fix readme typo in last heard

Add discord link

Filter_clock_sync.py

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+# PlatformIO monitor filter: automatic clock sync for Meck devices
+#
+# When a Meck device boots with no valid RTC time, it prints "MECK_CLOCK_REQ"
+# over serial.  This filter watches for that line and responds immediately
+# with "clock sync <epoch>\r\n", setting the device's real-time clock to
+# the host computer's current time.
+#
+# The sync is completely transparent — the user just sees it happen in the
+# boot log.  If the RTC already has valid time, the device never sends the
+# request and this filter does nothing.
+#
+# Install: place this file in <project>/monitor/filter_clock_sync.py
+# Enable:  add "clock_sync" to monitor_filters in platformio.ini
+#
+# Works with: PlatformIO Core >= 6.0
+
+import time
+
+from platformio.device.monitor.filters.base import DeviceFilter
+
+
+class ClockSync(DeviceFilter):
+    NAME = "clock_sync"
+
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self._buf = bytearray()
+        self._synced = False
+
+    def rx(self, text):
+        """Called with each chunk of data received from the device."""
+        if self._synced:
+            return text
+
+        # Accumulate into a line buffer to detect MECK_CLOCK_REQ
+        if isinstance(text, str):
+            self._buf.extend(text.encode("utf-8", errors="replace"))
+        else:
+            self._buf.extend(text)
+
+        if b"MECK_CLOCK_REQ" in self._buf:
+            epoch = int(time.time())
+            response = "clock sync {}\r\n".format(epoch)
+            try:
+                # Write directly to the serial port
+                self.miniterm.serial.write(response.encode("utf-8"))
+            except Exception as e:
+                # Fallback: shouldn't happen, but don't crash the monitor
+                import sys
+                print(
+                    "\n[clock_sync] Failed to auto-sync: {}".format(e),
+                    file=sys.stderr,
+                )
+            self._synced = True
+            self._buf = bytearray()
+        elif len(self._buf) > 2048:
+            # Prevent unbounded growth — keep tail only
+            self._buf = self._buf[-256:]
+
+        return text
+
+    def tx(self, text):
+        """Called with each chunk of data sent from terminal to device."""
+        return text

README.md

@@ -1,12 +1,24 @@
-## Meshcore + Fork = Meck 
-This fork was created specifically to focus on enabling BLE companion firmware for the LilyGo T-Deck Pro. Created with the assistance of Claude AI using Meshcore v1.11 code. 
+## Meshcore + Fork = Meck
+
+A fork created specifically to focus on enabling BLE & WiFi companion firmware for the LilyGo T-Deck Pro & LilyGo T5 E-Paper S3 Pro. Created with the assistance of Claude AI using Meshcore v1.11 code.
+
+[Check out the Meck discussion channel on the MeshCore Discord](https://discord.com/channels/1343693475589263471/1460136499390447670)
 
 <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b30ce6bd-79af-44d3-93c4-f5e7e21e5621" alt="IMG_1453" width="300" height="650">
 
 ### Contents
-- [T-Deck Pro Keyboard Controls](#t-deck-pro-keyboard-controls)
+- [Supported Devices](#supported-devices)
+- [Flashing Firmware](#flashing-firmware)
+  - [First-Time Flash (Merged Firmware)](#first-time-flash-merged-firmware)
+  - [Upgrading Firmware](#upgrading-firmware)
+  - [SD Card Launcher](#sd-card-launcher)
+- [Path Hash Mode (v0.9.9+)](#path-hash-mode-v099)
+- [T-Deck Pro](#t-deck-pro)
+  - [Build Variants](#t-deck-pro-build-variants)
+  - [Keyboard Controls](#t-deck-pro-keyboard-controls)
   - [Navigation (Home Screen)](#navigation-home-screen)
   - [Bluetooth (BLE)](#bluetooth-ble)
+  - [WiFi Companion](#wifi-companion)
   - [Clock & Timezone](#clock--timezone)
   - [Channel Message Screen](#channel-message-screen)
   - [Contacts Screen](#contacts-screen)
@@ -18,12 +30,27 @@ This fork was created specifically to focus on enabling BLE companion firmware f
   - [Emoji Picker](#emoji-picker)
   - [SMS & Phone App (4G only)](#sms--phone-app-4g-only)
   - [Web Browser & IRC](#web-browser--irc)
+  - [Lock Screen (T-Deck Pro)](#lock-screen-t-deck-pro)
+- [T5S3 E-Paper Pro](#t5s3-e-paper-pro)
+  - [Build Variants](#t5s3-build-variants)
+  - [Touch Navigation](#touch-navigation)
+  - [Home Screen](#t5s3-home-screen)
+  - [Boot Button Controls](#boot-button-controls)
+  - [Backlight](#backlight)
+  - [Lock Screen](#lock-screen)
+  - [Virtual Keyboard](#virtual-keyboard)
+  - [Display Settings](#display-settings)
+  - [Clock & RTC](#clock--rtc)
+  - [Touch Gestures by Screen](#touch-gestures-by-screen)
+- [Serial Settings (USB)](Serial_Settings_Guide.md)
+- [Text & EPUB Reader](TXT___EPUB_Reader_Guide.md)
+- [Web Browser & IRC Guide](Web_App_Guide.md)
+- [SMS & Phone App Guide](SMS___Phone_App_Guide.md)
 - [About MeshCore](#about-meshcore)
 - [What is MeshCore?](#what-is-meshcore)
 - [Key Features](#key-features)
 - [What Can You Use MeshCore For?](#what-can-you-use-meshcore-for)
 - [How to Get Started](#how-to-get-started)
-- [MeshCore Flasher](#meshcore-flasher)
 - [MeshCore Clients](#meshcore-clients)
 - [Hardware Compatibility](#-hardware-compatibility)
 - [Contributing](#contributing)
@@ -32,9 +59,111 @@ This fork was created specifically to focus on enabling BLE companion firmware f
 - [License](#-license)
   - [Third-Party Libraries](#third-party-libraries)
 
-## T-Deck Pro Keyboard Controls
+---
 
-The T-Deck Pro BLE companion firmware includes full keyboard support for standalone messaging without a phone.
+## Supported Devices
+
+Meck currently targets two LilyGo devices:
+
+| Device | Display | Input | LoRa | Battery | GPS | RTC |
+|--------|---------|-------|------|---------|-----|-----|
+| **T-Deck Pro** | 240×320 e-ink (GxEPD2) | TCA8418 keyboard + optional touch | SX1262 | BQ27220 fuel gauge, 1400 mAh | Yes | No (uses GPS time) |
+| **T5S3 E-Paper Pro** (V2, H752-B) | 960×540 e-ink (FastEPD, parallel) | GT911 capacitive touch (no keyboard) | SX1262 | BQ27220 fuel gauge, 1500 mAh | No (non-GPS variant) | Yes (PCF8563 hardware RTC) |
+
+Both devices use the ESP32-S3 with 16 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM.
+
+---
+
+## Flashing Firmware
+
+Download the latest firmware from the [Releases](https://github.com/pelgraine/Meck/releases) page. Each release includes two types of `.bin` files per build variant:
+
+| File Type | When to Use |
+|-----------|-------------|
+| `*-merged.bin` | **First-time flash** — includes bootloader, partition table, and firmware in a single file. Flash at address `0x0`. |
+| `*.bin` (non-merged) | **Upgrading existing firmware** — firmware image only. Also used when loading firmware from an SD card via the Launcher. |
+
+### First-Time Flash (Merged Firmware)
+
+If the device has never had Meck firmware (or you want a clean start), use the **merged** `.bin` file. This contains the bootloader, partition table, and application firmware combined into a single image.
+
+**Using esptool.py:**
+
+```
+esptool.py --chip esp32s3 --port /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 921600 \
+  write_flash 0x0 meck_t5s3_standalone-merged.bin
+```
+
+On macOS the port is typically `/dev/cu.usbmodem*`. On Windows it will be a COM port like `COM3`.
+
+**Using the MeshCore Flasher (web-based, T-Deck Pro only):**
+
+1. Go to https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk
+2. Select **Custom Firmware**
+3. Select the **merged** `.bin` file you downloaded
+4. Click **Flash**, select your device in the popup, and click **Connect**
+
+> **Note:** The MeshCore Flasher detects merged firmware by the `-merged.bin` suffix in the filename and automatically flashes at address `0x0`. If the filename doesn't end with `-merged.bin`, the flasher writes at `0x10000` instead, which will fail on a clean device.
+
+### Upgrading Firmware
+
+If the device is already running Meck (or any MeshCore-based firmware with a valid bootloader), use the **non-merged** `.bin` file. This is smaller and faster to flash since it only contains the application firmware.
+
+**Using esptool.py:**
+
+```
+esptool.py --chip esp32s3 --port /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 921600 \
+  write_flash 0x10000 meck_t5s3_standalone.bin
+```
+
+> **Tip:** If you're unsure whether the device already has a bootloader, it's always safe to use the merged file and flash at `0x0` — it will overwrite everything cleanly.
+
+### SD Card Launcher
+
+If you're loading firmware from an SD card via the LilyGo Launcher firmware, use the **non-merged** `.bin` file. The Launcher provides its own bootloader and only needs the application image.
+
+---
+
+## Path Hash Mode (v0.9.9+)
+
+Meck supports multibyte path hash, bringing it in line with MeshCore firmware v1.14. The path hash controls how many bytes each repeater uses to identify itself in forwarded flood packets. Larger hashes reduce the chance of identity collisions at the cost of fewer maximum hops per packet.
+
+You can configure the path hash size in the device settings (press **S** from the home screen on T-Deck Pro, or open Settings via the tile on T5S3) or set it via USB serial:
+
+```
+set path.hash.mode 1
+```
+
+| Mode | Bytes per hop | Max hops | Notes |
+|------|--------------|----------|-------|
+| 0 | 1 | 64 | Legacy — prone to hash collisions in larger networks |
+| 1 | 2 | 32 | Recommended — effectively eliminates collisions |
+| 2 | 3 | 21 | Maximum precision, rarely needed |
+
+Nodes with different path hash modes can coexist on the same network. The mode only affects packets your node originates — the hash size is encoded in each packet's header, so receiving nodes adapt automatically.
+
+For a detailed explanation of what multibyte path hash means and why it matters, see the [Path Diagnostics & Improvements write-up](https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/path-diagnostics-improvements).
+
+---
+
+## T-Deck Pro
+
+### T-Deck Pro Build Variants
+
+| Variant | Environment | BLE | WiFi | 4G Modem | Audio DAC | Web Reader | Max Contacts |
+|---------|------------|-----|------|----------|-----------|------------|-------------|
+| Audio + BLE | `meck_audio_ble` | Yes | Yes (via BLE stack) | — | PCM5102A | Yes | 500 |
+| Audio + WiFi | `meck_audio_wifi` | — | Yes (TCP:5000) | — | PCM5102A | Yes | 1,500 |
+| Audio + Standalone | `meck_audio_standalone` | — | — | — | PCM5102A | No | 1,500 |
+| 4G + BLE | `meck_4g_ble` | Yes | Yes | A7682E | — | Yes | 500 |
+| 4G + WiFi | `meck_4g_wifi` | — | Yes (TCP:5000) | A7682E | — | Yes | 1,500 |
+| 4G + Standalone | `meck_4g_standalone` | — | Yes | A7682E | — | Yes | 1,500 |
+
+The audio DAC and 4G modem occupy the same hardware slot and are mutually exclusive.
+
+### T-Deck Pro Keyboard Controls
+
+The T-Deck Pro firmware includes full keyboard support for standalone messaging without a phone.
 
 ### Navigation (Home Screen)
 
@@ -51,7 +180,11 @@ The T-Deck Pro BLE companion firmware includes full keyboard support for standal
 | B | Open web browser (BLE and 4G variants only) |
 | T | Open SMS & Phone app (4G variant only) |
 | P | Open audiobook player (audio variant only) |
+| F | Open node discovery (search for nearby repeaters/nodes) |
+| H | Open last heard list (passive advert history) |
+| G | Open map screen (shows contacts with GPS positions) |
 | Q | Back to home screen |
+| Double-click Boot | Lock / unlock screen |
 
 ### Bluetooth (BLE)
 
@@ -59,12 +192,29 @@ BLE is **disabled by default** at boot to support standalone-first operation. Th
 
 To connect to the MeshCore companion app, navigate to the **Bluetooth** home page (use D to page through) and press **Enter** to toggle BLE on. The BLE PIN will be displayed on screen. Toggle it off again the same way when you're done.
 
+### WiFi Companion
+
+The WiFi companion variants (`meck_audio_wifi`, `meck_4g_wifi`) connect to the MeshCore web app, meshcore.js, or Python CLI over your local network via TCP on port 5000. WiFi credentials are stored on the SD card at `/web/wifi.cfg`.
+
+**Connecting:**
+
+1. Navigate to the **WiFi** home page (use D to page through)
+2. Press **Enter** to toggle WiFi on
+3. The device scans for networks — select yours and enter the password
+4. Once connected, the IP address is displayed on the WiFi home page
+
+Connect the MeshCore web app or meshcore.js to `<device IP>:5000`.
+
+WiFi is also used by the web reader and IRC client on WiFi variants. The web reader shares the same connection — no extra setup needed.
+
+> **Tip:** WiFi variants support up to 1,500 contacts (vs 500 for BLE variants) because they are not constrained by the BLE protocol ceiling.
+
 ### Clock & Timezone
 
-The T-Deck Pro does not include a dedicated RTC chip, so after each reboot the device clock starts unset. The clock will appear in the nav bar (between node name and battery) once the time has been synced by one of two methods:
+The T-Deck Pro does not include a dedicated RTC chip, so after each reboot the device clock starts unset. The clock will appear in the nav bar (between node name and battery) once the time has been synced by one of these methods:
 
 1. **GPS fix** (standalone) — Once the GPS acquires a satellite fix, the time is automatically synced from the NMEA data. No phone or BLE connection required. Typical time to first fix is 30–90 seconds outdoors with clear sky.
-2. **BLE companion app** — If BLE is enabled and connected to the MeshCore companion app, the app will push the current time to the device.
+2. **BLE/WiFi companion app** — If connected to the MeshCore companion app (via BLE or WiFi), the app will push the current time to the device.
 
 **Setting your timezone:**
 
@@ -105,7 +255,7 @@ Press **C** from the home screen to open the contacts list. All known mesh conta
 | R | Import contacts from SD card (wait 5–10 seconds for confirmation popup) |
 | Q | Back to home screen |
 
-**Contact limits:** Standalone variants support up to 1,500 contacts (stored in PSRAM). BLE variants (both Audio-BLE and 4G-BLE) are limited to 500 contacts due to BLE protocol constraints.
+**Contact limits:** Standalone and WiFi variants support up to 1,500 contacts (stored in PSRAM). BLE variants (Audio-BLE and 4G-BLE) are limited to 500 contacts due to BLE protocol constraints.
 
 ### Sending a Direct Message
 
@@ -141,8 +291,8 @@ Press **S** from the home screen to open settings. On first boot (when the devic
 | Key | Action |
 |-----|--------|
 | W / S | Navigate up / down through settings |
-| Enter | Edit selected setting |
-| Q | Back to home screen |
+| Enter | Edit selected setting, or enter a sub-screen |
+| Q | Back one level (sub-screen → top level → home screen) |
 
 **Available settings:**
 
@@ -150,21 +300,33 @@ Press **S** from the home screen to open settings. On first boot (when the devic
 |---------|-------------|
 | Device Name | Text entry — type a name, Enter to confirm |
 | Radio Preset | A / D to cycle presets (MeshCore Default, Long Range, Fast/Short, EU Default), Enter to apply |
-| Frequency | W / S to adjust, Enter to confirm |
+| Frequency | Text entry — type exact value (e.g. 916.575), Enter to confirm |
 | Bandwidth | W / S to cycle standard values (31.25 / 62.5 / 125 / 250 / 500 kHz), Enter to confirm |
 | Spreading Factor | W / S to adjust (5–12), Enter to confirm |
 | Coding Rate | W / S to adjust (5–8), Enter to confirm |
 | TX Power | W / S to adjust (1–20 dBm), Enter to confirm |
 | UTC Offset | W / S to adjust (-12 to +14), Enter to confirm |
-| Channels | View existing channels, add hashtag channels, or delete non-primary channels (X) |
+| Msg Rcvd LED Pulse | Toggle keyboard backlight flash on new message (Enter to toggle) |
+| GPS Baud Rate | A / D to cycle (Default 38400 / 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 57600 / 115200), Enter to confirm. **Requires reboot to take effect.** |
+| Path Hash Mode | W / S to cycle (1-byte / 2-byte / 3-byte), Enter to confirm |
+| Dark Mode | Toggle inverted display — white text on black background (Enter to toggle) |
+| Auto Lock | A / D to cycle timeout (None / 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 30 min), Enter to confirm |
+| Contacts >> | Opens the Contacts sub-screen (see below) |
+| Channels >> | Opens the Channels sub-screen (see below) |
 | Device Info | Public key and firmware version (read-only) |
 
-The bottom of the settings screen also displays your node ID and firmware version. On the 4G variant, IMEI, carrier name, and APN details are shown here as well.
+**Contacts sub-screen** — press Enter on the `Contacts >>` row to open. Contains the contact auto-add mode picker (Auto All / Custom / Manual) and, when set to Custom, per-type toggles for Chat, Repeater, Room Server, Sensor, and an Overwrite Oldest option. Press Q to return to the top-level settings list.
+
+**Channels sub-screen** — press Enter on the `Channels >>` row to open. Lists all current channels, with an option to add hashtag channels or delete non-primary channels (X). Press Q to return to the top-level settings list.
+
+The top-level settings screen also displays your node ID and firmware version. On the 4G variant, IMEI, carrier name, and APN details are shown here as well.
 
 When adding a hashtag channel, type the channel name and press Enter. The channel secret is automatically derived from the name via SHA-256, matching the standard MeshCore hashtag convention.
 
 If you've changed radio parameters, pressing Q will prompt you to apply changes before exiting.
 
+> **Tip:** All device settings (plus mesh tuning parameters not available on-screen) can also be configured via USB serial. See the [Serial Settings Guide](Serial_Settings_Guide.md) for complete documentation.
+
 ### Compose Mode
 
 | Key | Action |
@@ -214,17 +376,253 @@ While in compose mode, press the **$** key to open the emoji picker. A scrollabl
 
 Press **T** from the home screen to open the SMS & Phone app. The app opens to a menu screen where you can choose between the **Phone** dialer (for calling any number) or the **SMS Inbox** (for messaging and calling saved contacts).
 
-For full documentation including key mappings, dialpad usage, contacts management, and troubleshooting, see the [SMS & Phone App Guide](SMS%20%26%20Phone%20App%20Guide.md).
+For full documentation including key mappings, dialpad usage, contacts management, and troubleshooting, see the [SMS & Phone App Guide](SMS___Phone_App_Guide.md).
 
 ### Web Browser & IRC
 
-Press **B** from the home screen to open the web reader. This is available on the BLE and 4G variants (not the standalone audio variant, which excludes WiFi to preserve lowest-battery-usage design).
+Press **B** from the home screen to open the web reader. This is available on the BLE, WiFi, and 4G variants (not the standalone audio variant, which excludes WiFi to preserve lowest-battery-usage design).
 
 The web reader home screen provides access to the **IRC client**, the **URL bar**, and your **bookmarks** and **history**. Select IRC Chat and press Enter to configure and connect to an IRC server. Select the URL bar to enter a web address, or scroll down to open a bookmark or history entry.
 
 The browser is a text-centric reader best suited to text-heavy websites. It also includes basic web search via DuckDuckGo Lite, and can download EPUB files — follow a link to an `.epub` and it will be saved to the books folder on your SD card for reading later in the e-book reader.
 
-For full documentation including key mappings, WiFi setup, bookmarks, IRC configuration, and SD card structure, see the [Web App Guide](Web%20App%20Guide.md).
+For full documentation including key mappings, WiFi setup, bookmarks, IRC configuration, and SD card structure, see the [Web App Guide](Web_App_Guide.md).
+
+### Lock Screen (T-Deck Pro)
+
+Double-click the Boot button to lock the screen. The lock screen shows the current time, battery percentage, and unread message count. The CPU drops to 40 MHz while locked to reduce power consumption.
+
+Double-click the Boot button again to unlock and return to whatever screen you were on.
+
+An auto-lock timer can be configured in **Settings → Auto Lock** (None / 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 30 minutes of idle time).
+
+---
+
+## T5S3 E-Paper Pro
+
+The LilyGo T5S3 E-Paper Pro (V2, H752-B) is a 4.7-inch e-ink device with capacitive touch and no physical keyboard. All navigation is done via touch gestures and the Boot button (GPIO0). The larger 960×540 display provides significantly more screen real estate than the T-Deck Pro's 240×320 panel.
+
+### T5S3 Build Variants
+
+| Variant | Environment | BLE | WiFi | Web Reader | Max Contacts |
+|---------|------------|-----|------|------------|-------------|
+| Standalone | `meck_t5s3_standalone` | — | — | No | 1,500 |
+| BLE Companion | `meck_t5s3_ble` | Yes | — | No | 500 |
+| WiFi Companion | `meck_t5s3_wifi` | — | Yes (TCP:5000) | Yes | 1,500 |
+
+The WiFi variant connects to the MeshCore web app or meshcore.js over your local network. The web reader shares the same WiFi connection — no extra setup needed.
+
+### Touch Navigation
+
+The T5S3 uses a combination of touch gestures and the Boot button for all interaction. There is no physical keyboard — text entry uses an on-screen virtual keyboard that appears when needed.
+
+**Core gesture types:**
+
+| Gesture | Description |
+|---------|-------------|
+| **Tap** | Touch and release quickly. Context-dependent: opens tiles on home screen, selects items in lists, advances pages in readers. |
+| **Swipe** | Touch, drag at least 60 pixels, and release. Direction determines action (scroll, page turn, switch channel/filter). |
+| **Long press (touch)** | Touch and hold for 500ms+. Context-dependent: compose messages, open DMs, delete bookmarks. |
+
+### T5S3 Home Screen
+
+The home screen displays a 3×2 grid of tappable tiles:
+
+| | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
+|---|----------|----------|----------|
+| **Row 1** | Messages | Contacts | Settings |
+| **Row 2** | Reader | Notes | Browser (WiFi) / Discover (other) |
+
+Tap a tile to open that screen. Tap outside the tile grid (or swipe left/right) to cycle between home pages. The additional home pages show BLE status, battery info, GPS status, and a hibernate option — same as the T-Deck Pro but navigated by swiping or tapping the left/right halves of the screen instead of pressing keys.
+
+### Boot Button Controls
+
+The Boot button (GPIO0, bottom of device) provides essential navigation and utility functions:
+
+| Action | Effect |
+|--------|--------|
+| **Single click** | On home screen: cycle to next page. On other screens: go back (same as pressing Q on T-Deck Pro). In text reader reading mode: close book and return to file list. |
+| **Double-click** | Toggle backlight at full brightness (comfortable for indoor reading). |
+| **Triple-click** | Toggle backlight at low brightness (dim nighttime reading). |
+| **Long press** | Lock or unlock the screen. While locked, touch is disabled and a lock screen shows the time, battery percentage, and unread message count. |
+| **Long press during first 8 seconds after boot** | Enter CLI rescue mode (serial settings interface). |
+
+### Backlight
+
+The T5S3 has a warm-tone front-light controlled by PWM on GPIO11. Brightness ranges from 0 (off) to 255 (maximum).
+
+- **Double-click Boot button** — toggle backlight on at 153/255 brightness (comfortable reading level)
+- **Triple-click Boot button** — toggle backlight on at low brightness (4/255, nighttime reading)
+- The backlight turns off automatically when the screen locks
+
+### Lock Screen
+
+Long press the Boot button to lock the device. The lock screen shows:
+- Current time in large text (HH:MM)
+- Battery percentage
+- Unread message count (if any)
+- "Hold button to unlock" hint
+
+Touch input is completely disabled while locked. Long press the Boot button again to unlock and return to whatever screen you were on.
+
+An auto-lock timer can be configured in **Settings → Auto Lock** (None / 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 30 minutes of idle time). The CPU drops to 40 MHz while locked to reduce power consumption.
+
+### Virtual Keyboard
+
+Since the T5S3 has no physical keyboard, a full-screen QWERTY virtual keyboard appears automatically when text input is needed (composing messages, entering WiFi passwords, editing settings, etc.).
+
+The virtual keyboard supports:
+- QWERTY letter layout with a symbol/number layer (tap the **123** key to switch)
+- Shift toggle for uppercase
+- Backspace and Enter keys
+- Phantom keystroke prevention (a brief cooldown after the keyboard opens prevents accidental taps)
+
+Tap keys to type. Tap **Enter** to submit, or press the **Boot button** to cancel and close the keyboard.
+
+### External Keyboard (CardKB)
+
+The T5S3 supports the M5Stack CardKB (or compatible I2C keyboard) connected via the QWIIC port. When detected at boot, the CardKB can be used for all text input — composing messages, entering URLs, editing notes, and navigating menus — without the on-screen virtual keyboard.
+
+The CardKB is auto-detected on the I2C bus at address `0x5F`. No configuration is needed — just plug it in.
+
+### Display Settings
+
+The T5S3 Settings screen includes one additional display option not available on the T-Deck Pro:
+
+| Setting | Description |
+|---------|-------------|
+| **Dark Mode** | Inverts the display — white text on black background. Tap to toggle on/off. Available on both T-Deck Pro and T5S3. |
+| **Portrait Mode** | Rotates the display 90° from landscape (960×540) to portrait (540×960). Touch coordinates are automatically remapped. Text reader layout recalculates on orientation change. T5S3 only. |
+
+These settings are persisted and survive reboots.
+
+### Clock & RTC
+
+Unlike the T-Deck Pro (which relies on GPS for time), the T5S3 has a hardware RTC (PCF8563/BM8563) that maintains time across reboots as long as the battery has charge. On first use (or after a full battery drain), the clock needs to be set via USB serial:
+
+```
+clock sync 1773554535
+```
+
+Where the number is a Unix epoch timestamp. Quick one-liner from a macOS/Linux terminal:
+
+```
+echo "clock sync $(date +%s)" > /dev/ttyACM0
+```
+
+Once set, the RTC retains the time across reboots. See the [Serial Settings Guide](Serial_Settings_Guide.md) for full clock sync documentation including the PlatformIO auto-sync feature.
+
+The UTC offset is configured in the Settings screen (same as T-Deck Pro) and is persisted to flash.
+
+### Touch Gestures by Screen
+
+#### Home Screen
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Tap tile | Open that screen (Messages, Contacts, Settings, Reader, Notes, Browser/Discover) |
+| Tap outside tiles (left half) | Previous home page |
+| Tap outside tiles (right half) | Next home page |
+| Swipe left / right | Next / previous home page |
+| Long press (touch) | Activate current page action (toggle BLE, hibernate, etc.) |
+
+#### Channel Messages
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll messages |
+| Swipe left / right | Switch between channels |
+| Tap footer area | View relay path of last received message |
+| Tap path overlay | Dismiss overlay |
+| Long press (touch) | Open virtual keyboard to compose message to current channel |
+
+#### Contacts
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll through contacts |
+| Swipe left / right | Cycle contact filter (All → Chat → Repeater → Room → Sensor → Favourites) |
+| Tap | Select contact |
+| Long press on Chat contact | Open virtual keyboard to compose DM |
+| Long press on Repeater contact | Open repeater admin login |
+
+#### Text Reader (File List)
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll file list |
+| Tap | Open selected book |
+
+#### Text Reader (Reading)
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Tap anywhere | Next page |
+| Tap footer bar | Go to page number (via virtual keyboard) |
+| Swipe left | Next page |
+| Swipe right | Previous page |
+| Swipe up / down | Next / previous page |
+| Long press (touch) | Close book, return to file list |
+| Tap status bar | Go to home screen |
+
+#### Web Reader (WiFi variant)
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Tap URL bar | Open virtual keyboard for URL entry |
+| Tap Search | Open virtual keyboard for DuckDuckGo search |
+| Tap reading area | Next page |
+| Tap footer (if links exist) | Open virtual keyboard to enter link number |
+| Swipe left / right (reading) | Next / previous page |
+| Swipe up / down (home/lists) | Scroll list |
+| Long press (reading) | Navigate back |
+| Long press on bookmark | Delete bookmark |
+| Long press on home | Exit web reader |
+
+#### Settings
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll through settings |
+| Swipe left / right | Adjust value (same as A/D keys on T-Deck Pro) |
+| Tap | Toggle or edit selected setting |
+
+#### Notes
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Tap (while editing) | Open virtual keyboard for text entry |
+| Long press (while editing) | Save note and exit editor |
+
+#### Discovery
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll node list |
+| Tap | Add selected node to contacts |
+| Long press | Rescan for nodes |
+
+#### Last Heard
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll advert list |
+| Tap | Add to or delete from contacts |
+
+#### Repeater Admin
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Swipe up / down | Scroll menu / response |
+| Long press (password entry) | Open virtual keyboard for admin password |
+
+#### All Screens
+
+| Gesture | Action |
+|---------|--------|
+| Tap status bar (top of screen) | Return to home screen (except in text reader reading mode, where it advances the page) |
+
+---
 
 ## About MeshCore
 
@@ -232,8 +630,8 @@ MeshCore is a lightweight, portable C++ library that enables multi-hop packet ro
 
 ## What is MeshCore?
 
-MeshCore now supports a range of LoRa devices, allowing for easy flashing without the need to compile firmware manually. Users can flash a pre-built binary using tools like Adafruit ESPTool and interact with the network through a serial console.
-MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Meshtastic and Reticulum but with a focus on lightweight multi-hop packet routing for embedded projects. Unlike Meshtastic, which is tailored for casual LoRa communication, or Reticulum, which offers advanced networking, MeshCore balances simplicity with scalability, making it ideal for custom embedded solutions., where devices (nodes) can communicate over long distances by relaying messages through intermediate nodes. This is especially useful in off-grid, emergency, or tactical situations where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.
+MeshCore now supports a range of LoRa devices, allowing for easy flashing without the need to compile firmware manually. Users can flash a pre-built binary using tools like esptool.py and interact with the network through a serial console.
+MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Meshtastic and Reticulum but with a focus on lightweight multi-hop packet routing for embedded projects. Unlike Meshtastic, which is tailored for casual LoRa communication, or Reticulum, which offers advanced networking, MeshCore balances simplicity with scalability, making it ideal for custom embedded solutions, where devices (nodes) can communicate over long distances by relaying messages through intermediate nodes. This is especially useful in off-grid, emergency, or tactical situations where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.
 
 ## Key Features
 
@@ -258,33 +656,22 @@ MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Mesht
 
 - Watch the [MeshCore Intro Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qne8uJBAc) by Andy Kirby.
 - Read through our [Frequently Asked Questions](./docs/faq.md) section.
-- Flash the MeshCore firmware on a supported device.
+- Download firmware from the [Releases](https://github.com/pelgraine/Meck/releases) page and flash it using the instructions above.
 - Connect with a supported client.
 
-For developers;
+For developers:
 
 - Install [PlatformIO](https://docs.platformio.org) in [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com).
-- Clone and open the MeshCore repository in Visual Studio Code.
-- See the example applications you can modify and run:
-  - [Companion Radio](./examples/companion_radio) - For use with an external chat app, over BLE, USB or WiFi.
-
-## MeshCore Flasher
-
-Download a copy of the Meck firmware bin from https://github.com/pelgraine/Meck/releases, then:
-
-- Launch https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk
-- Select Custom Firmware
-- Select the .bin file you just downloaded, and click Open or press Enter.
-- Click Flash, then select your device in the popup window (eg. USB JTAG/serial debug unit cu.usbmodem101 as an example), then click Connect.
-- Once flashing is complete, you can connect with one of the MeshCore clients below.
+- Clone and open the Meck repository in Visual Studio Code.
+- Build for your target device using the environment names listed in the build variant tables above.
 
 ## MeshCore Clients
 
 **Companion Firmware**
 
-The companion firmware can be connected to via BLE.
+The companion firmware can be connected to via BLE (T-Deck Pro and T5S3 BLE variants) or WiFi (T-Deck Pro WiFi variants and T5S3 WiFi variant, TCP port 5000).
 
-> **Note:** On the T-Deck Pro, BLE is disabled by default at boot. Navigate to the Bluetooth home page and press Enter to enable BLE before connecting with a companion app.
+> **Note:** On both the T-Deck Pro and T5S3, BLE and WiFi are disabled by default at boot. On the T-Deck Pro, navigate to the Bluetooth or WiFi home page and press Enter to enable. On the T5S3, navigate to the Bluetooth home page and long-press the screen to toggle BLE on.
 
 - Web: https://app.meshcore.nz
 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.liamcottle.meshcore.android
@@ -294,7 +681,7 @@ The companion firmware can be connected to via BLE.
 
 ## 🛠 Hardware Compatibility
 
-MeshCore is designed for devices listed in the [MeshCore Flasher](https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk)
+MeshCore is designed for devices listed in the [MeshCore Flasher](https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk). Meck specifically targets the LilyGo T-Deck Pro and LilyGo T5S3 E-Paper Pro.
 
 ## Contributing
 
@@ -309,6 +696,8 @@ Here are some general principals you should try to adhere to:
 ## Road-Map / To-Do
 
 There are a number of fairly major features in the pipeline, with no particular time-frames attached yet. In partly chronological order:
+
+**T-Deck Pro:**
 - [X] Companion radio: BLE
 - [X] Text entry for Public channel messages Companion BLE firmware
 - [X] View and compose all channel messages Companion BLE firmware
@@ -318,12 +707,35 @@ There are a number of fairly major features in the pipeline, with no particular
 - [X] GPS time sync with on-device timezone setting
 - [X] Settings screen with radio presets, channel management, and first-boot onboarding
 - [X] Expand SMS app to enable phone calls
-- [X] Basic web reader app for text-centric websites
+- [X] Basic web reader app with IRC client
+- [X] Lock screen with auto-lock timer and low-power standby
+- [X] Last heard passive advert list
+- [X] Touch-to-select on contacts, discovery, settings, text reader, notes screens
+- [X] Map screen with GPS tile rendering
 - [ ] Fix M4B rendering to enable chaptered audiobook playback
 - [ ] Better JPEG and PNG decoding
 - [ ] Improve EPUB rendering and EPUB format handling
-- [ ] Map support with GPS
-- [ ] WiFi companion environment
+- [X] WiFi companion environment
+
+**T5S3 E-Paper Pro:**
+- [X] Core port: display, touch input, LoRa, battery, RTC
+- [X] Touch-navigable home screen with tappable tile grid
+- [X] Full virtual keyboard for text entry
+- [X] Lock screen with clock, battery, unread count, and auto-lock timer
+- [X] Backlight control (double/triple-click Boot button)
+- [X] Dark mode and portrait mode display settings
+- [X] Channel messages with swipe navigation and touch compose
+- [X] Contacts with filter cycling and long-press DM/admin
+- [X] Text reader with swipe page turns
+- [X] Web reader with virtual keyboard URL/search entry (WiFi variant)
+- [X] Settings screen with touch editing
+- [X] Serial clock sync for hardware RTC
+- [X] CardKB external keyboard support (via QWIIC)
+- [X] Last heard passive advert list
+- [X] Tap-to-select on contacts, discovery, settings, text reader, notes screens
+- [ ] Emoji sprites on home tiles
+- [ ] Portrait mode toggle via quadruple-click Boot button
+- [ ] Hibernate should auto-off backlight
 
 ## 📞 Get Support
 
@@ -341,12 +753,15 @@ However, this firmware links against libraries with different license terms. Bec
 |---------|---------|-----------------|
 | [MeshCore](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore) | MIT | Scott Powell / rippleradios.com |
 | [GxEPD2](https://github.com/ZinggJM/GxEPD2) | GPL-3.0 | Jean-Marc Zingg |
+| [FastEPD](https://github.com/bitbank2/FastEPD) | Apache-2.0 | Larry Bank (bitbank2) |
 | [ESP32-audioI2S](https://github.com/schreibfaul1/ESP32-audioI2S) | GPL-3.0 | schreibfaul1 (Wolle) |
 | [Adafruit GFX Library](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-GFX-Library) | BSD | Adafruit |
 | [RadioLib](https://github.com/jgromes/RadioLib) | MIT | Jan Gromeš |
+| [SensorLib](https://github.com/lewisxhe/SensorLib) | MIT | Lewis He |
 | [JPEGDEC](https://github.com/bitbank2/JPEGDEC) | Apache-2.0 | Larry Bank (bitbank2) |
+| [PNGdec](https://github.com/bitbank2/PNGdec) | Apache-2.0 | Larry Bank (bitbank2) |
 | [CRC32](https://github.com/bakercp/CRC32) | MIT | Christopher Baker |
 | [base64](https://github.com/Densaugeo/base64_arduino) | MIT | densaugeo |
 | [Arduino Crypto](https://github.com/rweather/arduinolibs) | MIT | Rhys Weatherley |
 
-Full license texts for each dependency are available in their respective repositories linked above.
+Full license texts for each dependency are available in their respective repositories linked above.

Serial Settings Guide.md

@@ -59,10 +59,17 @@ All commands follow a simple pattern: `get` to read, `set` to write.
 | `get notify` | Keyboard flash notification (on/off) |
 | `get gps` | GPS status and interval |
 | `get pin` | BLE pairing PIN |
+| `get path.hash.mode` | Path hash size (0=1-byte, 1=2-byte, 2=3-byte) |
+| `get rxdelay` | Rx delay base (0=disabled) |
+| `get af` | Airtime factor |
+| `get multi.acks` | Redundant ACKs (0 or 1) |
+| `get int.thresh` | Interference threshold (0=disabled) |
+| `get gps.baud` | GPS baud rate (0=compile-time default) |
 | `get channels` | List all channels with index numbers |
 | `get presets` | List all radio presets with parameters |
 | `get pubkey` | Device public key (hex) |
 | `get firmware` | Firmware version string |
+| `clock` | Current RTC time (UTC + epoch) |
 
 **4G variant only:**
 
@@ -163,6 +170,78 @@ set notify off
 set pin 123456
 ```
 
+#### Path Hash Mode
+
+Controls the byte size of each repeater's identity stamp in forwarded flood packets. Larger hashes reduce collisions at the cost of fewer maximum hops.
+
+```
+set path.hash.mode 1
+```
+
+| Mode | Bytes/hop | Max hops | Notes |
+|------|-----------|----------|-------|
+| 0 | 1 | 64 | Legacy — prone to hash collisions in larger networks |
+| 1 | 2 | 32 | Recommended — effectively eliminates collisions |
+| 2 | 3 | 21 | Maximum precision, rarely needed |
+
+Nodes with different modes can coexist — the mode only affects packets your node originates. The hash size is encoded in each packet's header, so receiving nodes adapt automatically.
+
+### Mesh Tuning
+
+These settings control how the device participates in the mesh network. They take effect immediately — no reboot required (except `gps.baud`).
+
+#### Rx Delay (rxdelay)
+
+Delays processing of flood packets based on signal quality. Stronger signals are processed first; weaker copies wait longer and are typically discarded as duplicates. Direct messages are always processed immediately.
+
+```
+set rxdelay 3
+```
+
+Range: 0–20 (0 = disabled, default). Higher values create larger timing differences between strong and weak signals. Values below 1.0 have no practical effect. See the [MeshSydney wiki](https://meshsydney.com/wiki) for detailed tuning profiles.
+
+#### Airtime Factor (af)
+
+Adjusts how long certain internal timing windows remain open. Does not change the LoRa radio parameters (SF, BW, CR) — those remain as configured.
+
+```
+set af 1.0
+```
+
+Range: 0–9 (default: 1.0). Keep this value consistent across nodes in your mesh for best coherence.
+
+#### Multiple Acknowledgments (multi.acks)
+
+Sends redundant ACK packets for direct messages. When enabled, two ACKs are sent (a multi-ack first, then the standard ACK), improving delivery confirmation reliability.
+
+```
+set multi.acks 1
+```
+
+Values: 0 (single ACK) or 1 (redundant ACKs, default).
+
+#### Interference Threshold (int.thresh)
+
+Enables channel activity scanning before transmitting. Not recommended unless your device is in a high RF interference environment — specifically where the noise floor is low but shows significant fluctuations indicating interference. Enabling this adds approximately 4 seconds of receive delay per packet.
+
+```
+set int.thresh 14
+set int.thresh 0
+```
+
+Values: 0 (disabled, default) or 14+ (14 is the typical setting). Values between 1–13 are not functional and will be rejected.
+
+#### GPS Baud Rate (gps.baud)
+
+Override the GPS serial baud rate. The default (0) uses the compile-time value of 38400. **Requires a reboot to take effect** — the GPS serial port is only configured at startup.
+
+```
+set gps.baud 9600
+set gps.baud 0
+```
+
+Valid rates: 0 (default), 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200.
+
 ### Channel Management
 
 #### List Channels
@@ -216,6 +295,68 @@ To clear a custom APN and revert to auto-detection on next boot:
 set apn
 ```
 
+### Clock Sync
+
+Set the device's real-time clock from a Unix timestamp. This is especially important for the T5S3 E-Paper Pro which has no GPS to auto-set the clock. These are standalone commands (not `get`/`set` prefixed) — matching the same `clock sync` command used on MeshCore repeaters.
+
+#### View Current Time
+
+```
+clock
+```
+
+Output:
+
+```
+  > 2026-03-13 04:22:15 UTC (epoch: 1773554535)
+```
+
+If the clock has never been set:
+
+```
+  > not set (epoch: 0)
+```
+
+#### Sync Clock from Serial
+
+```
+clock sync 1773554535
+```
+
+The value must be a Unix epoch timestamp in the 2024–2036 range.
+
+**Quick one-liner from your terminal (macOS / Linux / WSL):**
+
+```
+echo "clock sync $(date +%s)" > /dev/ttyACM0
+```
+
+Or paste directly into the Arduino IDE Serial Monitor:
+
+```
+clock sync 1773554535
+```
+
+**Tip:** On macOS/Linux, run `date +%s` to get the current epoch. On Windows PowerShell: `[int](Get-Date -UFormat %s)`.
+
+#### Boot-Time Auto-Sync (T5S3)
+
+When the T5S3 boots with no valid RTC time and detects a USB serial host is connected, it sends a `MECK_CLOCK_REQ` handshake over serial. If you're using PlatformIO's serial monitor (`pio device monitor`), the built-in `clock_sync` monitor filter responds automatically with the host computer's current time — no user action required. The sync appears transparently in the boot log:
+
+```
+MECK_CLOCK_REQ
+  (Waiting 3s for clock sync from host...)
+  > Clock synced to 1773554535
+```
+
+If no USB host is connected (e.g. running on battery), the sync window is skipped entirely with no boot delay.
+
+**Manual fallback:** If you're using a serial terminal that doesn't have the filter (e.g. `screen`, PuTTY), you can paste a `clock sync` command during the 3-second window, or any time after boot:
+
+```
+clock sync $(date +%s)
+```
+
 ### System Commands
 
 | Command | Description |

TXT & EPUB Reader Guide.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 ## Overview
 
-This adds a text reader accessible via the **R** key from the home screen.
+This adds a text reader accessible via the **E** key from the home screen.
 
