picocalc-mcp — Claude Code MCP server: talk to PicoCalc over USB
An MCP server that lets your AI assistant reach a MicroPython PicoCalc over USB: write code, push it, test on the device.
claude mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcpWhat picocalc-mcp does
The server connects an AI assistant to the Clockwork Pi PicoCalc over USB. The assistant writes a script, sends it to the device, runs it and reads the output — all inside the conversation, with no dashboard running. It works with Claude, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, Cline and Zed.
Install from PyPI with pip install picocalc-mcp, then add an entry pointing at the picocalc-mcp command in your MCP config, or run the server straight from the repo via mcp/mcp_server.py. Python 3.7 or newer is required.
Other routes exist. The local web dashboard at MicroPython/tools/dashboard.py handles file pushes and a REPL, its HTTP endpoints on localhost:8265 serve older setups, and you can always copy files by hand with Thonny, mpremote or rshell. The dashboard and the MCP server do the same job in different ways, so running both at once buys you nothing.
What it helps with
- push a script to the PicoCalc and run it from the chat
- check device status and execute code in the REPL without opening a dashboard
- diff a local script against the copy on the device
- build a MicroPython app without switching to a separate editor
- eject the board safely after pushing files
Example prompts for the agent
- Push
sd/py_scripts/my_app.pyto the PicoCalc and run it - Run
print(1+1)on the device and show me the output - Diff my local
synth.pyagainst the device copy
How to install picocalc-mcp
Platform CLI
claude mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"picocalc-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"picocalc-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"picocalc-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"picocalc-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add picocalc-mcp uvx picocalc-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <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 picocalc-mcp
How do I install picocalc-mcp in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcp. The server then shows up in your Claude MCP server list.
What does picocalc-mcp do?
It gives an AI assistant USB access to a PicoCalc: push files, execute Python on the device, and compare local and on-device versions.
What do I need to run picocalc-mcp?
Python 3.7 or newer. Install the package from PyPI with pip install picocalc-mcp, then add an MCP config entry using the picocalc-mcp command.
