ADT Security MCP Server

Get ADT Camera Snapshot

get-camera-snapshot

Read-only

Retrieve a live image from a specified ADT or Alarm.com security camera by camera ID. Use it to verify activity or check a location without exposing signed provider URLs.

Instructions

Fetch a current camera snapshot through the server. Signed provider URLs are never returned.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "cameraId": "<cameraId>"
    },
    "name": "get-camera-snapshot"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`cameraId`	Yes

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`bytes`	Yes
`cameraId`	Yes
`mimeType`	Yes
`capturedAt`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.1.0Oct 1, 2026

TDQS

A3.5/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, openWorldHint=true, and idempotentHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds a useful behavioral caveat that signed provider URLs are never returned, but it does not discuss authentication, rate limits, caching, or other runtime behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two short, front-loaded sentences with no wasted wording. The core action is stated first, followed by an important return-behavior caveat, making it easy to parse quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only snapshot tool, the description covers the main action and a notable output constraint, while annotations supply the safety profile and an output schema exists for return values. The main gap is parameter semantics, but the tool remains understandable enough to invoke correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters2/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description does not mention the single required parameter cameraId or its format, source, or constraints. The schema only provides type and length bounds, so the description fails to compensate for the missing parameter documentation.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb and resource: fetching a current camera snapshot. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools such as adt-dashboard, get-alerts, and arm-system. An agent can identify the tool's core operation without needing to inspect the schema.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives no explicit when-to-use guidance, prerequisites, or alternatives. It implies a simple fetch operation from the name and description, but does not tell the agent when this tool is preferable to other camera- or event-related siblings.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Deploy Server