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flipper-mcp-bridge

by dudebot

flipper-mcp-bridge

MCP server that exposes a USB-connected Flipper Zero as a set of tools for MCP clients (Claude Code, Home Assistant via compatible bridge, etc.). v0 focuses on IR: list/parse saved .ir files, replay buttons, capture new signals.

Tested against Momentum firmware (mntm-008). Any recent Flipper fork with the same CLI (ir tx, ir rx, storage *, loader *) should work.

v0 tools

Tool

Purpose

device_info

Return the Flipper's device_info dict (firmware, hardware, radio)

list_ir_files

List .ir files under a directory on the SD card

list_ir_buttons

Parse a saved .ir file and return its buttons

send_ir_button

Transmit a named button from a saved .ir file

send_ir_signal

Transmit an ad-hoc parsed IR signal by MSB-first integer hex (e.g. NECext DF02 EE11)

list_universal_remotes

List built-in universal IR remotes available on the firmware (ac, tv, fans, ...)

list_universal_signals

List the signal names for a built-in universal remote

send_universal_signal

Transmit a named signal from a built-in universal remote

learn_ir_button

Put the Flipper in RX, capture the next remote press, append it to a .ir file

Related MCP server: Flipper Zero MCP Server

Setup (Windows host, WSL2)

1. Forward the Flipper USB into WSL

Install usbipd-win on Windows:

winget install usbipd

Then (from Windows PowerShell):

usbipd list                          # find the Flipper's BUSID
usbipd bind --busid <X-Y>            # one-time, admin PowerShell
usbipd attach --wsl --busid <X-Y>    # each replug / reboot

After attach, the Flipper shows up in WSL as /dev/ttyACM0.

2. Grant serial access in WSL

sudo usermod -aG dialout $USER

Then restart WSL so the group is active:

wsl.exe --shutdown

Reopen your shell. groups should now include dialout.

3. Install dependencies

From the repo root:

uv sync

4. Smoke test

uv run python scripts/smoketest_readonly.py

You should see device info, a list of files under /ext/infrared/, and parsed contents of each .ir file.

Running

MCP stdio (for Claude Code, Cursor, etc.):

uv run flipper-mcp-bridge

HTTP REST API (for Home Assistant, curl, scripts):

uv run flipper-mcp-bridge --http --port 8765

Endpoints:

Method

Path

Body / Query

GET

/health

GET

/device

GET

/ir/files

?dir=/ext/infrared

GET

/ir/buttons

?file=/ext/infrared/Remote.ir

POST

/ir/send-button

{"file": "...", "button": "..."}

POST

/ir/send-signal

{"protocol": "...", "address": "...", "command": "..."}

GET

/ir/universal/list

?remote=ac (omit to list available remotes)

POST

/ir/universal/send

{"remote": "ac", "signal": "OFF"}

POST

/ir/learn

{"file": "...", "button": "...", "timeout_seconds": 30}

Home Assistant integration

Deployment note: reachability from HA

HA needs to be able to HTTP to the bridge. Two easy setups work out of the box:

  1. Run the bridge on the same host as HA (Pi/NUC/server with Flipper plugged in). HA hits http://127.0.0.1:8765. Simplest.

  2. Run the bridge on any always-on Linux host on the LAN. Start it with --host 0.0.0.0 (the CLI prints a warning — there's no auth in v1, so only do this on a trusted LAN). HA hits http://HOST:8765.

WSL2 caveat: WSL2 uses NAT — the WSL IP isn't reachable from other hosts on the LAN. Running the bridge inside WSL2 and expecting HA on a different device to reach it requires netsh interface portproxy port-forwarding on the Windows host, or running the bridge on the Windows host directly (Python + pyserial work fine on Windows).

Configuration

Drop this into configuration.yaml:

rest_command:
  flipper_humidifier_toggle:
    url: "http://FLIPPER_HOST:8765/ir/send-button"
    method: POST
    content_type: "application/json"
    payload: '{"file":"/ext/infrared/Remote.ir","button":"Humid"}'

  flipper_ac_off:
    url: "http://FLIPPER_HOST:8765/ir/universal/send"
    method: POST
    content_type: "application/json"
    payload: '{"remote":"ac","signal":"OFF"}'

Then in automations or scripts:

action:
  - service: rest_command.flipper_humidifier_toggle

For a switch-like entity, use a RESTful switch pointed at the same /ir/send-button endpoint (state is maintained by HA since the Flipper itself doesn't expose device state).

