# Bitcoin Knots

#### **1. What is Bitcoin Knots?**

- An **alternative implementation** of Bitcoin, derived from **Bitcoin Core** but with enhanced features.
- Provides **more control** over transaction policies, mempool management, and network filtering.
- **Fully compatible** with Bitcoin Core, allowing seamless switching between the two.

#### **2. Key Features & Enhancements**

- **Advanced Transaction Filtering** – Reject spam, dust, and inefficient transactions.
- **Stricter Mempool Policies** – Reduces blockchain bloat with settings like `Reject Parasites` and `Data Carrier Size`.
- **Customizable Pruning** – Handles blockchain storage dynamically based on available space.
- **Faster Feature Adoption** – Incorporates community-driven enhancements before they appear in Bitcoin Core.

#### **3. Installation & Setup Notes (Start9 Box)**

- Installed via **Start9’s Marketplace** (Bitcoin Knots 28.1.0).
- Initial install error: **"Config Generation Error: No Match: blkconstr: Field Is Not Nullable"**.
- **Resolution:** A simple restart of the Start9 box allowed Knots to sync and run normally.

#### **4. Post-Installation Verification**

- **Sparrow Wallet successfully connected** to Bitcoin Knots.
- **Last block synced correctly**, mempool data displayed as expected.
- **Lightning apps (LND, RTL) running without issues**.
- **Small test transaction sent successfully** via Coldcard & Sparrow Wallet.

#### **5. Key Takeaways**

- **Bitcoin Knots runs smoothly** on Start9 after an initial restart.
- **Advanced filtering features help keep the network efficient**.
- **Fully compatible with existing wallets & Lightning services**.