1. Is zencash secure nodes stil in alpha phase?

Tracking System Beta for Testnet

We are ready to start the first part of the beta test of the new server system.

There are now three sets of regional servers (12 in all): Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia running with Cloudflare and clustered databases.

This part of the beta is still on TESTNET, so please do not switch nets yet.  Instructions for the next phase will be provided later.

This is the time to start setting up your nodes over the next couple of weeks.  There will still be some time after next beta phase starts before payments are enabled (timing depends upon issue found and resolved).

In this phase there will be testing of the node and server failover over the next week. Your node may be connected to another region at various times and then fallback to your home server.  Please check your nodes periodically and report any issues or anything odd.

*What to Expect*
When you migrate your node(s), it should detect which regional server to connect to. If not correct, it may be changed by running the tracker setup.  The migration process is pretty simple and quick.

The email system has been changed to Sparkpost. Be sure to enter a valid email address in the node setup to receive notifications of exceptions and downtimes.


How to Migrate

Follow the 'Update' instructions here: https://github.com/ZencashOfficial/secnodetracker
The tracker version is now 0.0.8

There are also instructions for a new installation on that page.

Snapshot for the newbies
(see the setup guide pinned to the top of the #securenodes channel)
->
https://blockoperations.com/build-zencash-secure-node-part-1-prepare-vps/
https://blockoperations.com/build-zencash-secure-node-part-2-build-zen-node/
https://blockoperations.com/build-zencash-secure-node-part-2-5-test-tls-secnodetracker/

- 1 IP address per secure node (either IPv4 or IPv6)
- 42 zen (znt for testnet) in wallet off the node
- public cert is needed for your node
- 1 zen (private znt) in the challenge private address on the node. Send 5 separate transactions of 0.2 each.
- Tracking servers are at https://securenodes.zensystem.io
- post questions/issues in #securenodes.

For those of you who snuck onto the beta servers
Be sure to checkout the master branch instead of dev branch.

Note on IPv6 systems
If you have an issue connecting to the regional servers there is a script available that will update your nodes host file periodically with the addresses of the servers.  Please see this post http://www.zen-solutions.io/ipv6-dns-host-file-and-server-addressing/

2. We have a guide for setting up one secure node, if one wanted to have more secure nodes, do you have to have a vps for every node, or can you have lets say 2 or more nodes on one vps?

3. It says that the requirements are 4 GB ram and more, solid cpu, windows 7 or better. But if you have more secure nodes say 5, 10, 20 or even a 100 do you have to have better system and hardware configuration that this?

yeah thought so,doesnt hurt to ask All of my rigs are on windows because less drivers hustle,no nods for me untill i get dedicated pc for it
Thx for answering MedaR

I love the project and want to get involved. I was thinking of trying to setup a securenode but I think it may be too technical for me unless there is an entry level guide available. Any ideas on how I get involved and support this project?

Operate ZenCash node software on a capable system-this means linux only?

Any idea when a good wallet will come out now that Eleos is toast and I have always had issues with any swing wallet (Except Hush).  Would love to see Zen added to Exodus or even Eden!!  I just really hate leaving my Zen on an exchange!

Can I suggest a wording change here?  You don't have to keep the 42 Zencash staked on the securenode wallet.  It can be on a wallet you keep somewhere else.

Also, you need to add that there is a requirement at startup of your secure node that you have a minimum of 1 Zencash in a Z_address on the securenode wallet.  Currently, you need to send a total of 1 Zencash in small increments (like 0.2 in 5 transactions), or you may run into a situation where the first challenge pulls the entire 1 Zen, and then report that you don't have a minimum 0.0001 balance on the Z_address.

So... in total... you need a minimum of 43 Zencash to get started with a securenode.

how many cpu and memory to choose for supernode

1 cpu and 1gb memory is ok
or we need more?

The server needs a 64 bit processor and operating system to meet the requirements of a Secure Node. It also needs access to a decent processor core and a total of 4 GB of memory, which can include swap if the storage access is fast enough.

hi all,
would you mind telling me about the differences between secure nodes and masternodes, please. Do they have same features, by which I mean securing the networks.?

There is currently no bounty/signature campaign for zencash. Only forum page 43 one of the developers mentions that it might be something for the future, but that right now the focus is secure nodes.

I'm not sure a signature campaign is needed, there is enough attention on zencash at the moment (top 100 coin by marketcap) - but we'll see what happens

Your best bet is to join the slack or discord chats.  There's always someone there to help troubleshoot or answer questions.

do you have any links for  the discord or slack channel? thank you

since you need a testnet wallet, the payments have no value.