Port selection

The bridge picks a serial device in this priority order:

  1. Explicit port= argument (library use only)

  2. FLIPPER_PORT environment variable

  3. Auto-detect: the first attached device whose USB manufacturer is "Flipper Devices Inc." (or VID:PID 0483:5740)

  4. Fallback: /dev/ttyACM0

So in the common case you don't need to set anything. If you've got multiple CDC devices and want to pin a specific one:

FLIPPER_PORT=/dev/ttyACM1 uv run flipper-mcp-bridge

Or add env to the .mcp.json server entry.

Registering with Claude Code

The repo ships a .mcp.json at the root — Claude Code picks it up automatically when you start a session in this directory (you'll be prompted to trust it on first launch). If you'd rather register it explicitly:

claude mcp add flipper -- uv run --directory "$(pwd)" flipper-mcp-bridge

Known limitations

  • Capture latency: learn_ir_button takes a few seconds before the Flipper actually starts listening. Press the remote a beat after calling the tool, not immediately.

  • Transport: CLI-over-serial only. Protobuf RPC is not wired yet. Fine for IR at human pace; may be revisited for throughput-sensitive flows.

  • Blocked by foreground apps: if a non-CLI app owns the Flipper (e.g. the Nightstand Clock idle screen), IR TX is blocked. The bridge tries loader close once on conflict, but some apps can only be exited manually on the device.

  • Raw IR capture not supported: unknown-protocol signals won't round-trip via learn_ir_button yet.

  • IR only: Sub-GHz, NFC, RFID, GPIO, BadUSB — none of these are wired.

Available Tools

10 tools
delete_ir_buttonB

Remove a named button from an .ir file (reads, filters, rewrites).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileYes
buttonYes

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden. It mentions the tool 'reads, filters, rewrites' the file, indicating a destructive write operation. However, it does not specify what happens if the button does not exist, whether the change is reversible, or any permission requirements.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is a single, concise sentence that front-loads the action. It is appropriately short but could be slightly more detailed without losing conciseness.

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?

For a simple tool with 2 params and no output schema, the description covers the basic purpose and hints at the internal process. However, it lacks usage context and parameter details, making it only partially complete.

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 adds no extra meaning to the parameters 'file' and 'button' beyond their names. It does not specify file format, button naming conventions, or path details.

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 clearly states the action ('Remove') and the resource ('named button from an .ir file'), and mentions the internal steps (reads, filters, rewrites). This distinguishes it from siblings like list_ir_buttons or send_ir_button.

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_ir_buttons or send_ir_button. No when-not-to-use or prerequisite info is given.

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

device_infoA

Return the Flipper's device_info dict (firmware, hardware, radio, etc.).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states it returns a dict but does not disclose any behavioral traits like caching, permissions, or response details beyond the basic return type.

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?

Single sentence, zero wasted words. Front-loaded with the key action and resource.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given zero parameters and an output schema, the description sufficiently covers the tool's purpose and return content. No gaps identified for this simple tool.

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

Parameters4/5

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

No parameters, so description adds no parameter info. Baseline of 4 is appropriate since schema coverage is 100% and no parameter explanation is needed.

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 clearly states it returns the Flipper's device_info dict with specific categories (firmware, hardware, radio), distinguishing it from all IR-related siblings.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

No explicit when or when-not guidance, but the context of sibling tools being all IR implies this is for device information. Clear but lacks exclusions.

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

learn_ir_buttonA

Put Flipper in IR RX, wait for a single remote press (up to timeout_seconds), then append the captured signal as a named button to the given .ir file. Creates the file if it doesn't exist. The user must press a physical remote at the Flipper during the capture window.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileYes
buttonYes
timeout_secondsNo

TDQS

A4.2/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Discloses key behaviors: Flipper enters IR RX, waits up to timeout_seconds, appends to file (creates if absent), requires physical press. No annotations exist, so description carries full burden; minor gaps like handling duplicate button names not specified.

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?

Three sentences, each adding meaningful information. Efficiently front-loads the core action and provides supplementary details without redundancy.

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?

Covers the main workflow and file handling. Missing return value details (no output schema) and handling of duplicate button names. Adequate for basic use but not fully comprehensive.

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?

Description adds meaning to parameters (file is the .ir file, button is the name for captured signal, timeout_seconds is max wait). Schema coverage is 0%, so description must compensate, but lacks details like file extensions or time-out behavior.

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?

Specifically describes putting Flipper in IR RX mode, waiting for a remote press, and appending the signal as a named button to a file. Clearly distinguishes from siblings like send_ir_button and delete_ir_button.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

Clearly states when to use: to capture a new IR signal from a physical remote. Does not explicitly exclude other cases or mention alternatives, but the context of siblings provides implicit guidance.

