# IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer (pypi · labmcp-ika)

MCP server for IKA hotplate stirrers and overhead stirrers (NAMUR commands).

- Trust score: 67/100 (medium)
- Registry status: active
- Liveness: live
- Owner verified: no
- Last scored: 2026-09-30

## Components

- pypi · `labmcp-ika`: 67/100 (this document), [markdown](https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika.md), [page](https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika)

## Channel facts

- Registry: `pypi`
- Package: `labmcp-ika`
- Version: `0.1.1`
- Transport: `stdio`

## Trust breakdown

How this component scores in each security and reliability category. Every signal is checked automatically from public evidence about the published package, including repeated runs of it in an isolated sandbox, and we only credit what we can confirm. Scores are 0–100 per category. Scoring method: https://verifymcp.io/docs/scoring (what has changed: https://verifymcp.io/docs/scoring/changelog)

Scored 2026-09-30.

- **Supply Chain Security**: 49/100
  - Malware scan not yet available for this package.
  - No known CVEs affecting this package version or its production dependencies.
  - Runs hatchling.build at install time, a recognised build step with no custom scripting around it.
  - 2 of 17 dependencies flagged as unhealthy.
- **Provenance & Transparency**: 100/100
  - Source repository is publicly reachable at the declared URL.
  - Cryptographically verified build provenance (signed, bound to K-Dense-AI/lab-instrument-mcps).
  - Clear OSI-approved license (Apache-2.0).
  - Actively maintained (last published 3 days ago).
  - Publishes a security disclosure policy (SECURITY.md).
- **Schema Quality & AI Usability**: 81/100
  - AI-judged instruction clarity (excellent).
  - Tool/resource definitions use about 1458 tokens (~104/item across 14 items; 14 tools + 0 resources), lean.
  - Usage-examples check failed: none of the tools include examples.
- **Stability & Change Management**: 0/100
  - Stability not yet verified: not enough scan history yet (needs a 30-day window).
- **Tool Coverage**: 98/100
  - 100% of tools have a non-trivial description (not blank, and not just the tool's name).
  - 92% of tool parameters carry a description.
  - Structured output schemas are declared (100% of tools); any adoption earns full credit.
- **Tool Safety**: 100/100
  - No prompt-injection markers were found in the server instructions, tool names or descriptions we captured.
  - We read all 14 captured tool definition(s), and no name or description among them implies an irreversible operation.
  - An AI judge read all 15 captured unit(s) of tool text and found none that tries to manipulate the model reading it.
- **Capabilities**: 100/100
  - Implements a current MCP spec version (2026-07-28).

**Unverified: 1 category.** A category scored 0 because we could not verify it: a data source with nothing on this package, evidence we could not reach, or a check we could not run. We only credit what we can confirm.

## Install

### How do I install the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer runs locally as a PyPI package, launched with uvx labmcp-ika. Ready-made configuration for Claude, Cursor, VS Code, Codex and 5 more is on this page, copied from each client's own documentation.

### Claude

```bash
claude mcp add k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika -- uvx labmcp-ika
```

### Cursor

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "labmcp-ika"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "labmcp-ika"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex

```bash
codex mcp add k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika -- uvx labmcp-ika
```

### opencode

```json
{
  "$schema": "https://opencode.ai/config.json",
  "mcp": {
    "k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika": {
      "type": "local",
      "command": [
        "uvx",
        "labmcp-ika"
      ],
      "enabled": true
    }
  }
}
```

### OpenClaw

```bash
openclaw mcp add k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika --command uvx --arg labmcp-ika
```

### Hermes

```yaml
mcp_servers:
  k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika:
    command: "uvx"
    args: ["labmcp-ika"]
```

### Netclaw

```json
{
  "McpServers": {
    "k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika": {
      "Transport": "stdio",
      "Command": "uvx",
      "Arguments": [
        "labmcp-ika"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

### Vellum

