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How to Install Umbrel on the CmRat

How To Install Umbrel On The CmRat

Umbrel is one of the go-to self-hosted solutions for running your own Bitcoin node and hosting apps, whether you’re using a Raspberry Pi, an x86 machine, or a Linux VM. It’s known for being user-friendly, even for those without deep technical knowledge.

But what about installing it on the CmRat? Can it be done? Yes, it can! The best way to go about it is by using CasaOS as a foundation. This not only gives you a solid safety net if things go awry but also offers a clean filesystem to tweak settings if needed. Let’s walk through the process of getting it set up quickly.

NOTE: In this experiment, I’ll be installing Umbrel on a CmRat that’s running a Radxa CM3 Compute Module. While Radxa’s architecture is still ARM-based, its CPU is quite different, meaning it’s not compatible with the standard Umbrel images for Raspberry Pi 4 and 5. So, the solution here is to install Umbrel inside a Docker container. Although this method isn’t widely advertised on GitHub or the official Umbrel site, it’s totally feasible and works like a charm. Keep reading to learn how to set it up.

First Step: Install CasaOS on Top Of RadxaOS

First things first, you’ll need to install the base OS, which is the appropriate RadxaOS image. Radxa regularly updates and maintains a variety of images, so be sure to choose the one that’s specifically designed for your Radxa compute module.
Check out this guide to learn how to install RadxaOS, a custom Debian version designed for the CM3 Compute Module, on the CmRat board. The guide also shows how to install CasaOS on top of it. Just follow the guide below to get everything in place.

Second Step: Install Umbrel on Top Of CasaOS

Next, you’ll want to install the Umbrel Docker container on CasaOS. This ensures that Umbrel runs securely within a Docker container on CasaOS. By default, CasaOS doesn’t include Umbrel, as it’s more focused on home server and media center apps. To get Umbrel up and running, you’ll need to add a third-party app store called the “Big Bear CasaOS App Store.”

Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 1
Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 2
Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 3
Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 4
Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 5

To do this, simply go to the App Store, click on “More Apps,” and enter the following string:

https://github.com/bigbeartechworld/big-bear-casaos/archive/refs/heads/master.zip
Install Umbrel on CasaOS Step 6

Locate the umbrelOS app and click “Install.” This will set up Umbrel within a Docker container. Running Umbrel in a Docker container offers several benefits. It allows for extensive customization by editing the Compose File (docker-compose.yml) using an intuitive GUI. This makes tasks like forwarding ports, configuring external storage, and more straightforward. Additionally, if issues arise with Umbrel, troubleshooting becomes simpler thanks to CasaOS’s robust file manager and user-friendly graphical interface, along with other helpful features.

UmbrelOS in CasaOS

After having installed Umbrel on your device, you will be able to access the Umbrel dashboard by typing the following address in your browser navigation bar:

umbrel.local

After that, you will be able to create an username/password and use Umbrel.

Umbrel on CmRat
Umbrel On CmRat 2

Bottom Line

Installing Umbrel on a CmRat is totally doable even if you have a Radxa Compute Module.

As outlined in this guide, the easiest way to make it happen is by running Umbrel in a Docker container within CasaOS, which offers a solid platform to build on and helps with troubleshooting.

However, be cautious with Umbrel—while it’s a great self-hosted Bitcoin solution, it isn’t open-source; it’s only Source Available. Also, keep in mind that Umbrel doesn’t come with built-in HTTPS, so you’ll need to implement additional security measures to protect your setup.

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