Table of Content

Validator Handbook

1. Document Overview

The Blockmaze Validator Handbook is a step-by-step guide for users who want to run and manage a validator on the Blockmaze network. It explains validator roles, setup requirements, dashboard features, staking actions, and account controls in a clear and practical way.
This document is intended for users who plan to operate a validator node, manage stake, monitor performance, and handle actions such as bonding, unbonding, and re-validating. It covers both initial setup and ongoing operations so validators can maintain correct participation in the network.

2. Validators on Blockmaze

Validators are core participants in the Blockmaze network. They are responsible for confirming transactions, producing blocks, and maintaining network security. By staking BMZ tokens, validators earn rewards and take responsibility for correct network behavior.

Role of Validators

Validators verify transactions, create new blocks, and take part in the consensus process. They help keep the blockchain accurate, secure, and resistant to misuse. Validators must follow network rules to remain active and avoid penalties.

Why Validators Matter

Validators protect the network from invalid transactions and dishonest activity. They support decentralization and help the network remain reliable. In return for their role, validators earn staking rewards, while incorrect behavior can result in loss of stake.

Key Validator Concepts

To become a validator, users must stake a minimum of 100 BMZ tokens. Higher stake increases the chance of being part of the active validator set. Validators are expected to maintain uptime, follow protocol rules, and manage their operations responsibly.

3. Minimum Requirements to Become a Validator

To run a validator on the Blockmaze network, users must meet defined technical and staking requirements. These requirements help maintain network stability, security, and consistent performance.

Prerequisites

Before registering as a validator, a validator node must be set up and running. Users who already operate a node can move directly to the registration and staking steps.

System Requirement

  • Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04
  • Memory: Minimum 4 GB RAM
  • Storage: At least 20 GB of available disk space
  • Network: Stable and continuous internet connection

Tools and Dependencies

The following tools must be installed on the server:

  • Bash
  • Go (matching the required Cosmos SDK version)
  • jq
  • wget
  • unzip
  • build-essential

Browser settings must allow insecure content and third-party sign-in. Without these permissions, validator login will not work.

4. Validator Login

To operate as a validator on the Blockmaze network, users must log in through the validator application. This login process connects the validator interface to a running node and authorizes access to validator functions such as staking, unbonding, and account management.
Login requires a valid node URL and wallet authentication. Once access is granted, users are directed to the validator dashboard.

Login Process

This section explains how to securely access the validator dashboard.

Step 1: Enter Node URL

Enter the URL of the running validator node. This URL allows the application to communicate with the blockchain

Format:

http://:26657

Example:

http://166.108.192.144:26657

Port 26657 is required, as it is the default RPC port.
To find your server IP, use:

curl ifconfig.me

Public RPC endpoints may also be used, such as:

https://dev-vd-rpc.Blockmaze.work/

Step 2: Submit Node URL

Click the Submit button after entering the node URL. The system checks the connection and moves to wallet authentication if successful.

Step 3: Enter Mnemonic Phrase

Enter the 12- or 24-word mnemonic phrase linked to your wallet. This phrase authorizes access to validator actions. Do not share your mnemonic phrase. Keep it private and secure.

After Successful Login

After login, the validator dashboard opens. From here, users can view validator status, track blocks, manage stake, update validator details, and review account activity.

5. Validator Dashboard

The Validator Dashboard is the main workspace for managing validator activity on the Blockmaze network. It provides access to performance data, staking controls, network information, and account actions in one place.
From the dashboard, validators can monitor their role in the network, review staking and commission details, track blocks, and manage validator operations.

Navigation Menu

The navigation menu allows quick access to all major sections of the validator interface.

Dashboard

Displays current validator status, performance data, and wallet activity.

Block

Opens the block explorer view, where users can see block numbers, hashes, and the validators who produced them.

Validators

Shows lists of active, inactive, and deactivated validators, along with stake and commission details.

Manage Account

Allows users to bond funds, unbond tokens, or stop validating.

My Account

Displays wallet balance, transaction history, and validator address.

Logout

Ends the current session and secures the account.

Network Metrics

This section shows network-level data related to the BMZ token and validator rewards.

Market Cap

Displays the total value of BMZ tokens in circulation.

Blockmaze Price

Shows the current price of one BMZ token.

