Strange, seems you’re getting different errors, hard to pinpoint whats the issue. I created a channel to Filips node a long time ago without issues. You tried with 10k sats right? Are you using LND node?
10k sats gives me an error because 20k is the minimum. I’m using the Zap wallet and its node, can you clarify what you mean?
Zap is just a wallet ui afaik. You need to have a running Lightning node in the background
Does your node run on Tor? If you’re not using Tor you would have to connect to the node using the domain. Try connecting with this string:
035be98895c4d4e3b91fbb88d27af0fa68de6023e3a6eae675cc8332d29f299af4@lightning.filipmartinsson.com:9735
I see, I’m not using Tor - I thought instead of running a full node you’re suppose to use a “light client” like Zap? Sorry if I’m missing something, where does Filip explain the process of running a Lightning node?
Unfortunately he doesn’t explain how to run a node there are many ways to do it and there are also multiple implementations. If you want to run a node its best to check a particular implementation you’re interested in (like c-lightning and lnd). Bear in mind you also have to run a Bitcoin node as well if you want to setup your lightning node.
The course in particular is about how to use Lightning network with Bitpay server and you’re not required to use any Lightning wallet at all. 
Hi there,
Im on the Building a Lightning App (LAPP) lesson, and I successfully created my account, but when testing the connection, an error happens, could you please tell me if its OK for me to continue with the course?
the connection string I used was:
type=charge;server=https://lightning.filipmartinsson.com/lightning-charge/btc/;api-token=6ba722c01e01846c671fed7a6909bbda8ebedf0b842fd75c9a82220132b34e60
You should use the internal lightning node that is already configured in BtcPay:
Under the connection string you only need to click the clicking here and the textbox will fill up with the correct link.
hey @Alko89 , where do you find the “clicking here” link??
I made an account using filip’s server, but it doesnt appear to me:
Hmm, sorry it might not be visible to non admin users. And it seems the http connection doesn’t work anymore.
Try using this link: type=clightning;server=unix://etc/clightning_bitcoin/lightning-rpc
Sorry again, seems the update introduced some changes. I have enabled non admin users to be able to connect to the node now. Can you try again? It should work now.
Perfect! 
thanks for reporting this, we have updated the connection string in the course.
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@Alko89 hey, one more question: would you recommend trying to run my own node if I just got started with linux about one year ago, and I dont have any experience with dockers (I mean I have already downloaded it and tried some tutorials, but its like I have 0% experience) … nor with Node.JS (my first experience with JS was the course on the academy, I also built a react app by doing a tutorial in codecademy) but I just dont feel that confident yet with my hacker/sysadmin/whatever skills … in fact Im just an electrical engineer who dedicated to radio and then converted into a sales/marketing staff for a few dollars
I would have to run it on my laptop… would you recommend that?
First off congratulations on your transition to Linux! 
As for running your BtcPay node its quite straight forward using docker. It will be an additional challenge for sure. But if you want why go for it! I would recommend setting it up in a testnet first especially if you intend to run it on a laptop, for running a lightning node on mainnet I would recommend setting it up on a server (RPi is fine as a server) once you’re ready. Mind you will have an open channel to be able to create invoices in BtcPay.
If you have an RPi you can check out MyNode that offer an image to run all you need on it. @Fabrice from our team is using it and is quite happy with it.
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Thanks man! I really appreciate your advice. I will finish the course using filip’s node, but I will try with RPi or any mini-PC … I’m already on the lookout … I was checking the ones from System76 … those guys really care about privacy starting from the hardware. I will also check out MyNode as well. Thanks a lot!!
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Please share how this is going for you. I’m also considering different ways to mess around with my own BTCPay server. I didn’t get it to run properly on my RaspiBlitz when I tried it a few weeks ago.
I’d be happy to compare notes with you 
When I get into it, sure I will exchange notes with you … for now Im focusing on finishing the course and other issues going on with my life!
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Im also checking the solutions from this article … Im very interested in a plug and play solution, not only for myself, but also for other people
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/buy-or-diy-an-overview-of-7-bitcoin-full-node-products
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