Bump version to 1.6.9 in pyproject.toml

- Updated `initialize_runtime_interface` to accept `stdscr` for better integration with the UI.
- Modified `initialize_interface` to include a status callback for improved user feedback during connection attempts.
- Refactored `draw_splash` to dynamically display status messages, improving user experience during startup.

contact/__main__.py

@@ -52,7 +52,13 @@ if os.environ.get("COLORTERM") == "gnome-terminal":
     os.environ["TERM"] = "xterm-256color"
 
 logging.basicConfig(
-    filename=config.log_file_path, level=logging.INFO, format="%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s"
+    filename=config.log_file_path,
+    level=logging.INFO,
+    format="%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s",
+    # Meshtastic or another dependency may have installed a stderr handler
+    # before Contact starts curses. Replace it so background warnings cannot
+    # overwrite the terminal UI.
+    force=True,
 )
 
 app_state.lock = threading.Lock()
@@ -115,7 +121,7 @@ def interface_is_ready(interface: object) -> bool:
 
 def initialize_runtime_interface_with_retry(stdscr: curses.window, args: object):
     while True:
-        interface = initialize_runtime_interface(args)
+        interface = initialize_runtime_interface(args, stdscr)
         if getattr(args, "demo_screenshot", False) or interface_is_ready(interface):
             return interface
 
@@ -156,10 +162,12 @@ def initialize_globals(seed_demo: bool = False) -> None:
     load_messages_from_db()
 
 
-def initialize_runtime_interface(args: object):
+def initialize_runtime_interface(args: object, stdscr=None):
     if getattr(args, "demo_screenshot", False):
         configure_demo_database()
         return build_demo_interface()
+    if stdscr is not None:
+        return initialize_interface(args, status_callback=lambda status: draw_splash(stdscr, status))
     return initialize_interface(args)
 
 
@@ -252,7 +260,7 @@ def start() -> None:
 
     if fatal_error is not None:
         print("Fatal error:", fatal_error)
-        traceback.print_exc()
+        traceback.print_exception(type(fatal_error), fatal_error, fatal_error.__traceback__)
         sys.exit(1)
 
     if interrupted:

contact/localisations/en.ini

@@ -114,6 +114,7 @@ message_prefix, "Message prefix", ""
 sent_message_prefix, "Sent message prefix", ""
 notification_symbol, "Notification symbol", ""
 notification_sound, "Notification sound", "Select a sound file from Contact's sounds folder, or None to disable notification audio."
+view_log, "View Log", "Open a scrollable live view of Contact's log file."
 ack_implicit_str, "ACK (implicit)", ""
 ack_str, "ACK", ""
 nak_str, "NAK", ""
@@ -167,7 +168,7 @@ uplink_enabled, "Uplink enabled", "Let this channel's data be sent to the MQTT s
 downlink_enabled, "Downlink enabled", "Let data from the MQTT server configured on this node be sent to this channel."
 module_settings, "Module settings", "Position precision and Client Mute."
 module_settings.position_precision, "Position precision", "The precision level of location data sent on this channel."
-module_settings.is_client_muted, "Is Client Muted", "Controls whether or not the phone / clients should mute the current channel. Useful for noisy public channels you don't necessarily want to disable."
+module_settings.is_muted, "Is muted", "Controls whether or not the client or device should mute this channel. Useful for noisy public channels you do not necessarily want to disable."
 
 [config.device]
 title, "Device"

contact/message_handlers/bot_handler.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import Any, Dict
 
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.utilities.singleton import app_state, interface_state
+from contact.utilities.utils import get_reply_context
 from contact.message_handlers.tx_handler import send_message
 
 BOT_RESPONSE_DELAY_SECONDS = 2.3
@@ -81,7 +82,13 @@ def bot_respond(packet: Dict[str, Any], message: str, send_channel: int) -> bool
 
                 # Use the triggering packet's ID so Meshtastic clients render this
                 # automatic response as a native reply when that ID is available.
-                send_message(response_data_string, channel=send_channel, reply_id=packet_id)
+                reply_context = get_reply_context(packet_id) if packet_id is not None else ""
+                send_message(
+                    response_data_string,
+                    channel=send_channel,
+                    reply_id=packet_id,
+                    reply_context=reply_context,
+                )
 
             # Import locally to avoid circular import at module import time.
             from contact.ui.contact_ui import request_ui_redraw

contact/message_handlers/tx_handler.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import time
 
-from typing import Any, Dict
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
 
 import google.protobuf.json_format
 from meshtastic import BROADCAST_NUM
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ def send_message(
     message: str,
     destination: int = BROADCAST_NUM,
     channel: int = 0,
-    reply_id: int | None = None,
+    reply_id: Optional[int] = None,
     reply_context: str = "",
 ) -> None:
     """

contact/settings.py

@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def main(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
 
             parser = setup_parser()
             args = parser.parse_args()
-            interface = initialize_interface(args)
+            interface = initialize_interface(args, status_callback=lambda status: draw_splash(stdscr, status))
 
             if interface.localNode.localConfig.lora.region == 0:
                 confirmation = get_list_input(
@@ -85,6 +85,7 @@ logging.basicConfig(  # Run `tail -f client.log` in another terminal to view liv
     filename=config.log_file_path,
     level=logging.WARNING,  # DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL)
     format="%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s",
+    force=True,
 )
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

contact/ui/contact_ui.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import curses
 import logging
+import os
 from typing import Optional
 import time
 import traceback
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ from contact.utilities.utils import (
     build_reply_prefix,
 )
 from contact.settings import settings_menu
-from contact.ui.control_ui import RemoteAdminCancelled
+from contact.ui.control_ui import RemoteAdminCancelled, verify_remote_admin
+from contact.ui.user_config import load_log_tail
 from contact.message_handlers.tx_handler import send_message, send_traceroute
 from contact.utilities.utils import parse_protobuf
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color
@@ -33,6 +35,8 @@ from contact.ui.nav_utils import (
     wrap_text,
     truncate_with_ellipsis,
     pad_to_width,
+    text_width,
+    slice_to_width,
 )
 from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state, menu_state, app_state
 
