How to Use the PurpleAir MCP in Claude Code

Q: What terminal command adds the PurpleAir MCP Server to Claude Code?

Run claude mcp add --transport http purpleair -- in your shell to register the PurpleAir server.

Q: Can I use Claude Code to run automated PurpleAir data exports?

Yes, you can instruct Claude Code to run getsensorhistory with specific start and end timestamps, then pipe that PurpleAir data into local files or database scripts.

Q: Does this tool support filtering indoor vs outdoor PurpleAir PM2.5 monitors in Claude Code?

Yes, the agent uses listsensors with the location filter parameter inside Claude Code to separate indoor air quality monitors from ambient outdoor hardware.

Query PurpleAir particulate data directly from Claude Code and pipe real-time pollution metrics into your terminal workflows.

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Connect PurpleAir MCP to Claude Code

Create your Vinkius account to connect PurpleAir to Claude Code — we handle the hosting, security, and runtime updates so you don't have to. No server setup required.

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Setup PurpleAir with Claude Code

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Pipe real-time PM2.5 metrics into terminal scripts

Claude Code lets you query global PurpleAir air quality without leaving your shell. Use `get_pm25_sensors` to pull active particulate measurements, then pipe the JSON output directly into standard terminal utilities or Claude Code scripts. Your agent can run queries like `get_sensor_data` to check a specific PurpleAir monitor's current PM2.5 and VOC levels. It outputs clean, parseable text to Claude Code that is ready for automated cron jobs or server monitoring alerts.

Export historical pollution data via Claude Code

Download massive environmental datasets directly to your local machine using Claude Code's terminal interface. Claude Code calls `get_sensor_history_csv` to retrieve time-series logs for specific PurpleAir sensors, saving the output as flat files for quick shell processing. For programmatic analysis, your agent uses `get_sensor_history` to pull structured PurpleAir JSON data. You can specify precise Unix timestamps in Claude Code to isolate wildfire smoke events or seasonal pollution trends.

Query geographic sensor grids using this MCP Server

Find localized PurpleAir monitors using coordinate bounding boxes inside your shell. Claude Code calls `get_sensors_by_bounding_box` to scan specific latitudes and longitudes, returning a list of active PurpleAir hardware and their current PM2.5 readings. This MCP Server lets you target specific hardware using `get_indoor_sensors` or `get_outdoor_sensors` directly inside Claude Code. If you need the closest active monitor, the agent triggers `get_sensors_near_me` using your local coordinates to find active PurpleAir sensors.

Setup guide

Set up PurpleAir MCP in Claude Code

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed (npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Run the add command

Open your terminal and run the command shown on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. Use --scope user to make it available across all projects.
2

Verify the connection

Start a Claude Code session and type /mcp to list connected servers. You should see purpleair-mcp with a green status indicator.
3

Start using tools

Ask Claude Code something like "Check my latest PurpleAir transactions." It will automatically discover and invoke the available PurpleAir tools.

Terminal

claude mcp add --transport http purpleair-mcp https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

Get your connection token →

Prerequisites

Claude Code CLI installed
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open the config file

Create or edit .mcp.json in your project root for project-level scope, or ~/.claude.json for user-level scope.
2

Add the PurpleAir MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Code

Start a new Claude Code session. Type /mcp to confirm the server is connected. The tools will be automatically available in your conversation.

.mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "purpleair-mcp": {
      "type": "url",
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by PurpleAir. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about PurpleAir MCP in Claude Code

Run `claude mcp add --transport http purpleair -- ` in your shell to register the PurpleAir server.

Yes, you can instruct Claude Code to run `get_sensor_history` with specific start and end timestamps, then pipe that PurpleAir data into local files or database scripts.

Ask Claude Code to query the sensor's index, and it will call `get_sensors_by_index` to fetch real-time PM2.5, temperature, and humidity metrics directly to your terminal.

Yes, the agent uses `list_sensors` with the location filter parameter inside Claude Code to separate indoor air quality monitors from ambient outdoor hardware.

Yes, as the server only transmits public PurpleAir readings and coordinate data, protecting your Claude Code environment variables inside the Vinkius MCP sandbox.

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