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VPS Setup Guide

Self-Hosted Execution Guide

VPS Setup for Smart Hodl Executor

1. Why a VPS Is Required

Smart Hodl is designed to run as a self-hosted trading executor. The executor runs continuously on your own VPS and connects directly to the exchange using your API keys.

  • You retain full control over execution and uptime
  • Your API keys never leave your infrastructure
  • Trading continues even when your computer is offline

2. Exchange Accounts

The executor trades Kraken Futures perpetuals (PF_*) and OKX X-Perps (USDC-margined). Open both accounts first — KYC verification is the longest wait in the whole setup.

Kraken

https://proinvite.kraken.com/9f1e/doc9ycyd

After verification, enable Futures trading. We trade the PF_* perpetuals.

OKX

https://my.okx.com/cs/join/80474796

Register under the European (EEA) entity. X-Perps are USDC-margined, so fund the account with USDC rather than USDT.

Disclosure: These are referral links. Your terms are unchanged; we may earn a small commission.

API keys need trading permission only — never enable withdrawals. An OKX key carries three credentials: key, secret and the passphrase you choose when creating it. Restricting the key to your VPS IP address is recommended.

3. Recommended VPS Provider

We recommend Hostinger VPS (Premium KVM 1 plan with Docker manager and Malware scanner) due to its reliability, simplicity, and excellent price-to-performance ratio for Node.js workloads.

💡 Save 20% on your VPS

Use our referral link when purchasing a VPS:
https://www.hostinger.com/vps-hosting?REFERRALCODE=TJYCADDILEAD

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. You receive a discount, and we may earn a referral commission at no additional cost to you.

4. VPS Purchase Requirements

Minimum recommended VPS configuration:

  • Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
  • CPU: 1 vCPU or higher
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Storage: 20 GB SSD or more

5. Connecting to Your VPS

After purchasing your VPS, Hostinger will provide you with an IP address and root credentials. You connect using SSH:

ssh root@YOUR_VPS_IP

Windows users can connect using tools like PuTTY or Windows Terminal.

6. Continue Setup in Your Smart Hodl Account

Once you are successfully connected to your VPS via SSH, return to your Smart Hodl account to complete the setup.

  1. Open your browser and navigate to:
    /my-account/smart-hodl-node/
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to copy the installation command and paste it into your VPS terminal.

This step ensures that the executor is linked to your license and configuration, while still running entirely on your own VPS.

7. Responsibility & Control

The executor runs on infrastructure owned or rented by the client. Smart Hodl provides software and updates only and does not control execution, funds, or exchange accounts.