@@ -41,6 +45,117 @@ MIN_COL = 1  # "effectively zero" without breaking curses
 RESIZE_DEBOUNCE_MS = 250
 root_win = None
 nodes_pad = None
+entry_win = None
+input_text = ""
+
+
+def refresh_log_viewer() -> None:
+    """Refresh the in-app log overlay only when the log file changes."""
+    try:
+        stat = os.stat(config.log_file_path)
+        signature = (stat.st_mtime_ns, stat.st_size)
+    except OSError:
+        signature = None
+
+    if not ui_state.log_viewer_loaded or signature != ui_state.log_viewer_signature:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_lines = load_log_tail(config.log_file_path)
+        ui_state.log_viewer_signature = signature
+        ui_state.log_viewer_loaded = True
+
+
+def flush_log_handlers() -> None:
+    """Ensure a just-written status event is visible to the log tailer."""
+    for handler in logging.getLogger().handlers:
+        try:
+            handler.flush()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+
+def draw_log_viewer(stdscr: curses.window) -> int:
+    """Draw the log overlay and return the number of visible log rows."""
+    refresh_log_viewer()
+    height, width = stdscr.getmaxyx()
+    content_height = max(1, height - 4)
+    max_start = max(0, len(ui_state.log_viewer_lines) - content_height)
+    if ui_state.log_viewer_follow:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = max_start
+    else:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = min(ui_state.log_viewer_start_line, max_start)
+
+    try:
+        stdscr.erase()
+        stdscr.bkgd(get_color("background"))
+        stdscr.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
+        stdscr.border()
+        state = "Following" if ui_state.log_viewer_follow else "Paused"
+        title = " View Log — {} ".format(state)
+        stdscr.addstr(0, 2, title[: max(0, width - 4)], get_color("settings_breadcrumbs", bold=True))
+        for row, line in enumerate(
+            ui_state.log_viewer_lines[ui_state.log_viewer_start_line : ui_state.log_viewer_start_line + content_height],
+            start=1,
+        ):
+            stdscr.addstr(row, 1, line[: max(0, width - 2)], get_color("settings_default"))
+        hint = " Esc Close  Up/Down Scroll  PgUp/PgDn Page  F Follow "
+        stdscr.addstr(height - 2, 1, hint[: max(0, width - 2)], get_color("commands"))
+        stdscr.refresh()
+    except curses.error:
+        pass
+    return content_height
+
+
+def handle_log_viewer_key(key: int, content_height: int) -> bool:
+    """Handle a log-overlay key. Returns True when the overlay closes."""
+    if ui_state.reconnect_prompt_open:
+        if key in (ord("r"), ord("R")):
+            ui_state.reconnect_prompt_open = False
+            ui_state.reconnect_attempted = False
+        elif key in (ord("c"), ord("C"), 27):
+            ui_state.reconnect_prompt_open = False
+        return False
+
+    if key == 27:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_open = False
+        return True
+    if key in (ord("f"), ord("F")):
+        ui_state.log_viewer_follow = not ui_state.log_viewer_follow
+        return False
+
+    max_start = max(0, len(ui_state.log_viewer_lines) - content_height)
+    if key == curses.KEY_UP:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_follow = False
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = max(0, ui_state.log_viewer_start_line - 1)
+    elif key == curses.KEY_DOWN:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = min(max_start, ui_state.log_viewer_start_line + 1)
+        ui_state.log_viewer_follow = ui_state.log_viewer_start_line >= max_start
+    elif key == curses.KEY_PPAGE:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_follow = False
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = max(0, ui_state.log_viewer_start_line - content_height)
+    elif key == curses.KEY_NPAGE:
+        ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = min(max_start, ui_state.log_viewer_start_line + content_height)
+        ui_state.log_viewer_follow = ui_state.log_viewer_start_line >= max_start
+    return False
+
+
+def draw_log_reconnect_prompt(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
+    """Draw a non-blocking reconnect choice over the live log overlay."""
+    if not ui_state.reconnect_prompt_open:
+        return
+    try:
+        height, width = stdscr.getmaxyx()
+        message = "Could not reconnect after 20 seconds."
+        hint = "R Retry   C Cancel"
+        box_width = min(width - 4, max(len(message) + 4, len(hint) + 4, 42))
+        win = curses.newwin(6, box_width, max(0, (height - 6) // 2), max(0, (width - box_width) // 2))
+        win.bkgd(get_color("background"))
+        win.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
+        win.border()
+        win.addstr(0, 2, " Disconnected ", get_color("settings_default"))
+        win.addstr(2, 2, message[: box_width - 4], get_color("settings_default"))
+        win.addstr(4, 2, hint[: box_width - 4], get_color("commands"))
+        win.refresh()
+    except curses.error:
+        pass
 
 
 def request_ui_redraw(
@@ -132,6 +247,8 @@ def compute_widths(total_w: int, focus: int):
 
 
 def paint_frame(win, selected: bool) -> None:
+    if win is not entry_win and ui_state.input_focused:
+        selected = False
     win.attrset(get_color("window_frame_selected") if selected else get_color("window_frame"))
     win.box()
     win.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
@@ -380,6 +497,8 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
 
     root_win = stdscr
     input_text = ""
+    ui_state.input_cursor = 0
+    ui_state.input_focused = False
     queued_char = None
     stdscr.keypad(True)
     get_channels()
@@ -389,7 +508,15 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
         interface = interface_state.interface
         if not interface_is_connected(interface) and not ui_state.reconnect_attempted:
             ui_state.reconnect_attempted = True
-            status_win = show_connection_status(stdscr, "Disconnected", "Trying to reconnect…")
+            logging.warning("Meshtastic connection disconnected; attempting automatic reconnect")
+            flush_log_handlers()
+            if ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+                # Reconnect is synchronous. Repaint once before entering it so
+                # the disconnect event remains visible during the attempt.
+                draw_log_viewer(stdscr)
+            status_win = None
+            if not ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+                status_win = show_connection_status(stdscr, "Disconnected", "Trying to reconnect…")
             try:
                 from contact.ui.control_ui import reconnect_interface_with_splash
 
@@ -398,13 +525,18 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
                     status_win.erase()
                     status_win.refresh()
                 ui_state.reconnect_attempted = False
-                handle_resize(stdscr, False)
+                if not ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+                    handle_resize(stdscr, False)
             except Exception:
                 if status_win is not None:
                     status_win.erase()
                     status_win.refresh()
-                handle_resize(stdscr, False)
+                if not ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+                    handle_resize(stdscr, False)
                 logging.exception("Automatic reconnect after transport disconnect failed")
+                if ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+                    ui_state.reconnect_prompt_open = True
+                    continue
                 retry = get_list_input(
                     "Contact could not reconnect after 20 seconds.",
                     "Retry",
@@ -417,10 +549,21 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
                     continue
                 handle_resize(stdscr, False)
 
+        if ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+            content_height = draw_log_viewer(stdscr)
+            draw_log_reconnect_prompt(stdscr)
+            stdscr.timeout(200)
+            try:
+                key = stdscr.getch()
+            except curses.error:
+                continue
+            if key != -1 and handle_log_viewer_key(key, content_height):
+                handle_resize(stdscr, False)
+            continue
+
         with app_state.lock:
             process_pending_ui_updates(stdscr)
-        entry_display = f"{ui_state.reply_context}{input_text or ''}"
-        draw_text_field(entry_win, f"Message: {entry_display[-(stdscr.getmaxyx()[1] - 10):]}", get_color("input"))
+        draw_message_input(input_text)
 
         # Get user input from entry window
         try:
@@ -460,6 +603,7 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
 
         elif char in (chr(curses.KEY_ENTER), chr(10), chr(13)):
             input_text = handle_enter(input_text)
+            ui_state.input_cursor = min(ui_state.input_cursor, len(input_text))
 
         elif char in (curses.KEY_F4, chr(20)):  # Ctrl + t and F4 for Traceroute
             handle_ctrl_t(stdscr)
@@ -467,9 +611,14 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
         elif char == curses.KEY_F5:
             handle_f5_key(stdscr)
 
-        elif char in (curses.KEY_BACKSPACE, chr(127)):
+        elif char in (curses.KEY_BACKSPACE, chr(127), chr(8)):
             input_text = handle_backspace(entry_win, input_text)
 
+        elif char == curses.KEY_DC:
+            focus_message_input()
+            position = ui_state.input_cursor
+            input_text = input_text[:position] + input_text[position + 1:]
+
         elif char in (curses.KEY_F12, "`"):  # ` Launch the settings interface
             handle_backtick(stdscr)
 