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

list_ir_buttonsB

Parse a saved .ir file on the Flipper and return its buttons.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden but only states it 'parses' and 'returns'. It does not disclose side effects (none expected for a read operation), error conditions (e.g., missing file, invalid format), or whether it modifies state. Minimal transparency.

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 a single, efficient sentence that conveys the core action with no extraneous words. It is front-loaded with the key information.

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?

Given the tool's simplicity (1 required parameter, output schema exists), the description sufficiently explains the input and outcome. It could mention that the file must be on the Flipper or that buttons are returned as structured data, but overall it is adequate.

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 adds no meaning beyond the schema's parameter name 'file'. It does not explain what the file path refers to, the expected format, or constraints (e.g., must be an existing .ir file).

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 uses a specific verb 'Parse' and identifies the resource as a 'saved .ir file' on the Flipper, clearly stating it returns buttons. This distinguishes it from sibling tools that delete, learn, send, or list files/remotes, making its purpose unambiguous.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., when the file exists, prerequisites, or that it's for reading only). The description lacks any contextual usage instructions.

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

list_ir_filesA

List .ir files under a directory on the Flipper's SD card (non-recursive).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
directoryNo/ext/infrared

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description must carry the burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool lists files non-recursively, which is a key behavioral trait. However, it does not mention that this is a read-only operation, what happens if the directory does not exist, or any permission requirements.

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 a single sentence of about 15 words, front-loaded with essential information. It contains no superfluous text and effectively conveys the tool's purpose.

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 listing tool with one optional parameter and an output schema, the description covers the key aspects: file type, directory scope, and recursion behavior. Minor gaps include lack of usage guidelines (when to use vs siblings) and no mention of error handling or connectivity requirements.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The schema has 0% description coverage for the single parameter 'directory'. The description adds meaning by stating the tool lists files under a directory, clarifying that the parameter is the path. It also constrains the operation to .ir files and non-recursive listing, which provides additional semantic context beyond the schema field name.

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 clearly states 'List .ir files under a directory on the Flipper's SD card (non-recursive)', specifying the action (list), resource (.ir files), location (directory on SD card), and a constraint (non-recursive). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like list_ir_buttons (which lists buttons) and list_universal_remotes.

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as list_ir_buttons or send_ir_signal. It does not mention any prerequisites or context for its use.

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

list_universal_remotesA

List the built-in universal IR remote names on this firmware (ac, tv, fans, ...).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations provided, and the description only states it lists built-in names. It does not disclose any side effects (none expected), permission needs, or performance traits. Minimal but acceptable for a simple read operation.

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?

Single sentence with examples, no wasted words. Perfectly front-loaded and concise.

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?

The tool is simple with no parameters and a clear purpose. Although the description does not detail the output, an output schema exists, so completeness is adequate. Slight deduction for not explicitly stating the output structure.

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?

No parameters in input schema, and schema description coverage is 100%. The description adds nothing beyond the schema, but baseline 3 applies for zero-parameter tools.

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 clearly states the tool lists built-in universal IR remote names, with specific examples (ac, tv, fans). The verb 'list' is specific and the resource is distinct from siblings like list_ir_files or list_universal_signals.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

No explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance. While the context of sibling tools implies its use for remote names, the description does not direct the agent to alternatives like list_universal_signals or send_universal_signal.

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

list_universal_signalsB

List the signal names available for a built-in universal remote (e.g. POWER, VOL+).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
remoteYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states the action without indicating side effects, read-only nature, authorization needs, or errors. For a listing operation, it's likely safe, but important context is missing.

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 a single sentence of 15 words, front-loading the action and purpose. No redundant information, every word contributes.

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?

For a simple tool with one parameter and an output schema, the description provides the basic purpose but lacks usage guidance, parameter clarification, and behavioral transparency. It is minimally adequate but not thorough.

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?

The input schema has one required string parameter 'remote' with no description (0% coverage). The description mentions 'built-in universal remote' but does not clarify what value the parameter expects (e.g., name or ID), nor does it provide examples for the parameter itself.

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 clearly states the verb 'List' and the resource 'signal names for a built-in universal remote', with examples like POWER, VOL+. This distinguishes it from siblings like list_universal_remotes and list_ir_buttons.

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?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives is provided. The description does not mention prerequisites, nor does it exclude any scenarios. Sibling tool names imply differentiation, but the description itself lacks usage context.

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

send_ir_buttonB

Transmit a named button from a saved .ir file on the Flipper. Raises on CLI error.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileYes
buttonYes

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, the description only mentions 'Raises on CLI error', but fails to disclose other traits such as whether the operation is destructive, requires specific permissions, or what the return value is.

