IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer — Claude Code MCP server: install
Control IKA heating and stirring equipment through NAMUR commands, and read temperatures, speed, and torque. Useful for monitoring or changing a connected stirrer from an agent.
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 ika-stirrer -- uvx labmcp-ikaWhat IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer does
The server connects an agent to IKA C-MAG HS and IKA Plate hotplate stirrers, as well as EUROSTAR overhead stirrers. It can retrieve readings, change temperature and speed setpoints, start or stop heating and stirring, and wait for a temperature target to remain stable. Its command log exposes recent instrument exchanges for troubleshooting.
Connect over USB as a virtual COM port or with an RS-232 PC 1.1 cable. A simulator is available, but hardware testing has not yet been verified. On Windows, USB requires IKA's driver; the interface uses fixed serial settings: 9600 baud, 7 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control. Temperature and speed controls respect configured limits, and read-only mode allows monitoring while keeping stop tools available. Without an accessible COM port, the server cannot communicate with the stirrer.
What it helps with
- read a stirrer’s temperature, speed, and torque
- set a heating target or stirring speed
- start or stop the heater and stirring motor
- wait until a target temperature stabilizes
- inspect instrument commands and replies
Example prompts for the agent
- Read the current measurements from the connected stirrer.
- Set the heating target and turn the heater on.
- Wait until the medium reaches a stable target temperature.
How to install IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer
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 ika-stirrer -- uvx labmcp-ikaReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-ika <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add ika-stirrer --env LABMCP_ADDRESS=<LABMCP_ADDRESS> --env LABMCP_SIMULATE=<LABMCP_SIMULATE> --env LABMCP_READ_ONLY=<LABMCP_READ_ONLY> --env LABMCP_LIMITS=<LABMCP_LIMITS> -- uvx labmcp-ikaReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-ika <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"ika-stirrer": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"labmcp-ika"
],
"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-ika <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"ika-stirrer": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"labmcp-ika"
],
"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-ika <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> ika-stirrer uvx labmcp-ikaReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from labmcp-ika <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 IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer
How do I install IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add labmcp-ika -- uvx labmcp-ika. Set LABMCP_ADDRESS to connect to an instrument.
What does IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer do?
It gives an agent access to IKA stirrer readings and controls for heating and stirring. It also supports waiting for a temperature target and stopping the equipment.
Can I try the server without an instrument?
Yes. Run uvx labmcp-ika --simulate --check; add --option device=overhead to simulate a EUROSTAR stirrer. Hardware testing has not been verified.
