Bitcoin eCash fork test begins ahead of October launch

eCash test chain launches without affecting Bitcoin holdings

On August 23, a test version of the eCash fork began running alongside the Bitcoin blockchain. This test, called the Alpha chain, produced blocks starting at Bitcoin block height 963,648. However, it did not create a permanent new asset or change Bitcoin ownership.

The test is part of a planned fork that aims to create a separate asset called ECX for Bitcoin holders. The permanent fork is scheduled for October 31 at Bitcoin block 973,728. Until then, the test chains will issue practice tokens called pECX, not the final ECX.

Key details about the fork timeline

• The Alpha test chain launched on August 23 at Bitcoin block 963,648.
• A Beta test chain is planned for September 20 near block 967,680.
• The permanent fork is targeted for October 31 at block 973,728.
• Practice pECX tokens may be exchangeable for real ECX after the permanent fork, but this is not confirmed.
• Bitcoin holders would receive ECX at a 1:1 ratio if the fork happens as planned.

What the test chain showed

The Alpha chain successfully produced blocks starting at height 963,648 and continued advancing. However, it also showed signs of being an early test network, including a stale competing block at the same height.

The Bitcoin blockchain continued separately. Bitcoin block 963,648 was recorded with the hash 00000000000000000001769d9a327f5b455aa8a2dd407b1b63040d2a9f832d32 and a timestamp of August 23, 2026, at 01:48:47 UTC. This confirms the Alpha chain ran alongside Bitcoin without replacing it.

Unresolved issues before the permanent fork

Several key details remain unresolved before the October 31 deadline:

• The final software for the fork has not been published.
• Rules to prevent transaction replay between Bitcoin and ECX are not finalized.
• Exchanges have not decided how they will handle ECX, including whether they will list it or credit it to users.
• The project’s integration guide still refers to test parameters and says final details will be published later.

Some exchanges, like GMO Coin, have said they will not handle pECX or ECX during the test phases. Others, like Coincheck and SBI VC Trade, have not yet decided how they will treat ECX after the fork.

What Bitcoin holders should know

Bitcoin ownership was not affected by the August 23 test. If the permanent fork happens on October 31, Bitcoin holders would keep their BTC and receive an equal amount of ECX on the new chain. However, this depends on the fork proceeding as planned and exchanges supporting the new asset.

The test phases are meant to prepare miners, wallets, and exchanges for the permanent fork. The final software and rules are expected to be published before October 31.

Sources

• CryptoSlate