Sigma Chat integration for non-platinum users

Introduction
This hack integrates your forum with the Sigma Chat software provided by Raidersoft. Unlike the other Sigma integration hack, this one will work for users who own the Professional (entry-level) license, rather than the more expensive Platinum license.

What does it do?
This hack means that only registered forum users will be able to access the chat room. Additionally, they will only be able to chat using the same username as they have on the forum. If someone who isn't registered (or logged in) tries to visit the chat room they will see the standard "No Permission" vBulletin screen.

Is it complicated to install?
No, it's simple. You don't need to edit any VB files, you simply upload one new file (chat.php) to your forum directory and add one new template via your Admin CP.

Support?
Yes, I will support this hack. PM me if you need any help.

Demo?
I've installed this on a colleagues server. You can see the chat integration in action (you will need to register) at at this site

I also used some code (which limits the username length to 15 characters) which was originally created by wot-Mike for his vB2.x chat hack - so all credit to him.

Hope it proves useful for you - please let me know if you use it

[joanne862]

I've now got this installed and working with VB3 Gold. Only problem is that it's not recognising moderators and admins in the chat room.

[xlguy]

Originally Posted by Sinko

Hey guys.

Whenever I go to type in my username and password I always get an error that says Invalid Username or Password even though they are both correct. Any suggestions?

If you followed the instructions correctly, then you shouldn't see the login screen unless your forum username matches one that you registered in your RaiderSoft control panel.

[xlguy]

Originally Posted by joanne862

I've now got this installed and working with VB3 Gold. Only problem is that it's not recognising moderators and admins in the chat room.

Glad to see you've got it working. The chat room won't recognise moderators or admins - you need to give them accounts via the RaiderSoft control panel. You can either give them new passwords or ask them to send you their vB passwords - you can then set them up with identical accounts at RaiderSoft. This means that when a moderator or admin visits the room they will be prompted for a login. It also means they can kick, ban, etc. If you need help with this then PM me

[xlguy]

Originally Posted by SVTBlackLight01

Another problem.

The pop-up menus of the navbar appear behind the chat room.

Where is the support for this hack? Although the title states: "The Author agreed to give support for this hack!" he hasn't replied to any questions.

What do you mean by behind? Can you PM me with your site address etc. so I can see this problem - I've disabled pop-up menus on my site.

Originally Posted by SVTBlackLight01

Has anyone experienced any problems with this from behind a firewall?

This is an issue with the applet and not with this hack. Check RaiderSoft's web page for details on how to fix the firewall issue.

[joanne862]

Originally Posted by xlguy

Glad to see you've got it working. The chat room won't recognise moderators or admins - you need to give them accounts via the RaiderSoft control panel. You can either give them new passwords or ask them to send you their vB passwords - you can then set them up with identical accounts at RaiderSoft. This means that when a moderator or admin visits the room they will be prompted for a login. It also means they can kick, ban, etc. If you need help with this then PM me

When I tried to set up identical accounts in the raidersoft control panel, it wouldn't let VB users login to the chat room.

Thanks

[xlguy]

If you had a moderator on your forum called 'Bill' and his password was 'apples' then you need to enter these details in to the 'Users' section of your RaiderSoft control panel. When 'Bill' visits the chat room, he will then be presented with a login screen (rather than being taken direclty in to chat). All he needs to do is enter his username and password (i.e. 'Bill' and 'apples'). Basically it requires him to login twice for security.

Hope this helps.

[Cold Steel]

/me installs.

[Cold Steel]

Is there anyway to get the Who's Online module working with this?

[my username]

Originally Posted by xlguy

Additionally, they will only be able to chat using the same username as they have on the forum.

First thanks for the hack. I "installed" it and it works great.

Just a minor detail: because of the nature of the sigma chat vs. the vbulletin system, users are indeed able to login to the chat with usernames different than their own.

Say you enter your chat at http://www.example.com/forum/chat.php
Then you open a new window in your web browser, and enter the chat again [in this new window (staying logged in in the first window)]. You'll now be kicked from the chat because the "default" [chat-]username is already in use, and be prompted to log in to the chat. Hence you can enter with another user's username (or they can just log-out of the chat)...

[this is possible because the PHP-script wont reload, the things done are done "in the java-applet"]

[xlguy]

Hi, you can fix that issue quite easily. Basically you can alter the 'kick' page in your SigmaChat control area. I set my 'kick' page to my forum home page - this means if someone opens a new window, the first one will kick them back to the home page.

Go to your Sigma control panel > web sites > settings > exit url

Hope that helps.