SVM Testnet Update: v0.0.5 Upgrade Imminent (Block 620,500) and Validator Status
Hi everyone,
We are rapidly approaching the scheduled execution of the v0.0.5 coordinated software upgrade. The network is currently healthy and operating smoothly, but this is a critical "last call" window for all validator operators to ensure their nodes are prepared for the binary switch.
Network Health and Current Metrics
The SVM testnet continues to perform reliably as we near the upgrade threshold.
Current Testnet Statistics:
- Current Block Height: 618,799+ (Approx. 1,700 blocks until upgrade)
- Total Transactions: 43,442+
- Average Block Time: ~5.5 seconds
- Active Validators: 10 / 11
Imminent Upgrade Alert: Block 620,500
As a reminder, the chain is scheduled to halt and execute the v0.0.5 upgrade plan at block height 620,500.
At this exact block, cosmovisor will automatically attempt to swap the running binary to the staged v0.0.5 binary.
- If you have successfully staged the binary: Your node will pause briefly and automatically resume block production on the new version.
- If you have NOT staged the binary: Your node will halt at block 620,500 and will not restart until you manually update, stage the binary, and restart the service. This will also result in downtime jailing.
Given the current block production rate, we have a very narrow window of just a few hours before the upgrade executes.
Validator Status and Action Required
I want to extend a thank you to the 10 active validators who have successfully staged their binaries and are ready for the seamless transition. Your preparation ensures the network will resume quickly and securely.
Attention @steem-agora:
Your validator is currently in a jailed state. If you have not yet updated your node to the v0.0.5 release, now is the critical time to do so before the chain halts, or immediately afterward to begin your recovery.
To update and prepare your node, please run the following commands from your SteemVirtualMachine-EVM directory:
# 1. Fetch the latest code and checkout the release branch
git fetch && git checkout release/v0.0.5-validator-identity
# 2. Run the automated update script to stage the binary and sync
./update.sh
# 3. Once your node is fully synced (catching_up: false), unjail your validator
docker exec steemvm-node /root/go/bin/steemvmd tx slashing unjail \
--from <your_moniker> \
--home /root/.steemvm \
--chain-id steemvm \
--gas auto \
--gas-adjustment 1.5 \
--gas-prices 1000000000asteem \
-y
Note: If you staged a v0.0.5 binary prior to September 29th, you must run these commands again, as the binary was updated.
For complete technical details, refer to the official documentation:
🔗 Instructions/UPGRADE_v0.0.5.md
Looking Ahead
Once the v0.0.5 upgrade is successfully executed and the full validator set is restored, the SVM testnet will feature hardened Steem-identity enforcement across all validator creation routes and a fully functional, secure EVM staking precompile for MetaMask users.
We are in the final stretch. Please monitor your nodes closely over the next few hours.
Testnet Disclaimer
Important Reminder: The Steem Virtual Machine (SVM) is strictly in its testnet phase. All bonded STEEM, transactions executed, and tokens generated are purely for testing the consensus and EVM execution layers. There is no real-world monetary value attached to this chain or its assets.
Thank you to all operators for your diligence and rapid response. Coordinated upgrades are the backbone of a secure, sovereign blockchain, and your preparation makes this process seamless.
If you value proactive engineering, rigorous security standards, and transparent development for the STEEM ecosystem, please consider supporting my witness: blaze.apps