@@ -483,7 +632,6 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
                 entry_win.erase()
 
         elif char == curses.KEY_RESIZE:
-            input_text = ""
             queued_char = drain_resize_events(entry_win)
             handle_resize(stdscr, False)
             continue
@@ -509,15 +657,66 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
             break
 
         else:
-            # Append typed character to input text
-            if isinstance(char, str):
-                input_text += char
-            else:
-                input_text += chr(char)
+            if isinstance(char, str) and char.isprintable():
+                input_text = insert_input_text(input_text, char)
+
+
+def focus_message_input() -> None:
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        return
+    # Keep the conversation visible in single-pane mode while composing.
+    handle_function_keys(curses.KEY_F2)
+    ui_state.input_focused = True
+    refresh_message_highlight()
+    refresh_main_window(1, selected=False)
+
+
+def leave_message_input() -> None:
+    ui_state.input_focused = False
+    ui_state.current_window = 1
+    refresh_message_highlight()
+    refresh_main_window(1, selected=True)
+
+
+def insert_input_text(draft: str, text: str) -> str:
+    focus_message_input()
+    position = min(ui_state.input_cursor, len(draft))
+    ui_state.input_cursor = position + len(text)
+    return draft[:position] + text + draft[position:]
+
+
+def draw_message_input(draft: str) -> None:
+    """Redraw the whole input row and scroll it to keep the draft cursor visible."""
+    width = entry_win.getmaxyx()[1]
+    prompt = slice_to_width("Message: ", max(0, width - 3))
+    available = max(1, width - 2 - text_width(prompt))
+    ui_state.input_cursor = max(0, min(ui_state.input_cursor, len(draft)))
+    content = ui_state.reply_context + draft
+    cursor = len(ui_state.reply_context) + ui_state.input_cursor
+    start = cursor
+    used = 0
+    while start > 0 and used + text_width(content[start - 1]) < available:
+        start -= 1
+        used += text_width(content[start])
+    visible = slice_to_width(content[start:], available)
+    draw_text_field(entry_win, prompt + visible, get_color("input"))
+    paint_frame(entry_win, selected=ui_state.input_focused)
+    try:
+        hint = " Ctrl+K Help "
+        if width >= len(hint) + 4:
+            entry_win.addstr(0, width - len(hint) - 2, hint, get_color("commands"))
+        curses.curs_set(1 if ui_state.input_focused else 0)
+        entry_win.move(1, min(width - 2, 1 + text_width(prompt) + used))
+    except curses.error:
+        pass
+    entry_win.refresh()
 
 
 def handle_up() -> None:
     """Handle key up events to scroll the current window."""
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        leave_message_input()
+        return
     if ui_state.current_window == 0:
         scroll_channels(-1)
     elif ui_state.current_window == 1:
@@ -528,6 +727,9 @@ def handle_up() -> None:
 
 def handle_down() -> None:
     """Handle key down events to scroll the current window."""
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        leave_message_input()
+        return
     if ui_state.current_window == 0:
         scroll_channels(1)
     elif ui_state.current_window == 1:
@@ -538,6 +740,9 @@ def handle_down() -> None:
 
 def handle_home() -> None:
     """Handle home key events to select the first item in the current window."""
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        ui_state.input_cursor = 0
+        return
     if ui_state.current_window == 0:
         select_channel(0)
     elif ui_state.current_window == 1:
@@ -552,6 +757,9 @@ def handle_home() -> None:
 
 def handle_end() -> None:
     """Handle end key events to select the last item in the current window."""
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        ui_state.input_cursor = len(input_text)
+        return
     if ui_state.current_window == 0:
         select_channel(len(ui_state.channel_list) - 1)
     elif ui_state.current_window == 1:
@@ -592,6 +800,9 @@ def handle_pagedown() -> None:
 def handle_leftright(char: int) -> None:
     """Handle left/right key events to switch between windows."""
     delta = -1 if char == curses.KEY_LEFT else 1
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        ui_state.input_cursor = max(0, min(len(input_text), ui_state.input_cursor + delta))
+        return
     old_window = ui_state.current_window
     ui_state.current_window = (ui_state.current_window + delta) % 3
     if ui_state.single_pane_mode:
@@ -612,6 +823,8 @@ def handle_leftright(char: int) -> None:
 
 def handle_function_keys(char: int) -> None:
     """Switch windows using F1/F2/F3."""
+    if ui_state.input_focused:
+        leave_message_input()
     if char == curses.KEY_F1:
         target = 0
     elif char == curses.KEY_F2:
@@ -971,14 +1184,12 @@ def handle_ctrl_t(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
 
 
 def handle_backspace(entry_win: curses.window, input_text: str) -> str:
-    """Handle backspace key events to remove the last character from input text."""
-    if input_text:
-        input_text = input_text[:-1]
-        y, x = entry_win.getyx()
-        entry_win.move(y, x - 1)
-        entry_win.addch(" ")  #
-        entry_win.move(y, x - 1)
-    entry_win.refresh()
+    """Delete before the draft cursor; the next frame redraws the entire line."""
+    focus_message_input()
+    position = ui_state.input_cursor
+    if position > 0:
+        input_text = input_text[:position - 1] + input_text[position:]
+        ui_state.input_cursor -= 1
     return input_text
 
 
@@ -998,67 +1209,83 @@ def handle_backtick(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
         handle_resize(stdscr, False)
         return
 
-    options = ["Local settings"]
-    remote_node_num = None
+    selected_node_num = None
     if ui_state.node_list:
-        remote_node_num = ui_state.node_list[ui_state.selected_node]
-        options.append(f"Remote admin: {get_name_from_database(remote_node_num)}")
-    choice = get_list_input("Open settings for", None, options)
-    if choice == "Local settings":
-        settings_menu(stdscr, interface)
-    elif remote_node_num is not None:
-        wait_win = None
+        selected_node_num = ui_state.node_list[ui_state.selected_node]
 
-        def remote_status(message: Optional[str]) -> None:
-            nonlocal wait_win
-            if message is None:
+    # The local node is already the target for normal settings; do not offer a
+    # misleading remote-admin choice when it is selected in the node pane.
+    if selected_node_num == interface_state.myNodeNum:
+        settings_menu(stdscr, interface)
+    else:
+        options = ["Local settings"]
+        remote_node_num = None
+        if selected_node_num is not None:
+            remote_node_num = selected_node_num
+            options.append(f"Remote admin: {get_name_from_database(remote_node_num)}")
+        choice = get_list_input("Open settings for", None, options)
+        if choice == "Local settings":
+            settings_menu(stdscr, interface)
+        elif remote_node_num is not None:
+            wait_win = None
+
+            def remote_status(message: Optional[str]) -> None:
+                nonlocal wait_win
+                if message is None:
+                    if wait_win is not None:
+                        wait_win.erase()
+                        wait_win.refresh()
+                        wait_win = None
+                    return
+                if wait_win is None:
+                    wait_win = show_remote_admin_wait(stdscr, get_name_from_database(remote_node_num))
+                update_remote_admin_wait(wait_win, message)
+
+            def remote_cancel_requested() -> bool:
+                if wait_win is None:
+                    return False
+                try:
+                    wait_win.timeout(0)
+                    return wait_win.getch() == 27
+                finally:
+                    wait_win.timeout(-1)
+
+            try:
+                remote_node = interface.getNode(remote_node_num, False)
+                verify_remote_admin(
+                    remote_node,
+                    status_callback=remote_status,
+                    cancel_callback=remote_cancel_requested,
+                )
+                remote_status(None)
+                settings_menu(
+                    stdscr,
+                    interface,
+                    # Settings requests configs explicitly; avoid getNode's
+                    # implicit channel request racing that setup.
+                    node=remote_node,
+                    remote=True,
+                    status_callback=remote_status,
+                    cancel_callback=remote_cancel_requested,
+                )
+            except RemoteAdminCancelled:
+                logging.info("Remote admin request cancelled for %s", remote_node_num)
+                remote_status(None)
+            except (SystemExit, PermissionError) as exc:
+                logging.warning("Remote admin was rejected for %s: %s", remote_node_num, exc)
                 if wait_win is not None:
                     wait_win.erase()
                     wait_win.refresh()
-                    wait_win = None
-                return
-            if wait_win is None:
-                wait_win = show_remote_admin_wait(stdscr, get_name_from_database(remote_node_num))
-            update_remote_admin_wait(wait_win, message)
-
-        def remote_cancel_requested() -> bool:
-            if wait_win is None:
-                return False
-            try:
-                wait_win.timeout(0)
-                return wait_win.getch() == 27
-            finally:
-                wait_win.timeout(-1)
-
-        try:
-            settings_menu(
-                stdscr,
-                interface,
-                # Settings requests configs explicitly; avoid getNode's
-                # implicit channel request racing that setup.
-                node=interface.getNode(remote_node_num, False),
-                remote=True,
-                status_callback=remote_status,
-                cancel_callback=remote_cancel_requested,
-            )
-        except RemoteAdminCancelled:
-            logging.info("Remote admin request cancelled for %s", remote_node_num)
-            remote_status(None)
-        except SystemExit as exc:
-            logging.warning("Remote admin was rejected for %s: %s", remote_node_num, exc)
-            if wait_win is not None:
-                wait_win.erase()
-                wait_win.refresh()
-            contact.ui.dialog.dialog(
-                "Remote admin rejected",
-                "The selected node did not authorize this admin request.",
-            )
-        except Exception as exc:
-            logging.exception("Remote admin failed for %s", remote_node_num)
-            if wait_win is not None:
-                wait_win.erase()
-                wait_win.refresh()
-            contact.ui.dialog.dialog("Remote admin failed", str(exc))
+                contact.ui.dialog.dialog(
+                    "Remote admin rejected",
+                    "The selected node did not authorize this admin request.",
+                )
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logging.exception("Remote admin failed for %s", remote_node_num)
+                if wait_win is not None:
+                    wait_win.erase()
+                    wait_win.refresh()
+                contact.ui.dialog.dialog("Remote admin failed", str(exc))
     ui_state.current_window = previous_window
     ui_state.single_pane_mode = config.single_pane_mode.lower() == "true"
     curses.curs_set(1)
@@ -1067,7 +1294,7 @@ def handle_backtick(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     handle_resize(stdscr, False)
 
