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Over time the payments will increase because the HELD amount is already enough to pay the network repairs in case my node fails.

My next step is to evaluate how the node behaves when it's full... and see how the uploads evolve. Might consider adding a bit more of storage space too... if all feels on the uptrend side.

The trick with these nodes is to use really low power consumption things. For example, USB based low power disks. At least its a quick one for everyone to do.

If jumping above that, then power consumption goes quickly up... especially if you don't implement things like disk spin down or use very low power consumption boards/CPUs/etc.