How-To Guides
Create an Upstream MCP Connector

How to Create an Upstream MCP Connector

This guide walks you through creating an upstream MCP connector in Findexar that ChatGPT will connect to.

Prerequisites

Understanding Upstream Connectors

Upstream connectors are Findexar's MCP endpoints that ChatGPT connects to. They:

  • Handle authentication and user context
  • Manage billing and usage tracking
  • Route requests to downstream connectors
  • Provide tools to ChatGPT

For more details, see Understanding Connectors.

Step 1: Access Connector Settings

  1. Log in to your Findexar organization
  2. Navigate to your Project and Deployment
  3. Click on Connectors or Upstream Connectors
  4. Click Create Connector or Add Upstream Connector

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

Configure the basic settings for your upstream connector:

  1. Connector Name - Give your connector a descriptive name (e.g., "My ChatGPT App")
  2. Connector Slug - A URL-friendly identifier (auto-generated from name)
  3. Description - Optional description of what this connector does
  4. Select Deployment - Choose the deployment environment (e.g., "production")

Step 3: Select Downstream Connectors

Select which downstream connectors to use:

  1. Available Connectors - Review the list of downstream connectors
  2. Select Connectors - Choose one or more downstream connectors to connect
  3. Findexar Service - The Findexar Service connector is automatically added (provides useCredits tool)
  4. Review Selection - Verify that the correct connectors are selected

Step 4: Map Tools and Set Pricing

Map tools from your downstream connectors and set credit prices:

  1. Available Tools - Review tools from your selected downstream connectors
  2. Select Tools - Choose which tools to expose in your upstream connector
  3. Set Credit Prices - Set the cost in credits for each tool call
  4. Configure Tool Settings - Set default parameters or constraints if needed

Tool Mapping Tips

  • Select Essential Tools - Only expose tools that users need
  • Set Appropriate Prices - Price tools based on their cost and value
  • Test Tool Calls - Verify that tools work correctly before going live
  • Monitor Usage - Track tool usage to optimize pricing

Step 5: Configure Authentication

Configure authentication settings:

  1. Authentication Method - OAuth 2.0 is the default (via Clerk)
  2. User Context - User email and name are automatically injected
  3. API Keys - Optional API key support for programmatic access
  4. Access Control - Configure who can access this connector

Step 6: Configure Billing

Configure billing settings:

  1. Subscription Plans - Select which subscription plans can access this connector
  2. Credit Allocation - Credits are allocated based on subscription plans
  3. Usage Limits - Optional usage limits per user or plan
  4. Overage Handling - Configure what happens when credits run out

Step 7: Test Your Connector

Test your upstream connector:

  1. Test Connection - Verify that the connector is accessible
  2. Test Tool Calls - Test individual tools to ensure they work
  3. Test Authentication - Verify that authentication works correctly
  4. Test Billing - Verify that credits are deducted correctly

Step 8: Save and Get MCP Endpoint URL

  1. Save the connector configuration
  2. Copy MCP Endpoint URL - This is the URL you'll use to register with ChatGPT
  3. Save Credentials - Save any API keys or credentials needed for ChatGPT registration

Next Steps

Now that your upstream connector is created:

  1. Register as ChatGPT App - Register your connector as a ChatGPT App or Agent
  2. Test in ChatGPT - Test your app or agent in ChatGPT
  3. Monitor Usage - Track usage and billing in your dashboard

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

  • MCP endpoint not accessible - Check your deployment and network settings
  • Authentication failing - Verify authentication configuration
  • Tools not available - Check tool mapping and downstream connector status

Billing Issues

  • Credits not deducting - Verify billing configuration and subscription plans
  • Usage not tracking - Check usage tracking settings
  • Overage not handling - Verify overage handling configuration

Related Concepts

Create a Downstream ConnectorRegister as ChatGPT App