 
-def show_remote_admin_wait(stdscr: curses.window, node_name: str) -> curses.window | None:
+def show_remote_admin_wait(stdscr: curses.window, node_name: str) -> Optional[curses.window]:
     """Show progress while Meshtastic retrieves remote-admin settings."""
     message = f"Attempting remote admin of {node_name}, waiting for response..."
     try:
@@ -1086,7 +1313,7 @@ def show_remote_admin_wait(stdscr: curses.window, node_name: str) -> curses.wind
         return None
 
 
-def show_connection_status(stdscr: curses.window, title: str, message: str) -> curses.window | None:
+def show_connection_status(stdscr: curses.window, title: str, message: str) -> Optional[curses.window]:
     """Display a non-blocking connection-status dialog over the current UI."""
     try:
         height, width = stdscr.getmaxyx()
@@ -1103,7 +1330,7 @@ def show_connection_status(stdscr: curses.window, title: str, message: str) -> c
         return None
 
 
-def update_remote_admin_wait(wait_win: curses.window | None, message: str) -> None:
+def update_remote_admin_wait(wait_win: Optional[curses.window], message: str) -> None:
     """Append the current remote-admin request to the waiting overlay."""
     if wait_win is None:
         return
@@ -1444,7 +1671,7 @@ def refresh_message_highlight() -> None:
     previous_range = ui_state.highlighted_message_range
     width = max(0, messages_win.getmaxyx()[1] - 2)
 
-    if not ui_state.channel_list or ui_state.current_window != 1:
+    if not ui_state.channel_list or ui_state.current_window != 1 or ui_state.input_focused:
         if previous_range:
             start, end, color = previous_range
             for row in range(start, end):

contact/ui/control_ui.py

@@ -279,7 +279,8 @@ def redraw_main_ui_after_reconnect(stdscr: object) -> None:
 
         get_channels()
         refresh_node_list()
-        contact_ui.handle_resize(stdscr, False)
+        if not contact_ui.ui_state.log_viewer_open:
+            contact_ui.handle_resize(stdscr, False)
     except Exception:
         logging.debug("Skipping main UI redraw after reconnect", exc_info=True)
 
@@ -319,6 +320,25 @@ def _request_remote_channels_with_timeout(node: object, cancel_callback=None) ->
         time.sleep(0.1)
 
 
+def verify_remote_admin(node: object, status_callback=None, cancel_callback=None) -> None:
+    """Establish and verify an authorized remote-admin session.
+
+    Config reads alone are not a sufficient authorization check.  The
+    Meshtastic admin-session exchange only provides a session passkey when
+    the remote node accepts this client's administrative credentials.
+    """
+    if status_callback:
+        status_callback("Checking remote-admin permission…")
+    _request_remote_with_timeout(node.ensureSessionKey, cancel_callback=cancel_callback)
+
+    try:
+        remote_session = node.iface._getOrCreateByNum(node.nodeNum).get("adminSessionPassKey")
+    except (AttributeError, TypeError):
+        remote_session = None
+    if not remote_session:
+        raise PermissionError("The selected node did not authorize this admin request.")
+
+
 def _request_remote_section(
     node: object, menu_path: List[str], selected_option: str, status_callback=None, cancel_callback=None
 ) -> bool:
@@ -680,12 +700,14 @@ def settings_menu(
                 menu_win.refresh()
                 menu_state.menu_path.append("App Settings")
                 menu_state.menu_index.append(menu_state.selected_index)
-                json_editor(stdscr, menu_state)  # Open the App Settings menu
+                open_log_viewer = json_editor(stdscr, menu_state)  # Open the App Settings menu
                 reload_translations()
                 menu_state.current_menu = menu["Main Menu"]
                 menu_state.menu_path = ["Main Menu"]
                 menu_state.start_index.pop()
                 menu_state.selected_index = 4
+                if open_log_viewer:
+                    break
                 continue
 
             field_info = menu_state.current_menu.get(selected_option)

contact/ui/splash.py

@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 import curses
+import textwrap
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color
 
 
-def draw_splash(stdscr: object) -> None:
+def draw_splash(stdscr: object, status: str = "connecting...") -> None:
     """Draw the splash screen with a logo and connecting message."""
     curses.curs_set(0)
 
@@ -13,16 +14,20 @@ def draw_splash(stdscr: object) -> None:
     message_1 = "/ Λ"
     message_2 = "/ / \\"
     message_3 = "P W R D"
-    message_4 = "connecting..."
 
     start_x = width // 2 - len(message_1) // 2
-    start_x2 = width // 2 - len(message_4) // 2
     start_y = height // 2 - 1
     stdscr.addstr(start_y, start_x, message_1, get_color("splash_logo", bold=True))
     stdscr.addstr(start_y + 1, start_x - 1, message_2, get_color("splash_logo", bold=True))
     stdscr.addstr(start_y + 2, start_x - 2, message_3, get_color("splash_logo", bold=True))
-    stdscr.addstr(start_y + 4, start_x2, message_4, get_color("splash_text"))
-    stdscr.move(start_y + 5, start_x2)
+    status_lines = []
+    for line in status.splitlines():
+        status_lines.extend(textwrap.wrap(line, max(1, width - 4)) or [""])
+    for offset, line in enumerate(status_lines):
+        row = start_y + 4 + offset
+        if row >= height - 1:
+            break
+        stdscr.addstr(row, max(1, (width - len(line)) // 2), line, get_color("splash_text"))
 
     stdscr.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
     stdscr.box()

contact/ui/ui_state.py

@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ class ChatUIState:
     selected_message: int = 0
     selected_node: int = 0
     current_window: int = 0
+    input_focused: bool = False
+    input_cursor: int = 0
     last_sent_time: float = 0.0
     last_traceroute_time: float = 0.0
     selected_index: int = 0
@@ -40,6 +42,13 @@ class ChatUIState:
     scroll_messages_to_bottom: bool = False
     preserve_message_selection: bool = False
     reconnect_attempted: bool = False
+    reconnect_prompt_open: bool = False
+    log_viewer_open: bool = False
+    log_viewer_follow: bool = True
+    log_viewer_start_line: int = 0
+    log_viewer_lines: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    log_viewer_signature: Any = None
+    log_viewer_loaded: bool = False
     oldest_message_rowid: Dict[Union[str, int], int] = field(default_factory=dict)
     has_older_messages: Dict[Union[str, int], bool] = field(default_factory=dict)
     message_line_ranges: Dict[Union[str, int], List[tuple]] = field(default_factory=dict)

contact/ui/user_config.py

@@ -9,12 +9,14 @@ from contact.ui.nav_utils import move_highlight, draw_arrows, update_help_window
 from contact.utilities.ini_utils import parse_ini_file
 from contact.utilities.input_handlers import get_list_input
 from contact.utilities.i18n import t
-from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state
+from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state, ui_state
 
