Understanding Connection Problems

Connection issues with the Hacker News API through your Fireflies MCP server typically stem from network configuration, authentication problems, or API availability. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most common connection issues quickly.

Initial Diagnostics

Start by verifying that your internet connection is active and stable. The Hacker News API requires consistent network access to retrieve stories, comments, and user data. Test your connection by accessing other websites or services.

Next, confirm that the MCP server is running properly. Check your Fireflies configuration to ensure the Hacker News server is enabled and initialized. Look for any error messages in your console or logs that might indicate startup failures or configuration problems.

Common Connection Errors

Timeout Errors

If requests are timing out, the issue may be network latency or the Hacker News API experiencing high traffic. Try increasing the timeout settings in your configuration. If timeouts persist, wait a few minutes and retry, as the API may be temporarily overloaded.

Rate Limiting

The Hacker News API has usage limits to ensure fair access for all users. If you're receiving rate limit errors, reduce the frequency of your requests. Space out queries and avoid making rapid successive calls, especially when retrieving large comment threads or multiple user profiles.

DNS Resolution Failures

If the server cannot resolve the Hacker News API domain, check your DNS settings. Try switching to a public DNS provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) to see if resolution improves.

Configuration Verification

Review your Fireflies MCP server configuration file to ensure the Hacker News server is properly specified. Verify that no proxy settings or firewall rules are blocking outbound connections to the Hacker News API endpoints. Corporate networks often restrict API access, so check with your network administrator if you're connecting from a work environment.

Testing Your Connection

Use simple queries first to test connectivity. Request a single top story or retrieve a specific item by ID rather than attempting complex operations. If basic queries succeed but complex ones fail, the issue likely involves data volume or processing rather than pure connectivity.

Firewall and Security Software

Antivirus programs and firewalls can sometimes block API connections. Temporarily disable security software to determine if it's interfering with connections. If this resolves the issue, add an exception for your MCP server in your security software settings.

Getting Additional Help

If connection problems persist after trying these solutions, check the Hacker News status and community forums for known outages or issues. Document the specific error messages you're receiving and the steps you've taken, as this information will be valuable for further troubleshooting or support requests.