 **Features:**
 - Browse `.txt` and `.epub` files from `/books/` folder on SD card
@@ -13,17 +13,27 @@ This adds a text reader accessible via the **R** key from the home screen.
 - Index files cached to SD for instant re-opens
 - Bookmark indicator (`*`) on files with saved positions
 
-**Key Mapping:**
+**Key Mapping (T-Deck Pro):**
 | Context | Key | Action |
 |---------|-----|--------|
 | Home screen | E | Open text reader |
 | File list | W/S | Navigate up/down |
-| File list | Enter | Open selected file |
+| File list | Tap / Enter | Open selected file |
 | File list | Q | Back to home screen |
 | Reading | W/A | Previous page |
-| Reading | S/D/Space/Enter | Next page |
+| Reading | S/D/Space | Next page |
+| Reading | Enter | Go to page number (type digits, Enter to confirm, Q to cancel) |
 | Reading | Q | Close book → file list |
-| Reading | C | Enter compose mode |
+
+**Touch Gestures (T5S3):**
+| Context | Gesture | Action |
+|---------|---------|--------|
+| File list | Swipe up/down | Scroll file list |
+| File list | Tap | Open selected book |
+| Reading | Tap | Next page |
+| Reading | Swipe left/right | Next / previous page |
+| Reading | Tap footer | Go to page number (via virtual keyboard) |
+| Reading | Long press | Close book → file list |
 
 ---
 
@@ -113,4 +123,4 @@ The conversion is handled by three components:
 - Page content is pre-read from SD into a memory buffer during `handleInput()`, then rendered from buffer during `render()` — this avoids SPI bus conflicts during display refresh
 - Layout metrics (chars per line, lines per page) are calculated dynamically from the display driver's font metrics on first entry
 - EPUB conversion runs synchronously in `openBook()` — the e-ink splash screen keeps the user informed while the ESP32 processes the archive
-- ZIP extraction uses the ESP32-S3's hardware-optimised ROM `tinfl` inflate, avoiding external compression library dependencies and the linker conflicts they cause
+- ZIP extraction uses the ESP32-S3's hardware-optimised ROM `tinfl` inflate, avoiding external compression library dependencies and the linker conflicts they cause

boards/t5s3-epaper-pro.json

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi",
+      "partitions": "default_16MB.csv"
+    },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=0",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=1"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "esp32s3"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "LilyGo T5S3 E-Paper Pro",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "16MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
+    "maximum_size": 16777216,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://lilygo.cc/products/t5-e-paper-s3-pro",
+  "vendor": "LILYGO"
+}

docs/Launcher_Flash_Guide.md

@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+# How to Flash Meck Firmware Using Launcher over WiFi
+
+## How to Install Launcher on Your T-Deck Pro
+
+First, ensure your SD card is inserted into your T-Deck Pro. Your SD card should already have been formatted as FAT32.
+
+1. Plug your T-Deck Pro into your computer via USB-C.
+2. Go to [https://bmorcelli.github.io/Launcher/webflasher.html](https://bmorcelli.github.io/Launcher/webflasher.html) in Chrome browser.
+3. Click on **LilyGo** under Choose a Vendor.
+4. Click on **T-Deck Pro**.
+5. Click on **Connect**.
+6. In the serial connect popup, click on your device in the list (likely starts with "USB JTAG/serial debug unit"), and click **Connect**. Wait a few seconds for it to connect.
+7. Click the **Install T-Deck Pro** popup.
+8. Click **Next**. (Don't worry about ticking the Erase Device checkbox.)
+9. Click **Install**.
+
+### If You Don't Already Have a Meck Firmware File
+
+Download one from [https://github.com/pelgraine/Meck/releases](https://github.com/pelgraine/Meck/releases).
+
+## How to Install a New Meck Firmware .bin File via Launcher
+
+After flashing using [https://bmorcelli.github.io/Launcher/webflasher.html](https://bmorcelli.github.io/Launcher/webflasher.html), your Pro will reboot itself automatically and display the main Launcher home screen, with the SD card option highlighted.
+
+<img src="images/01_launcher_home.jpg" alt="Launcher home screen" width="200">
+
+Either tap **NEXT** on the device screen twice or tap on the WUI button, and tap **SEL**.
+
+<img src="images/02_wui_selected.jpg" alt="WUI selected" width="200">
+
+Tap on **My Network** on the pop-up menu. Press **NEXT/SEL** as needed to highlight and select your WiFi SSID.
+
+Enter your WiFi SSID details.
+
+Once connected, your device will display the WebUI connection screen with the T-Deck Pro IP address.
+
+Open a browser on your computer — Chrome, Firefox, or Safari will do, but Firefox tends to be easiest — and type in the IP address displayed on your T-Deck Pro into your computer browser address bar, and press enter.
+
+<img src="images/03_webui_ip.jpg" alt="WebUI IP address screen" width="200">
+
+In this instance, for example, I would type `192.168.1.118`, and once I've pressed enter, the address bar now displays `http://192.168.1.118/` (as per the photo). If you're having trouble loading the IP address page, double check your browser hasn't automatically changed it to `https`. If it has, delete the `s` out of the URL and hit enter to load the page.
+
+Login to the browser page with the username **admin** and password **launcher**, and click **Login**. The browser will refresh and display your SD card file list.
+
+<img src="images/04_browser_login.jpg" alt="Browser login" width="450">
+
+<img src="images/05_send_files.png" alt="SD card file list with Send Files button" width="450">
+
+Scroll down to the bottom of the browser page, and click the **Send Files** button.
+
+Your computer/device will load the file browser. Navigate to wherever you've previously saved your new Meck firmware `.bin` file, select the bin file, and click **Open**.
+
+Wait for the blue loading bar on the bottom of the browser page to finish, and then check you can see the file name in the list in green. Also worth checking the file is at least 1.2MB — if it is under 1MB, the file hasn't uploaded properly and you will need to go through the **Send Files** button to try uploading it again.
+
+<img src="images/06_check_file_uploaded.png" alt="Check file uploaded" width="450">
+
+You can then either close the browser window or just leave it. Go back to your T-Deck Pro and press **SEL** to disconnect the WUI mode.
+
+<img src="images/07_disconnect_wui.png" alt="Disconnect WUI" width="200">
+
+Either press **PREV** twice to navigate to it and then press **SEL** again to open, or tap right on the **SD** button to open the SD card menu.
+
+<img src="images/08_sd_button.jpg" alt="SD button on Launcher home" width="200">
+
+The Launcher SD file browser will open. You will most likely have to tap **Page Down** at least twice to scroll to where the name of your new file is.
+
+<img src="images/09_sd_file_list.png" alt="SD file list page 1" width="200">
+
+<img src="images/10_page_down.png" alt="Page Down to find file" width="200">
+
+Either press **NEXT** to navigate until the new file is highlighted with the `>`, or just tap right on the file name, and press **SEL** to bring up the file menu.
+
+<img src="images/11_select_file.png" alt="Select the firmware file" width="200">
+
+The first option on the file menu list will be **>Install**. You can either tap right on **Install** or tap **SEL**.
+
+<img src="images/12_install_option.png" alt="Install option" width="200">
+
+**Wait for the firmware to finish installing.** It will reboot itself automatically.
+
+<img src="images/13_installing_fw.jpg" alt="Installing firmware" width="200">
+
+> **Note:** On first flash of a new firmware version, the "Loading…" screen will most likely display for about 70 seconds. This is a known bug. **Please be patient** if this is the first time loading your new Meck firmware.
+
+<img src="images/14_loading_screen.png" alt="Loading screen" width="200">
+
+On every boot, the firmware will scan your SD card and `/books` folder for any new `.txt` or `.epub` files that haven't yet been cached. It's usually very quick even if you have a lot of ebook files, and even faster after the first boot.
+
+<img src="images/15_indexing_pages.jpg" alt="Indexing pages" width="200">
+
+You'll then see the firmware version splash screen for a split second.
+
+<img src="images/16_version_splash.jpg" alt="Version splash screen" width="200">
+
+Then the Meck home screen will display, and you're good to go. Here's an example of what the Meck 4G WiFi companion firmware home screen looks like:
+
+<img src="images/17_meck_home.jpg" alt="Meck home screen" width="200">
+
+> **Tip:** Every time you reset the device, the Launcher splash screen will display. Wait about six seconds if you just want the Meck firmware to boot by default. Otherwise, tap the **LAUNCHER** text at the bottom to boot back into the Launcher home screen, to get access to the SD menu and WUI menu again.
+
+<img src="images/18_launcher_boot.jpg" alt="Launcher boot screen" width="200">

examples/companion_radio/AbstractUITask.h

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ public:
   void disableSerial() { _serial->disable(); }
   virtual void msgRead(int msgcount) = 0;
   virtual void newMsg(uint8_t path_len, const char* from_name, const char* text, int msgcount,
-                      const uint8_t* path = nullptr) = 0;
+                      const uint8_t* path = nullptr, int8_t snr = 0) = 0;
   virtual void notify(UIEventType t = UIEventType::none) = 0;
   virtual void loop() = 0;
   virtual void showAlert(const char* text, int duration_millis) {}

examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp

@@ -242,6 +242,16 @@ void DataStore::loadPrefsInt(const char *filename, NodePrefs& _prefs, double& no
     if (_prefs.kb_flash_notify > 1) _prefs.kb_flash_notify = 0;
     if (_prefs.ringtone_enabled > 1) _prefs.ringtone_enabled = 0;
 
+    // v1.14+ fields — may not exist in older prefs files
+    if (file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.path_hash_mode, sizeof(_prefs.path_hash_mode)) != sizeof(_prefs.path_hash_mode)) {
+      _prefs.path_hash_mode = 0;  // default: legacy 1-byte
+    }
+    if (file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_max_hops, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_max_hops)) != sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_max_hops)) {
+      _prefs.autoadd_max_hops = 0;  // default: no limit
+    }
+    if (_prefs.path_hash_mode > 2) _prefs.path_hash_mode = 0;
+    if (_prefs.autoadd_max_hops > 64) _prefs.autoadd_max_hops = 0;
+
     file.close();
   }
 }
@@ -279,6 +289,8 @@ void DataStore::savePrefs(const NodePrefs& _prefs, double node_lat, double node_
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.utc_offset_hours, sizeof(_prefs.utc_offset_hours));     // 88
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.kb_flash_notify, sizeof(_prefs.kb_flash_notify));      // 89
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.ringtone_enabled, sizeof(_prefs.ringtone_enabled));    // 90
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.path_hash_mode, sizeof(_prefs.path_hash_mode));        // 91
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.autoadd_max_hops, sizeof(_prefs.autoadd_max_hops));   // 92
 
     file.close();
   }
@@ -431,6 +443,101 @@ void DataStore::saveContacts(DataStoreHost* host) {
   }
 }
 
+// =========================================================================
+// Chunked contact save — non-blocking across multiple loop iterations
+// =========================================================================
+
+bool DataStore::beginSaveContacts(DataStoreHost* host) {
+  if (_saveInProgress) return false;  // Already saving
+
+  FILESYSTEM* fs = _getContactsChannelsFS();
+  _saveFile = openWrite(fs, "/contacts3.tmp");
+  if (!_saveFile) {
+    Serial.println("DataStore: chunked save FAILED — cannot open tmp file");
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  _saveHost = host;
+  _saveIdx = 0;
+  _saveRecordsWritten = 0;
+  _saveWriteOk = true;
+  _saveInProgress = true;
+  Serial.println("DataStore: chunked save started");
+  return true;
+}
+
+bool DataStore::saveContactsChunk(int batchSize) {
+  if (!_saveInProgress || !_saveWriteOk) return false;
+
+  ContactInfo c;
+  uint8_t unused = 0;
+  int written = 0;
+
+  while (written < batchSize && _saveHost->getContactForSave(_saveIdx, c)) {
+    bool success = (_saveFile.write(c.id.pub_key, 32) == 32);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.name, 32) == 32);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write(&c.type, 1) == 1);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write(&c.flags, 1) == 1);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write(&unused, 1) == 1);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.sync_since, 4) == 4);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.out_path_len, 1) == 1);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.last_advert_timestamp, 4) == 4);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write(c.out_path, 64) == 64);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.lastmod, 4) == 4);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.gps_lat, 4) == 4);
+    success = success && (_saveFile.write((uint8_t *)&c.gps_lon, 4) == 4);
+
+    if (!success) {
+      _saveWriteOk = false;
+      Serial.printf("DataStore: chunked save write error at record %d\n", _saveIdx);
+      return false;  // Error — finishSaveContacts will clean up
+    }
+
+    _saveRecordsWritten++;
+    _saveIdx++;
+    written++;
+  }
+
+  // Check if there are more contacts to write
+  ContactInfo peek;
+  if (_saveHost->getContactForSave(_saveIdx, peek)) {
+    return true;  // More to write
+  }
+  return false;  // Done
+}
+
+void DataStore::finishSaveContacts() {
+  if (!_saveInProgress) return;
+
+  _saveFile.close();
+  _saveInProgress = false;
+
+  FILESYSTEM* fs = _getContactsChannelsFS();
+  const char* finalPath = "/contacts3";
+  const char* tmpPath   = "/contacts3.tmp";
+
+  // Verify
+  size_t expectedBytes = _saveRecordsWritten * 152;
+  File verify = openRead(fs, tmpPath);
+  size_t bytesWritten = verify ? verify.size() : 0;
+  if (verify) verify.close();
+
+  if (!_saveWriteOk || bytesWritten != expectedBytes) {
+    Serial.printf("DataStore: chunked save ABORTED — wrote %d bytes, expected %d (%d records)\n",
+                  (int)bytesWritten, (int)expectedBytes, _saveRecordsWritten);
+    fs->remove(tmpPath);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  fs->remove(finalPath);
+  if (fs->rename(tmpPath, finalPath)) {
+    Serial.printf("DataStore: saved %d contacts (%d bytes, chunked)\n",
+                  _saveRecordsWritten, (int)bytesWritten);
+  } else {
+    Serial.println("DataStore: rename failed, tmp file preserved");
+  }
+}
+
 void DataStore::loadChannels(DataStoreHost* host) {
     FILESYSTEM* fs = _getContactsChannelsFS();
 

examples/companion_radio/DataStore.h

@@ -24,6 +24,14 @@ class DataStore {
   void checkAdvBlobFile();
 #endif
 
+  // Chunked save state
+  File _saveFile;
+  DataStoreHost* _saveHost = nullptr;
+  uint32_t _saveIdx = 0;
+  uint32_t _saveRecordsWritten = 0;
+  bool _saveInProgress = false;
+  bool _saveWriteOk = true;
+
 public:
   DataStore(FILESYSTEM& fs, mesh::RTCClock& clock);
   DataStore(FILESYSTEM& fs, FILESYSTEM& fsExtra, mesh::RTCClock& clock);
@@ -37,6 +45,14 @@ public:
   void savePrefs(const NodePrefs& prefs, double node_lat, double node_lon);
   void loadContacts(DataStoreHost* host);
   void saveContacts(DataStoreHost* host);
+  // Chunked save — splits contact write across multiple loop iterations
+  // to prevent blocking the main loop for 500ms+ on large contact lists.
+  // Call beginSaveContacts(), then saveContactsChunk() each loop until it
+  // returns false (done), then finishSaveContacts() to verify and commit.
+  bool beginSaveContacts(DataStoreHost* host);
+  bool saveContactsChunk(int batchSize = 20);  // returns true if more to write
+  void finishSaveContacts();
+  bool isSaveInProgress() const { return _saveInProgress; }
   void loadChannels(DataStoreHost* host);
   void saveChannels(DataStoreHost* host);
   void migrateToSecondaryFS();
@@ -51,4 +67,4 @@ public:
 
 private:
   FILESYSTEM* _getContactsChannelsFS() const { if (_fsExtra) return _fsExtra; return _fs;};
-};
+};

examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
 #include <Mesh.h>
 #include "RadioPresets.h"        // Shared radio presets (serial CLI + settings screen)
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  #include "target.h"            // for board.setBacklight() CLI command
+#endif
+
 #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
   #include "ModemManager.h"      // Serial CLI modem commands
 #endif
@@ -65,6 +69,7 @@
 #define CMD_SEND_ANON_REQ             57
 #define CMD_SET_AUTOADD_CONFIG        58
 #define CMD_GET_AUTOADD_CONFIG        59
+#define CMD_SET_PATH_HASH_MODE        61
 
 // Stats sub-types for CMD_GET_STATS
 #define STATS_TYPE_CORE               0
@@ -256,7 +261,7 @@ float MyMesh::getAirtimeBudgetFactor() const {
 }
 
 int MyMesh::getInterferenceThreshold() const {
-  return 0; // disabled for now, until currentRSSI() problem is resolved
+  return _prefs.interference_threshold;
 }
 
 int MyMesh::calcRxDelay(float score, uint32_t air_time) const {
@@ -268,6 +273,20 @@ uint8_t MyMesh::getExtraAckTransmitCount() const {
   return _prefs.multi_acks;
 }
 
+uint32_t MyMesh::getRetransmitDelay(const mesh::Packet *packet) {
+  uint32_t t = (uint32_t)(_radio->getEstAirtimeFor(packet->getPathByteLen() + packet->payload_len + 2) * 0.5f);
+  return getRNG()->nextInt(0, 5*t + 1);
+}
+
+uint32_t MyMesh::getDirectRetransmitDelay(const mesh::Packet *packet) {
+  uint32_t t = (uint32_t)(_radio->getEstAirtimeFor(packet->getPathByteLen() + packet->payload_len + 2) * 0.2f);
+  return getRNG()->nextInt(0, 5*t + 1);
+}
+
+uint8_t MyMesh::getAutoAddMaxHops() const {
+  return _prefs.autoadd_max_hops;
+}
+
 void MyMesh::logRxRaw(float snr, float rssi, const uint8_t raw[], int len) {
   if (_serial->isConnected() && len + 3 <= MAX_FRAME_SIZE) {
     int i = 0;
@@ -345,7 +364,7 @@ void MyMesh::onDiscoveredContact(ContactInfo &contact, bool is_new, uint8_t path
 #endif
 
   // add inbound-path to mem cache
-  if (path && path_len <= sizeof(AdvertPath::path)) {  // check path is valid
+  if (path && mesh::Packet::isValidPathLen(path_len)) {  // check path is valid
     AdvertPath* p = advert_paths;
     uint32_t oldest = 0xFFFFFFFF;
     for (int i = 0; i < ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE; i++) {   // check if already in table, otherwise evict oldest
@@ -361,9 +380,9 @@ void MyMesh::onDiscoveredContact(ContactInfo &contact, bool is_new, uint8_t path
 
     memcpy(p->pubkey_prefix, contact.id.pub_key, sizeof(p->pubkey_prefix));
     strcpy(p->name, contact.name);
+    p->type = contact.type;
     p->recv_timestamp = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
-    p->path_len = path_len;
-    memcpy(p->path, path, p->path_len);
+    p->path_len = mesh::Packet::copyPath(p->path, path, path_len);
   }
 
   // Buffer for on-device discovery UI
@@ -409,6 +428,10 @@ int MyMesh::getRecentlyHeard(AdvertPath dest[], int max_num) {
   return max_num;
 }
 
+void MyMesh::scheduleLazyContactSave() {
+  dirty_contacts_expiry = futureMillis(LAZY_CONTACTS_WRITE_DELAY);
+}
+
 void MyMesh::onContactPathUpdated(const ContactInfo &contact) {
   out_frame[0] = PUSH_CODE_PATH_UPDATED;
   memcpy(&out_frame[1], contact.id.pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
@@ -475,7 +498,7 @@ void MyMesh::queueMessage(const ContactInfo &from, uint8_t txt_type, mesh::Packe
   bool should_display = txt_type == TXT_TYPE_PLAIN || txt_type == TXT_TYPE_SIGNED_PLAIN;
   if (should_display && _ui) {
     const uint8_t* msg_path = (pkt->isRouteFlood() && pkt->path_len > 0) ? pkt->path : nullptr;
-    _ui->newMsg(path_len, from.name, text, offline_queue_len, msg_path);
+    _ui->newMsg(path_len, from.name, text, offline_queue_len, msg_path, pkt->_snr);
     if (!_prefs.buzzer_quiet) _ui->notify(UIEventType::contactMessage); //buzz if enabled
   }
 #endif
@@ -516,14 +539,16 @@ bool MyMesh::filterRecvFloodPacket(mesh::Packet* packet) {
 }
 
 void MyMesh::sendFloodScoped(const ContactInfo& recipient, mesh::Packet* pkt, uint32_t delay_millis) {
+  Serial.printf("[sendFloodScoped] to '%s', delay=%lu, hash_mode=%d, bph=%d\n",
+                recipient.name, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
   // TODO: dynamic send_scope, depending on recipient and current 'home' Region
   if (send_scope.isNull()) {
-    sendFlood(pkt, delay_millis);
+    sendFlood(pkt, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
   } else {
     uint16_t codes[2];
     codes[0] = send_scope.calcTransportCode(pkt);
     codes[1] = 0;  // REVISIT: set to 'home' Region, for sender/return region?
-    sendFlood(pkt, codes, delay_millis);
+    sendFlood(pkt, codes, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
   }
 }
 void MyMesh::sendFloodScoped(const mesh::GroupChannel& channel, mesh::Packet* pkt, uint32_t delay_millis) {
@@ -540,12 +565,12 @@ void MyMesh::sendFloodScoped(const mesh::GroupChannel& channel, mesh::Packet* pk
 
   // TODO: have per-channel send_scope
   if (send_scope.isNull()) {
-    sendFlood(pkt, delay_millis);
+    sendFlood(pkt, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
   } else {
     uint16_t codes[2];
     codes[0] = send_scope.calcTransportCode(pkt);
     codes[1] = 0;  // REVISIT: set to 'home' Region, for sender/return region?
-    sendFlood(pkt, codes, delay_millis);
+    sendFlood(pkt, codes, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
   }
 }
 
@@ -618,7 +643,7 @@ void MyMesh::onChannelMessageRecv(const mesh::GroupChannel &channel, mesh::Packe
   }
   if (_ui) {
     const uint8_t* msg_path = (pkt->isRouteFlood() && pkt->path_len > 0) ? pkt->path : nullptr;
-    _ui->newMsg(path_len, channel_name, text, offline_queue_len, msg_path);
+    _ui->newMsg(path_len, channel_name, text, offline_queue_len, msg_path, pkt->_snr);
     if (!_prefs.buzzer_quiet) _ui->notify(UIEventType::channelMessage); //buzz if enabled
   }
 #endif
@@ -694,17 +719,36 @@ bool MyMesh::uiSendDirectMessage(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* text) {
   return true;
 }
 
-bool MyMesh::uiLoginToRepeater(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* password) {
+bool MyMesh::uiLoginToRepeater(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* password, uint32_t& est_timeout_ms) {
   ContactInfo contact;
-  if (!getContactByIdx(contact_idx, contact)) return false;
+  if (!getContactByIdx(contact_idx, contact)) {
+    Serial.println("[uiLogin] getContactByIdx FAILED");
+    return false;
+  }
 
   ContactInfo* recipient = lookupContactByPubKey(contact.id.pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
-  if (!recipient) return false;
+  if (!recipient) {
+    Serial.println("[uiLogin] lookupContactByPubKey FAILED");
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  // Force flood routing for login — a mobile repeater's direct path may be stale.
+  // The companion protocol does the same for telemetry requests.
+  uint8_t save_path_len = recipient->out_path_len;
+  recipient->out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;
+
+  Serial.printf("[uiLogin] Sending login to '%s' (idx=%d, path was 0x%02X, now 0x%02X, hash_mode=%d)\n",
+                recipient->name, contact_idx, save_path_len, recipient->out_path_len, _prefs.path_hash_mode);
+
+  int result = sendLogin(*recipient, password, est_timeout_ms);
+
+  recipient->out_path_len = save_path_len;  // restore
+
+  Serial.printf("[uiLogin] sendLogin result=%d est_timeout=%ums\n", result, est_timeout_ms);
 
-  uint32_t est_timeout;
-  int result = sendLogin(*recipient, password, est_timeout);
   if (result == MSG_SEND_FAILED) {
-    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("UI: Admin login send failed to %s", recipient->name);
+    Serial.println("[uiLogin] FAILED - MSG_SEND_FAILED");
+    est_timeout_ms = 0;
     return false;
   }
 
@@ -712,9 +756,8 @@ bool MyMesh::uiLoginToRepeater(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* password) {
   memcpy(&pending_login, recipient->id.pub_key, 4);
   _admin_contact_idx = contact_idx;
 
-  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("UI: Admin login sent to %s (%s), timeout=%dms",
-                     recipient->name, result == MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD ? "flood" : "direct",
-                     est_timeout);
+  Serial.printf("[uiLogin] SUCCESS - login sent to %s (flood), timeout=%dms\n",
+                recipient->name, est_timeout_ms);
   return true;
 }
 
@@ -812,6 +855,9 @@ void MyMesh::onContactResponse(const ContactInfo &contact, const uint8_t *data,
   uint32_t tag;
   memcpy(&tag, data, 4);
 
+  Serial.printf("[onContactResponse] from '%s', tag=0x%08X, len=%d, pending_login=0x%08X\n",
+                contact.name, tag, len, pending_login);
+
   if (pending_login && memcmp(&pending_login, contact.id.pub_key, 4) == 0) { // check for login response
     // yes, is response to pending sendLogin()
     pending_login = 0;
@@ -911,7 +957,7 @@ bool MyMesh::onContactPathRecv(ContactInfo& contact, uint8_t* in_path, uint8_t i
     if (tag == pending_discovery) {  // check for matching response tag)
       pending_discovery = 0;
 
-      if (in_path_len > MAX_PATH_SIZE || out_path_len > MAX_PATH_SIZE) {
+      if (!mesh::Packet::isValidPathLen(in_path_len) || !mesh::Packet::isValidPathLen(out_path_len)) {
         MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("onContactPathRecv, invalid path sizes: %d, %d", in_path_len, out_path_len);
       } else {
         int i = 0;
@@ -920,11 +966,9 @@ bool MyMesh::onContactPathRecv(ContactInfo& contact, uint8_t* in_path, uint8_t i
         memcpy(&out_frame[i], contact.id.pub_key, 6);
         i += 6; // pub_key_prefix
         out_frame[i++] = out_path_len;
-        memcpy(&out_frame[i], out_path, out_path_len);
-        i += out_path_len;
+        i += mesh::Packet::writePath(&out_frame[i], out_path, out_path_len);
         out_frame[i++] = in_path_len;
-        memcpy(&out_frame[i], in_path, in_path_len);
-        i += in_path_len;
+        i += mesh::Packet::writePath(&out_frame[i], in_path, in_path_len);
         // NOTE: telemetry data in 'extra' is discarded at present
 
         _serial->writeFrame(out_frame, i);
@@ -1066,9 +1110,10 @@ uint32_t MyMesh::calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(uint32_t pkt_airtime_millis) const {
   return SEND_TIMEOUT_BASE_MILLIS + (FLOOD_SEND_TIMEOUT_FACTOR * pkt_airtime_millis);
 }
 uint32_t MyMesh::calcDirectTimeoutMillisFor(uint32_t pkt_airtime_millis, uint8_t path_len) const {
+  uint8_t hop_count = path_len & 63;  // extract hops, ignore mode bits
   return SEND_TIMEOUT_BASE_MILLIS +
          ((pkt_airtime_millis * DIRECT_SEND_PERHOP_FACTOR + DIRECT_SEND_PERHOP_EXTRA_MILLIS) *
-          (path_len + 1));
+          (hop_count + 1));
 }
 
 void MyMesh::onSendTimeout() {}
@@ -1097,6 +1142,7 @@ MyMesh::MyMesh(mesh::Radio &radio, mesh::RNG &rng, mesh::RTCClock &rtc, SimpleMe
   // defaults
   memset(&_prefs, 0, sizeof(_prefs));
   _prefs.airtime_factor = 1.0; // one half
+  _prefs.multi_acks = 1;      // redundant ACKs on by default
   strcpy(_prefs.node_name, "NONAME");
   _prefs.freq = LORA_FREQ;
   _prefs.sf = LORA_SF;
@@ -1147,6 +1193,29 @@ void MyMesh::begin(bool has_display) {
   _prefs.gps_enabled = constrain(_prefs.gps_enabled, 0, 1);  // Ensure boolean 0 or 1
   _prefs.gps_interval = constrain(_prefs.gps_interval, 0, 86400);  // Max 24 hours
   _prefs.utc_offset_hours = constrain(_prefs.utc_offset_hours, -12, 14);  // Valid timezone range
+  // gps_baudrate: 0 means use compile-time default; validate known rates
+  if (_prefs.gps_baudrate != 0 && _prefs.gps_baudrate != 4800 &&
+      _prefs.gps_baudrate != 9600 && _prefs.gps_baudrate != 19200 &&
+      _prefs.gps_baudrate != 38400 && _prefs.gps_baudrate != 57600 &&
+      _prefs.gps_baudrate != 115200) {
+    Serial.printf("PREFS: invalid gps_baudrate=%lu — reset to 0 (default)\n",
+                  (unsigned long)_prefs.gps_baudrate);
+    _prefs.gps_baudrate = 0;  // reset to default if invalid
+  }
+  // interference_threshold: 0 = disabled, minimum functional value is 14, max sane ~30
+  if (_prefs.interference_threshold > 0 && _prefs.interference_threshold < 14) {
+    _prefs.interference_threshold = 0;
+  }
+  if (_prefs.interference_threshold > 50) {
+    Serial.printf("PREFS: invalid interference_threshold=%d — reset to 0 (disabled)\n",
+                  _prefs.interference_threshold);
+    _prefs.interference_threshold = 0;  // garbage from prefs upgrade — disable
+  }
+  // Clamp remaining v1.0 fields that may contain garbage after upgrade from older firmware
+  if (_prefs.path_hash_mode > 2) _prefs.path_hash_mode = 0;
+  if (_prefs.autoadd_max_hops > 64) _prefs.autoadd_max_hops = 0;
+  if (_prefs.dark_mode > 1) _prefs.dark_mode = 0;
+  if (_prefs.portrait_mode > 1) _prefs.portrait_mode = 0;
 
 #ifdef BLE_PIN_CODE // 123456 by default
   if (_prefs.ble_pin == 0) {
@@ -1395,7 +1464,8 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
     }
     if (pkt) {
       if (len >= 2 && cmd_frame[1] == 1) { // optional param (1 = flood, 0 = zero hop)
-        sendFlood(pkt);
+        unsigned long delay_millis = 0;
+        sendFlood(pkt, delay_millis, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
       } else {
         sendZeroHop(pkt);
       }
@@ -1407,7 +1477,7 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
     uint8_t *pub_key = &cmd_frame[1];
     ContactInfo *recipient = lookupContactByPubKey(pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
     if (recipient) {
-      recipient->out_path_len = -1;
+      recipient->out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;
       // recipient->lastmod = ??   shouldn't be needed, app already has this version of contact
       dirty_contacts_expiry = futureMillis(LAZY_CONTACTS_WRITE_DELAY);
       writeOKFrame();
@@ -1596,6 +1666,14 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
     }
     savePrefs();
     writeOKFrame();
+  } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_SET_PATH_HASH_MODE && cmd_frame[1] == 0 && len >= 3) {
+    if (cmd_frame[2] >= 3) {
+      writeErrFrame(ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG);
+    } else {
+      _prefs.path_hash_mode = cmd_frame[2];
+      savePrefs();
+      writeOKFrame();
+    }
   } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_REBOOT && memcmp(&cmd_frame[1], "reboot", 6) == 0) {
     if (dirty_contacts_expiry) { // is there are pending dirty contacts write needed?
       saveContacts();
@@ -1643,10 +1721,10 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
 #endif
   } else if (cmd_frame[0] == CMD_SEND_RAW_DATA && len >= 6) {
     int i = 1;
-    int8_t path_len = cmd_frame[i++];
-    if (path_len >= 0 && i + path_len + 4 <= len) { // minimum 4 byte payload
+    uint8_t path_len = cmd_frame[i++];
+    if (path_len != OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN && i + mesh::Packet::getPathByteLenFor(path_len) + 4 <= len) { // minimum 4 byte payload
       uint8_t *path = &cmd_frame[i];
-      i += path_len;
+      i += mesh::Packet::getPathByteLenFor(path_len);
       auto pkt = createRawData(&cmd_frame[i], len - i);
       if (pkt) {
         sendDirect(pkt, path, path_len);
@@ -1733,7 +1811,7 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
       memset(&req_data[2], 0, 3);  // reserved
       getRNG()->random(&req_data[5], 4);   // random blob to help make packet-hash unique
       auto save = recipient->out_path_len;    // temporarily force sendRequest() to flood
-      recipient->out_path_len = -1;
+      recipient->out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;
       int result = sendRequest(*recipient, req_data, sizeof(req_data), tag, est_timeout);
       recipient->out_path_len = save;
       if (result == MSG_SEND_FAILED) {
@@ -1976,11 +2054,12 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
       }
     }
     if (found) {
-      out_frame[0] = RESP_CODE_ADVERT_PATH;
-      memcpy(&out_frame[1], &found->recv_timestamp, 4);
-      out_frame[5] = found->path_len;
-      memcpy(&out_frame[6], found->path, found->path_len);
-      _serial->writeFrame(out_frame, 6 + found->path_len);
+      int i = 0;
+      out_frame[i++] = RESP_CODE_ADVERT_PATH;
+      memcpy(&out_frame[i], &found->recv_timestamp, 4); i += 4;
+      out_frame[i++] = found->path_len;
+      i += mesh::Packet::writePath(&out_frame[i], found->path, found->path_len);
+      _serial->writeFrame(out_frame, i);
     } else {
       writeErrFrame(ERR_CODE_NOT_FOUND);
     }
@@ -2084,20 +2163,26 @@ void MyMesh::enterCLIRescue() {
 
 void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
   int len = strlen(cli_command);
+  bool line_complete = false;
   while (Serial.available() && len < sizeof(cli_command)-1) {
     char c = Serial.read();
-    if (c != '\n') {
-      cli_command[len++] = c;
-      cli_command[len] = 0;
+    if (c == '\r' || c == '\n') {
+      if (len > 0) {
+        line_complete = true;
+        Serial.println();  // echo newline
+      }
+      break;  // stop reading — remaining LF (from CR+LF) is consumed next loop
     }
+    cli_command[len++] = c;
+    cli_command[len] = 0;
     Serial.print(c);  // echo
   }
-  if (len == sizeof(cli_command)-1) {  // command buffer full
-    cli_command[sizeof(cli_command)-1] = '\r';
+  if (len == sizeof(cli_command)-1) {  // buffer full — force processing
+    line_complete = true;
   }
 
-  if (len > 0 && cli_command[len - 1] == '\r') {  // received complete line
-    cli_command[len - 1] = 0;  // replace newline with C string null terminator
+  if (line_complete && len > 0) {
+    cli_command[len] = 0;  // ensure null terminated
 
     // =====================================================================
     // GET commands — read settings
@@ -2121,11 +2206,28 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
         Serial.printf("  > %d\n", _prefs.utc_offset_hours);
       } else if (strcmp(key, "notify") == 0) {
         Serial.printf("  > %s\n", _prefs.kb_flash_notify ? "on" : "off");
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "path.hash.mode") == 0) {
+        Serial.printf("  > %d (%d-byte path hashes)\n", _prefs.path_hash_mode, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
       } else if (strcmp(key, "gps") == 0) {
         Serial.printf("  > %s (interval: %ds)\n",
             _prefs.gps_enabled ? "on" : "off", _prefs.gps_interval);
       } else if (strcmp(key, "pin") == 0) {
         Serial.printf("  > %06d\n", _prefs.ble_pin);
+
+      // --- Mesh tuning parameters ---
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "rxdelay") == 0) {
+        Serial.printf("  > %.1f\n", _prefs.rx_delay_base);
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "af") == 0) {
+        Serial.printf("  > %.1f\n", _prefs.airtime_factor);
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "multi.acks") == 0) {
+        Serial.printf("  > %d\n", _prefs.multi_acks);
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "int.thresh") == 0) {
+        Serial.printf("  > %d\n", _prefs.interference_threshold);
+      } else if (strcmp(key, "gps.baud") == 0) {
+        uint32_t effective = _prefs.gps_baudrate ? _prefs.gps_baudrate : GPS_BAUDRATE;
+        Serial.printf("  > %lu (effective: %lu)\n",
+            (unsigned long)_prefs.gps_baudrate, (unsigned long)effective);
+
       } else if (strcmp(key, "radio") == 0) {
         Serial.printf("  > freq=%.3f bw=%.1f sf=%d cr=%d tx=%d\n",
             _prefs.freq, _prefs.bw, _prefs.sf, _prefs.cr, _prefs.tx_power_dbm);
@@ -2173,9 +2275,18 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
         Serial.printf("  tx:         %d\n", _prefs.tx_power_dbm);
         Serial.printf("  utc:        %d\n", _prefs.utc_offset_hours);
         Serial.printf("  notify:     %s\n", _prefs.kb_flash_notify ? "on" : "off");
+        Serial.printf("  path.hash:  %d (%d-byte)\n", _prefs.path_hash_mode, _prefs.path_hash_mode + 1);
         Serial.printf("  gps:        %s (interval: %ds)\n",
             _prefs.gps_enabled ? "on" : "off", _prefs.gps_interval);
         Serial.printf("  pin:        %06d\n", _prefs.ble_pin);
+        Serial.printf("  rxdelay:    %.1f\n", _prefs.rx_delay_base);
+        Serial.printf("  af:         %.1f\n", _prefs.airtime_factor);
+        Serial.printf("  multi.acks: %d\n", _prefs.multi_acks);
+        Serial.printf("  int.thresh: %d\n", _prefs.interference_threshold);
+        {
+          uint32_t eff_baud = _prefs.gps_baudrate ? _prefs.gps_baudrate : GPS_BAUDRATE;
+          Serial.printf("  gps.baud:   %lu\n", (unsigned long)eff_baud);
+        }
 #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
         Serial.printf("  modem:      %s\n", ModemManager::loadEnabledConfig() ? "on" : "off");
         Serial.printf("  apn:        %s\n", modemManager.getAPN());
@@ -2196,6 +2307,14 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
         char hex[PUB_KEY_SIZE * 2 + 1];
         mesh::Utils::toHex(hex, self_id.pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
         Serial.printf("  pubkey:     %s\n", hex);
+        {
+          uint32_t clk = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
+          if (clk > 1704067200UL) {
+            Serial.printf("  clock:      %lu (valid)\n", (unsigned long)clk);
+          } else {
+            Serial.printf("  clock:      not set\n");
+          }
+        }
         // List channels
         Serial.println("  channels:");
         bool chFound = false;
@@ -2319,6 +2438,16 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
         savePrefs();
         Serial.printf("  > notify = %s\n", _prefs.kb_flash_notify ? "on" : "off");
 
