TrucBot (OpenClaw) Setup Guide

What We're Building

This guide walks through setting up a two-machine development environment for TrucBot (OpenClaw) agent development. The architecture separates the daily-use workstation from the dedicated AI Bot server, creating a clean workspace while keeping the agent runtime isolated and always available.

System Diagram

Machine Roles

Three Ways to Work with Claude

Interface	Purpose	Model	Runs On
Claude Chat	Planning, architecture, documentation, brainstorming	Opus 4.6 / Sonnet 4.5	MainMac (browser)
Claude Code	Building skills, editing files, running commands	Sonnet 4.5 (default)	MiniMac (via VS Code)
Anthropic API	Agent execution — Claw runs skills autonomously	Haiku 4.5	MiniMac (runtime)

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Two Mac computers on the same local network, a Claude Pro subscription (or higher), and an Anthropic API key for agent execution.

Step 1 — Enable SSH on the Server

On MiniMac, open System Settings → General → Sharing → Remote Login and enable it. Ensure your user account is in the allowed users list.

Step 2 — Configure SSH on the Workstation

On MainMac, create or edit ~/.ssh/config:

Host Claw
    HostName 192.168.x.x       # MiniMac's local IP
    User your-username
    LocalForward 18789 localhost:18789  # Dashboard tunnel
    ServerAliveInterval 60
    ServerAliveCountMax 3
    TCPKeepAlive yes

Step 3 — Install VS Code Remote-SSH

Install the Remote - SSH extension (by Microsoft) in VS Code on MainMac. Connect via Cmd+Shift+P → Remote-SSH: Connect to Host → Claw.

Step 4 — Install Claude Code on MiniMac

From the VS Code remote terminal (which runs on MiniMac):

# Install via npm (Node.js required)
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

# Verify
claude --version

# Launch and authenticate
claude

# Set default model
mkdir -p ~/.claude
echo '{"model": "sonnet"}' > ~/.claude/settings.json

Step 5 — Install Claude Code on MainMac (Optional)

Repeat the same installation on MainMac for local project work. Same process — install, authenticate, set default model.

Step 6 — Save Your VS Code Workspace

While connected to MiniMac in VS Code, go to File → Save Workspace As and save it on MainMac. This lets you reconnect to MiniMac with one click.

Model Selection Guide

Model	Best For	Cost
Opus 4.6	Complex architecture decisions, multi-file debugging, deep reasoning	Highest — use sparingly
Sonnet 4.5	Daily development, skill building, file editing, automation scripts	Balanced — great default for Claude Code
Haiku 4.5	Agent execution, well-defined skill tasks, high-volume operations	Lowest — ideal for Claw's runtime

Switch models on the fly in Claude Code with /model opus or /model sonnet. Your default is set in ~/.claude/settings.json.

Typical Development Session

1. Open VS Code workspace — Double-click your saved workspace file. VS Code reconnects to MiniMac automatically.
2. Open the integrated terminal — This runs on MiniMac via the SSH tunnel. Navigate to ~/.openclaw.
3. Launch Claude Code — Run claude in the terminal. Start building: "Create a new skill that queries the ticketing system."
4. Review changes in the editor — Claude Code edits files directly. You see changes instantly in VS Code's file explorer and editor pane.
5. Test with Claw — Once your skill is built, test it through the OpenClaw Dashboard (accessible at localhost:18789 via the SSH tunnel).
6. Use Claude Chat for planning — Switch to the browser for architecture discussions, documentation, or brainstorming your next integration.

Common Issues