This call was removed in v306

This call is no longer available in the current runtime. Existed from v101 to v306. Shown here for historical reference.

become_delegate

Call Removed v101 → v306 (removed) #1

Registers a hotkey as a delegate to receive delegated stake .

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Used by: validatorsstakersdevelopers

The Big Picture

Becoming a delegate is like opening your validator for business. Before this call, only your own coldkey can stake to your hotkey. After, anyone can delegate to you and share in your emissions. You take a commission (take rate), they get the rest.

Why This Matters

More delegated stake = more voting power = potentially higher emissions. By opening for delegation, you can grow beyond your own TAO. Delegators benefit from your work without running infrastructure.

Example Scenario

You run a successful validator and want to attract delegated stake. Call become_delegate(). Your hotkey is now listed as a delegate with the default take rate. Set a competitive take using decrease_take to attract delegators.

Common Questions

What take rate should I start with?
Default is set by the network. Use decrease_take to be competitive (typical rates: 8-18%). Lower take attracts more delegators but means less profit per emission.
What obligations do I have to delegators?
Moral obligations: run reliably, validate honestly, communicate issues. No smart contract enforces this, but your reputation affects how much stake you attract.

Use Cases

  • Open your validator for public delegation
  • Start a validator business accepting stake from others
  • Build validator pools or staking services

Input Parameters

#NameTypeDescription
0
hotkey
AccountId Hot wallet to register as delegate (hex -> SS58)

Permissions

Origin
Unknown
Required Role
Coldkey (Owner)
Authorization Checks
  • Coldkey must own the hotkey being made a delegate

Requirements

  • Hotkey is registered on at least one subnet
  • Hotkey not already a delegate
  • Caller owns the hotkey (matching coldkey)

Effects

Events Emitted

DelegateAdded

Storage Modified

Delegates

Postconditions

  • Hotkey marked as delegate
  • Default delegate take set
  • Can now receive delegated stake from others

Side Effects

  • Delegate visible in delegate registry

Code Examples

import { ApiPromise, WsProvider } from "@polkadot/api";
import { stringCamelCase } from "@polkadot/util";

const provider = new WsProvider("wss://entrypoint-finney.opentensor.ai:443");
const api = await ApiPromise.create({ provider });

// Build become_delegate call
const hotkey = "5GrwvaEF5zXb26Fz9rcQpDWS57CtERHpNehXCPcNoHGKutQY";

const call = api.tx[stringCamelCase("SubtensorModule")][stringCamelCase("become_delegate")](
  hotkey
);

Runtime Info

View Source
Pallet Index
7
Call Index
1
First Version
v101
Removed In
v306
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