Install the extension

What you need

• Claude Desktop on macOS, Windows or Linux. The extension doesn't work in Claude on the web or on mobile.
• A Telescope API key. See Create an API key. Create a separate key for Claude, named for example Claude - Your Name.
• The extension file, telescope-production.mcpb, from Telescope.

Install

1. Open the file telescope-production.mcpb. Claude Desktop opens and shows the Telescope extension. You can also drag the file onto Claude Desktop's Settings → Extensions page.
2. Select Install.
3. Paste your API key into Telescope API key and save.
4. Make sure the extension is enabled.

Check that it works

Start a new conversation and ask:

Which portfolios do we have in Telescope?

Claude should call the portfolios-list tool and list your portfolios. The first time, Claude Desktop asks for permission to use the tool.

You can see the Telescope tools, and switch single tools off, in the extension's settings or from the tools menu in the message box.

Update the API key

Open Settings → Extensions → Telescope, replace the key and save. Do this after rotating the key in Telescope.

Get new tools

The extension loads the tools from Telescope when it starts. When Telescope adds a tool, or creating is enabled for your organization, disable and enable the extension, or restart Claude Desktop. You don't need a new file.

Staging

Telescope also provides telescope-staging.mcpb, which connects to https://api-staging.telescope.eco. It needs a key created in staging. You can install both side by side.

Troubleshooting

Problem	What to check
The extension shows an error or fails to start	Usually the API key. Check that it is complete, starts with tel_, and hasn't been rotated or revoked. Then disable and enable the extension.
"Telescope returned HTTP 401"	The key is wrong, rotated or revoked, or your user was deactivated. Create a new key.
Claude doesn't use the Telescope tools	Check that the extension is enabled and its tools aren't switched off. Mention Telescope in your question, for example "In Telescope, …".
properties-create is missing	Creating isn't enabled for your organization. Ask your Telescope contact. After it is enabled, restart the extension.
Claude says a property has no hazards	The analyses may still be running for a new property, or there are no stored results. Check the property in the Telescope app.
Answers seem incomplete for large portfolios	Claude reads 100 properties per request. Ask with filters, such as a hazard, an exposure level or a city, so it needs fewer requests.

Uninstall

Open Settings → Extensions, select Telescope, and uninstall it. Then revoke the API key in Telescope if nothing else uses it.