docs_tfgrid_get_started/docs/farming/setup.md

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Set Up Your Node

This guide walks you through the basic steps to get your 3Node connected to the ThreeFold Grid and start farming.

Overview

Setting up a node involves:

1. Creating a ThreeFold account
2. Creating a farm on the dashboard
3. Downloading and booting Zero-OS
4. Verifying your node is online

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

• ✅ Hardware ready (purchased or built)
• ✅ Reliable network connection (wired Ethernet)
• ✅ Power supply connected
• ✅ USB drive (16GB+) for Zero-OS boot image

Step 1: Create Your ThreeFold Account

Get a Wallet

You'll need a ThreeFold Connect wallet:

1. Download ThreeFold Connect app:

   • iOS: App Store
   • Android: Google Play

2. Create a new account

3. Save your seed phrase securely - This is critical!

4. Complete the setup wizard

🔐 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.

Step 2: Create Your Farm

Access the Dashboard

1. Go to dashboard.grid.tf
2. Connect with your ThreeFold Connect wallet
3. Select the appropriate network (usually mainnet)

Register Your Farm

1. Navigate to Farms section
2. Click Create Farm
3. Fill in farm details:
   • Farm Name - Choose a unique name
   • Pricing Policy - Usually default is fine
   • Certification - Select appropriate level
4. Save your farm

You'll receive a Farm ID - save this number, you'll need it for the next step.

Step 3: Download Zero-OS

Create Boot Image

1. In the dashboard, go to your farm
2. Click Bootstrap Image
3. Select options:
   • Network: Choose your network interface
   • Format: USB or ISO (USB for most cases)
4. Download the image

The image is customized with your Farm ID, so your node will automatically connect to your farm.

Write to USB Drive

On Linux/Mac:

# Find your USB device
lsblk

# Write the image (replace /dev/sdX with your USB device)
sudo dd if=zero-os-farm-XXXX.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
sync

On Windows:

• Use Rufus or balenaEtcher
• Select the downloaded image
• Select your USB drive
• Click Write/Flash

⚠️ Warning

Double-check you're writing to the correct device. The dd command will overwrite whatever device you specify!

Step 4: Boot Your Node

BIOS/UEFI Configuration

Before first boot, configure your node's BIOS:

1. Boot Order

   • Set USB as first boot device
   • Enable boot from USB

2. Virtualization

   • Enable Intel VT-x / AMD-V
   • Enable VT-d / AMD-Vi (if available)

3. Network Boot (optional)

   • Can enable PXE for future use
   • Not required for USB boot

4. Power Management

   • Disable deep sleep modes
   • Enable "restore on AC/power loss" for automatic recovery

First Boot

1. Insert the USB drive with Zero-OS
2. Power on the node
3. Select USB boot (or it should auto-boot)
4. Zero-OS will start loading

What to expect:

• Initial boot takes 2-5 minutes
• Node will download latest Zero-OS version
• Screen will show node information
• After setup, displays Farm ID and Node ID

Step 5: Verify Your Node

Check Dashboard

1. Go to dashboard.grid.tf
2. Navigate to your Farm
3. You should see your node listed
4. Check status shows Online

Node Information

Your node displays:

• Node ID - Unique identifier
• Farm ID - Your farm
• Status - Should be "Up"
• Resources - CPU, RAM, Storage capacity
• Uptime - Connection time

Troubleshooting

Node not appearing?

• Wait 5-10 minutes for initial sync
• Check network cable connection
• Verify farm ID on boot screen matches dashboard
• Check firewall isn't blocking connections

Node shows offline?

• Check power and network
• Verify BIOS settings
• Ensure USB drive is properly inserted
• Check Zero-OS boot logs on screen

Step 6: Monitor & Maintain

Regular Monitoring

Check your node periodically via the dashboard:

• Uptime percentage
• Capacity utilization
• Rewards accumulation
• Network connectivity

Maintenance Tasks

Monthly:

• Verify node is online
• Check reward accumulation
• Monitor uptime statistics

As Needed:

• Update Zero-OS (usually automatic)
• Replace failed drives
• Clean dust from hardware
• Verify network connectivity

Maximize Uptime

For best rewards:

• Keep node powered 24/7
• Use reliable network connection
• Monitor for hardware issues
• Join farmer community for alerts

What's Next?

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

Advanced Topics

For more details, check the advanced manual:

• Multiple node management
• Advanced networking setup
• GPU farming
• Farmerbot automation

Resources:

• Manual - Comprehensive farming guide
• Dashboard - Manage your farm
• Telegram - Community support
• Forum - Discussions and updates

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:::tip Growing Your Farm

Once you're comfortable with one node, you can add more nodes to your farm to increase capacity and earning potential! :::