> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dozza.gitbook.io/pulsechain_node_guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dozza.gitbook.io/pulsechain_node_guide/part-8-using-the-node.md).

# Part 8 — Using the node

## Add to MetaMask

Add a custom network pointing at your node (any device on the same LAN):

| Field           | Value                             |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Network name    | PulseChain (My Node)              |
| RPC URL         | <http://192.168.1.\\*\\*\\*:8545> |
| Chain ID        | 369                               |
| Currency symbol | PLS                               |
| Block explorer  | <https://scan.pulsechain.com>     |

## Everyday management

Run `plsmenu` from the terminal for logs, start/stop, updates, and graceful shutdown/reboot. Always shut down or reboot via `plsmenu` (or a clean Windows shutdown, which triggers the graceful-stop service) — never hard-power-off, which risks database corruption.

## Endpoints summary

| Endpoint      | Address (LAN only)                  |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| HTTP RPC      | <http://192.168.1.\\*\\*\\*:8545>   |
| WebSocket RPC | ws\://192.168.1.\*\*\*:8546         |
| Beacon API    | <http://127.0.0.1:5052> (localhost) |

## Maintenance

Day-to-day the node runs itself, but a little upkeep keeps it healthy:

* **Every week or two, or when you see an announcement:** update the clients via `plsmenu` (Clients → Update all). This is the most important recurring task — a required network upgrade you miss can drop your node off the chain.
* **Follow PulseChain's announcement channels** so coordinated hard-fork upgrades never surprise you.
* **Occasionally** check disk space with `df -h /blockchain`.
* **Clean shutdowns only** — use `plsmenu` or a proper Windows shutdown so the graceful-stop service protects the database.


---

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