maybe this

main.py

@@ -54,7 +54,6 @@ def main(stdscr):
         pub.subscribe(on_receive, 'meshtastic.receive')
         init_nodedb()
         load_messages_from_db()
-        time.sleep(5)
         logging.info("Starting main UI")
         main_ui(stdscr)
     except Exception as e:

ui/curses_ui.py

@@ -10,9 +10,10 @@ import ui.dialog
 import globals
 
 
+messages_pad = messages_box = nodes_pad = nodes_box = channel_pad = channel_box = function_win = packetlog_win = entry_win = None
+
 def main_ui(stdscr):
     global messages_pad, messages_box, nodes_pad, nodes_box, channel_pad, channel_box, function_win, packetlog_win, entry_win
-    messages_pad = messages_box = nodes_pad = nodes_box = channel_pad = channel_box = function_win = packetlog_win = entry_win = None
 
     stdscr.keypad(True)
     get_channels()