Understanding Connection Problems

When your Hacker News MCP server fails to connect or retrieve data, the issue typically stems from network configuration, server setup, or API availability. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve common connection issues.

Check Server Status

First, verify that the Hacker News MCP server is actually running. If you're using a local installation, check your terminal or process manager to confirm the server process is active. Look for any error messages in the console output that might indicate startup failures or configuration problems.

Verify Network Connectivity

The server requires internet access to communicate with Hacker News APIs. Test your basic network connection by attempting to access other websites or services. If you're behind a corporate firewall or VPN, ensure that outbound connections to Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com) are permitted.

Some network environments block or restrict API access. Try accessing the Hacker News website directly in your browser. If the website loads but the server still fails, your network may be filtering API-specific traffic.

Configuration Issues

Review your MCP server configuration file for errors. Common problems include incorrect port settings, missing environment variables, or malformed configuration syntax. Ensure all required fields are populated and properly formatted according to the server documentation.

If you recently updated the server, configuration requirements may have changed. Compare your current configuration against the latest documentation to identify any deprecated or new required settings.

API Rate Limiting

Hacker News APIs have rate limits to prevent abuse. If you're making many requests in rapid succession, you may be temporarily blocked. Wait a few minutes before retrying. Consider implementing request throttling if you're building automated monitoring tools.

Timeout Errors

Slow network connections or high server load can cause timeout errors. Try increasing timeout values in your configuration if available. If timeouts persist, test your connection during different times of day when server load might be lower.

Debug Mode

Enable verbose logging or debug mode if your server supports it. Detailed logs often reveal the exact point of failure, whether it's DNS resolution, SSL handshake, HTTP request, or response parsing. These logs provide specific error codes and messages that pinpoint the problem.

Still Having Issues?

If connection problems persist after trying these steps, restart both the MCP server and your client application. Verify you're running the latest version of the server, as updates often include bug fixes and improved error handling. Check the project's issue tracker for known problems that match your symptoms.