What is eCash (ECX)?

How does the Bitcoin hard fork work?

A fork begins with Bitcoin’s ledger at a particular block, then follows separate rules. Bitcoin continues as BTC; the new network tracks ECX. The project’s node is based on Bitcoin Core, with fork-specific changes including Drivechain integration, network identity, and a difficulty reset. Read what Bitcoin holders can expect and the project’s case for a hard fork.

When does eCash mainnet launch?

Mainnet is planned on or around 31st October 2026, at Bitcoin block ~973,728. The date is an estimate, not a guaranteed activation time: block production determines when a height is reached.

Alpha and Beta are rehearsals, each starting from a separate Bitcoin snapshot. Betanet launched on September 19, 2026 at block 967,680; Alpha is retired on September 24. Review network details and confirm the announced mainnet release before using software with real funds.

What are Drivechains, BIP300, and BIP301?

Sidechains let developers experiment with different rules outside the base chain. BIP300 describes the escrow and withdrawal mechanism connecting them; BIP301 describes blind merged mining. These mechanisms have specific security assumptions and withdrawal delays. Our Drivechains guide explains the roles, and the sidechain directory links to individual projects.

What happens to BTC, and how do holders access ECX?

The fork itself leaves BTC unchanged. Ordinary addresses holding BTC at the fork block receive matching balances on the ECX ledger. Controlling those keys is different from having a balance displayed by a custodian: exchange crediting and withdrawal access depend on that provider. There is no implication that BTC and ECX have equal market value.

There is no pre-claim registration. Read how ECX access works; never disclose a seed phrase to a website or someone offering to unlock coins. The project also documents special treatment of designated early mining outputs on the ECX chain, separate from ordinary holder balances; see the official fork FAQ.

What is coin splitting? Which wallets can be used?

Because the chains share pre-fork transaction history and transaction formats, some transactions can replay on both. Coin splitting separates the spendable outputs so the assets can be handled independently. Replay protection is opt-in; the fork alone does not make subsequent transactions safe.

Start with official wallet and node downloads. Shared Bitcoin key formats do not guarantee that a particular wallet supports ECX, the correct network, or protected transactions. Verify software releases and wallet-provider guidance.

Who is behind the project?

The official integration guide identifies eCash as a LayerTwo Labs Bitcoin fork. Paul Sztorc is associated with the project and is an author of the Drivechain proposals. The open-source eCash node and LayerTwo Labs repositories provide implementation details. See the interviews and presentations for the team’s explanations.

Is eCash (ECX) the same as eCash (XEC)?

No. This website, ecash.com, covers eCash (ECX), the Bitcoin hard fork with Drivechains and planned 2026 mainnet. The project at e.cash uses XEC. They are distinct assets and networks; the name alone is not enough to identify a wallet, exchange market, or transaction destination.