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Troubleshooting Connection and API Issues

Common Connection Problems

If you're unable to connect to the Hacker News MCP server, first verify that the server is running and properly configured in your MCP settings file. Check that the server path is correct and that all required dependencies are installed. Restart your AI assistant application after making any configuration changes, as connection settings are typically loaded at startup.

Network connectivity issues can prevent the server from reaching Hacker News APIs. Ensure your internet connection is active and that no firewall or proxy settings are blocking outbound requests. Corporate networks sometimes restrict API access, so you may need to configure proxy settings or request allowlisting for Hacker News API endpoints.

API Rate Limiting and Timeouts

Hacker News implements rate limiting on its API to ensure fair usage across all users. If you're receiving timeout errors or empty responses, you may be hitting rate limits. Space out your requests and avoid making rapid successive calls for large amounts of data. The server respects these limits, but requesting multiple stories with full comment threads in quick succession can trigger restrictions.

Timeout errors can also occur when requesting particularly large comment threads or during periods of high Hacker News traffic. If a query times out, try narrowing your request scope—for example, request a specific story rather than attempting to retrieve all top stories with full comment data at once.

Data Retrieval Issues

If stories or comments appear empty or incomplete, the item may have been deleted by its author or removed by moderators. Hacker News allows content deletion, which means item IDs may return null data. This is expected behavior rather than a server error.

When user profiles return limited information, the user may have privacy settings enabled or the account may be new with minimal activity. Not all users populate biographical information or maintain extensive profiles.

Response Format Problems

The server returns structured data that your AI assistant interprets. If responses seem malformed or difficult to parse, ensure you're running the latest version of both the MCP server and your AI assistant. Compatibility issues between versions can cause parsing problems.

Getting Additional Help

If problems persist after trying these solutions, check the server logs for specific error messages. Look for details about failed API calls, connection timeouts, or data parsing errors. These logs typically provide specific information about what's failing, making it easier to identify the root cause and find a solution.

Perplexity on Metorial

The Perplexity integration lets you search the web and access real-time information directly through AI-powered queries, enabling your assistant to retrieve current facts, news, and research without leaving the conversation.

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