TL;DR Snapshot of the Alphanet was taken on October 7th, 00:00 UTC0, so stop running your node after this time. The Alphanet will officially close on October 8th at 00:00 UTC. The Mainnet will launch on Arbitrum on October 11, 00:00 UTC0, one day after $CARV token listing on exchanges — prepare to transition your node to Mainnet for new rewards and ensure compliance with uptime and slashing rules for continued participation. Detailed instructions are below.
As we move forward in the evolution of CARV, we are excited to share key updates regarding the transition from the Alphanet to the Mainnet, including important timelines, reward mechanisms, and operational requirements for node operators. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining what to expect as we sunset the Alphanet and gear up for the Mainnet launch.
1. CARV Alphanet Closure
The Alphanet has played a crucial role in testing and refining the CARV ecosystem. As we prepare for the next phase, the Alphanet will officially be closed.
- Snapshot Timing: A snapshot of the Alphanet was taken on October 7th, 00:00 UTC. All data from the network will be recorded at that moment.
- End of Attestation and Verification: Immediately following the snapshot, all attestation and verification processes on the Alphanet has ceased. You do not need to run your node after the Alphanet closure until the Mainnet launch (more on that below).
- Alphanet Explorer Shutdown: The Alphanet explorer will remain active for a brief period after the snapshot and will be taken down at 00:00 UTC on October 8th.
- Next Steps: There’s no need to take any further action after the closure if you are an Alphanet node operator. You can prepare for the Mainnet launch where node operations will resume.
2. CARV Mainnet Launch
We are thrilled to announce that the Mainnet will launch on Arbitrum. This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter, offering node operators more opportunities to participate and earn rewards in the CARV ecosystem.
- Launch Timing: The Mainnet will officially launch on October 11, 00:00 UTC0, one day after the $CARV token is listed on exchanges on October 10, 8AM UTC0.
- Same Tools, New Contract: The same CLI and command-line tools used on the Alphanet will remain in use. However, they will be updated to work with Mainnet contracts, ensuring a smooth transition for node operators.
- Action Required: You’ll simply need to update your CLI tools to switch from the Alphanet to the Mainnet before running your node again.
3. Rewards for Node Operators
Node operators are a vital part of the CARV ecosystem, and we are committed to rewarding your efforts through various mechanisms on the Mainnet.
- Alpha-veCARV Snapshot: All alpha-veCARV balances will be reset after the Alphanet snapshot on October 7th. However, your alpha-veCARV balance will contribute to your weight when claiming your share of the CARV airdrop.
- No Direct Conversion: Please note that alpha-veCARV will not be directly converted to veCARV. You will earn veCARV by operating nodes on the Mainnet.
- Earning veCARV on Mainnet: From Day 1 of the Mainnet, node rewards in veCARV will begin being distributed. Node operators will be crucial in validating the network and will be rewarded accordingly.
- Token Allocation: 25% of the total $CARV supply will be allocated to node operators, with emissions reducing by 25% every 6 months over a period of 4 years.
- Further Details: To understand how veCARV and $CARV work together, and for more detailed information, click here.
4. Slashing Rules
Operating a node on the Mainnet comes with responsibilities. Slashing is a penalty mechanism designed to ensure that nodes remain active and reliable.
- Operational Requirements: Nodes must operate for at least 6 hours per day. If you are unable to run your node, you must declare yourself offline to avoid penalties.
Here is how to do it:
- Alphanet Penalties: On the Alphanet, node operators receive a warning if their verifier is not running. Please ensure your device and app remain active. However, there will be no slashing of alpha-veCARV on the Alphanet.
- Mainnet Penalties: On the Mainnet, if you claim to be active but fail to meet attestation requirements, your node will be slashed. Missing two attestations will result in your node being forced offline.
- Impact of Slashing: Slashing will affect your veCARV rewards, which means less reward distribution for inactive or unreliable nodes. Always ensure your node is operational or declare it offline to avoid penalties.
5. Buyback Program
For node operators looking for a return on their initial efforts, the buyback program offers an option to sell back licenses under specific conditions.
- Buyback Window: The buyback window opens six months after the Mainnet launch, and node operators will have two weeks to claim the buyback and transfer licenses back to the treasury.
- Eligibility: To qualify for the buyback program, your node must maintain at least 70% uptime during the first six months after the Mainnet launch.
- Claiming veCARV: If you claim your veCARV rewards for a specific license, that license will no longer be eligible for the buyback.
- Delegation Rules: You may delegate your license to other nodes, but only to those with a commission rate of 3% or less. Always ensure you delegate to trusted nodes, as failure to meet uptime requirements or a change in commission rate could affect your buyback eligibility.
- Redistribution of Rewards: A portion of veCARV rewards from buyback nodes will be redistributed evenly among the remaining active nodes, incentivizing long-term participation.
What’s Next?
As we prepare for the Mainnet launch, we want to extend our gratitude to the community and node operators who have contributed to CARV’s journey on the Alphanet. Stay tuned for further updates, including the official token listing date and the full details on staking and governance mechanisms.
Together, we are building a future where data ownership, transparency, and decentralization are the core tenets of gaming and AI. Your participation as a node operator is vital to this mission.
For more information or to get started with the Mainnet tools, stay tuned to our official channels: X (Previously Twitter), Discord, and Telegram.
