FAQ
These are straight answers to questions site owners ask about pkg_rca_arrowchat. If your situation is not covered here, read Configuration and Troubleshooting, then email support with a screenshot of the RCA ArrowChat dashboard status list.
Does this package include ArrowChat?
No. You need a licensed ArrowChat install from ArrowSuites under your site root. RCA ArrowChat is the Joomla glue that installs a system plugin, an administrator component, and a staff module in one package.
What exactly am I installing?
You are installing package pkg_rca_arrowchat. That package installs System - RCA ArrowChat, the RCA ArrowChat component, and the RCA ArrowChat Staff module together so versions stay aligned.
Is the RCA package free?
Yes. The RCA ArrowChat package is free with a public update feed at https://recreatinganew.com. ArrowChat licensing and billing remain between you and ArrowSuites.
Which Joomla and PHP versions are supported?
The package supports Joomla 4, 5, and 6 with PHP 8.1 or newer. Match your hosting PHP version to what the site frontend actually runs.
Where do I set the ArrowChat folder path?
Open Components, RCA ArrowChat, Options, and use the ArrowChat folder field. Enter the folder name relative to site root, for example chat or livechat, not a full URL. There is no default path on purpose. If the field is empty, the plugin will not guess. After you change the path or avatar options, open the dashboard and click Write bridge.
What does Write bridge do?
Write bridge writes or rewrites ArrowChat’s integration.php from RCA’s template with your friend mode and avatar settings included. It backs up an existing integration.php first. Without Write bridge, ArrowChat may still load while Joomla identity, friends, and avatars ignore what you set in Options.
Which friend list mode should I choose?
Choose All online users for open community chat where everyone logged in should see everyone online. Choose Friends when your site exposes friend relationships the bridge can read and you only want friends as chat targets. Choose All online with no friend table when friend-table joins fail or you want the online list without that dependency. After you pick a mode, save Options, click Write bridge, clear cache, and test with two accounts.
Why does the system plugin have no path field?
That is intentional. Path lives in component Options only so you configure the ArrowChat folder name once. The system plugin reads from the component instead of duplicating another path field that could drift out of sync.
Can I style ArrowChat with template custom.css?
Yes. The system plugin keeps template custom.css last in the CSS cascade so you can override chat chrome without drowning in important flags. Staff module styles use CSS variables you can override in the same file.
What happens if I uninstall RCA ArrowChat?
The RCA system plugin, component, and staff module are removed from Joomla. ArrowChat itself remains on disk unless you remove it separately. integration.php remains as last written by Write bridge unless you restore your backup.
Where do I get help?
Email