Inflation

Indicates the current token issuance rate.

APR

Displays the estimated yearly return from staking.

Total Supply

Shows the total number of BMZ tokens available on the network.

Validator Status

This section shows the current state of the validator.

Stake

Displays the total stake, including self-stake and delegated tokens.

Commission

Shows the commission rate charged by the validator.

Status

Indicates whether the validator is Active, Inactive, or Awaiting.

Recent Wallet Activities

This section lists recent validator-related transactions. It includes transaction hash, action type, token amount, and transaction status. Users can view all activities or review individual transactions for confirmation and tracking.

6. Setting Up as a Validator

Setting up a validator on the Blockmaze network registers your node as a participant in block validation and allows other users to delegate stake to you. The setup process includes creating a validator profile and bonding tokens to activate validation. The process is completed in two steps.

Validator Setup Workflow

Step 1: Validator Profile Details

This step creates the public identity of your validator. The information entered here is visible to delegators and other network users.

  • Name: Enter a name for your validator. This name appears in the validator list.
  • Description: Provide a short description of your validator. This may include uptime goals, security practices, or operational focus.
  • Website: Enter a website or information link related to your validator. This field is optional.
  • Identity: Set a unique identifier or username for the validator. This helps distinguish your node within the network.
  • Security Contact: Provide a contact address for security-related communication. This helps users report issues or concerns.

After completing these fields, click Next to move to the staking step.

Step 2: Bonding Tokens and Commission Settings

This step locks tokens and defines reward distribution settings.

  • Stake Amount: Enter the number of BMZ tokens to bond. Bonded tokens remain locked while the validator is active. Use the Max option to bond all available tokens if needed.

Commission Settings

Set the following values:

  • Initial Commission Rate: The percentage of rewards retained by the validator.
  • Maximum Commission Rate: The highest rate that can be set in the future.
  • Maximum Change Rate: The allowed limit for commission rate changes per update.

Click Bond and Validate to submit the transaction. If the minimum stake requirement is met, the validator may become active. Otherwise, the status remains awaiting until a sufficient stake is reached.

7. Blocks

The Blocks section provides real-time visibility into block production on the Blockmaze network. It allows users to monitor which validators are producing blocks and track overall network activity. This section is useful for validators, delegators, and developers who want to verify block creation, observe validator participation, and review network behavior.

Top Network Metrics

The top area displays key network indicators that update in real time.

  • Market Cap: Shows the total value of BMZ tokens in circulation.
  • Blockmaze Price: Displays the current price of one BMZ token.
  • Inflation: Indicates the current rate of token issuance.
  • APR: Shows the estimated yearly return from staking BMZ tokens.
  • Total Supply: Displays the total number of BMZ tokens that exist on the network.

Blocks Table

The Blocks Table shows a live list of recently produced blocks. Each row includes:

  • Block Number: The position of the block in the blockchain.
  • Block Hash: A unique identifier for the block.
  • Validator: The validator that produced the block.
  • Time: How recently the block was created.

Clicking a block number or hash opens detailed block information, including transactions and validation data.

8. Block Explorer

The Block Explorer provides detailed insight into block activity and network performance. It allows users to review recent blocks, validator participation, and transaction patterns in a structured view.
This section helps users assess network health, block production speed, and validator contribution.

Block Summary

The Block Summary displays a real-time overview of the current state of the blockchain.

  • Latest Block: Shows the height of the most recently produced block.
  • Top Validator (Last 24 Hours): Identifies the validator with the highest block production during the past day.
  • Block Time (Last 20 Blocks): Displays the average time taken to produce recent blocks, which reflects network processing speed.

Block List

This section lists recently created blocks with detailed information.

  • Block Height: Indicates the order of blocks in the chain.
  • Timestamp: Shows the exact time the block was created.
  • Block Hash: A cryptographic identifier that ensures block integrity.
  • Transaction Count: Displays the number of transactions included in the block.
  • Validator: Identifies the validator that produced the block.

Block Filters

Users can sort blocks by newest or oldest and navigate through block history using pagination. Filtering options help track validator activity and review network performance over time.

9. Validators Overview

The Validators section provides a complete view of all validators registered on the Blockmaze network. It helps users understand validator participation, compare performance, and make informed staking decisions.
This section is useful for delegators selecting validators, validators reviewing their own activity, and users monitoring network transparency.

