Merged mining will be starting at block 19200. This is most likely to be in the first half of October, but I wouldn't be surprised if we get more mining power ahead of that deadline.

The release is version nc0.3.24.63 and you can get it from here:

https://github.com/vinced/namecoin/tree/nc0.3.24.63

This is a mandatory upgrade as the validation rules have changed!

[edited: changed block number, announce release]

[edited: added timetravel fix]

48000 sound fine, plenty of time to get everyone on board. If there's no opposition from pool operators it could be lowered to 36000 or more. If it were up to me though I'd start on 24000~28000 since we are still months away from that range and is more than enough time in my opinion.

It depends on what changes are needed for cross mining. Will mining programs need to be changed or will they work unmodified? Will pool software have to change? if so, what changes are needed? Can cross-mining be disabled so everything continues to work as is so if changes are required they can be implemented over time? If so, the block number can be soon-ish. If not, it depends on when all the changes can be made - it'd be good to get an idea of how things will work before deciding.

.... possible to expand upon this point?

So long as the change is only the block identifier I don't see an issue with changing it sooner. However miners will want a lot of details before the pool changes anything that will affect their mining expectations. More information is needed.

Sounds really interesting but I have no clue how it works. So it would be great to get some information on what is nessecary to do. Especially on pool operators side.

vinced, please, provide more details on technical side.
We all are waiting

"I'll reply in a delay of 1 week" is his traditional answer.
Do you feel better ? :p

Errrm ... No!


Is that really a big issue for the pool operators? I'm just guessing, so please correct me:

- A BTC miners connects to a BTC pool requesting work
- BTC Miner also connects to NMC pool requesting work
- BTC Miner is trying to find a solution for BTC share and applies solution with some minor (and fast) modification to NMC share
- If a solution is found it is send to the pool in question (or is the solution ALWAYS valid for both pools?)

If I get this correctly there are still two types of pools running a pushpoold (or any homebrew equivalent). The namecoind however needs some changes. But as long as the pool daemon (like pushpoold) won't need any change it shouldn't be that difficult for pool operators. I guess every pool operator has a roll-out plan for a new namecoind?! It's more a problem for miners. This would mean a completely new mining software?

But perhaps I'm completely wrong

Anybody else have insights into what "...validation change in namecoin ..." maybe referring to?

Beyond the technical details and possible introduction of devastating bugs, backward incompatability, etc. Namecoin participants need to consider the possible long term systemic effects of merged mining on namecoin value also.