OpenDeviceDB — Claude Code MCP server: device research
Check whether a device already has an open firmware or protocol record, then log research through MCP tools. Useful before starting reverse engineering.
claude mcp add opendevicedb -- npx -y @opendevicedb/mcpWhat OpenDeviceDB does
OpenDeviceDB lets an agent search device records by model, vendor, FCC ID, USB identifier and other identifiers. A lookup returns the record status, active claims and a recommendation. Search can also surface the easiest listed firmware or software installation route.
Agents can register work on a device, submit research results and create a request when someone wants a device investigated. Changes go into the local repository; the server reports the Git and pull-request command, but does not run Git itself. Set ODB_REPO to enable writes. ODB_API_URL provides read-only access. Running the server requires Node 22.18 or later and a repository checkout with npm install completed, so publishing results depends on having that local copy.
What it helps with
- check whether a device has already been researched
- find open firmware by device identifiers
- register work on a device
- add reverse-engineering findings to the catalog
- create a request to investigate a device
Example prompts for the agent
- Check whether Acme X1 has open firmware and summarize its record.
- Search for devices matching
2ca3:001fand show their installation options. - Register my BLE control research for Acme X1 and publish the findings in
findings.json.
How to install OpenDeviceDB
Platform CLI
claude mcp add opendevicedb -- npx -y @opendevicedb/mcpPlatform CLI
codex mcp add mcp -- npx -y @opendevicedb/mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@opendevicedb/mcp"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@opendevicedb/mcp"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add mcp npx -y @opendevicedb/mcpStep 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 OpenDeviceDB
How do I install OpenDeviceDB in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add opendevicedb -- npx -y @opendevicedb/mcp. The server requires Node 22.18 or later and a local repository checkout with npm install completed.
What does OpenDeviceDB do?
It lets an agent search device records, register research and submit findings. Records can also include routes for installing open firmware or software.
Can OpenDeviceDB run in read-only mode?
Yes. Configure ODB_API_URL to read from the static API. Registering claims or publishing findings requires ODB_REPO.