Network Validator Summary

This area presents high-level data about validator participation and staking rewards.

  • Total Validators: Shows the number of validators currently registered on the network.
  • Staking APR: Displays the estimated yearly return for delegators staking BMZ tokens.

A higher validator count supports decentralization and network security.

Validator Categories

Validators are grouped based on their current status:

  • All Validators: Displays every registered validator on the network.
  • Active Validators: Validators that are currently producing blocks and earning rewards.
  • Inactive Validators: Validators that are registered but not participating in block production.
  • Deactivated Validators: Validators that have exited validation or have been removed from the active set.

All Validators Table

The table lists all validators with key information:

  • Validator Name
  • Validator Address
  • Status
  • Total Stake
  • Commission Rate
  • Self-Stake
  • Number of Delegators

This data allows users to compare validators and assess reliability before delegating tokens.

10. Active Validators

The Active Validators section lists validators that are currently participating in block production and consensus on the Blockmaze network. These validators meet the required stake and operational conditions and are eligible to earn staking rewards.
This section helps delegators identify active validators and allows validators to review their standing in the network.

Active Validators Table

Each row in the table represents an active validator and includes:

  • Serial Number: A reference number used for easy identification.
  • Name: The public name chosen by the validator.
  • Validator Address: The blockchain address linked to the validator. Clicking it opens detailed validator information.
  • Status: Shows the validator’s current operational state.
  • Total Stake: The combined amount of self-stake and delegated tokens.
  • Commission: The percentage of rewards retained by the validator.
  • Self-Stake: The amount of BMZ tokens staked by the validator.
  • Delegators: The number of users who have delegated tokens to the validator.

11. Inactive Validators

The Inactive Validators section lists validators that are registered on the Blockmaze network but are not currently taking part in block production. These validators do not earn staking rewards while inactive.
This section helps users identify validators that are temporarily unavailable and decide whether to continue or move their delegation.

Inactive Validators Table

The table provides details for each inactive validator:

  • Serial Number: Used for quick reference.
  • Validator Name: The public name of the validator.
  • Validator Address: The blockchain address associated with the validator.
  • Status: Indicates whether the validator is inactive or in the process of deactivation.
  • Total Stake: The total amount of tokens staked with the validator.
  • Commission: The commission rate set by the validator.
  • Self-Stake: The validator’s own staked tokens.
  • Delegators: The number of users who have delegated tokens to the validator.

Validators that remain inactive for long periods may not be suitable for delegation.

12. Deactivating Validators

The Deactivating Validators section shows validators that are in the process of leaving active participation on the Blockmaze network. These validators are transitioning from an active role to an inactive or deactivated state.
This section helps users understand validator status changes and manage delegation decisions during the transition period.

Deactivating Validators Table

The table displays validators that are currently deactivating, with the following details:

  • Serial Number: Used for reference and navigation.
  • Validator Name: The public name chosen by the validator.
  • Validator Address: The blockchain address linked to the validator.
  • Status: Indicates whether the validator is deactivating, inactive, or deactivated.
  • Total Stake: The total amount of tokens staked with the validator.
  • Commission: The commission rate applied to rewards.
  • Self-Stake: The amount of BMZ tokens staked by the validator.
  • Delegators: The number of users who have delegated tokens to the validator.

Delegators may choose to move stake if a validator completes deactivation.

13. Validator Details

The Validator Details page provides a detailed view of a validatorˇs profile, stake, commission settings, and participation history. This information helps delegators evaluate validators and allows validators to monitor their own performance.

Wallet Address

Displays the validatorˇs blockchain address. This address uniquely identifies the validator on the network and is used for staking and transactions.

Validator Name

Shows the public name selected by the validator. This name helps users recognize the validator in lists and search results.

Validator Status

Indicates the current operational state of the validator:

  • Active: Participating in block production.
  • Inactive: Not participating in validation.
  • Deactivating: Transitioning out of active status.

Commission Rate

Displays the percentage of rewards retained by the validator for providing validation services.

Maximum Commission Rate

Shows the highest commission rate the validator is allowed to set.

Commission Change Rate

Defines how much the commission rate can be adjusted in a single update.

