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How to Connect 3sparks Chat to OpenAI

Access OpenAI's powerful language models like GPT-4 through 3sparks Chat.

What is OpenAI?

OpenAI is a leading AI research company that provides access to state-of-the-art language models through their API. Their models include GPT-4 and GPT-3.5, which are known for their advanced capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text.

Prerequisites

  • An OpenAI account
  • A valid payment method for API usage

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Create an OpenAI Account

  1. Visit platform.openai.com/signup
  2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one
  3. Add a payment method to your account

2. Get Your API Key

  1. Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys
  2. Click "Create new secret key"
  3. Give your key a name (e.g., "3sparks Chat")
  4. Copy the API key immediately - you won't be able to see it again!

Important Security Note

Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly. If you accidentally expose your key, return to the API keys page and revoke it immediately.

3. Connect 3sparks Chat

  1. Open 3sparks Chat
  2. Click the settings icon in the top right
  3. Select "OpenAI" as your model provider
  4. Paste your API key in the "API Key" field
  5. Choose your preferred model (e.g., "gpt-4" or "gpt-3.5-turbo")
  6. Click "Save"

Available Models

GPT-4
OpenAI's most capable model. Best for complex tasks requiring deep understanding and detailed responses. Higher cost per request.
GPT-3.5-Turbo
A good balance of capability and cost. Suitable for most general-purpose chat applications.

Cost Considerations

OpenAI charges based on the number of tokens used (both input and output). Costs vary by model:

  • GPT-4 is more expensive but more capable
  • GPT-3.5-Turbo is more affordable for general use
  • Monitor your usage in the OpenAI dashboard
  • Set up usage limits to control costs

Troubleshooting

Authentication Error
Double-check that your API key is correct and hasn't expired. Try generating a new key if issues persist.
Rate Limits
New accounts may have lower rate limits. If you hit limits, wait a few minutes or contact OpenAI to request an increase.
Billing Issues
Ensure your payment method is valid and you have available credit. Check the OpenAI dashboard for any billing alerts.