# picocalc-mcp

An MCP server that lets your AI assistant reach a MicroPython PicoCalc over USB: write code, push it, test on the device.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 80
- Author: LofiFren
- License: MIT · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/LofiFren/PicoCalc
- Updated: 2026-10-14
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/picocalc-mcp

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Python and uv (commands run via uvx)

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add picocalc-mcp -- uvx picocalc-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add picocalc-mcp uvx picocalc-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from picocalc-mcp <command>

## When to use it
- 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
- Push `sd/py_scripts/my_app.py` to the PicoCalc and run it
- Run `print(1+1)` on the device and show me the output
- Diff my local `synth.py` against the device copy

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