firefrost-operations-manual/docs/tasks/simple-voice-chat-mayview/deployment-plan.md

Simple Voice Chat - Deployment Plan

Task: #34 - Simple Voice Chat Setup for Mayview
Server: Mayview (NC1 Charlotte)
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Created: February 22, 2026

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PHASE 0: PREPARATION (15 minutes)

Step 1: Verify Mayview Details

SSH to NC1:

ssh root@216.239.104.130

Verify Mayview is running and get details:

# Use Pterodactyl panel to check:
# - Minecraft version
# - NeoForge version
# - Current mod count
# - Server performance

Confirm:

• Mayview is 1.21.1
• NeoForge version confirmed
• Server is stable
• No recent crashes

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Step 2: Research Compatible Version

Find Simple Voice Chat version for NeoForge 1.21.1:

CurseForge search:

1. Go to https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/simple-voice-chat
2. Click "Files" tab
3. Filter: Game Version = 1.21.1, Mod Loader = NeoForge
4. Download latest stable version

Modrinth search (alternative):

1. Go to https://modrinth.com/plugin/simple-voice-chat
2. Click "Versions" tab
3. Filter: Game Version = 1.21.1, Mod Loader = NeoForge
4. Download latest version

Verify dependencies:

• Check mod page for required dependencies
• Most likely: None (standalone mod)

Record version details:

Mod: Simple Voice Chat
Version: [X.X.X]
Minecraft: 1.21.1
Loader: NeoForge [version]
File: voicechat-neoforge-[version].jar

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Step 3: Backup Mayview

Create backup before making changes:

Via Pterodactyl panel:

1. Navigate to Mayview server
2. Go to "Backups" tab
3. Click "Create Backup"
4. Name: pre-voicechat-[date]
5. Wait for completion

Verify backup:

• Backup created successfully
• Backup size reasonable (check against previous backups)
• Backup downloadable (test download if paranoid)

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PHASE 1: SERVER INSTALLATION (20 minutes)

Step 4: Upload Mod to Server

Method 1: Via Pterodactyl File Manager

1. Navigate to Mayview server in Pterodactyl
2. Go to "Files" tab
3. Navigate to /mods/ directory
4. Click "Upload" button
5. Select downloaded voicechat-neoforge-[version].jar
6. Wait for upload to complete

Method 2: Via SFTP (if Pterodactyl upload fails)

# Use FileZilla or similar SFTP client
# Host: 216.239.104.130
# Port: 2022 (or Pterodactyl SFTP port)
# Upload to: /mods/

Verify upload:

# Via Pterodactyl file manager, verify file exists:
# /mods/voicechat-neoforge-[version].jar

• Mod file uploaded
• File size matches download (verify not corrupted)

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Step 5: Configure Voice Chat Settings

Access server files via Pterodactyl:

1. Go to "Files" tab
2. Navigate to /config/voicechat/
   • If directory doesn't exist: It will be created on first server start
   • Proceed to Step 6, then return here after first start

If config exists, edit voicechat-server.toml:

Via Pterodactyl editor:

[voice]
# UDP port for voice chat (must be opened in firewall)
port = 24454

# Maximum voice distance in blocks
voice_distance = 48.0

# Distance multiplier when crouching (whisper mode)
crouch_distance_multiplier = 0.5

# Maximum allowed voice distance (prevents abuse)
max_voice_distance = 120.0

# Audio codec (OPUS recommended for quality, VOIP for performance)
codec = "OPUS"

# MTU size (usually don't change)
mtu_size = 1024

# Keep alive interval in ms
keep_alive = 1000

# Allow players to record voice (privacy concern - recommend false)
allow_recording = false

# Voice chat enabled (true to enable)
enabled = true

Save the file.