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "path.hash.mode ", 15) == 0) {
+        int mode = atoi(&config[15]);
+        if (mode >= 0 && mode <= 2) {
+          _prefs.path_hash_mode = (uint8_t)mode;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("  > path.hash.mode = %d (%d-byte path hashes)\n", mode, mode + 1);
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: mode must be 0, 1, or 2 (1-byte, 2-byte, 3-byte)");
+        }
+
       } else if (memcmp(config, "pin ", 4) == 0) {
         _prefs.ble_pin = atoi(&config[4]);
         savePrefs();
@@ -2499,10 +2628,136 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
         Serial.println("  > modem disabled");
 #endif
 
+      // --- Mesh tuning parameters ---
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "rxdelay ", 8) == 0) {
+        float val = atof(&config[8]);
+        if (val >= 0.0f && val <= 20.0f) {
+          _prefs.rx_delay_base = val;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("  > rxdelay = %.1f\n", _prefs.rx_delay_base);
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: rxdelay out of range (0-20)");
+        }
+
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "af ", 3) == 0) {
+        float val = atof(&config[3]);
+        if (val >= 0.0f && val <= 9.0f) {
+          _prefs.airtime_factor = val;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("  > af = %.1f\n", _prefs.airtime_factor);
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: af out of range (0-9)");
+        }
+
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "multi.acks ", 11) == 0) {
+        int val = atoi(&config[11]);
+        if (val == 0 || val == 1) {
+          _prefs.multi_acks = (uint8_t)val;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("  > multi.acks = %d\n", _prefs.multi_acks);
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: use 0 or 1");
+        }
+
+      // Interference threshold — not recommended unless the device is in a high
+      // RF interference environment (low noise floor with significant fluctuations).
+      // Enabling adds ~4s receive delay per packet for channel activity scanning.
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "int.thresh ", 11) == 0) {
+        int val = atoi(&config[11]);
+        if (val == 0) {
+          _prefs.interference_threshold = 0;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.println("  > int.thresh = 0 (disabled)");
+        } else if (val >= 14 && val <= 255) {
+          _prefs.interference_threshold = (uint8_t)val;
+          savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("  > int.thresh = %d (enabled — adds ~4s rx delay)\n",
+              _prefs.interference_threshold);
+          Serial.println("  Note: only recommended for high RF interference environments");
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: use 0 (disabled) or 14+ (typical: 14)");
+        }
+
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "gps.baud ", 9) == 0) {
+        uint32_t val = (uint32_t)atol(&config[9]);
+        if (val == 0 || val == 4800 || val == 9600 || val == 19200 ||
+            val == 38400 || val == 57600 || val == 115200) {
+          _prefs.gps_baudrate = val;
+          savePrefs();
+          uint32_t effective = val ? val : GPS_BAUDRATE;
+          Serial.printf("  > gps.baud = %lu (effective: %lu, reboot to apply)\n",
+              (unsigned long)val, (unsigned long)effective);
+        } else {
+          Serial.println("  Error: use 0 (default), 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200");
+        }
+
+      // Backlight control (T5S3 E-Paper Pro only)
+      } else if (memcmp(config, "backlight ", 10) == 0) {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        const char* val = &config[10];
+        if (strcmp(val, "on") == 0) {
+          board.setBacklight(true);
+          Serial.println("  > backlight ON");
+        } else if (strcmp(val, "off") == 0) {
+          board.setBacklight(false);
+          Serial.println("  > backlight OFF");
+        } else {
+          int brightness = atoi(val);
+          if (brightness >= 0 && brightness <= 255) {
+            board.setBacklightBrightness((uint8_t)brightness);
+            board.setBacklight(brightness > 0);
+            Serial.printf("  > backlight brightness = %d\n", brightness);
+          } else {
+            Serial.println("  Error: use 'on', 'off', or 0-255");
+          }
+        }
+#else
+        Serial.println("  Error: backlight not available on this device");
+#endif
+
       } else {
         Serial.printf("  Error: unknown setting '%s' (try 'help')\n", config);
       }
 
+    // =====================================================================
+    // CLOCK commands (standalone — matches repeater admin convention)
+    // =====================================================================
+    } else if (memcmp(cli_command, "clock sync ", 11) == 0) {
+      uint32_t epoch = (uint32_t)strtoul(&cli_command[11], nullptr, 10);
+      if (epoch > 1704067200UL && epoch < 2082758400UL) {
+        getRTCClock()->setCurrentTime(epoch);
+        Serial.printf("  > clock synced to %lu\n", (unsigned long)epoch);
+      } else {
+        Serial.println("  Error: invalid epoch (must be 2024-2036 range)");
+        Serial.println("  Hint: on macOS/Linux run: date +%s");
+      }
+    } else if (strcmp(cli_command, "clock sync") == 0) {
+      // Bare "clock sync" without a value — show usage
+      Serial.println("  Usage: clock sync <unix_epoch>");
+      Serial.println("  Hint:  clock sync $(date +%s)");
+    } else if (strcmp(cli_command, "clock") == 0) {
+      uint32_t t = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
+      if (t > 1704067200UL) {
+        // Break epoch into human-readable UTC
+        uint32_t ep = t;
+        int s = ep % 60; ep /= 60;
+        int mi = ep % 60; ep /= 60;
+        int h  = ep % 24; ep /= 24;
+        int yr = 1970;
+        while (true) { int d = ((yr%4==0&&yr%100!=0)||yr%400==0)?366:365; if(ep<(uint32_t)d) break; ep-=d; yr++; }
+        int mo = 1;
+        while (true) {
+          static const uint8_t dm[]={31,28,31,30,31,30,31,31,30,31,30,31};
+          int d = (mo==2&&((yr%4==0&&yr%100!=0)||yr%400==0))?29:dm[mo-1];
+          if(ep<(uint32_t)d) break; ep-=d; mo++;
+        }
+        int dy = ep + 1;
+        Serial.printf("  > %04d-%02d-%02d %02d:%02d:%02d UTC (epoch: %lu)\n",
+                      yr, mo, dy, h, mi, s, (unsigned long)t);
+      } else {
+        Serial.printf("  > not set (epoch: %lu)\n", (unsigned long)t);
+      }
+
     // =====================================================================
     // HELP command
     // =====================================================================
@@ -2513,6 +2768,19 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
       Serial.println("");
       Serial.println("  Settings keys:");
       Serial.println("    name, freq, bw, sf, cr, tx, utc, notify, pin");
+      Serial.println("    path.hash.mode         Path hash size (0=1B, 1=2B, 2=3B)");
+      Serial.println("");
+      Serial.println("  Mesh tuning:");
+      Serial.println("    rxdelay <0-20>         Rx delay base (0=disabled)");
+      Serial.println("    af <0-9>               Airtime factor");
+      Serial.println("    multi.acks <0|1>       Redundant ACKs (default: 1)");
+      Serial.println("    int.thresh <0|14+>     Interference threshold dB (0=off, 14=typical)");
+      Serial.println("    gps.baud <rate>        GPS baud (0=default, reboot to apply)");
+      Serial.println("");
+      Serial.println("  Clock:");
+      Serial.println("    clock                  Show current RTC time (UTC)");
+      Serial.println("    clock sync <epoch>     Set RTC from Unix timestamp");
+      Serial.println("    Hint: clock sync $(date +%s)");
       Serial.println("");
       Serial.println("  Compound commands:");
       Serial.println("    get all                Dump all settings");
@@ -2536,6 +2804,11 @@ void MyMesh::checkCLIRescueCmd() {
       Serial.println("    erase     Format filesystem");
       Serial.println("    reboot    Restart device");
       Serial.println("    ls / cat / rm   File operations");
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      Serial.println("");
+      Serial.println("  Display:");
+      Serial.println("    set backlight on/off/0-255  Control front-light");
+#endif
 
     // =====================================================================
     // Existing system commands (unchanged)
@@ -2726,10 +2999,19 @@ void MyMesh::loop() {
 
   // is there are pending dirty contacts write needed?
   if (dirty_contacts_expiry && millisHasNowPassed(dirty_contacts_expiry)) {
-    saveContacts();
+    if (!_store->isSaveInProgress()) {
+      _store->beginSaveContacts(this);
+    }
     dirty_contacts_expiry = 0;
   }
 
+  // Drive chunked contact save — write a batch each loop iteration
+  if (_store->isSaveInProgress()) {
+    if (!_store->saveContactsChunk(20)) {  // 20 contacts per chunk (~3KB, ~30ms)
+      _store->finishSaveContacts();  // Done or error — verify and commit
+    }
+  }
+
   // Discovery scan timeout
   if (_discoveryActive && millisHasNowPassed(_discoveryTimeout)) {
     _discoveryActive = false;
@@ -2765,21 +3047,6 @@ void MyMesh::startDiscovery(uint32_t duration_ms) {
   Serial.printf("[Discovery] Active scan started (%lu ms, tag=%08X)\n",
                 duration_ms, _discoveryTag);
 
-  // --- Pre-seed from advert_paths cache (shows known nodes immediately) ---
-  for (int i = 0; i < ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE && _discoveredCount < MAX_DISCOVERED_NODES; i++) {
-    if (advert_paths[i].recv_timestamp == 0) continue;  // empty slot
-
-    ContactInfo* c = lookupContactByPubKey(advert_paths[i].pubkey_prefix, sizeof(advert_paths[i].pubkey_prefix));
-    if (c) {
-      _discovered[_discoveredCount].contact = *c;
-      _discovered[_discoveredCount].path_len = advert_paths[i].path_len;
-      _discovered[_discoveredCount].snr = 0;  // no SNR from cache
-      _discovered[_discoveredCount].already_in_contacts = true;
-      _discoveredCount++;
-    }
-  }
-  Serial.printf("[Discovery] Pre-seeded %d nodes from cache\n", _discoveredCount);
-
   // --- Send active discovery request (CTL_TYPE_NODE_DISCOVER_REQ) ---
   // Repeaters with firmware v1.11+ will respond with their pubkey + SNR
   uint8_t ctl_payload[10];

examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.h

@@ -5,14 +5,14 @@
 #include "AbstractUITask.h"
 
 /*------------ Frame Protocol --------------*/
-#define FIRMWARE_VER_CODE 8
+#define FIRMWARE_VER_CODE 10
 
 #ifndef FIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE
-#define FIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE "4 March 2026"
+#define FIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE "20 March 2026"
 #endif
 
 #ifndef FIRMWARE_VERSION
-#define FIRMWARE_VERSION "Meck v0.9.8"
+#define FIRMWARE_VERSION "Meck v1.2"
 #endif
 
 #if defined(NRF52_PLATFORM) || defined(STM32_PLATFORM)
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@
 struct AdvertPath {
   uint8_t pubkey_prefix[7];
   uint8_t path_len;
+  uint8_t type;             // ADV_TYPE_* (Chat/Repeater/Room/Sensor)
   char    name[32];
   uint32_t recv_timestamp;
   uint8_t path[MAX_PATH_SIZE];
@@ -119,6 +120,12 @@ public:
   int  getDiscoveredCount() const { return _discoveredCount; }
   const DiscoveredNode& getDiscovered(int idx) const { return _discovered[idx]; }
   bool addDiscoveredToContacts(int idx);  // promote a discovered node into contacts
+
+  // Last Heard — public wrappers for contact add/remove from UI
+  void scheduleLazyContactSave();
+  int getContactBlob(const uint8_t key[], int key_len, uint8_t dest_buf[]) {
+    return getBlobByKey(key, key_len, dest_buf);
+  }
   
   // Queue a sent channel message for BLE app sync
   void queueSentChannelMessage(uint8_t channel_idx, uint32_t timestamp, const char* sender, const char* text);
@@ -127,7 +134,7 @@ public:
   bool uiSendDirectMessage(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* text);
 
   // Repeater admin - UI-initiated operations
-  bool uiLoginToRepeater(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* password);
+  bool uiLoginToRepeater(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* password, uint32_t& est_timeout_ms);
   bool uiSendCliCommand(uint32_t contact_idx, const char* command);
   bool uiSendTelemetryRequest(uint32_t contact_idx);
   int  getAdminContactIdx() const { return _admin_contact_idx; }
@@ -137,7 +144,10 @@ protected:
   float getAirtimeBudgetFactor() const override;
   int getInterferenceThreshold() const override;
   int calcRxDelay(float score, uint32_t air_time) const override;
+  uint32_t getRetransmitDelay(const mesh::Packet *packet) override;
+  uint32_t getDirectRetransmitDelay(const mesh::Packet *packet) override;
   uint8_t getExtraAckTransmitCount() const override;
+  uint8_t getAutoAddMaxHops() const override;
   bool filterRecvFloodPacket(mesh::Packet* packet) override;
 
   void sendFloodScoped(const ContactInfo& recipient, mesh::Packet* pkt, uint32_t delay_millis=0) override;
@@ -259,7 +269,7 @@ private:
   AckTableEntry expected_ack_table[EXPECTED_ACK_TABLE_SIZE]; // circular table
   int next_ack_idx;
 
-  #define ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE   16
+  #define ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE   40
   AdvertPath advert_paths[ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE]; // circular table
 
     // Sent message repeat tracking

examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h

@@ -31,4 +31,11 @@ struct NodePrefs {  // persisted to file
   int8_t  utc_offset_hours;  // UTC offset in hours (-12 to +14), default 0
   uint8_t kb_flash_notify;   // Keyboard backlight flash on new message (0=off, 1=on)
   uint8_t ringtone_enabled;  // Ringtone on incoming call (0=off, 1=on) — 4G only
+  uint8_t path_hash_mode;    // 0=1-byte (legacy), 1=2-byte, 2=3-byte path hashes
+  uint8_t autoadd_max_hops;  // 0=no limit, N=up to N-1 hops (max 64)
+  uint32_t gps_baudrate;     // GPS baud rate (0 = use compile-time GPS_BAUDRATE default)
+  uint8_t interference_threshold; // Interference threshold in dB (0=disabled, 14+=enabled)
+  uint8_t dark_mode;              // 0=off (white bg), 1=on (black bg)
+  uint8_t portrait_mode;          // 0=landscape, 1=portrait — T5S3 only
+  uint8_t auto_lock_minutes;      // 0=disabled, 2/5/10/15/30=auto-lock after idle
 };

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/CardKBKeyboard.h

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+#pragma once
+// =============================================================================
+// CardKBKeyboard — M5Stack CardKB (or compatible) I2C keyboard driver
+//
+// Polls 0x5F on the shared I2C bus via QWIIC connector.
+// Maps CardKB special key codes to Meck key constants.
+//
+// Usage:
+//   CardKBKeyboard cardkb;
+//   if (cardkb.begin()) { /* detected */ }
+//   char key = cardkb.readKey();  // returns 0 if no key
+// =============================================================================
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) && defined(MECK_CARDKB)
+#ifndef CARDKB_KEYBOARD_H
+#define CARDKB_KEYBOARD_H
+
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include <Wire.h>
+#include "variant.h"  // For I2C_SDA, I2C_SCL (bus recovery)
+
+// I2C address (defined in variant.h, fallback here)
+#ifndef CARDKB_I2C_ADDR
+#define CARDKB_I2C_ADDR 0x5F
+#endif
+
+// CardKB special key codes (from M5Stack documentation)
+#define CARDKB_KEY_UP      0xB5
+#define CARDKB_KEY_DOWN    0xB6
+#define CARDKB_KEY_LEFT    0xB4
+#define CARDKB_KEY_RIGHT   0xB7
+#define CARDKB_KEY_TAB     0x09
+#define CARDKB_KEY_ESC     0x1B
+#define CARDKB_KEY_BS      0x08
+#define CARDKB_KEY_ENTER   0x0D
+#define CARDKB_KEY_DEL     0x7F
+#define CARDKB_KEY_FN      0x00   // Fn modifier (swallowed by CardKB internally)
+
+class CardKBKeyboard {
+public:
+  CardKBKeyboard() : _detected(false) {}
+
+  // Probe for CardKB on the I2C bus. Call after Wire.begin().
+  bool begin() {
+    Wire.beginTransmission(CARDKB_I2C_ADDR);
+    _detected = (Wire.endTransmission() == 0);
+    if (_detected) {
+      Serial.println("[CardKB] Detected at 0x5F");
+    }
+    return _detected;
+  }
+
+  // Re-probe (e.g. for hot-plug detection every few seconds)
+  bool probe() {
+    Wire.beginTransmission(CARDKB_I2C_ADDR);
+    _detected = (Wire.endTransmission() == 0);
+    return _detected;
+  }
+
+  bool isDetected() const { return _detected; }
+
+  // Poll for a keypress. Returns 0 if no key available.
+  // Returns raw ASCII for printable chars, or Meck KEY_* constants for nav keys.
+  // Throttled to avoid flooding I2C bus — polls at most every 50ms.
+  // On read failure, backs off 500ms and re-inits Wire to recover bus state.
+  char readKey() {
+    if (!_detected) return 0;
+
+    unsigned long now = millis();
+    if (now - _lastPoll < _pollInterval) return 0;
+    _lastPoll = now;
+
+    Wire.requestFrom((uint8_t)CARDKB_I2C_ADDR, (uint8_t)1);
+    if (!Wire.available()) {
+      _errorCount++;
+      if (_errorCount >= 3) {
+        // I2C bus may be stuck — re-init to recover
+        Wire.begin(I2C_SDA, I2C_SCL);
+        Wire.setClock(100000);
+        _pollInterval = 500;  // Back off for 500ms
+        _errorCount = 0;
+        Serial.println("[CardKB] I2C error recovery — bus re-init");
+      }
+      return 0;
+    }
+
+    _errorCount = 0;
+    _pollInterval = 50;  // Normal polling rate
+
+    uint8_t raw = Wire.read();
+    if (raw == 0) return 0;
+
+    // Map CardKB special keys to Meck constants
+    switch (raw) {
+      case CARDKB_KEY_UP:    return 0xF2;  // KEY_PREV
+      case CARDKB_KEY_DOWN:  return 0xF1;  // KEY_NEXT
+      case CARDKB_KEY_LEFT:  return 0xF3;  // KEY_LEFT
+      case CARDKB_KEY_RIGHT: return 0xF4;  // KEY_RIGHT
+      case CARDKB_KEY_ENTER: return '\r';
+      case CARDKB_KEY_BS:    return '\b';
+      case CARDKB_KEY_DEL:   return '\b';  // Treat delete same as backspace
+      case CARDKB_KEY_ESC:   return 0x1B;  // ESC — handled by caller
+      case CARDKB_KEY_TAB:   return 0x09;  // Tab — available for future use
+      default:
+        // Printable ASCII — pass through unchanged
+        if (raw >= 0x20 && raw <= 0x7E) {
+          return (char)raw;
+        }
+        // Unknown code — ignore
+        return 0;
+    }
+  }
+
+private:
+  bool _detected;
+  unsigned long _lastPoll = 0;
+  unsigned long _pollInterval = 50;  // ms between polls (increases on error)
+  uint8_t _errorCount = 0;
+};
+
+#endif // CARDKB_KEYBOARD_H
+#endif // LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro && MECK_CARDKB

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/ChannelScreen.h

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include <helpers/ui/DisplayDriver.h>
 #include <helpers/ChannelDetails.h>
 #include <MeshCore.h>
+#include <Packet.h>
 #include "EmojiSprites.h"
 
 // SD card message persistence
@@ -24,7 +25,7 @@
 // On-disk format for message persistence (SD card)
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 #define MSG_FILE_MAGIC   0x4D434853  // "MCHS" - MeshCore History Store
-#define MSG_FILE_VERSION 3           // v3: MSG_PATH_MAX increased to 20
+#define MSG_FILE_VERSION 3           // v3: MSG_PATH_MAX=20, reserved→snr field
 #define MSG_FILE_PATH    "/meshcore/messages.bin"
 
 struct __attribute__((packed)) MsgFileHeader {
@@ -41,7 +42,7 @@ struct __attribute__((packed)) MsgFileRecord {
   uint8_t  path_len;
   uint8_t  channel_idx;
   uint8_t  valid;
-  uint8_t  reserved;
+  int8_t   snr;          // Receive SNR × 4 (was reserved; 0 = unknown)
   uint8_t  path[MSG_PATH_MAX];  // Repeater hop hashes (first byte of pub key)
   char     text[CHANNEL_MSG_TEXT_LEN];
   // 188 bytes total
@@ -57,6 +58,7 @@ public:
     uint32_t timestamp;
     uint8_t path_len;
     uint8_t channel_idx;  // Which channel this message belongs to
+    int8_t  snr;          // Receive SNR × 4 (0 if locally sent or unknown)
     uint8_t path[MSG_PATH_MAX];  // Repeater hop hashes
     char text[CHANNEL_MSG_TEXT_LEN];
     bool valid;
@@ -105,7 +107,7 @@ public:
 
   // Add a new message to the history
   void addMessage(uint8_t channel_idx, uint8_t path_len, const char* sender, const char* text,
-                  const uint8_t* path_bytes = nullptr) {
+                  const uint8_t* path_bytes = nullptr, int8_t snr = 0) {
     // Move to next slot in circular buffer
     _newestIdx = (_newestIdx + 1) % CHANNEL_MSG_HISTORY_SIZE;
     
@@ -113,12 +115,14 @@ public:
     msg->timestamp = _rtc->getCurrentTime();
     msg->path_len = path_len;
     msg->channel_idx = channel_idx;
+    msg->snr = snr;
     msg->valid = true;
     
     // Store path hop hashes
     memset(msg->path, 0, MSG_PATH_MAX);
     if (path_bytes && path_len > 0 && path_len != 0xFF) {
-      int n = path_len < MSG_PATH_MAX ? path_len : MSG_PATH_MAX;
+      int n = mesh::Packet::getPathByteLenFor(path_len);
+      if (n > MSG_PATH_MAX) n = MSG_PATH_MAX;
       memcpy(msg->path, path_bytes, n);
     }
     
@@ -289,11 +293,15 @@ public:
     if (!msg || msg->path_len == 0 || msg->path_len == 0xFF) return 0;
     
     int pos = 0;
-    int plen = msg->path_len < MSG_PATH_MAX ? msg->path_len : MSG_PATH_MAX;
+    uint8_t hopCount = msg->path_len & 63;
+    uint8_t bytesPerHop = (msg->path_len >> 6) + 1;
     
-    for (int h = 0; h < plen && pos < bufLen - 1; h++) {
+    for (int h = 0; h < hopCount && pos < bufLen - 1; h++) {
       if (h > 0) pos += snprintf(buf + pos, bufLen - pos, ", ");
-      pos += snprintf(buf + pos, bufLen - pos, "%02x", msg->path[h]);
+      int offset = h * bytesPerHop;
+      for (int b = 0; b < bytesPerHop && pos < bufLen - 1; b++) {
+        pos += snprintf(buf + pos, bufLen - pos, "%02x", msg->path[offset + b]);
+      }
     }
     
     return pos;
@@ -336,7 +344,7 @@ public:
       rec.path_len    = _messages[i].path_len;
       rec.channel_idx = _messages[i].channel_idx;
       rec.valid       = _messages[i].valid ? 1 : 0;
-      rec.reserved    = 0;
+      rec.snr         = _messages[i].snr;
       memcpy(rec.path, _messages[i].path, MSG_PATH_MAX);
       memcpy(rec.text, _messages[i].text, CHANNEL_MSG_TEXT_LEN);
       f.write((uint8_t*)&rec, sizeof(rec));
@@ -403,6 +411,7 @@ public:
       _messages[i].path_len    = rec.path_len;
       _messages[i].channel_idx = rec.channel_idx;
       _messages[i].valid       = (rec.valid != 0);
+      _messages[i].snr         = rec.snr;
       memcpy(_messages[i].path, rec.path, MSG_PATH_MAX);
       memcpy(_messages[i].text, rec.text, CHANNEL_MSG_TEXT_LEN);
       if (_messages[i].valid) loaded++;
@@ -491,6 +500,8 @@ public:
         // Route type
         display.setCursor(0, y);
         uint8_t plen = msg->path_len;
+        uint8_t hopCount = plen & 63;           // extract hop count from encoded path_len
+        uint8_t bytesPerHop = (plen >> 6) + 1;  // 1, 2, or 3 bytes per hop
         if (plen == 0xFF) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
           display.print("Route: Direct");
@@ -499,14 +510,26 @@ public:
           display.print("Route: Local/Sent");
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-          sprintf(tmp, "Route: %d hop%s", plen, plen == 1 ? "" : "s");
+          sprintf(tmp, "Route: %d hop%s (%dB)", hopCount, hopCount == 1 ? "" : "s", bytesPerHop);
           display.print(tmp);
         }
-        y += lineH + 2;
+        y += lineH;
+
+        // SNR (if available — value is SNR×4)
+        if (msg->snr != 0) {
+          display.setCursor(0, y);
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+          int snr_whole = msg->snr / 4;
+          int snr_frac = ((abs(msg->snr) % 4) * 10) / 4;
+          sprintf(tmp, "SNR: %d.%ddB", snr_whole, snr_frac);
+          display.print(tmp);
+          y += lineH;
+        }
+        y += 2;
         
         // Show each hop resolved against contacts (scrollable)
-        if (plen > 0 && plen != 0xFF) {
-          int displayHops = plen < MSG_PATH_MAX ? plen : MSG_PATH_MAX;
+        if (hopCount > 0 && plen != 0xFF) {
+          int displayHops = hopCount;
           int footerReserve = 26;  // footer + divider
           int scrollBarW = 4;
           int maxY = display.height() - footerReserve;
@@ -532,28 +555,37 @@ public:
           if (endHop > displayHops) endHop = displayHops;
           
           for (int h = startHop; h < endHop && y + lineH <= maxY; h++) {
-            uint8_t hopHash = msg->path[h];
+            int hopOffset = h * bytesPerHop;  // byte offset into path[]
             display.setCursor(0, y);
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
             sprintf(tmp, " %d: ", h + 1);
             display.print(tmp);
             
-            // Always show hex prefix first
+            // Show hex prefix (1, 2, or 3 bytes)
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-            sprintf(tmp, "%02X ", hopHash);
+            if (bytesPerHop == 1) {
+              sprintf(tmp, "%02X ", msg->path[hopOffset]);
+            } else if (bytesPerHop == 2) {
+              sprintf(tmp, "%02X%02X ", msg->path[hopOffset], msg->path[hopOffset + 1]);
+            } else {
+              sprintf(tmp, "%02X%02X%02X ", msg->path[hopOffset], msg->path[hopOffset + 1], msg->path[hopOffset + 2]);
+            }
             display.print(tmp);
             
             // Try to resolve name: prefer repeaters, then any contact
             bool resolved = false;
             int numContacts = the_mesh.getNumContacts();
             ContactInfo contact;
+            char filteredName[32];
             
             // First pass: repeaters only
             for (uint32_t ci = 0; ci < numContacts && !resolved; ci++) {
               if (the_mesh.getContactByIdx(ci, contact)) {
-                if (contact.id.pub_key[0] == hopHash && contact.type == ADV_TYPE_REPEATER) {
+                if (memcmp(contact.id.pub_key, &msg->path[hopOffset], bytesPerHop) == 0
+                    && contact.type == ADV_TYPE_REPEATER) {
                   display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-                  display.print(contact.name);
+                  display.translateUTF8ToBlocks(filteredName, contact.name, sizeof(filteredName));
+                  display.print(filteredName);
                   resolved = true;
                 }
               }
@@ -562,9 +594,10 @@ public:
             if (!resolved) {
               for (uint32_t ci = 0; ci < numContacts; ci++) {
                 if (the_mesh.getContactByIdx(ci, contact)) {
-                  if (contact.id.pub_key[0] == hopHash) {
+                  if (memcmp(contact.id.pub_key, &msg->path[hopOffset], bytesPerHop) == 0) {
                     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
-                    display.print(contact.name);
+                    display.translateUTF8ToBlocks(filteredName, contact.name, sizeof(filteredName));
+                    display.print(filteredName);
                     resolved = true;
                     break;
                   }
@@ -606,19 +639,24 @@ public:
       display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
       display.setCursor(0, footerY);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Back");
+      const char* copyHint = "Tap:Dismiss";
+#else
       display.print("Q:Back");
       // Show scroll hint if path is scrollable
-      if (msg && msg->path_len > _pathHopsVisible && msg->path_len != 0xFF) {
+      if (msg && (msg->path_len & 63) > _pathHopsVisible && msg->path_len != 0xFF) {
         const char* scrollHint = "W/S:Scrl";
         int scrollW = display.getTextWidth(scrollHint);
         display.setCursor((display.width() - scrollW) / 2, footerY);
         display.print(scrollHint);
       }
       const char* copyHint = "Ent:Copy";
+#endif
       display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(copyHint) - 2, footerY);
       display.print(copyHint);
 
-#if AUTO_OFF_MILLIS == 0
+#ifdef USE_EINK
       return 5000;
 #else
       return 1000;
@@ -631,9 +669,15 @@ public:
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.print("No messages yet");
       display.setCursor(0, 30);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Swipe: Switch channel");
+      display.setCursor(0, 40);
+      display.print("Long press: Compose");
+#else
       display.print("A/D: Switch channel");
       display.setCursor(0, 40);
       display.print("C: Compose message");
+#endif
       display.setTextSize(1);  // Restore for footer
     } else {
       display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for message body
@@ -702,7 +746,11 @@ public:
           int availH = maxY - y;
           if (maxFillH > availH) maxFillH = availH;
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+          #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, maxFillH);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, maxFillH);
+#endif
         }
         
         // Time indicator with hop count - inline on same line as message start
@@ -723,13 +771,13 @@ public:
           }
         } else {
           if (age < 60) {
-            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %ds ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : msg->path_len, age);
+            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %ds ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : (msg->path_len & 63), age);
           } else if (age < 3600) {
-            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dm ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : msg->path_len, age / 60);
+            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dm ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : (msg->path_len & 63), age / 60);
           } else if (age < 86400) {
-            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dh ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : msg->path_len, age / 3600);
+            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dh ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : (msg->path_len & 63), age / 3600);
           } else {
-            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dd ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : msg->path_len, age / 86400);
+            sprintf(tmp, "(%d) %dd ", msg->path_len == 0xFF ? 0 : (msg->path_len & 63), age / 86400);
           }
         }
         display.print(tmp);
@@ -774,7 +822,9 @@ public:
                 if (wb == ' ' || isEmojiEscape(wb)) break;
                 charStr[0] = (char)wb;
                 dblStr[0] = dblStr[1] = (char)wb;
-                wordW += display.getTextWidth(dblStr) - display.getTextWidth(charStr);
+                int charAdv = display.getTextWidth(dblStr) - display.getTextWidth(charStr);
+                if (charAdv < 1) charAdv = 1;
+                wordW += charAdv;
               }
               if (px + wordW > lineW) {
                 px = 0;
@@ -803,6 +853,7 @@ public:
             charStr[0] = ' ';
             dblStr[0] = dblStr[1] = ' ';
             int adv = display.getTextWidth(dblStr) - display.getTextWidth(charStr);
+            if (adv < 1) adv = 1;  // Minimum advance (rounding fix for proportional fonts)
             if (px + adv > lineW) {
               px = 0;
               linesForThisMsg++;
@@ -820,6 +871,7 @@ public:
             charStr[0] = (char)b;
             dblStr[0] = dblStr[1] = (char)b;
             int adv = display.getTextWidth(dblStr) - display.getTextWidth(charStr);
+            if (adv < 1) adv = 1;  // Minimum advance (rounding fix for proportional fonts)
             if (px + adv > lineW) {
               px = 0;
               linesForThisMsg++;
@@ -855,7 +907,11 @@ public:
           if (maxFillH > availH) maxFillH = availH;
           if (usedH < maxFillH) {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+            display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, maxFillH - usedH);
+#else
             display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, maxFillH - usedH);
+#endif
           }
         }
         
@@ -910,6 +966,16 @@ public:
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
     
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+    display.print("Swipe:Ch/Scroll");
+    const char* midCh = "Tap:Path";
+    display.setCursor((display.width() - display.getTextWidth(midCh)) / 2, footerY);
+    display.print(midCh);
+    const char* rtCh = "Hold:Compose";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(rtCh) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(rtCh);
+#else
     // Left side: abbreviated controls
     if (_replySelectMode) {
       display.print("W/S:Sel V:Pth Q:X");
@@ -922,8 +988,9 @@ public:
       display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(rightText) - 2, footerY);
       display.print(rightText);
     }
+#endif
 
-#if AUTO_OFF_MILLIS == 0  // e-ink
+#ifdef USE_EINK
     return 5000;
 #else
     return 1000;
@@ -952,7 +1019,7 @@ public:
       if (c == 's' || c == 'S' || c == 0xF1) {
         ChannelMessage* msg = getNewestReceivedMsg();
         if (msg && msg->path_len > 0 && msg->path_len != 0xFF) {
-          int totalHops = msg->path_len < MSG_PATH_MAX ? msg->path_len : MSG_PATH_MAX;
+          int totalHops = msg->path_len & 63;
           if (_pathScrollPos < totalHops - _pathHopsVisible) {
             _pathScrollPos++;
           }

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Contactsscreen.h

@@ -152,6 +152,31 @@ public:
 
   FilterMode getFilter() const { return _filter; }
 
+  // Tap-to-select: given virtual Y, select contact row.
+  // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
+  int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
+    if (_filteredCount == 0) return 0;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const int bodyTop = headerH;
+#else
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+#endif
+    if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
+
+    int maxVisible = (128 - headerH - footerH) / lineH;
+    if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+    int startIdx = max(0, min(_scrollPos - maxVisible / 2,
+                              _filteredCount - maxVisible));
+
+    int tappedRow = startIdx + (vy - bodyTop) / lineH;
+    if (tappedRow < 0 || tappedRow >= _filteredCount) return 0;
+
+    if (tappedRow == _scrollPos) return 2;
+    _scrollPos = tappedRow;
+    return 1;
+  }
+
   // Get the raw contact table index for the currently highlighted item
   // Returns -1 if no valid selection
   int getSelectedContactIdx() const {
@@ -219,7 +244,11 @@ public:
       display.setCursor(0, y);
       display.print("No contacts");
       display.setCursor(0, y + lineHeight);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Swipe to change filter");
+#else
       display.print("A/D: Change filter");
+#endif
     } else {
       // Center visible window around selected item (TextReaderScreen pattern)
       int maxVisible = (maxY - headerHeight) / lineHeight;
@@ -237,7 +266,11 @@ public:
         // Highlight: fill LIGHT rect first, then draw DARK text on top
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -297,19 +330,22 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
 
-    // Left: Q:Bk
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
-    display.print("Q:Bk");
-
-    // Center: A/D:Filter
-    const char* mid = "A/D:Filtr";
-    display.setCursor((display.width() - display.getTextWidth(mid)) / 2, footerY);
-    display.print(mid);
-
-    // Right: F:Dscvr
-    const char* right = "F:Dscvr";
+    display.print("Swipe:Filter");
+    const char* right = "Hold:DM/Admin";
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
+#else
+    // Left: Q:Bk
+    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+    display.print("Q:Bk A/D:Filter");
+
+    // Right: Tap/Ent:Select
+    const char* right = "Tap/Ent:Select";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(right);
+#endif
 
     return 5000;  // e-ink: next render after 5s
   }

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Discoveryscreen.h

@@ -44,6 +44,32 @@ public:
 
   int getSelectedIdx() const { return _scrollPos; }
 
+  // Tap-to-select: given virtual Y, select discovered node row.
+  // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
+  int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
+    int count = the_mesh.getDiscoveredCount();
+    if (count == 0) return 0;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const int bodyTop = headerH;
+#else
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+#endif
+    if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
+
+    int maxVisible = (128 - headerH - footerH) / lineH;
+    if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+    int startIdx = max(0, min(_scrollPos - maxVisible / 2,
+                              count - maxVisible));
+
+    int tappedRow = startIdx + (vy - bodyTop) / lineH;
+    if (tappedRow < 0 || tappedRow >= count) return 0;
+
+    if (tappedRow == _scrollPos) return 2;
+    _scrollPos = tappedRow;
+    return 1;
+  }
+
   int render(DisplayDriver& display) override {
     int count = the_mesh.getDiscoveredCount();
     bool active = the_mesh.isDiscoveryActive();
@@ -79,7 +105,11 @@ public:
       display.print(active ? "Listening for adverts..." : "No nodes found");
       if (!active) {
         display.setCursor(4, 38);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Long press: Rescan");
+#else
         display.print("F: Scan again  Q: Back");
+#endif
       }
     } else {
       // Center visible window around selected item
@@ -96,7 +126,11 @@ public:
         // Highlight selected row
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -126,9 +160,9 @@ public:
         } else {
           // Pre-seeded from cache — show hop count
           if (node.already_in_contacts) {
-            snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%dh [+]", node.path_len);
+            snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%dh [+]", node.path_len & 63);
           } else {
-            snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%dh", node.path_len);
+            snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%dh", node.path_len & 63);
           }
         }
         int rightWidth = display.getTextWidth(rightStr) + 2;
@@ -158,15 +192,23 @@ public:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
 
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
-    display.print("Q:Back");
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Swipe:Scroll");
 
-    const char* mid = "Ent:Add";
+    const char* mid = "Tap:Add";
     display.setCursor((display.width() - display.getTextWidth(mid)) / 2, footerY);
     display.print(mid);
 
-    const char* right = "F:Rescan";
+    const char* right = "Hold:Rescan";
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
+#else
+    display.print("Q:Bk F:Rescan");
+
+    const char* right = "Tap/Ent:Add";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(right);
+#endif
 
     // Faster refresh while actively scanning
     return active ? 1000 : 5000;

