@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

@RamblingGeekUk Thank you, but you’ll regret saying that :-))))))) and i’ll apologise now if i should post in the wrong section or ‘step on someones toes’.
can i post my questions here, as i’ve already posted a (long winded) topic, entitled ‘New and confused’ and had a response from Mykle 1 (very helpful…and patient :-)).
Mick

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

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. :-(((

Hi, i’m new to all of this and as a builder, so far removed from this kind of thing i’m almost coming back on it.
I have started a magic mirror project and have the following items;
Raspberry pi 3 (with 32gb noobs card - loaded and running)
Raspberry pi camera V2
Usb mic
various connectors/extenders etc ( to sit in the frame of the mirror
two-way mirror (using 2-way film and 2mm picture glass -works good).
Samsung LH40DMEPLGC Public display monitor.
Now…i have managed to get the frame built etc (as a builder this is my bread and butter :-)) and have the pi camera and mic set up. i’ve managed to get Alexa up and running on it (but that was a step by step simplistic tutorial) BUT, i
closed the terminals (i didn’t know what else i was supposed to do, thought it would jsut run in the background and come back on when i switched the Pi back on…it didn’t :-(
Anyhoo, i have so many questions and i’d love to complete this little project in time for my wifes return from her jollies in a couple of weeks time. However, the coding etc is baffling me…

1. I’m assuming a module is just a name for software/programme.
2. I thought Magic Mirror was the generic name given to the concept of a screen behind a mirror with info on display
3. What is the Magic Mirror module, what does it do and how do i install it (does it go after the green text in the terminal screen? Can i copy and paste it to there?
4. What is … VNC (allows access from another laptop on same network???), SSH (secure shell - services over secure network),API (a set of functions for apps), am i close???
5. How do i ‘clone a repository’???
6. What is custom CSS
7. What is config.js and where do i find it, what do i then do with it ??? :-)))
8. When i paste some code (as i did when installing Alexa), how do i save it so when i switch off the Pi, everything i’ve just done, isn’t lost?
   The gist of it is that i’d like to have a mirror showing the date, weather and linked to google calendar or the like (to show up coming birthdays etc), but i’d like this to ‘float’ to prevent screen burn.
   I’d also like to be able to play music from the net or tell Alexa to search and play a particular tune etc and be able to put the monitor to sleep and wake up using a voice command ('ive seen a video with a description, but it was like quantum physics to me, as it was mentioning the acronyms above and config files etc etc etc and assuming that the person watching would have at least a basic grasp of coding …I DON’T :-)))))))))…did i mention, i’m a builder :-))
   Sorry for the ‘novel’ but i’d love to try and get my lastest ‘TOY’ up and running properly. Thank you.
   Mick

Alreet. I’m Mick, from the North East of England. I run my own building company, so as you can imagine, coding etc is an absolute mile away from anything i know :-)).
A friend showed me a ‘magic mirror’ and i thought ’ i HAVE to try to make that’. Well the framework etc was simple for me (having all the necessary tools :-)). However. the ‘coding’ aspect might as well be written in Klingon. I have SOOOOOOO many questions to help get this little project to fruition (hopefully in time for my missus coming back from her holidays in a couple of weeks time :-0 )
Anyhoo… i’ll save all of my questions for my next post. :-)
Mick