5 min readMay 17, 2024

Exploring GA: 5ire Testnet Simplified

Testnet GA is out. That means, the mainnet is right around the corner and we cannot wait to share some really exciting projects building on the 5ire ecosystem. But before that, let’s dive into the latest testnet update and how you can contribute to furthering the ecosystem.

What is a testnet?

Testnets are test blockchain networks that imitate the functionality and performance of the mainnet networks. Because they operate on independent ledgers from the mainnet, coins on a testnet have no connection to transactions or value found on the mainnet. This allows developers to build, tweak, and fine-tune their products on a functioning network without risking damaging consequences due to failure or mistakes.

In the context of 5ire, the “General Availability” of the testnet means that it is accessible to anyone who wants to participate in testing, experimentation, or development activities and that users can expect the latest testnet to be operational and reliable, allowing them to conduct various activities such as testing transactions, deploying smart contracts, interacting with dApps, and providing feedback on the platform’s performance.

Why is GA important and What does it mean for you?

You might have seen this post where a 5 Million $5IRE airdrop pool was announced as an airdrop for validators and nominators. And you might be wondering, “If I’m not a validator or a nominator, and I can’t even stake, what do I even do here?”

Well, even if someone is not directly involved as a validator, nominator, or staker, there are still several ways the general public can participate and interact with Thunder GA. This can range from doing faucet claims and transactions, swapping your coins, deploying smart contracts, finding bugs, and more.

By engaging in these activities, you can contribute to the success of the testnet phase by providing valuable feedback, testing the platform’s functionality, and helping to ensure a smooth transition to the 5ire mainnet launch. Not to mention, there’s no way we won’t announce an airdrop soon, right?

With the release of GA, we aim to work out all kinds of bugs and gather early product feedback, but this time, the result of this test reflects the ultimate step — the moment all of these efforts are building up to — The 5ire Mainnet.

A closer look at GA ecosystem

Alright. Enough talk. Let’s walk the walk.
The following GA manual will guide you through the process of setting up and using the 5ire Wallet, receiving testnet 5ire coins, sending/receiving or swapping 5ire coins on the testnet, and more.

Introducing the updated 5ire Wallet

Let’s start by setting up the 5ire Wallet Extension and creating a wallet!

Head to the 5ire Wallet extension on the Chrome App Store and click on Add To Chrome. Once you approve, the wallet extension will be downloaded and installed.

Note: Remember to pin the extension for hassle-free usage.

Step 1: Creating a Wallet
Once the extension is installed and pinned, click on it to open. Click the “Create a New Wallet” button.

Step 2: Give your wallet a name and click on “Create”.

Step 3: This action will generate a 12-word Mnemonic phrase, consisting of randomly selected words. You will be required to write this phrase down carefully in the sequence displayed on your screen. When correctly combined in the given sequence, the mnemonic phrase creates a key that allows you to access your wallet.

You will also receive 5ireChain Native and EVM chain addresses that share a common mnemonic phrase and private key for accessing the wallet. This phrase is required for recovering your wallet should you ever lose access to your account.

It is critical to keep your 12-word backup phrase secure and confidential as anyone who has access to it can access the funds in your wallet.

Once you have saved your information carefully, click on “Continue”.

Step 4: Create a password

You will then be asked to pick a password for the next step. The password needs to be at least eight characters long.

Note: It is advisable to choose a password that is unique and not used for any other purpose. Make it as secure as possible by including a combination of symbols, numbers, and both upper and lower case letters.

Click on “Continue” when you’re done.

That’s it. Your wallet is now ready to interact with the test network.

Using the Faucet

The 5ireChain Faucet is a web-based platform that provides users with mock 5ire Coins on the Testnet. These 5ire Coins, although lacking real-world value, allow users to experiment with the features of the testnet without the need to spend actual 5ire Coins on the mainnet.

To request 5ire Coins using the faucet:

Step 1: Visit the 5ireChain Faucet here.

Step 1: Enter your EVM or Native chain address.

Step 2: Enter an amount. (Currently limited to 2 per address)

Step 3: Click on the Send button.

Your updated balance should be reflected in your wallet shortly!

Send 5ire Coins

Step 1: On the main dashboard, under the Send tab, enter the recipient’s wallet address and the number of 5ire Coins you wish to send.

Step 2: Select a transaction fee.

Step 3: Click on the Send button.

That’s it! Your transaction will now be processed and visible on the 5ire Explorer shortly after.

Note: In addition to 5ire Coins, the 5ire Wallet will also support transactions with other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, allowing users to manage multiple assets easily.

Swap 5ire Coins

To swap your 5ire coins, simply click the Swap button, enter the amount you wish to swap between the 5ire Native and EVM Chain, select a transaction fee and click Approve to initiate the swap.