Understanding Common Connection Problems

When your Hacker News MCP server fails to connect, the issue typically stems from configuration errors, network problems, or API accessibility. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most common connection issues.

Verify Server Configuration

Start by confirming that your MCP server is properly configured in your client application. Check that the server path points to the correct installation directory and that all required dependencies are installed. If you're using a configuration file, ensure the Hacker News server entry matches the expected format for your MCP client.

Run a quick test by attempting to start the server manually from your terminal. Any error messages displayed during startup will provide valuable clues about configuration problems or missing dependencies.

Check Network Connectivity

The Hacker News MCP server requires internet access to communicate with the Hacker News API. Verify that your system has an active internet connection by testing access to other websites or services.

If you're behind a corporate firewall or using a proxy, ensure that outbound connections to Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com) are permitted. Some network security policies block or throttle API requests, which can cause intermittent connection failures or timeouts.

Handle Rate Limiting

Hacker News implements rate limiting to prevent excessive API usage. If you're making numerous rapid requests, you may encounter temporary blocks or delayed responses. Space out your queries and avoid making concurrent requests for multiple items when possible.

If you suspect rate limiting is affecting your connection, wait a few minutes before attempting additional requests. Implementing reasonable delays between queries will help maintain stable connectivity.

Inspect Server Logs

Enable detailed logging in your MCP client to capture error messages and diagnostic information. These logs often reveal specific error codes or timeout messages that pinpoint the exact nature of the connection problem.

Look for HTTP error codes like 429 (Too Many Requests), 503 (Service Unavailable), or connection timeout errors. Each provides specific information about whether the issue is related to rate limiting, temporary API outages, or network connectivity.

Verify API Availability

Occasionally, the Hacker News API itself may experience downtime or performance issues. Visit news.ycombinator.com directly in your browser to confirm the service is operational. If the website is accessible but your server still cannot connect, the problem likely lies in your local configuration.

Update and Restart

Ensure you're running the latest version of the Hacker News MCP server, as updates often include bug fixes and improved error handling. After making any configuration changes, restart both the MCP server and your client application to ensure changes take effect.

If problems persist after these steps, consult your MCP client's documentation for platform-specific troubleshooting guidance.