Build

Making your very own LightingPiggy is squealy easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Source the parts.
Create a wallet.
Flash the firmware.
Make a case and assemble the parts.

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IMPORTANT: This is not a toy. It contains small parts which could be a choking and ingestion hazard. There are also sharp edges. It should not be handled by children under 4 years of age. Assembly and use of this product is at your own risk. We take no responsibility for any losses that may be incurred.

1. Source the parts

Single Board Computer (SBC): LILYGO T5 V2.3.1 (2.13 inch screen) e-paper device (DEPG0213BN). Available from LILYGo.

Rechargeable battery: Voltage: 3.7V Connector: JST 2pin 1.25mm. Available from...

Aliexpress Note: The listing has 2 "colors" to choose from (2.0 SP and 1.25 SP). Go for the "1.25" option.
MakerFocus Note: The size of this battery 26 * 44 * 9 mm (1.02 * 1.73 * 0.35 inch) doesn't fit perfectly in the Genesis and Robotechy pig cases.

Case: One homemade case using materials of your choice.

Micro USB data cable: Available cheaply for bulk purchases from Aliexpress or Amazon if you don't have one lying around.

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IMPORTANT: Improper assembly and/or the use of improper/faulty batteries can present a fire hazard. We recommend using only high quality LiPo rechargeable batteries.

Before connecting the battery check the connector is correctly wired. The red wire needs to align with the positive "+" terminal, and the black wire needs to align with the negative "-" terminal. If the battery you have sourced has the polarity switched, it's possible to swop the wires by carefully lifting the plastic JST connecter retainers.

Note: The device can operate without a battery if powered via using the micro USB port.

Here's an image showing your piggy's controls:

2. Create a wallet in LNbits

LNBits is a powerful lightning network wallet and account management system that can be setup to run for a wide variety of fundings sources. Here are several options for running LNBits:

1. Run LNbits via your own node such as a Raspiblitz, Start 9 or an Umbrel (or another node package manager). Recommended!

Pros: Easy to set up if you already have your own node. Provides a self-hosted, secure solution.
Cons: Requires a hardware device like a Raspberry Pi or a compatible server.

Follow the set-up instructions provided by the node supplier.

2. Run LNbits on your own computer or server via a package manager such as Poetry, nix, Docker and Fly.io.

Pros: Quick to set up if you’re familiar with running software from the command line; allows you to self-host on any computer/server.
Cons: Requires some technical knowledge/patience to learn and a always on computer/server.
For detailed steps refer to the LNbits guide.

3. Use a Hosted LNbits Instance:

Pros: Fast and easy, no setup required. You can quickly test or use LNbits features.
Cons: You rely on a third-party server, which is not be as secure or private as self-hosting. Not your keys, not your coins!
Steps: Visit LNbits.com or any other trusted public instance and start using it without any set-up.

For testing (with small amounts) here is a LNbits demo server instance.

Select create a new wallet, give it a name (we'll use Satoshi in this example), and follow the on screen instructions.

Be sure to bookmark/save the wallet webpage otherwise the wallet is unrecoverable.

A wallet list should be show on the lefthand side of the page (1), if not expand the page, or click the burger icon in the top lefthand corner of the screen (2).

Give your wallet a name using the Rename wallet button (3) if you didn't already do this at the beginning.

Under the Wallets header should be Extensions (4). Click this and find the Pay Links extension (5). Enable it by clicking Enable.

Now the Pay Links extension will appear under your wallets' list (6). Click it and select New Pay Link (7).

Choose your wallet from the dropdown list (8), give it a description, and add a Lightning Address if you wish. Deselect Fixed amount (9) and configure the Min and Max amounts of satoshis your wallet can receive.

We suggest using 1 Min and 10,000,000 Max (10). Click to expand the Advanced options area (11), and enter the maximum number of characters you wish to allow when someone leaves a message with a payment in the Comment maximum characters box (12). We recommend using 100. Enable nostr zaps if you wish and then click Create Pay Link to save the settings.

Your LNURLp payment link will now be attached to your wallet. Now click on your wallet name (13) and expand the API docs list on the righthand side of the page (14). Select and copy the Invoice/read key (15) associated with this wallet, you'll need it in part 3 below, "Flash the firmware".

3. Flash the firmware

Use our custom built web installer to configure and flash the firmware to the device.

You will need the following credentials:

Your wifi "ssid" and "password"

Your "server name" eg "https://legend.lnbits.com"

Your "invoice/read key" eg "db400dfba...." (copied from your LNbits Wallet API toggle)

Web Installer

Works with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

4. Make a case and assemble the parts

Time to get creative! Build your very own LightningPiggy case out of any material you wish to use, and assemble the parts.

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IMPORTANT: When installed correctly, the battery and/or board components should not get hot when it is being charged, i.e. the USB is connected to power and the battery is installed.

Check out our new case options.

Cases

If you would like to share your design with others, please email your creation to oink@lightningpiggy.com for inclusion on this website.

Join our telegram chat for help or inspiration, or to share your work with other LightningPiggy builders.