How to Set Up Chatpad AI on Oikos OpenHub: Deploying a Self-Hosted ChatGPT UI

Chatpad AI is an innovative open-source web UI designed to serve as a clean, local, and self-hosted interface for interacting with external Large Language Models (LLMs) like those from OpenAI (ChatGPT). It provides users with a private, customizable chat environment, bypassing reliance on third-party web services for their conversational AI interactions.

Deploying Chatpad AI through the Oikos OpenHub Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) allows you to launch this interface instantly. Oikos manages the container hosting and networking, providing you with a secure, dedicated public endpoint for your AI chat application.

1. Accessing the Oikos OpenHub Catalog#

Access the Oikos Console#

  • Visit: Navigate to the Oikos platform launchpad at https://launch.nife.io.
  • Log In: Use your registered credentials to access the application management console.

Navigate to OpenHub#

  • Locate: Find the OpenHub option in the left-hand navigation sidebar.
  • Selection: Click OpenHub to view the comprehensive catalog of deployable open-source applications optimized for the platform.

Search for Chatpad AI#

  • Search Bar: Utilize the search functionality within the OpenHub interface and enter the term Chatpad AI.
  • Identify: Locate the Chatpad AI application card from the search results, which is pre-configured for deployment on Oikos.

2. Configuring and Initiating Deployment#

For Chatpad AI to function, it needs an API key to communicate with the external LLM service (e.g., OpenAI). This is configured via environment variables.

Start Deployment and Configuration Review#

  • Action: Hover over the Chatpad AI application card and click the Deploy button. This action proceeds to the configuration screen.

Define Mandatory API Key#

The most critical configuration step is providing your external LLM service key:

  • Environment Variable: You will need to define an environment variable, typically named OPENAI_API_KEY or similar, depending on the Chatpad configuration provided by Oikos.
  • Value: Enter your secure and valid API key obtained from the LLM provider (e.g., OpenAI).
  • Security Note: This key is essential for the Chatpad container to authenticate with the LLM provider's API. Oikos ensures this variable is passed securely to your containerized application.

Review Deployment Settings#

  • App Name: Assign a unique, descriptive name to your Chatpad AI instance (e.g., my-private-chatpad).

  • Cloud Region: Select a Cloud Region that minimizes network latency between the Oikos server and the external LLM provider's API to ensure fast chat responses.

  • Finalization: Review all settings, then click Submit or the final Deploy button to commence the container launch process.

Monitor Deployment Status#

  • Process: Oikos will provision resources, pull the Chatpad AI container image, apply your environment variables, and establish a secure HTTPS network endpoint.
  • Completion: Wait for the status indicator to change to Running.

3. Accessing and Utilizing Chatpad AI#

Wait for Completion and Launch#

  • Action: Once the status is Running, click the Open App button.
  • Result: This redirects you to the unique, secure URL of your deployed Chatpad AI interface.

Initial Interaction#

  • Connection Check: Since you provided the API key during deployment, your Chatpad AI interface should immediately be ready to communicate with the LLM backend.
  • Privacy: Your self-hosted instance provides a high degree of privacy and control over your chat history and interaction methods, as the UI is hosted on your own Oikos deployment.

Core Benefits of Deploying Chatpad AI on Oikos#

Utilizing the Oikos PaaS for Chatpad AI offers specific advantages for leveraging LLMs:

1. Enhanced Data Privacy and Control#

By running a self-hosted UI, you maintain complete control over the front-end application and do not rely on a third-party chat interface to manage your sessions or preferences. Only the final, necessary requests are sent to the external LLM API.

2. Simplified LLM Access Management#

Oikos securely manages the injection of your sensitive OPENAI_API_KEY via environment variables directly into the Chatpad container. This eliminates the need for manual file configuration or insecure storage methods on a local machine.

3. Rapid, Dedicated Deployment#

The PaaS environment ensures that your Chatpad instance is deployed rapidly with dedicated resources. This minimizes setup time and provides a stable, internet-accessible platform for using the LLM interface from any device.

4. Zero Infrastructure Overhead#

Oikos handles all container orchestration, server maintenance, and security patching, allowing users to immediately begin interacting with the AI without the overhead of managing a virtual machine or web server stack.

Official Documentation#

For detailed information on Chatpad AI features, advanced settings, and customization options:

Chatpad AI Repository: https://github.com/deiucanta/chatpad