Recommended settings for Mayview:

• Port: 24454 (default, unless conflicts exist)

• Voice distance: 48 blocks (good balance)

• Codec: OPUS (better quality)

• Recording: false (privacy protection)

• Configuration file edited

• Settings match recommendations (or custom choices documented)

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Step 6: Open Firewall Port on NC1

SSH to NC1:

ssh root@216.239.104.130

Add UFW rule for voice chat:

sudo ufw allow 24454/udp comment 'Simple Voice Chat - Mayview'

Verify rule added:

sudo ufw status | grep 24454

Expected output:

24454/udp         ALLOW       Anywhere         # Simple Voice Chat - Mayview

Test port is open (from external machine):

# From your local machine (not NC1):
nc -zvu 216.239.104.130 24454
# Should show connection attempt (may timeout, but proves port reachable)

• UFW rule added
• Rule appears in ufw status
• Port externally reachable (optional test)

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Step 7: Start Mayview Server

Via Pterodactyl panel:

1. Navigate to Mayview server
2. Click "Console" tab
3. Click "Start" button
4. Watch console for errors

Monitor startup:

Watch for:
✅ "Simple Voice Chat" initialization messages
✅ "Voice chat server started on port 24454"
✅ Server reaches "Done" state
❌ Any error messages containing "voicechat"
❌ Crashes or failures to start

Check logs specifically for voice chat:

# In Pterodactyl console, search for:
"voicechat"
"Simple Voice Chat"
"Voice chat server"

If server fails to start:

1. Check console for specific error
2. Verify mod file not corrupted (re-download if needed)
3. Check for dependency errors
4. See troubleshooting section

• Server started successfully
• Voice chat initialized
• No errors in console
• Server fully loaded

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Step 8: Verify Configuration Generated

After first start, config should be created:

Via Pterodactyl file manager:

1. Navigate to /config/voicechat/
2. Verify files exist:
   • voicechat-server.toml (server config)
   • Other config files may be present

If config wasn't manually edited in Step 5:

• Edit now using recommended settings

• Restart server after editing

• Config directory exists

• Config files generated

• Settings verified/updated

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PHASE 2: CLIENT TESTING (30 minutes)

Step 9: Install Client Mod (Test Client)

On your test Minecraft client:

1. Download same version as server:

   • Use same file: voicechat-neoforge-[version].jar
   • Or download from CurseForge/Modrinth (client version)

2. Install mod:

   # Copy jar file to:
   %appdata%\.minecraft\mods\    (Windows)
   ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods/    (Mac)
   ~/.minecraft/mods/    (Linux)
   

3. Start Minecraft:

   • Launch Minecraft with NeoForge 1.21.1 profile
   • Verify mod loads (check Mods menu)

4. Verify mod appears:

   • Main menu → Mods
   • Search for "Simple Voice Chat"
   • Should appear in list

• Client mod installed
• Minecraft starts successfully
• Mod appears in mod list

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Step 10: Configure Client Settings

Connect to Mayview:

Server: 216.239.104.130 (or Mayview's address)

Access voice chat settings:

• Press ESC (in-game)
• Click "Options"
• Click "Voice Chat Settings" (new button)

Configure audio:

Input (Microphone):

• Select your microphone
• Adjust activation threshold (test by speaking)
• Choose push-to-talk or voice activation
• Set push-to-talk key (default: V)

Output (Speakers/Headphones):

• Select output device
• Adjust voice chat volume
• Test with another player if available

Other settings:

• Enable voice chat: ON

• Noise suppression: Recommended

• Microphone amplification: Adjust as needed

• Voice chat settings accessible

• Microphone detected

• Output device selected

• Push-to-talk key set

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Step 11: Single Player Test

Test alone first:

Verify connection:

• Join Mayview server
• Press TAB to see player list
• Look for voice chat icon next to your name
• Should show microphone status

Test microphone:

• Hold push-to-talk key (V)
• Speak into microphone
• Should see voice indicator (visual feedback)

Test in-game menu:

• Access voice chat menu (check mod docs for keybind)
• Verify settings save
• Adjust volume if needed

Check console for errors:

# In Minecraft console (F3+D to open)
# Look for voice chat connection messages
# Should show "Connected to voice chat server"

• Connected to voice chat server
• Microphone activates on push-to-talk
• Visual feedback visible
• No connection errors

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Step 12: Multi-Player Proximity Test

Get 2-3 test players:

• Other staff members
• Willing players from Discord
• Alt accounts if available

Test proximity mechanics:

