MO Validator Node

📡 Become a Validator

Becoming a validator on the MO Blockchain is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor that plays a crucial role in the network’s security and efficiency. Validators are responsible for processing transactions, creating new blocks, and participating in consensus decisions. This guide outlines the key steps and requirements for setting up a validating node on the MO Blockchain, ensuring you’re well-equipped to contribute to the network’s integrity.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before embarking on your journey to become a validator, it’s crucial to understand both the technical and financial requirements:

Technical Knowledge: You should have a good grasp of blockchain technology and the specifics of the MO Blockchain’s DPoS consensus mechanism. Additionally, skills in server management and cybersecurity are essential to maintain a secure and reliable node.
Hardware Requirements: Running a validator node requires robust hardware to handle transaction processing and block creation. This includes a high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and a fast, stable internet connection.
Stake Requirement: Validators on the MO Blockchain must stake MO coins as a form of security deposit. This amount varies and the minimum stake is 50,000 MO. The stake is crucial for participating in the consensus mechanism and can be slashed in case of malicious actions or failure to perform duties.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Node

At start, we will need to install several services that are needed during the process.

Connect to your Node and open up a terminal.

First, let’s get all the files needed from MO repo:

yum install git tmux nano -y

After the installation is finished, let’s copy the files from the official Github of MO:

git clone https://github.com/mochainapp/mo-nodes.git

This command will copy all the files from MO repository to your node.

Now you have to copy the files to root folder:

cp -r mo-nodes/MO  /root/

and then go to MO folder:

cd MO

Now it’s time to change the password on node.pwd before proceeding with the creation of a wallet address.

To change password on node.pwd, simply follow this commands:

nano nodes/validator/node.pwd

Change ‘yourpassword‘ to your desired password and hit Ctrl + x and then y.

Now it is time to create a wallet address which will serve for staking and rewards:

cd /root/MO
chmod +x openethereum
./openethereum account new --config nodes/validator/node.toml

This command will return an address which is your new wallet address on the node:

‘0x00aa39d30f0d20ff03a22ccfc30b7efbfca597c2’

Copy this address, and you have to paste it between the ” on the file node.toml:

nano nodes/validator/node.toml

After you edit the wallet addresses, the file node.toml will look like this:

...
[account]
unlock = ["0xyournewalletaddress"]
password = ["password"]

[mining]
force_sealing = true
engine_signer = "0xyournewalletaddress"
reseal_on_txs = "none"
...

Before starting a node, you have to get the Private Key of the newly generated wallet address, so you can import the wallet to your Metamask.

In this way, you can stake directly using your wallet.

Here is where you can find your private key:

cd nodes/validator/keys/MO/

In this directory you will find a file named something like:

UTC--2024-02-26T22-29-28Z--55rrggf99-0187-4455572-c275446-650d5fg654s

To see the private key inside this file, use the following command:

cat UTC--2024-02-26T22-29-28Z--55rrggf99-0187-4455572-c275446-650d5fg654s

This will show you a lot of numbers and information, but what you need is the private key.

So, look for ‘ciphertext‘ and copy the numbers inside ” “ next to ciphertext word.

The number will be something similar to:

08686fgas46sdf68awer874as8df6a8s4d6f48as6d84f

Copy this private key, go to your wallet, Metamask or any other wallet and import the wallet.

Be careful! Do not share this private key with anyone else. This is like the PIN of your Bank account, the password of your assets, treat it carefully!

Now that you have imported the wallet, let’s proceed with the next steps.

Step 3: Stake MO Coins

Now, it is time to send to the new wallet, a minimum of 50,000 MO coins which are needed to register your node as a validator.

Send 50,000 MO to your new wallet and then, you have to send the coins directly to MO consensus contract address that is:

0x4E8d3ad28E7F75F083Bffd645282B4e2a7a307cE

Do not send tokens from any other wallet, send it only from the new wallet you got from the new node.

By sending 50,000 MO, you are labelled as a validator and ready to be accepted on the next cycle.

After sending the coins to the contract address, now continue with the next step to run the authority node.

Before running the node, you have to know that the node has to be 24/7 available and the commands we will use, will create a process that runs on the background. This is to prevent the node from stopping when you close terminal and disconnect.

Before using the tmux account, make sure you are in the correct folder:

cd /root/MO

Now it’s time to proceed with tmux command:

tmux

Make sure you are in the root directory, to start your node run the following command:

./openethereum --config ./nodes/validator/node.toml

There will be some information show on the terminal, and then after some seconds, you will see the node recognising transactions and listing them one by one.

Now it is time to close the terminal and move to the next step.

Step 4: Register as a Validator

To register as a validator and show on MO explorer, simply join our Telegram group and connect with any online team member.

Do not share Private Key with anyone!!!

To register the node on the explorer, a team member needs your node wallet address 0xyourwallet, and a name/email for your node.

Make sure to contact any team members before the new cycle of MO has started. Otherwise you will have to wait another cycle before your validator is made public.

You can check the new cycle on mainnet.mochain.app.

Step 5: Maintain Your Node

Keep Your Node Online and Secure: As a validator, it’s crucial to maintain high uptime to ensure the network’s stability and security. Regular updates, security audits, and monitoring are essential to keep your node running smoothly.
Participate in Governance: Validators often have a say in the network’s governance decisions. Stay informed about governance proposals and participate in votes to help shape the future of the MO Blockchain.

Becoming a validator on the MO Blockchain is a significant commitment that comes with the responsibility of maintaining the network’s integrity. It requires technical expertise, financial investment, and ongoing dedication. However, it also offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of blockchain technology, contributing to the network’s security and decision-making processes while earning rewards for your efforts. By following these steps and staying engaged with the community, you can become a vital part of the MO Blockchain ecosystem.