Gauges allow validators to receive stake through a voting mechanism. When participating in gauges, there is an inherent delay before full impact is realized. For best results, validators should engage for three consecutive weeks to receive the full stake allocation implied by their voting power.
Votes must be renewed every week in order to continue directing stake to a validator.
How long do gauge epochs last?
Gauge epochs, also known as voting epochs, last seven days. These epochs are independent from Solana network epochs and exclusively govern gauge voting behavior.
What is the recommended budget approach?
A practical approach is to begin with a smaller budget to understand system dynamics. Validators should plan for at least two to three consecutive weeks of voting and evaluate returns over that full period rather than a single week. Expected earnings should be estimated based on gauge stake, commission rate, and validator APY, then compared against vote buying costs.
How much voting power does my spend buy?
Voting power is determined relative to total epoch spending. If total spend for an epoch is $1,200 and a validator spends $1,000, that validator controls approximately 83 percent of the voting power for that epoch.
When should I expect returns?
When using Votex, it generally takes a full week before gauge impact becomes visible. This is why consecutive participation is important. Impact is limited in the first week, realized fully in the second week, and optimized by the third week. Ending participation after only one week typically results in suboptimal outcomes.
🗳️ Votex and Vote Buying
Can I use multiple wallets?
Yes. Wallet choice is irrelevant. Votes may be purchased using any wallet and different wallets may be used each week. The only requirement is that votes are purchased for the correct validator address.
What is the voting window?
Vote buying is open for six days per voting epoch. The final day of each epoch is closed to allow votes to be finalized before the next epoch begins. Current status can be checked at https://votex.so/daos
When can I buy votes for the next epoch?
Votes may be purchased at any point during the six day open window. The window opens at the start of a new voting epoch and closes on the final day before the next epoch.
How do I know when the next voting epoch starts?
The epoch countdown is displayed at https://tribeca.so/gov/vault/gauges. This page shows both the current epoch and the time remaining until the next one begins.
⏱️ Epochs and Timing
What is the difference between Solana epochs and voting epochs?
Solana epochs are blockchain level epochs that last approximately two to three days. Voting epochs are Vault specific epochs that last seven days and govern gauge voting. Only voting epochs are relevant when discussing gauges.
When do votes take effect?
Votes purchased during a voting epoch apply to the following epoch. Votes are cast before the next epoch begins, deltas appear shortly after epoch start, and stake distribution occurs throughout that epoch.
How long do votes remain active?
Voting power remains active for one voting epoch only. To maintain gauge stake, votes or veV based voting must be renewed each week.
🤖 Stakebot and Stake Distribution
How often does the stakebot run
The stakebot runs every three hours and reallocates stake based on current deltas and priority rules.
How long until stake appears?
Delta changes typically appear within three hours of a new voting epoch starting. Actual stake distribution can take six to eight days depending on queue size, priority tier, and whether the validator is receiving a large amount of stake for the first time.
The stakebot distributes gradually to avoid harming APY.
What is stake priority?
Stake is processed in priority order. Direct stake and gauge stake are treated as high priority and processed ahead of undirected stake. Within each category, larger deltas receive priority.
Will stake be lost if distribution crosses epochs?
No. Gauge stake remains prioritized even if distribution spans across epochs. Validators that continue voting experience faster stabilization since less redistribution is required.
What does it mean if I see a delta but no stake?
A visible delta confirms that votes were cast successfully and stake is queued for distribution. Stakebot will process the allocation according to priority rules. First time large movements may experience minor delays.
🛡️ Validator Requirements
Is the stakepool permissionless?
Gauge participation is permissionless for validators that meet minimum standards. veV voting and gauge participation are open, while certain segments require board review.
Minimum requirements include acceptable commission rates and reliable uptime performance.
Can smaller validators receive gauge stake?
Yes. Any validator meeting the minimum requirements may receive gauge stake regardless of size.