Setting up Validator Keys
Every 32 ETH you own allows you to make 1 validator. You can run thousands of validators with your node. However on testnet, please only run 1 or 2 validators to keep the activation queue reasonably quick.
Before continuing please have the following:
Before continuing please understand the following:
Offline Key Generation Best Practices: The mnemonic seed (24 words) to your validator should be protected by keeping them offline. Use Tails OS (see option 3) or a Linux Live USB with staking-deposit-cli (Option 1) or Wagyu to generate keys.
If this is not possible, at least physically disconnect from the network by unplugging ethernet cable or disconnecting from Wifi.
Ways to create your validator keys:
Result: There are two types of files generated.
Local node: Skip this step if you generated your keys on your node with staking-deposit-cli. No need to transfer as they're already there.
After creating the validator keys offline, you'll want to copy these validator keys to your node.
To align with this guide's steps, make the default validator_keys path on your node.
To transfer validator key files to your node from your local computer, consider using:
After transfering the files, verify that the keystore-m files are in the proper location on your node.
Expected sample output:
Follow the walk-through at the Launchpad: https://holesky.launchpad.ethstaker.cc
Upload your
deposit_data-#########.json
found in thevalidator_keys
directory.Connect the launchpad with your wallet, review and accept terms. Ensure you're connected to Holešky network.
On the tool's dropdown box, select Holešky network.
Source: https://twitter.com/AbyssFinance/status/1379732382044069888
Confirm the transaction(s). There's one deposit transaction of 32 ETH for each validator.
For instance, if you want to run 3 validators you will need to have (32 x 3) = 96 Holesky ETH plus some extra to cover the gas fees.
Your transaction is depositing your ETH to the Holesky Deposit Contract address.
Check, double-check, triple-check that the Holesky Deposit Contract address is correct.
4. Review backups
Stay Offline: Write down your mnemonic seed offline. Not email. Not cloud.
More than 1 backup of mnemonic: Multiple copies with multiple locations is better. Best stored in a metal seed.
Verify your hardware wallet's backup: Most important of all data, this is where your withdrawal address belongs and ultimately controls the 32 ETH
In case of recovery: Stored on a USB key, keep copies of
validator_keys directory
- contains all the keystore .json fileskeystore password - used to encrypt keystore files
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