Advanced Setup · 08 / 13

Connect Your AI Model

Connect Hermes to a model provider safely without exposing API keys.

Connect Your AI Model

Station 8 - Model connected. Time: 20-30 min. You add model access to Hermes. Pass when Hermes replies without an API authentication error.

What this is

Hermes is the agent system, but it still needs a model provider to think and respond.

Why it matters

The model controls cost and quality. Cheap models are usually enough for learning. Premium models can become expensive quickly.

What to do

For Hermes 101, the default provider is OpenRouter. The facilitator will choose one starter model for the whole room.

Do not choose a premium model unless you understand the cost. If OpenRouter is blocked, the planned budget fallback is DeepSeek. Kilo Code is advanced/optional only.

Write this down before setup:

Copy

Today's provider: OpenRouter
Today's starter model:
Spending limit checked: Yes / No
Backup provider: DeepSeek

Use the setup command recommended by the facilitator:

Terminal command

hermes setup

Swipe sideways if a command is long.

Or go straight to model setup if that is the current Hermes flow:

Terminal command

hermes model

Swipe sideways if a command is long.

Start Hermes:

Terminal command

hermes

Swipe sideways if a command is long.

Ask:

Copy prompt

Say hello and tell me what model or provider you are using if available.

API key rule:

Copy

Your API key is like a password. Do not paste it in public chat, screenshots, slides, GitHub, or support threads.

Common mistakes

Copying only part of the API key.
Using a provider account with no credits or disabled billing.
Choosing a premium model without understanding cost.
Sharing the key while asking for help.

Next step

Go to OpenRouter Setup.