 
 MAX_MENU_WIDTH = 80  # desired max; will shrink on small terminals
 max_help_lines = 6
 save_option = "Save Changes"
+VIEW_LOG_OPTION = "__view_log__"
+LOG_VIEWER_LINE_LIMIT = 500
 translation_file = config.get_localisation_file(config.language)
 field_mapping, help_text = parse_ini_file(translation_file)
 translation_language = config.language
@@ -86,6 +88,32 @@ def get_effective_width() -> int:
     return max(20, min(MAX_MENU_WIDTH, curses.COLS - 2))
 
 
+def load_log_tail(path: str, max_lines: int = LOG_VIEWER_LINE_LIMIT) -> List[str]:
+    """Read the final log lines without loading an arbitrarily large log file."""
+    if max_lines <= 0:
+        return []
+    try:
+        with open(path, "rb") as log_file:
+            log_file.seek(0, os.SEEK_END)
+            position = log_file.tell()
+            chunks = []
+            newline_count = 0
+            while position > 0 and newline_count <= max_lines:
+                read_size = min(8192, position)
+                position -= read_size
+                log_file.seek(position)
+                chunk = log_file.read(read_size)
+                chunks.append(chunk)
+                newline_count += chunk.count(b"\n")
+        data = b"".join(reversed(chunks)).decode("utf-8", errors="replace")
+        lines = data.splitlines()
+        if position > 0 and lines:
+            lines = lines[1:]
+        return lines[-max_lines:]
+    except OSError as exc:
+        return [f"Unable to read log: {exc}"]
+
+
 def edit_color_pair(key: str, display_label: str, current_value: List[str]) -> List[str]:
     """
     Allows the user to select a foreground and background color for a key.
@@ -273,6 +301,8 @@ def display_menu() -> tuple[Any, Any, List[str]]:
     # Determine menu items based on the type of current_menu
     if isinstance(menu_state.current_menu, dict):
         options = list(menu_state.current_menu.keys())
+        if len(menu_state.menu_path) <= 2:
+            options.insert(0, VIEW_LOG_OPTION)
     elif isinstance(menu_state.current_menu, list):
         options = [f"[{i}]" for i in range(len(menu_state.current_menu))]
     else:
@@ -311,10 +341,13 @@ def display_menu() -> tuple[Any, Any, List[str]]:
             menu_state.current_menu[key]
             if isinstance(menu_state.current_menu, dict)
             else menu_state.current_menu[int(key.strip("[]"))]
-        )
+        ) if key != VIEW_LOG_OPTION else ""
         if isinstance(menu_state.current_menu, dict):
-            full_key = get_app_settings_key(menu_state.menu_path, key)
-            display_key = lookup_app_settings_label(full_key, key)
+            if key == VIEW_LOG_OPTION:
+                display_key = field_mapping.get("app_settings.view_log", "View Log")
+            else:
+                full_key = get_app_settings_key(menu_state.menu_path, key)
+                display_key = lookup_app_settings_label(full_key, key)
         else:
             display_key = key
         display_key = f"{display_key}"[: w // 2 - 2]
@@ -391,7 +424,7 @@ def update_app_settings_help(menu_win: curses.window, options: List[str]) -> Non
     )
 
 
-def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
+def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> bool:
 
     menu_state.selected_index = 0  # Track the selected option
     made_changes = False  # Track if any changes were made
@@ -470,6 +503,14 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
 
             if menu_state.selected_index < len(options):  # Handle selection of a menu item
                 selected_key = options[menu_state.selected_index]
+                if selected_key == VIEW_LOG_OPTION:
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_open = True
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_follow = True
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_start_line = 0
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_lines = []
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_signature = None
+                    ui_state.log_viewer_loaded = False
+                    return True
                 menu_state.menu_path.append(str(selected_key))
                 menu_state.start_index.append(0)
                 menu_state.menu_index.append(menu_state.selected_index)
@@ -573,6 +614,8 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
 
                 break
 
+    return False
+
 
 def save_json(file_path: str, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
     formatted_json = config.format_json_single_line_arrays(data)

contact/utilities/interfaces.py

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 import logging
+import contextlib
+import io
 import time
 import meshtastic.serial_interface, meshtastic.tcp_interface, meshtastic.ble_interface
 
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def interface_is_connected(interface) -> bool:
     return getattr(interface, "localNode", None) is not None
 
 
-def initialize_interface(args):
+def initialize_interface(args, status_callback=None):
     try:
 
         if args.ble:
@@ -43,7 +45,10 @@ def initialize_interface(args):
                 logging.error(f"Error connecting to {args.host}. {ex}")
         else:
             try:
-                client = meshtastic.serial_interface.SerialInterface(args.port)
+                # The library prints its fallback notice directly to stdout,
+                # which would overwrite the curses splash screen.
+                with contextlib.redirect_stdout(io.StringIO()):
+                    client = meshtastic.serial_interface.SerialInterface(args.port)
             except FileNotFoundError as ex:
                 logging.error(f"The serial device at '{args.port}' was not found. {ex}")
             except PermissionError as ex:
@@ -56,6 +61,8 @@ def initialize_interface(args):
                 logging.error(f"The serial device couldn't be opened, it might be in use by another process. {ex}")
             if client.devPath is None:
                 try:
+                    if status_callback:
+                        status_callback("No serial device found.\nConnecting via TCP to localhost…")
                     client = meshtastic.tcp_interface.TCPInterface("localhost")
                 except Exception as ex:
                     logging.error(f"Error connecting to localhost:{ex}")
@@ -68,13 +75,19 @@ def initialize_interface(args):
 
 def reconnect_interface(args, attempts: int = 20, delay_seconds: float = 1.0):
     last_error = None
+    target = getattr(args, "host", None) or getattr(args, "port", None) or getattr(args, "ble", None) or "auto"
 
     for attempt in range(attempts):
+        attempt_number = attempt + 1
+        logging.info("Reconnect attempt %d/%d to %s", attempt_number, attempts, target)
         try:
             interface = initialize_interface(args)
             if interface_is_connected(interface) and getattr(interface, "localNode", None) is not None and getattr(
                 interface.localNode, "localConfig", None
             ) is not None:
+                node_num = getattr(interface.localNode, "nodeNum", None)
+                node_label = f" !{node_num:08x}" if isinstance(node_num, int) else ""
+                logging.info("Reconnected to Meshtastic node%s on attempt %d/%d", node_label, attempt_number, attempts)
                 return interface
             last_error = RuntimeError("interface did not complete connection setup")
             try:
@@ -84,7 +97,10 @@ def reconnect_interface(args, attempts: int = 20, delay_seconds: float = 1.0):
         except Exception as ex:
             last_error = ex
 
+        logging.warning("Reconnect attempt %d/%d failed: %s", attempt_number, attempts, last_error)
+
         if attempt < attempts - 1:
             time.sleep(delay_seconds)
 
