OpenClaw + DeepSeek
Give OpenClaw a predictable DeepSeek backend.
OpenClaw supports custom model providers with an OpenAI-compatible base URL. Configure Camel Stream as the primary model for coding, automation, and always-on agent workloads without a variable token bill.
Why this setup
Keep the agent. Change the inference bill.
Always-on cost control
Persistent agents can generate traffic at unpredictable times. A fixed plan makes the inference layer easier to budget.
Custom-provider routing
OpenClaw keeps the orchestration layer while Camel Stream supplies the OpenAI-compatible DeepSeek endpoint.
Useful as a primary or backup
Make Stream the primary provider or add it to an OpenClaw failover design after validating the behavior you want.
Configuration
Connect OpenClaw to Stream.
1. Add the API key
Expose CAMELAI_API_KEY to the OpenClaw gateway process using your existing secret-management approach.
2. Register Camel Stream
Merge the custom provider below into the OpenClaw configuration and set camel-stream/deepseek-v4-flash as the primary model.
3. Verify a bounded workflow
Restart the gateway and test one low-risk agent workflow. Confirm generation, tool use, and any channel delivery before enabling an always-on automation.
{
agents: {
defaults: {
model: { primary: "camel-stream/deepseek-v4-flash" }
}
},
models: {
mode: "merge",
providers: {
"camel-stream": {
baseUrl: "https://api.camelai.com/v1",
apiKey: "${CAMELAI_API_KEY}",
api: "openai-completions",
models: [
{
id: "deepseek-v4-flash",
name: "DeepSeek V4 Flash",
contextWindow: 262144
}
]
}
}
}
}Troubleshooting
Check these details first.
Agent configuration formats change. Compare this guide with the linked official documentation when upgrading OpenClaw.
Set api to openai-completions and use the base URL ending in /v1.
The primary-model reference must include both the provider and model: camel-stream/deepseek-v4-flash.
Restart the OpenClaw gateway after changing provider configuration or environment variables.
Test channel automations with a low-risk task before granting broader tool or filesystem access.
Frequently asked questions
Before you connect.
More coding-agent guides
Use Stream with another agent.
Give your coding agent room to work.
DeepSeek V4 Flash through an OpenAI-compatible API with unlimited token usage for one fixed monthly price.
Get your API key