```bash
assistant mcp add k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika -t stdio -c uvx -a labmcp-ika
```

### Other

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "labmcp-ika"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Changelog

Every change recorded for this component, newest first. Days that predate change tracking, or that we cannot explain, say so: "we were watching and nothing happened" and "we were not watching" are different claims.

### 2026-09-28 (score 67, −5)

- [functional] We updated how we score, so this day's move reflects our rubric, not a change to the server

### 2026-09-27 (score 72, +15)

- [security improvement] Malware scan: unverified → pass
- [functional] Package version: 0.1.0 → 0.1.1

### 2026-09-26 (score 57)

First indexed and scored.

## MCP tools (14)

### `get_connection_info` (~40 tokens)

Get Connection Info

Report which instrument is connected (identity, address, simulated or real),
whether the server is read-only, and the active safety limits. Call this first.

### `get_command_log` (~46 tokens)

Get Command Log

Return the most recent raw commands sent to / replies received from the
instrument (newest last). Useful for debugging and for recording what was done.

Input parameters:

- `limit` (integer)

Output parameters:

- `result` (array)

### `reconnect` (~35 tokens)

Reconnect

Close and re-open the connection to the instrument (e.g. after it was power
cycled or a cable was re-plugged).

### `get_status` (~67 tokens)

Get Status

Read temperatures, stirring speed and setpoints. On hotplates: plate and external-probe
temperature, temperature setpoint and the device's safety-circuit temperature. On overhead
stirrers: PT1000 probe temperature, torque and the speed/torque limits set on the device.

Output parameters:

- `device_type` (string)
- `external_temperature_c`: External probe in the medium (IN_PV_1); None if unreadable, meaningless without a probe
- `heating_commanded`: Last heater start/stop sent by this server; None = unknown
- `hotplate_temperature_c`: Hotplate sensor (IN_PV_2)
- `probe_temperature_c`: Overhead stirrer PT1000 probe (IN_PV_3)
- `safety_speed_rpm`
- `safety_temperature_c`: Safety-circuit temperature set on the device's dial (IN_SP_3)
- `speed_limit_rpm`: Overhead stirrer speed limit set on the device
- `speed_rpm` (number): Actual stirring speed
- `speed_setpoint_rpm` (number)
- `stirring_commanded`: Last start/stop sent by this server (the protocol cannot query it); None = unknown
- `temperature_setpoint_c`
- `timestamp` (string)
- `torque_limit_ncm`
- `torque_ncm`: Overhead stirrer torque (IN_PV_5)
- `viscosity_trend`: Hotplate viscosity trend (IN_PV_5, relative)
- `watchdog`

### `set_temperature` (~93 tokens)

Set Temperature

Set the hotplate temperature setpoint (OUT_SP_1). With an external probe connected this is
the target temperature of the medium. Does not start heating; if heating is already on, the
plate starts moving to the new setpoint immediately. Refused above `max_temperature_c` or
above the device's own safety-circuit temperature.

Input parameters:

- `temperature_c` (number, required): Temperature setpoint in °C

Output parameters:

- `reported_by_device` (number): Setpoint read back from the device after setting it
- `requested` (number)
- `timestamp` (string)
- `unit` (string)
- `warning`

### `start_heating` (~64 tokens)

Start Heating

Switch the hotplate heater on (START_1). It heats towards the current setpoint, which is
checked against `max_temperature_c` first. Make sure the vessel and its contents can take
the setpoint temperature and that nothing flammable is near the plate.

Output parameters:

- `result` (string)

### `stop_heating` (~37 tokens)

Stop Heating

Switch the hotplate heater off (STOP_1). Stirring continues. The plate stays hot for a
long time after switching off.

Output parameters:

- `result` (string)

### `set_speed` (~82 tokens)

Set Speed

Set the stirring speed setpoint (OUT_SP_4). Does not start the motor; if it is already
running, the speed changes immediately. Refused above `max_speed_rpm` (and, on overhead
stirrers, above the speed limit set on the device).

Input parameters:

- `speed_rpm` (number, required): Stirring speed setpoint in rpm

Output parameters:

- `reported_by_device` (number): Setpoint read back from the device after setting it
- `requested` (number)
- `timestamp` (string)
- `unit` (string)
- `warning`

### `start_stirring` (~71 tokens)

Start Stirring

Start the stirring motor (START_4) at the current speed setpoint, which is checked against
\`max_speed_rpm` first. Make sure the stir bar or impeller is in place and the vessel is
secured (a decoupled stir bar or an unclamped vessel can splash).

Output parameters:

- `result` (string)

### `stop_stirring` (~26 tokens)

Stop Stirring

Stop the stirring motor (STOP_4). Heating (if on) continues.

Output parameters:

- `result` (string)

### `stop_all` (~46 tokens)

Stop All

