New and confused.

[mickyas]

Thanks for the quick response Mykle 1. No i have not installed Magic Mirror ( i didn’t know it was software, just thought it was a generic term for all mirrors with a screen behind them :-)))). I’ve tried but no idea what, where or how to. :-(((

[Mykle1]

@mickyas

Ok, Mick. All is well. You do have some work ahead of you but this complete setup guide will get you on your way. Again, if you get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask a question.

https://forum.magicmirror.builders/topic/236/complete-setup-tutorial

[mickyas]

Thanks Mykle 1,
I’d already done most of that (trial and error), up to Section 4 (cleaning and updating…) although the screenshots were completely different to what i was seeing on my TV when i had the Pi3 hooked up.
In the MM install do i need to reconfigure the pi software to display in portrait (as the samsung monitor i’m using has a built in function to be viewed in landscape or portrait)?
As stated in my original post, i’ve managed to work out how to get Alexa operational but how do i ‘save’ this so that it starts again when i switch on the pi instead of losing it altogether when i switch off? Thanks for your help, really is appreciated by this aged learner :-))))))
Mick

[Mykle1]

@mickyas said in New and confused.:

In the MM install do i need to reconfigure the pi software to display in portrait (as the samsung monitor i’m using has a built in function to be viewed in landscape or portrait)?

No, you don’t have to do that at all. Some people have made their mirrors in landscape view. It’s a matter of preference.

As stated in my original post, i’ve managed to work out how to get Alexa operational but how do i ‘save’ this so that it starts again when i switch on the pi instead of losing it altogether when i switch off? Thanks for your help, really is appreciated by this aged learner :-))))))

I’m not really sure what you are asking me. Do you want the mirror software to load automatically upon booting? Are you losing your Alexa setup? I’m not familiar with Alexa at all but we can surely find out.

[mickyas]

@Mykle1 Yes, once i’ve entered all of the code etc and have Alexa up and running (with the 3 terminal screens open as instructed), it’s all good until i switched off, unplug or close the terminals, then i lose everything and i have to start all over again. I’d like Alexa to remain on the PI 3 so that when i make my mirror fully operational (frame, monitor, wiring harness etc), and i put it all into ‘standyby’, i don’t lose it all.
Mick

[mickyas]

OOPS…having a play around and managed to get the Magic Mirror up and running :-)))) BUT i changed the screen configuration/layout and changed it to portrait…how do i undo it??? :-))))))))))) Also is there a way to change the 'compliments and to have the weather widget etc 'floating around the screen instead of being static??? Thanks
Mick

[SexyTrogg]

I don’t believe that it is possible to have the compliments floating around. If you take a peek here:
https://forum.magicmirror.builders/topic/286/regions

You can see color coded regions for where the modules are allowed to be displayed. You (or someone else) could always change the code to possibly rotate which region the module is displayed but I think that may lead to other problems.

Also, check out here for how to rotate the screen orientation:
https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror/wiki/Configuring-the-Raspberry-Pi

I used that guide to change mine to landscape and to disable the screensaver (which i recommend).

Cheers!

[Mykle1]

@mickyas said in New and confused.:

I’d like Alexa to remain on the PI 3 so that when i make my mirror fully operational (frame, monitor, wiring harness etc), and i put it all into ‘standyby’, i don’t lose it all.

There must be a way to save your Alexa state so that it reloads on reboot/restart. However, I’ve never used Alexa. It would be best if you created a new topic in “Troubleshooting”, naming it, “How to save the state of Alexa?” and describe your problem there. This way the question will be seen by everyone instead of being lost in this topic

[Mykle1]

@mickyas said in New and confused.:

BUT i changed the screen configuration/layout and changed it to portrait…how do i undo it??? :-))))))))))) Also is there a way to change the 'compliments and to have the weather widget etc 'floating around the screen instead of being static???

All the info you need for changing the compliments is here:
https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror/tree/develop/modules/default/compliments

@SexyTrogg has given you good advice. The links he gave you are very informative. You can change the screen orientation by reversing the directions in the 2nd link that he gave you.

In lieu of disabling the screensaver directions on that page, I would do this instead. It’s just easier and it works like a charm.

My solution was to install xscreensaver and use the desktop control panel to disable the screensaver.
In your terminal:

sudo apt-get install xscreensaver
sudo reboot
On reboot open the desktop start menu (via the GUI, not the terminal) Preferences/Screensaver/Mode:/Disable Screen Saver.

[mickyas]

@SexyTrogg Thank you :-))) Only problem is the first link you posted doesn’t have any instruction as to what to do, or is it just an example of the only options available? If so, is there a link showing how to change the colours etc?
Mick