Chat Modifications - Flashchat: Integration for vB 3.7

This modification is no longer available or supported.

Flashchat integration with vBulletin 3.7

Note: Flashchat Version 5.0.8 onwards now has the option for vbulletin 3.7 integration.

Note:
Standard Flashchat includes vBulletin integration as part of the Tufat supplied files. However, the standard integration does not include Direct Usergroup Integration or other extra's like the WOL Display & Flashchat on a vBulletin page. This Modification adds those features


Standard vB 3.7 integration features

* Authorised members are automatically logged in.
* Automatic login works even if a member has not ticked "remember me".
* All non authorised members are locked out (this and the above are based on usergroup membership).
* If enabled, Flashchat updates the users session location (displayed in various vBulletin online location displays such as WOL).
* Real ip detection when a proxy server is used (only if the proxy server passes on the details).
* Permanant, Private Rooms are loaded by Admins and Moderators (allows for Staff Rooms).

Extra's added by this modification

* Direct login to a room.
* The WOL will correctly display Flashchat as the location (not 'Unknown Location')
* Flashchat can be displayed embedded inside a 'standard' vBulletin Page (i.e. not full screen).
* Direct Usergroup Integration - a section is added to each usergroup in the ACP Usergroup Manager to set the Flashchat permissions for that group.
* The plugin will try to automatically add a link to Flashchat in your Quick Links or Navbar - this feature can be disabled if you wish.
* The automatic link can have a prefix path defined - useful if you use something like CMPS.
* You can define a usergroup to login as Flashchats "Spy" mode. (Version 3.7.002 onwards)


More notes:

* This integration is for Flashchat versions 4.7.x or 5.0.x (seperate downloads).
* The automatic link feature may fail if you have customised templates (it uses template hooks).
* For Flashchat inside a vBulletin page you need to link to .../misc.php?do=flashchat
* This modification does not add any links to Flashchat Administration in the ACP.
* You can set all members to login direct to particular room via the ACP.
* You can also add a room parameter to the url - i.e. .../misc.php?do=flashchat&room=3
* Spys can login into the chat but are not listed in the room - they cannot chat, just watch.
* 3.7.004 onwards has extra code to cope with VBs CSRF protection, which interferes with profile linking.
* 3.7.006 onwards is for Flashchat 5.0.x - The previous version for Flashchat 4 (3.7.005) will continue to be available for the moment.

The CMS file assumes that you are installing Flashchat in your forum root folder - this is the same folder as your usercp.php file and includes folder. Installation will fail if you do not do this.

Support: Please check the instructions, and make sure you have uploaded any files to the correct location - the vast majority of problems reported are due to an error made in editing or uploading files. If you are still stuck and want me to take a look then feel free to PM me your site address, an admin user, and ftp access details, without these I cannot help you. I will look when I have time.

Flashchat 4 : If you have upgraded from 3.6 to 3.7 make sure you have edited the CMS entry in the Flashchat config.php file.

Finally, I am not Tufat.com or Flashchat Support - if you have questions about Flashchat, their forums are here.


To use the this upgraded integration simply download and unzip the file, then follow the instructions in the text file. Once installed, the Flashchat userlevel options for each usergroup will appear in the ACP usergroup edit screens - editing of the CMS file will no longer be required.



History:

v3.7.001 : First release for vb 3.7.
v3.7.002 : Option for Flashchat spy mode added.
v3.7.003 : Fix for 404 page not found error in certain situations.
v3.7.004 : Code added to allow profile views blocked by VB's CSRF protection.
v3.7.005 : CSRF Code changed.

v3.7.006 : Modified for Flashchat 5.
v3.7.007 : Removed 3.6 CMS file, Updated install code.
v3.7.008 : Fix bug in new install code - was using WIC option.
v3.7.009 : CMS file updated to check a users infraction groups.

[Paul M]

Flashchat is a known heavy user of mysql.

FYI, for Flashchat support you need to post on the Tufat forums.

[Kiros72]

This is a great addition to my forums! But I was wondering if you could add something into the Flashchat template for browsers that cannot understand iframes:

<iframe width="100%" height="$vboptions[fcheight]" src="$fcpath/flashchat.php$room">Your browser cannot (or is not set to) display iframe windows. <a href="$fcpath/flashchat.php$room">Click here to use FlashChat.</a></iframe>

[yunie_]

Hi Paul, its regarding that security token problem again. I believe its the same problem occuring to us all. Have you got access to any of the website and check the problem already?

[TroyTrojansFan]

Originally Posted by Paul M

Flashchat is a known heavy user of mysql.

FYI, for Flashchat support you need to post on the Tufat forums.

Ok, thank you Paul. I'll go check out their forums.

[Paul M]

Originally Posted by yunie_

Hi Paul, its regarding that security token problem again. I believe its the same problem occuring to us all. Have you got access to any of the website and check the problem already?

There is no problem if you use the latest version (3.7.005), and its set-up correctly.

[Kiros72]

So what's the verdict on this?

Originally Posted by Kiros72

... I was wondering if you could add something into the Flashchat template for browsers that cannot understand iframes:

<iframe width="100%" height="$vboptions[fcheight]" src="$fcpath/flashchat.php$room">Your browser cannot (or is not set to) display iframe windows. <a href="$fcpath/flashchat.php$room">Click here to use FlashChat.</a></iframe>

[Paul M]

Nope.

Either use the direct flashchat page (../chat/flashchat.php) or a browser that supports iframes (what obscure browser doesnt btw).

[Kiros72]

Well, I'm just saying. It's not like I - or any webmaster - can control what kind of browser members choose to use (without imposing incredible restrictions that would be unattractive in every way).

With that said, I think a simple addition like that would be more user-friendly.

An example of a browser that does not support iframes would be a mobile browser. I know it doesn't make much sense to use FlashChat on a mobile device, but I know that won't stop anyone from trying.

As for those browsers (IE included I believe) with internal options to restrict iframes, a user or firewall may set it to not allow iframes for security purposes. If this is the case (or any other case where iframes are not enabled), the users will just see nothing - no explanation, no alternative. If it happened to me, I would know where to go to still use FlashChat, but with plenty of new members each day, I doubt even 10% of them would know where FlashChat is installed by default.

[yunie_]

Originally Posted by Paul M

There is no problem if you use the latest version (3.7.005), and its set-up correctly.

does correctly means doing those optional steps in the instructions?

[Kiros72]

You don't have to follow the optional instructions. Step 3 (optional) just makes sure that whenever someone wants to close the chat, they'll pop back to the forum index. Step 4 (optional) just shows a more appropriate message to members that are not allowed in the chat room (based on usergroup permissions).