Troubleshooting, Offline Failover & Port Reference
EssentialResolve port conflicts, black overlay boxes, OBS errors, and Sunday emergencies.
When tech issues arise 5 minutes before Sunday service starts, you need clear, actionable solutions without corporate runarounds. This guide covers port conflict resolutions, OBS overlay fixes, and our Sunday Emergency Offline Recovery protocol.
1. Canonical Port Reference Table
MakeChurchEazy relies on three primary ports. Ensure church firewalls and antivirus software do not block local loopback on these ports:
| Port Number | Protocol | Service Role | Troubleshooting Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45678 | HTTP / TCP | Embedded CEF Overlay Server (Bible, lyrics, docks) | Verify desktop app is open. Test in browser: http://127.0.0.1:45678/dock |
| 17891 | WebSocket / TCP | Local event relay bridge between desktop dock and overlays | Used strictly on 127.0.0.1. Reconnects in 1s if interrupted |
| 4455 | WebSocket / TCP | OBS Studio WebSocket v5 Server | Ensure enabled in OBS Studio ➔ Tools ➔ WebSocket Server Settings |
2. Resolving ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED on Port 45678
If OBS Studio displays an error screen stating 'ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED' on your browser source:
Confirm MakeChurchEazy is Running
The embedded server on port 45678 only runs when the MakeChurchEazy desktop app is launched. If the desktop app is closed, OBS cannot load overlays.
Check Antivirus / Firewall Loopback Rules
Certain aggressive Windows antivirus packages (Norton, Avast, McAfee) block local HTTP servers. Add an exemption for MakeChurchEazy executable.
Verify the URL Uses 127.0.0.1
Always use http://127.0.0.1:45678/... rather than http://localhost:45678/... to avoid slow Windows IPv6 resolution latency.
3. Fixing Black Box / Opaque Background in OBS
Symptom: Your Bible verses or worship lyrics appear on OBS, but there is an ugly black rectangle blocking your camera view.
Solution:
1. In OBS Studio Sources list, double-click your Browser Source. 2. In the 'Custom CSS' field, paste this exact CSS:
3. Scroll down in properties and uncheck 'Shutdown source when not visible'. 4. Click OK. The background will turn completely transparent immediately.
body {
background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) !important;
margin: 0px auto;
overflow: hidden;
}4. Fixing OBS WebSocket Password & Auth Failures
If MakeChurchEazy bottom bar shows 'OBS Connection Failed':
• Open OBS ➔ Tools ➔ WebSocket Server Settings. • If 'Enable Authentication' is checked, click 'Show Connect Info', copy the Server Password, and paste it into MakeChurchEazy Settings. • Alternatively, uncheck 'Enable Authentication' if your computer is on a secure church workstation.
5. Sunday Emergency Offline Protocol
If your church internet router completely fails during Sunday morning service:
Ignore Internet Warning Icons
Even if your laptop says 'No Internet Access', keep MakeChurchEazy running normally. The desktop engine will continue presenting without hiccups.
Continue Service via Keyboard Shortcuts
Use Spacebar to project scriptures and V/C/B hotkeys for worship stanzas.
Local Wi-Fi Mobile Control (Optional)
If your church has a local Wi-Fi router (even without internet connection to the outside world), mobile tablets on the same Wi-Fi can still pair using your laptop's local IP address (e.g. http://192.168.1.50:45678/dock).
6. Sunday Emergency Hotline
Are you stranded on Sunday morning? Our dedicated engineering team offers direct hotline assistance during active Sunday service hours: