As announced in the [forums](https://forum.armbian.com/topic/12803-armbian-irc-channel/) everyone interested can communicate in realtime using the [internet relay chat (or *IRC*)](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat).
In order to enter main `#armbian` channels registration with Nickserv is mandatory. Check [Libera Chat documentation](https://libera.chat/guides/registration) for further information.
Channels starting with `#armbian-` are relayed between Discord and IRC so it does not matter if you join IRC or Discord as both receive your messages. Check `#welcome-and-rules` for more information.
+ **`#armbian`** is the project's main channel. As for now all user interaction happens there, regardless if chit-chat, issue tracking, peer-to-peer user support or even [upcoming release planning talks](https://docs.armbian.com/Process_Release-Model/#release-planning).
+ **`#armbian-commits`** is a moderated channel. Whenever a new interaction with a [repository on Github](https://github.com/armbian/) happens it will be announced. Also newly added issues on [Jira](https://armbian.atlassian.net/projects/AR/issues/?filter=allissues) will be pasted. User chat is not possible.
+ **`#armbian-rss`** is a live forum and Twitter feed. Whenever a new post in the Armbian Forums is made or somebody mentions Armbian on Twitter it will be announced here. User chat is not possible.
Of course, you can also enable desktop notification in your favorite browser for the forums.
+ 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.
+ 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.
+ Yes. All conversation is redundantly logged. These logs are open to the public. You can find them here: [http://irc.armbian.com](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](https://forum.armbian.com/profile/9032-werner/) 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.
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.
+ As mentioned in [forums](https://forum.armbian.com/topic/12803-armbian-irc-chat/?tab=comments#comment-96828) "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](https://wiki.znc.in/Awaynick).
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](https://forum.armbian.com/profile/9032-werner/) or IRC.
By the way if you like to have a free IRC bouncer to always be up-to-date and never miss a conversation again you should check out [this thread](https://forum.armbian.com/topic/13943-irc-bouncer-giveaway/).
