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).

[StevanMD]

Originally Posted by MPDev

Stevan,

I don't see a Live Feeds block on your index page at all; did you add the module?

Yes, I uploaded it from Download / Upload Module and it shows in the AdminCP. I also tried moving it to both left and right columns to see if it would show there, but it didn't.
Here is a screenshot:

[MPDev]

Well, I see all the code in place; except for the HTML from the template from the module. I'm afriad I don't know enough about vBadvanced to tell you why it isn't appearing if it is enabled; except to make sure the template is there.

[StevanMD]

Originally Posted by MPDev

Well, I see all the code in place; except for the HTML from the template from the module. I'm afriad I don't know enough about vBadvanced to tell you why it isn't appearing if it is enabled; except to make sure the template is there.

I've found where I've gone wrong.
When installing the module, I didn't check the Update All Pages box. I've reinstalled the module checking that box and it's all fine now, and the module is the best one I've seen as of yet. Really.

Thanks

[MPDev]

Cool, be sure to click INSTALL.

[StevanMD]

Originally Posted by MPDev

Cool, be sure to click INSTALL.

I just did and I also nominated it for the Mod of the month.

[Capt. GannA]

Originally Posted by StevanMD

I've found where I've gone wrong.
When installing the module, I didn't check the Update All Pages box. I've reinstalled the module checking that box and it's all fine now, and the module is the best one I've seen as of yet. Really.

Thanks

lol, same was the case with me it seems. Thanks.

[ZGeek]

Originally Posted by glorify

Any way to limit the characters?

I'd like to know this too. I've modified my module to run on my site but I'd like to limit the characters outputted by this bit. Anyone help?

PHP Code:

    if(title.length == 0) {
        clip = 'Unknown';
    } else {
        clip = '<a href="' + post_url + '" title="' + preview +'" class="style1">' + title + '</a>';
    } 


[stud]

Are there any plans to update this code or to provide modification options? I have two questions regarding it.

a. how do you remove or modify the fade options? I'd like to reduce how faded the topics become.

b. how do you limit the number of stories scrolled? I changed the number that is displayed by modifying the Spymax number - however it still scrolls 10 or so stories first, making the loading time quite slow.

c. the ability to minimize it using the #top feature that many other modules use.

[MPDev]

a. You can change the fade options in the vBIspy module (va_spy.js)

/* Effect delay of fade-in */
var fadetime = .25;

b. In the vBIspy thread you'll find several references on changing the block size; but not only do you have to change the spymax number, you also need to add or remove rows from the table to reflect that number.

c. A minimize could be added easily, yes.

[Spikeman]

Excellent mod needed to change template slightly for complete intergration with style,(30 second job) but now it is perfect. Clicked install, thanks MPDev