2020 Outdated setup tutorials for popular Modules Amazon / Insta

[Bernard-h]

Hi guys,
lets start off on the positive note. Ive started on the MM project and the results and support are excellent! I am surprised on the results so far and the self-learn-curve when messing with installs and customization.

Although most modules are pretty easy to install even for a guy like me with like background in programming (other then being a crack at Ms-Dos back in the 80’s), im falling short on a few popular modules which are available for MM. Mainly because of 2 reasons:

• Switching to Pi4 the hardware picks up a lot of features by more easily or by default. Programs etc. Srcipt errors are difficult to assess by beginners.
• External parties have redesigned their API / Developer environment which depreciates currently available tools and tutorials.

Making a cool working MM is not that difficult, but we want an awesome one! If someone could take the lead in updating installs / tutorials (for Pi4) and explaining on how to get access tokens / api’s for Facebook / Instagram / Amazon Alexa AVS, that would great. Even a good current referral to setting up these modules in 2020 would be appreciated.

I can confidently say I can get modules up and running quite easily, but the MMM-Awsome-Alexa AlexaPi and Instragram modules are filled with errors from the start.

• How do I obtain access tokens for my apps on Facebook/Instagram/Amazon with their new authorization processes and developer interface? Are your scripts and helper tools still valid? (I can guess the answer on that one).
• Which errors are due to updated OS’s and running on pi4?

Most topics were covered in 2018 / 2019 and most solutions posted do not work anymore.

…Help!

An enthousiast.

[sdetweil]

@Bernard-h u list some good challenges.

This is a volunteer organization, and we have not had any interest in collecting, organizing or maintaining the breadth of info you outlined. Most of our new users don’t have enough experience to get value out of such a technical library.

I have built a new installer and updater for the base. But as you’ve identified, every module does it’s own thing.

As open source, there is no required commitment from any module author for support or updates. And aging happens fast in the os world.

The Alexa and goggle assistant interfaces are fragile and most
complex, and their support models are not conducive to stability.

The forum is the best avenue for collective support, but you will find yourself on the leading edge of many problems.

[Bernard-h]

Well put.

[sdetweil]

@Bernard-h said in 2020 Outdated setup tutorials for popular Modules Amazon / Insta:

If someone could take the lead in updating installs / tutorials (for Pi4) and explaining on how to get access tokens / api’s for Facebook / Instagram / Amazon Alexa AVS, that would great. Even a good current referral to setting up these modules in 2020 would be appreciated.

in the open source world that leadoff (if someone) means YOU

I am just another user like you. I saw some problems, answered them and then more and more, and realized people needed help installing and updating, and my skills fit with that work. I write modules for me, but not to publish very often (only 1)

my scripts are here
https://github.com/sdetweil/MagicMirror_scripts

referenced from the latest doc ,Alternative Installation Methods

install supports {Pi0-Pi4, Odroid, Jetson Nano, Orange Pi, ubuntu, macos…)

[Mykle1]

@Bernard-h

Authors of modules and documentation come and go. The ones that are still with us are happy to support their modules. Help for unsupported modules comes from the community, if possible. Documentation is slow to be updated if unsupported. I mean really, who wants to update someone else’s tutorial or readMe? It does happen, albeit, infrequently.

As @sdetweil said, “This is a volunteer organization” and “in the open source world that leadoff (if someone) means YOU”. I’m sure you’ve noticed the level of help here. It’s pretty amazing, especially where @sdetweil is concerned. He’s a one man wrecking crew. (Shut up Sam, accept the praise gracefully).

So, ask for help when you need it. Offer help where you can. And have those documents and tutorials up to date and rewritten by Monday morning. ;-)

Seriously, have some fun. :thumbsup:

[Mykle1]

@Bernard-h said in 2020 Outdated setup tutorials for popular Modules Amazon / Insta:

crack at Ms-Dos back in the 80’s

Yes, another potential member of “The Old Guy Club”. As president and founder, I greet you most hardily. :-)

[cowboysdude]

@Mykle1 said in 2020 Outdated setup tutorials for popular Modules Amazon / Insta:

@Bernard-h

Authors of modules and documentation come and go. The ones that are still with us are happy to support their modules. Help for unsupported modules comes from the community, if possible. Documentation is slow to be updated if unsupported. I mean really, who wants to update someone else’s tutorial or readMe? It does happen, albeit, infrequently.

As @sdetweil said, “This is a volunteer organization” and “in the open source world that leadoff (if someone) means YOU”. I’m sure you’ve noticed the level of help here. It’s pretty amazing, especially where @sdetweil is concerned. He’s a one man wrecking crew. (Shut up Sam, accept the praise gracefully).

So, ask for help when you need it. Offer help where you can. And have those documents and tutorials up to date and rewritten by Monday morning. ;-)

Seriously, have some fun. :thumbsup:

Monday? Why so long … should be able to have that done tonight…