embedded-mcp

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serial_tail

Fetch recent log lines from a board's ring buffer for troubleshooting. Pass the board ID and choose how many lines to retrieve, with safe UTF-8 handling that avoids interfering with serial operations.

Instructions

Fetch the most recent log lines from the board's ring buffer history.

Safe across UTF-8 boundaries and non-intrusive (no TX write lock needed).

Args: board_id: The identifier of the board (e.g. 'board_a') lines: Number of recent lines to retrieve (default: 200)

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": {
      "board_id": "<board_id>"
    },
    "name": "serial_tail"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`lines`	No
`board_id`	Yes

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`result`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.0Sep 9, 2026

TDQS

A3.6/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations present, the description carries the burden of disclosing side effects and safety. It does state that the operation is non-intrusive, requires no TX write lock, and is safe across UTF-8 boundaries, but it omits potential behaviors like whether the buffer is consumed, whether a connection is required, or what happens when no logs are available.

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 succinct and well-structured, with a clear purpose statement, a short behavioral note, and a compact parameter list. There is no redundant or extraneous content.

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

Completeness3/5

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

The core operation and parameters are covered, but the description does not mention the output format, failure modes, or whether a prior connection is required. Given the simple structure and absence of an output schema, some additional context about expected return values would improve completeness.

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

Parameters5/5

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

Although the JSON schema has no parameter descriptions, the inline Args section fully explains both parameters: board_id is identified as the board identifier with an example, and lines is defined as the number of recent lines to retrieve with its default value. This adds meaningful semantic value beyond the schema.

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?

The description clearly states the action ('Fetch'), the resource ('the board's ring buffer history'), and the result ('log lines'). It is distinguishable from write/upload tools like serial_write and firmware_upload, though it does not explicitly contrast with serial_read or ssh_tail.

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 provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as serial_read or ssh_tail. The note about being non-intrusive implies a read-only use case, but it does not state a clear selection scenario or compare with sibling tools.

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