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Lastheardscreen.h

@@ -0,0 +1,237 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <helpers/ui/UIScreen.h>
+#include <helpers/ui/DisplayDriver.h>
+#include <helpers/AdvertDataHelpers.h>
+#include <MeshCore.h>
+
+extern MyMesh the_mesh;
+
+// ==========================================================================
+// Last Heard Screen — passive advert list
+// Shows all recently heard nodes from the advert path table, sorted by
+// recency. Unlike Discovery (active zero-hop scan), this is purely passive
+// — it shows nodes whose adverts have been received over time.
+// ==========================================================================
+class LastHeardScreen : public UIScreen {
+  mesh::RTCClock* _rtc;
+  int _scrollPos;
+
+  // Local sorted copy of advert paths (refreshed each render)
+  AdvertPath _entries[ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE];
+  int _count;
+
+  static char typeChar(uint8_t adv_type) {
+    switch (adv_type) {
+      case ADV_TYPE_CHAT:     return 'C';
+      case ADV_TYPE_REPEATER: return 'R';
+      case ADV_TYPE_ROOM:     return 'S';
+      case ADV_TYPE_SENSOR:   return 'N';
+      default:                return '?';
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Format age as human-readable string (e.g. "2m", "1h", "3d")
+  static void formatAge(uint32_t now, uint32_t timestamp, char* buf, int bufLen) {
+    if (timestamp == 0 || now < timestamp) {
+      snprintf(buf, bufLen, "---");
+      return;
+    }
+    uint32_t age = now - timestamp;
+    if (age < 60)         snprintf(buf, bufLen, "%ds", age);
+    else if (age < 3600)  snprintf(buf, bufLen, "%dm", age / 60);
+    else if (age < 86400) snprintf(buf, bufLen, "%dh", age / 3600);
+    else                  snprintf(buf, bufLen, "%dd", age / 86400);
+  }
+
+public:
+  LastHeardScreen(mesh::RTCClock* rtc)
+    : _rtc(rtc), _scrollPos(0), _count(0) {}
+
+  void resetScroll() { _scrollPos = 0; }
+
+  int getSelectedIdx() const { return _scrollPos; }
+
+  // Check if selected node is already in contacts
+  bool isSelectedInContacts() const {
+    if (_scrollPos < 0 || _scrollPos >= _count) return false;
+    return the_mesh.lookupContactByPubKey(_entries[_scrollPos].pubkey_prefix, 8) != nullptr;
+  }
+
+  // Get selected entry (for add/delete operations)
+  const AdvertPath* getSelectedEntry() const {
+    if (_scrollPos < 0 || _scrollPos >= _count) return nullptr;
+    return &_entries[_scrollPos];
+  }
+
+  // Tap-to-select: given virtual Y, select row.
+  // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
+  int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
+    if (_count == 0) return 0;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const int bodyTop = headerH;
+#else
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+#endif
+    if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
+
+    int maxVisible = (128 - headerH - footerH) / lineH;
+    if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+    int startIdx = max(0, min(_scrollPos - maxVisible / 2,
+                              _count - maxVisible));
+
+    int tappedRow = startIdx + (vy - bodyTop) / lineH;
+    if (tappedRow < 0 || tappedRow >= _count) return 0;
+
+    if (tappedRow == _scrollPos) return 2;
+    _scrollPos = tappedRow;
+    return 1;
+  }
+
+  int render(DisplayDriver& display) override {
+    // Refresh sorted list from mesh
+    _count = the_mesh.getRecentlyHeard(_entries, ADVERT_PATH_TABLE_SIZE);
+
+    // Filter out empty entries (recv_timestamp == 0)
+    int validCount = 0;
+    for (int i = 0; i < _count; i++) {
+      if (_entries[i].recv_timestamp > 0) validCount++;
+      else break;  // sorted by recency, so first zero means rest are empty
+    }
+    _count = validCount;
+
+    if (_scrollPos >= _count) _scrollPos = max(0, _count - 1);
+
+    uint32_t now = _rtc->getCurrentTime();
+
+    // === Header ===
+    display.setTextSize(1);
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+    display.setCursor(0, 0);
+
+    char hdr[32];
+    snprintf(hdr, sizeof(hdr), "Last Heard: %d nodes", _count);
+    display.print(hdr);
+
+    display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
+
+    // === Body — node rows ===
+    display.setTextSize(0);
+    int lineHeight = 9;
+    int headerHeight = 14;
+    int footerHeight = 14;
+    int maxY = display.height() - footerHeight;
+    int y = headerHeight;
+
+    if (_count == 0) {
+      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+      display.setCursor(4, 28);
+      display.print("No adverts received yet");
+      display.setCursor(4, 38);
+      display.print("Nodes appear as adverts arrive");
+    } else {
+      int maxVisible = (maxY - headerHeight) / lineHeight;
+      if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+      int startIdx = max(0, min(_scrollPos - maxVisible / 2,
+                                _count - maxVisible));
+      int endIdx = min(_count, startIdx + maxVisible);
+
+      for (int i = startIdx; i < endIdx && y + lineHeight <= maxY; i++) {
+        const AdvertPath& entry = _entries[i];
+        bool selected = (i == _scrollPos);
+
+        // Highlight selected row
+        if (selected) {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#else
+          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#endif
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+        } else {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+        }
+
+        display.setCursor(0, y);
+
+        // Prefix: cursor + type char
+        char prefix[4];
+        snprintf(prefix, sizeof(prefix), "%c%c",
+                 selected ? '>' : ' ', typeChar(entry.type));
+        display.print(prefix);
+
+        // Right side: age + hops + [★] for favourites, [+] for other contacts
+        char rightStr[20];
+        char ageBuf[8];
+        formatAge(now, entry.recv_timestamp, ageBuf, sizeof(ageBuf));
+
+        ContactInfo* ci = the_mesh.lookupContactByPubKey(entry.pubkey_prefix, 8);
+        bool inContacts = (ci != nullptr);
+        bool isFav = inContacts && (ci->flags & 0x01);
+        if (isFav) {
+          snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%s %dh [*]", ageBuf, entry.path_len & 63);
+        } else if (inContacts) {
+          snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%s %dh [+]", ageBuf, entry.path_len & 63);
+        } else {
+          snprintf(rightStr, sizeof(rightStr), "%s %dh", ageBuf, entry.path_len & 63);
+        }
+        int rightWidth = display.getTextWidth(rightStr) + 2;
+
+        // Name (truncated with ellipsis)
+        char filteredName[32];
+        display.translateUTF8ToBlocks(filteredName, entry.name, sizeof(filteredName));
+        int nameX = display.getTextWidth(prefix) + 2;
+        int nameMaxW = display.width() - nameX - rightWidth - 2;
+        display.drawTextEllipsized(nameX, y, nameMaxW, filteredName);
+
+        // Right-aligned info
+        display.setCursor(display.width() - rightWidth, y);
+        display.print(rightStr);
+
+        y += lineHeight;
+      }
+    }
+
+    display.setTextSize(1);
+
+    // === Footer ===
+    int footerY = display.height() - 12;
+    display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+
+    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Swipe:Scroll");
+    const char* right = "Tap:Add/Del";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(right);
+#else
+    display.print("Q:Bk");
+    const char* right = "Tap/Ent:Add/Del";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(right);
+#endif
+
+    return 5000;  // refresh every 5s to update ages
+  }
+
+  bool handleInput(char c) override {
+    // Scroll up
+    if (c == 'w' || c == 'W' || c == 0xF2) {
+      if (_scrollPos > 0) { _scrollPos--; return true; }
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    // Scroll down
+    if (c == 's' || c == 'S' || c == 0xF1) {
+      if (_scrollPos < _count - 1) { _scrollPos++; return true; }
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    // Enter — handled by main.cpp (needs access to private MyMesh methods)
+    // Q — handled by main.cpp (navigation)
+    return false;
+  }
+};

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Mapscreen.h

@@ -137,22 +137,18 @@ public:
       _zoomMin(MAP_MIN_ZOOM),
       _zoomMax(MAP_MAX_ZOOM),
       _pngBuf(nullptr),
+      _lineBuf(nullptr),
       _tileFound(false)
   {
-    // Allocate marker array in PSRAM at construction (~20KB)
-    // so addMarker() works before enter() is called
-    _markers = (MapMarker*)ps_calloc(MAP_MAX_MARKERS, sizeof(MapMarker));
-    if (_markers) {
-      Serial.printf("MapScreen: markers allocated (%d × %d = %d bytes PSRAM)\n",
-                     MAP_MAX_MARKERS, (int)sizeof(MapMarker),
-                     MAP_MAX_MARKERS * (int)sizeof(MapMarker));
-    } else {
-      Serial.println("MapScreen: marker PSRAM alloc FAILED");
-    }
+    // Marker array and PNG buffers are deferred to enter() to avoid
+    // consuming 20KB+ PSRAM at boot when the map may never be opened.
+    _markers = nullptr;
+    _numMarkers = 0;
   }
 
   ~MapScreen() {
     if (_pngBuf) { free(_pngBuf); _pngBuf = nullptr; }
+    if (_lineBuf) { free(_lineBuf); _lineBuf = nullptr; }
     if (_markers) { free(_markers); _markers = nullptr; }
   }
 
@@ -184,7 +180,12 @@ public:
   // Add a location marker (call once per contact before entering map)
   void clearMarkers() { _numMarkers = 0; }
   void addMarker(double lat, double lon, const char* name = "", uint8_t type = 0) {
-    if (!_markers || _numMarkers >= MAP_MAX_MARKERS) return;
+    // Lazy-allocate markers on first use (deferred from constructor)
+    if (!_markers) {
+      _markers = (MapMarker*)ps_calloc(MAP_MAX_MARKERS, sizeof(MapMarker));
+      if (!_markers) return;  // Alloc failed — skip silently
+    }
+    if (_numMarkers >= MAP_MAX_MARKERS) return;
     if (lat == 0.0 && lon == 0.0) return;  // Skip no-location contacts
     _markers[_numMarkers].lat = lat;
     _markers[_numMarkers].lon = lon;
@@ -203,6 +204,18 @@ public:
     _einkDisplay = static_cast<GxEPDDisplay*>(&display);
     _needsRedraw = true;
 
+    // Allocate marker array in PSRAM on first use (~20KB)
+    if (!_markers) {
+      _markers = (MapMarker*)ps_calloc(MAP_MAX_MARKERS, sizeof(MapMarker));
+      if (_markers) {
+        Serial.printf("MapScreen: markers allocated (%d × %d = %d bytes PSRAM)\n",
+                       MAP_MAX_MARKERS, (int)sizeof(MapMarker),
+                       MAP_MAX_MARKERS * (int)sizeof(MapMarker));
+      } else {
+        Serial.println("MapScreen: marker PSRAM alloc FAILED");
+      }
+    }
+
     // Allocate PNG read buffer in PSRAM on first use
     if (!_pngBuf) {
       _pngBuf = (uint8_t*)ps_malloc(MAP_PNG_BUF_SIZE);
@@ -217,6 +230,20 @@ public:
       }
     }
 
+    // Allocate scanline decode buffer in PSRAM (512 bytes — avoids stack
+    // allocation inside the PNGdec callback which is called 256× per tile)
+    if (!_lineBuf) {
+      _lineBuf = (uint16_t*)ps_malloc(MAP_TILE_SIZE * sizeof(uint16_t));
+      if (!_lineBuf) {
+        _lineBuf = (uint16_t*)malloc(MAP_TILE_SIZE * sizeof(uint16_t));
+      }
+      if (_lineBuf) {
+        Serial.println("MapScreen: lineBuf allocated");
+      } else {
+        Serial.println("MapScreen: lineBuf alloc FAILED");
+      }
+    }
+
     // Detect available zoom levels from SD card directories
     detectZoomRange();
   }
@@ -356,6 +383,7 @@ private:
 
   // PNG decode buffer (PSRAM)
   uint8_t* _pngBuf;
+  uint16_t* _lineBuf;  // Scanline RGB565 buffer for PNG decode (PSRAM)
   bool _tileFound;      // Did last tile load succeed?
 
   // PNGdec instance
@@ -381,6 +409,7 @@ private:
     int offsetY;      // Screen Y offset for this tile
     int viewportY;    // Top of viewport (MAP_VIEWPORT_Y)
     int viewportH;    // Height of viewport (MAP_VIEWPORT_H)
+    uint16_t* lineBuf; // Scanline decode buffer (PSRAM-allocated, avoids 512B stack usage per callback)
   };
   DrawContext _drawCtx;
 
@@ -487,7 +516,7 @@ private:
   // Load a PNG tile from SD and decode it directly to the display
   // screenX, screenY = top-left corner on display where this tile goes
   bool loadAndRenderTile(int tileX, int tileY, int screenX, int screenY) {
-    if (!_pngBuf || !_einkDisplay) return false;
+    if (!_pngBuf || !_lineBuf || !_einkDisplay) return false;
 
     char path[64];
     buildTilePath(path, sizeof(path), _zoom, tileX, tileY);
@@ -521,6 +550,7 @@ private:
     _drawCtx.offsetY   = screenY;
     _drawCtx.viewportY = MAP_VIEWPORT_Y;
     _drawCtx.viewportH = MAP_VIEWPORT_H;
+    _drawCtx.lineBuf   = _lineBuf;
 
     // Open PNG from memory buffer
     int rc = _png.openRAM(_pngBuf, fileSize, pngDrawCallback);
@@ -547,7 +577,7 @@ private:
   // Uses getLineAsRGB565 with correct (little) endianness for ESP32.
   static int pngDrawCallback(PNGDRAW* pDraw) {
     DrawContext* ctx = (DrawContext*)pDraw->pUser;
-    if (!ctx || !ctx->display || !ctx->png) return 0;
+    if (!ctx || !ctx->display || !ctx->png || !ctx->lineBuf) return 0;
 
     int screenY = ctx->offsetY + pDraw->y;
 
@@ -564,9 +594,8 @@ private:
     }
 
     uint16_t lineWidth = pDraw->iWidth;
-    uint16_t lineBuf[MAP_TILE_SIZE];
     if (lineWidth > MAP_TILE_SIZE) lineWidth = MAP_TILE_SIZE;
-    ctx->png->getLineAsRGB565(pDraw, lineBuf, PNG_RGB565_LITTLE_ENDIAN, 0xFFFFFFFF);
+    ctx->png->getLineAsRGB565(pDraw, ctx->lineBuf, PNG_RGB565_LITTLE_ENDIAN, 0xFFFFFFFF);
 
     for (int x = 0; x < lineWidth; x++) {
       int screenX = ctx->offsetX + x;
@@ -574,7 +603,7 @@ private:
 
       // RGB565 little-endian on ESP32: standard bit layout
       // R[15:11] G[10:5] B[4:0]
-      uint16_t pixel = lineBuf[x];
+      uint16_t pixel = ctx->lineBuf[x];
 
       // For B&W tiles this is 0x0000 (black) or 0xFFFF (white)
       // Simple threshold on full 16-bit value handles both cleanly
@@ -639,6 +668,7 @@ private:
         } else {
           missing++;
         }
+        yield();  // Feed WDT between tiles — each tile can take 1-2s at 80MHz
       }
     }
 

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Notesscreen.h

@@ -102,6 +102,10 @@ private:
   uint32_t _rtcTime;      // Unix timestamp (0 = unavailable)
   int8_t _utcOffset;      // UTC offset in hours
 
+  // Callback to get fresh RTC time (set by UITask at init)
+  typedef uint32_t (*TimeGetterFn)();
+  TimeGetterFn _getTimeFn = nullptr;
+
   // ---- Helpers ----
 
   String getFullPath(const String& filename) {
@@ -496,7 +500,11 @@ private:
     int rightX = display.width() - display.getTextWidth(tmp) - 2;
 
     if (_selectedFile >= 1 && _selectedFile <= (int)_fileList.size()) {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      const char* hint = "[Hold:Rename]";
+#else
       const char* hint = "[R:Rename]";
+#endif
       int hintX = rightX - display.getTextWidth(hint) - 4;
       display.setCursor(hintX, 0);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
@@ -511,7 +519,7 @@ private:
 
     // File list with "+ New Note" at index 0
     display.setTextSize(0);
-    int listLineH = 8;
+    int listLineH = 9;   // Match contacts/discovery for consistent selection highlight
     int startY = 14;
     int totalItems = 1 + (int)_fileList.size();
     int maxVisible = (display.height() - startY - _footerHeight) / listLineH;
@@ -528,7 +536,11 @@ private:
 
       if (selected) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), listLineH);
+#else
         display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+#endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -558,9 +570,13 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
-    display.print("Q:Back W/S:Nav");
-
-    const char* right = "Ent:Open";
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Swipe:Nav");
+    const char* right = "Tap:Open";
+#else
+    display.print("Q:Bk");
+    const char* right = "Tap/Ent:Open";
+#endif
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
   }
@@ -576,9 +592,13 @@ private:
       display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       display.setCursor(0, footerY);
-      display.print("Q:Bck Ent:Edit");
-
-      const char* right = "Sh+Del:Del";
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap:Edit");
+      const char* right = "Hold:Delete";
+#else
+      display.print("Q:Bk Ent:Edit");
+      const char* right = "X:Delete";
+#endif
       display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
       display.print(right);
       return;
@@ -663,9 +683,15 @@ private:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
 
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
-    display.print("Q:Bck Ent:Edit");
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Swipe:Page");
 
-    const char* right = "Sh+Del:Del";
+    const char* right = "Tap:Edit";
+#else
+    display.print("Q:Bk Ent:Edit");
+
+    const char* right = "X:Delete";
+#endif
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
   }
@@ -766,11 +792,25 @@ private:
     snprintf(status, sizeof(status), "Pg %d/%d", curPage, totalPg);
     display.print(status);
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const char* mid = "Tap:Type";
+    display.setCursor((display.width() - display.getTextWidth(mid)) / 2, footerY);
+    display.print(mid);
+#endif
+
     const char* right;
     if (_bufLen == 0 || !_dirty) {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      right = "Back";
+#else
       right = "Q:Back";
+#endif
     } else {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      right = "Hold:Save";
+#else
       right = "Sh+Del:Save";
+#endif
     }
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
@@ -817,9 +857,13 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Boot:Cancel");
+    const char* right = "Tap:Confirm";
+#else
     display.print("Q:Cancel");
-
     const char* right = "Ent:Confirm";
+#endif
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
   }
@@ -852,9 +896,13 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Boot:Cancel");
+    const char* right = "Tap:Delete";
+#else
     display.print("Q:Cancel");
-
     const char* right = "Ent:Delete";
+#endif
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
   }
@@ -1033,6 +1081,10 @@ private:
   // ---- Note Creation ----
 
   void createNewNote() {
+    // Refresh timestamp at creation time for accurate filenames
+    if (_getTimeFn) {
+      _rtcTime = _getTimeFn();
+    }
     _currentFile = generateFilename();
     _buf[0] = '\0';
     _bufLen = 0;
@@ -1124,12 +1176,16 @@ public:
 
   void setSDReady(bool ready) { _sdReady = ready; }
   bool isSDReady() const { return _sdReady; }
+  bool isDirty() const { return _dirty; }
+  void triggerSaveAndExit() { saveAndExit(); }
 
   void setTimestamp(uint32_t rtcTime, int8_t utcOffset) {
     _rtcTime = rtcTime;
     _utcOffset = utcOffset;
   }
 
+  void setTimeGetter(TimeGetterFn fn) { _getTimeFn = fn; }
+
   void enter(DisplayDriver& display) {
     initLayout(display);
     scanFiles();
@@ -1145,7 +1201,6 @@ public:
   bool isInFileList() const { return _mode == FILE_LIST; }
   bool isRenaming() const { return _mode == RENAMING; }
   bool isConfirmingDelete() const { return _mode == CONFIRM_DELETE; }
-  bool isDirty() const { return _dirty; }
   bool isEmpty() const { return _bufLen == 0; }
 
   // ---- Cursor Navigation (called from main.cpp) ----

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Repeateradminscreen.h

@@ -197,6 +197,7 @@ private:
 
   // Timing
   unsigned long _cmdSentAt;
+  unsigned long _loginTimeoutMs;   // computed timeout for login (ms), falls back to ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS
   bool _waitingForLogin;
 
   // Password cache
@@ -428,7 +429,7 @@ public:
       _catSel(0), _cmdSel(0), _scrollOffset(0),
       _paramLen(0), _pendingCmd(nullptr),
       _responseLen(0), _responseScroll(0), _responseTotalLines(0),
-      _cmdSentAt(0), _waitingForLogin(false), _pwdCacheCount(0),
+      _cmdSentAt(0), _loginTimeoutMs(ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS), _waitingForLogin(false), _pwdCacheCount(0),
       _telemVoltage(0), _telemTempC(0),
       _telemHasVoltage(false), _telemHasTemp(false), _telemRequested(false) {
     _password[0] = '\0';
@@ -529,19 +530,23 @@ public:
   }
 
   void poll() override {
-    if ((_state == STATE_LOGGING_IN || _state == STATE_COMMAND_PENDING) &&
-        _cmdSentAt > 0 && (millis() - _cmdSentAt) > ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS) {
-      if (_pendingCmd && (_pendingCmd->flags & CMDF_EXPECT_TIMEOUT)) {
-        snprintf(_response, sizeof(_response), "Command sent.\nTimeout is expected\n(device is rebooting/updating).");
-        _responseLen = strlen(_response);
-        _responseTotalLines = countLines(_response);
-        _state = STATE_RESPONSE_VIEW;
-      } else {
-        snprintf(_response, sizeof(_response), "Timeout - no response.");
-        _responseLen = strlen(_response);
-        _state = STATE_ERROR;
+    if (_cmdSentAt > 0) {
+      unsigned long elapsed = millis() - _cmdSentAt;
+      unsigned long timeout = (_state == STATE_LOGGING_IN) ? _loginTimeoutMs : ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS;
+
+      if ((_state == STATE_LOGGING_IN || _state == STATE_COMMAND_PENDING) && elapsed > timeout) {
+        if (_pendingCmd && (_pendingCmd->flags & CMDF_EXPECT_TIMEOUT)) {
+          snprintf(_response, sizeof(_response), "Command sent.\nTimeout is expected\n(device is rebooting/updating).");
+          _responseLen = strlen(_response);
+          _responseTotalLines = countLines(_response);
+          _state = STATE_RESPONSE_VIEW;
+        } else {
+          snprintf(_response, sizeof(_response), "Timeout - no response.");
+          _responseLen = strlen(_response);
+          _state = STATE_ERROR;
+        }
+        _task->forceRefresh();  // Immediate redraw on state change
       }
-      _task->forceRefresh();  // Immediate redraw on state change
     }
   }
 
@@ -593,41 +598,77 @@ public:
 
     switch (_state) {
       case STATE_PASSWORD_ENTRY:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Exit");
+        renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Hold:Type");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Exit");
         renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Ent:Login");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_LOGGING_IN:
       case STATE_COMMAND_PENDING:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Cancel");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Cancel");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_CATEGORY_MENU:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Exit");
+        renderFooterMidRight(display, footerY, "Back:Exit", "Tap:Open", "Swipe:Sel");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Exit");
         renderFooterMidRight(display, footerY, "Sh+Del:Exit", "Ent:Open", "W/S:Sel");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_COMMAND_MENU:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Back");
+        renderFooterMidRight(display, footerY, "Back:Back", "Tap:Run", "Swipe:Sel");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Back");
         renderFooterMidRight(display, footerY, "Sh+Del:Back", "Ent:Run", "W/S:Sel");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_PARAM_ENTRY:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Cancel");
+        renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Tap:Send");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Cancel");
         renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Ent:Send");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_CONFIRM:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:No");
+        renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Tap:Yes");
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:No");
         renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Ent:Yes");
+#endif
         break;
 
       case STATE_RESPONSE_VIEW:
       case STATE_ERROR:
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.print("Boot:Back");
+        if (_responseTotalLines > bodyHeight / 9) {
+          renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "Swipe:Scroll");
+        }
+#else
         display.print("Sh+Del:Back");
         if (_responseTotalLines > bodyHeight / 9) {
           renderFooterRight(display, footerY, "W/S:Scrll");
         }
+#endif
         break;
     }
 
@@ -996,7 +1037,11 @@ private:
     if (_pendingCmd && (_pendingCmd->flags & CMDF_EXPECT_TIMEOUT)) {
       display.print("Timeout response is normal.");
     } else {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap=Yes  Back=No");
+#else
       display.print("Enter=Yes  Sh+Del=No");
+#endif
     }
 
     display.setTextSize(1);
@@ -1115,7 +1160,11 @@ private:
                       bool selected, const char* label, bool warn) {
     if (selected) {
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#else
       display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#endif
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
     } else if (warn) {
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
@@ -1160,9 +1209,14 @@ private:
 inline bool RepeaterAdminScreen::doLogin() {
   if (_contactIdx < 0 || _pwdLen == 0) return false;
 
-  if (the_mesh.uiLoginToRepeater(_contactIdx, _password)) {
+  uint32_t timeout_ms = 0;
+  if (the_mesh.uiLoginToRepeater(_contactIdx, _password, timeout_ms)) {
     _state = STATE_LOGGING_IN;
     _cmdSentAt = millis();
+    // Add a 5s buffer over the mesh estimate to account for blocking e-ink
+    // refreshes (FastEPD ~1-2s per frame, VKB dismiss + login render = 2-3 frames).
+    // Fall back to ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS if the estimate came back zero.
+    _loginTimeoutMs = (timeout_ms > 0) ? timeout_ms + 5000 : ADMIN_TIMEOUT_MS;
     _waitingForLogin = true;
     return true;
   } else {

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Settingsscreen.h

@@ -6,6 +6,13 @@
 #include <MeshCore.h>
 #include "../NodePrefs.h"
 
+// Inline edit hint shown next to values being adjusted
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  #define EDIT_ADJ_HINT "<Swipe>"
+#else
+  #define EDIT_ADJ_HINT "<W/S>"
+#endif
+
 #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
   #include "ModemManager.h"
 #endif
@@ -44,6 +51,43 @@ extern MyMesh the_mesh;
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 #include "RadioPresets.h"
 
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GPS baud rate options (shared with UITask GPS home page overlay)
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+static const uint32_t GPS_BAUD_OPTIONS[] = { 0, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 };
+#define GPS_BAUD_OPTION_COUNT 7
+
+static inline const char* gpsBaudLabel(uint32_t baud, char* buf, int bufLen) {
+  if (baud == 0) return "Default (38400)";
+  snprintf(buf, bufLen, "%lu", (unsigned long)baud);
+  return buf;
+}
+
+static inline int findGpsBaudIndex(uint32_t baud) {
+  for (int i = 0; i < GPS_BAUD_OPTION_COUNT; i++) {
+    if (GPS_BAUD_OPTIONS[i] == baud) return i;
+  }
+  return 0;
+}
+
+// Auto-lock timeout options (minutes, 0=disabled)
+static const uint8_t AUTO_LOCK_OPTIONS[] = { 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30 };
+#define AUTO_LOCK_OPTION_COUNT 6
+
+static inline const char* autoLockLabel(uint8_t minutes) {
+  if (minutes == 0) return "None";
+  static char buf[8];
+  snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), "%d min", minutes);
+  return buf;
+}
+
+static inline int findAutoLockIndex(uint8_t minutes) {
+  for (int i = 0; i < AUTO_LOCK_OPTION_COUNT; i++) {
+    if (AUTO_LOCK_OPTIONS[i] == minutes) return i;
+  }
+  return 0;
+}
+
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Settings row types
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -57,6 +101,15 @@ enum SettingsRowType : uint8_t {
   ROW_TX_POWER,       // TX power (1-20 dBm)
   ROW_UTC_OFFSET,     // UTC offset (-12 to +14)
   ROW_MSG_NOTIFY,     // Keyboard flash on new msg toggle
+  ROW_DARK_MODE,      // Dark mode toggle (inverted display)
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE,  // Portrait orientation toggle
+#endif
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) || defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+  ROW_AUTO_LOCK,      // Auto-lock timeout picker (None/2/5/10/15/30 min)
+#endif
+  ROW_GPS_BAUD,       // GPS baud rate picker (requires reboot)
+  ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE, // Path hash size (1, 2, or 3 bytes per hop)
   #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
   ROW_WIFI_SETUP,     // WiFi SSID/password configuration
   ROW_WIFI_TOGGLE,    // WiFi radio on/off toggle
@@ -72,6 +125,8 @@ enum SettingsRowType : uint8_t {
   ROW_AUTOADD_ROOM,    // Toggle: auto-add Room Servers
   ROW_AUTOADD_SENSOR,  // Toggle: auto-add Sensors
   ROW_AUTOADD_OVERWRITE, // Toggle: overwrite oldest non-favourite when full
+  ROW_CONTACTS_SUBMENU,  // Folder row → enters Contacts sub-screen
+  ROW_CHANNELS_SUBMENU,  // Folder row → enters Channels sub-screen
   ROW_CH_HEADER,      // "--- Channels ---" separator
   ROW_CHANNEL,        // A channel entry (dynamic, index stored separately)
   ROW_ADD_CHANNEL,    // "+ Add Hashtag Channel"
@@ -99,6 +154,15 @@ enum EditMode : uint8_t {
   #endif
 };
 
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Settings sub-screens (collapsible sections)
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+enum SubScreen : uint8_t {
+  SUB_NONE,        // Top-level settings list
+  SUB_CONTACTS,    // Contacts settings sub-screen
+  SUB_CHANNELS,    // Channels management sub-screen
+};
+
 // Max rows in the settings list (increased for contact sub-toggles + WiFi)
 #if defined(HAS_4G_MODEM) && defined(MECK_WIFI_COMPANION)
 #define SETTINGS_MAX_ROWS 56  // Extra rows for IMEI, Carrier, APN, contacts, WiFi
@@ -141,6 +205,10 @@ private:
   // Onboarding mode
   bool _onboarding;
 
+  // Sub-screen navigation
+  SubScreen _subScreen;
+  int _savedTopCursor;  // cursor position to restore when leaving sub-screen
+
   // Dirty flag for radio params — prompt to apply
   bool _radioChanged;
 
@@ -165,6 +233,9 @@ private:
   char _wifiPassBuf[64];
   int _wifiPassLen;
   unsigned long _wifiFormLastChar;  // For brief password reveal
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  bool _wifiNeedsVKB;              // T5S3: signal UITask to open VKB for password
+#endif
   #endif
 
   // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -225,61 +296,71 @@ private:
   void rebuildRows() {
     _numRows = 0;
 
-    addRow(ROW_NAME);
-    addRow(ROW_RADIO_PRESET);
-    addRow(ROW_FREQ);
-    addRow(ROW_BW);
-    addRow(ROW_SF);
-    addRow(ROW_CR);
-    addRow(ROW_TX_POWER);
-    addRow(ROW_UTC_OFFSET);
-    addRow(ROW_MSG_NOTIFY);
-    #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
-    addRow(ROW_WIFI_SETUP);
-    addRow(ROW_WIFI_TOGGLE);
-    #endif
-    #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
-    addRow(ROW_MODEM_TOGGLE);
-   // addRow(ROW_RINGTONE);
-    #endif
-
-    // --- Contacts section ---
-    addRow(ROW_CONTACT_HEADER);
-    addRow(ROW_CONTACT_MODE);
-
-    // Show per-type sub-toggles only in Custom mode
-    if (getContactMode() == CONTACT_MODE_CUSTOM) {
-      addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_CHAT);
-      addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_REPEATER);
-      addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_ROOM);
-      addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_SENSOR);
-      addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_OVERWRITE);
-    }
-
-    // --- Channels section ---
-    addRow(ROW_CH_HEADER);
-
-    // Enumerate current channels
-    for (uint8_t i = 0; i < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; i++) {
-      ChannelDetails ch;
-      if (the_mesh.getChannel(i, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
-        addRow(ROW_CHANNEL, i);
-      } else {
-        break;  // channels are contiguous
+    if (_subScreen == SUB_CONTACTS) {
+      // --- Contacts sub-screen: only contact-related rows ---
+      addRow(ROW_CONTACT_MODE);
+      if (getContactMode() == CONTACT_MODE_CUSTOM) {
+        addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_CHAT);
+        addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_REPEATER);
+        addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_ROOM);
+        addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_SENSOR);
+        addRow(ROW_AUTOADD_OVERWRITE);
       }
+    } else if (_subScreen == SUB_CHANNELS) {
+      // --- Channels sub-screen: only channel-related rows ---
+      for (uint8_t i = 0; i < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; i++) {
+        ChannelDetails ch;
+        if (the_mesh.getChannel(i, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+          addRow(ROW_CHANNEL, i);
+        } else {
+          break;
+        }
+      }
+      addRow(ROW_ADD_CHANNEL);
+    } else {
+      // --- Top-level settings list ---
+      addRow(ROW_NAME);
+      addRow(ROW_RADIO_PRESET);
+      addRow(ROW_FREQ);
+      addRow(ROW_BW);
+      addRow(ROW_SF);
+      addRow(ROW_CR);
+      addRow(ROW_TX_POWER);
+      addRow(ROW_UTC_OFFSET);
+      addRow(ROW_MSG_NOTIFY);
+      addRow(ROW_GPS_BAUD);
+      addRow(ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE);
+      addRow(ROW_DARK_MODE);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      addRow(ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE);
+#endif
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) || defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+      addRow(ROW_AUTO_LOCK);
+#endif
+      #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
+      addRow(ROW_WIFI_SETUP);
+      addRow(ROW_WIFI_TOGGLE);
+      #endif
+      #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
+      addRow(ROW_MODEM_TOGGLE);
+      #endif
+
+      // Folder rows for sub-screens
+      addRow(ROW_CONTACTS_SUBMENU);
+      addRow(ROW_CHANNELS_SUBMENU);
+
+      // Info section (stays at top level)
+      addRow(ROW_INFO_HEADER);
+      addRow(ROW_PUB_KEY);
+      addRow(ROW_FIRMWARE);
+
+      #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
+      addRow(ROW_IMEI);
+      addRow(ROW_OPERATOR_INFO);
+      addRow(ROW_APN);
+      #endif
     }
 
-    addRow(ROW_ADD_CHANNEL);
-    addRow(ROW_INFO_HEADER);
-    addRow(ROW_PUB_KEY);
-    addRow(ROW_FIRMWARE);
-
-    #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
-    addRow(ROW_IMEI);
-    addRow(ROW_OPERATOR_INFO);
-    addRow(ROW_APN);
-    #endif
-
     // Clamp cursor
     if (_cursor >= _numRows) _cursor = _numRows - 1;
     if (_cursor < 0) _cursor = 0;
@@ -301,7 +382,7 @@ private:
     #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
       && t != ROW_IMEI && t != ROW_OPERATOR_INFO
     #endif
-    ;
+    ;  // ROW_CONTACTS_SUBMENU and ROW_CHANNELS_SUBMENU ARE selectable
   }
 
   void skipNonSelectable(int dir) {
@@ -419,12 +500,15 @@ public:
       _numRows(0), _cursor(0), _scrollTop(0),
       _editMode(EDIT_NONE), _editPos(0), _editPickerIdx(0),
       _editFloat(0), _editInt(0), _confirmAction(0),
-      _onboarding(false), _radioChanged(false) {
+      _onboarding(false), _subScreen(SUB_NONE), _savedTopCursor(0),
+      _radioChanged(false) {
     memset(_editBuf, 0, sizeof(_editBuf));
   }
 
   void enter() {
     _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
+    _subScreen = SUB_NONE;
+    _savedTopCursor = 0;
     _cursor = 0;
     _scrollTop = 0;
     _radioChanged = false;
@@ -438,6 +522,9 @@ public:
     _wifiPassLen = 0;
     memset(_wifiPassBuf, 0, sizeof(_wifiPassBuf));
     _wifiFormLastChar = 0;
+  #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    _wifiNeedsVKB = false;
+  #endif
     #endif
     rebuildRows();
   }
@@ -454,6 +541,35 @@ public:
   bool isEditing() const { return _editMode != EDIT_NONE; }
   bool hasRadioChanges() const { return _radioChanged; }
 
+  // Tap-to-select: given a virtual Y coordinate, compute which row was tapped
+  // and move cursor there. Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved to new row, 2=tapped current row.
+  int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
+    if (_editMode != EDIT_NONE) return 0;  // Don't change cursor while editing
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+    // T-Deck Pro render offsets fillRect by +5 (GxEPD baseline compensation),
+    // so visual rows start 5 units below headerH. T5S3 renders at y directly.
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const int bodyTop = headerH;
+#else
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+#endif
+    if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;  // Outside body area
+
+    int maxVisible = (128 - headerH - footerH) / lineH;
+    if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+    int startIdx = max(0, min(_cursor - maxVisible / 2, _numRows - maxVisible));
+
+    int tappedRow = startIdx + (vy - bodyTop) / lineH;
+    if (tappedRow < 0 || tappedRow >= _numRows) return 0;
+
+    // Skip non-selectable rows (headers/separators)
+    if (!isSelectable(tappedRow)) return 0;
+
+    if (tappedRow == _cursor) return 2;  // Same row — activate
+    _cursor = tappedRow;
+    return 1;  // Moved to new row
+  }
+
   // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
   // WiFi scan helpers
   // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -510,6 +626,60 @@ public:
       digitalWrite(SDCARD_CS, HIGH);
     }
   }
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  // T5S3 VKB integration — UITask polls this to open the virtual keyboard
+  // when settings enters WiFi password phase (no physical keyboard available).
+  bool needsWifiVKB() const { return _wifiNeedsVKB; }
+  void clearWifiNeedsVKB() { _wifiNeedsVKB = false; }
+
+  // Called by UITask::onVKBSubmit with the password text from VKB.
+  // Fills the password buffer and triggers the WiFi connect sequence.
+  void submitWifiPassword(const char* pass) {
+    _wifiNeedsVKB = false;
+    int len = strlen(pass);
+    if (len > 63) len = 63;
+    memcpy(_wifiPassBuf, pass, len);
+    _wifiPassBuf[len] = '\0';
+    _wifiPassLen = len;
+
+    // Trigger the same connect sequence as pressing Enter in password phase
+    _wifiPhase = WIFI_PHASE_CONNECTING;
+
+    // Save credentials to SD (so web reader can reuse them)
+    if (SD.exists("/web") || SD.mkdir("/web")) {
+      File f = SD.open("/web/wifi.cfg", FILE_WRITE);
+      if (f) {
+        f.println(_wifiSSIDs[_wifiSSIDSelected]);
+        f.println(_wifiPassBuf);
+        f.close();
+      }
+      digitalWrite(SDCARD_CS, HIGH);
+    }
+
+    WiFi.disconnect(false);
+    WiFi.begin(_wifiSSIDs[_wifiSSIDSelected].c_str(), _wifiPassBuf);
+
+    // Brief blocking wait — fine for e-ink
+    unsigned long timeout = millis() + 8000;
+    while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED && millis() < timeout) {
+      delay(100);
+    }
+
+    if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
+      Serial.printf("Settings VKB: WiFi connected to %s, IP: %s\n",
+                    _wifiSSIDs[_wifiSSIDSelected].c_str(),
+                    WiFi.localIP().toString().c_str());
+      _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
+      _wifiPhase = WIFI_PHASE_IDLE;
+      if (_onboarding) _onboarding = false;
+    } else {
+      Serial.println("Settings VKB: WiFi connection failed");
+      _wifiPhase = WIFI_PHASE_SELECT;  // Back to SSID list to retry
+    }
+  }
+#endif
+
   #endif
 
   // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -551,6 +721,10 @@ public:
     display.setCursor(0, 0);
     if (_onboarding) {
       display.print("Welcome! Setup");
+    } else if (_subScreen == SUB_CONTACTS) {
+      display.print("Settings > Contacts");
+    } else if (_subScreen == SUB_CHANNELS) {
+      display.print("Settings > Channels");
     } else {
       display.print("Settings");
     }
@@ -584,7 +758,13 @@ public:
       // Selection highlight
       if (selected) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        // FreeSans12pt: baseline at (y+5)*scale_y, ascent ~17px above.
+        // Highlight needs to start above the baseline to cover ascenders.
+        display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#else
         display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+#endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -632,7 +812,7 @@ public:
 
         case ROW_BW:
           if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
-            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "BW: %.1f <W/S>", _editFloat);
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "BW: %.1f " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editFloat);
           } else {
             snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "BW: %.1f kHz", _prefs->bw);
           }
@@ -641,7 +821,7 @@ public:
 
         case ROW_SF:
           if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
-            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "SF: %d <W/S>", _editInt);
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "SF: %d " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editInt);
           } else {
             snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "SF: %d", _prefs->sf);
           }
@@ -650,7 +830,7 @@ public:
 
         case ROW_CR:
           if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
-            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "CR: %d <W/S>", _editInt);
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "CR: %d " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editInt);
           } else {
             snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "CR: %d", _prefs->cr);
           }
@@ -659,7 +839,7 @@ public:
 
         case ROW_TX_POWER:
           if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
-            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "TX: %d dBm <W/S>", _editInt);
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "TX: %d dBm " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editInt);
           } else {
             snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "TX: %d dBm", _prefs->tx_power_dbm);
           }
@@ -668,7 +848,7 @@ public:
 
         case ROW_UTC_OFFSET:
           if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
-            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "UTC: %+d <W/S>", _editInt);
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "UTC: %+d " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editInt);
           } else {
             snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "UTC Offset: %+d", _prefs->utc_offset_hours);
           }
@@ -681,6 +861,55 @@ public:
           display.print(tmp);
           break;
 
+        case ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE:
+          if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Path Hash Size: %d-byte " EDIT_ADJ_HINT, _editInt);
+          } else {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Path Hash Size: %d-byte", _prefs->path_hash_mode + 1);
+          }
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+
+        case ROW_GPS_BAUD: {
+          char baudStr[16];
+          if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_PICKER) {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "< GPS Baud: %s > *",
+                     gpsBaudLabel(GPS_BAUD_OPTIONS[_editPickerIdx], baudStr, sizeof(baudStr)));
+          } else {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "GPS Baud: %s *",
+                     gpsBaudLabel(_prefs->gps_baudrate, baudStr, sizeof(baudStr)));
+          }
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+        }
+
+        case ROW_DARK_MODE:
+          snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Dark Mode: %s",
+                   _prefs->dark_mode ? "ON" : "OFF");
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        case ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE:
+          snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Portrait Mode: %s",
+                   _prefs->portrait_mode ? "ON" : "OFF");
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+#endif
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) || defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+        case ROW_AUTO_LOCK:
+          if (editing && _editMode == EDIT_PICKER) {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "< Auto Lock: %s >",
+                     autoLockLabel(AUTO_LOCK_OPTIONS[_editPickerIdx]));
+          } else {
+            snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Auto Lock: %s",
+                     autoLockLabel(_prefs->auto_lock_minutes));
+          }
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+#endif
+
         #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
         case ROW_WIFI_SETUP:
           if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
@@ -711,6 +940,17 @@ public:
         //  break;
         #endif
 
