> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fiammalabs.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fiammalabs.io/our-product-suite/pragmatically-trustless-bitvm-bitcoin-bridge/user-guides/testnet-beta/how-to-run-the-fiamma-operator/operator-for-linux/3.-deposit-and-stake.md). # 3. Deposit and Stake Deposit sufficient amount of BTC to help process transactions (sBTC for testnet). The operator is required to stake 1 BTC as a security deposit before processing transactions (the 1 BTC is time-locked and self-custody, kept under operator's address). If an operator is found acting maliciously (e.g. attempting to steal funds), the deposit will be slashed as a penalty. The deposit can be unstaked when the operator chooses to exit. Here's how to deposit and stake: 1. **Deposit Funds** Transfer sufficient BTC to the operator's main address. To successfully complete the staking, you need at least `stake_amount` + `dust` + `gas` BTC. * Note: Fiamma Operator is running on **Bitcoin Signet** during testnet. Please deposit **sBTC** to the main address. > Currently, `stake_amount` is 1 BTC, so deposit at least 1.00001 BTC. Since subsequent work requires 12 BTC, we recommend an operator to transfer at least 13.00001 BTC initially. 2. **Stake Funds** When the operator's main address has sufficient BTC, execute the following command to complete staking: ``` ./bcli operator -n beta-testnet stake ``` Check staking status: ``` ./bcli query -n beta-testnet stake -a ``` Once the staking status shows `committee_signed`, wait around 10 minutes for the transaction to be confirmed on-chain. After that, you can check your operator status: ``` ./bcli query -n beta-testnet operator -a ``` **If the `status` is `Active`, it means the operator has completed the staking process and has started working.** --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.fiammalabs.io/our-product-suite/pragmatically-trustless-bitvm-bitcoin-bridge/user-guides/testnet-beta/how-to-run-the-fiamma-operator/operator-for-linux/3.-deposit-and-stake.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.