BTCIOT Tutorial - An extremely low-powered bitcoin price checker/display

## Summary of BTCIOT Tutorial Podcast Episode

This podcast episode serves as a tutorial for building a low-powered Bitcoin price display using an ESP32 microcontroller, an e-paper module, and a small lipo battery. The project aims to create a cost-effective ($15-$20) device that can display the current Bitcoin price, demonstrating the potential of low-power IoT devices within the cryptocurrency space. The tutorial walks listeners through the process, from connecting to the OpenNode API to displaying the price on the e-paper screen, highlighting the simplicity and accessibility of leveraging existing services for experimentation and learning. The host emphasizes the value of using custodial services like OpenNode and Async (Strike) alongside running personal Bitcoin nodes, particularly for those new to the Lightning Network.

1. Main Topics Discussed:

• Project Overview: Building a low-powered Bitcoin price display with ESP32, e-paper module, and lipo battery.
• Component Selection & Costs: Discussion of ESP32, e-paper modules (including color options), and lipo batteries.
• Software & Services: Utilizing Arduino IDE for coding and OpenNode for Bitcoin price data via API. Mention of WordPress plugin for Lightning payments.
• API Integration: Connecting to the OpenNode API using a secure SSL connection (port 443), including code chunking for easier explanation.
• JSON Parsing: Using the ArduinoJson library to parse JSON data retrieved from the OpenNode API.
• Hardware Connections: Connecting the ESP32 to the e-paper module using SPI communication and detailing specific GPIO connections.
• Power Management: Highlighting the extremely low power consumption of the e-paper module and the overall device.
• Lightning Network Onboarding: Discussing OpenNode as a user-friendly onboarding tool for the Lightning Network.
• Custodial Services: Exploring the benefits of custodial services like OpenNode and Async (Strike) alongside personal Bitcoin nodes.

2. Key Quotes:

• "It just goes and fetches the price every hour and then goes to sleep." (Describing the device's functionality)
• "I really like OpenNode. I think they're not called company and I honestly thought that their their reaction to roger's um roger firm made a proposition to them I think you could see that they're a really promising company." (Expressing admiration for OpenNode's values and response to Roger Ver's funding offer)
• "These ePaper modules are incredibly low power." (Highlighting the efficiency of the display technology)

3. People Mentioned:

• Host: (Name not specified) - Leads the tutorial and provides explanations.
• Roger Ver: Made a funding offer to OpenNode.
• OpenNode Team: Praised for their service quality and commitment.
• Async (Strike) Team: Mentioned in the context of Lightning payment services.

4. Bitcoin Price:

• The Bitcoin price displayed during the tutorial was $3457 (during a bear market).
• The tutorial demonstrated fetching prices in both British Pounds (GBP) and United States Dollars (USD), specifically BTCUSD.