+        // --- Submenu folder rows ---
+        case ROW_CONTACTS_SUBMENU:
+          display.setColor(selected ? DisplayDriver::DARK : DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+          display.print("Contacts >>");
+          break;
+
+        case ROW_CHANNELS_SUBMENU:
+          display.setColor(selected ? DisplayDriver::DARK : DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+          display.print("Channels >>");
+          break;
+
         // --- Contacts section ---
         case ROW_CONTACT_HEADER:
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
@@ -931,7 +1171,11 @@ public:
           bool sel = (wi == _wifiSSIDSelected);
           if (sel) {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+            display.fillRect(bx + 2, wy, bw - 4, 8);
+#else
             display.fillRect(bx + 2, wy + 5, bw - 4, 8);
+#endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -981,6 +1225,54 @@ public:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    if (_editMode == EDIT_NONE) {
+      if (_subScreen != SUB_NONE) {
+        display.print("Boot:Back");
+        const char* r = "Tap:Toggle  Hold:Edit";
+        display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+        display.print(r);
+      } else {
+        display.print("Swipe:Scroll");
+        const char* r = "Tap:Toggle  Hold:Edit";
+        display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+        display.print(r);
+      }
+    } else if (_editMode == EDIT_NUMBER) {
+      display.print("Swipe:Adjust");
+      const char* r = "Tap:OK  Boot:Cancel";
+      display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+      display.print(r);
+    } else if (_editMode == EDIT_PICKER) {
+      display.print("Swipe:Choose");
+      const char* r = "Tap:OK  Boot:Cancel";
+      display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+      display.print(r);
+    } else if (_editMode == EDIT_CONFIRM) {
+      display.print("Boot:Cancel");
+      const char* r = "Tap:Confirm";
+      display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+      display.print(r);
+    #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
+    } else if (_editMode == EDIT_WIFI) {
+      if (_wifiPhase == WIFI_PHASE_SELECT) {
+        display.print("Swipe:Pick");
+        const char* r = "Tap:Select  Boot:Back";
+        display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+        display.print(r);
+      } else {
+        display.print("Please wait...");
+      }
+    #endif
+    } else if (_editMode == EDIT_TEXT) {
+      display.print("Hold:Type");
+      const char* r = "Tap:OK  Boot:Cancel";
+      display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
+      display.print(r);
+    } else {
+      display.print("Editing...");
+    }
+#else
     if (_editMode == EDIT_TEXT) {
       display.print("Type, Enter:Ok Q:Cancel");
     #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
@@ -1004,11 +1296,16 @@ public:
     } else if (_editMode == EDIT_CONFIRM) {
       // Footer already covered by overlay
     } else {
-      display.print("Q:Bck");
-      const char* r = "W/S:Up/Dwn Entr:Chng";
+      if (_subScreen != SUB_NONE) {
+        display.print("Q:Back");
+      } else {
+        display.print("Q:Bk");
+      }
+      const char* r = "Tap/Ent:Edit";
       display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(r) - 2, footerY);
       display.print(r);
     }
+#endif
 
     return _editMode != EDIT_NONE ? 700 : 1000;
   }
@@ -1070,6 +1367,9 @@ public:
           _wifiPassLen = 0;
           memset(_wifiPassBuf, 0, sizeof(_wifiPassBuf));
           _wifiFormLastChar = 0;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          _wifiNeedsVKB = true;  // Signal UITask to open virtual keyboard
+#endif
           return true;
         }
         if (c == 'q' || c == 'Q') {
@@ -1227,6 +1527,12 @@ public:
         if (type == ROW_CONTACT_MODE) {
           _editPickerIdx--;
           if (_editPickerIdx < 0) _editPickerIdx = CONTACT_MODE_COUNT - 1;
+        } else if (type == ROW_GPS_BAUD) {
+          _editPickerIdx--;
+          if (_editPickerIdx < 0) _editPickerIdx = GPS_BAUD_OPTION_COUNT - 1;
+        } else if (type == ROW_AUTO_LOCK) {
+          _editPickerIdx--;
+          if (_editPickerIdx < 0) _editPickerIdx = AUTO_LOCK_OPTION_COUNT - 1;
         } else {
           // Radio preset
           _editPickerIdx--;
@@ -1238,6 +1544,12 @@ public:
         if (type == ROW_CONTACT_MODE) {
           _editPickerIdx++;
           if (_editPickerIdx >= CONTACT_MODE_COUNT) _editPickerIdx = 0;
+        } else if (type == ROW_GPS_BAUD) {
+          _editPickerIdx++;
+          if (_editPickerIdx >= GPS_BAUD_OPTION_COUNT) _editPickerIdx = 0;
+        } else if (type == ROW_AUTO_LOCK) {
+          _editPickerIdx++;
+          if (_editPickerIdx >= AUTO_LOCK_OPTION_COUNT) _editPickerIdx = 0;
         } else {
           // Radio preset
           _editPickerIdx++;
@@ -1249,6 +1561,18 @@ public:
         if (type == ROW_CONTACT_MODE) {
           applyContactMode(_editPickerIdx);
           _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
+        } else if (type == ROW_GPS_BAUD) {
+          _prefs->gps_baudrate = GPS_BAUD_OPTIONS[_editPickerIdx];
+          the_mesh.savePrefs();
+          _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
+          Serial.printf("Settings: GPS baud set to %lu (reboot to apply)\n",
+                        (unsigned long)_prefs->gps_baudrate);
+        } else if (type == ROW_AUTO_LOCK) {
+          _prefs->auto_lock_minutes = AUTO_LOCK_OPTIONS[_editPickerIdx];
+          the_mesh.savePrefs();
+          _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
+          Serial.printf("Settings: Auto lock = %s\n",
+                        autoLockLabel(_prefs->auto_lock_minutes));
         } else {
           // Apply radio preset
           if (_editPickerIdx >= 0 && _editPickerIdx < (int)NUM_RADIO_PRESETS) {
@@ -1306,6 +1630,7 @@ public:
           case ROW_CR:      if (_editInt < 8)  _editInt++; break;
           case ROW_TX_POWER: if (_editInt < MAX_LORA_TX_POWER) _editInt++; break;
           case ROW_UTC_OFFSET: if (_editInt < 14) _editInt++; break;
+          case ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE: if (_editInt < 3) _editInt++; break;
           default: break;
         }
         return true;
@@ -1322,6 +1647,7 @@ public:
           case ROW_CR:      if (_editInt > 5)  _editInt--; break;
           case ROW_TX_POWER: if (_editInt > 1)  _editInt--; break;
           case ROW_UTC_OFFSET: if (_editInt > -12) _editInt--; break;
+          case ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE: if (_editInt > 1) _editInt--; break;
           default: break;
         }
         return true;
@@ -1349,6 +1675,10 @@ public:
             _prefs->utc_offset_hours = (int8_t)constrain(_editInt, -12, 14);
             the_mesh.savePrefs();
             break;
+          case ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE:
+            _prefs->path_hash_mode = (uint8_t)constrain(_editInt - 1, 0, 2);  // display 1-3, store 0-2
+            the_mesh.savePrefs();
+            break;
           default: break;
         }
         _editMode = EDIT_NONE;
@@ -1419,6 +1749,31 @@ public:
           Serial.printf("Settings: Msg flash notify = %s\n",
                         _prefs->kb_flash_notify ? "ON" : "OFF");
           break;
+        case ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE:
+          startEditInt(_prefs->path_hash_mode + 1);  // display as 1-3
+          break;
+        case ROW_GPS_BAUD:
+          startEditPicker(findGpsBaudIndex(_prefs->gps_baudrate));
+          break;
+        case ROW_DARK_MODE:
+          _prefs->dark_mode = _prefs->dark_mode ? 0 : 1;
+          the_mesh.savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("Settings: Dark mode = %s\n",
+                        _prefs->dark_mode ? "ON" : "OFF");
+          break;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        case ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE:
+          _prefs->portrait_mode = _prefs->portrait_mode ? 0 : 1;
+          the_mesh.savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("Settings: Portrait mode = %s\n",
+                        _prefs->portrait_mode ? "ON" : "OFF");
+          break;
+#endif
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) || defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+        case ROW_AUTO_LOCK:
+          startEditPicker(findAutoLockIndex(_prefs->auto_lock_minutes));
+          break;
+#endif
         #ifdef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
         case ROW_WIFI_SETUP: {
           // Launch WiFi scan → select → password → connect flow
@@ -1526,6 +1881,24 @@ public:
                         (_prefs->autoadd_config & AUTO_ADD_OVERWRITE_OLDEST) ? "ON" : "OFF");
           break;
 
+        // --- Submenu folder rows ---
+        case ROW_CONTACTS_SUBMENU:
+          _savedTopCursor = _cursor;
+          _subScreen = SUB_CONTACTS;
+          _cursor = 0;
+          _scrollTop = 0;
+          rebuildRows();
+          Serial.println("Settings: entered Contacts sub-screen");
+          break;
+        case ROW_CHANNELS_SUBMENU:
+          _savedTopCursor = _cursor;
+          _subScreen = SUB_CHANNELS;
+          _cursor = 0;
+          _scrollTop = 0;
+          rebuildRows();
+          Serial.println("Settings: entered Channels sub-screen");
+          break;
+
         case ROW_ADD_CHANNEL:
           startEditText("");
           break;
@@ -1549,8 +1922,18 @@ public:
       }
     }
 
-    // Q: back — if radio changed, prompt to apply first
+    // Q: back -- if in sub-screen, return to top level; else exit settings
     if (c == 'q' || c == 'Q') {
+      if (_subScreen != SUB_NONE) {
+        // Return to top-level settings list
+        _subScreen = SUB_NONE;
+        rebuildRows();
+        _cursor = _savedTopCursor;
+        if (_cursor >= _numRows) _cursor = _numRows - 1;
+        skipNonSelectable(1);
+        Serial.println("Settings: back to top level");
+        return true;
+      }
       if (_radioChanged) {
         _editMode = EDIT_CONFIRM;
         _confirmAction = 2;

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Textreaderscreen.h

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ class UITask;
 // ============================================================================
 #define BOOKS_FOLDER      "/books"
 #define INDEX_FOLDER      "/.indexes"
-#define INDEX_VERSION     5  // v5: UTF-8 aware word wrap (accented char support)
+#define INDEX_VERSION     9  // v9: indexer buffer matches page buffer (fixes chunk boundary gaps)
 #define PREINDEX_PAGES    100
 #define READER_MAX_FILES  50
 #define READER_BUF_SIZE   4096
@@ -97,6 +97,145 @@ inline WrapResult findLineBreak(const char* buffer, int bufLen, int lineStart, i
   return result;
 }
 
+// ============================================================================
+// Pixel-width line breaking for proportional fonts (T5S3)
+//
+// Measures actual rendered text width via DisplayDriver::getTextWidth() at
+// each word boundary. This gives correct line breaks regardless of character
+// width variation in proportional fonts like FreeSans12pt.
+// maxChars is a safety upper bound to prevent runaway on spaceless lines.
+// ============================================================================
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+#include <helpers/ui/DisplayDriver.h>
+
+inline WrapResult findLineBreakPixel(const char* buffer, int bufLen, int lineStart,
+                                      DisplayDriver* display, int maxChars) {
+  WrapResult result;
+  result.lineEnd = lineStart;
+  result.nextStart = lineStart;
+  if (lineStart >= bufLen || !display) return result;
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  int rightMargin = 5;  // Wider margin for T5S3 (portrait mode especially tight)
+#else
+  int rightMargin = 3;
+#endif
+  int displayW = display->width() - rightMargin;
+  char measBuf[300];                // temp buffer for pixel measurement
+  int measLen = 0;
+  int lastBreakPoint = -1;
+  int lastBreakMeasLen = 0;         // measLen at lastBreakPoint (for mid-word fallback)
+  bool inWord = false;
+  int charCount = 0;
+
+  for (int i = lineStart; i < bufLen; i++) {
+    char c = buffer[i];
+
+    // Newline handling (identical to char-count version)
+    if (c == '\n') {
+      result.lineEnd = i;
+      result.nextStart = i + 1;
+      if (result.nextStart < bufLen && buffer[result.nextStart] == '\r')
+        result.nextStart++;
+      return result;
+    }
+    if (c == '\r') {
+      result.lineEnd = i;
+      result.nextStart = i + 1;
+      if (result.nextStart < bufLen && buffer[result.nextStart] == '\n')
+        result.nextStart++;
+      return result;
+    }
+
+    if ((uint8_t)c >= 32) {
+      // UTF-8 handling: decode multi-byte sequences to CP437 for accurate
+      // width measurement.  The renderer (renderPage) does this same conversion,
+      // so the measurement must match or it underestimates line width.
+      int charStartIdx = i;  // buffer index where this character started
+      if ((uint8_t)c >= 0xC0) {
+        // UTF-8 lead byte — decode full sequence to CP437
+        int decPos = i;
+        uint32_t cp = decodeUtf8Char(buffer, bufLen, &decPos);
+        uint8_t glyph = unicodeToCP437(cp);
+        if (glyph >= 32 && measLen < 298) {
+          measBuf[measLen++] = (char)glyph;
+          charCount++;
+        }
+        i = decPos - 1;  // -1 because the for loop will i++
+        inWord = true;
+      } else if ((uint8_t)c >= 0x80 && (uint8_t)c < 0xC0) {
+        // Orphan continuation byte — treat as CP437 pass-through (same as renderer)
+        if (measLen < 298) measBuf[measLen++] = c;
+        charCount++;
+        inWord = true;
+      } else {
+        // Plain ASCII
+        charCount++;
+        if (measLen < 298) measBuf[measLen++] = c;
+
+        if (c == ' ' || c == '\t') {
+          if (inWord) {
+            lastBreakPoint = i;
+            lastBreakMeasLen = measLen;
+            inWord = false;
+          }
+        } else if (c == '-') {
+          if (inWord) {
+            lastBreakPoint = i + 1;
+            lastBreakMeasLen = measLen;
+          }
+          inWord = true;
+        } else {
+          inWord = true;
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Per-character pixel width check — catches long words that exceed
+      // displayW without ever hitting a space/hyphen break point.
+      // Only measure every 3 chars to avoid excessive getTextWidth() calls.
+      if ((charCount & 3) == 0 || c == ' ' || c == '-') {
+        measBuf[measLen] = '\0';
+        int pw = display->getTextWidth(measBuf);
+        if (pw >= displayW) {
+          if (lastBreakPoint > lineStart) {
+            // Break at last word boundary
+            result.lineEnd = lastBreakPoint;
+            result.nextStart = lastBreakPoint;
+            while (result.nextStart < bufLen &&
+                   (buffer[result.nextStart] == ' ' || buffer[result.nextStart] == '\t'))
+              result.nextStart++;
+          } else {
+            // No word boundary found — break mid-word before this character
+            result.lineEnd = charStartIdx;
+            result.nextStart = charStartIdx;
+          }
+          return result;
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Safety: hard char limit (handles spaceless lines, URLs, etc.)
+      if (charCount >= maxChars) {
+        if (lastBreakPoint > lineStart) {
+          result.lineEnd = lastBreakPoint;
+          result.nextStart = lastBreakPoint;
+          while (result.nextStart < bufLen &&
+                 (buffer[result.nextStart] == ' ' || buffer[result.nextStart] == '\t'))
+            result.nextStart++;
+        } else {
+          result.lineEnd = i;
+          result.nextStart = i;
+        }
+        return result;
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  result.lineEnd = bufLen;
+  result.nextStart = bufLen;
+  return result;
+}
+#endif // LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+
 // ============================================================================
 // Page Indexer (word-wrap aware, matches display rendering)
 // ============================================================================
@@ -104,7 +243,7 @@ inline int indexPagesWordWrap(File& file, long startPos,
                               std::vector<long>& pagePositions,
                               int linesPerPage, int charsPerLine,
                               int maxPages) {
-  const int BUF_SIZE = 2048;
+  const int BUF_SIZE = READER_BUF_SIZE;  // Match page buffer to avoid chunk boundary wrap mismatches
   char buffer[BUF_SIZE];
 
   file.seek(startPos);
@@ -148,6 +287,63 @@ inline int indexPagesWordWrap(File& file, long startPos,
   return pagesAdded;
 }
 
+// ============================================================================
+// Pixel-based Page Indexer for T5S3 (proportional font word wrap)
+// ============================================================================
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+inline int indexPagesWordWrapPixel(File& file, long startPos,
+                                    std::vector<long>& pagePositions,
+                                    int linesPerPage, int maxChars,
+                                    DisplayDriver* display, int maxPages) {
+  const int BUF_SIZE = READER_BUF_SIZE;  // Match page buffer to avoid chunk boundary wrap mismatches
+  char buffer[BUF_SIZE];
+
+  // Ensure body font is active for pixel measurement
+  display->setTextSize(0);
+
+  file.seek(startPos);
+  int pagesAdded = 0;
+  int lineCount = 0;
+  int leftover = 0;
+  long chunkFileStart = startPos;
+
+  while (file.available() && (maxPages <= 0 || pagesAdded < maxPages)) {
+    int bytesRead = file.readBytes(buffer + leftover, BUF_SIZE - leftover);
+    int bufLen = leftover + bytesRead;
+    if (bufLen == 0) break;
+
+    int pos = 0;
+    while (pos < bufLen) {
+      WrapResult wrap = findLineBreakPixel(buffer, bufLen, pos, display, maxChars);
+      if (wrap.nextStart <= pos && wrap.lineEnd >= bufLen) break;
+
+      lineCount++;
+      pos = wrap.nextStart;
+
+      if (lineCount >= linesPerPage) {
+        long pageFilePos = chunkFileStart + pos;
+        pagePositions.push_back(pageFilePos);
+        pagesAdded++;
+        lineCount = 0;
+        if (maxPages > 0 && pagesAdded >= maxPages) break;
+      }
+      if (pos >= bufLen) break;
+    }
+
+    leftover = bufLen - pos;
+    if (leftover > 0 && leftover < BUF_SIZE) {
+      memmove(buffer, buffer + pos, leftover);
+    } else {
+      leftover = 0;
+    }
+    chunkFileStart = file.position() - leftover;
+  }
+
+  display->setTextSize(1);  // Restore
+  return pagesAdded;
+}
+#endif // LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+
 // ============================================================================
 // TextReaderScreen
 // ============================================================================
@@ -200,6 +396,11 @@ private:
   int _pageBufLen;
   bool _contentDirty;  // Need to re-read from SD
 
+  // Go-to-page input mode (Enter in reading view)
+  bool _gotoMode = false;
+  char _gotoBuf[6];      // Up to 5 digits + null
+  int _gotoBufLen = 0;
+
   // ---- Splash Screen Drawing ----
   // Draw directly to display outside the normal render cycle.
   // Matches the style of the standalone text reader firmware splash.
@@ -699,12 +900,22 @@ private:
       if (_pagePositions.empty()) {
         // Cache had no pages (e.g. dummy entry) — full index from scratch
         _pagePositions.push_back(0);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        indexPagesWordWrapPixel(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
+                                _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, _display, 0);
+#else
         indexPagesWordWrap(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
                            _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, 0);
+#endif
       } else {
         long lastPos = cache->pagePositions.back();
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        indexPagesWordWrapPixel(_file, lastPos, _pagePositions,
+                                _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, _display, 0);
+#else
         indexPagesWordWrap(_file, lastPos, _pagePositions,
                            _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, 0);
+#endif
       }
     } else {
       // No cache — full index from scratch
@@ -722,8 +933,13 @@ private:
       drawSplash("Indexing...", "Please wait", shortName);
 
       _pagePositions.push_back(0);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      indexPagesWordWrapPixel(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
+                              _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, _display, 0);
+#else
       indexPagesWordWrap(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
                          _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, 0);
+#endif
     }
 
     // Save complete index
@@ -863,9 +1079,13 @@ private:
 
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), listLineH);
+#else
           // setCursor adds +5 to y internally, but fillRect does not.
           // Offset fillRect by +5 to align highlight bar with text.
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -918,13 +1138,19 @@ private:
     display.setTextSize(1);
     int footerY = display.height() - 12;
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
-    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
-    display.print("Q:Back W/S:Nav");
 
-    const char* right = "Ent:Open";
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, footerY, "Swipe: Scroll   Tap: Open   Boot: home");
+#else
+    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+    display.print("Q:Bk");
+
+    const char* right = "Tap/Ent:Open";
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
+#endif
   }
 
   void renderPage(DisplayDriver& display) {
@@ -942,7 +1168,11 @@ private:
     // so we render everything in it.
     while (pos < _pageBufLen && lineCount < _linesPerPage && y <= maxY) {
       int oldPos = pos;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      WrapResult wrap = findLineBreakPixel(_pageBuf, _pageBufLen, pos, &display, _charsPerLine);
+#else
       WrapResult wrap = findLineBreak(_pageBuf, _pageBufLen, pos, _charsPerLine);
+#endif
 
       // Safety: stop if findLineBreak made no progress (stuck at end of buffer)
       if (wrap.nextStart <= oldPos && wrap.lineEnd >= _pageBufLen) break;
@@ -950,6 +1180,7 @@ private:
       display.setCursor(0, y);
       // Print line with UTF-8 decoding: multi-byte sequences are decoded
       // to Unicode codepoints, then mapped to CP437 for the built-in font.
+      bool lineHasContent = false;
       char charStr[2] = {0, 0};
       int j = pos;
       while (j < wrap.lineEnd && j < _pageBufLen) {
@@ -965,6 +1196,7 @@ private:
           // Plain ASCII — print directly
           charStr[0] = (char)b;
           display.print(charStr);
+          lineHasContent = true;
           j++;
         } else if (b >= 0xC0) {
           // UTF-8 lead byte — decode full sequence and map to CP437
@@ -974,6 +1206,7 @@ private:
           if (glyph) {
             charStr[0] = (char)glyph;
             display.print(charStr);
+            lineHasContent = true;
           }
           // If unmappable (glyph==0), just skip the character
         } else {
@@ -981,11 +1214,20 @@ private:
           // Treat as CP437 pass-through (e.g. from EPUB numeric entity decoding).
           charStr[0] = (char)b;
           display.print(charStr);
+          lineHasContent = true;
           j++;
         }
       }
 
-      y += _lineHeight;
+      // Blank lines (paragraph breaks) get reduced height for compact layout.
+      // Full _lineHeight for blank lines wastes too much space — on T5S3 each
+      // blank line is ~34px, making paragraph gaps 7-8× the normal line spacing.
+      // Using 40% height gives a visible paragraph break without wasting space.
+      if (lineHasContent) {
+        y += _lineHeight;
+      } else {
+        y += max(2, _lineHeight * 2 / 5);  // ~40% height for blank lines
+      }
       lineCount++;
       pos = wrap.nextStart;
       if (pos >= _pageBufLen) break;
@@ -1001,13 +1243,29 @@ private:
 
     char status[30];
     int pct = _totalPages > 1 ? (_currentPage * 100) / (_totalPages - 1) : 100;
-    sprintf(status, "%d/%d %d%%", _currentPage + 1, _totalPages, pct);
+
+    if (_gotoMode) {
+      // Go-to-page input mode — show typed digits in footer
+      snprintf(status, sizeof(status), "Go to: %.*s_", _gotoBufLen, _gotoBuf);
+    } else {
+      sprintf(status, "%d/%d %d%%", _currentPage + 1, _totalPages, pct);
+    }
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+    display.print(status);
+    const char* right = "Swipe:Page  Tap:GoTo  Hold:Close";
+    display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
+    display.print(right);
+#else
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.print(status);
 
-    const char* right = "W/S:Nav Q:Back";
+    const char* right = _gotoMode ? "Ent:Go Q:Cancel" : "Entr:Pg# Q:Bk";
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(right) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(right);
+#endif
   }
 
 public:
@@ -1021,6 +1279,20 @@ public:
       _pageBufLen(0), _contentDirty(true) {
   }
 
+  // Reset layout so it recalculates on next render (orientation change).
+  // If a book is open, forces full reindex with new layout params.
+  void invalidateLayout() {
+    _initialized = false;
+    if (_fileOpen) {
+      _pagePositions.clear();
+      _totalPages = 0;
+      _currentPage = 0;
+      _pageBufLen = 0;
+      _contentDirty = true;
+      Serial.println("TextReader: Layout invalidated, will reindex on next enter");
+    }
+  }
+
   // Call once after display is available to calculate layout metrics
   void initLayout(DisplayDriver& display) {
     if (_initialized) return;
@@ -1036,8 +1308,15 @@ public:
     if (tenCharsW > 0) {
       _charsPerLine = (display.width() * 10) / tenCharsW;
     }
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    // T5S3 uses pixel-based line breaking (findLineBreakPixel) which measures
+    // actual text width via getTextWidth(). _charsPerLine serves only as a
+    // safety upper bound for lines without word breaks (URLs, etc.).
+    _charsPerLine = 120;
+#else
     if (_charsPerLine < 15) _charsPerLine = 15;
     if (_charsPerLine > 60) _charsPerLine = 60;
+#endif
 
     // Line height for built-in 6x8 font:
     // setCursor adds +5 to y, so effective text top = (y+5)*scale_y
@@ -1052,6 +1331,17 @@ public:
       _lineHeight = 5;  // Safe fallback
     }
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    // T5S3 uses FreeSans12pt/FreeSerif12pt for size 0 (yAdvance=29px).
+    // Line height in virtual coords depends on orientation:
+    //   Landscape: 29px / scale_y(4.22) ≈ 7 + 1 spacing = 8
+    //   Portrait:  29px / scale_y(7.50) ≈ 4 + 1 spacing = 5
+    {
+      extern DISPLAY_CLASS display;
+      _lineHeight = display.isPortraitMode() ? 5 : 8;
+    }
+#endif
+
     _headerHeight = 0;  // No header in reading mode (maximize text area)
     _footerHeight = 14;
     int textAreaHeight = display.height() - _headerHeight - _footerHeight;
@@ -1174,9 +1464,15 @@ public:
         cache.pagePositions.clear();
         cache.pagePositions.push_back(0);
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        int added = indexPagesWordWrapPixel(file, 0, cache.pagePositions,
+                                            _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine,
+                                            _display, PREINDEX_PAGES - 1);
+#else
         int added = indexPagesWordWrap(file, 0, cache.pagePositions,
                                        _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine,
                                        PREINDEX_PAGES - 1);
+#endif
         cache.fullyIndexed = !file.available();
         file.close();
 
@@ -1215,6 +1511,21 @@ public:
     if (!_fileOpen) {
       _selectedFile = 0;
       _mode = FILE_LIST;
+    } else if (_pagePositions.empty()) {
+      // Layout was invalidated (orientation change) — reindex the open book
+      Serial.println("TextReader: Reindexing after layout change");
+      _pagePositions.push_back(0);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      indexPagesWordWrapPixel(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
+                              _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, _display, 0);
+#else
+      indexPagesWordWrap(_file, 0, _pagePositions,
+                         _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine, 0);
+#endif
+      _totalPages = _pagePositions.size();
+      if (_currentPage >= _totalPages) _currentPage = 0;
+      _mode = READING;
+      loadPageContent();
     } else {
       _mode = READING;
       loadPageContent();
@@ -1225,6 +1536,48 @@ public:
   bool isReading() const { return _mode == READING; }
   bool isInFileList() const { return _mode == FILE_LIST; }
 
+  // Jump to a specific page number (1-based for user-facing, converted to 0-based)
+  void gotoPage(int pageNum) {
+    if (!_fileOpen || _totalPages == 0) return;
+    int target = pageNum - 1;  // Convert 1-based input to 0-based
+    if (target < 0) target = 0;
+    if (target >= _totalPages) target = _totalPages - 1;
+    _currentPage = target;
+    loadPageContent();
+    Serial.printf("TextReader: Go to page %d/%d\n", _currentPage + 1, _totalPages);
+  }
+
+  int getTotalPages() const { return _totalPages; }
+  int getCurrentPage() const { return _currentPage; }
+
+  // Tap-to-select: given virtual Y, select file list row.
+  // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
+  int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
+    if (_mode != FILE_LIST) return 0;
+    const int startY = 14, footerH = 14, listLineH = 8;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    const int bodyTop = startY;
+#else
+    const int bodyTop = startY + 5;  // GxEPD baseline offset
+#endif
+    if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
+
+    int totalItems = totalListItems();
+    if (totalItems == 0) return 0;
+    int maxVisible = (128 - startY - footerH) / listLineH;
+    if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
+    if (maxVisible > 15) maxVisible = 15;
+    int startIdx = max(0, min(_selectedFile - maxVisible / 2,
+                              totalItems - maxVisible));
+
+    int tappedRow = startIdx + (vy - bodyTop) / listLineH;
+    if (tappedRow < 0 || tappedRow >= totalItems) return 0;
+
+    if (tappedRow == _selectedFile) return 2;
+    _selectedFile = tappedRow;
+    return 1;
+  }
+
   int render(DisplayDriver& display) override {
     if (!_sdReady) {
       display.setCursor(0, 20);
@@ -1249,6 +1602,7 @@ public:
     if (_mode == FILE_LIST) {
       return handleFileListInput(c);
     } else if (_mode == READING) {
+      if (_gotoMode) return handleGotoInput(c);
       return handleReadingInput(c);
     }
     return false;
@@ -1335,9 +1689,15 @@ public:
             cache.lastReadPage = 0;
             cache.pagePositions.clear();
             cache.pagePositions.push_back(0);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+            indexPagesWordWrapPixel(file, 0, cache.pagePositions,
+                                    _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine,
+                                    _display, PREINDEX_PAGES - 1);
+#else
             indexPagesWordWrap(file, 0, cache.pagePositions,
                                _linesPerPage, _charsPerLine,
                                PREINDEX_PAGES - 1);
+#endif
             cache.fullyIndexed = !file.available();
             file.close();
             saveIndex(cache.filename, cache.pagePositions, cache.fileSize,
@@ -1363,9 +1723,9 @@ public:
       return false;
     }
 
-    // S/D/Space/Enter - next page
+    // S/D/Space - next page
     if (c == 's' || c == 'S' || c == 'd' || c == 'D' ||
-        c == ' ' || c == '\r' || c == 13 || c == 0xF1) {
+        c == ' ' || c == 0xF1) {
       if (_currentPage < _totalPages - 1) {
         _currentPage++;
         loadPageContent();
@@ -1374,6 +1734,14 @@ public:
       return false;
     }
 
+    // Enter - go-to-page input mode
+    if (c == '\r' || c == 13) {
+      _gotoMode = true;
+      _gotoBufLen = 0;
+      _gotoBuf[0] = '\0';
+      return true;
+    }
+
     // Q - close book, back to file list
     if (c == 'q' || c == 'Q') {
       closeBook();
@@ -1384,6 +1752,42 @@ public:
     return false;
   }
 
+  bool handleGotoInput(char c) {
+    // Enter — commit page number
+    if (c == '\r' || c == 13) {
+      if (_gotoBufLen > 0) {
+        int pageNum = atoi(_gotoBuf);
+        gotoPage(pageNum);
+      }
+      _gotoMode = false;
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    // Q or Escape — cancel
+    if (c == 'q' || c == 'Q' || c == 0x1B) {
+      _gotoMode = false;
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    // Backspace — delete last digit
+    if (c == '\b' || c == 0x7F) {
+      if (_gotoBufLen > 0) {
+        _gotoBufLen--;
+        _gotoBuf[_gotoBufLen] = '\0';
+      }
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    // Digit — append (max 5 digits)
+    if (c >= '0' && c <= '9' && _gotoBufLen < 5) {
+      _gotoBuf[_gotoBufLen++] = c;
+      _gotoBuf[_gotoBufLen] = '\0';
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    return true;  // Consume all other keys while in goto mode
+  }
+
   // External close (called when leaving reader screen entirely)
   void exitReader() {
     if (_fileOpen) closeBook();

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.h

@@ -30,6 +30,10 @@
   #include "WebReaderScreen.h"
 #endif
 
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  #include "VirtualKeyboard.h"
+#endif
+
 // MapScreen.h included in UITask.cpp and main.cpp only (PNGdec headers
 // conflict with BLE if pulled into the global include chain)
 
@@ -80,11 +84,35 @@ class UITask : public AbstractUITask {
 #endif
   UIScreen* repeater_admin;   // Repeater admin screen
   UIScreen* discovery_screen;  // Node discovery scan screen
+  UIScreen* last_heard_screen; // Last heard passive advert list
 #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
   UIScreen* web_reader;       // Web reader screen (lazy-init, WiFi required)
 #endif
   UIScreen* map_screen;       // Map tile screen (GPS + SD card tiles)
   UIScreen* curr;
+  bool _homeShowingTiles = false;  // Set by HomeScreen render when tile grid is visible
+  int _tileGridVY = 44;           // Virtual Y of tile grid top (updated each render)
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  UIScreen* lock_screen;     // Lock screen (big clock + battery + unread)
+  UIScreen* _screenBeforeLock = nullptr;
+  bool _locked = false;
+  unsigned long _lastInputMillis = 0;  // Auto-lock idle tracking
+  unsigned long _lastLockRefresh = 0;  // Periodic lock screen clock update
+
+  VirtualKeyboard _vkb;
+  bool _vkbActive = false;
+  UIScreen* _screenBeforeVKB = nullptr;
+  unsigned long _vkbOpenedAt = 0;
+#ifdef MECK_CARDKB
+  bool _cardkbDetected = false;
+#endif
+#elif defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+  UIScreen* lock_screen;     // Lock screen (big clock + battery + unread)
+  UIScreen* _screenBeforeLock = nullptr;
+  bool _locked = false;
+  unsigned long _lastInputMillis = 0;  // Auto-lock idle tracking
+  unsigned long _lastLockRefresh = 0;  // Periodic lock screen clock update
+#endif
 
   void userLedHandler();
 
@@ -121,7 +149,10 @@ public:
   void gotoAudiobookPlayer(); // Navigate to audiobook player
   void gotoRepeaterAdmin(int contactIdx);  // Navigate to repeater admin
   void gotoDiscoveryScreen();              // Navigate to node discovery scan
+  void gotoLastHeardScreen();              // Navigate to last heard passive list
+#if HAS_GPS
   void gotoMapScreen();         // Navigate to map tile screen
+#endif
 #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
   void gotoWebReader();         // Navigate to web reader (browser)
 #endif
@@ -145,12 +176,36 @@ public:
   bool isOnChannelScreen() const { return curr == channel_screen; }
   bool isOnContactsScreen() const { return curr == contacts_screen; }
   bool isOnTextReader() const { return curr == text_reader; }  // *** NEW ***
+  bool isOnHomeScreen() const { return curr == home; }
+  bool isHomeShowingTiles() const { return _homeShowingTiles; }
+  void setHomeShowingTiles(bool v) { _homeShowingTiles = v; }
+  int  getTileGridVY() const { return _tileGridVY; }
+  void setTileGridVY(int vy) { _tileGridVY = vy; }
   bool isOnNotesScreen() const { return curr == notes_screen; }
   bool isOnSettingsScreen() const { return curr == settings_screen; }
   bool isOnAudiobookPlayer() const { return curr == audiobook_screen; }
   bool isOnRepeaterAdmin() const { return curr == repeater_admin; }
   bool isOnDiscoveryScreen() const { return curr == discovery_screen; }
+  bool isOnLastHeardScreen() const { return curr == last_heard_screen; }
   bool isOnMapScreen() const { return curr == map_screen; }
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro) || defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+  bool isLocked() const { return _locked; }
+  void lockScreen();
+  void unlockScreen();
+#endif
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  bool isVKBActive() const { return _vkbActive; }
+  unsigned long vkbOpenedAt() const { return _vkbOpenedAt; }
+  VirtualKeyboard& getVKB() { return _vkb; }
+  void showVirtualKeyboard(VKBPurpose purpose, const char* label, const char* initial, int maxLen, int contextIdx = 0);
+  void onVKBSubmit();
+  void onVKBCancel();
+#ifdef MECK_CARDKB
+  void setCardKBDetected(bool v) { _cardkbDetected = v; }
+  bool hasCardKB() const { return _cardkbDetected; }
+  void feedCardKBChar(char c);
+#endif
+#endif
 #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
   bool isOnWebReader() const { return curr == web_reader; }
 #endif
@@ -168,6 +223,8 @@ public:
 
   // Check if home screen is in an editing mode (e.g. UTC offset editor)
   bool isEditingHomeScreen() const;
+  // Check if home screen is showing the Recent Adverts page
+  bool isHomeOnRecentPage() const;
 
   // Inject a key press from external source (e.g., keyboard)
   void injectKey(char c);
@@ -195,6 +252,7 @@ public:
   void setAudiobookScreen(UIScreen* s) { audiobook_screen = s; }
   UIScreen* getRepeaterAdminScreen() const { return repeater_admin; }
   UIScreen* getDiscoveryScreen() const { return discovery_screen; }
+  UIScreen* getLastHeardScreen() const { return last_heard_screen; }
   UIScreen* getMapScreen() const { return map_screen; }
 #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
   UIScreen* getWebReaderScreen() const { return web_reader; }
@@ -203,7 +261,7 @@ public:
   // from AbstractUITask
   void msgRead(int msgcount) override;
   void newMsg(uint8_t path_len, const char* from_name, const char* text, int msgcount,
-             const uint8_t* path = nullptr) override;
+             const uint8_t* path = nullptr, int8_t snr = 0) override;
   void notify(UIEventType t = UIEventType::none) override;
   void loop() override;
 

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Webreaderscreen.h

@@ -1072,9 +1072,12 @@ private:
   // Bookmarks & History
   std::vector<String> _bookmarks;
   std::vector<String> _history;
-  int _homeSelected;  // Selected item in home view (0=URL bar, then bookmarks, then history)
+  int _homeSelected;  // Selected item in home view (0=IRC, 1=URL, 2=Search, then bookmarks, then history)
   int _homeScrollY;   // Pixel scroll offset for home view
   bool _urlEditing;   // True when URL bar is active for text entry
+  bool _searchEditing; // True when search bar is active for text entry
+  char _searchBuffer[128]; // Search query text
+  int _searchLen;
 
   // Link selection
   int _linkInput;     // Accumulated link number digits
@@ -2149,6 +2152,8 @@ private:
         needsFreshTls = true;  // Recreate at top of next iteration (after http destructor)
 
         // After 2 failures, try WiFi reconnect — the lwIP stack may be wedged
+        // Skip on WiFi companion variant — disconnect kills the companion TCP server
+        #ifndef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
         if (totalRetries == 2 && isWiFiConnected()) {
           Serial.println("WebReader: WiFi reconnect after persistent failures");
           // Destroy TLS before WiFi teardown
@@ -2167,6 +2172,7 @@ private:
           Serial.printf("WebReader: WiFi reconnected, IP: %s\n",
                         WiFi.localIP().toString().c_str());
         }
+        #endif
 
         int retryDelay = 1000 + totalRetries * 1000;  // 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s
         Serial.printf("WebReader: Connection error %d, retrying in %dms... (attempt %d/4)\n",
@@ -2243,6 +2249,8 @@ private:
         clearCloudflareCookies(domain);
 
         // WiFi reconnect after 2 total failures (same logic as conn errors)
+        // Skip on WiFi companion variant — disconnect kills the companion TCP server
+        #ifndef MECK_WIFI_COMPANION
         if (totalRetries == 2 && isWiFiConnected()) {
           Serial.println("WebReader: WiFi reconnect after persistent failures");
           if (_tlsClient) { delete _tlsClient; _tlsClient = nullptr; }
@@ -2259,6 +2267,7 @@ private:
           Serial.printf("WebReader: WiFi reconnected, IP: %s\n",
                         WiFi.localIP().toString().c_str());
         }
+        #endif
 
         int retryDelay = 1000 + totalRetries * 1000;  // 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s
         Serial.printf("WebReader: Server error %d, retrying in %dms... (attempt %d/4)\n",
@@ -2659,7 +2668,11 @@ private:
         bool selected = (i == _selectedSSID);
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), listLineH);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -2727,7 +2740,11 @@ private:
       }
       display.setCursor(0, 80);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap: Retry");
+#else
       display.print("Enter: Retry  Q: Back");
+#endif
     }
 