Test 1: Distance detection

1. Start near each other (within 10 blocks)
2. One player speaks (push-to-talk)
3. Others verify they hear clearly
4. Walk away slowly while speaking
5. Verify volume decreases with distance
6. At 48 blocks, voice should be very quiet/silent

Test 2: Whisper mode (crouch)

1. Stand 20 blocks apart
2. Speaker crouches and speaks
3. Verify whisper is quieter than normal
4. Test that whisper distance is reduced

Test 3: Multiple speakers

1. Have 2+ people speak simultaneously
2. Verify audio doesn't clip/distort
3. Check that multiple voices are audible

Test 4: Volume controls

1. Each player adjusts output volume
2. Verify independent control works
3. Test mute function

Test 5: Performance check

1. Monitor FPS while voice chatting
2. Check for lag or stuttering
3. Verify server TPS remains stable (check Pterodactyl)

• Proximity detection works (volume changes with distance)
• Whisper mode functions correctly
• Multiple simultaneous voices work
• Volume controls effective
• No performance degradation

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PHASE 3: PLAYER ROLLOUT (Ongoing)

Step 13: Create Player Installation Guide

Write guide covering:

# How to Install Simple Voice Chat for Mayview

## Download the Mod

1. Download from: [CurseForge link]
   OR
   Download from: [Modrinth link]
   
2. Make sure you download the **NeoForge 1.21.1** version!

## Install the Mod

1. Locate your Minecraft mods folder:
   - Windows: Press Win+R, type %appdata%\.minecraft\mods
   - Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods
   - Linux: ~/.minecraft/mods

2. Copy the downloaded .jar file into the mods folder

3. Restart Minecraft

## Configure Voice Chat

1. Launch Minecraft with your Mayview profile
2. Connect to Mayview server
3. Press ESC → Options → Voice Chat Settings
4. Select your microphone (Input Device)
5. Select your speakers/headphones (Output Device)
6. Set Push-to-Talk key (default: V)
7. Test your microphone by speaking

## Using Voice Chat

- **Talk:** Hold V (or your chosen key)
- **Whisper:** Crouch while talking (quieter, shorter range)
- **Mute:** [Check in-game menu for mute keybind]
- **Adjust Volume:** Voice Chat Settings → Output Volume

## Troubleshooting

**"Voice chat not connected"**
- Check that Simple Voice Chat mod is installed
- Verify you're on Mayview server
- Try restarting Minecraft

**"Can't hear anyone"**
- Check Output Device in settings
- Increase Output Volume
- Ask others to speak (push-to-talk)

**"Others can't hear me"**
- Check Input Device (microphone) selected
- Hold push-to-talk key while speaking
- Adjust microphone amplification

**Need help?** Ask in Discord #support!

Save guide to:

• Discord (pinned message in #mayview channel)

• Firefrost wiki (if available)

• Pastebin/Google Doc (shareable link)

• Player guide written

• Guide reviewed for clarity

• Guide posted in accessible location

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Step 14: Announce to Players

Discord announcement:

See README.md for announcement template.

Post in:

• #announcements
• #mayview
• @Mayview role mention

Include:

• What it is

• Why it's cool

• How to install (link to guide)

• Testing date/time

• Optional (don't force)

• Announcement posted

• Installation guide linked

• Questions answered

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Step 15: Scheduled Testing Session

Plan group testing event:

Announce:

🎙️ Voice Chat Testing Event!

Date: [TBD]
Time: [TBD]
Location: Mayview server

Come test the new proximity voice chat!
- Cobblemon hunts with voice coordination
- Hide and seek with whisper mode
- Just hang out and chat naturally

Bring your microphone!
Install guide: [link]

During testing:

• Be online to troubleshoot

• Gather feedback

• Note any issues

• Adjust settings if needed

• Testing event scheduled

• Event announced

• Participated in testing

• Feedback collected

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PHASE 4: MONITORING & OPTIMIZATION (Ongoing)

Step 16: Monitor First Week

Check daily:

• Server logs for voice chat errors
• Player feedback in Discord
• Server performance (TPS)
• Any crashes related to voice chat

Gather feedback:

• Ask players about audio quality
• Check if they're using it
• Note any complaints or issues

Common adjustments:

• Voice distance (too far/too short?)

