All new Registrations are manually reviewed and approved, so a short delay after registration may occur before your account becomes active.
[Idea Discussion] A Minimalist Chrome Sidepanel Dashboard for Managing Multi-SolusVM (RackNerd) APIs
Hi folks,
As a "low-end budget VPS hoarder" who owns 5+ RackNerd instances across different locations, I’m getting tired of logging into multiple NerdVM control panels just to check my monthly bandwidth or reboot a frozen node.
Traditional server monitors (like Uptime Kuma) are great, but they require installing heavy agents or keeping a separate backend server running.
So, I am currently prototyping a Chrome Sidepanel Extension to solve this specific pain point.
Key Features Implemented/Planned:
100% Client-Side & Private: It aggregates your VPS stats directly via the official SolusVM Client API. No third-party servers. Your API Keys/Hashes are stored safely within your browser's local storage (Bring Your Own Key).
All-in-One Dashboard: View online status, IP lists, and high-visibility bandwidth progress bars (with over-quota warnings) for all your budget boxes in a single sidebar.
Quick Power Actions: One-click to Boot, Reboot, or Shutdown your instances without leaving your current browsing tab.
The Monetization Idea:
I plan to keep a Free Tier for casual users (managing up to 2-3 VPS). For power users who want unlimited slots and advanced network ping tests, I am thinking of a $9.90 One-Time Lifetime Buyout (No annoying subscriptions!).
Since this is my first indie-hacking project for the global market, I am feeling a bit anxious and would love to get some real feedback from the LET community:
Do you see yourself using something like this?
Is $9.90 Lifetime a fair price point for you?
What other features would make you instantly hit the "Pay" button? (e.g., auto-shutdown when bandwidth reaches 95%?)
Please drop your thoughts or feature requests below. For anyone who provides feedback in this thread, I will personally DM you a Lifetime Pro license key for FREE once it's launched on the Chrome Web Store.
Thanks for your time and happy hosting!
Comments
I have like 50+ vps's so to me this sounds like a very interesting project.
Is there any way I can test it?
Sorry for the late reply, timezone difference! 🌍
Hi @rcy026, wow, 50+ VPSs! You are exactly the power user I designed this for! Managing that many control panels must be a nightmare. 😂
By the way, out of curiosity, are most of your 50+ boxes with RackNerd, or are you mixed with other providers (like CloudCone, etc.)? If they share similar SolusVM APIs, I can make sure the extension supports all of them for you!
I am currently polishing the MVP (ensuring smooth performance and rock-solid privacy for local storage with large-scale data like yours).
I would love to have you as my very first Alpha/Beta tester! I will shoot you a PM with a download link as soon as the test build is ready.
And of course, a Lifetime Pro license key is 100% reserved for you! Stay tuned! 🚀
The vps's are spread amongst a lot of providers, but I have a few RackNerds as well.
I could figure out which ones use SolusVM, it would be a good test to see how it works with other providers.
That's fantastic news! A generic SolusVM dashboard that works across different budget providers is actually a much better and bigger goal. 🌟
As long as they use the standard SolusVM Client API (the endpoints look like https://vps-panel-url/api/client/command.php), this extension will handle them flawlessly. RackNerd just happens to be a perfect starting point.
I’ve already started drafting the core architecture and UI framework this weekend. I'm focusing heavily on making the multi-provider list view super clean and compact.
I’ll keep you posted here once the Alpha build is ready for you to throw those various nodes at it. Thanks for helping out, mate! 🚀
Update: The Alpha MVP is ready! 🚀
Hey guys, especially @rcy026 ! I spent the last couple of days sweating over the code and I've officially finished the Alpha build.
What's inside the MVP:
Compact List View: Designed specifically for power users (smooth scrolling, handles tons of nodes gracefully).
Core Power Actions: One-click Refresh, Reboot, and Shutdown directly from the sidebar. No more logging into 50 separate panels.
Localization: Native English & Simplified Chinese support.
100% Privacy: All SolusVM API Keys and Hashes are stored locally in your browser's secure storage (chrome.storage.local). Zero third-party servers involved.
How to Download & Test:
You can download the Alpha build directly from the link below:
📦 Download Alpha v0.1.0 (.zip)
https://github.com/bingege2025/SolusVM-Sidebar-Dashboard/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
⚠️ Quick Note for Installation: After unzipping the file, please make sure you load the inner folder (the one directly containing manifest.json) when using Chrome's "Load unpacked" in Developer Mode.
@rcy026 Please throw your RackNerd (and other SolusVM) boxes at it, and let me know if it blows up or works beautifully!
Looking forward to your brutal feedback, mates! 🔥
Sorry, I took a quick look at the code and there seems to be chinese everywhere, this is not for me.
Hi @rcy026, thank you so much for taking a look at the code and being brutally honest! You are 100% right to be cautious. When it comes to managing server API keys, code transparency and security mean everything.
I took your feedback very seriously and just completed a thorough cleanup of the entire codebase.
What I’ve done just now:
Removed all Chinese comments, logs, and variables. Every single line of code, comment, and console output is now 100% in English.
Fully refactored the project to use a proper internationalization (i18n) locales structure, completely separating language assets from the core logic.
The extension remains completely open-source, lightweight, and runs strictly locally inside your browser. I’d love for you to re-audit the updated repository whenever you have a moment!
Here is the updated clean source link (please copy and paste it into your browser):
https://github.com/bingege2025/SolusVM-Sidebar-Dashboard/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
Thanks again for helping me make this project better and more secure for the entire community! 🤝
Official Release: Live on Chrome Web Store! 🌐
Hey mates, quick update! To deliver a 100% security-audited and frictionless installation experience, the SolusVM Sidebar Dashboard is officially live on the Chrome Web Store.