     // Footer
@@ -2736,7 +2753,14 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    if (_wifiState == WIFI_ENTERING_PASS)
+      display.print("Tap: Enter Password  Hold: Back");
+    else
+      display.print("Swipe: Navigate  Tap: Select");
+#else
     display.print("Q:Back W/S:Nav Ent:Select");
+#endif
   }
 
   void renderHome(DisplayDriver& display) {
@@ -2778,7 +2802,7 @@ private:
     const int sectionH = listLineH; // Section header height
     int maxChars = _charsPerLine - 2; // Account for "> " prefix
     if (maxChars < 10) maxChars = 10;
-    int totalItems = 2 + (int)_bookmarks.size() + (int)_history.size();
+    int totalItems = 3 + (int)_bookmarks.size() + (int)_history.size();
 
     // ---- Layout pass: compute virtual Y extent of each item ----
     // We track: for each selectable item, its (virtualY, height).
@@ -2804,6 +2828,12 @@ private:
     virtualY += urlBarH;
     itemIdx++;
 
+    // Item 2: Search bar
+    int searchBarH = listLineH + 2;
+    if (itemIdx == _homeSelected) { selectedTop = virtualY; selectedBot = virtualY + searchBarH; }
+    virtualY += searchBarH;
+    itemIdx++;
+
     // Bookmarks
     if (_bookmarks.size() > 0) {
       virtualY += sectionH; // "-- Bookmarks --" header
@@ -2862,7 +2892,11 @@ private:
       if (HOME_VISIBLE(y, ircH)) {
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
@@ -2897,7 +2931,11 @@ private:
       if (HOME_VISIBLE(y, urlBarH)) {
         if (selected) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#else
           display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -2924,6 +2962,43 @@ private:
       itemIdx++;
     }
 
+    // Item 2: Search bar
+    {
+      bool selected = (_homeSelected == itemIdx);
+      if (HOME_VISIBLE(y, searchBarH)) {
+        if (selected) {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+          display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#else
+          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+#endif
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+        } else {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+        }
+        display.setCursor(0, y);
+        if (_searchEditing) {
+          char searchDisp[140];
+          int maxShow = maxChars - 8; // "Search: " prefix + cursor
+          int start = 0;
+          if (_searchLen > maxShow) start = _searchLen - maxShow;
+          snprintf(searchDisp, sizeof(searchDisp), "Search: %s_", _searchBuffer + start);
+          display.print(searchDisp);
+        } else if (_searchLen > 0) {
+          char searchDisp[140];
+          int maxShow = maxChars - 7;
+          snprintf(searchDisp, sizeof(searchDisp), "Search: %s",
+                   _searchLen > maxShow ? (_searchBuffer + _searchLen - maxShow) : _searchBuffer);
+          display.print(searchDisp);
+        } else {
+          display.print("Search: [DuckDuckGo Lite]");
+        }
+      }
+      y += searchBarH;
+      itemIdx++;
+    }
+
     // Bookmarks section
     if (_bookmarks.size() > 0) {
       // Section header
@@ -2946,7 +3021,11 @@ private:
           int contentW = display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0);
           if (selected) {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+            display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, itemH);
+#else
             display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, itemH);
+#endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -2994,7 +3073,11 @@ private:
           int contentW = display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0);
           if (selected) {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+            display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, itemH);
+#else
             display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, itemH);
+#endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -3056,15 +3139,57 @@ private:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
     if (_urlEditing) {
       display.print("Type URL  Ent:Go");
+    } else if (_searchEditing) {
+      display.print("Type query Ent:Search");
     } else {
       char footerBuf[48];
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      bool onBookmark = (_homeSelected >= 3 && _homeSelected < 3 + (int)_bookmarks.size());
+      bool onUrl = (_homeSelected == 1);
+      bool onSearch = (_homeSelected == 2);
+      if (onUrl)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Tap: Enter URL  Hold: Back");
+      else if (onSearch)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Tap: Search  Hold: Back");
+      else if (onBookmark)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Swipe: Navigate  Tap: Open  Hold: Delete");
+      else
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Swipe: Navigate  Tap: Open  Hold: Exit");
+#else
       bool hasData = (_cookieCount > 0 || !_history.empty());
-      if (hasData)
-        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Q:Bk W/S Ent:Go X:Clr");
+      bool onBookmark = (_homeSelected >= 3 && _homeSelected < 3 + (int)_bookmarks.size());
+      if (onBookmark && hasData)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Ent:Go Del:Del Bkmk X:Clr Ckies");
+      else if (onBookmark)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Q:Bk Ent:Go Del:Del Bkmk");
+      else if (hasData)
+        snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Q:Bk W/S Ent:Go X:Clr Ckies");
       else
         snprintf(footerBuf, sizeof(footerBuf), "Q:Bk W/S:Nav Ent:Go");
+#endif
       display.print(footerBuf);
     }
+
+    // Toast notification overlay (for bookmark deleted, etc.)
+    if (_toastMsg[0] && (millis() - _toastTime < 1500)) {
+      display.setTextSize(1);
+      int tw = display.getTextWidth(_toastMsg);
+      int bw = tw + 16;
+      int bh = 20;
+      int bx = (display.width() - bw) / 2;
+      int by = (display.height() - bh) / 2;
+      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+      display.fillRect(bx, by, bw, bh);
+      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+      display.drawRect(bx, by, bw, 1);
+      display.drawRect(bx, by + bh - 1, bw, 1);
+      display.drawRect(bx, by, 1, bh);
+      display.drawRect(bx + bw - 1, by, 1, bh);
+      display.setCursor(bx + 8, by + 5);
+      display.print(_toastMsg);
+    } else if (_toastMsg[0]) {
+      _toastMsg[0] = '\0';
+    }
   }
 
   void renderFetching(DisplayDriver& display) {
@@ -3073,17 +3198,27 @@ private:
     display.setCursor(10, 20);
     display.print("Loading...");
 
-    display.setTextSize(1);
+    display.setTextSize(0);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-    display.setCursor(10, 45);
 
-    // Show truncated URL
-    char urlDisp[40];
-    strncpy(urlDisp, _urlBuffer, 38);
-    urlDisp[38] = '\0';
-    display.print(urlDisp);
+    // Word-wrap the URL across multiple lines
+    int urlLen = strlen(_urlBuffer);
+    int y = 45;
+    int off = 0;
+    int maxChars = _charsPerLine > 2 ? _charsPerLine - 2 : 30;  // small margin
+    while (off < urlLen && y < 85) {
+      int lineLen = urlLen - off;
+      if (lineLen > maxChars) lineLen = maxChars;
+      char lineBuf[128];
+      snprintf(lineBuf, sizeof(lineBuf), "%.*s", lineLen, _urlBuffer + off);
+      display.setCursor(10, y);
+      display.print(lineBuf);
+      off += lineLen;
+      y += 8;
+    }
 
-    display.setCursor(10, 60);
+    display.setCursor(10, y + 4);
+    display.setTextSize(1);
     char progBuf[48];
     int elapsed = (int)((millis() - _fetchStartTime) / 1000);
     if (_fetchRetryCount > 0) {
@@ -3130,9 +3265,13 @@ private:
 
       display.setCursor(0, y + 6);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap: Open in Reader");
+#else
       display.print("Ent: Open in Reader");
       display.setCursor(0, y + 16);
       display.print("Q:   Back to browser");
+#endif
     } else {
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       display.print("Download Failed");
@@ -3147,7 +3286,11 @@ private:
 
       display.setCursor(0, 56);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap: Back to browser");
+#else
       display.print("Q: Back to browser");
+#endif
     }
 
     // Footer
@@ -3156,7 +3299,11 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print(_downloadOk ? "Tap: Open in Reader" : "Tap: Back");
+#else
     display.print(_downloadOk ? "Ent:Read  Q:Back" : "Q:Back");
+#endif
   }
 
   void renderReading(DisplayDriver& display) {
@@ -3284,6 +3431,13 @@ private:
     if (_linkInputActive) {
       snprintf(linkBuf, sizeof(linkBuf), "#%d_ Ent:Go", _linkInput);
       hint = linkBuf;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    } else if (_linkCount > 0) {
+      hint = "Tap: Page | Tap Footer Bar: Enter Link # | Hold: Back";
+    } else {
+      hint = "Tap: Page  Hold: Back";
+    }
+#else
     } else if (_formCount > 0 && _linkCount > 0) {
       hint = "L:Lnk F:Frm B:Bk Q:X";
     } else if (_formCount > 0) {
@@ -3293,6 +3447,7 @@ private:
     } else {
       hint = "B:Bk Q:X";
     }
+#endif
     display.setCursor(display.width() - display.getTextWidth(hint) - 2, footerY);
     display.print(hint);
 
@@ -3409,7 +3564,7 @@ private:
   }
 
   bool handleHomeInput(char c) {
-    int totalItems = 2 + _bookmarks.size() + _history.size(); // IRC + URL + bookmarks + history
+    int totalItems = 3 + _bookmarks.size() + _history.size(); // IRC + URL + Search + bookmarks + history
 
     if (_urlEditing) {
       // URL text entry mode
@@ -3464,6 +3619,67 @@ private:
       return true; // Consume all keys in editing mode
     }
 
+    // Search text entry mode
+    if (_searchEditing) {
+      if (c == '\r' || c == 13) {
+        if (_searchLen > 0) {
+          _searchEditing = false;
+          // Build DuckDuckGo Lite search URL
+          // URL-encode the query: spaces become +, special chars become %XX
+          char encoded[256];
+          int ei = 0;
+          for (int i = 0; i < _searchLen && ei < (int)sizeof(encoded) - 4; i++) {
+            char ch = _searchBuffer[i];
+            if (ch == ' ') {
+              encoded[ei++] = '+';
+            } else if ((ch >= 'a' && ch <= 'z') || (ch >= 'A' && ch <= 'Z') ||
+                       (ch >= '0' && ch <= '9') || ch == '-' || ch == '_' || ch == '.' || ch == '~') {
+              encoded[ei++] = ch;
+            } else {
+              if (ei < (int)sizeof(encoded) - 4) {
+                snprintf(encoded + ei, 4, "%%%02X", (unsigned char)ch);
+                ei += 3;
+              }
+            }
+          }
+          encoded[ei] = '\0';
+          snprintf(_urlBuffer, WEB_MAX_URL_LEN, "https://html.duckduckgo.com/lite/?q=%s", encoded);
+          _urlLen = strlen(_urlBuffer);
+          if (!isNetworkAvailable()) {
+            _mode = WIFI_SETUP;
+            if (!loadAndAutoConnect()) {
+              startWifiScan();
+            } else {
+              fetchWithSelfRef(_urlBuffer);
+            }
+          } else {
+            fetchWithSelfRef(_urlBuffer);
+          }
+        }
+        return true;
+      }
+      if (c == '\b' || c == 127) {
+        if (_searchLen > 0) {
+          _searchBuffer[--_searchLen] = '\0';
+        }
+        return true;
+      }
+      if (c == 'q' && _searchLen == 0) {
+        _searchEditing = false;
+        return true;
+      }
+      if (c == 0x1B) { // ESC
+        _searchEditing = false;
+        return true;
+      }
+      if (c >= 32 && c < 127 && _searchLen < (int)sizeof(_searchBuffer) - 1) {
+        _searchBuffer[_searchLen++] = c;
+        _searchBuffer[_searchLen] = '\0';
+        return true;
+      }
+      return true; // Consume all keys in search editing mode
+    }
+
     // Normal navigation
     if (c == 'w' || c == 'W' || c == 0xF2) {
       if (_homeSelected > 0) _homeSelected--;
@@ -3494,9 +3710,14 @@ private:
         _urlEditing = true;
         return true;
       }
-      // Bookmark or history item selected (offset by 2 for IRC + URL)
+      if (_homeSelected == 2) {
+        // Activate search editing
+        _searchEditing = true;
+        return true;
+      }
+      // Bookmark or history item selected (offset by 3 for IRC + URL + Search)
       const char* selectedUrl = nullptr;
-      int bmIdx = _homeSelected - 2;
+      int bmIdx = _homeSelected - 3;
       if (bmIdx < (int)_bookmarks.size()) {
         selectedUrl = _bookmarks[bmIdx].c_str();
       } else {
@@ -3522,6 +3743,25 @@ private:
       return true;
     }
 
+    // Delete/Backspace - remove selected bookmark
+    if (c == '\b' || c == 127) {
+      int bmIdx = _homeSelected - 3;
+      if (bmIdx >= 0 && bmIdx < (int)_bookmarks.size()) {
+        _bookmarks.erase(_bookmarks.begin() + bmIdx);
+        saveBookmarks();
+        // Adjust selection if we deleted the last item
+        int newTotal = 3 + _bookmarks.size() + _history.size();
+        if (_homeSelected >= newTotal && _homeSelected > 0) {
+          _homeSelected--;
+        }
+        strncpy(_toastMsg, "Bookmark deleted", sizeof(_toastMsg));
+        _toastTime = millis();
+        Serial.printf("WebReader: Deleted bookmark %d\n", bmIdx);
+        return true;
+      }
+      return false;
+    }
+
     // X - clear all cookies
     if (c == 'x' || c == 'X') {
       bool hadData = (_cookieCount > 0 || !_history.empty());
@@ -3734,7 +3974,11 @@ private:
       // Field value
       if (isActive) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), 9);
+#else
         display.fillRect(0, y + 4, display.width(), 9);
+#endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -3804,10 +4048,14 @@ private:
       display.print("Type text  Ent:Next Q:Undo");
     } else {
       const char* hint;
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      hint = "Swipe: Navigate  Tap: Edit  Hold: Back";
+#else
       if (_formCount > 1)
         hint = "W/S:Nav Ent:Edit </>:Form Q:Back";
       else
         hint = "W/S:Nav Ent:Edit/Go Q:Back";
+#endif
       display.print(hint);
     }
   }
@@ -4428,7 +4676,11 @@ private:
       bool sel = (_ircSetupField == i);
       if (sel) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+        display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineH);
+#else
         display.fillRect(0, y + 4, display.width(), lineH);
+#endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -4476,7 +4728,11 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, footerY - 2, display.width(), 1);
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.print("Swipe: Navigate  Tap: Edit  Hold: Back");
+#else
     display.print("W/S:Nav Ent:Edit/Go Q:Back");
+#endif
   }
 
   bool handleIRCSetupInput(char c) {
@@ -4606,11 +4862,19 @@ private:
       display.setTextSize(1);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap: Send  Hold: Exit");
+#else
       display.print("Ent:Send Del:Exit");
+#endif
     } else {
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       display.setCursor(0, footerY);
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+      display.print("Tap: Compose  Swipe: Scroll  Hold: Back");
+#else
       display.print("Ent:Msg W/S:Scrl Q:Bk");
+#endif
     }
 
     // Message area
@@ -4809,6 +5073,7 @@ public:
       _textBuffer(nullptr), _textLen(0), _links(nullptr), _linkCount(0),
       _currentPage(0), _totalPages(0),
       _homeSelected(0), _homeScrollY(0), _urlEditing(false),
+      _searchEditing(false), _searchLen(0),
       _linkInput(0), _linkInputActive(false),
       _formCount(0), _forms(nullptr), _activeForm(-1), _activeField(0),
       _formFieldEditing(false), _formEditLen(0), _formLastCharAt(0),
@@ -4825,6 +5090,7 @@ public:
       _ircLastDataTime(0), _ircReconnectAt(0),
       _ircDirty(false), _ircLastRender(0) {
     _urlBuffer[0] = '\0';
+    _searchBuffer[0] = '\0';
     _wifiPass[0] = '\0';
     _pageTitle[0] = '\0';
     _currentUrl[0] = '\0';
@@ -4860,6 +5126,7 @@ public:
   // Called when entering the web reader screen
   void enter(DisplayDriver& display) {
     _display = &display;
+    _fetchError = "";  // Clear stale errors from previous session
     initLayout(display);
     loadBookmarks();
     loadHistory();
@@ -4969,6 +5236,7 @@ public:
     _homeSelected = 0;
     _homeScrollY = 0;
     _urlEditing = false;
+    _searchEditing = false;
 
     Serial.printf("WebReader: exitReader - heap after: %d, largest: %d\n",
                   ESP.getFreeHeap(), ESP.getMaxAllocHeap());
@@ -4987,13 +5255,40 @@ public:
     return _mode == FORM_FILL && _formFieldEditing;
   }
   bool isSearchEditing() const {
-    return false;  // TODO: page text search not yet implemented
+    return _searchEditing && _mode == HOME;
   }
   bool isIRCMode() const { return _mode == IRC_CHAT || _mode == IRC_SETUP; }
   bool isIRCTextEntry() const {
     return (_mode == IRC_CHAT && _ircComposing) ||
            (_mode == IRC_SETUP && _ircSetupEditing);
   }
+
+  // ---- Accessors for T5S3 touch mapping and VKB integration ----
+  int getHomeSelected() const { return _homeSelected; }
+  int getLinkCount() const { return _linkCount; }
+  int getBookmarkCount() const { return (int)_bookmarks.size(); }
+  const char* getUrlText() const { return _urlBuffer; }
+
+  // Set URL text and activate editing mode (for VKB submit)
+  void setUrlText(const char* text) {
+    strncpy(_urlBuffer, text, WEB_MAX_URL_LEN - 1);
+    _urlBuffer[WEB_MAX_URL_LEN - 1] = '\0';
+    _urlLen = strlen(_urlBuffer);
+    _urlEditing = true;
+  }
+  // Set search text and activate editing mode (for VKB submit)
+  void setSearchText(const char* text) {
+    strncpy(_searchBuffer, text, sizeof(_searchBuffer) - 1);
+    _searchBuffer[sizeof(_searchBuffer) - 1] = '\0';
+    _searchLen = strlen(_searchBuffer);
+    _searchEditing = true;
+  }
+  // Set WiFi password text (for VKB submit)
+  void setWifiPassText(const char* text) {
+    strncpy(_wifiPass, text, WEB_WIFI_PASS_LEN - 1);
+    _wifiPass[WEB_WIFI_PASS_LEN - 1] = '\0';
+    _wifiPassLen = strlen(_wifiPass);
+  }
   // Returns true if a password reveal is active and needs a refresh after expiry
   bool needsRevealRefresh() const {
     if (_formLastCharAt > 0 && (millis() - _formLastCharAt) < 900) {

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/homeicons.h

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+#pragma once
+// =============================================================================
+// HomeIcons — 12x12 icon sprites for T5S3 home screen tiles
+// MSB-first, 2 bytes per row (same format as emoji sprites)
+// =============================================================================
+
+#include <stdint.h>
+#ifdef ESP32
+#include <pgmspace.h>
+#endif
+
+#define HOME_ICON_W 12
+#define HOME_ICON_H 12
+
+// ✉️ Envelope (Messages)
+static const uint8_t icon_envelope[] PROGMEM = {
+  0xFF,0xF0, 0x80,0x10, 0xC0,0x30, 0xA0,0x50, 0x90,0x90, 0x89,0x10,
+  0x86,0x10, 0x80,0x10, 0x80,0x10, 0x80,0x10, 0x80,0x10, 0xFF,0xF0,
+};
+
+// 👥 People (Contacts)
+static const uint8_t icon_people[] PROGMEM = {
+  0x31,0x80, 0x7B,0xC0, 0x7B,0xC0, 0x31,0x80, 0x00,0x00, 0x7B,0xC0,
+  0xFD,0xE0, 0xFD,0xE0, 0x7B,0xC0, 0x00,0x00, 0x00,0x00, 0x00,0x00,
+};
+
+// 🎚 Sliders (Settings)
+static const uint8_t icon_gear[] PROGMEM = {
+  0x22,0x20, 0x22,0x20, 0x72,0x70, 0x72,0x70, 0x27,0x20, 0x27,0x20,
+  0x22,0x20, 0x72,0x20, 0x72,0x70, 0x22,0x70, 0x22,0x20, 0x22,0x20,
+};
+
+// 📖 Book (Reader)
+static const uint8_t icon_book[] PROGMEM = {
+  0x7F,0xC0, 0x41,0x40, 0x5D,0x40, 0x5D,0x40, 0x41,0x40, 0x5D,0x40,
+  0x5D,0x40, 0x41,0x40, 0x5D,0x40, 0x41,0x40, 0x7F,0xC0, 0x00,0x00,
+};
+
+// 🗒 Notepad (Notes)
+static const uint8_t icon_notepad[] PROGMEM = {
+  0x3F,0xC0, 0x20,0x40, 0x2F,0x40, 0x20,0x40, 0x2F,0x40, 0x20,0x40,
+  0x2F,0x40, 0x20,0x40, 0x2F,0x40, 0x20,0x40, 0x3F,0xC0, 0x00,0x00,
+};
+
+// 🔍 Magnifying glass (Discover)
+static const uint8_t icon_search[] PROGMEM = {
+  0x3C,0x00, 0x42,0x00, 0x81,0x00, 0x81,0x00, 0x81,0x00, 0x42,0x00,
+  0x3C,0x00, 0x03,0x00, 0x01,0x80, 0x00,0xC0, 0x00,0x40, 0x00,0x00,
+};

examples/companion_radio/ui-new/virtualkeyboard.h

@@ -0,0 +1,365 @@
+#pragma once
+// =============================================================================
+// VirtualKeyboard — On-screen QWERTY keyboard for T5S3 (touch-only devices)
+//
+// Renders in virtual coordinate space (128×128). Touch hit testing converts
+// physical GT911 coords (960×540) to virtual coords.
+//
+// Usage:
+//   keyboard.open("To: General", "", 137);  // label, initial text, max len
+//   keyboard.render(display);                // in render loop
+//   keyboard.handleTap(vx, vy);              // on touch tap (virtual coords)
+//   if (keyboard.status() == VKB_SUBMITTED) { ... keyboard.getText() ... }
+// =============================================================================
+
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+#ifndef VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD_H
+#define VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD_H
+
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include <helpers/ui/DisplayDriver.h>
+
+enum VKBStatus { VKB_EDITING, VKB_SUBMITTED, VKB_CANCELLED };
+
+// What the keyboard is being used for (dispatch on submit)
+enum VKBPurpose {
+  VKB_CHANNEL_MSG,    // Send to channel
+  VKB_DM,             // Direct message to contact
+  VKB_ADMIN_PASSWORD, // Repeater admin login
+  VKB_ADMIN_CLI,      // Repeater admin CLI command
+  VKB_NOTES,          // Insert text into notes
+  VKB_SETTINGS_NAME,  // Edit node name
+  VKB_SETTINGS_TEXT,  // Generic settings text edit (channel name, freq, APN)
+  VKB_WIFI_PASSWORD,  // WiFi password entry (settings screen)
+#ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
+  VKB_WEB_URL,        // Web reader URL entry
+  VKB_WEB_SEARCH,     // Web reader DuckDuckGo search query
+  VKB_WEB_WIFI_PASS,  // Web reader WiFi password
+  VKB_WEB_LINK,       // Web reader link number entry
+#endif
+  VKB_TEXT_PAGE,       // Text reader: go to page number
+};
+
+class VirtualKeyboard {
+public:
+  static const int MAX_TEXT = 140;
+
+  VirtualKeyboard() : _status(VKB_CANCELLED), _purpose(VKB_CHANNEL_MSG),
+                      _contextIdx(0), _textLen(0), _shifted(false), _symbols(false) {
+    _text[0] = '\0';
+    _label[0] = '\0';
+  }
+
+  void open(VKBPurpose purpose, const char* label, const char* initial, int maxLen, int contextIdx = 0) {
+    _purpose = purpose;
+    _contextIdx = contextIdx;
+    _status = VKB_EDITING;
+    _shifted = false;
+    _symbols = false;
+    _maxLen = (maxLen > 0 && maxLen < MAX_TEXT) ? maxLen : MAX_TEXT;
+
+    strncpy(_label, label, sizeof(_label) - 1);
+    _label[sizeof(_label) - 1] = '\0';
+
+    if (initial && initial[0]) {
+      strncpy(_text, initial, _maxLen);
+      _text[_maxLen] = '\0';
+      _textLen = strlen(_text);
+    } else {
+      _text[0] = '\0';
+      _textLen = 0;
+    }
+  }
+
+  VKBStatus status() const { return _status; }
+  VKBPurpose purpose() const { return _purpose; }
+  int contextIdx() const { return _contextIdx; }
+  const char* getText() const { return _text; }
+  int getTextLen() const { return _textLen; }
+  bool isActive() const { return _status == VKB_EDITING; }
+
+  // --- Render keyboard + input field ---
+  void render(DisplayDriver& display) {
+    // Header label (To: channel, DM: name, etc.)
+    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+    display.setCursor(2, 0);
+    display.print(_label);
+
+    // Input text field
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+    display.drawRect(0, 10, 128, 18);  // Border
+
+    display.setCursor(2, 12);
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+
+    // Show text with cursor
+    char dispBuf[MAX_TEXT + 2];
+    snprintf(dispBuf, sizeof(dispBuf), "%s_", _text);
+    display.print(dispBuf);
+
+    // Character count
+    {
+      char countBuf[12];
+      snprintf(countBuf, sizeof(countBuf), "%d/%d", _textLen, _maxLen);
+      int cw = display.getTextWidth(countBuf);
+      display.setCursor(128 - cw - 2, 0);
+      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+      display.print(countBuf);
+    }
+
+    // Separator
+    display.drawRect(0, 30, 128, 1);
+
+    // --- Draw keyboard rows ---
+    const char* const* layout = getLayout();
+
+    for (int row = 0; row < 3; row++) {
+      int numKeys = strlen(layout[row]);
+      int rowY = KEY_START_Y + row * (KEY_H + KEY_GAP);
+
+      // Calculate key width and starting X for this row
+      int totalW = numKeys * KEY_W + (numKeys - 1) * KEY_GAP;
+      int startX = (128 - totalW) / 2;
+
+      for (int k = 0; k < numKeys; k++) {
+        int kx = startX + k * (KEY_W + KEY_GAP);
+        char ch = layout[row][k];
+
+        // Draw key background (inverted for special keys)
+        bool special = (ch == '<' || ch == '^' || ch == '~' || ch == '>' || ch == '\x01');
+        if (special) {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+          display.fillRect(kx, rowY + 1, KEY_W, KEY_H - 1);
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+        } else {
+          display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+          display.drawRect(kx, rowY + 1, KEY_W, KEY_H - 1);
+        }
+
+        // Draw key label
+        char keyLabel[2] = { ch, '\0' };
+        // Remap special chars to display labels
+        if (ch == '<') keyLabel[0] = '<';   // Backspace
+        if (ch == '^') keyLabel[0] = '^';   // Shift
+        if (ch == '>') keyLabel[0] = '>';   // Enter
+
+        if (ch == '~') {
+          // Space key — don't draw individual label
+        } else if (ch == '\x01') {
+          // Symbol toggle in row — show "ab" hint
+          int lx = kx + KEY_W / 2 - display.getTextWidth("ab") / 2;
+          display.setCursor(lx, rowY + 2);
+          display.print("ab");
+        } else {
+          int lx = kx + KEY_W / 2 - display.getTextWidth(keyLabel) / 2;
+          display.setCursor(lx, rowY + 2);
+          display.print(keyLabel);
+        }
+
+        // Restore color
+        display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Draw row 4 with variable-width keys
+    int r4y = KEY_START_Y + 3 * (KEY_H + KEY_GAP);
+    drawRow4(display, r4y);
+
+    // Shift/symbol indicator
+    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+    if (_shifted) {
+      display.setCursor(2, 126);
+      display.print("SHIFT");
+    } else if (_symbols) {
+      display.setCursor(2, 126);
+      display.print("123");
+    }
+  }
+
+  // --- Handle touch tap (virtual coordinates) ---
+  // Returns true if the tap was consumed
+  bool handleTap(int vx, int vy) {
+    if (_status != VKB_EDITING) return false;
+
+    // Check keyboard rows 0-2
+    const char* const* layout = getLayout();
+
+    for (int row = 0; row < 3; row++) {
+      int numKeys = strlen(layout[row]);
+      int rowY = KEY_START_Y + row * (KEY_H + KEY_GAP);
+      if (vy < rowY || vy >= rowY + KEY_H) continue;
+
+      int totalW = numKeys * KEY_W + (numKeys - 1) * KEY_GAP;
+      int startX = (128 - totalW) / 2;
+
+      for (int k = 0; k < numKeys; k++) {
+        int kx = startX + k * (KEY_W + KEY_GAP);
+        if (vx >= kx && vx < kx + KEY_W) {
+          char ch = layout[row][k];
+          processKey(ch);
+          return true;
+        }
+      }
+      return true;  // Tap was in row area but between keys — consume
+    }
+
+    // Check row 4 (variable width keys)
+    int r4y = KEY_START_Y + 3 * (KEY_H + KEY_GAP);
+    if (vy >= r4y && vy < r4y + KEY_H) {
+      return handleRow4Tap(vx);
+    }
+
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  // Swipe up on keyboard = cancel
+  void cancel() { _status = VKB_CANCELLED; }
+
+  // --- Feed a raw ASCII character from an external physical keyboard ---
+  // Maps standard ASCII control chars to internal VKB actions.
+  // Returns true if the character was consumed.
+#ifdef MECK_CARDKB
+  bool feedChar(char c) {
+    if (_status != VKB_EDITING) return false;
+    switch (c) {
+      case '\r':   processKey('>');  return true;  // Enter → submit
+      case '\b':   processKey('<');  return true;  // Backspace
+      case 0x7F:   processKey('<');  return true;  // Delete → backspace
+      case 0x1B:   _status = VKB_CANCELLED; return true;  // ESC → cancel
+      case ' ':    processKey('~');  return true;  // Space
+      default:
+        // Printable ASCII → insert directly
+        if (c >= 0x20 && c <= 0x7E) {
+          if (_textLen < _maxLen) {
+            _text[_textLen++] = c;
+            _text[_textLen] = '\0';
+          }
+          return true;
+        }
+        return false;  // Non-printable / nav keys — not consumed
+    }
+  }
+#endif
+
+private:
+  VKBStatus _status;
+  VKBPurpose _purpose;
+  int _contextIdx;
+  char _text[MAX_TEXT + 1];
+  int _textLen;
+  int _maxLen;
+  char _label[40];
+  bool _shifted;
+  bool _symbols;
+
+  // Layout constants (virtual coords)
+  static const int KEY_W = 11;
+  static const int KEY_H = 19;
+  static const int KEY_GAP = 1;
+  static const int KEY_START_Y = 34;
+
+  // Key layouts — rows 0-2 as char arrays
+  // Special: ^ = shift, < = backspace, # = symbols, > = enter, ~ = space
+  const char* const* getLayout() const {
+    static const char* const lower[3] = { "qwertyuiop", "asdfghjkl", "^zxcvbnm<" };
+    static const char* const upper[3] = { "QWERTYUIOP", "ASDFGHJKL", "^ZXCVBNM<" };
+    static const char* const syms[3]  = { "1234567890", "-/:;()@$&#", "\x01.,?!'\"_<" };
+    return _symbols ? syms : (_shifted ? upper : lower);
+  }
+
+  // Row 4: variable-width keys [#/ABC] [,] [SPACE] [.] [Enter]
+  // Defined by physical zones, not the char-array approach
+  struct R4Key { int x; int w; char ch; const char* label; };
+
+  void drawRow4(DisplayDriver& display, int y) {
+    // # or ABC toggle: x=4, w=20
+    // comma: x=26, w=11
+    // space: x=39, w=50
+    // period: x=91, w=11
+    // enter: x=104, w=20
+    const R4Key keys[] = {
+      { 4,  20, '\x01', _symbols ? "ABC" : "123" },
+      { 26, 11, ',', "," },
+      { 39, 50, '~', "space" },
+      { 91, 11, '.', "." },
+      { 104, 20, '>', "Send" }
+    };
+
+    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
+      bool special = (keys[i].ch == '\x01' || keys[i].ch == '>');
+      if (special) {
+        display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+        display.fillRect(keys[i].x, y + 1, keys[i].w, KEY_H - 1);
+        display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
+      } else {
+        display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+        display.drawRect(keys[i].x, y + 1, keys[i].w, KEY_H - 1);
+      }
+
+      // Center label in key
+      display.setTextSize(0);
+      int lw = display.getTextWidth(keys[i].label);
+      int lx = keys[i].x + (keys[i].w - lw) / 2;
+      display.setCursor(lx, y + 2);
+      display.print(keys[i].label);
+      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
+    }
+  }
+
+  bool handleRow4Tap(int vx) {
+    const R4Key keys[] = {
+      { 4,  20, '\x01', nullptr },
+      { 26, 11, ',', nullptr },
+      { 39, 50, '~', nullptr },
+      { 91, 11, '.', nullptr },
+      { 104, 20, '>', nullptr }
+    };
+    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
+      if (vx >= keys[i].x && vx < keys[i].x + keys[i].w) {
+        processKey(keys[i].ch);
+        return true;
+      }
+    }
+    return true;  // Consume tap in row area
+  }
+
+  void processKey(char ch) {
+    if (ch == '^') {
+      // Shift toggle
+      _shifted = !_shifted;
+      _symbols = false;
+    } else if (ch == '\x01') {
+      // Symbol/letter toggle
+      _symbols = !_symbols;
+      _shifted = false;
+    } else if (ch == '<') {
+      // Backspace
+      if (_textLen > 0) {
+        _textLen--;
+        _text[_textLen] = '\0';
+      }
+    } else if (ch == '>') {
+      // Enter/Send
+      _status = VKB_SUBMITTED;
+    } else if (ch == '~') {
+      // Space
+      if (_textLen < _maxLen) {
+        _text[_textLen++] = ' ';
+        _text[_textLen] = '\0';
+      }
+    } else {
+      // Regular character
+      if (_textLen < _maxLen) {
+        _text[_textLen++] = ch;
+        _text[_textLen] = '\0';
+        // Auto-unshift after typing one character
+        if (_shifted) _shifted = false;
+      }
+    }
+  }
+};
+
+#endif // VIRTUAL_KEYBOARD_H
+#endif // LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro

merge_firmware.py

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+"""
+PlatformIO post-build script: merge bootloader + partitions + firmware
+into a single flashable binary.
+
+Output: .pio/build/<env>/firmware_merged.bin
+Flash:  esptool.py --chip esp32s3 write_flash 0x0 firmware_merged.bin
+
+Place this file in the project root alongside platformio.ini.
+Add to each environment (or the base section):
+  extra_scripts = post:merge_firmware.py
+"""
+
+Import("env")
+
+def merge_bin(source, target, env):
+    import subprocess, os
+
+    build_dir = env.subst("$BUILD_DIR")
+    env_name = env.subst("$PIOENV")
+
+    bootloader = os.path.join(build_dir, "bootloader.bin")
+    partitions = os.path.join(build_dir, "partitions.bin")
+    firmware   = os.path.join(build_dir, "firmware.bin")
+    output     = os.path.join(build_dir, "firmware-merged.bin")
+
+    # Verify all inputs exist
+    for f in [bootloader, partitions, firmware]:
+        if not os.path.isfile(f):
+            print(f"[merge] WARNING: {f} not found, skipping merge")
+            return
+
+    # Read flash settings from board config
+    flash_mode = env.BoardConfig().get("build.flash_mode", "qio")
+    flash_freq = env.BoardConfig().get("build.f_flash", "80000000L").rstrip("L")
+    flash_size = env.BoardConfig().get("upload.flash_size", "16MB")
+    mcu = env.BoardConfig().get("build.mcu", "esp32s3")
+
+    # Convert numeric frequency to esptool format
+    freq_map = {"80000000": "80m", "40000000": "40m", "26000000": "26m", "20000000": "20m"}
+    flash_freq_str = freq_map.get(flash_freq, "80m")
+
+    cmd = [
+        env.subst("$PYTHONEXE"), "-m", "esptool",
+        "--chip", mcu,
+        "merge_bin",
+        "-o", output,
+        "--flash_mode", flash_mode,
+        "--flash_freq", flash_freq_str,
+        "--flash_size", flash_size,
+        "0x0",     bootloader,
+        "0x8000",  partitions,
+        "0x10000", firmware,
+    ]
+
+    print(f"\n[merge] Creating merged firmware for {env_name}...")
+    print(f"[merge] {' '.join(cmd[-6:])}")
+
+    result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
+    if result.returncode == 0:
+        size_kb = os.path.getsize(output) / 1024
+        print(f"[merge] OK: {output} ({size_kb:.0f} KB)")
+    else:
+        print(f"[merge] FAILED: {result.stderr}")
+
+env.AddPostAction("$BUILD_DIR/firmware.bin", merge_bin)

platformio.ini

@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ build_src_filter =
 [esp32_base]
 extends = arduino_base
 platform = platformio/espressif32@6.11.0
-monitor_filters = esp32_exception_decoder
+monitor_filters = esp32_exception_decoder, clock_sync
 extra_scripts = merge-bin.py
 build_flags = ${arduino_base.build_flags}
   -D ESP32_PLATFORM

src/Dispatcher.cpp

@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ void Dispatcher::loop() {
       next_tx_time = futureMillis(t * getAirtimeBudgetFactor());
 
       _radio->onSendFinished();
-      logTx(outbound, 2 + outbound->path_len + outbound->payload_len);
+      logTx(outbound, 2 + outbound->getPathByteLen() + outbound->payload_len);
       if (outbound->isRouteFlood()) {
         n_sent_flood++;
       } else {
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ void Dispatcher::loop() {
       MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Dispatcher::loop(): WARNING: outbound packed send timed out!", getLogDateTime());
 
       _radio->onSendFinished();
-      logTxFail(outbound, 2 + outbound->path_len + outbound->payload_len);
+      logTxFail(outbound, 2 + outbound->getPathByteLen() + outbound->payload_len);
 
       releasePacket(outbound);  // return to pool
       outbound = NULL;
@@ -141,12 +141,13 @@ void Dispatcher::checkRecv() {
         }
         pkt->path_len = raw[i++];
 
-        if (pkt->path_len > MAX_PATH_SIZE || i + pkt->path_len > len) {
+        uint16_t path_byte_len = pkt->getPathByteLen();
+        if (path_byte_len > MAX_PATH_SIZE || i + path_byte_len > len) {
           MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Dispatcher::checkRecv(): partial or corrupt packet received, len=%d", getLogDateTime(), len);
           _mgr->free(pkt);  // put back into pool
           pkt = NULL;
         } else {
-          memcpy(pkt->path, &raw[i], pkt->path_len); i += pkt->path_len;
+          memcpy(pkt->path, &raw[i], path_byte_len); i += path_byte_len;
 
           pkt->payload_len = len - i;  // payload is remainder
           if (pkt->payload_len > sizeof(pkt->payload)) {
@@ -258,7 +259,8 @@ void Dispatcher::checkSend() {
       memcpy(&raw[len], &outbound->transport_codes[1], 2); len += 2;
     }
     raw[len++] = outbound->path_len;
-    memcpy(&raw[len], outbound->path, outbound->path_len); len += outbound->path_len;
+    uint16_t out_pbl = outbound->getPathByteLen();
+    memcpy(&raw[len], outbound->path, out_pbl); len += out_pbl;
 
     if (len + outbound->payload_len > MAX_TRANS_UNIT) {
       MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Dispatcher::checkSend(): FATAL: Invalid packet queued... too long, len=%d", getLogDateTime(), len + outbound->payload_len);
@@ -312,8 +314,8 @@ void Dispatcher::releasePacket(Packet* packet) {
 }
 
 void Dispatcher::sendPacket(Packet* packet, uint8_t priority, uint32_t delay_millis) {
-  if (packet->path_len > MAX_PATH_SIZE || packet->payload_len > MAX_PACKET_PAYLOAD) {
-    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Dispatcher::sendPacket(): ERROR: invalid packet... path_len=%d, payload_len=%d", getLogDateTime(), (uint32_t) packet->path_len, (uint32_t) packet->payload_len);
+  if (packet->getPathByteLen() > MAX_PATH_SIZE || packet->payload_len > MAX_PACKET_PAYLOAD) {
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Dispatcher::sendPacket(): ERROR: invalid packet... path_len=%d (byte_len=%d), payload_len=%d", getLogDateTime(), (uint32_t) packet->path_len, (uint32_t) packet->getPathByteLen(), (uint32_t) packet->payload_len);
     _mgr->free(packet);
   } else {
     _mgr->queueOutbound(packet, priority, futureMillis(delay_millis));

src/Identity.h

@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@ public:
     memcpy(dest, pub_key, PATH_HASH_SIZE);    // hash is just prefix of pub_key
     return PATH_HASH_SIZE;
   }
+  int copyHashTo(uint8_t* dest, uint8_t len) const {
+    memcpy(dest, pub_key, len);
+    return len;
+  }
   bool isHashMatch(const uint8_t* hash) const {
     return memcmp(hash, pub_key, PATH_HASH_SIZE) == 0;
   }
@@ -90,5 +94,4 @@ public:
   void readFrom(const uint8_t* src, size_t len);
 };
 
