Portal Software - vBISpy module - live AJAX feed of new threads - for vBAdvanced CMPS

This is my first module for vBAdvanced, but its a simple one, so I don't expect any installation problems.

You can see an example of this working on:

ViperAlley.Com

You must already have a working copy of the vBIspy client v1.0.7 or better in place. (vB 3.5 users need v1.06 or better)

INSTALLATION

Add the vbispyblock.module to your vBAdvance portal - keep in mind the size of the block when you choose it's placement - if you use three columns, then really only the center column will work.

To install you should have a working copy of the VBIspy client already working on your system. Once you have one of the clients working adding vBIspy blocks to other pages becomes easier.

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STEP 1

Because vBAdvanced CMPM usually resides outside of the forum directory, you will need to make one change to the clientscript/va_spy.js script that comes with vBIspy.

In va_spy.js, find:

var vburl = '';

and change this to read:

var vburl = '/forum/';

using the name of the directory your forums are in in place of "forum". This is important as otherwise the links from the vBIspy block will not resolve to the forum directory.

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STEP 2

You will need to modify the 'adv_portal' template to add a few lines:

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Find:

$headinclude

Add after:

<script language="javascript" src="{$vbulletin->options['bburl']}/clientscript/va_prototype.js"></script>
<script language="javascript" src="{$vbulletin->options['bburl']}/clientscript/va_effects.js"></script>
<script language="javascript" src="{$vbulletin->options['bburl']}/clientscript/va_spy.js"></script>
<script language="javascript">
    spymax = 10;
    highestid = 0;
</script>

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Find:

$footer

Add after:

<script language="javascript">
    spyinit();
</script>

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You are done. Activate the module and you should start seeing a live feed of threads on your portal page.

If you do not see an updating list of threads:

1) Double check that your vBIspy.php script is working properly!
2) Make sure you followed the above instructions.
3) If all else fails, open the JavaScript Console in Firefox and see what errors you might be getting.

1.0.1 - 9.28.06
Modified template for module to support 1.0.12 release of vBIspy (you can modify your template manually from this post; but you also need to note the changes to the spymax and addition of the highestid variable to be changed in your adv_portal template).

[Strike3ForumsMH]

I also got the same error with this.

[Invalid ID]

I think this Mod does not work

[stud]

it's a shame... MPDev used to be soo helpful.

This is quite possibly THE most important and useful CMPS module in existence... and NO ONE knows how to remedy what is likely something simple like a missing command or formatting issue?!

[Invalid ID]

I agree.

[Trana]

Originally Posted by stud

it's a shame... MPDev used to be soo helpful.

This is quite possibly THE most important and useful CMPS module in existence... and NO ONE knows how to remedy what is likely something simple like a missing command or formatting issue?!

Agreed!

So let's take this discussion to the VBAdvanced board and solicit someone to get it to work! I would personally chip in to get it to work right.

Thoughts?

[Invalid ID]

Yeah, please do it

[MPDev]

Sorry guys, I've tried to be as helpful as I can not knowing vBadvanced that well. I had it working on my site and exported the module, but that was the extent of my ability to make it work. The code itself should work just fine, I just dont know how to wrap it up as a module for it to be imported.

I did another export of the file from my current setup which you can try; it works on my current setup with 3.6.4 and vBadvanced. You may need to change the path in the file if you don't use "/forum/vaispy.php"; otherwise the instructions in the original post apply.

[Trana]

Originally Posted by MPDev

Sorry guys, I've tried to be as helpful as I can not knowing vBadvanced that well. I had it working on my site and exported the module, but that was the extent of my ability to make it work. The code itself should work just fine, I just dont know how to wrap it up as a module for it to be imported.

I did another export of the file from my current setup which you can try; it works on my current setup with 3.6.4 and vBadvanced. You may need to change the path in the file if you don't use "/forum/vaispy.php"; otherwise the instructions in the original post apply.

It's not just the module issue that is a problem. A LOT of people were able to install it but never see any posts.

[MPDev]

Alot of people were also trying to modify it; and that's where most people will quickly get themselves messed up if they don't know where to make all their changes. I can help with the module and code as it is, but once you start changing it, then its out of my hands.

[stud]

Thanks for the response MPDev!! ... the problems seem completely random.


a. I did a completely fresh install of VaSpy. It currently works when loaded in it's own window.
(http://<<mywebsite.com>>/forum/vaispy.php)


b. I uploaded this new module you attached, unmodified - and it actually uploads! It gives the following message:

The following template(s) already exist in this style:
adv_portal_vbispy
Select 'yes' to overwrite your current templates with the new ones, or select no to keep your current templates.

To which, I said yes. It looks to be successful, except it DOES NOT show any information on the module.



c. If i attempt to make an edit, such as changing:
<a href="/forum/vaispy.php">
to
<a href="http://<<mywebsite.com>>/forum/vaispy.php">

It gives the error "The file you have uploaded is not a valid module file."

So it appears it somehow isn't pulling the thread data for the module, meanwhile vaispy.php IS working properly and is in the same default location of /forum/vaispy.php

Is it possible there are templates or phrases from previous installs that could be causing conflict?!
(i've been a user of your vaispy since version 1)