Set up validator

This guide covers the Kittynode validator workflow: prepare your machine, run kittynode validator init, submit deposits, and exit when you are done.

Prepare your machine

1. Install Kittynode CLI:

   Linux / macOS

   curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -LsSf https://kittynode.com/sh | sh

   Windows

   powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -c "irm https://kittynode.com/ps1 | iex"

2. Set up Docker and confirm it’s running.

Initialize the validator

Run the guided validator setup:

kittynode validator init

During this flow you will:

• Choose the target network (Hoodi, Sepolia, or Ephemery).
• Pick how many validators to run and, if desired, enable 0x02 compounding validators.
• Confirm the withdrawal address.
• Generate validator keys.
• Import the keys and start the clients.

When the flow reaches the final steps screen it prints the path to your deposit_data-*.json file. Keep that file handy—you will upload it in the next section.

Deposit your stake

Submit the deposit data for every validator you created. Use the launchpad that matches the network you selected in the CLI.

Hoodi

• Open hoodi.launchpad.ethereum.org.
• Upload the deposit_data-*.json file.
• Follow the instructions to submit the deposit.

Sepolia

• Open sepolia.launchpad.ethereum.org.
• Upload the deposit_data-*.json file.
• Follow the instructions to submit the deposit.

Ephemery

• Open launchpad.ephemery.dev.
• Upload the deposit_data-*.json file.
• Follow the instructions to submit the deposit.

After the deposits land onchain your validator(s) will enter the activation queue. Kittynode keeps the clients running until activation completes.

Exit your validator

When you are ready to exit:

1. Run the Lighthouse exit command from the validator container:

   docker exec -it kittynode-lighthouse-validator lighthouse \
     --network <network> account validator exit --all

   Replace <network> with the network you configured (hoodi, sepolia, or ephemery). The --all flag exits every imported validator; supply specific public keys if you prefer a partial exit.

2. Wait for the exit to finalize onchain. You can track progress from a community staking dashboard.

3. After the exit and withdrawal balance finalize, transfer the funds by following the Ethereum withdrawal docs.