OpenRouter Setup

Station 8B - OpenRouter ready. Time: 15-25 min. You create or prepare the OpenRouter API key for Hermes. Pass when the provider, starter model, and spending guardrail are written down.

What this is

OpenRouter is the default Hermes 101 model provider. It lets Hermes use many AI models through one API key.

In this workshop, do not browse randomly or choose premium models. Use the exact starter model your facilitator gives you.

Why it matters

Hermes is provider-agnostic, but beginners need one clean path. OpenRouter is a good first path because the class can use one provider setup while the facilitator can still choose a cheap starter model.

What to do

Before class, the facilitator should fill this in:

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

Learner steps:

1. Open OpenRouter and sign in or create an account.
2. Create an API key from the OpenRouter keys/settings area.
3. Copy the key only when Hermes asks for it.
4. In Hermes, run the model setup flow:

hermes model

Or, if the facilitator wants the full wizard:

hermes setup

5. Choose OpenRouter as the provider.
6. Choose the exact starter model written by the facilitator.
7. Start Hermes and test one hello message.

hermes

Say hello. Keep it short. Then tell me if you can see which provider or model is configured.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a random premium model because it looks powerful.
• Sharing the API key while asking for help.
• Copying only part of the key.
• Creating multiple keys and forgetting which one is active.
• Forgetting that model/API usage is separate from VPS cost.

Next step

Go to First Real-Life Task.