SPS Validator Node: Setup Guide for Dummies on Mac

Hi!
I've created this guide for those who want to run a Validator node on a macOS without renting a server. If anything is unclear, doesn't work, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact me! I'll be happy to help.

Prepare

Install Docker Desktop on Mac
https://docs.docker.com/desktop/setup/install/mac-install/

Run the Docker Desktop app

Open Terminal Application

Check if Git is already installed.
run

git --version

If Git is not installed, you'll need to install Homebrew first (if you don't already have it):
run

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Install Git
run

brew install git

Run this command to create a folder where you'll install the validator files:

mkdir folder-name

cd folder-name

Install validator node files

run

bash -c "$(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/TheSPSDAO/SPS-Validator/refs/tags/vlatest/install.sh)"

Type 1, you will get this error
Using production prefix...
sed: 1: ".env": invalid command code .

brew install gnu-sed
export PATH="/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH"
export PATH="/opt/homebrew/opt/gnu-sed/libexec/gnubin:$PATH"

then run those

cd SPS-Validator

cp .env-example .env

nano .env

Edit the following settings in the .env file:

POSTGRES_PASSWORD= : The password you want to set
APP_PASSWORD= : The password you want to set
DB_BLOCK_RETENTION= : 432000
VALIDATOR_ACCOUNT= : your hive account name
VALIDATOR_KEY= : your hive account posting key

control + x -> yes -> enter to save file

Build the validator

run

./run.sh build

• This will deploy the database, run migrations, and download/deploy the snapshot
• This process may take some time

Start the validator

run

./run.sh start all

This starts both the validator and the management UI
This process may take some time

You need to wait until the 'Blocks to head' value reaches 0 before your node can begin validating blocks.

Wait 'Blocks to head' value reaches 0.

Manage and Register your Validator

Register Your Node

Once your node is fully synced (Blocks to head: 0),

Navigate to the management UI at http://localhost:8888/
Go to the "Manage Validator Nodes" section

You can skip API url, Post URL, Reward account
After registration and once your node synced the block (Blocks to head: 0), set your node to "active"

Stake Licenses for Rewards

To earn LICENSE rewards:

Go to https://splinterlands.com/dashboard/licenses
Click Activate and Stake Licenses

Common Commands for Management

./run.sh stop: Stops all services
./run.sh start: Starts validator and database
./run.sh start all: Starts validator, database, and UI
./run.sh logs: Shows the validator logs
./run.sh rebuild_service validator: Rebuilds the validator to apply new environment variables (.env file)
./run.sh snapshot: Creates a backup of your database

Adjust the battery or power settings on your Mac to prevent it from automatically shutting down when not in use.

Congrat! Now your validator node is running and you are getting License block reward! 🎉

You just made the SPS chain stronger and more decentralized! 💪

If this helps, please consider voting for my node
https://monstermarket.io/validators?validator=hanv
Thank you!