-}
-
+}

src/Mesh.cpp

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ bool Mesh::allowPacketForward(const mesh::Packet* packet) {
   return false;  // by default, Transport NOT enabled
 }
 uint32_t Mesh::getRetransmitDelay(const mesh::Packet* packet) { 
-  uint32_t t = (_radio->getEstAirtimeFor(packet->getRawLength()) * 52 / 50) / 2;
+  uint32_t t = (uint32_t)(_radio->getEstAirtimeFor(packet->getPathByteLen() + packet->payload_len + 2) * 0.5f);
 
   return _rng->nextInt(0, 5)*t;
 }
@@ -77,7 +77,9 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::onRecvPacket(Packet* pkt) {
     return ACTION_RELEASE;
   }
 
-  if (pkt->isRouteDirect() && pkt->path_len >= PATH_HASH_SIZE) {
+  if (pkt->isRouteDirect() && (pkt->path_len & 63) > 0) {
+    uint8_t dir_bph = (pkt->path_len >> 6) + 1;   // bytes per hop for this packet
+
     // check for 'early received' ACK
     if (pkt->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK) {
       int i = 0;
@@ -88,7 +90,7 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::onRecvPacket(Packet* pkt) {
       }
     }
 
-    if (self_id.isHashMatch(pkt->path) && allowPacketForward(pkt)) {
+    if (self_id.isHashMatch(pkt->path, dir_bph) && allowPacketForward(pkt)) {
       if (pkt->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_MULTIPART) {
         return forwardMultipartDirect(pkt);
       } else if (pkt->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK) {
@@ -158,7 +160,7 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::onRecvPacket(Packet* pkt) {
               if (pkt->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_PATH) {
                 int k = 0;
                 uint8_t path_len = data[k++];
-                uint8_t* path = &data[k]; k += path_len;
+                uint8_t* path = &data[k]; k += Packet::getPathByteLenFor(path_len);
                 uint8_t extra_type = data[k++] & 0x0F;   // upper 4 bits reserved for future use
                 uint8_t* extra = &data[k];
                 uint8_t extra_len = len - k;   // remainder of packet (may be padded with zeroes!)
@@ -293,8 +295,7 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::onRecvPacket(Packet* pkt) {
         if (type == PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK && pkt->payload_len >= 5) {    // a multipart ACK
           Packet tmp;
           tmp.header = pkt->header;
-          tmp.path_len = pkt->path_len;
-          memcpy(tmp.path, pkt->path, pkt->path_len);
+          tmp.path_len = Packet::copyPath(tmp.path, pkt->path, pkt->path_len);
           tmp.payload_len = pkt->payload_len - 1;
           memcpy(tmp.payload, &pkt->payload[1], tmp.payload_len);
 
@@ -320,28 +321,34 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::onRecvPacket(Packet* pkt) {
 }
 
 void Mesh::removeSelfFromPath(Packet* pkt) {
-  // remove our hash from 'path'
-  pkt->path_len -= PATH_HASH_SIZE;
-#if 0
-  memcpy(pkt->path, &pkt->path[PATH_HASH_SIZE], pkt->path_len);
-#elif PATH_HASH_SIZE == 1
-  for (int k = 0; k < pkt->path_len; k++) {  // shuffle bytes by 1
-    pkt->path[k] = pkt->path[k + 1];
-  }
-#else
-  #error "need path remove impl"
-#endif
+  uint8_t bph = (pkt->path_len >> 6) + 1;   // bytes per hop
+  uint8_t hops = pkt->path_len & 63;
+  if (hops == 0) return;
+
+  uint16_t new_byte_len = (hops - 1) * bph;
+  // remove first bph bytes (our hash) from path, shift remainder
+  memmove(pkt->path, &pkt->path[bph], new_byte_len);
+  // decrement hop count, preserve mode bits
+  pkt->path_len = (pkt->path_len & 0xC0) | ((hops - 1) & 63);
 }
 
 DispatcherAction Mesh::routeRecvPacket(Packet* packet) {
   if (packet->isRouteFlood() && !packet->isMarkedDoNotRetransmit()
-    && packet->path_len + PATH_HASH_SIZE <= MAX_PATH_SIZE && allowPacketForward(packet)) {
-    // append this node's hash to 'path'
-    packet->path_len += self_id.copyHashTo(&packet->path[packet->path_len]);
+    && allowPacketForward(packet)) {
+    uint8_t bph = (packet->path_len >> 6) + 1;   // bytes per hop
+    uint8_t hops = packet->path_len & 63;
+    uint16_t byte_len = hops * bph;
 
-    uint32_t d = getRetransmitDelay(packet);
-    // as this propagates outwards, give it lower and lower priority
-    return ACTION_RETRANSMIT_DELAYED(packet->path_len, d);   // give priority to closer sources, than ones further away
+    if (byte_len + bph <= MAX_PATH_SIZE) {
+      // append this node's hash (bph bytes of pub_key) to path
+      memcpy(&packet->path[byte_len], self_id.pub_key, bph);
+      // increment hop count, preserve mode bits
+      packet->path_len = (packet->path_len & 0xC0) | ((hops + 1) & 63);
+
+      uint32_t d = getRetransmitDelay(packet);
+      // as this propagates outwards, give it lower and lower priority
+      return ACTION_RETRANSMIT_DELAYED(hops + 1, d);   // give priority to closer sources, than ones further away
+    }
   }
   return ACTION_RELEASE;
 }
@@ -353,8 +360,7 @@ DispatcherAction Mesh::forwardMultipartDirect(Packet* pkt) {
   if (type == PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK && pkt->payload_len >= 5) {    // a multipart ACK
     Packet tmp;
     tmp.header = pkt->header;
-    tmp.path_len = pkt->path_len;
-    memcpy(tmp.path, pkt->path, pkt->path_len);
+    tmp.path_len = Packet::copyPath(tmp.path, pkt->path, pkt->path_len);
     tmp.payload_len = pkt->payload_len - 1;
     memcpy(tmp.payload, &pkt->payload[1], tmp.payload_len);
 
@@ -376,7 +382,7 @@ void Mesh::routeDirectRecvAcks(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis) {
       delay_millis += getDirectRetransmitDelay(packet) + 300;
       auto a1 = createMultiAck(crc, extra);
       if (a1) {
-        memcpy(a1->path, packet->path, a1->path_len = packet->path_len);
+        a1->path_len = Packet::copyPath(a1->path, packet->path, packet->path_len);
         a1->header &= ~PH_ROUTE_MASK;
         a1->header |= ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT;
         sendPacket(a1, 0, delay_millis);
@@ -386,7 +392,7 @@ void Mesh::routeDirectRecvAcks(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis) {
 
     auto a2 = createAck(crc);
     if (a2) {
-      memcpy(a2->path, packet->path, a2->path_len = packet->path_len);
+      a2->path_len = Packet::copyPath(a2->path, packet->path, packet->path_len);
       a2->header &= ~PH_ROUTE_MASK;
       a2->header |= ROUTE_TYPE_DIRECT;
       sendPacket(a2, 0, delay_millis);
@@ -624,7 +630,7 @@ Packet* Mesh::createControlData(const uint8_t* data, size_t len) {
   return packet;
 }
 
-void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis) {
+void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis, uint8_t path_bytes_per_hop) {
   if (packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE) {
     MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Mesh::sendFlood(): TRACE type not suspported", getLogDateTime());
     return;
@@ -632,7 +638,9 @@ void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis) {
 
   packet->header &= ~PH_ROUTE_MASK;
   packet->header |= ROUTE_TYPE_FLOOD;
-  packet->path_len = 0;
+  // encode bytes-per-hop mode in upper 2 bits of path_len, 0 hops initially
+  uint8_t mode = (path_bytes_per_hop > 1) ? (path_bytes_per_hop - 1) : 0;
+  packet->path_len = (mode << 6);
 
   _tables->hasSeen(packet); // mark this packet as already sent in case it is rebroadcast back to us
 
@@ -647,7 +655,7 @@ void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis) {
   sendPacket(packet, pri, delay_millis);
 }
 
-void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint16_t* transport_codes, uint32_t delay_millis) {
+void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint16_t* transport_codes, uint32_t delay_millis, uint8_t path_bytes_per_hop) {
   if (packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE) {
     MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("%s Mesh::sendFlood(): TRACE type not suspported", getLogDateTime());
     return;
@@ -657,7 +665,9 @@ void Mesh::sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint16_t* transport_codes, uint32_t delay_m
   packet->header |= ROUTE_TYPE_TRANSPORT_FLOOD;
   packet->transport_codes[0] = transport_codes[0];
   packet->transport_codes[1] = transport_codes[1];
-  packet->path_len = 0;
+  // encode bytes-per-hop mode in upper 2 bits of path_len, 0 hops initially
+  uint8_t mode = (path_bytes_per_hop > 1) ? (path_bytes_per_hop - 1) : 0;
+  packet->path_len = (mode << 6);
 
   _tables->hasSeen(packet); // mark this packet as already sent in case it is rebroadcast back to us
 
@@ -685,7 +695,7 @@ void Mesh::sendDirect(Packet* packet, const uint8_t* path, uint8_t path_len, uin
     packet->path_len = 0;
     pri = 5;   // maybe make this configurable
   } else {
-    memcpy(packet->path, path, packet->path_len = path_len);
+    packet->path_len = Packet::copyPath(packet->path, path, path_len);
     if (packet->getPayloadType() == PAYLOAD_TYPE_PATH) {
       pri = 1;   // slightly less priority
     } else {

src/Mesh.h

@@ -195,14 +195,16 @@ public:
 
   /**
    * \brief  send a locally-generated Packet with flood routing
+   * \param path_bytes_per_hop  number of bytes per path hop (1=legacy, 2, or 3)
   */
-  void sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis=0);
+  void sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint32_t delay_millis=0, uint8_t path_bytes_per_hop=1);
 
   /**
    * \brief  send a locally-generated Packet with flood routing
    * \param transport_codes   array of 2 codes to attach to packet
+   * \param path_bytes_per_hop  number of bytes per path hop (1=legacy, 2, or 3)
   */
-  void sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint16_t* transport_codes, uint32_t delay_millis=0);
+  void sendFlood(Packet* packet, uint16_t* transport_codes, uint32_t delay_millis=0, uint8_t path_bytes_per_hop=1);
 
   /**
    * \brief  send a locally-generated Packet with Direct routing
@@ -222,4 +224,4 @@ public:
 
 };
 
-}
+}

src/Packet.cpp

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ Packet::Packet() {
 }
 
 int Packet::getRawLength() const {
-  return 2 + path_len + payload_len + (hasTransportCodes() ? 4 : 0);
+  return 2 + getPathByteLen() + payload_len + (hasTransportCodes() ? 4 : 0);
 }
 
 void Packet::calculatePacketHash(uint8_t* hash) const {
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@ uint8_t Packet::writeTo(uint8_t dest[]) const {
     memcpy(&dest[i], &transport_codes[1], 2); i += 2;
   }
   dest[i++] = path_len;
-  memcpy(&dest[i], path, path_len); i += path_len;
+  uint16_t pbl = getPathByteLen();
+  memcpy(&dest[i], path, pbl); i += pbl;
   memcpy(&dest[i], payload, payload_len); i += payload_len;
   return i;
 }
@@ -48,8 +49,9 @@ bool Packet::readFrom(const uint8_t src[], uint8_t len) {
     transport_codes[0] = transport_codes[1] = 0;
   }
   path_len = src[i++];
-  if (path_len > sizeof(path)) return false;   // bad encoding
-  memcpy(path, &src[i], path_len); i += path_len;
+  uint16_t pbl = getPathByteLen();
+  if (pbl > sizeof(path)) return false;   // bad encoding
+  memcpy(path, &src[i], pbl); i += pbl;
   if (i >= len) return false;   // bad encoding
   payload_len = len - i;
   if (payload_len > sizeof(payload)) return false;  // bad encoding

src/Packet.h

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #pragma once
 
 #include <MeshCore.h>
+#include <string.h>
 
 namespace mesh {
 
@@ -81,6 +82,43 @@ public:
 
   float getSNR() const { return ((float)_snr) / 4.0f; }
 
+  /**
+   * \returns  the actual byte length of path data.
+   *   path_len encodes: lower 6 bits = hop count, upper 2 bits = bytes-per-hop mode
+   *   mode 0 = 1 byte/hop (legacy), mode 1 = 2 bytes/hop, mode 2 = 3 bytes/hop
+   */
+  uint16_t getPathByteLen() const {
+    uint8_t hops = path_len & 63;
+    uint8_t bph = (path_len >> 6) + 1;
+    return hops * bph;
+  }
+
+  /** Static variant for computing byte length from any path_len value */
+  static uint16_t getPathByteLenFor(uint8_t path_len) {
+    return (path_len & 63) * ((path_len >> 6) + 1);
+  }
+
+  /** Validate that encoded path_len won't exceed buffer */
+  static bool isValidPathLen(uint8_t path_len) {
+    return getPathByteLenFor(path_len) <= MAX_PATH_SIZE;
+  }
+
+  /** Copy path bytes using encoded path_len; returns path_len unchanged */
+  static uint8_t copyPath(uint8_t* dest, const uint8_t* src, uint8_t path_len) {
+    uint16_t bl = getPathByteLenFor(path_len);
+    if (bl > MAX_PATH_SIZE) bl = MAX_PATH_SIZE;
+    memcpy(dest, src, bl);
+    return path_len;
+  }
+
+  /** Write path bytes to buffer; returns number of bytes written */
+  static uint8_t writePath(uint8_t* dest, const uint8_t* src, uint8_t path_len) {
+    uint16_t bl = getPathByteLenFor(path_len);
+    if (bl > MAX_PATH_SIZE) bl = MAX_PATH_SIZE;
+    memcpy(dest, src, bl);
+    return (uint8_t)bl;
+  }
+
   /**
    * \returns  the encoded/wire format length of this packet
    */
@@ -101,4 +139,4 @@ public:
   bool readFrom(const uint8_t src[], uint8_t len);
 };
 
-}
+}

src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.cpp

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ mesh::Packet* BaseChatMesh::createSelfAdvert(const char* name, double lat, doubl
 }
 
 void BaseChatMesh::sendAckTo(const ContactInfo& dest, uint32_t ack_hash) {
-  if (dest.out_path_len < 0) {
+  if (dest.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
     mesh::Packet* ack = createAck(ack_hash);
     if (ack) sendFloodScoped(dest, ack, TXT_ACK_DELAY);
   } else {
@@ -56,6 +56,14 @@ void BaseChatMesh::sendAckTo(const ContactInfo& dest, uint32_t ack_hash) {
 }
 
 void BaseChatMesh::bootstrapRTCfromContacts() {
+  // If the RTC already has a sane time (e.g. hardware RTC like PCF8563, or
+  // GPS-synced), don't overwrite it with a potentially stale contact lastmod.
+  // This bootstrap is only useful for boards with no hardware RTC at all.
+  uint32_t current = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
+  if (current > 1704067200UL) {  // Jan 1 2024 — matches EPOCH_MIN_SANE
+    return;
+  }
+
   uint32_t latest = 0;
   for (int i = 0; i < num_contacts; i++) {
     if (contacts[i].lastmod > latest) {
@@ -92,7 +100,7 @@ ContactInfo* BaseChatMesh::allocateContactSlot() {
 void BaseChatMesh::populateContactFromAdvert(ContactInfo& ci, const mesh::Identity& id, const AdvertDataParser& parser, uint32_t timestamp) {
   memset(&ci, 0, sizeof(ci));
   ci.id = id;
-  ci.out_path_len = -1;  // initially out_path is unknown
+  ci.out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;  // initially out_path is unknown
   StrHelper::strncpy(ci.name, parser.getName(), sizeof(ci.name));
   ci.type = parser.getType();
   if (parser.hasLatLon()) {
@@ -263,7 +271,7 @@ void BaseChatMesh::onPeerDataRecv(mesh::Packet* packet, uint8_t type, int sender
       } else {
         mesh::Packet* reply = createDatagram(PAYLOAD_TYPE_RESPONSE, from.id, secret, temp_buf, reply_len);
         if (reply) {
-          if (from.out_path_len >= 0) {  // we have an out_path, so send DIRECT
+          if (from.out_path_len != OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {  // we have an out_path, so send DIRECT
             sendDirect(reply, from.out_path, from.out_path_len, SERVER_RESPONSE_DELAY);
           } else {
             sendFloodScoped(from, reply, SERVER_RESPONSE_DELAY);
@@ -273,7 +281,7 @@ void BaseChatMesh::onPeerDataRecv(mesh::Packet* packet, uint8_t type, int sender
     }
   } else if (type == PAYLOAD_TYPE_RESPONSE && len > 0) {
     onContactResponse(from, data, len);
-    if (packet->isRouteFlood() && from.out_path_len >= 0) {
+    if (packet->isRouteFlood() && from.out_path_len != OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       // we have direct path, but other node is still sending flood response, so maybe they didn't receive reciprocal path properly(?)
       handleReturnPathRetry(from, packet->path, packet->path_len);
     }
@@ -295,7 +303,8 @@ bool BaseChatMesh::onPeerPathRecv(mesh::Packet* packet, int sender_idx, const ui
 bool BaseChatMesh::onContactPathRecv(ContactInfo& from, uint8_t* in_path, uint8_t in_path_len, uint8_t* out_path, uint8_t out_path_len, uint8_t extra_type, uint8_t* extra, uint8_t extra_len) {
   // NOTE: default impl, we just replace the current 'out_path' regardless, whenever sender sends us a new out_path.
   // FUTURE: could store multiple out_paths per contact, and try to find which is the 'best'(?)
-  memcpy(from.out_path, out_path, from.out_path_len = out_path_len);  // store a copy of path, for sendDirect()
+  from.out_path_len = out_path_len;
+  mesh::Packet::copyPath(from.out_path, out_path, out_path_len);  // store a copy of path, for sendDirect()
   from.lastmod = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime();
 
   onContactPathUpdated(from);
@@ -317,7 +326,7 @@ void BaseChatMesh::onAckRecv(mesh::Packet* packet, uint32_t ack_crc) {
     txt_send_timeout = 0;   // matched one we're waiting for, cancel timeout timer
     packet->markDoNotRetransmit();   // ACK was for this node, so don't retransmit
 
-    if (packet->isRouteFlood() && from->out_path_len >= 0) {
+    if (packet->isRouteFlood() && from->out_path_len != OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       // we have direct path, but other node is still sending flood, so maybe they didn't receive reciprocal path properly(?)
       handleReturnPathRetry(*from, packet->path, packet->path_len);
     }
@@ -386,7 +395,7 @@ int  BaseChatMesh::sendMessage(const ContactInfo& recipient, uint32_t timestamp,
   uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
 
   int rc;
-  if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+  if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
     sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
     txt_send_timeout = futureMillis(est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t));
     rc = MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -412,7 +421,7 @@ int  BaseChatMesh::sendCommandData(const ContactInfo& recipient, uint32_t timest
 
   uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
   int rc;
-  if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+  if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
     sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
     txt_send_timeout = futureMillis(est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t));
     rc = MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -500,7 +509,7 @@ int BaseChatMesh::sendLogin(const ContactInfo& recipient, const char* password,
   }
   if (pkt) {
     uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
-    if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+    if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
       est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t);
       return MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -525,7 +534,7 @@ int BaseChatMesh::sendAnonReq(const ContactInfo& recipient, const uint8_t* data,
   }
   if (pkt) {
     uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
-    if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+    if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
       est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t);
       return MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -552,7 +561,7 @@ int  BaseChatMesh::sendRequest(const ContactInfo& recipient, const uint8_t* req_
   }
   if (pkt) {
     uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
-    if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+    if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
       est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t);
       return MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -579,7 +588,7 @@ int  BaseChatMesh::sendRequest(const ContactInfo& recipient, uint8_t req_type, u
   }
   if (pkt) {
     uint32_t t = _radio->getEstAirtimeFor(pkt->getRawLength());
-    if (recipient.out_path_len < 0) {
+    if (recipient.out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
       sendFloodScoped(recipient, pkt);
       est_timeout = calcFloodTimeoutMillisFor(t);
       return MSG_SEND_SENT_FLOOD;
@@ -683,7 +692,7 @@ void BaseChatMesh::checkConnections() {
         MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("checkConnections(): Keep_alive contact not found!");
         continue;
       }
-      if (contact->out_path_len < 0) {
+      if (contact->out_path_len == OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN) {
         MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("checkConnections(): Keep_alive contact, no out_path!");
         continue;
       }
@@ -710,7 +719,7 @@ void BaseChatMesh::checkConnections() {
 }
 
 void BaseChatMesh::resetPathTo(ContactInfo& recipient) {
-  recipient.out_path_len = -1;
+  recipient.out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;
 }
 
 static ContactInfo* table;  // pass via global :-(
@@ -875,4 +884,4 @@ void BaseChatMesh::loop() {
     releasePacket(_pendingLoopback);   // undo the obtainNewPacket()
     _pendingLoopback = NULL;
   }
-}
+}

src/helpers/BaseChatMesh.h

@@ -113,6 +113,7 @@ protected:
   virtual bool shouldAutoAddContactType(uint8_t type) const { return true; }
   virtual void onContactsFull() {};
   virtual bool shouldOverwriteWhenFull() const { return false; }
+  virtual uint8_t getAutoAddMaxHops() const { return 0; }  // 0 = no limit
   virtual void onContactOverwrite(const uint8_t* pub_key) {};
   virtual void onDiscoveredContact(ContactInfo& contact, bool is_new, uint8_t path_len, const uint8_t* path) = 0;
   virtual ContactInfo* processAck(const uint8_t *data) = 0;

src/helpers/ClientACL.cpp

@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ ClientInfo* ClientACL::putClient(const mesh::Identity& id, uint8_t init_perms) {
   memset(c, 0, sizeof(*c));
   c->permissions = init_perms;
   c->id = id;
-  c->out_path_len = -1;  // initially out_path is unknown
+  c->out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;  // initially out_path is unknown
   return c;
 }
 
@@ -140,4 +140,4 @@ bool ClientACL::applyPermissions(const mesh::LocalIdentity& self_id, const uint8
     self_id.calcSharedSecret(c->shared_secret, pubkey);
   }
   return true;
-}
+}

src/helpers/ClientACL.h

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
 #include <Mesh.h>
 #include <helpers/IdentityStore.h>
 
+#ifndef OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN
+  #define OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN  0xFF
+#endif
+
 #define PERM_ACL_ROLE_MASK     3   // lower 2 bits
 #define PERM_ACL_GUEST         0
 #define PERM_ACL_READ_ONLY     1
@@ -13,7 +17,7 @@
 struct ClientInfo {
   mesh::Identity id;
   uint8_t permissions;
-  int8_t out_path_len;
+  uint8_t out_path_len;   // OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN = no known path
   uint8_t out_path[MAX_PATH_SIZE];
   uint8_t shared_secret[PUB_KEY_SIZE];
   uint32_t last_timestamp;   // by THEIR clock  (transient)
@@ -55,4 +59,4 @@ public:
 
   int getNumClients() const { return num_clients; }
   ClientInfo* getClientByIdx(int idx) { return &clients[idx]; }
-};
+};

src/helpers/ContactInfo.h

@@ -3,12 +3,14 @@
 #include <Arduino.h>
 #include <Mesh.h>
 
+#define OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN  0xFF   // no known path — triggers flood routing
+
 struct ContactInfo {
   mesh::Identity id;
   char name[32];
   uint8_t type;   // on of ADV_TYPE_*
   uint8_t flags;
-  int8_t out_path_len;
+  uint8_t out_path_len;   // encoded: bits[7:6]=mode, bits[5:0]=hops. OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN=no path
   mutable bool shared_secret_valid; // flag to indicate if shared_secret has been calculated
   uint8_t out_path[MAX_PATH_SIZE];
   uint32_t last_advert_timestamp;   // by THEIR clock
@@ -26,4 +28,4 @@ struct ContactInfo {
 
 private:
   mutable uint8_t shared_secret[PUB_KEY_SIZE];
-};
+};

src/helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,347 @@
+#include "FastEPDDisplay.h"
+#include "FastEPD.h"
+#include <string.h>
+
+// Fallback if FastEPD doesn't define these constants
+#ifndef BBEP_SUCCESS
+#define BBEP_SUCCESS 0
+#endif
+#ifndef CLEAR_FAST
+#define CLEAR_FAST 0
+#endif
+#ifndef CLEAR_SLOW
+#define CLEAR_SLOW 1
+#endif
+#ifndef BB_MODE_1BPP
+#define BB_MODE_1BPP 0
+#endif
+
+// FastEPD constants (defined in FastEPD.h)
+// BB_PANEL_LILYGO_T5PRO_V2 — board ID for V2 hardware
+// BB_MODE_1BPP — 1-bit per pixel mode
+// CLEAR_FAST, CLEAR_SLOW — full refresh modes
+
+// Periodic slow (deep) refresh to clear ghosting
+#define FULL_SLOW_PERIOD 1  // every frame — eliminates ghosting (increase to 2+ for less flashing)
+
+FastEPDDisplay::~FastEPDDisplay() {
+  delete _canvas;
+  delete _epd;
+}
+
+bool FastEPDDisplay::begin() {
+  if (_init) return true;
+
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Initializing T5S3 E-Paper Pro V2...");
+
+  // Create FastEPD instance and init hardware
+  _epd = new FASTEPD;
+  // Meshtastic-proven init for V2 hardware (pinned FastEPD fork commit)
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Using BB_PANEL_LILYGO_T5PRO_V2");
+  int rc = _epd->initPanel(BB_PANEL_LILYGO_T5PRO_V2, 28000000);
+  if (rc != BBEP_SUCCESS) {
+    Serial.printf("[FastEPD] initPanel FAILED: %d\n", rc);
+    delete _epd;
+    _epd = nullptr;
+    return false;
+  }
+  Serial.printf("[FastEPD] Panel initialized (rc=%d)\n", rc);
+
+  // Enable display via PCA9535 GPIO (required for V2 hardware)
+  // Pin 0 on PCA9535 = EP_OE (output enable for source driver)
+  _epd->ioPinMode(0, OUTPUT);
+  _epd->ioWrite(0, HIGH);
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] PCA9535 EP_OE set HIGH");
+
+  // Set 1-bit per pixel mode
+  _epd->setMode(BB_MODE_1BPP);
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Mode set to 1BPP");
+
+  // Create Adafruit_GFX canvas for drawing (960×540, 1-bit)
+  // ~64KB, should auto-allocate in PSRAM on ESP32-S3 with PSRAM enabled
+  _canvas = new GFXcanvas1(EPD_WIDTH, EPD_HEIGHT);
+  if (!_canvas || !_canvas->getBuffer()) {
+    Serial.println("[FastEPD] Canvas allocation FAILED!");
+    return false;
+  }
+  Serial.printf("[FastEPD] Canvas allocated: %dx%d (%d bytes)\n",
+                EPD_WIDTH, EPD_HEIGHT, (EPD_WIDTH * EPD_HEIGHT) / 8);
+
+  // Initial clear — white screen
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Calling clearWhite()...");
+  _epd->clearWhite();
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Calling fullUpdate(true) for initial clear...");
+  _epd->fullUpdate(true);  // blocking initial clear
+  _epd->backupPlane();     // Save clean state for subsequent diffs
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Initial clear complete");
+
+  // Set canvas defaults
+  _canvas->fillScreen(1);  // White background (bit=1 → white in FastEPD)
+  _canvas->setTextColor(0);  // Black text (bit=0 → black in FastEPD)
+#ifdef MECK_SERIF_FONT
+  _canvas->setFont(&FreeSerif12pt7b);
+#else
+  _canvas->setFont(&FreeSans12pt7b);
+#endif
+  _canvas->setTextWrap(false);
+
+  _curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK;
+  _init = true;
+  _isOn = true;
+
+  Serial.println("[FastEPD] Display ready (960x540, 1BPP)");
+  return true;
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::turnOn() {
+  if (!_init) begin();
+  _isOn = true;
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::turnOff() {
+  _isOn = false;
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::clear() {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _canvas->fillScreen(1);  // White
+  _canvas->setTextColor(0);
+  _frameCRC.reset();
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::startFrame(Color bkg) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _canvas->fillScreen(1);  // White background
+  _canvas->setTextColor(0);  // Black text
+  _curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK;
+  _frameCRC.reset();
+  _frameCRC.update<bool>(_darkMode);
+  _frameCRC.update<bool>(_portraitMode);
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::setTextSize(int sz) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(sz);
+
+  // Font mapping for 960×540 display at ~234 DPI
+  // Toggle between font families via -D MECK_SERIF_FONT build flag
+  switch(sz) {
+    case 0:  // Body text — reader content, settings rows, messages, footers
+#ifdef MECK_SERIF_FONT
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSerif12pt7b);
+#else
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSans12pt7b);
+#endif
+      _canvas->setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+    case 1:  // Headings — screen titles, channel names (bold, same height as body)
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSansBold12pt7b);
+      _canvas->setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+    case 2:  // Large bold — MSG count, tile letters
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSansBold18pt7b);
+      _canvas->setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+    case 3:  // Extra large — splash screen title
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSansBold24pt7b);
+      _canvas->setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+    case 5:  // Clock face — lock screen (FreeSansBold24pt scaled 5×)
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSansBold24pt7b);
+      _canvas->setTextSize(5);
+      break;
+    default:
+#ifdef MECK_SERIF_FONT
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSerif12pt7b);
+#else
+      _canvas->setFont(&FreeSans12pt7b);
+#endif
+      _canvas->setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+  }
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::setColor(Color c) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<Color>(c);
+
+  // Colours are inverted for e-paper:
+  //   DARK  = background colour = WHITE on e-paper
+  //   LIGHT = foreground colour = BLACK on e-paper
+  if (c == DARK) {
+    _canvas->setTextColor(1);  // White (background)
+    _curr_color = GxEPD_WHITE;
+  } else {
+    _canvas->setTextColor(0);  // Black (foreground)
+    _curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK;
+  }
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::setCursor(int x, int y) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(x);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(y);
+
+  // Scale virtual coordinates to physical, with baseline offset.
+  // The +5 pushes text baseline down so ascenders at y=0 are visible.
+  _canvas->setCursor(
+    (int)((x + offset_x) * scale_x),
+    (int)((y + offset_y + 5) * scale_y)
+  );
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::print(const char* str) {
+  if (!_canvas || !str) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<char>(str, strlen(str));
+  _canvas->print(str);
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::fillRect(int x, int y, int w, int h) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(x);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(y);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(w);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(h);
+
+  // Canvas uses 1-bit color: convert GxEPD color
+  uint16_t canvasColor = (_curr_color == GxEPD_BLACK) ? 0 : 1;
+  _canvas->fillRect(
+    (int)((x + offset_x) * scale_x),
+    (int)((y + offset_y) * scale_y),
+    (int)(w * scale_x),
+    (int)(h * scale_y),
+    canvasColor
+  );
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::drawRect(int x, int y, int w, int h) {
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(x);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(y);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(w);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(h);
+
+  uint16_t canvasColor = (_curr_color == GxEPD_BLACK) ? 0 : 1;
+  _canvas->drawRect(
+    (int)((x + offset_x) * scale_x),
+    (int)((y + offset_y) * scale_y),
+    (int)(w * scale_x),
+    (int)(h * scale_y),
+    canvasColor
+  );
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::drawXbm(int x, int y, const uint8_t* bits, int w, int h) {
+  if (!_canvas || !bits) return;
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(x);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(y);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(w);
+  _frameCRC.update<int>(h);
+  _frameCRC.update<uint8_t>(bits, (w * h + 7) / 8);
+
+  uint16_t canvasColor = (_curr_color == GxEPD_BLACK) ? 0 : 1;
+  uint16_t startX = (int)((x + offset_x) * scale_x);
+  uint16_t startY = (int)((y + offset_y) * scale_y);
+  uint16_t widthInBytes = (w + 7) / 8;
+
+  for (uint16_t by = 0; by < h; by++) {
+    int y1 = startY + (int)(by * scale_y);
+    int y2 = startY + (int)((by + 1) * scale_y);
+    int block_h = y2 - y1;
+
+    for (uint16_t bx = 0; bx < w; bx++) {
+      int x1 = startX + (int)(bx * scale_x);
+      int x2 = startX + (int)((bx + 1) * scale_x);
+      int block_w = x2 - x1;
+
+      uint16_t byteOffset = (by * widthInBytes) + (bx / 8);
+      uint8_t bitMask = 0x80 >> (bx & 7);
+      bool bitSet = pgm_read_byte(bits + byteOffset) & bitMask;
+
+      if (bitSet) {
+        _canvas->fillRect(x1, y1, block_w, block_h, canvasColor);
+      }
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+uint16_t FastEPDDisplay::getTextWidth(const char* str) {
+  if (!_canvas || !str) return 0;
+  int16_t x1, y1;
+  uint16_t w, h;
+  _canvas->getTextBounds(str, 0, 0, &x1, &y1, &w, &h);
+  return (uint16_t)ceil((w + 1) / scale_x);
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::endFrame() {
+  if (!_epd || !_canvas) return;
+
+  uint32_t crc = _frameCRC.finalize();
+  if (crc == _lastCRC) {
+    return;  // Frame unchanged, skip display update
+  }
+  _lastCRC = crc;
+
+  // Copy GFXcanvas1 buffer to FastEPD's current buffer — direct copy.
+  // Both use same polarity: bit 1 = white, bit 0 = black.
+  uint8_t* src = _canvas->getBuffer();
+  uint8_t* dst = _epd->currentBuffer();
+  size_t bufSize = ((uint32_t)EPD_WIDTH * EPD_HEIGHT) / 8;
+
+  if (!src || !dst) return;
+
+  memcpy(dst, src, bufSize);
+
+  // Dark mode: invert every byte in the buffer (white↔black)
+  if (_darkMode) {
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < bufSize; i++) dst[i] = ~dst[i];
+  }
+
+  // Refresh strategy:
+  //   partialUpdate(true) — no flash, differential, keeps previous buffer
+  //   fullUpdate(false)   — brief flash, clears ghosting (CLEAR_FAST)
+  //   fullUpdate(true)    — full white flash, cleanest (boot only)
+  //
+  // Use partial for most frames. Periodic full refresh every N frames
+  // to clear accumulated ghosting artifacts.
+  _fullRefreshCount++;
+  if (_forcePartial) {
+    // VKB typing mode — no flash, fast differential update
+    _epd->partialUpdate(true);
+    _fullRefreshCount = 0;  // Reset so next non-partial frame does full refresh
+  } else if (_fullRefreshCount >= FULL_SLOW_PERIOD) {
+    _fullRefreshCount = 0;
+    _epd->fullUpdate(true);   // Full clean refresh — clears all ghosting
+  } else {
+    _epd->partialUpdate(true);  // No flash — differential
+  }
+  _epd->backupPlane();
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::setDarkMode(bool dark) {
+  _darkMode = dark;
+  _lastCRC = 0;  // Force redraw
+  Serial.printf("[FastEPD] Dark mode: %s\n", dark ? "ON" : "OFF");
+}
+
+void FastEPDDisplay::setPortraitMode(bool portrait) {
+  if (_portraitMode == portrait) return;
+  _portraitMode = portrait;
+
+  if (!_canvas) return;
+
+  if (portrait) {
+    _canvas->setRotation(3);  // 270° CW — USB-C on right when held portrait
+    scale_x = (float)EPD_HEIGHT / 128.0f;  // 540 / 128 = 4.21875
+    scale_y = (float)EPD_WIDTH / 128.0f;   // 960 / 128 = 7.5
+    Serial.printf("[FastEPD] Portrait mode: ON (logical %dx%d, scale %.2f x %.2f)\n",
+                  EPD_HEIGHT, EPD_WIDTH, scale_x, scale_y);
+  } else {
+    _canvas->setRotation(0);  // Normal landscape
+    scale_x = (float)EPD_WIDTH / 128.0f;   // 960 / 128 = 7.5
+    scale_y = (float)EPD_HEIGHT / 128.0f;  // 540 / 128 = 4.21875
+    Serial.printf("[FastEPD] Portrait mode: OFF (logical %dx%d, scale %.2f x %.2f)\n",
+                  EPD_WIDTH, EPD_HEIGHT, scale_x, scale_y);
+  }
+  _lastCRC = 0;  // Force redraw
+}

src/helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.h

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+#pragma once
+
+// =============================================================================
+// FastEPDDisplay — Parallel e-ink display driver for T5 S3 E-Paper Pro
+//
+// Architecture:
+//   - FastEPD handles hardware init, power management, and display refresh
+//   - Adafruit_GFX GFXcanvas1 handles all drawing/text rendering
+//   - On endFrame(), canvas buffer is copied to FastEPD and display is updated
+//
+// This avoids depending on FastEPD's drawing API — only uses its well-tested
+// hardware interface (initPanel, fullUpdate, partialUpdate, currentBuffer).
+// =============================================================================
+
+#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
+#include "variant.h"  // EPD_WIDTH, EPD_HEIGHT (only compiled for T5S3 builds)
+#include <Fonts/FreeSans9pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSans12pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSans18pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSans24pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSansBold12pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSansBold18pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSansBold24pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSerif12pt7b.h>
+#include <Fonts/FreeSerif18pt7b.h>
+
+#include "DisplayDriver.h"
+
+// GxEPD2 color constant compatibility — MapScreen uses these directly
+#ifndef GxEPD_BLACK
+#define GxEPD_BLACK  0x0000
+#endif
+#ifndef GxEPD_WHITE
+#define GxEPD_WHITE  0xFFFF
+#endif
+
+// Forward declare FastEPD class (actual include in .cpp)
+class FASTEPD;
+
+// Inline CRC32 for frame change detection
+// (Copied from GxEPDDisplay.h — avoids CRC32/PNGdec name collision)
+class FrameCRC32 {
+  uint32_t _crc = 0xFFFFFFFF;
+public:
+  void reset() { _crc = 0xFFFFFFFF; }
+  template<typename T> void update(T val) {
+    const uint8_t* p = (const uint8_t*)&val;
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < sizeof(T); i++) {
+      _crc ^= p[i];
+      for (int b = 0; b < 8; b++)
+        _crc = (_crc >> 1) ^ (0xEDB88320 & -(int32_t)(_crc & 1));
+    }
+  }
+  template<typename T> void update(const T* data, size_t len) {
+    const uint8_t* p = (const uint8_t*)data;
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < len * sizeof(T); i++) {
+      _crc ^= p[i];
+      for (int b = 0; b < 8; b++)
+        _crc = (_crc >> 1) ^ (0xEDB88320 & -(int32_t)(_crc & 1));
+    }
+  }
+  uint32_t finalize() { return _crc ^ 0xFFFFFFFF; }
+};
+
+
+class FastEPDDisplay : public DisplayDriver {
+  FASTEPD* _epd;
+  GFXcanvas1* _canvas;       // Adafruit_GFX 1-bit drawing surface (960×540)
+  bool _init = false;
+  bool _isOn = false;
+  uint16_t _curr_color;      // GxEPD_BLACK or GxEPD_WHITE for canvas drawing
+  FrameCRC32 _frameCRC;
+  uint32_t _lastCRC = 0;
+  int _fullRefreshCount = 0;  // Track for periodic slow refresh
+  uint32_t _lastUpdateMs = 0; // Rate limiting — minimum interval between refreshes
+  bool _forcePartial = false; // When true, use partial updates (VKB typing)
+  bool _darkMode = false;     // Invert all pixels (black bg, white text)
+  bool _portraitMode = false; // Rotated 90° (540×960 logical)
+
+  // Virtual 128×128 → physical canvas mapping (runtime, changes with portrait)
+  float scale_x  = 7.5f;       // 960 / 128 (landscape default)
+  float scale_y  = 4.21875f;   // 540 / 128 (landscape default)
+  static constexpr float offset_x = 0.0f;
+  static constexpr float offset_y = 0.0f;
+
+public:
+  FastEPDDisplay() : DisplayDriver(128, 128), _epd(nullptr), _canvas(nullptr) {}
+  ~FastEPDDisplay();
+
+  bool begin();
+
+  bool isOn() override { return _isOn; }
+  void turnOn() override;
+  void turnOff() override;
+  void clear() override;
+  void startFrame(Color bkg = DARK) override;
+  void setTextSize(int sz) override;
+  void setColor(Color c) override;
+  void setCursor(int x, int y) override;
+  void print(const char* str) override;
+  void fillRect(int x, int y, int w, int h) override;
+  void drawRect(int x, int y, int w, int h) override;
+  void drawXbm(int x, int y, const uint8_t* bits, int w, int h) override;
+  uint16_t getTextWidth(const char* str) override;
+  void endFrame() override;
+
+  // --- Raw pixel access for MapScreen (bypasses scaling) ---
+  void drawPixelRaw(int16_t x, int16_t y, uint16_t color) {
+    if (_canvas) _canvas->drawPixel(x, y, color ? 1 : 0);
+  }
+  int16_t rawWidth()  { return EPD_WIDTH; }
+  int16_t rawHeight() { return EPD_HEIGHT; }
+
+  void drawTextRaw(int16_t x, int16_t y, const char* text, uint16_t color) {
+    if (!_canvas) return;
+    _canvas->setFont(NULL);
+    _canvas->setTextSize(3);  // 3× built-in 5×7 = 15×21, readable on 960×540
+    _canvas->setTextColor(color ? 1 : 0);
+    _canvas->setCursor(x, y);
+    _canvas->print(text);
+  }
+
+  void invalidateFrameCRC() { _lastCRC = 0; }
+
+  // Temporarily force partial (no-flash) updates — use during VKB typing
+  void setForcePartial(bool partial) { _forcePartial = partial; }
+  bool isForcePartial() const { return _forcePartial; }
+
+  // Dark mode — invert all pixels in endFrame (black bg, white text)
+  void setDarkMode(bool dark);
+  bool isDarkMode() const { return _darkMode; }
+
+  // Portrait mode — rotate canvas 90° (540×960 logical), swap scale factors
+  void setPortraitMode(bool portrait);
+  bool isPortraitMode() const { return _portraitMode; }
+};

src/helpers/ui/GxEPDDisplay.cpp

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ bool GxEPDDisplay::begin() {
 
 void GxEPDDisplay::turnOn() {
   if (!_init) begin();
-#if defined(DISP_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN)
+#if defined(DISP_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN) && !defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
   digitalWrite(DISP_BACKLIGHT, HIGH);
 #elif defined(EXP_PIN_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN)
   expander.digitalWrite(EXP_PIN_BACKLIGHT, HIGH);
@@ -61,23 +61,38 @@ void GxEPDDisplay::turnOn() {
 }
 
 void GxEPDDisplay::turnOff() {
-#if defined(DISP_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN)
+#if defined(DISP_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN) && !defined(LilyGo_TDeck_Pro)
+  // Only toggle backlight on boards that actually have one.
+  // T-Deck Pro defines DISP_BACKLIGHT (GPIO 45) but has no physical backlight —
+  // setting _isOn=false would stop the render loop, making the device appear frozen.
   digitalWrite(DISP_BACKLIGHT, LOW);
+  _isOn = false;
 #elif defined(EXP_PIN_BACKLIGHT) && !defined(BACKLIGHT_BTN)
   expander.digitalWrite(EXP_PIN_BACKLIGHT, LOW);
-#endif
   _isOn = false;
+#endif
+  // T-Deck Pro: _isOn stays true — e-ink has no backlight, render loop must keep running
 }
 
 void GxEPDDisplay::clear() {
-  display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
-  display.setTextColor(GxEPD_BLACK);
+  if (_darkMode) {
+    display.fillScreen(GxEPD_BLACK);
+    display.setTextColor(GxEPD_WHITE);
+  } else {
+    display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
+    display.setTextColor(GxEPD_BLACK);
+  }
   display_crc.reset();
 }
 
 void GxEPDDisplay::startFrame(Color bkg) {
-  display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
-  display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK);
+  if (_darkMode) {
+    display.fillScreen(GxEPD_BLACK);
+    display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_WHITE);
+  } else {
+    display.fillScreen(GxEPD_WHITE);
+    display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK);
+  }
   display_crc.reset();
 }
 
