tdmcp

Connect serial device bus

connect_serial_device_bus

Set up a serial device bus in TouchDesigner to connect microcontrollers, sensors, and show-control devices, with parse maps for data handling.

Instructions

Create a Serial DAT/CHOP scaffold for microcontrollers, sensors, and show-control devices with parse maps.

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "connect_serial_device_bus"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`name`	No	Generated baseCOMP name.	serial_device_bus
`active`	No
`device`	No		COM1
`baud_rate`	No
`parent_path`	No	Parent COMP for the serial device scaffold.	/project1
`include_chop`	No
`message_count`	No

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.13.1Aug 2, 2026

TDQS

B3.1/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already indicate the tool is not read-only (readOnlyHint=false) and not destructive, so the description doesn't need to restate that. It adds context by specifying it creates a scaffold with DAT/CHOP and parse maps, but doesn't disclose potential side effects such as hardware access or overwriting existing nodes.

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 concise single sentence that front-loads the main action and resource. However, the final clause 'show-control devices with parse maps' is somewhat ambiguous and could be clearer, but overall it is appropriately sized and structured.

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 7 parameters and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't explain the scaffold's behavior, how it connects to a serial port, or what parse maps are. The low schema coverage and lack of return value documentation leave the agent under-informed about how to configure and use the tool.

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 only 29%, with descriptions for only name and parent_path. The description mentions 'parse maps' but doesn't explain any of the critical parameters like device, baud_rate, or message_count, which are essential for serial configuration. The description fails to compensate for the low schema coverage.

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 it creates a Serial DAT/CHOP scaffold for microcontrollers, sensors, and show-control devices, which distinguishes it from other connectivity tools. The verb 'Create' and resource 'Serial DAT/CHOP scaffold' are specific, but the phrase 'show-control devices with parse maps' is slightly ambiguous.

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 intended use case is implied through 'for microcontrollers, sensors, and show-control devices,' but there is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool over alternatives like connect_webrtc_browser_input or connect_ableton_link_session. No exclusions or alternative tool mentions are provided.

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

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