PicoCalc MicroPython: firmware and MCP for the device
PicoCalc
MicroPython firmware for the PicoCalc handheld on Pico 2W and an MCP server for an agent to write, push and run code on the device
- 80 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- The agent runs code on the device and pushes files to the SD card
- The SSH client on the device keeps connection settings for your servers
Install
- Works in
Manual install
pip install picocalc-mcpThen add the `picocalc-mcp` server to `.mcp.json`. A USB connection and Python 3.7 are required.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The agent runs code on the device and pushes files to the SD card
- The SSH client on the device keeps connection settings for your servers
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The repository holds firmware and a MicroPython script collection for the Clockwork Pi PicoCalc handheld on a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W. The device gets a 320 by 320 display with flicker-free rendering, a membrane keyboard with a VT100 terminal, an app menu, Tetris and Snake, a four-instrument synthesizer, Strudel live-coding music, a Wi-Fi manager and a local Ollama model client. There is an SSH client with encryption and a developer dashboard with a file manager, editor and REPL. For agents there is the `picocalc-mcp` package from PyPI with six tools: `picocalc_status`, `picocalc_exec`, `picocalc_list_files`, `picocalc_read_file`, `picocalc_push` and `picocalc_reset`. `picocalc_exec` runs MicroPython on the device with a 30-second timeout. The device connects over USB and `mpremote` is installed with the package. The firmware is installed by copying a `.uf2` file to the RP2350 drive in BOOTSEL mode. Claude Code has optional skills in a separate code-skills repository.
Who it is for. PicoCalc owners who write MicroPython apps and want to develop by conversation with Claude Code, Cursor or Codex directly on the device.
Good fit when
- You need to write a PicoCalc app and check it on the screen at once
- An agent should push a script to the device and read the REPL result
- You want to see files on the SD card and read the device config
- After edits you need a soft reset and a check that `boot.py` and `main.py` run
Not a fit when
- You have no PicoCalc or it is not connected over USB: the tools work only with a physical device
- You need to run long code: `picocalc_exec` has a 30-second timeout
- You need another microcontroller: the firmware is built for Pico 2W
Example request
Check the PicoCalc status, show free memory and the file list in `/sd/py_scripts`, then push my clock.py script to the device.MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
A PicoCalc with a USB connection and Python 3.7 or newer are needed. The firmware `picocalc_micropython_pico2w.uf2` targets the Raspberry Pi Pico 2W. Separate root files such as `boot.py` must be added to the dashboard's `FILE_MAP` to appear in the deploy list.
Commands in the dashboard REPL and in `picocalc_exec` are cut off after 30 seconds. The server runs code directly on the device, so a faulty script may hang or change files on the SD card. Codex has a separate setup description in `mcp/MCP_README.md`.
How to disable. Remove the `picocalc` entry from `.mcp.json` and the package with `pip uninstall picocalc-mcp`. The firmware is replaced by flashing another `.uf2` file.
FAQ
How do I connect PicoCalc to Claude Code?
Install `pip install picocalc-mcp`, connect the device over USB and add a server with the command `picocalc-mcp` to `.mcp.json`.
Which tools does the server have?
Six: `picocalc_status`, `picocalc_exec`, `picocalc_list_files`, `picocalc_read_file`, `picocalc_push` and `picocalc_reset`.
How do I flash the device?
Power off the PicoCalc, hold BOOTSEL on the Pico 2W and connect USB. An RP2350 drive appears, and you copy `picocalc_micropython_pico2w.uf2` onto it.
What else is there besides the agent?
The developer dashboard starts with `python3 MicroPython/tools/dashboard.py`, deploys files in one click and shows differences from local ones.
Which agents does the server work with?
With Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Codex and any MCP client.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PicoCalc MicroPython: firmware and MCP for the device (this card) | no | not required | 80 | |
| ESP32 iPhone Agent | no | not required | 4,907 | an ESP32 agent with iPhone control |
| Embedded AI Harness | no | 286 | a general AI harness for embedded development |
README in short
The README lists the device's features and leads from flashing to deploying files, describing two development paths: the dashboard and AI work through MCP. It continues with the project structure, apps, the SSH client, builds and hardware notes.