tokens earned | More utilization = more SPORE |
| **Utilization %** | How much capacity is used | Lower prices, better location |
| **Active Slices** | Currently rented resources | More slices = higher earning potential |
| **Monthly Revenue** | Recent earning trend | Optimized pricing and hardware |

#### Basic SPORE Management

**Option 1: Hold Your SPORE (Recommended)**
- Let your SPORE accumulate
- Benefit from price appreciation over time
- Minimal management required

**Option 2: Convert to Stable Currency**
- Convert some SPORE to Cloud Credits (CC)
- CC provides stable value for budgeting
- Keep some SPORE for growth potential

<div className="info-box">

### 💡 First Month Tips

- **Don't worry about low initial earnings** - It takes time for the market to discover your node
- **Optimize your pricing** - Consider starting with competitive prices to build reputation
- **Monitor but don't obsess** - SPORE earning is a marathon, not a sprint
- **Join the community** - Get tips from experienced farmers

</div>

## 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**:

<div className="info-box">

### 📖 Comprehensive Setup Guides

**If you bought a pre-built node:**
- [Pre-Built Node Setup Guide](https://manual.grid.tf/farmers/category/buy-a-3node)

**If you're building your own (DIY):**
- [DIY Node Build Guide](https://manual.grid.tf/farmers/category/build-a-3node)

Both guides include:
- Step-by-step instructions with screenshots
- BIOS configuration details
- Detailed troubleshooting
- Advanced farming options

</div>

## 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](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers) 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!

---

:::tip Need Help?

The [Farmers Community](https://t.me/threefoldfarmers) has experienced farmers ready to help you succeed. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
:::