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?

Two sentences, no redundancy, directly conveys purpose and error behavior. Every word earns its place.

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

Completeness2/5

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

No output schema exists, and the description does not explain what 'transmit' entails (e.g., sending an IR signal), success behavior, or how to differentiate from similar tools. Insufficient for an agent to use reliably.

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?

The description adds basic context: 'file' is a saved .ir file and 'button' is a named button, but lacks details on file path format or button name conventions. With 0% schema description coverage, this provides necessary but minimal improvement.

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 explicitly states 'Transmit a named button from a saved .ir file on the Flipper', which provides a specific verb and resource, distinguishing it from siblings like 'learn_ir_button' or 'list_ir_buttons'.

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'send_ir_signal' or 'send_universal_signal'. Prerequisites (file existence, valid button) are not mentioned.

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

send_ir_signalA

Transmit an ad-hoc parsed IR signal. address and command are MSB-first integer hex as reported by ir rx (e.g. protocol='NECext', address='DF02', command='EE11'). Optional '0x' prefix is fine. Raises on CLI error.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
protocolYes
addressYes
commandYes

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, description carries full burden. It mentions 'Raises on CLI error', but lacks disclosure of side effects (e.g., physical IR output), permissions, or idempotency. Basic transmission is implied, but overall transparency is low.

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?

Two sentences, no wasted words, clear structure. First sentence defines purpose, second provides parameter details and error behavior.

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?

Given no output schema and 3 params with 0% schema coverage, description explains parameter format and error handling. However, lacks details on return values, prerequisites, or how the output looks. Adequate but not comprehensive for a tool with no annotations.

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 coverage is 0%, description explains address and command as MSB-first hex with examples (e.g., 'DF02'), and mentions protocol example ('NECext'). Adds meaning beyond schema, but protocol is not fully described. Partially compensates for missing schema descriptions.

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?

Description clearly states 'Transmit an ad-hoc parsed IR signal', differentiating from send_ir_button (which sends stored buttons) and send_universal_signal. The verb 'transmit' and resource 'IR signal' are specific.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

Provides parameter format instructions (hex, MSB-first, optional prefix) and error behavior, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over siblings. The context with siblings like send_ir_button implies use for ad-hoc signals, but not direct guidance.

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

send_universal_signalB

Transmit a named signal from a built-in universal remote (e.g. remote='ac', signal='OFF').

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
remoteYes
signalYes

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must cover behavioral traits. It only states that it 'transmits' a signal, but omits key details like side effects, authorization needs, success/failure behavior, or whether the remote must be 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 a single, front-loaded sentence with an example. Every word earns its place; no redundancy or filler.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is insufficient. It does not explain return values, error conditions, prerequisites, or constraints, leaving the agent without critical context for a successful invocation.

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 0%, so the description must compensate. It provides an example (remote='ac', signal='OFF'), which gives some meaning, but does not explain valid values, format constraints, or relationship to sibling list tools that could provide valid options.

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 clearly states the tool transmits a named signal from a built-in universal remote, with an explicit example. It distinguishes from sibling tools like list_universal_remotes and list_universal_signals, as well as IR-specific tools.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies usage when sending a universal remote signal, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor any prerequisites or context for when not to use it.

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

Tool Schema Changelog

Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. 10 tool updatesv0.0.1
    • First observeddelete_ir_button
    • First observeddevice_info
    • First observedlearn_ir_button
    • First observedlist_ir_buttons
    • First observedlist_ir_files
    • First observedlist_universal_remotes
    • First observedlist_universal_signals
    • First observedsend_ir_button
    • First observedsend_ir_signal
    • First observedsend_universal_signal

TDQS

A3.7/5.0

Scored across 10 tools

Disambiguation5/5

Each tool targets a distinct action or resource: device_info for hardware info, list_* for browsing, learn_* for capturing, send_* for transmitting, and delete_* for removal. No two tools overlap in purpose.

Naming Consistency4/5

Most tools follow a verb_ir_noun or verb_universal_noun pattern (e.g., delete_ir_button, send_universal_signal). The one exception is device_info, which uses noun_noun, breaking the pattern slightly.

Tool Count5/5

With 10 tools, the server covers the core IR workflows (browse, learn, send, delete) without being overwhelming. The count feels well-scoped for the domain.

Completeness3/5

Basic IR operations are covered, but there are gaps: no tool to delete an entire .ir file, rename a file or button, or directly create an empty file. These missing operations may cause workflow dead ends.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessSyncing

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