Cryptocurrency enthusiasts with the right skills and knowledge can build their own DIY cryptocurrency hardware wallet similar to a Trezor, an open-source hardware wallet. Florin Cocos, an electronics design manager, successfully created his DIY Trezor Model One using open-source code in 2018, even without access to an official Trezor device.
Cocos shared the process of creating the DIY Trezor on his YouTube channel, Voltlog, demonstrating how he used electronic components purchased from distributors like Farnell. He used a Farnell microcontroller and a printed circuit board (PCB) obtained from a Chinese production house, based on the Gerber file available on Trezor’s GitHub.
Cocos emphasized the importance of open-source projects and how building your own hardware wallet allows you to have full control over security. He stated that open-source designs are gaining popularity, providing users with security control and a sense of accomplishment.
Building Your Own Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet: A DIY Guide
While Cocos completed the DIY Trezor in approximately 10 hours, he noted that it’s not an easy task for an average user, rating its difficulty as a 10 on a scale of 1-10. He advised against attempting to build a hardware wallet without a strong background in electronics and soldering skills, as it could lead to security risks or a non-functioning device.
While building a DIY hardware wallet is possible for those with the right skills, it’s crucial to remember the risks associated with creating your own device, especially if you lack the necessary expertise. Hardware wallet manufacturers like Trezor and Ledger always recommend buying devices from official vendors to ensure security.
Open-source hardware wallets like Trezor offer the possibility for users to build their own if they have the skills and knowledge, but it’s not recommended for those without electronics experience and soldering skills.