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+# RustChain Quick Start Guide
+
+Welcome to RustChain! This guide will help you get started in minutes.
+
+## Node Information
+
+- **Main Node:** https://50.28.86.131
+- **Explorer:** https://50.28.86.131/explorer
+- **Health Check:** https://50.28.86.131/health
+
+---
+
+## Choose Your Path
+
+### 1. Wallet/User Path
+
+#### Check Your Balance
+
+```bash
+# Using curl
+curl https://50.28.86.131/api/balance/YOUR_WALLET_ID
+
+# Example with a test wallet
+curl https://50.28.86.131/api/balance/RTC-testwallet123
+```
+
+#### Understanding Wallet IDs
+
+**Important:** RustChain uses its own wallet system. Your RustChain wallet ID is NOT an Ethereum, Solana, or Base address.
+
+- **RustChain Wallet ID format:** `RTC-{identifier}` (e.g., `RTC-miner_abc123`)
+- **NOT an ETH address:** Do NOT use 0x... addresses
+- **NOT a Solana address:** Do NOT use So... addresses
+- **NOT a Base address:** Do NOT use 0x... on Base network
+
+#### View Transaction History
+
+```bash
+# Check explorer for transactions
+curl https://50.28.86.131/explorer/transactions?wallet=YOUR_WALLET_ID
+```
+
+---
+
+### 2. Miner Path
+
+#### System Requirements
+
+- Python 3.8+
+- Internet connection
+- Static IP recommended
+
+#### Start Mining
+
+```bash
+# Clone the miner repository
+git clone https://github.com/Scottcjn/rustchain-bounties.git
+cd rustchain-bounties
+
+# Install dependencies
+pip install -r requirements.txt
+
+# Run the miner
+python miners/your_miner.py --wallet YOUR_RTC_WALLET_ID --node https://50.28.86.131
+```
+
+#### Check Miner Status
+
+```bash
+# Check node health
+curl https://50.28.86.131/health
+
+# List active miners
+curl https://50.28.86.131/api/miners
+```
+
+---
+
+### 3. Developer Path
+
+#### API Endpoints
+
+| Endpoint | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| `/health` | Node health status |
+| `/epoch` | Current epoch info |
+| `/api/balance/{wallet}` | Check wallet balance |
+| `/api/miners` | List active miners |
+| `/wallet/balance?miner_id={id}` | Alternative balance check |
+
+#### Example: Check Node Health
+
+```bash
+curl -k https://50.28.86.131/health
+```
+
+Response:
+```json
+{
+  "ok": true,
+  "version": "1.0.0",
+  "uptime_s": 123456,
+  "db_rw": true
+}
+```
+
+#### Example: Get Wallet Balance
+
+```bash
+curl -k "https://50.28.86.131/wallet/balance?miner_id=RTC-testwallet123"
+```
+
+#### Example: Python Client
+
+```python
+import requests
+
+# Disable SSL warning for self-signed cert
+requests.packages.urllib3.disable_warnings()
+
+BASE_URL = "https://50.28.86.131"
+
+# Check health
+health = requests.get(f"{BASE_URL}/health", verify=False).json()
+print(f"Node status: {health['ok']}")
+
+# Check balance
+wallet = "RTC-yourwallet"
+balance = requests.get(
+    f"{BASE_URL}/wallet/balance",
+    params={"miner_id": wallet},
+    verify=False
+).json()
+print(f"Balance: {balance.get('amount_rtc', 0)} RTC")
+```
+
+**Note:** Use `verify=False` when connecting to the node with self-signed certificates.
+
+---
+
+## Important Notes
+
+### Self-Signed Certificates
+
+The node uses a self-signed SSL certificate. When connecting via HTTPS:
+
+- Use `-k` flag with curl
+- Use `verify=False` in Python requests
+- Your browser will show a security warning - this is normal
+
+### Wallet ID vs External Addresses
+
+**CRITICAL:** Never send funds to an Ethereum, Solana, or Base address expecting to receive RustChain tokens. RustChain has its own native wallet system.
+
+- RustChain wallet IDs start with `RTC-`
+- They are NOT compatible with ETH, SOL, or Base addresses
+
+---
+
+## Get Help
+
+- **Bounties:** https://github.com/Scottcjn/rustchain-bounties
+- **Issues:** Report bugs on the relevant repo
+- **Community:** Join discussions on the project
+
+---
+
+*Last updated: 2026-03-09*