Introduction

A new open‑source project has emerged from a Hacker News discussion, offering a lightweight, local solution for monitoring whale movements on the Ethereum network. Built with Python and Web3.py, the tool eliminates the need for API keys, granting users full visibility into on‑chain activity while maintaining privacy and control.

“Built this solo because I was tired of missing whale movements and wanted a tool that runs locally (no API keys) with full visibility.” – Project creator, Hacker News post

Architecture at a Glance

The application leverages a minimal stack that balances performance and simplicity:

  • Python + Web3.py – Core blockchain interaction.
  • SQLite – Lightweight persistence for transaction logs and rule definitions.
  • Google Sheets integration – Optional dashboard for non‑technical stakeholders.
  • RPC failover – Five backup endpoints ensure continuous connectivity.
  • Transaction deduplication – Prevents duplicate alerts and data bloat.

The modular rule engine allows developers to plug in custom detection logic. A sample rule configuration might look like:

# whale_rule.py
from eth_utils import to_checksum_address

WHALE_THRESHOLD = 50 * 10**18  # 50 ETH

def is_whale(tx):
    return tx.value >= WHALE_THRESHOLD

Core Features

Feature Description
Whale Movement Detection Alerts on transfers exceeding a configurable threshold (default 50 ETH).
High‑Value Transfer Alerts Customizable threshold for any transfer size.
Sanctioned Address Tracking Cross‑checks against an OFAC‑approved list to flag potential compliance issues.
Wallet Monitoring Users can specify addresses of interest for real‑time notifications.
Address Poisoning Detection Identifies attempts to obfuscate transaction origins.
MEV Bot Detection Flags patterns indicative of Miner Extractable Value exploitation.

In test runs, the tool has already surfaced over $70 K in suspicious activity across ten modular detection rules.

Community Engagement

The project is currently in a private beta limited to 50 testers, with an open‑source launch slated for January 5, 2025. The developer invites feedback on technical architecture and feature prioritization, acknowledging the value of community input in shaping the final release.

“Would love feedback from the HN community – especially on the technical architecture or what features to prioritize before launch!” – Project creator

Implications for Developers

  • Reduced Dependency on Third‑Party APIs – Eliminates rate limits and potential vendor lock‑in.
  • Enhanced Privacy – All data stays local unless explicitly exported.
  • Extensibility – The rule engine encourages experimentation, making it a sandbox for new detection heuristics.
  • Compliance Support – Built‑in sanctions checks aid teams in maintaining regulatory adherence.

The tool’s lightweight footprint means it can run on modest hardware, lowering the barrier for smaller teams or individual developers to monitor on‑chain activity.

Looking Ahead

With an open‑source roadmap, the project could evolve into a community‑driven platform for blockchain observability. Potential future directions include:
- Integration with other EVM chains (Polygon, BSC).
- Real‑time alerting via WebSocket or messaging queues.
- Machine‑learning‑based anomaly detection.

As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to mature, tools that provide granular, privacy‑preserving insights will become increasingly valuable. This project’s emphasis on local operation and modularity positions it well to fill that niche.

Source: Hacker News discussion (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46237120)