+    logging.error("Unable to reconnect to Meshtastic node after %d attempts", attempts)
     raise RuntimeError("Failed to reconnect to the Meshtastic node") from last_error

contact/utilities/save_to_radio.py

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ from meshtastic.protobuf import channel_pb2
 from google.protobuf.message import Message
 import logging
 import base64
-import time
 
 DEVICE_REBOOT_KEYS = {"button_gpio", "buzzer_gpio", "role", "rebroadcast_mode"}
 POWER_REBOOT_KEYS = {
@@ -100,22 +99,14 @@ def save_changes(interface, modified_settings, menu_state, node=None):
             # Filter out empty keys
             valid_keys = [key for key in admin_keys if key and key.strip() and key != b""]
 
-            if not valid_keys:
-                logging.warning("No valid admin keys provided. Skipping admin key update.")
-            else:
-                # Clear existing keys if needed
-                if security_config.admin_key:
-                    logging.info("Clearing existing admin keys...")
-                    del security_config.admin_key[:]
-                    node.writeConfig("security")
-                    time.sleep(2)  # Give time for device to process
-
-                # Append new keys
-                for key in valid_keys:
-                    logging.info(f"Adding admin key: {key}")
-                    security_config.admin_key.append(key)
-                node.writeConfig("security")
-                logging.info("Admin keys updated successfully!")
+            # Update the repeated field in memory, then send one complete
+            # security config. Sending an empty list first can revoke the key
+            # authorizing this remote-admin session before a second write can
+            # restore the remaining keys.
+            del security_config.admin_key[:]
+            security_config.admin_key.extend(valid_keys)
+            node.writeConfig("security")
+            logging.info("Admin keys updated successfully (%d key(s)).", len(valid_keys))
 
             # Backup 'admin_key' before removing it
             admin_key_backup = modified_settings.get("admin_key", None)
@@ -161,7 +152,8 @@ def save_changes(interface, modified_settings, menu_state, node=None):
             config_category = "Channels"
 
             try:
-                channel = menu_state.menu_path[-1]
+                channels_index = menu_state.menu_path.index("Channels")
+                channel = menu_state.menu_path[channels_index + 1]
                 channel_num = int(channel.split()[-1]) - 1
             except (IndexError, ValueError) as e:
                 channel_num = None
@@ -170,8 +162,10 @@ def save_changes(interface, modified_settings, menu_state, node=None):
             for key, value in modified_settings.items():
                 if key == "psk":  # Special case: decode Base64 for psk
                     channel.settings.psk = base64.b64decode(value)
-                elif key == "position_precision":  # Special case: module_settings
-                    channel.settings.module_settings.position_precision = value
+                elif key in {"position_precision", "is_muted"}:
+                    # These fields belong to ChannelSettings.module_settings,
+                    # not ChannelSettings itself.
+                    setattr(channel.settings.module_settings, key, value)
                 else:
                     setattr(channel.settings, key, value)  # Use setattr for other fields
 

contact/utilities/utils.py

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 import datetime
+import logging
 import re
 import time
+from functools import lru_cache
 from typing import Optional, Union
 from google.protobuf.message import DecodeError
 
@@ -10,14 +12,41 @@ import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state
 import contact.utilities.telemetry_beautifier as tb
 
+NEW_MODEM_PRESET_NAMES = {
+    14: "TINY_FAST",
+    15: "TINY_SLOW",
+    16: "MEDIUM_TURBO",
+}
+
+
+@lru_cache(maxsize=None)
+def _get_modem_preset_name(modem_preset_enum: int) -> str:
+    try:
+        return config_pb2.Config.LoRaConfig.ModemPreset.Name(modem_preset_enum)
+    except ValueError:
+        compatibility_name = NEW_MODEM_PRESET_NAMES.get(modem_preset_enum)
+        if compatibility_name is not None:
+            logging.warning(
+                "Modem preset %s is newer than the installed Meshtastic protobuf schema; "
+                "using compatibility name %s",
+                modem_preset_enum,
+                compatibility_name,
+            )
+            return compatibility_name
+
+        logging.warning(
+            "Modem preset %s is not recognized by the installed Meshtastic protobuf schema",
+            modem_preset_enum,
+        )
+        return f"UNKNOWN_PRESET_{modem_preset_enum}"
+
 
 def _get_channel_name(device_channel, node):
     if device_channel.settings.name:
         return device_channel.settings.name
 
-    lora_config = node.localConfig.lora
-    modem_preset_enum = lora_config.modem_preset
-    modem_preset_string = config_pb2._CONFIG_LORACONFIG_MODEMPRESET.values_by_number[modem_preset_enum].name
+    modem_preset_enum = node.localConfig.lora.modem_preset
+    modem_preset_string = _get_modem_preset_name(modem_preset_enum)
     return convert_to_camel_case(modem_preset_string)
 
 

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "contact"
-version = "1.6.3"
+version = "1.6.9"
 description = "This Python curses client for Meshtastic is a terminal-based client designed to manage device settings, enable mesh chat communication, and handle configuration backups and restores."
 authors = [
     {name = "Ben Lipsey",email = "ben@pdxlocations.com"}

tests/test_bot_handler.py

@@ -40,18 +40,19 @@ class BotHandlerTests(unittest.TestCase):
         packet = {"id": 900, "from": 222, "decoded": {}}
 
         with mock.patch.object(config, "ping_bot_enabled", "True"):
-            with mock.patch.object(self.bot_handler.threading, "Thread") as thread:
-                self.assertTrue(self.bot_handler.bot_respond(packet, "ping", 0))
-                send_response = thread.call_args.kwargs["target"]
-                with mock.patch.object(self.bot_handler.time, "sleep"):
-                    with mock.patch.dict(
-                        sys.modules,
-                        {"contact.ui.contact_ui": types.SimpleNamespace(request_ui_redraw=mock.Mock())},
-                    ):
-                        send_response()
+            with mock.patch.object(self.bot_handler, "get_reply_context", return_value="<Re: NODE: ping> "):
+                with mock.patch.object(self.bot_handler.threading, "Thread") as thread:
+                    self.assertTrue(self.bot_handler.bot_respond(packet, "ping", 0))
+                    send_response = thread.call_args.kwargs["target"]
+                    with mock.patch.object(self.bot_handler.time, "sleep"):
+                        with mock.patch.dict(
+                            sys.modules,
+                            {"contact.ui.contact_ui": types.SimpleNamespace(request_ui_redraw=mock.Mock())},
+                        ):
+                            send_response()
 
         self.bot_handler.send_message.assert_called_once_with(
-            "Pong!", channel=0, reply_id=900
+            "Pong!", channel=0, reply_id=900, reply_context="<Re: NODE: ping> "
         )
 
     def test_bot_response_requires_enabled_app_setting(self) -> None:

tests/test_contact_ui.py

@@ -53,14 +53,35 @@ class ContactUiTests(unittest.TestCase):
                     with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "handle_resize"):
                         with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "get_list_input", return_value="Remote admin: node"):
                             with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "get_name_from_database", return_value="node"):
-                                with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "settings_menu", side_effect=SystemExit(1)):
-                                    with mock.patch("contact.ui.dialog.dialog") as dialog:
-                                        contact_ui.handle_backtick(stdscr)
+                                with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "verify_remote_admin", side_effect=SystemExit(1)):
+                                    with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "settings_menu") as settings_menu:
+                                        with mock.patch("contact.ui.dialog.dialog") as dialog:
+                                            contact_ui.handle_backtick(stdscr)
 
         dialog.assert_called_once_with(
             "Remote admin rejected",
             "The selected node did not authorize this admin request.",
         )
+        settings_menu.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_handle_backtick_opens_local_settings_for_selected_local_node(self) -> None:
+        stdscr = mock.Mock()
+        ui_state.current_window = 2
+        ui_state.node_list = [123]
+        ui_state.selected_node = 0
+        contact_ui.interface_state.myNodeNum = 123
+        contact_ui.interface_state.interface = mock.Mock()
+
+        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui.curses, "curs_set"):
+            with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "get_list_input") as chooser:
+                with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "settings_menu") as settings_menu:
+                    with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "get_channels"):
+                        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "refresh_node_list"):
+                            with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "handle_resize"):
+                                contact_ui.handle_backtick(stdscr)
+
+        chooser.assert_not_called()
+        settings_menu.assert_called_once_with(stdscr, contact_ui.interface_state.interface)
 
     def test_show_remote_admin_wait_draws_status(self) -> None:
         stdscr = mock.Mock()

tests/test_control_ui.py

@@ -53,6 +53,32 @@ class ControlUiTests(unittest.TestCase):
         reconnect.assert_called_once_with(stdscr, interface)
         self.assertIs(result, new_interface)
 
