How to Become a GHOST Validator [~10 Min]

Introduction

In prior GHOST TestNet versions validators could only be onboarded using the Genesis block. Ever since GHOST TestNet 3.1 new validators can be on boarded on-chain. If you are a current GHOST TestNet Full Node Operator this guide is for you!

While the actual guide should not take more than 10 minutes if you have all the components the actual Validator status can take up to 48 hours to obtain since it will take 2 eras for everything to finalize and each era is 24 hours. This has to do with the fact that the network check for new keys will take place witth the start of the next era and the validation status will start with the era after the next.

1. Run Full Node

To become a Full Node operator refer to the following Full Node Runner guide.

2. Get Required $CSPR

You will need at least 8 $CSPR to become a validator. Currently, all $CSPR supply is distributed among GHOST Validators. In order to get the necessary $CSPR you must participate P2P $CSPR faucet that is only available in GHOST Whales.

Once you are a member of GHOST Whales you can request some $CSPR from GHOST Validators.

3. Bond $CSPR

The next step is to go to GHOST Eye and bond 6.9 $CSPR. Please refer to the GHOST Eye Startup Guide to see how to bond $CSPR.

Make sure the transaction has been finalized before proceeding by referring to to the Action Logs section.

4. Generate Keys

The next step is to generate gran, babe, audi, slow keys. Please refer to the GHOST Eye Startup Guide to see how to rotate keys.

5. Set Commission

The next step is to set commission nominators will have to pay to stake on your node. Please refer to the GHOST Eye Startup Guide to see how set commission.

6. Restart Node

The final step is to restart you node.

Go to ghost-node directory:

cd ghost/ghost-node

Run starter.sh with a --validator flag:

./scripts/starter.sh --validate

Allow for up to total of 48 hours – 24 hours or 1 era for rotated keys to be accepted followed by another 24 hours or 1 era for the validator status to be finalized!