Guide : FAQ’s
StrongBlock 101
Things you need to know before you start…. and more
The following information has been put together by StrongBlock community members. Please be sure to verify the information as best as possible to ensure it is timely and accurate.
1. What is the current reward for the nodes?
The reward depends on what type of node you create. The ETH and DVPN nodes currently pay .1 $STRONG token per every 7000 ETH blocks the ETH network produces(not your individual node). The MATIC nodes utilize a dynamic reward structure that tapers over time. They start at .125 $STRONG tokens per every 7000 ETH blocks, but then will start to slowly reduce over time to a floor level. Further details on the reward taper will be released soon in a Medium article. (See answer #32 for details on 7000 ETH blocks)
The team has indicated that there will be future incentives to migrate the ETH/DVPN nodes to the new ‘Service 2’ contract that utilizes this new reward taper system. No details have been given on what incentive this may be yet.
2. How do I get my $STRONG tokens over to MATIC so I can create a Polygon node?
All StrongBlock interaction are conducted on the ETH network at this time, regardless of the node type you are creating. Whether it is a MATIC-FTM-DVPN-etc. node, you will need the 10 $STRONG tokens and ETH for gas fees in the ETH address where you want the node created.
3. Why do I get an outrageous fee to create/claim on a node?
This typically occurs for three reasons:
- Too little eth in the wallet. The more nodes the higher the cost.
- You need 10 $STRONG tokens in the wallet (claimed & not being mined)
- You have unpaid node fees.
If these don’t solve the problem try CTRL-F5, clear cache manually, reboot your device, lock/unlock MetaMask and retry. Sometimes an alternative browser works also.
4. Why am I not able to see the node in mobile?
A recent update made mobile virtually inoperable, please use a standard browser until it is fixed. FYI, this issue seems to have been fixed now.
5. Why am I not able to see my nodes on the StrongBlock website?
Ensure that your MetaMask has ”Ethereum Mainnet Selected”, you are on the “My Nodes” tab, and do NOT have another network like BSC etc selected. If you are unsure what that means, then that is probably not the issue. Switch to the “All Nodes” tab and back to “My Nodes”. If that doesn’t work, try refreshing the page or CTRL-F5, clear cache, reboot, and retry…
6. When is the next “halvening”?
“Halvenings”, more appropriately called “Reward adjustments” are not pre-planned, as they are based upon dynamic factors. The team is working on a new method of adjustments that will ensure sustainability of the eco-system. The new reward system is being tested with the MATIC nodes just launched. They have also let us know that they will provide adequate notice prior to making any adjustments. The term “Halvening” is no longer being used as an rigid adjustment of exactly 50% does not make any sense.
7. When was the last reward adjustment?
The last(other than MATIC reward model being tested) reward adjustment happened on April 15th at block #12246508.
8. How is Strong sustainable?
Sustainability can be looked at in two different ways for StrongBlock. The project and the reward pool. The project is currently in transition, from the initial “proof of concept” phase to the operational phase. The “proof of concept” has entailed StrongBlock creating & building systems, protocols and infrastructure. Part of this has been building the core of the project, node operators being rewarded for operating nodes. Without this key piece there is no product to offer their Nodes as a Service (Naas).
The reward pool on the other hand simply refers to the length of time that the reward mechanism can operate without having a source of monetization from outside sources. At first glance this appears to be a basic calculation of how many months the pool will last. In reality, it is a bit more complex as the protocol replenishes the reward pool with all new nodes created, NFT’s sold, as well as the changes brought about by reward adjustments.
For the past six months the reward pool has been steady. With the anticipated node balancer/node launcher implementation approaching, monetization of the project will greatly reduce the importance of the reward pool mechanics for sustainability.
View the above on the StrongBlock Google Calculator, on the sustainability tab
9. Can I get my 10 Strong back once I create a node?
The 10 $STRONG contribution used to create your node was used in the below manner. You will not get them back, but you will have the opportunity to earn $STRONG over time.
Distribution of Community Contribution
- 10% for Future use
- 10% to $STRONG-ETH & $STRONG-LINK Pools for rewards
- 20% to $STRONG Pool
- 60% to Node Reward Pool
- Distribution subject to change over time
10. What is the use of the StrongBlock NFT’s?
NFT’s hold various uses and benefits, many to be discovered yet. The primary function is to boost rewards on nodes. Refer to the Medium article to learn more https://strongblockio.medium.com/strongblock-cross-chain-and-nifty-fi-3876e2032d09
- Enhanced Rewards
- Multiple nodes per wallet (depending on NFT type)
- Early access to new nodes and pools
- Exclusive access to some features (based on NFT type and serial #)
- Airdrops and contests
- Many more features and exclusives — well beyond additional rewards
- Really pretty too
11. How can I buy a bronze NFT?
Bronze NFT’s are available on OpenSea. The Silver/Gold/Platinum, sold on the StrongBlock website, are now sold out and available on OpenSea as well.
12. Do I need a NFT to create nodes?
No, NFT’s offer early access to new node protocols being supported, but are not required to create nodes once they have opened for everyone.
13. Can I transfer my NFT to another wallet?
Yes, you can use either MetaMask mobile or OpenSea to transfer your NFT. In order to do so the NFT must be un-staked first.
