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Web3 Pi: Hardware Assembly (Dual-Device Mode)

Assembling the hardware for a dual-device Web3 Pi node involves building two separate Raspberry Pi systems: one designated as the Execution Layer (EL) Node and the other as the Consensus Layer (CL) Node.

While the assembly steps for each individual device are identical to the Single-Device Hardware Assembly Guide, managing two builds requires careful attention, especially regarding component placement (SSDs) and labeling.

Follow Instructions Carefully

Read through these instructions and the single-device guide before starting. Ensure you have all components for both devices laid out and organized.

Before You Start

  1. Gather Components: Ensure you have all the necessary hardware components for two complete Raspberry Pi setups as outlined in the Dual-Device Hardware Checklist and Recommendations. This includes two Pis, two power supplies, two enclosures/cooling solutions, two microSD cards, and two SSDs (one 2TB+, one 256GB+).
  2. Prepare SD Cards: You should have already flashed two separate microSD cards using the Web3 Pi Imager in Dual-Device mode – one configured for the EL node and one for the CL node. Keep them clearly identifiable.
  3. Reference Guide: Keep the Single-Device Hardware Assembly Guide open in another tab or window. You will follow those detailed steps twice, once for each device.

Assembly Steps

Step 1: Decide and Label Your Devices (Crucial!)

Before assembling anything, decide which Raspberry Pi will be your EL Node and which will be your CL Node.

Label Everything Clearly

Use sticky notes, labels, or markers to clearly label each Raspberry Pi board, enclosure/case, and the corresponding EL and CL microSD cards. This labeling will prevent you from inserting the wrong SD card or SSD into the wrong device.

Step 2: Assemble the Execution Layer (EL) Node

  1. Take the Raspberry Pi and enclosure you designated as the EL Node.
  2. Follow the detailed steps outlined in the Single-Device Hardware Assembly Guide precisely.
  3. Critical Check - SSD: When you reach the step to install the storage drive, ensure you install the larger (2TB or greater) SSD into this EL Node device.
  4. Critical Check - SD Card: When you reach the step to insert the microSD card, ensure you insert the card specifically flashed and labeled for the EL Node.
  5. Complete the assembly for the EL Node as per the single-device guide.

Step 3: Assemble the Consensus Layer (CL) Node

  1. Take the Raspberry Pi and enclosure you designated as the CL Node.
  2. Follow the detailed steps outlined in the Single-Device Hardware Assembly Guide precisely, just as you did for the EL node.
  3. Critical Check - SSD: When you reach the step to install the storage drive, ensure you install the smaller (256GB or greater) SSD into this CL Node device.
  4. Critical Check - SD Card: When you reach the step to insert the microSD card, ensure you insert the card specifically flashed and labeled for the CL Node.
  5. Complete the assembly for the CL Node as per the single-device guide.

Step 4: Final Check

You should now have two fully assembled Raspberry Pi devices:

  • One labeled "EL Node" containing the larger SSD and the EL microSD card.
  • One labeled "CL Node" containing the smaller SSD and the CL microSD card.

Double-check your labels and component placement one last time.

Next Steps

With both devices assembled correctly, you are ready to connect them to your network and begin the software installation and synchronization process.