The open-source nature of hardware cryptocurrency wallets enables individuals to build their own DIY wallets, such as a Trezor, from scratch. However, undertaking such a project requires a certain set of skills and knowledge. Florin Cocos, an electronics design manager from Romania, successfully built his own DIY Trezor using the wallet’s open-source code in 2018, even without access to a “real” Trezor device.
Cocos documented the process of creating his DIY Trezor Model One on his YouTube channel, Voltlog. He demonstrated how he used electronics components purchased from reputable distributors like Farnell and a printed circuit board (PCB) ordered from a production house in China. The Gerber file necessary for creating the PCB was available on Trezor’s GitHub.
Cocos emphasized that the required parts for the DIY Trezor can be obtained from distributors like Farnell, DigiKey, RS, Newark, and TME, depending on one’s location. The OLED screen, on the other hand, can be sourced from platforms like AliExpress or eBay.
Even after five years, Cocos remains enthusiastic about his DIY crypto device. In an interview with Cointelegraph, he expressed his trust in his DIY device over a marketplace-bought one. For him, the project was not just about the availability of Trezor in the market, but also about spreading awareness and promoting open-source projects.
Related Post
The entire process of building and installing firmware on the DIY Trezor took approximately 10 hours for Cocos, excluding the time spent on receiving the PCBs and other components. He explained that evaluating the project, generating necessary Gerber files, and ordering parts took about two to three hours. Once he received the PCBs, it took him approximately five hours to assemble them, flash the firmware, and get the device running.
While building the physical hardware was relatively straightforward, Cocos mentioned that flashing the firmware and making it compatible with the application posed a slightly bigger challenge. He believes that the difficulty level of building a DIY Trezor for an average user without any electronics knowledge is nearly impossible. It requires expertise and experience with electronics and soldering small surface mount components.
Cocos acknowledged that the process could be simplified by creating a “makers pack” with all the required manufacturing files. However, he cautioned that this could introduce security risks related to the supply chain and manufacturing vulnerabilities. It is crucial to have the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the device’s security and functionality.
Cocos recommended against building a hardware wallet without proper electronics expertise, as it could lead to significant security risks. He emphasized the importance of experience and knowledge in soldering small components and advised against attempting such a project without the appropriate skills.
While Cocos holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and has been designing and building electronics professionally for over 10 years, he believes that one doesn’t need to be an expert like him to build a DIY Trezor. However, a moderate level of technical skill and hands-on experience with electronics is necessary to increase the chances of success.
The DIY approach to building hardware wallets can be advantageous considering the prevalence of fake hardware wallets in the market. Customers have fallen victim to purchasing counterfeit devices from unofficial sources, leading to the theft of their cryptocurrencies. Manufacturers like Ledger and Trezor encourage customers to buy only from official vendors. However, in regions where hardware wallets cannot be shipped due to issues like sanctions, the open-source nature of these devices provides an alternative solution.
Trezor, for instance, is fully open-source, allowing anyone to build their own device using the schematics and bill of materials available on their GitHub repository. This openness enables individuals to ensure the authenticity and security of their hardware wallets, even if they cannot obtain one directly from the manufacturer or an official vendor.
