Chat Modifications - FlashChat Combo-Module v1.2 for vBadvanced

FLASHCHAT COMBO-MODULE FOR vBADVANCED
WITH CHAT ROOMS DISPLAYED!
Version-1.2
Tweaked by Yotsume

Last Updated: November, 23 2007
FlashChat Combo-Module for vBadvanced 3.7x is Here

###################################
# FLASHCHAT COMBO-MODULE 1.1 Changelog #
###################################
- Some minor code clean up.
- Added clear code labels to each section of the code. (for future developments)

###################################
# FLASHCHAT COMBO-MODULE 1.2 Changelog #
###################################
- Added instructions on how to include a link to FlashChat Admin in Quick Moderation block.
- Added new zip with a tweaked version of whochat.php which has be reported to address some issues when trying to install my mod on vBulletin 3.6x

Flashchat 5x: Not Compatible Yet
My mod currently does not work with Flashchat 5x. My mod uses Paul M's whochat.php. I have asked for his help in upgrading my mod to be compatible. My mod works with all versions of Flashchat 4x.

DESCRIPTION:
This is a module that contains a combination of code from several hacks all in one place to make a more complete FlashChat module for vbAdvanced. It works with the latest versions of FlashChat, vBulletin and vBadvanced. Also, optionally there are instructions for adding a module with link to your FlashChat Admin page in the zip file.

INSTALL TIME: (2-5 Minutes Max)
The install is very easy and takes 2-5 minutes max. Follow the simple instructions step by step to insure you input your information correctly.

REQUIREMENTS:
You must have: vBulletin, vBadvanced, and FlashChat installed.


FLASHCHAT COMBO-MODULE WILL DISPLAY: (see included screenshot)

1. Total number of how many people are in the chat.
2. List of usernames of the people in chat with links to their profiles.
3. The names of your chat rooms with a head count per room.
4. The names of the people in chat listed under each chat room.
5. A link to join the chat.
6. If no one is in the chat a customizable message is displayed.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Upload the whochat.php file into your modules directory.
2. Next, you must create a new template.
3. Go to: >Admin >Styles & Templates >Style Manager >Add New Template
4. Title of the new template needs to be: adv_portal_whochat
5. You must replace the url in the code below to point to your flashchat.php file.
6. Copy the below code into the template area:
7. Next, add a new PHP file module in your vBa CMPS with the following settings:

Title: Who's Chatting!
File to include: whochat.php
Identifier: whochat
Templates used: whochat

....8. Tweak the module's permissions and click save. Your module should be active now!

<!-- flashchat userlist -->
<tr><td class="thead"><span class="smallfont">Members In Chat: $totalchatters</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="$bgclass"><span class="smallfont">$chatters</span></td></tr>
<!-- end flashchat userlist -->

<!-- flashchat rooms and users -->
<tbody><tr>
<td class="alt2" colspan="2">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="180" src="http://www.your_domain_here.com/chat/info_embedded.php" style="width: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" border="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></td></tr>
</tbody>
<!-- end flashchat rooms and users -->

<!-- chat link -->
<tr><td class="alt2">
<span class="smallfont"> <a href="http://www.your_domain_here.com/chat/flashchat.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" linkindex="51" set="yes"><u>Join the Chat!</u></a></span></td></tr>
<!-- end chat link -->

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT NOTE:
You can adjust the height of the block by changing the value of: height="180" in the above code. Be aware that vbAdvanced blocks are fixed dimensions. So if you have many room names or many users in chat the text will run out the bottom of the block and not be visible. This is why I have the height set at "180" as a default. Adjust this value to fit the needs of your site.

############
# Future Plans #
############
- For version 2.0 of this module I plan to implement some kind of chat invitation system that will immediately notify other chosen members that you wish for them to enter the chat. A invitation window of some kind will appear containing the chat link. It would be nice if a sound would play to help alert them as well.
- In version 1x the module does not collapse fully. Rather just the members list collapses which is either a code mistake or a cool feature depending on your perspective. If you have many users in the chat having just the members list collapse might be a cool feature to leave in.
- I plan to combine into this module a link to the FlashChat Admin page and eliminate the need for a second module for that link. It needs to be coded so that only Admins can see that link.

FlashChat Admin Link in Quick Moderation Block
Here is a simple way to include a link to FlashChats Admin page inside the Quick Moderation block. I decided to put a link to the chat admin there because I have that block set so only Admins can see it. So it helps to keep the link to the chat admin secure.

Instructions:
How to add FlashChat Admin Link to Quick Moderation Block:

1. Go to >admincp >Styles & Templates >Edit Templates
2. Click on vBadvanced CMPS Templates >adv_portal_moderation
3. Find the last instance of: </td> </tr> and before it add the below link code: <a href="/forum/chat/admin/index.php" TARGET=_BLANK>Chat Admin</a></td>
4. Be sure to replace the correct path to your chat's index.php in the above link.
5. Save the template and your done!
6. See attached screenshot of the Quick Moderation block with chat admin link.

[S7rik3R]

Thanks Yotsume,

I got it installed fast and easy ... nice mod

[Alfa1]

I can't believe I missed this.

Please add a 'friends in chat' PM notification.

[yotsume]

Glad you like it. Let me know how your members like it as well.

Originally Posted by S7rik3R

Thanks Yotsume,

I got it installed fast and easy ... nice mod

What do you mean? You want to be notified by PM when someone enters a chatroom? I think that is to slow of a method of notification. I am working on making a "chat buddy list" where you can actually just instant message those on your buddy list to invite them to chat.

Originally Posted by Alfa1

I can't believe I missed this.

Please add a 'friends in chat' PM notification.

[Alfa1]

In vb 3.7 you have several notifications stacked in the navbar.(PM's, Friends, Notices) This is where you could add a message that a friend is in chat.
But a friend in chat PM would be very welcome as well. For my board that would be a big improvement.

[yotsume]

Only after vBulletin 3.7 is out of beta will I begin to think about upgrading and releasing a new version of this altered for 3.7x.

Originally Posted by Alfa1

In vb 3.7 you have several notifications stacked in the navbar. (PM's, Friends, Notices) This is where you could add a message that a friend is in chat.
But a friend in chat PM would be very welcome as well. For my board that would be a big improvement.

[Alfa1]

That's understandable. Your current version works for 3.7 anyway.

Please consider adding links to directly access specific rooms.

[yotsume]

Adding links to enter specific rooms is high on my list... FlashChat itself is in dire need of some upgrades which is out of my hands and up to the developer.

Originally Posted by Alfa1

That's understandable. Your current version works for 3.7 anyway.

Please consider adding links to directly access specific rooms.

[Alfa1]

Very nice.

[yotsume]

I just added instructions on how to adjust the height of the block and precautions:

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT NOTE:
You can adjust the height of the block by changing the value of: height="180" in the above code. Be aware that vbAdvanced blocks are fixed dimensions. So if you have many room names or many users in chat the text will run out the bottom of the block and not be visible. This is why I have the height set at "180" as a default. Adjust this value to fit the needs of your site.

[technopuzzle]

Is this integrated with VB so that a username is pulled from VB and used as a users chat name?

Or do users have to manually enter/register a chat name?