+    def test_verify_remote_admin_establishes_an_authorized_session(self) -> None:
+        node = SimpleNamespace(
+            nodeNum=123,
+            ensureSessionKey=mock.Mock(),
+            iface=SimpleNamespace(_getOrCreateByNum=mock.Mock(return_value={"adminSessionPassKey": b"key"})),
+        )
+        status_callback = mock.Mock()
+
+        with mock.patch.object(control_ui, "_request_remote_with_timeout") as request:
+            control_ui.verify_remote_admin(node, status_callback=status_callback)
+
+        status_callback.assert_called_once_with("Checking remote-admin permission…")
+        request.assert_called_once_with(node.ensureSessionKey, cancel_callback=None)
+        node.iface._getOrCreateByNum.assert_called_once_with(123)
+
+    def test_verify_remote_admin_rejects_missing_session_key(self) -> None:
+        node = SimpleNamespace(
+            nodeNum=123,
+            ensureSessionKey=mock.Mock(),
+            iface=SimpleNamespace(_getOrCreateByNum=mock.Mock(return_value={})),
+        )
+
+        with mock.patch.object(control_ui, "_request_remote_with_timeout"):
+            with self.assertRaises(PermissionError):
+                control_ui.verify_remote_admin(node)
+
     def test_redraw_main_ui_after_reconnect_refreshes_channels_nodes_and_layout(self) -> None:
         stdscr = mock.Mock()
 

tests/test_interfaces.py

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 from argparse import Namespace
+from types import SimpleNamespace
 import unittest
 from unittest import mock
 
@@ -9,13 +10,18 @@ class InterfacesTests(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_reconnect_interface_retries_until_connection_succeeds(self) -> None:
         args = Namespace()
 
-        with mock.patch("contact.utilities.interfaces.initialize_interface", side_effect=[None, None, "iface"]) as initialize:
+        ready_interface = SimpleNamespace(localNode=SimpleNamespace(localConfig=object(), nodeNum=123))
+        with mock.patch(
+            "contact.utilities.interfaces.initialize_interface", side_effect=[None, None, ready_interface]
+        ) as initialize:
             with mock.patch("contact.utilities.interfaces.time.sleep") as sleep:
-                result = reconnect_interface(args, attempts=3, delay_seconds=0.25)
+                with mock.patch("contact.utilities.interfaces.logging.info") as info:
+                    result = reconnect_interface(args, attempts=3, delay_seconds=0.25)
 
-        self.assertEqual(result, "iface")
+        self.assertIs(result, ready_interface)
         self.assertEqual(initialize.call_count, 3)
         self.assertEqual(sleep.call_count, 2)
+        self.assertTrue(any("Reconnected to Meshtastic node" in call.args[0] for call in info.call_args_list))
 
     def test_reconnect_interface_raises_after_exhausting_attempts(self) -> None:
         args = Namespace()

tests/test_main.py

@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ class MainRuntimeTests(unittest.TestCase):
         with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.sys, "argv", ["contact"]):
             with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.curses, "wrapper", side_effect=RuntimeError("boom")):
                 with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.curses, "endwin") as endwin:
-                    with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.traceback, "print_exc") as print_exc:
+                    with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.traceback, "print_exception") as print_exception:
                         with mock.patch("builtins.print") as print_mock:
                             with mock.patch.object(entrypoint.sys, "exit", side_effect=SystemExit(1)) as exit_mock:
                                 with self.assertRaises(SystemExit) as raised:
@@ -248,6 +248,9 @@ class MainRuntimeTests(unittest.TestCase):
 
         self.assertEqual(raised.exception.code, 1)
         endwin.assert_called_once_with()
-        print_exc.assert_called_once_with()
+        exception_type, exception, exception_traceback = print_exception.call_args_list[-1].args
+        self.assertIs(exception_type, RuntimeError)
+        self.assertEqual(str(exception), "boom")
+        self.assertIsNotNone(exception_traceback)
         print_mock.assert_any_call("Fatal error:", mock.ANY)
         exit_mock.assert_called_once_with(1)

tests/test_message_input.py

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+import unittest
+from contextlib import ExitStack
+from unittest import mock
+
+from contact.ui import contact_ui
+from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state
+from tests.test_support import reset_singletons
+
+
+class MessageInputTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        reset_singletons()
+        ui_state.current_window = 1
+        for name in ("refresh_message_highlight", "refresh_main_window", "get_color"):
+            patcher = mock.patch.object(contact_ui, name, return_value=1)
+            patcher.start()
+            self.addCleanup(patcher.stop)
+        self.addCleanup(reset_singletons)
+
+    def test_keyboard_loop_sends_edited_draft_after_resize(self):
+        win = mock.Mock()
+        win.get_wch.side_effect = [
+            "a", "b", "c", contact_ui.curses.KEY_LEFT,
+            contact_ui.curses.KEY_DC, "d", contact_ui.curses.KEY_BACKSPACE,
+            "e", contact_ui.curses.KEY_RESIZE, "\n", "\x1b",
+        ]
+        with ExitStack() as stack:
+            stack.enter_context(mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "entry_win", win))
+            for name in ("get_channels", "handle_resize", "process_pending_ui_updates", "draw_message_input"):
+                stack.enter_context(mock.patch.object(contact_ui, name))
+            stack.enter_context(mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "interface_is_connected", return_value=True))
+            stack.enter_context(mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "drain_resize_events", return_value=None))
+            send = stack.enter_context(mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "handle_enter", return_value=""))
+            contact_ui.main_ui(mock.Mock())
+        send.assert_called_once_with("abe")
+        self.assertEqual(contact_ui.input_text, "")
+        self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 0)
+
+    def test_typing_focuses_input_and_edits_at_cursor(self):
+        draft = contact_ui.insert_input_text("", "helo")
+        self.assertTrue(ui_state.input_focused)
+        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "input_text", draft):
+            contact_ui.handle_leftright(contact_ui.curses.KEY_LEFT)
+        draft = contact_ui.insert_input_text(draft, "l")
+        self.assertEqual(draft, "hello")
+        self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 4)
+        draft = contact_ui.handle_backspace(mock.Mock(), draft)
+        self.assertEqual(draft, "helo")
+        self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 3)
+
+    def test_up_and_down_return_to_messages_without_scrolling(self):
+        for handler in (contact_ui.handle_up, contact_ui.handle_down):
+            ui_state.input_focused = True
+            ui_state.input_cursor = 2
+            with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "scroll_messages") as scroll:
+                handler()
+            self.assertFalse(ui_state.input_focused)
+            self.assertEqual(ui_state.current_window, 1)
+            self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 2)
+            scroll.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_cursor_stops_at_draft_boundaries(self):
+        ui_state.input_focused = True
+        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "input_text", "abc"):
+            contact_ui.handle_leftright(contact_ui.curses.KEY_LEFT)
+            self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 0)
+            self.assertEqual(contact_ui.handle_backspace(mock.Mock(), "abc"), "abc")
+            contact_ui.handle_end()
+            contact_ui.handle_leftright(contact_ui.curses.KEY_RIGHT)
+            self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 3)
+            contact_ui.handle_home()
+            self.assertEqual(ui_state.input_cursor, 0)
+
+    def test_redraw_clears_line_and_shows_text_after_cursor(self):
+        win = mock.Mock()
+        win.getmaxyx.return_value = (3, 30)
+        ui_state.input_focused = True
+        ui_state.input_cursor = 2
+        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "entry_win", win), mock.patch.object(contact_ui.curses, "curs_set"):
+            contact_ui.draw_message_input("hello")
+        win.addstr.assert_any_call(1, 1, " " * 28, 1)
+        win.addstr.assert_any_call(1, 1, "Message: hello", 1)
+        win.move.assert_called_once_with(1, 12)
+        contact_ui.get_color.assert_any_call("window_frame_selected")
+
+    def test_long_draft_scrolls_to_cursor_with_reply_context(self):
+        win = mock.Mock()
+        win.getmaxyx.return_value = (3, 24)
+        ui_state.reply_context = "Reply to someone: "
+        ui_state.input_cursor = 20
+        with mock.patch.object(contact_ui, "entry_win", win), mock.patch.object(contact_ui.curses, "curs_set"):
+            contact_ui.draw_message_input("x" * 20)
+        self.assertLess(win.move.call_args.args[1], 23)
+        rendered = [call.args[2] for call in win.addstr.call_args_list if call.args[:2] == (1, 1)][-1]
+        self.assertEqual(rendered, "Message: " + "x" * 12)

