RTNC Node & Mining Quickstart

1. Overview

This guide explains how to run an RTNC node and optionally perform mining for testing and learning. Mining in RTNC is a computational process that uses electricity and hardware resources; it is presented here for technical understanding only.

2. What You Need

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
• Reliable internet connection
• RTNC Core software (once publicly released)
• Basic familiarity with command-line tools is helpful but not required

3. Choosing a Network

RTNC provides multiple networks used for different purposes:

Testnet

A public testing environment that behaves similarly to mainnet but without irreversible outcomes. Suitable for learning, experimentation, and multi-node behavior.

Regtest

A fully controlled local network. You can create blocks instantly, test scripts, and simulate complex scenarios without affecting other users.

Mainnet

The permanent network. Actions on mainnet are irreversible and should only be performed after gaining experience on Testnet or Regtest.

4. Installing RTNC Core

Once binaries are available:

1. Download the correct version for your operating system.

2. Verify file integrity using published checksums.

3. Install according to platform instructions.

Running rtncd starts the node.

Running rtnc-cli help lists all available commands.

5. First Run: Syncing the Blockchain

When starting RTNC Core for the first time:

• The node connects to peers.
• It downloads and verifies all blocks.
• This may take time depending on hardware and connection speed.

You can check progress with:

rtnc-cli getblockchaininfo

A fully synced node will show the latest block height.

6. Basic Configuration

RTNC uses a configuration file typically placed in:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\RTNC\rtnc.conf
• Linux/macOS: ~/.rtnc/rtnc.conf

Useful settings:

server=1

rpcuser=<yourusername>

rpcpassword=<yourpassword>

testnet=1 # optional

txindex=1 # enable full transaction indexing

Restart the node after changing configuration.

7. Wallet Basics

The built-in wallet allows creating and managing RTNC addresses.

Key points:

• Write down recovery phrases or private keys and store them securely.
• Do not share private keys.
• Back up your wallet regularly.

To check the wallet:

rtnc-cli getwalletinfo

To generate an address:

rtnc-cli getnewaddress

8. Sending and Receiving Transactions

Transactions move RTNC units between protocol conditions.

To send:

rtnc-cli sendtoaddress <address> <amount>

Transactions first enter the mempool and are confirmed once included in a block.

9. Mining Overview

Mining is a technical activity where software performs proof-of-work computation to propose new blocks. It contributes to protocol operation and network consistency.

Mining can be done:

• Locally (CPU/GPU software)
• Through external mining tools
• In controlled environments such as Regtest for testing

For Testnet and Mainnet, use experienced tools and test configurations thoroughly before extended operation.

10. Mining on Regtest

Regtest lets you generate blocks instantly for development and testing.

To generate 1 block:

rtnc-cli generatetoaddress 1 <youraddress>

To generate 100 blocks:

rtnc-cli generatetoaddress 100 <youraddress>

This is useful for:

• Testing transactions
• Simulating confirmations
• Script development
• Rapid prototyping

Regtest activity does not affect Testnet or Mainnet.

11. Mining on Testnet

Testnet behaves similarly to mainnet but is separate and experimental.

Common uses:

• Learning how mining software works
• Observing block propagation
• Testing hardware and configurations

Testnet activity is reversible only through new blocks; no real-world implications.

12. Mining on Mainnet (Advanced Users Only)

Mainnet operation should only be attempted after:

• Understanding configuration
• Practicing on Regtest
• Running on Testnet successfully

Mainnet actions are permanent.

Careful configuration is essential to avoid unintended transactions or node misbehavior.

13. Monitoring Node Status

Useful commands:

rtnc-cli getnetworkinfo

rtnc-cli getmininginfo

rtnc-cli getpeerinfo

For logs:

• Linux/macOS: ~/.rtnc/debug.log
• Windows: %APPDATA%\RTNC\debug.log

14. Troubleshooting

• Node not syncing → check internet & firewall rules.
• Low peer count → verify ports and configuration.
• RPC errors → confirm rpcuser/rpcpassword settings.
• Blocks not generating on Regtest → ensure Regtest mode is enabled.

A dedicated Troubleshooting page provides more details.

15. Summary

Running an RTNC node or experimenting with mining provides a technical understanding of the protocol. Begin with Regtest or Testnet, become familiar with node behavior, and move to mainnet only after you are confident in configuration and operation.