Why Chrome Web Store?
🛒 Get it now: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/racknerd-server-manager/eopncllcllcigednkoegohhmknhibdbc?authuser=0
(Note: I am currently rendering a silk-smooth demo GIF on my Mac mini to showcase the UI. Will update the thread with the preview shortly. In the meantime, grab the link and enjoy the clutter-free sidebar experience!)
Feedbacks are always welcome! 🚀
🔥 Massive Update: Live Demo GIF, GitHub Source, and Web Store Live!
Hey mates! Since the forum's edit window has closed, I'm dropping the major updates and the official release notice right here in this new reply.
First, for those who prefer "Show, don't tell", here is a 10-second live demo showing exactly how the slick sidebar UI and one-click status refresh work in real-time:
🌐 Official Release: Live on Chrome Web Store!
To deliver a 100% security-audited and frictionless installation experience, the SolusVM Sidebar Dashboard is officially live on the Chrome Web Store.
Why Chrome Web Store?
* Zero Friction: One-click install and automatic updates. No more manually loading
.zipfiles in Developer Mode.* 100% Verified Security: Google's official security team has reviewed the source code.
🛒 Install with 1-Click: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/racknerd-server-manager/eopncllcllcigednkoegohhmknhibdbc?authuser=0
🛡️ 100% Secure & Open For Audit
To address the privacy concerns that we self-hosters care about most (especially regarding API Keys):
💻 Source Code on GitHub: https://github.com/bingege2025/SolusVM-Sidebar-Dashboard
Huge thanks to the first 11 early birds who already brought this to life! Next stop: Node Search & Tag sorting. Drop your suggestions below! 🚀
[Update v1.2.0] Ripped out provider restrictions — now works with any SolusVM panel (BuyVM, HostHatch, VirMach, etc.)
Just got v1.2.0 approved on the Chrome Web Store — wanted to share what's new since my last post.
The biggest change: this thing is no longer RackNerd-only. I ripped out every hardcoded reference and rewired it to work with any provider running SolusVM — BuyVM, HostHatch, GreenCloud, VirMach, whatever you've got. Just paste in your panel URL and API key and it works.
Three features I actually use daily now:
Server search — once you've got 8+ VPS in the list, scrolling sucks. Type a hostname or IP fragment and it filters instantly.
Sticky note categories — I tag servers like "production", "dev sandbox", "expiring soon". Keeps the sidebar sane when you're hoarding too many Black Friday impulse buys.
Privacy mode — one click and all resource numbers turn into asterisks. Useful when you're screensharing on a call or working from a coffee shop and don't want your IPs and usage stats visible to anyone behind you.
Still 100% local storage. Still no account, no server, no analytics. Same lightweight sidebar that doesn't get in your way.
If you tried an earlier version and bounced off because it was RackNerd-only — give it another shot. If you've got a weird SolusVM panel that breaks, tell me and I'll fix it.
Link: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/solusvm-vps-dashboard/eopncllcllcigednkoegohhmknhibdbc?hl=en
Even your comment is fully em dashed mate
Guilty as charged. Tools aside, the extension is real — give it a spin, let me know if your panel breaks.
Honestly it's just a small Chrome tool for VPS hoarders.
If you have boxes across RackNerd / VirMach / whatever and they use SolusVM, this gives you one place to check status/resources and do quick reboot/boot/shutdown. No logging into every provider panel just to see if a box is alive.
No backend, no account, no ads. It talks directly to your SolusVM API and stores config locally in Chrome.
How many SolusVM boxes are you guys running? I found that different providers return slightly different API formats, so I had to tweak the parser a few rounds.
Chrome Web Store:
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/solusvm-vps-dashboard/eopncllcllcigednkoegohhmknhibdbc?hl=en
SolusVM? 2013 vibes come in.
Don't remember using this shit panel ever since. Just now found out it still exists.
Yeah tell me about it lol.SolusVM UI hasn't changed since 2013 and it's still dogshit. That's literally why I made this thing. So I don't have to touch the panel.For the cheap boxes where your provider still uses SolusVM, all I wanted was a quick status glance and reboot/shutdown buttons. Without waiting for that ancient panel to load every time.Not trying to make SolusVM cool again. Just less painful if you're stuck with it.
SolusVM 1.0 is our preferred panel.
Clean UI and easy to use.
Sadly many providers are moving away from it.
it's too advanced for me, has more than 10 buttons. I want a panel with start/stop.
Btw, no IPv6 support in SolusVM, as in, seamless,
Yeah, exactly.SolusVM still feels like something that escaped from 2013 and somehow never got replaced. That's basically why I made this thing.For the cheap boxes where the provider is still stuck on SolusVM, I just wanted a quick way to check status/resources and hit reboot without opening the full panel every time.Not trying to make SolusVM cool again. Just making it slightly less annoying when you're stuck with it.If anyone still has a few SolusVM boxes lying around, the Chrome Web Store link is a few posts above.
I have 48 VPSes. I use Beszel to monitor them (it's much more lightweight than other uptime monitors). I virtually never need to log in to reboot a frozen node because I install watchdog to auto-reboot if the system becomes unresponsive.
So why should someone like me try a vibe-coded extension? What does it have that's indispensable?
Props to your setup. 48 boxes with Beszel + watchdog scripts - you're way past what this thing is built for.
For your stack it's not even close to indispensable.
Only thing it does that Beszel can't: it pulls SolusVM API data directly from the provider side. Bandwidth quota remaining on their end, suspension status, quick reboot/shutdown. No in-guest agent needed, no logging into each provider panel.
Beszel is a real monitor. This is not.
It's just a lazy API poller for people with a handful of cheap SolusVM boxes who don't want to set up proper monitoring. Makes the ancient SolusVM panel slightly less annoying.