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Quick Start

Connect the ECGrid MCP Server to your AI tool in four steps.

Step 1 — Get Your ECGrid API Key​

Go to your existing ECGrid Portal, log in, and copy your API key from account settings. This is the same key used for the REST and SOAP APIs — no new account needed.

Step 2 — Check Node.js (Claude Desktop only)​

Developers calling the MCP server directly over HTTP: skip this step. Node.js is not required for HTTP integrations.

Open a terminal and run:

node --version

You need v18 or later. If Node.js is missing or too old, install the LTS version from nodejs.org.

Node.js is required by Claude Desktop as a local bridge to remote MCP servers — not by ECGrid. This is a one-time install.

Step 3 — Add the Config Block​

Add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json (replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ecgrid-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp.ecgrid.io/mcp",
        "--header",
        "X-APIKey:YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "--transport",
        "http-only"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Config file location:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Or open it directly: Claude Desktop → hamburger menu (☰) → Settings → Developer → Edit Config.

Fully restart Claude Desktop after saving.

Step 4 — Test the Connection​

Type this prompt in your AI tool:

Test the ECGrid MCP connection

A successful response returns your ECGrid login name, auth level, network ID, and current server time.

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