BTC to R-BTC Conversion

In this article we will explain step by step on how to convert from BTC to R-BTC, and vice versa. The process of conversion utilises a 2-way peg mechanism. Thus, these conversions are referred to as peg-ins and peg-outs.

• Peg-in:
  • A conversion from BTC to R-BTC
  • Locks BTC in the BTC Federation address
  • Releases R-BTC in the RSK derived address
• Peg-out:
  • A conversion from R-BTC to BTC
  • Locks R-BTC on the RSK network
  • Releases BTC on the Bitcoin network

Compatibility Matrix

In the following matrixes will be shown the different types of addresses that are accepted for the Federation.

Before Papyrus		Accepted in BTC		Accepted in RSK		Refundable		Processable
P2PKH		✔		✔		✔		✔
P2SH-P2WPKH		✔		❌		❌		❌
P2SH-MULTISIG		✔		❌		❌		❌
P2SH-P2WSH		✔		❌		❌		❌
PWPKH (BECH32)		✔		❌		❌		❌
OTHERS		✔		❌		❌		❌

After Papyrus		Accepted in BTC		Accepted in RSK		Refundable		Processable
P2PKH		✔		✔		✔		✔
P2SH-P2WPKH		✔		✔		✔		✔
P2SH-MULTISIG		✔		✔		✔		❌
P2SH-P2WSH		✔		✔		✔		❌
PWPKH (BECH32)		✔		❌		❌		❌
OTHERS		✔		❌		❌		❌

• Accepted in BTC: Is this type of address accepted in regular BTC transactions? (including sending BTC to the Federation address)
• Accepted in RSK: is this type of address received by RSK Bridge smart contract?
• Refundable: is this type of address able to generate a refund transaction (this occurs when the transaction won’t be processable, then we refund the sender its BTC)
• Processable: is this type of address able to generate a refund transaction (this occurs when the transaction won’t be processable, then we refund the sender its BTC)

Note: On the Testnets, the token symbols are prefixed with a lowercase t. Thus we have BTC and R-BTC on the Mainnets, which correspond to tBTC and tR-BTC of the Testnets.

Address verifier

Enter your BTC address below to verify whether it may be used to peg in from BTC to R-BTC.

Step by step instructions

• Mainnet Guide
• Testnet Guide

You can try the conversion process using either a hardware wallet, or using software:

• Using a Ledger hardware wallet
• Using software

Video

Q & A

1. How often does the RSK Federation address change?

RSK Federation address has changed three times since RSK mainnet launch.

2. Do I lose my Bitcoin if the RSK Federation address change during my transfer?

There is a grace period for the RSK Federation address change. You will still be able to lock Bitcoin and get R-BTC during the grace period. However, any Bitcoin sent to the old RSK Federation address will be lost post to the grace period.

Feedback

For any questions and suggestions you can post to RSK Gitter channels.