• Codec (quality vs performance)

• Volume limits (too loud/quiet?)

• Daily log checks complete

• Player feedback positive

• No major issues

• Settings optimized

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Step 17: One-Month Review

After 30 days, evaluate:

Adoption rate:

• How many players installed?
• How many actively use it?
• Do players prefer it over Discord?

Technical performance:

• Any crashes or errors?
• Server performance impact?
• Audio quality acceptable?

Player sentiment:

• Positive feedback?
• Complaints or requests?
• Worth keeping?

Decision:

• Keep: >50% adoption, positive feedback, no issues

• Modify: Issues but fixable (adjust settings)

• Remove: <30% adoption or major problems

• Metrics gathered

• Feedback reviewed

• Decision made

• Action taken (keep/modify/remove)

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ROLLBACK PROCEDURE

If you need to remove Simple Voice Chat:

Step 1: Stop Mayview

# Via Pterodactyl panel: Stop server

Step 2: Remove Mod Files

# Via Pterodactyl file manager:
# Delete: /mods/voicechat-neoforge-[version].jar
# Delete: /config/voicechat/ (entire directory)

Step 3: Close Firewall Port

ssh root@216.239.104.130
sudo ufw delete allow 24454/udp
sudo ufw status  # Verify removed

Step 4: Restart Server

# Via Pterodactyl panel: Start server

Step 5: Notify Players

Discord announcement:
"We've removed Simple Voice Chat from Mayview due to [reason].
Players can remove the mod from their mods folder.
We're sticking with Discord for voice communication."

Rollback time: 10 minutes
Data loss: None (voice chat is realtime only)

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TROUBLESHOOTING

Server won't start after mod install

Check:

• Mod version matches server version (1.21.1 NeoForge)
• File not corrupted (re-download)
• No conflicting mods (check crash log)

Solution:

1. Remove mod temporarily
2. Start server (verify works without mod)
3. Re-download mod from official source
4. Install again
5. Check console for specific error

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"Voice chat server failed to start"

Check:

• Port 24454 not already in use
• Firewall allows UDP 24454
• Config file syntax correct

Solution:

# Check if port in use:
sudo netstat -tulpn | grep 24454

# Try different port in config:
port = 24455  # In voicechat-server.toml

# Update firewall:
sudo ufw allow 24455/udp

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Players can't connect to voice chat

Check:

• Client mod installed and same version as server
• Firewall not blocking on player's end
• Voice chat enabled in client settings

Solution:

1. Verify client mod version matches server
2. Check client firewall/antivirus
3. Have player restart Minecraft
4. Test with different player (isolate issue)

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Audio quality poor/choppy

Check:

• Player's internet connection
• Server TPS (performance issue?)
• Codec setting (try VOIP instead of OPUS)

Solution:

# In voicechat-server.toml:
codec = "VOIP"  # Lower quality, better performance

# Or reduce voice distance:
voice_distance = 32.0  # Reduce from 48

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SUCCESS CRITERIA

Phase 1 (Server Installation):

• ✅ Server starts with voice chat mod
• ✅ No errors in console
• ✅ Firewall port open
• ✅ Config generated/verified

Phase 2 (Client Testing):

• ✅ Client mod installs successfully
• ✅ Connection to voice server works
• ✅ Proximity detection functions
• ✅ Audio quality acceptable
• ✅ No performance impact

Phase 3 (Player Rollout):

• ✅ Installation guide clear
• ✅ Players can install without help
• ✅ >3 players test successfully
• ✅ Positive feedback

Phase 4 (Long-term):

• ✅ >50% adoption rate
• ✅ Stable performance
• ✅ Players prefer it or use alongside Discord
• ✅ No major issues

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DOCUMENTATION UPDATES

After completion, update:

• tasks.md (mark task complete)
• infrastructure-manifest.md (if voice chat is significant addition)
• Mayview server documentation
• Player handbook/wiki

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Fire + Frost + Foundation = Where Love Builds Legacy 💙🔥❄️

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Created: February 22, 2026
By: Chronicler #22
Status: Ready for execution when approved