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Glama

Idm Read Stream

idm_read_stream

Read raw bytes from an ISOTEL IDM device stream, returning hex and text. Attach for a set duration or byte limit to inspect live data.

Instructions

Read raw bytes from a stream.

Attaches to the stream for the read and detaches again unless it was already opened with idm_open_stream. Returns the bytes as hex and text.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
deviceYesroot, name or substring identifying the device.
streamYesstream name (or unambiguous substring).
secondsNohow long to listen.
max_bytesNostop after this many bytes.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral burden and discloses key traits: it attaches to the stream for the read, detaches unless already opened with idm_open_stream, and returns bytes as hex and text. This covers lifecycle side effects and output format, though it does not discuss permissions or concurrency.

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?

Front-loads the core purpose in one sentence, then efficiently adds attachment behavior and return format in a short paragraph. Every sentence earns its place with no wasted words.

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 operation with a complete input schema and an output schema, the description is nearly complete: it explains what the tool does, its attach/detach behavior, and the return format. The main gap is absent guidance on when to choose it over sibling read tools.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all four parameters. The description adds no parameter-specific meaning beyond what the schema provides, making the baseline 3 appropriate.

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

Purpose4/5

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

States a specific verb and resource: 'Read raw bytes from a stream.' It clearly distinguishes from listing siblings like idm_get_streams, though it does not explicitly name an alternative or clarify when not to use it.

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?

Offers no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance versus alternatives such as idm_get_value or idm_get_streams. The attachment lifecycle detail is behavioral, not usage guidance.

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