tests/test_save_to_radio.py

@@ -55,6 +55,20 @@ class SaveToRadioTests(unittest.TestCase):
 
         self.assertTrue(reconnect_required)
 
+    def test_save_changes_replaces_remote_admin_keys_in_one_write(self) -> None:
+        interface, node = self.build_interface()
+        key_one = b"1" * 32
+        key_two = b"2" * 32
+        key_three = b"3" * 32
+        node.localConfig.security.admin_key = [key_one, key_two, key_three]
+        menu_state = SimpleNamespace(menu_path=["Main Menu", "Radio Settings", "Security"])
+
+        reconnect_required = save_changes(interface, {"admin_key": [key_one, key_two]}, menu_state, node=node)
+
+        self.assertTrue(reconnect_required)
+        self.assertEqual(node.localConfig.security.admin_key, [key_one, key_two])
+        node.writeConfig.assert_called_once_with("security")
+
     def test_save_changes_returns_true_only_for_rebooting_device_fields(self) -> None:
         interface, node = self.build_interface()
         menu_state = SimpleNamespace(menu_path=["Main Menu", "Radio Settings", "Device"])
@@ -95,6 +109,18 @@ class SaveToRadioTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(reconnect_required)
         self.assertTrue(node.moduleConfig.mqtt.enabled)
 
+    def test_save_changes_writes_channel_is_muted_to_module_settings(self) -> None:
+        interface, node = self.build_interface()
+        channel = SimpleNamespace(settings=SimpleNamespace(module_settings=SimpleNamespace(is_muted=False)), role=None)
+        node.channels = [channel]
+        menu_state = SimpleNamespace(menu_path=["Main Menu", "Channels", "Channel 1", "module_settings"])
+
+        reconnect_required = save_changes(interface, {"is_muted": True}, menu_state)
+
+        self.assertFalse(reconnect_required)
+        self.assertTrue(channel.settings.module_settings.is_muted)
+        node.writeChannel.assert_called_once_with(0)
+
     def test_save_changes_returns_true_for_user_name_changes(self) -> None:
         interface, node = self.build_interface()
         menu_state = SimpleNamespace(menu_path=["Main Menu", "User Settings"])

tests/test_user_config.py

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import unittest
+from tempfile import NamedTemporaryFile
 from unittest import mock
 
 import contact.ui.default_config  # Initialize config before the color helpers.
@@ -13,6 +14,17 @@ class UserConfigTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(result, "True")
         picker.assert_called_once_with("Enabled", "False", ["True", "False"])
 
+    def test_load_log_tail_returns_only_requested_recent_lines(self) -> None:
+        with NamedTemporaryFile("w") as log_file:
+            log_file.write("".join(f"line {index}\n" for index in range(600)))
+            log_file.flush()
+
+            lines = user_config.load_log_tail(log_file.name, max_lines=500)
+
+        self.assertEqual(len(lines), 500)
+        self.assertEqual(lines[0], "line 100")
+        self.assertEqual(lines[-1], "line 599")
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()

tests/test_utils.py

@@ -1,10 +1,19 @@
 import unittest
 from unittest import mock
 
+from meshtastic.protobuf import config_pb2
+
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.utilities.demo_data import DEMO_LOCAL_NODE_NUM, build_demo_interface
 from contact.utilities.singleton import interface_state, ui_state
-from contact.utilities.utils import add_new_message, get_channels, get_node_list, parse_protobuf
+from contact.utilities.utils import (
+    _get_channel_name,
+    _get_modem_preset_name,
+    add_new_message,
+    get_channels,
+    get_node_list,
+    parse_protobuf,
+)
 
 from tests.test_support import reset_singletons, restore_config, snapshot_config
 
@@ -12,6 +21,7 @@ from tests.test_support import reset_singletons, restore_config, snapshot_config
 class UtilsTests(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self) -> None:
         reset_singletons()
+        _get_modem_preset_name.cache_clear()
         self.saved_config = snapshot_config("node_sort")
 
     def tearDown(self) -> None:
@@ -60,6 +70,45 @@ class UtilsTests(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertIn("MediumFast", ui_state.all_messages)
         self.assertIn("Another Channel", ui_state.all_messages)
 
+    def test_get_channel_name_handles_newer_known_modem_preset(self) -> None:
+        device_channel = mock.Mock()
+        device_channel.settings.name = ""
+        node = mock.Mock()
+        node.localConfig.lora.modem_preset = 14
+
+        with mock.patch("contact.utilities.utils.logging.warning") as warning:
+            self.assertEqual(_get_channel_name(device_channel, node), "TinyFast")
+
+        warning.assert_called_once()
+
+    def test_get_channel_name_handles_unknown_modem_preset(self) -> None:
+        device_channel = mock.Mock()
+        device_channel.settings.name = ""
+        node = mock.Mock()
+        node.localConfig.lora.modem_preset = 99
+
+        with mock.patch("contact.utilities.utils.logging.warning") as warning:
+            self.assertEqual(_get_channel_name(device_channel, node), "UnknownPreset99")
+
+        warning.assert_called_once()
+
+    def test_get_channel_name_prefers_public_protobuf_enum_over_compatibility_map(self) -> None:
+        device_channel = mock.Mock()
+        device_channel.settings.name = ""
+        node = mock.Mock()
+        node.localConfig.lora.modem_preset = 14
+
+        with mock.patch.object(
+            config_pb2.Config.LoRaConfig.ModemPreset,
+            "Name",
+            return_value="TINY_FAST",
+        ) as enum_name:
+            with mock.patch("contact.utilities.utils.logging.warning") as warning:
+                self.assertEqual(_get_channel_name(device_channel, node), "TinyFast")
+
+        enum_name.assert_called_once_with(14)
+        warning.assert_not_called()
+
     def test_get_channels_rebuilds_renamed_channels_and_preserves_messages(self) -> None:
         interface = build_demo_interface()
         interface.localNode.channels[0].settings.name = "Renamed Channel"