Run a Validator

Step-by-step

1. 01
   Create a Falcon-512 identity

   Open Wallet and create a passkey-secured Falcon PL account. Back up your falcon_secret. Named PL accounts are the live path — not classic r-addresses.
2. 02
   Fund the account (2,000 FPL faucet drip)

   Use Faucet (or Wallet → Top up). One drip is enough to cover the 1,000 FPL bond plus fees.
3. 03
   Submit Bond (≥ 1,000 FPL)

   A seat exists only after a Bond is packed. Hello cannot invent a lottery seat. The registry grows through genesis and confirmed Bond transactions.
4. 04
   Start the node with --join

   Join against published seeds. Do not pack while you are behind the mesh tip.
5. 05
   Pull a join-snap if you are far behind

   If tip = 0 or lag ≥ 2,048 ledgers, pull a join-snap from an archive (tip state + 128 ledgers). Snapshots are a point-in-time copy, not a live feed.
6. 06
   Close the residual gap

   Apply certified NeedLedgers after the snap. Light validators keep 128 ledgers in memory and then follow gossip.
7. 07
   Pong at the mesh tip

   Only then is the seat lottery-eligible. To leave: RequestUnbond → 14-day cooldown → CompleteUnbond. Unbonding exits the lottery immediately; funds stay locked for 14 days.

Requirements

• Falcon-512 identity (passkey wallet) on Falcon PL 2300
• ≥1,000 FPL to Bond (faucet drip covers this on testnet)
• Node started with --join against published seeds
• Archive join-snap available when tip is 0 or lag ≥ 2,048