Alicat Controller — Claude Code MCP server: setup guide
Connects AI agents to Alicat mass flow and pressure controllers over serial ASCII. Reads live telemetry, changes gas selections, and sets flow targets.
claude mcp add --env LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> --env LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> --env LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> --env LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> --transport stdio alicat-flow-controller -- uvx labmcp-alicatWhat Alicat Mass Flow & Pressure Controller does
The server links an agent to Alicat Scientific instruments using RS-232, RS-485, virtual USB serial, or Ethernet bridges. It exposes tools to monitor mass flow and line pressure, as well as commands to adjust setpoints or switch gas calibrations. Testing without physical gear is supported via an internal wire-level simulator for an MC-500SCCM-D unit flowing nitrogen.
Hardware must run in polling mode with a letter unit ID between A and Z instead of streaming mode. If the controller setpoint source is set to analog, the device will discard serial target changes without error. Setting Setpoint Source to Serial/Front Panel in the device menu is required beforehand. To protect running experiments, the --read-only flag restricts active writes while leaving the close_valve emergency action intact.
What it helps with
- monitor mass flow and pressure readings
- adjust flow and pressure setpoints via serial commands
- switch the active gas calibration profile
- tare flow or pressure sensors under zero-flow conditions
- close control valves immediately to halt flow
Example prompts for the agent
- Check current flow, pressure, and temperature on
/dev/ttyUSB0. - Set the nitrogen flow target to 50 sccm and log readings for twenty seconds.
- Shut off flow immediately using
close_valveand report device logs.
How to install Alicat Mass Flow & Pressure Controller
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> --env LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> --env LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> --env LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> --transport stdio alicat-flow-controller -- uvx labmcp-alicatReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-alicat <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add alicat-flow-controller --env LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> --env LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> --env LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> --env LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> -- uvx labmcp-alicatReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-alicat <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"alicat-flow-controller": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"labmcp-alicat"
],
"env": {
"LABMCP_ADDRESS": "<LABMCP_ADDRESS>",
"LABMCP_SIMULATE": "<LABMCP_SIMULATE>",
"LABMCP_READ_ONLY": "<LABMCP_READ_ONLY>",
"LABMCP_LIMITS": "<LABMCP_LIMITS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-alicat <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"alicat-flow-controller": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"labmcp-alicat"
],
"env": {
"LABMCP_ADDRESS": "<LABMCP_ADDRESS>",
"LABMCP_SIMULATE": "<LABMCP_SIMULATE>",
"LABMCP_READ_ONLY": "<LABMCP_READ_ONLY>",
"LABMCP_LIMITS": "<LABMCP_LIMITS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-alicat <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> -e LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> -e LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> -e LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> alicat-flow-controller uvx labmcp-alicatReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-alicat <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Alicat Mass Flow & Pressure Controller
How to install Alicat Mass Flow & Pressure Controller in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add labmcp-alicat -- uvx labmcp-alicat. To pass explicit environment variables for ports and limits, run `claude mcp add --env LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> --env LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> --env LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> --env LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> --transport stdio alicat-flow-controller -- uvx labmcp-alicat`.
What does this MCP server do?
It provides tools for LLMs to communicate with Alicat Scientific meters and controllers through their ASCII serial protocol. The model can inspect telemetry, adjust targets, tare sensors, and manage valve positions.
Can the server be evaluated without physical hardware?
Yes, running uvx labmcp-alicat --simulate --check spins up an internal simulator modeling an MC-500SCCM-D controller with nitrogen flow and realistic data frames.