- MetaMask Mobile: Use the ‘send’ feature
- OpenSea: Attach your wallet to OpenSea. Then click the picture of the NFT you want to transfer, and then click the ‘briefcase’ button (see pic).
14. What is the max cap on nodes?
There is a max cap of 100 nodes per wallet. The team may also limit the number of nodes per blockchain based upon demand and other factors.
15. Strong tokens have been taken from my wallet, but I still don’t see the node. What should I do?
It can take up to 30 minutes for your node to appear in the “My Nodes” list. You may try creating the node again, but if you are prompted to spend tokens or ETH, then just reject the transaction as that means you already have the node, and just need to let it appear.
16. Can I sell or transfer my node?
Node migration is not currently possible. When it is, you will be made aware in the official StrongBlock Telegram channel.
17. What is Signaling or mining?
Mining is the action of ‘staking’ your tokens, and you earn $STRONG for doing so. Signaling is essentially ‘voting’ for a node with your mined tokens. You also earn $STRONG rewards for both signaling & having your node signaled. Yes, you may signal your own nodes.
18. What slippage should I use to buy tokens in Uniswap or other DEX?
This is a personal preference. In order to avoid being ‘front run’ by trading bots a lower slippage setting is preferred. I personally use .1 and increase my gas setting to slightly above FAST.
19. What is the cost effective way of taking the profits from my wallet to the bank?
This depends upon your access to CEX & DEX options, country of residence and other factors. Please check with other members to compare.
20. How to calculate tax on Strong rewards?
There are two unofficial Discord channels setup for both US and non-US individuals. Please refer to the unofficial Community Discord.
21. How can I buy Strong tokens?
Visit CoinGecko and check the available areas. By clicking on your preferred “pair” (STRONG/USDT) in the lower section it will open the associated web page with the legitimate token selected for you. https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/strong
22. How much reward for Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum NFTs?
Please refer to the Medium info. https://strongblockio.medium.com/strongblock-cross-chain-and-nifty-fi-3876e2032d09
23. How can I stake NFT’s?
Purchase or transfer the NFT into the wallet where your nodes are located. Then simply click the name of the node you wish to stake the NFT to. Select “Stake NFT” and follow the instructions.
24. How much GWEI should I use?
This is a personal preference, but I prefer to use slightly higher than FAST when gas prices ( https://etherscan.io/gastracker) are not too unreasonable. This will cut down on time spent and failed transactions.
25. How long does it take to recover my initial investment?
How long does it take to recover my initial investment? This is dependent on what the reward NUBI is today, and what it will be for the foreseeable future. Currently, it is roughly 108 day time at the current rate.
26. Do I need to leave my MetaMask signed in or PC ON to run the node and earn rewards?
In order to see your accrued rewards you will need to have an active MetaMask session open, but your node will continue to earn rewards no matter if your PC is turned on or not. Leaving your MetaMask, or any wallet, exposed while you are not present is considered very risky.
27. What will happen to current ETH nodes once ETH upgraded to 2.0?
ETH2 is simply an updated version of the current ETH1 Protocol. We are in the middle of these upgrades to ‘merge’ the two networks together, likely around the end of this year. https://ethereum.org/en/eth2/merge/
28. Are there any other node protocols other than ETH that StrongBlock is working on?
StrongBlock is working with many additional protocols in addition to ETH. Specific information on these is not made available until they are ready for release. Currently ETH, MATIC, FTM, Sentinel have been announced, with many more to be announced in 2022.
29. What happens if I don’t, or forgot to, pay the monthly maintenance fees?
There is a 30 day grace period after the due date, where you are still able to pay your late fees and recover your node. During this period you will not be able to claim any rewards from the node, or use the “Claim All’’ feature in that wallet. The node WILL continue to earn rewards during this 30 day grace period. If you fail to pay the fee within this 30 day window your node will be permanently deactivated and you will NOT be able to recover it.
30. How many months of fees can I pay in advance for the maintenance of nodes?
You are able to pay any node 90 days maximum in advance. Using the “Pay All” feature will pay any node that has 60 or less days remaining, and will skip payment for any node that has 61 days or more remaining.
31. How do I know if I am buying a genuine StrongBlock NFT in OpenSea?
You can verify the contract address on the StrongBlock website, and also ensure the NFT’s on OpenSea bear the “blue seal”.
32. My node isn’t quite earning .1 $STRONG per day. Why?
The nodes currently earn .1 $STRONG per day, but that is based on a round 7000 Ethereum block day. Since there are closer to an average of 6400 blocks in an average day the earning rate is closer to .0914 $STRONG per day, but this will vary from day to day. You can view a chart of the historical ETH blocks created each day at YChart.
33. Does StrongBlock hold too large a percentage of the current ETH nodes?
Many individuals get confused by this since ethernodes.org shows there are only 4,000 current ETH nodes. This is misleading as this is only a small fraction of the total ETH nodes.
Visiting etherscan you can see that the ETH1 network is comprised of more than just the mainnet nodes…
And soon, the eth1 nodes will be upgraded and mere with the newer eth2 network. Once that happens the eth2 validator nodes will also be a part of the network.