Emergency stop: switch the heater off (hotplates) and stop the motor. Every stop command
is sent even if one of them fails. Also ends a running `wait_for_temperature`.

Output parameters:

- `result` (string)

### `wait_for_temperature` (~178 tokens)

Wait For Temperature

Poll a temperature until it is within `tolerance_c` of the target for `stable_for_s`
seconds, or until `timeout_s` passes. Does not change anything on the device (start heating
first). Returns whether the target was reached plus a short temperature trace. A stop
command ends the wait early.

Input parameters:

- `poll_interval_s` (number): Seconds between readings
- `sensor` (string): 'external' = probe in the medium (IN_PV_1, or IN_PV_3 on overhead stirrers)
- `stable_for_s` (number): Must stay within tolerance this long
- `target_c`: Temperature to wait for; default: the current setpoint
- `timeout_s` (number): Give up after this many seconds
- `tolerance_c` (number): Accepted deviation in °C

Output parameters:

- `aborted` (boolean): True if a stop command ended the wait early
- `elapsed_s` (number)
- `final_temperature_c` (number)
- `message` (string)
- `reached` (boolean)
- `sensor` (string)
- `target_c` (number)
- `tolerance_c` (number)
- `trace` (array): (seconds since start, °C), at most ~30 points

### `enable_watchdog` (~224 tokens)

Enable Watchdog

Arm the hotplate's communication watchdog (OUT_WD1@m / OUT_WD2@m). The server then
re-sends the watchdog command in the background; if the computer, this server or the cable
fails, the hotplate switches heating and stirring off (mode 1) or falls back to the given
safety values (mode 2) after `timeout_s`. Note: stopping or reconnecting the server also
stops the refresh, so the watchdog trips unless you enable it again. Mode 1 cannot be
cancelled over the interface.

Input parameters:

- `mode` (integer): 1 = heater and motor off on timeout; 2 = fall back to the safety values below
- `safety_speed_rpm` (number): Mode 2 only: speed to fall back to (OUT_SP_42@)
- `safety_temperature_c` (number): Mode 2 only: setpoint to fall back to (OUT_SP_12@)
- `timeout_s` (integer): Watchdog time (IKA allows 20-1500 s)

### `disable_watchdog` (~47 tokens)

Disable Watchdog

Cancel watchdog mode 2 (OUT_WD2@0) and stop the background refresh. Watchdog mode 1 has
no cancel command; this tool reports an error for it.

## Diagnostics

Captured diagnostic sections: Provenance, Install scripts, Dependencies. The full working is on the page: https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika#diagnostics

## Score history

- 2026-09-30: 67
- 2026-09-29: 67
- 2026-09-28: 67
- 2026-09-27: 72
- 2026-09-26: 57

## Common questions

### What is the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer is an MCP server listed in the public MCP registry as io.github.K-Dense-AI/labmcp-ika. MCP server for IKA hotplate stirrers and overhead stirrers (NAMUR commands). This page covers its PyPI package (labmcp-ika).

### Is the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server safe to use?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer scores 67 out of 100 on VerifyMCP. We found no known CVEs affecting it as of 30 September 2026. Its build provenance is signed and verified. That is a record of what we were able to check automatically, not an endorsement. The category breakdown on this page shows every signal behind the number, including the ones we could not confirm.

### What tools does the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server expose?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer exposes 14 tools: get_connection_info, get_command_log, reconnect, get_status, set_temperature, and 9 more. Their descriptions and schemas cost roughly 1,056 tokens of context every time the server is loaded.

### Is the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server still maintained?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer is still listed as active in the MCP registry. We last reached this channel on 30 September 2026. Those dates come from our own scans of the registry and the channel itself, not from anything the publisher announced.

### What licence is the IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer MCP server under?

IKA Hotplate & Overhead Stirrer declares the Apache-2.0 licence, which is OSI-approved. That covers the source only, and says nothing about the cost of any service it calls.

## Links

- PyPI project: https://pypi.org/project/labmcp-ika/
- Socket report: https://socket.dev/pypi/package/labmcp-ika
- Repository: https://github.com/K-Dense-AI/lab-instrument-mcps
- Website: https://github.com/K-Dense-AI/lab-instrument-mcps/tree/main/servers/chemistry/ika-stirrer
- Changelog RSS feed: https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika.xml
- Changelog JSON feed: https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika.json
- HTML version of this page: https://verifymcp.io/servers/k-dense-ai-labmcp-ika/labmcp-ika