Setup Guide

Your bitcoin key.
In five steps.

Fully offline. No software required. No trust required.

Quick Start

Assemble — Randomly insert bits to create your unique binary sequence

Convert — Read bits offline to derive your BIP-39 seed phrase

Backup — Create multiple secure copies before proceeding

Protect — Store in steel case, add a passphrase for maximum security

Use — Generate addresses using any offline signing tool

Critical Once assembled, keep your key offline. Never photograph it or share its configuration.

Step 1

Make Your Key

Randomly insert the physical bits into your key's eight slots. Each bit reads as either 0 or 1 depending on its orientation — creating the binary foundation of your Bitcoin private key.

Understanding Your Key

Your key has eight numbered faces (0–7), each containing bit positions:

256-bit key: 32 bit positions per face
128-bit MINI key: 16 bit positions per face

Choose Your Reading Order

Before inserting bits, decide your reading order — this determines your unique private key.

Recommended Start at face 7 as your most significant digit and end at face 0 as your least significant digit.

Important Write down your chosen reading order and store it securely. You'll need it every time you access your Bitcoin.

Step 2

Convert to Seed Phrase

Using pen and paper only — remain offline throughout this process.

Starting at your most significant digit, read 11 consecutive bits
Optional: convert those 11 bits to a decimal number (0–2047)
Find the corresponding word in the BIP-39 wordlist
Repeat for a total of 11 words (128-bit) or 23 words (256-bit)

You'll have a small number of bits remaining after the last full word. The final word incorporates these plus a checksum. Use an offline tool — such as SeedSigner or an offline calculator — to derive the complete seed phrase with the correct checksum word.

Resources

↗Decimal Seed Phrase Generation PDF ↗Binary Seed Phrase Generation PDF ↗BIP-39 Word List (GitHub) ↗Conversion Spreadsheets

Step 3

Backup Your Key

Your key is your only access to your Bitcoin. Create redundant backups before proceeding — no exceptions.

Physical Key Backups

Purchase additional modulo keys and assemble them identically, or document bit positions on durable material stored separately from your primary key.

Seed Phrase Backups

Write your seed phrase on metal plates or waterproof paper. Store copies in geographically separate, secure locations.

Distributed Security

Consider multi-signature setups or splitting backup information among trusted parties to eliminate single points of failure.

Critical Every backup must be protected with the same rigor as your primary key.

Step 4

Protect Your Key

Physical Protection

Store your modulo key in the included stainless steel case
Keep in a fire-resistant safe, preferably bolted down
Store backups in separate geographic locations
Never photograph or discuss your key or its configuration

Add a Passphrase

A BIP-39 passphrase (the "25th word") adds a critical second layer. Even if someone obtains your physical key or seed phrase, they cannot access your Bitcoin without it.

Important Your passphrase must be memorized or stored completely separately from your key. There is no recovery if it is lost.

Operational Security

Maintain privacy about your Bitcoin holdings
Document key details using only language that you alone understand
Consider a decoy wallet for home security scenarios

Step 5

Use Your Key

Load your seed phrase into any offline signing tool to generate Bitcoin addresses and sign transactions — without ever exposing your key to an internet-connected device.

Generate Bitcoin receiving addresses
Sign transactions air-gapped
Maintain complete sovereignty over your funds

Recommended tools: SeedSigner, Coldcard, Sparrow Wallet (watch-only with air-gap). Any BIP-39 compatible wallet works. Your modulo key is not tied to any proprietary software.

Using your key with offline signing software

Your bitcoin key.In five steps.