Total Stake

Displays the total amount of BMZ tokens staked with the validator, including delegations.

Self-Stake

Shows the amount of BMZ tokens staked by the validator from their own holdings.

Validator Start Date

Indicates the date when the validator joined the network.

Delegators

Shows the number of users who have delegated tokens to the validator.

14 Manage Account

The Manage Account section allows users to view wallet details and control validator-related actions. From this section, users can start validator setup, review staking information, and manage bonded funds.

Wallet Address

Displays the connected wallet address. This address is used for staking, validator actions, and all related transactions on the network.

Validator Status

Shows the current state of the validator account:

  • Active: Validator is participating in block validation.
  • Inactive: Validator is registered but not validating.
  • Deactivating: Validator is exiting active participation.

This status updates based on staking and operational actions.

Setup as a Validator

This option starts the validator setup process. Users are guided through entering validator details, setting commission values, and bonding tokens to activate validation.
Validator profile information visible to users includes:

  • Name
  • Description
  • Website
  • Identity
  • Security contact
  • Commission rate
  • Maximum commission rate
  • Commission change rate
  • Current status

Stake Overview

This section displays key staking information:

  • Total Stake: Combined self-stake and delegated tokens.
  • Commission: Validator reward percentage.
  • Status: Current validator state.

Bond Details

This section shows staking balances and available actions:

  • Bonded: Tokens locked for validation.
  • Unbonded: Tokens available after the unbonding period.

Available actions include bonding more funds, unbonding tokens, or stopping validation.

15. Edit Validator Details

The Edit Validator Details option allows validators to update their public profile information. This includes changes to validator name, description, website, identity, security contact, and commission settings.
Validators can use this section to keep their information accurate and up to date. Any changes made here are reflected publicly and visible to delegators and network users.

16. Bond More Funds

The Bond More Funds section allows validators to increase their existing stake. Adding more stake can improve validator position, voting power, and eligibility to remain active in the validator set.
This action updates the validatorˇs bonded amount on the blockchain.

Enter Bond Amount

Enter the number of BMZ tokens to bond. The Max option automatically fills the maximum available balance from the connected wallet.

Authorize Transaction

To approve the bonding action, enter the walletˇs mnemonic phrase. This step confirms ownership and authorizes the transaction. Keep the mnemonic private and do not share it.

Sign and Submit

Click Sign and Submit to send the transaction. The wallet processes the request and applies the required gas fee.

Post-Transaction Notes

After submission, the updated stake may take some time to appear on the interface. Changes are reflected once the transaction is confirmed on the network.

17. Unbond Tokens

Unbonding allows validators to remove a portion or all of their staked BMZ tokens. Unbonded tokens are not available immediately and remain locked during the unbonding period to protect network stability.
During the unbonding period, unbonded tokens do not earn staking rewards.

Funds Available to Unbond

Displays the maximum amount of bonded tokens that can be unbonded at the current time.

Unbond Amount

Enter the number of BMZ tokens to unbond. Partial unbonding is allowed.

Unbond All

Select this option to unbond the entire available stake

Unbonding Period

After submitting an unbond request, tokens enter a waiting period. Tokens remain locked and unavailable until this period ends.

Authorize Transaction

Enter the walletˇs mnemonic phrase to confirm the unbond request. This step ensures that only the wallet owner can approve the action.

Sign and Submit

Click Sign and Submit to start the unbonding process. A confirmation message appears once the request is accepted.

18. Re-Validate Validator

The Re-Validate option allows a validator to rejoin the active validator set after becoming inactive or after a penalty. This action is required when a validator has faced downtime or has been temporarily removed from participation.
Re-validation helps restore correct participation in block validation.

Wallet Address

Displays the validatorˇs wallet address linked to the validator account. This address is used to confirm identity and transaction ownership.

Authorize Re-Validation

Enter the walletˇs mnemonic phrase to approve the re-validation request. This step confirms that the action is authorized by the validator owner.
Keep the mnemonic private at all times.

Sign and Submit

Click Sign and Submit to send the re-validation request. A small gas fee is applied to process the transaction.

Post Re-Validation Status

After submission, the validator status updates once the network processes the request. The validator may return to active status if all requirements are met. This completes the validator operational flow.