Understanding Connection Problems

When your Hacker News MCP server fails to connect or retrieve data, the issue typically stems from network configuration, API availability, or server setup problems. This guide walks you through systematic troubleshooting steps to restore functionality.

Verify Server Installation

First, confirm that the MCP server is properly installed and configured. Check that all dependencies are installed correctly and that the server process can start without errors. Review your installation logs for any warning messages that might indicate missing components or configuration issues.

Ensure your MCP server configuration file correctly references the Hacker News server. Look for typos in the server name or path specifications that could prevent proper initialization.

Check Network Connectivity

The Hacker News MCP server relies on external API calls to retrieve data. Test your internet connection by accessing the Hacker News website directly at news.ycombinator.com. If the website loads normally, your basic connectivity is working.

Verify that your firewall or network security settings aren't blocking outbound connections to Hacker News APIs. Corporate networks and VPNs sometimes restrict API access. Check with your network administrator if you're on a managed network.

Test API Availability

The Hacker News API occasionally experiences downtime or rate limiting. Visit the official Hacker News API endpoint directly in your browser (https://hacker-news.firebaseio.com/v0/topstories.json) to confirm it's responding. If you receive data, the API is operational.

If you're making frequent requests, you may have hit rate limits. Wait a few minutes before attempting additional queries. The Hacker News API is generally permissive, but excessive requests can trigger temporary blocks.

Review Server Logs

Examine your MCP server logs for specific error messages. These logs typically reveal whether the problem is authentication-related, network-based, or due to malformed requests. Common error patterns include timeout messages, connection refused errors, or JSON parsing failures.

Look for HTTP status codes in the logs. A 503 error indicates service unavailability, while 404 suggests an incorrect endpoint. These codes help pinpoint whether the issue is on your end or with the external service.

Restart and Refresh

Sometimes connection issues resolve with a simple restart. Stop your MCP server completely and restart it, ensuring all processes terminate cleanly. This clears any stale connections or corrupted state that might be causing problems.

Clear any cached data or temporary files that might be interfering with fresh API calls. A clean restart often resolves transient connection issues.

When to Seek Help

If problems persist after these steps, gather your error logs and server configuration details. Check the MCP server's GitHub repository for known issues or recent updates that might address your problem.