SOLV

Here's a step-by-step guide for setting up a validator node for the Solv Finance project. The following instructions assume you're using a Linux-based operating system, such as Ubuntu. You’ll need some basic knowledge of the terminal and GitHub.

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Prerequisites

1. Server Requirements:

   • Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 (or similar)

   • CPU: Multi-core processor (8 cores or more recommended)

   • RAM: 16 GB or more

   • Storage: 500 GB SSD

   • Network: High-speed connection, public IP, and open port for the validator service

2. Install Dependencies: You will need to install git, docker, docker-compose, and other required software. Here's a quick way to install them on Ubuntu:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install -y git curl wget build-essential
   sudo apt install -y docker.io docker-compose

   Ensure that Docker is running:

   sudo systemctl enable docker
   sudo systemctl start docker

3. Clone the Repository: Navigate to the directory where you want to clone the repository and run the following commands:

   git clone https://github.com/solv-finance/solv-node.git
   cd solv-node

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Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Validator Node

Step 1: Build Docker Image

First, navigate to the project's folder and build the Docker image.

docker-compose build

This command will create the environment necessary to run the Solv Finance node using the docker-compose setup described in the repository.

Step 2: Configure Validator Node

Before launching the node, you'll need to configure the necessary files to set up your validator. Most likely, the project will have a sample configuration in their repository. You can usually find it under a config/ or validator/ directory.

1. Copy the sample configuration file:

   cp config/config.sample.yml config/config.yml

2. Edit the config.yml file with your validator details. This may include:

   • Validator name

   • Public key or address for your node

   • Ports configuration (if needed)

   Use your favorite text editor to make changes:

   nano config/config.yml

Step 3: Start the Validator Node

Once the configuration is set, you can start the validator node using Docker:

docker-compose up -d

This command will start your validator node in the background. The -d flag runs the containers in detached mode, meaning it will run in the background without blocking your terminal.

To check the logs and verify that everything is running correctly, use:

docker-compose logs -f

Look for logs indicating that your node is syncing with the network. Depending on the blockchain’s history, syncing can take some time.

Step 4: Generate Validator Keys

To operate a validator, you'll need to generate a validator key pair. The Solv Finance documentation should provide a method for this, but a common approach is to run a specific command within your running Docker container.

1. Access the running container:

   docker exec -it solv-node-validator bash

2. Inside the container, generate your validator key (adjust according to the project's specific tooling):

   ./solv-node generate-validator-key

3. Follow the instructions to securely store your private key and register your validator.

Step 5: Stake Tokens and Become a Validator

Once the node is running and fully synced, the final step is to stake tokens to activate the validator. Typically, you would need to:

1. Deposit a certain number of tokens into your validator account.

2. Submit a transaction to bond your validator.

This process usually requires a wallet interaction with the blockchain. Refer to Solv Finance’s documentation on how to bond your node and stake tokens.

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Step 6: Monitor and Maintain Your Validator

1. Check Validator Status: You can periodically check your validator's status through the blockchain’s explorer or by querying the node.

2. Monitor Logs: Keep monitoring the logs to ensure everything is running smoothly:

   docker-compose logs -f

3. Update Node: It is essential to keep your validator node up-to-date. When a new version of Solv Finance is released, follow these steps to update:

   • Stop the node:

     docker-compose down

   • Pull the latest version of the code:

     git pull origin main
     docker-compose build

   • Restart the node:

     docker-compose up -d

4. Backups: Regularly back up your validator's key files and configuration to avoid any loss in case of a failure.

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Node Sync Issues: If your node is having trouble syncing, check your network configuration, make sure ports are open, and review the logs for any connection errors.

2. Out-of-Memory (OOM) Errors: If you encounter memory-related errors, consider upgrading your server’s resources or adjusting Docker's memory limits.

3. Validator Slashing: Be aware of slashing risks. Missing blocks or double-signing can lead to penalties. Always ensure that your node is running reliably.

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Additional Resources

• Solv Finance Documentation: Always refer to the official documentation for any updates or specific details.

• Docker Documentation: In case you need more in-depth Docker knowledge.

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By following this guide, you should be able to successfully set up and run a Solv Finance validator node. If you encounter any issues, be sure to refer to the project’s community channels for support!