Matrix¶

👏 Overview¶

As announced in the forums everyone interested can communicate in realtime using the internet relay chat (or IRC for short). Well known IRC clients for CLI are Weechat or Irssi and for GUI Hexchat or Konversation.
Mature clients for Matrix: Element or FluffyChat.

Besides that communication is also possible via Discord or Matrix (closed beta).

🔌 How to connect¶

IRC¶

Libera network:

Server: irc.libera.chat
Ports: 6697 / non-encrypted: 6667
Channels: as listed below

OFTC network:

Server: irc.oftc.net
Ports: 6697 / non-encrypted: 6667
Channels: #armbian and #armbian-announcements are available only

In order to enter main #armbian channels registration with Nickserv is mandatory on Libera. Check Libera Chat documentation for further information.

Discord¶

Simply click here: https://discord.com/invite/armbian

Channels starting with #armbian- are relayed between Discord and Libera IRC so it does not matter if you join IRC or Discord as both ends receive your messages. Check #welcome-and-rules for more information. The main #armbian channel and #armbian-announcements are relayed between Discord, Libera, OFTC and Matrix.

Matrix (closed beta)¶

Server: matrix.armbian.com
Channels: #armbian:matrix.armbian.com and #armbian-announcements:matrix.armbian.com are available only
To receive an invitation for former please ping either Lanefu or Werner with your Matrix handle in any known ways to communicate like the chat options above or forums. Once in feel free to invite others by yourself.

🛑 Rules¶

Forums registration terms and rules apply for our chats: https://forum.armbian.com/terms

💬 Channels (depending on platform only a limited selection might be available)¶

#armbian is the project’s main channel. Issue tracking, peer-to-peer user support or upcoming release planning talks.
#armbian-announcements : important messages from the Armbian team. You definitely want to idle here. Moderated channel
#armbian-devel : build engine development topics
#armbian-desktop : desktop environment development
#armbian-csc unsupported/stating board talk
#armbian-allwinner Allwinner-related SoC talk
#armbian-amlogic Amlogic-related SoC talk
#armbian-broadcom Broadcom-related SoC talk
#armbian-rockchip Rockchip-related SoC talk
#armbian-offtopic General chit chat, whatever that does not fit other channels
#armbian-commits Whenever a new interaction with a repository on Github happens it will be announced. Moderated channel

👮 Services¶

Besides the services offered by IRC (like Nickserv or Chanserv) Armbian has set up some own services (on Libera only).

ArmbianGithub

Has the purpose to fill #armbian-commits channel

DC-IRC

Has the purpose to relay messages between the IRC networks and Discord. Applies for all channels beginning with #armbian- as well as #armbian.

ArmbianHelper

Allows searching forums via Google API (not very precise though)
- Example: ,g Allwinner H6 panfrost
A few more minor commands, mostly used by staff or do not need introduction
- .nonprofit, .sed, .contribute, .rtfm, .fortune, .sunxi, .meson, help, help irc, .tvboxes
Translation for non-native English speakers
- Simply start your sentence with -- at the beginning and the bot will translate your message regardless of the source language into English.
  Note: This services will be activated manually on demand (like planned meetings for example) since its backend generates cost.

❔ FAQ¶

Why are there so many people in the channel and nobody is talking?
- It is pretty common for community IRC channels for people to simply idle there. Many also using so called IRC bouncers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNC_(software) that keeps their connection to the channel alive to act like an answering machine.

I wrote ‘Hi’ but nobody answered. How do I get support there?
- Probably there is nobody around at the time. Keep in mind that all users are spread around the globe and therefore living in many different time zones.
  It is a common habit to simply state your question or issue and then wait patiently for an answer. Depending how complex this may take up to a few hours because most Armbian contributors have detailed knowledge in a specific board family only.
Is the chat history public as well?
- Yes. All conversation is logged. These logs are open to the public. You can find them here: http://irc.armbian.com
Why do some people have odd hostnames like @armbian/staff/lanefu or @user/username?
- These hostnames are so called project affiliation cloaks. These are meant to show a users affiliation to a specific project and their role there.
Can I have that too?
- Yes. An Armbian affiliation cloak can be requested from Werner either via forums or IRC. They usually will be granted if you are a well known member in forums, a contributor via Github or donated to the project. Make sure you identified yourself to Nickserv beforehand.
How can I protect my nickname so nobody can spoof me?
- Register your nick with Libera’s Nickserv service. Check https://libera.chat/guides/registration
  Even though it is not mandatory you should register and identify with the services as other channels for example may not allow unregistered users to chat or join at all as anti-spam measure.
Why do some users have voice (+v) in channel?
- As mentioned in forums “all contributors to the project, regardless if forums staff, contributor on Github or well known and longtime active user” may get voice on request.

Should I add away to my nick if I am AFK? Like Werner|away
- No. Please use the /away [reason] command as intended. For an explanation please have a look at the ZNC Wiki.

👉 Bottom line¶

If you have any questions, comments regarding the IRC channels and/or services or found an issue in this documentation for think you can enhance it get in touch with Werner either via forums, IRC or Discord.