tube-search-mcp npm Package
The tube-search-mcp package is a lightweight stdio-to-HTTP proxy that connects your local AI client to the Tube Search MCP server. No server setup required.
How It Works
AI Client ←(stdio)→ tube-search-mcp ←(HTTP)→ tube.archivarix.net/mcpThe package reads MCP messages from stdin, forwards them to the remote Tube Search server via Streamable HTTP, and writes responses to stdout. Your AI client thinks it's talking to a local MCP server.
Installation
No installation needed — use npx to run directly:
npx tube-search-mcp --api-key tsk_YOUR_KEYOr install globally:
npm install -g tube-search-mcpConfiguration
See the Quickstart guide for full configuration examples for each client.
CLI Options
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
--api-key <key> | API key (tsk_...) | TUBE_API_KEY env var |
--url <url> | Custom MCP endpoint | https://tube.archivarix.net/mcp |
--help | Show help | — |
--version | Show version | — |
Environment Variables
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
TUBE_API_KEY | API key (required if --api-key not provided) |
TUBE_MCP_URL | Override the default MCP endpoint URL |
When to Use the npm Package vs Remote URL
Claude Desktop and Claude Code support both methods:
- npm package (stdio) — works with all MCP clients, no firewall issues
- Remote URL — no npm/Node.js required, slightly less latency, only supported by Claude Desktop and Claude Code
For Cursor and VS Code, the npm package is the only option.
Troubleshooting
Error: "TUBE_API_KEY environment variable is required"
Make sure you have set the TUBE_API_KEY in your client's environment configuration or pass it via --api-key.
Connection timeout
Check that you have an active internet connection. The package needs to reach tube.archivarix.net.
Authentication failed
Verify your API key is valid in Profile → API. If you regenerated it, update the key in your client config.
First run is slow
The first npx run downloads the package. Subsequent runs use the cached version.