Transferring assets from Ethereum to PulseChain requires using a bridge. The bridge is a system that allows you to move tokens between these two separate networks. It is a necessary tool for anyone who wants to use the decentralized applications on PulseChain. This guide explains how to perform your first bridge transaction.
Getting Ready: Wallet Setup
Before you can use the bridge, you must set up your wallet correctly. You will need a crypto wallet that can connect to multiple blockchains, like MetaMask. If you do not have MetaMask, install it as a browser extension.
Next, you need to add the PulseChain network to your wallet. By default, MetaMask is connected to the Ethereum network. You can add PulseChain as a custom network by entering its details manually.
Here are the details for a manual setup:
- Network Name: PulseChain
- New RPC URL: https://rpc.pulsechain.com
- Chain ID: 369
- Currency Symbol: PLS
- Block Explorer URL: https://scan.pulsechain.com
You can also use a service like ChainList to add the network automatically. A search for “PulseChain” on ChainList will provide the correct details.
You will need the native token of the destination chain to pay for transaction fees. On PulseChain, this token is PLS. You must have some PLS in your wallet to perform any transaction, including the final step of a bridge transfer. You can obtain PLS by using a decentralized exchange on PulseChain after you have bridged your first asset.
The Bridging Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of moving assets involves a lock-and-mint mechanism. When you bridge a token, you are sending it to a smart contract on the source chain, where it is locked. The bridge then creates a new, wrapped version of the token on the destination chain.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the Bridge Website: Go to the official PulseChain bridge. Be careful to check the URL to avoid phishing scams.
- Connect Your Wallet: The website will prompt you to connect your MetaMask wallet. The bridge interface will automatically detect your current network. You must be on the Ethereum Mainnet to begin a transfer from Ethereum.
- Select Your Asset and Amount: In the bridge interface, choose the token you want to transfer from the list of supported tokens, such as DAI or USDC. Then, input the amount you want to bridge. The interface will display your current balance of that token.
- Review and Approve: The bridge will provide a transaction summary. It will show you the amount you are sending and the estimated gas fees. You must first approve the bridge contract to access your tokens. Your wallet will prompt you to approve this transaction. It is a one-time process per token type.
- Initiate the Transfer: After approval, confirm the main transaction. This will send your tokens to the bridge’s escrow smart contract on Ethereum. This transaction requires an ETH gas fee.
- Wait for the Transfer: You must wait for the transaction to be confirmed on the Ethereum network. This can take a few minutes depending on network congestion. The bridge’s validators will monitor the transaction.
- Receive Your Wrapped Tokens: Once the validators confirm the transaction, the bridge system will mint a new, wrapped version of your token on PulseChain. These tokens will have a “p” prefix, such as pDAI. The newly minted tokens are sent to your wallet on the PulseChain network. You might need to manually add the contract address for the new wrapped token to your wallet to see it.
Key Considerations for Your First Transaction
- Security: Always verify the URL of the bridge. Phishing websites that mimic the bridge’s interface are a threat.
- Transaction Fees: You will pay fees in ETH for the initial approval and transfer on the Ethereum network. You must also have PLS in your wallet on the PulseChain side to perform any transactions with your new assets. PulseChain fees are generally lower than Ethereum fees.
- Wrapped Tokens: The tokens you receive on PulseChain are wrapped tokens, not the original asset. They are a representation of the original asset and can be redeemed for the original token at a 1:1 ratio by bridging back to Ethereum.
- Transaction Time: Bridge transfers are not instant. The time a transfer takes depends on network congestion on both blockchains.
Your first bridge transaction to PulseChain is a direct process. By preparing your wallet and following these steps, you can move your assets to the network and begin participating in the PulseChain ecosystem.