@@ -90,26 +105,43 @@ void GxEPDDisplay::setTextSize(int sz) {
       break;
     case 1:  // Small - use 9pt (was 9pt)
       display.setFont(&FreeSans9pt7b);
+      display.setTextSize(1);
       break;
     case 2:  // Medium Bold - use 9pt bold instead of 12pt
       display.setFont(&FreeSans9pt7b);
+      display.setTextSize(1);
       break;
     case 3:  // Large - use 12pt instead of 18pt
       display.setFont(&FreeSansBold12pt7b);
+      display.setTextSize(1);
+      break;
+    case 5:  // Extra Large - lock screen clock face
+      display.setFont(&FreeSansBold12pt7b);
+      display.setTextSize(2);  // GxEPD2 native 2× scaling on 12pt bold
       break;
     default:
       display.setFont(&FreeSans9pt7b);
+      display.setTextSize(1);
       break;
   }
 }
 
 void GxEPDDisplay::setColor(Color c) {
   display_crc.update<Color> (c);
-  // colours need to be inverted for epaper displays
-  if (c == DARK) {
-    display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_WHITE);
+  if (_darkMode) {
+    // Dark mode: DARK = black (background), LIGHT/GREEN/YELLOW = white (foreground)
+    if (c == DARK) {
+      display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK);
+    } else {
+      display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_WHITE);
+    }
   } else {
-    display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK);
+    // Normal e-paper: DARK = white (background), LIGHT/GREEN/YELLOW = black (foreground)
+    if (c == DARK) {
+      display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_WHITE);
+    } else {
+      display.setTextColor(_curr_color = GxEPD_BLACK);
+    }
   }
 }
 

src/helpers/ui/GxEPDDisplay.h

@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 #pragma once
 
+// T5S3 E-Paper Pro uses parallel e-ink (FastEPD), not SPI (GxEPD2)
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+  #include "FastEPDDisplay.h"
+  using GxEPDDisplay = FastEPDDisplay;
+#else
+
 #include <SPI.h>
 #include <Wire.h>
 
@@ -57,6 +63,7 @@ class GxEPDDisplay : public DisplayDriver {
 #endif
   bool _init = false;
   bool _isOn = false;
+  bool _darkMode = false;
   uint16_t _curr_color;
   FrameCRC32 display_crc;
   int last_display_crc_value = 0;
@@ -73,6 +80,11 @@ public:
   bool isOn() override {return _isOn;};
   void turnOn() override;
   void turnOff() override;
+
+  // Dark mode — inverts background/foreground for e-ink
+  bool isDarkMode() const { return _darkMode; }
+  void setDarkMode(bool on) { _darkMode = on; }
+
   void clear() override;
   void startFrame(Color bkg = DARK) override;
   void setTextSize(int sz) override;
@@ -104,4 +116,6 @@ public:
   // Force endFrame() to push to display even if CRC unchanged
   // (needed because drawPixelRaw bypasses CRC tracking)
   void invalidateFrameCRC() { last_display_crc_value = 0; }
-};
+};
+
+#endif // !LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/CPUPowerManager.h

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <Arduino.h>
+
+// CPU Frequency Scaling for ESP32-S3
+//
+// Typical current draw (CPU only, rough):
+//   240 MHz  ~70-80 mA
+//   160 MHz  ~50-60 mA
+//    80 MHz  ~30-40 mA
+//    40 MHz  ~15-20 mA  (low-power / lock screen mode)
+//
+// SPI peripherals and UART use their own clock dividers from the APB clock,
+// so LoRa, e-ink, and GPS serial all work fine at 80MHz and 40MHz.
+
+#ifdef ESP32
+
+#ifndef CPU_FREQ_IDLE
+#define CPU_FREQ_IDLE   80     // MHz — normal mesh listening
+#endif
+
+#ifndef CPU_FREQ_BOOST
+#define CPU_FREQ_BOOST  240    // MHz — heavy processing
+#endif
+
+#ifndef CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER
+#define CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER  40 // MHz — lock screen / idle standby
+#endif
+
+#ifndef CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS
+#define CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS  10000  // 10 seconds
+#endif
+
+class CPUPowerManager {
+public:
+  CPUPowerManager() : _boosted(false), _lowPower(false), _boost_started(0) {}
+
+  void begin() {
+    setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+    _boosted = false;
+    _lowPower = false;
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+  }
+
+  void loop() {
+    if (_boosted && (millis() - _boost_started >= CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS)) {
+      // Return to low-power if locked, otherwise normal idle
+      if (_lowPower) {
+        setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+        MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: boost expired, returning to low-power %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+      } else {
+        setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+        MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+      }
+      _boosted = false;
+    }
+  }
+
+  void setBoost() {
+    if (!_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_BOOST);
+      _boosted = true;
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: boosted to %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_BOOST);
+    }
+    _boost_started = millis();
+  }
+
+  void setIdle() {
+    if (_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+      _boosted = false;
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+    }
+    if (_lowPower) {
+      _lowPower = false;
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Low-power mode — drops CPU to 40 MHz for lock screen standby.
+  // If currently boosted, the boost timeout will return to 40 MHz
+  // instead of 80 MHz.
+  void setLowPower() {
+    _lowPower = true;
+    if (!_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: low-power at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+    }
+    // If boosted, the loop() timeout will drop to low-power instead of idle
+  }
+
+  // Exit low-power mode — returns to normal idle (80 MHz).
+  // If currently boosted, the boost timeout will return to idle
+  // instead of low-power.
+  void clearLowPower() {
+    _lowPower = false;
+    if (!_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz (low-power cleared)", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+    }
+    // If boosted, the loop() timeout will drop to idle as normal
+  }
+
+  bool isBoosted() const { return _boosted; }
+  bool isLowPower() const { return _lowPower; }
+  uint32_t getFrequencyMHz() const { return getCpuFrequencyMhz(); }
+
+private:
+  bool _boosted;
+  bool _lowPower;
+  unsigned long _boost_started;
+};
+
+#endif // ESP32

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/Pcf85063clock.h

@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+#pragma once
+// =============================================================================
+// PCF85063Clock — PCF8563/BM8563 RTC driver for T5S3 E-Paper Pro
+//
+// Time registers at 0x02–0x08 (PCF8563 layout):
+//   0x02 Seconds, 0x03 Minutes, 0x04 Hours,
+//   0x05 Days, 0x06 Weekdays, 0x07 Months, 0x08 Years
+// =============================================================================
+
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include <Wire.h>
+#include <MeshCore.h>
+
+#define PCF8563_ADDR        0x51
+#define PCF8563_REG_SECONDS 0x02
+
+// Reject timestamps outside 2024–2036 (blocks MeshCore contacts garbage)
+#define EPOCH_MIN_SANE  1704067200UL
+#define EPOCH_MAX_SANE  2082758400UL
+
+class PCF85063Clock : public mesh::RTCClock {
+public:
+  PCF85063Clock() : _wire(nullptr), _millis_offset(0),
+                    _has_hw_time(false), _time_set_this_session(false) {}
+
+  bool begin(TwoWire& wire) {
+    _wire = &wire;
+
+    _wire->beginTransmission(PCF8563_ADDR);
+    if (_wire->endTransmission() != 0) {
+      Serial.println("[RTC] PCF8563 not found");
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    // Repair any corrupted registers from prior wrong-offset writes
+    repairRegisters();
+
+    uint32_t t = readHardwareTime();
+    if (t > EPOCH_MIN_SANE && t < EPOCH_MAX_SANE) {
+      _has_hw_time = true;
+      _millis_offset = t - (millis() / 1000);
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] PCF8563 OK, time=%lu\n", t);
+    } else {
+      _has_hw_time = false;
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] PCF8563 no valid time (%lu), awaiting BLE sync\n", t);
+    }
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  uint32_t getCurrentTime() override {
+    if (_time_set_this_session) {
+      return _millis_offset + (millis() / 1000);
+    }
+    if (_has_hw_time && _wire) {
+      uint32_t t = readHardwareTime();
+      if (t > EPOCH_MIN_SANE && t < EPOCH_MAX_SANE) {
+        _millis_offset = t - (millis() / 1000);
+        return t;
+      }
+      _has_hw_time = false;
+    }
+    return _millis_offset + (millis() / 1000);
+  }
+
+  void setCurrentTime(uint32_t time) override {
+    if (time < EPOCH_MIN_SANE || time > EPOCH_MAX_SANE) {
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] setCurrentTime(%lu) REJECTED\n", time);
+      return;
+    }
+    _millis_offset = time - (millis() / 1000);
+    _time_set_this_session = true;
+    Serial.printf("[RTC] setCurrentTime(%lu) OK\n", time);
+    if (_wire) writeHardwareTime(time);
+  }
+
+private:
+  TwoWire*  _wire;
+  uint32_t  _millis_offset;
+  bool      _has_hw_time;
+  bool      _time_set_this_session;
+
+  // ---- Register helpers ----
+  void writeReg(uint8_t reg, uint8_t val) {
+    _wire->beginTransmission(PCF8563_ADDR);
+    _wire->write(reg);
+    _wire->write(val);
+    _wire->endTransmission();
+  }
+
+  uint8_t readReg(uint8_t reg) {
+    _wire->beginTransmission(PCF8563_ADDR);
+    _wire->write(reg);
+    if (_wire->endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0xFF;
+    if (_wire->requestFrom((uint8_t)PCF8563_ADDR, (uint8_t)1) != 1) return 0xFF;
+    return _wire->read();
+  }
+
+  // ---- Fix registers corrupted by prior PCF85063A-mode writes ----
+  void repairRegisters() {
+    uint8_t hours = readReg(0x04) & 0x3F;
+    if (bcd2dec(hours) > 23) {
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] Repairing hours (0x%02X→0x00)\n", hours);
+      writeReg(0x04, 0x00);
+    }
+    uint8_t days = readReg(0x05) & 0x3F;
+    if (bcd2dec(days) == 0 || bcd2dec(days) > 31) {
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] Repairing days (0x%02X→0x01)\n", days);
+      writeReg(0x05, 0x01);
+    }
+    uint8_t month = readReg(0x07) & 0x1F;
+    if (bcd2dec(month) == 0 || bcd2dec(month) > 12) {
+      Serial.printf("[RTC] Repairing month (0x%02X→0x01)\n", month);
+      writeReg(0x07, 0x01);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // ---- BCD ----
+  static uint8_t bcd2dec(uint8_t bcd) { return ((bcd >> 4) * 10) + (bcd & 0x0F); }
+  static uint8_t dec2bcd(uint8_t dec) { return ((dec / 10) << 4) | (dec % 10); }
+
+  // ---- Date helpers ----
+  static bool isLeap(int y) { return (y%4==0 && y%100!=0) || y%400==0; }
+  static int daysInMonth(int m, int y) {
+    static const uint8_t d[] = {31,28,31,30,31,30,31,31,30,31,30,31};
+    return (m==2 && isLeap(y)) ? 29 : d[m-1];
+  }
+
+  static uint32_t toEpoch(int yr, int mo, int dy, int h, int mi, int s) {
+    uint32_t days = 0;
+    for (int y = 1970; y < yr; y++) days += isLeap(y) ? 366 : 365;
+    for (int m = 1; m < mo; m++) days += daysInMonth(m, yr);
+    days += (dy - 1);
+    return days * 86400UL + h * 3600UL + mi * 60UL + s;
+  }
+
+  static void fromEpoch(uint32_t ep, int& yr, int& mo, int& dy, int& h, int& mi, int& s) {
+    s = ep % 60; ep /= 60;
+    mi = ep % 60; ep /= 60;
+    h  = ep % 24; ep /= 24;
+    yr = 1970;
+    while (true) { int d = isLeap(yr)?366:365; if (ep<(uint32_t)d) break; ep-=d; yr++; }
+    mo = 1;
+    while (true) { int d = daysInMonth(mo,yr); if (ep<(uint32_t)d) break; ep-=d; mo++; }
+    dy = ep + 1;
+  }
+
+  // ---- Read time (burst from 0x02) ----
+  uint32_t readHardwareTime() {
+    _wire->beginTransmission(PCF8563_ADDR);
+    _wire->write(PCF8563_REG_SECONDS);
+    if (_wire->endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0;
+    if (_wire->requestFrom((uint8_t)PCF8563_ADDR, (uint8_t)7) != 7) return 0;
+
+    uint8_t raw[7];
+    for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) raw[i] = _wire->read();
+
+    if (raw[0] & 0x80) {
+      Serial.println("[RTC] OS flag set — clearing");
+      writeReg(PCF8563_REG_SECONDS, raw[0] & 0x7F);
+      return 0;
+    }
+
+    int second = bcd2dec(raw[0] & 0x7F);
+    int minute = bcd2dec(raw[1] & 0x7F);
+    int hour   = bcd2dec(raw[2] & 0x3F);
+    int day    = bcd2dec(raw[3] & 0x3F);
+    int month  = bcd2dec(raw[5] & 0x1F);
+    int year   = 2000 + bcd2dec(raw[6]);
+
+    if (month<1 || month>12 || day<1 || day>31 || hour>23 || minute>59 || second>59)
+      return 0;
+
+    return toEpoch(year, month, day, hour, minute, second);
+  }
+
+  // ---- Write time (burst to 0x02) ----
+  void writeHardwareTime(uint32_t epoch) {
+    int year, month, day, hour, minute, second;
+    fromEpoch(epoch, year, month, day, hour, minute, second);
+
+    static const int dow[] = {0,3,2,5,0,3,5,1,4,6,2,4};
+    int y = year; if (month < 3) y--;
+    int wday = (y + y/4 - y/100 + y/400 + dow[month-1] + day) % 7;
+    int yr = year - 2000;
+
+    // Stop clock
+    writeReg(0x00, 0x20);
+    delay(5);
+
+    // Burst write
+    _wire->beginTransmission(PCF8563_ADDR);
+    _wire->write(PCF8563_REG_SECONDS);
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(second) & 0x7F);
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(minute));
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(hour));
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(day));
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(wday));
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(month));
+    _wire->write(dec2bcd(yr));
+    _wire->endTransmission();
+    delay(5);
+
+    // Restart clock
+    writeReg(0x00, 0x00);
+
+    Serial.printf("[RTC] Wrote %04d-%02d-%02d %02d:%02d:%02d\n",
+                  year, month, day, hour, minute, second);
+  }
+};

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include "variant.h"
+#include "T5S3Board.h"
+#include <Mesh.h>  // For MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN
+
+void T5S3Board::begin() {
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("T5S3Board::begin() - starting");
+
+  // Initialize I2C with T5S3 V2 pins
+  // Note: No explicit peripheral power enable needed on T5S3
+  // (unlike T-Deck Pro's PIN_PERF_POWERON)
+  Wire.begin(I2C_SDA, I2C_SCL);
+  Wire.setClock(100000);  // 100kHz for reliable fuel gauge communication
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("T5S3Board::begin() - I2C initialized (SDA=%d, SCL=%d)", I2C_SDA, I2C_SCL);
+
+  // Call parent class begin (handles CPU freq, etc.)
+  // Note: ESP32Board::begin() also calls Wire.begin() but with our
+  // PIN_BOARD_SDA/SCL defines it will use the same pins — harmless.
+  ESP32Board::begin();
+
+  // Configure backlight (off by default — save power)
+  #ifdef BOARD_BL_EN
+    pinMode(BOARD_BL_EN, OUTPUT);
+    digitalWrite(BOARD_BL_EN, LOW);
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("T5S3Board::begin() - backlight pin configured (GPIO%d)", BOARD_BL_EN);
+  #endif
+
+  // Configure user button
+  pinMode(PIN_USER_BTN, INPUT);
+
+  // Configure LoRa SPI MISO pullup
+  pinMode(P_LORA_MISO, INPUT_PULLUP);
+
+  // Handle wake from deep sleep
+  esp_reset_reason_t reason = esp_reset_reason();
+  if (reason == ESP_RST_DEEPSLEEP) {
+    uint64_t wakeup_source = esp_sleep_get_ext1_wakeup_status();
+    if (wakeup_source & (1ULL << P_LORA_DIO_1)) {
+      startup_reason = BD_STARTUP_RX_PACKET;
+    }
+    rtc_gpio_hold_dis((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_NSS);
+    rtc_gpio_deinit((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_DIO_1);
+  }
+
+  // Test BQ27220 communication and configure design capacity
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    uint16_t voltage = getBattMilliVolts();
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("T5S3Board::begin() - Battery voltage: %d mV", voltage);
+    configureFuelGauge();
+  #endif
+
+  // Early low-voltage protection
+  #if HAS_BQ27220 && defined(AUTO_SHUTDOWN_MILLIVOLTS)
+  {
+    uint16_t bootMv = getBattMilliVolts();
+    if (bootMv > 0 && bootMv < AUTO_SHUTDOWN_MILLIVOLTS) {
+      Serial.printf("CRITICAL: Boot voltage %dmV < %dmV — sleeping immediately\n",
+                    bootMv, AUTO_SHUTDOWN_MILLIVOLTS);
+      esp_sleep_disable_wakeup_source(ESP_SLEEP_WAKEUP_ALL);
+      esp_sleep_enable_ext1_wakeup(1ULL << PIN_USER_BTN, ESP_EXT1_WAKEUP_ANY_HIGH);
+      esp_deep_sleep_start();
+    }
+  }
+  #endif
+
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("T5S3Board::begin() - complete");
+}
+
+// ---- BQ27220 register helpers (static, file-local) ----
+
+#if HAS_BQ27220
+static uint16_t bq27220_read16(uint8_t reg) {
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(reg);
+  if (Wire.endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0;
+  if (Wire.requestFrom((uint8_t)BQ27220_I2C_ADDR, (uint8_t)2) != 2) return 0;
+  uint16_t val = Wire.read();
+  val |= (Wire.read() << 8);
+  return val;
+}
+
+static uint8_t bq27220_read8(uint8_t reg) {
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(reg);
+  if (Wire.endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0;
+  if (Wire.requestFrom((uint8_t)BQ27220_I2C_ADDR, (uint8_t)1) != 1) return 0;
+  return Wire.read();
+}
+
+static bool bq27220_writeControl(uint16_t subcmd) {
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(0x00);
+  Wire.write(subcmd & 0xFF);
+  Wire.write((subcmd >> 8) & 0xFF);
+  return Wire.endTransmission() == 0;
+}
+#endif
+
+// ---- BQ27220 public interface ----
+
+uint16_t T5S3Board::getBattMilliVolts() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+    Wire.write(BQ27220_REG_VOLTAGE);
+    if (Wire.endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0;
+    uint8_t count = Wire.requestFrom((uint8_t)BQ27220_I2C_ADDR, (uint8_t)2);
+    if (count != 2) return 0;
+    uint16_t voltage = Wire.read();
+    voltage |= (Wire.read() << 8);
+    return voltage;
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+uint8_t T5S3Board::getBatteryPercent() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+    Wire.write(BQ27220_REG_SOC);
+    if (Wire.endTransmission(false) != 0) return 0;
+    uint8_t count = Wire.requestFrom((uint8_t)BQ27220_I2C_ADDR, (uint8_t)2);
+    if (count != 2) return 0;
+    uint16_t soc = Wire.read();
+    soc |= (Wire.read() << 8);
+    return (uint8_t)min(soc, (uint16_t)100);
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+int16_t T5S3Board::getAvgCurrent() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    return (int16_t)bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_AVG_CURRENT);
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+int16_t T5S3Board::getAvgPower() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    return (int16_t)bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_AVG_POWER);
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+uint16_t T5S3Board::getTimeToEmpty() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    return bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_TIME_TO_EMPTY);
+  #else
+    return 0xFFFF;
+  #endif
+}
+
+uint16_t T5S3Board::getRemainingCapacity() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    return bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_REMAIN_CAP);
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+uint16_t T5S3Board::getFullChargeCapacity() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    uint16_t fcc = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP);
+    if (fcc > BQ27220_DESIGN_CAPACITY_MAH) fcc = BQ27220_DESIGN_CAPACITY_MAH;
+    return fcc;
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+uint16_t T5S3Board::getDesignCapacity() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    return bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_DESIGN_CAP);
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+int16_t T5S3Board::getBattTemperature() {
+  #if HAS_BQ27220
+    uint16_t raw = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_TEMPERATURE);
+    return (int16_t)(raw - 2731);  // 0.1°K to 0.1°C
+  #else
+    return 0;
+  #endif
+}
+
+// ---- BQ27220 Design Capacity configuration ----
+// Identical procedure to TDeckBoard — sets 1500 mAh for T5S3's larger cell.
+// The BQ27220 ships with 3000 mAh default. This writes once on first boot
+// and persists in battery-backed RAM.
+
+bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
+#if HAS_BQ27220
+  uint16_t currentDC = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_DESIGN_CAP);
+  Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Capacity = %d mAh (target %d)\n", currentDC, designCapacity_mAh);
+
+  if (currentDC == designCapacity_mAh) {
+    uint16_t fcc = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP);
+    Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Capacity correct, FCC=%d mAh\n", fcc);
+    if (fcc < designCapacity_mAh * 3 / 2) {
+      return true;  // FCC is sane, nothing to do
+    }
+    // FCC is stale from factory — fall through to reconfigure
+    Serial.printf("BQ27220: FCC %d >> DC %d, reconfiguring\n", fcc, designCapacity_mAh);
+  }
+
+  // Unseal
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0414); delay(2);
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x3672); delay(2);
+  // Full Access
+  bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
+  bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
+
+  // Enter CFG_UPDATE
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0090);
+  bool cfgReady = false;
+  for (int i = 0; i < 50; i++) {
+    delay(20);
+    uint16_t opStatus = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_OP_STATUS);
+    if (opStatus & 0x0400) { cfgReady = true; break; }
+  }
+  if (!cfgReady) {
+    Serial.println("BQ27220: Timeout waiting for CFGUPDATE");
+    bq27220_writeControl(0x0092);
+    bq27220_writeControl(0x0030);
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  // Write Design Capacity at 0x929F
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0x9F); Wire.write(0x92);
+  Wire.endTransmission();
+  delay(10);
+
+  uint8_t oldMSB = bq27220_read8(0x40);
+  uint8_t oldLSB = bq27220_read8(0x41);
+  uint8_t oldChk = bq27220_read8(0x60);
+  uint8_t dataLen = bq27220_read8(0x61);
+
+  uint8_t newMSB = (designCapacity_mAh >> 8) & 0xFF;
+  uint8_t newLSB = designCapacity_mAh & 0xFF;
+  uint8_t temp = (255 - oldChk - oldMSB - oldLSB);
+  uint8_t newChk = 255 - ((temp + newMSB + newLSB) & 0xFF);
+
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0x9F); Wire.write(0x92);
+  Wire.write(newMSB); Wire.write(newLSB);
+  Wire.endTransmission();
+  delay(5);
+  Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+  Wire.write(0x60); Wire.write(newChk); Wire.write(dataLen);
+  Wire.endTransmission();
+  delay(10);
+
+  // Write Design Energy at 0x92A1
+  {
+    uint16_t designEnergy = (uint16_t)((uint32_t)designCapacity_mAh * 37 / 10);
+    Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+    Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0xA1); Wire.write(0x92);
+    Wire.endTransmission();
+    delay(10);
+    uint8_t deOldMSB = bq27220_read8(0x40);
+    uint8_t deOldLSB = bq27220_read8(0x41);
+    uint8_t deOldChk = bq27220_read8(0x60);
+    uint8_t deLen    = bq27220_read8(0x61);
+    uint8_t deNewMSB = (designEnergy >> 8) & 0xFF;
+    uint8_t deNewLSB = designEnergy & 0xFF;
+    uint8_t deTemp = (255 - deOldChk - deOldMSB - deOldLSB);
+    uint8_t deNewChk = 255 - ((deTemp + deNewMSB + deNewLSB) & 0xFF);
+
+    Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+    Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0xA1); Wire.write(0x92);
+    Wire.write(deNewMSB); Wire.write(deNewLSB);
+    Wire.endTransmission();
+    delay(5);
+    Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+    Wire.write(0x60); Wire.write(deNewChk); Wire.write(deLen);
+    Wire.endTransmission();
+    delay(10);
+  }
+
+  // Exit CFG_UPDATE with reinit
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0091);
+  delay(200);
+
+  // Seal
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0030);
+  delay(5);
+
+  // Force RESET to reinitialize FCC
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0041);
+  delay(1000);
+
+  uint16_t verifyDC = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_DESIGN_CAP);
+  uint16_t newFCC = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP);
+  Serial.printf("BQ27220: Post-config DC=%d FCC=%d mAh\n", verifyDC, newFCC);
+
+  return verifyDC == designCapacity_mAh;
+#else
+  return false;
+#endif
+}

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.h

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "variant.h"
+#include <Wire.h>
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include "helpers/ESP32Board.h"
+#include <driver/rtc_io.h>
+
+// BQ27220 Fuel Gauge Registers (shared with TDeckBoard)
+#define BQ27220_REG_TEMPERATURE    0x06
+#define BQ27220_REG_VOLTAGE        0x08
+#define BQ27220_REG_CURRENT        0x0C
+#define BQ27220_REG_SOC            0x2C
+#define BQ27220_REG_REMAIN_CAP     0x10
+#define BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP       0x12
+#define BQ27220_REG_AVG_CURRENT    0x14
+#define BQ27220_REG_TIME_TO_EMPTY  0x16
+#define BQ27220_REG_AVG_POWER      0x24
+#define BQ27220_REG_DESIGN_CAP     0x3C
+#define BQ27220_REG_OP_STATUS      0x3A
+
+class T5S3Board : public ESP32Board {
+public:
+  void begin();
+
+  void powerOff() override {
+    btStop();
+    // Turn off backlight before sleeping
+    #ifdef BOARD_BL_EN
+      digitalWrite(BOARD_BL_EN, LOW);
+    #endif
+  }
+
+  void enterDeepSleep(uint32_t secs, int pin_wake_btn) {
+    esp_sleep_pd_config(ESP_PD_DOMAIN_RTC_PERIPH, ESP_PD_OPTION_ON);
+
+    // Hold LoRa DIO1 and NSS during deep sleep
+    rtc_gpio_set_direction((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_DIO_1, RTC_GPIO_MODE_INPUT_ONLY);
+    rtc_gpio_pulldown_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_DIO_1);
+    rtc_gpio_hold_en((gpio_num_t)P_LORA_NSS);
+
+    if (pin_wake_btn < 0) {
+      esp_sleep_enable_ext1_wakeup((1ULL << P_LORA_DIO_1), ESP_EXT1_WAKEUP_ANY_HIGH);
+    } else {
+      esp_sleep_enable_ext1_wakeup((1ULL << P_LORA_DIO_1) | (1ULL << pin_wake_btn), ESP_EXT1_WAKEUP_ANY_HIGH);
+    }
+
+    if (secs > 0) {
+      esp_sleep_enable_timer_wakeup(secs * 1000000ULL);
+    }
+
+    esp_deep_sleep_start();
+  }
+
+  // BQ27220 fuel gauge interface (identical register protocol to TDeckBoard)
+  uint16_t getBattMilliVolts() override;
+  uint8_t  getBatteryPercent();
+  int16_t  getAvgCurrent();
+  int16_t  getAvgPower();
+  uint16_t getTimeToEmpty();
+  uint16_t getRemainingCapacity();
+  uint16_t getFullChargeCapacity();
+  uint16_t getDesignCapacity();
+  int16_t  getBattTemperature();
+  bool     configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh = BQ27220_DESIGN_CAPACITY_MAH);
+
+  // Backlight control (GPIO11 — functional warm-tone front-light, PWM capable)
+  // Brightness 0-255 (0=off, 153=comfortable reading, 255=max)
+  bool _backlightOn = false;
+  uint8_t _backlightBrightness = 153;  // Same default as Meshtastic
+
+  void setBacklight(bool on) {
+    #ifdef BOARD_BL_EN
+      _backlightOn = on;
+      analogWrite(BOARD_BL_EN, on ? _backlightBrightness : 0);
+    #endif
+  }
+
+  void setBacklightBrightness(uint8_t brightness) {
+    #ifdef BOARD_BL_EN
+      _backlightBrightness = brightness;
+      if (_backlightOn) {
+        analogWrite(BOARD_BL_EN, brightness);
+      }
+    #endif
+  }
+
+  bool isBacklightOn() const { return _backlightOn; }
+
+  void toggleBacklight() {
+    setBacklight(!_backlightOn);
+  }
+
+  const char* getManufacturerName() const {
+    return "LilyGo T5S3 E-Paper Pro";
+  }
+};

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/pins_arduino.h

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#ifndef Pins_Arduino_h
+#define Pins_Arduino_h
+
+#include <stdint.h>
+
+#define USB_VID 0x303a
+#define USB_PID 0x1001
+
+// Default Wire will be mapped to RTC, Touch, PCA9535, BQ25896, BQ27220, TPS65185
+static const uint8_t SDA = 39;
+static const uint8_t SCL = 40;
+
+// Default SPI will be mapped to LoRa + SD card
+static const uint8_t SS   = 46;   // LoRa CS
+static const uint8_t MOSI = 13;
+static const uint8_t MISO = 21;
+static const uint8_t SCK  = 14;
+
+#endif /* Pins_Arduino_h */

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/platformio.ini

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+; ===========================================================================
+; LilyGo T5 S3 E-Paper Pro (H752-B / V2 hardware)
+; 4.7" parallel e-ink (960x540), GT911 touch, SX1262 LoRa, no keyboard
+; ===========================================================================
+;
+; Place t5s3-epaper-pro.json in boards/ directory.
+; Place variant files in variants/LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro/
+; Place FastEPDDisplay.h/.cpp in src/helpers/ui/
+;
+
+[LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro]
+extends = esp32_base
+extra_scripts = post:merge_firmware.py
+board = t5s3-epaper-pro
+board_build.flash_mode = qio
+board_build.f_flash = 80000000L
+board_build.arduino.memory_type = qio_opi
+board_upload.flash_size = 16MB
+build_flags =
+  ${esp32_base.build_flags}
+  -I variants/LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+  -D LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+  -D T5_S3_EPAPER_PRO_V2
+  -D BOARD_HAS_PSRAM=1
+  -D CORE_DEBUG_LEVEL=1
+  -D FORMAT_SPIFFS_IF_FAILED=1
+  -D FORMAT_LITTLEFS_IF_FAILED=1
+  -D ARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1
+  -D RADIO_CLASS=CustomSX1262
+  -D WRAPPER_CLASS=CustomSX1262Wrapper
+  -D LORA_TX_POWER=22
+  -D SX126X_DIO2_AS_RF_SWITCH
+  -D SX126X_CURRENT_LIMIT=140
+  -D SX126X_RX_BOOSTED_GAIN=1
+  -D SX126X_DIO3_TCXO_VOLTAGE=2.4f
+  -D P_LORA_DIO_1=10
+  -D P_LORA_NSS=46
+  -D P_LORA_RESET=1
+  -D P_LORA_BUSY=47
+  -D P_LORA_SCLK=14
+  -D P_LORA_MISO=21
+  -D P_LORA_MOSI=13
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_AHTX0=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_BME280=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_BMP280=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_SHTC3=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_SHT4X=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_LPS22HB=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_INA3221=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_INA219=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_INA226=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_INA260=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_MLX90614=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_VL53L0X=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_BME680=0
+  -D ENV_INCLUDE_BMP085=0
+  -D HAS_BQ27220=1
+  -D AUTO_SHUTDOWN_MILLIVOLTS=2800
+  -D PIN_USER_BTN=0
+  -D SDCARD_USE_SPI1
+  -D ARDUINO_LOOP_STACK_SIZE=32768
+build_src_filter = ${esp32_base.build_src_filter}
+  +<../variants/LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro>
+lib_deps =
+  ${esp32_base.lib_deps}
+
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; T5S3 standalone — touch UI (stub), verify display rendering
+; Uses FastEPD for parallel e-ink, Adafruit GFX for drawing
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+[env:meck_t5s3_standalone]
+extends = LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+build_flags =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_flags}
+  -I examples/companion_radio/ui-new
+  -D MAX_CONTACTS=1500
+  -D MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS=20
+  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=1
+  -D CHANNEL_MSG_HISTORY_SIZE=800
+  -D DISPLAY_CLASS=FastEPDDisplay
+  -D USE_EINK
+  -D MECK_CARDKB
+  ; -D MECK_SERIF_FONT  ; FreeSerif (Times New Roman-like)
+  ;                      ; Default (no flag): FreeSans (Arial-like)
+build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_src_filter}
+  +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/*.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/ui-new/*.cpp>
+lib_deps =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.lib_deps}
+  densaugeo/base64 @ ~1.4.0
+  adafruit/Adafruit GFX Library@^1.11.0
+  https://github.com/mverch67/FastEPD/archive/0df1bff329b6fc782e062f611758880762340647.zip
+  https://github.com/lewisxhe/SensorLib/archive/refs/tags/v0.3.4.zip
+
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; T5S3 BLE companion — touch UI, BLE phone bridging
+; Connect via MeshCore iOS/Android app over Bluetooth
+; Flash: pio run -e meck_t5s3_ble -t upload
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+[env:meck_t5s3_ble]
+extends = LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+build_flags =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_flags}
+  -I examples/companion_radio/ui-new
+  -D MAX_CONTACTS=500
+  -D MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS=20
+  -D BLE_PIN_CODE=123456
+  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
+  -D DISPLAY_CLASS=FastEPDDisplay
+  -D USE_EINK
+  -D MECK_CARDKB
+  ; -D MECK_SERIF_FONT
+build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_src_filter}
+  +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/*.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/ui-new/*.cpp>
+lib_deps =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.lib_deps}
+  densaugeo/base64 @ ~1.4.0
+  adafruit/Adafruit GFX Library@^1.11.0
+  https://github.com/mverch67/FastEPD/archive/0df1bff329b6fc782e062f611758880762340647.zip
+  https://github.com/lewisxhe/SensorLib/archive/refs/tags/v0.3.4.zip
+
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+; T5S3 WiFi companion — touch UI, WiFi phone bridging, web browser
+; Connect via MeshCore web app or meshcore.js over local network (TCP:5000)
+; MECK_WEB_READER: shares WiFi companion connection — no extra setup needed
+; Flash: pio run -e meck_t5s3_wifi -t upload
+; ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+[env:meck_t5s3_wifi]
+extends = LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro
+build_flags =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_flags}
+  -I examples/companion_radio/ui-new
+  -D MAX_CONTACTS=1500
+  -D MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS=20
+  -D MECK_WIFI_COMPANION=1
+  -D MECK_WEB_READER=1
+  -D TCP_PORT=5000
+  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
+  -D DISPLAY_CLASS=FastEPDDisplay
+  -D USE_EINK
+  -D MECK_CARDKB
+  ; -D MECK_SERIF_FONT
+build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.build_src_filter}
+  +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
+  +<helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/*.cpp>
+  +<../examples/companion_radio/ui-new/*.cpp>
+lib_deps =
+  ${LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro.lib_deps}
+  densaugeo/base64 @ ~1.4.0
+  adafruit/Adafruit GFX Library@^1.11.0
+  https://github.com/mverch67/FastEPD/archive/0df1bff329b6fc782e062f611758880762340647.zip
+  https://github.com/lewisxhe/SensorLib/archive/refs/tags/v0.3.4.zip

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/target.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+#include <Arduino.h>
+#include "variant.h"
+#include "target.h"
+
+T5S3Board board;
+
+// LoRa radio on separate SPI bus
+// T5S3 V2 SPI pins: SCLK=14, MISO=21, MOSI=13 (shared with SD card)
+#if defined(P_LORA_SCLK)
+  static SPIClass loraSpi(HSPI);
+  RADIO_CLASS radio = new Module(P_LORA_NSS, P_LORA_DIO_1, P_LORA_RESET, P_LORA_BUSY, loraSpi);
+#else
+  RADIO_CLASS radio = new Module(P_LORA_NSS, P_LORA_DIO_1, P_LORA_RESET, P_LORA_BUSY);
+#endif
+
+WRAPPER_CLASS radio_driver(radio, board);
+
+PCF85063Clock rtc_clock;
+
+// No GPS on H752-B
+#if HAS_GPS
+  GPSStreamCounter gpsStream(Serial2);
+  MicroNMEALocationProvider gps(gpsStream, &rtc_clock);
+  EnvironmentSensorManager sensors(gps);
+#else
+  SensorManager sensors;
+#endif
+
+// Phase 2: Display
+#ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
+  DISPLAY_CLASS display;
+  MomentaryButton user_btn(PIN_USER_BTN, 1000, true);
+#endif
+
+bool radio_init() {
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - starting");
+
+  // NOTE: board.begin() is called by main.cpp setup() before radio_init()
+  // I2C is already initialized there with correct pins
+
+  // PCF85063 hardware RTC — reads correct registers (0x04–0x0A)
+  // Unlike AutoDiscoverRTCClock which uses RTClib's PCF8563 driver (wrong registers)
+  rtc_clock.begin(Wire);
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - PCF85063 RTC started");
+
+#if defined(P_LORA_SCLK)
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - initializing LoRa SPI (SCLK=%d, MISO=%d, MOSI=%d, NSS=%d)...",
+                     P_LORA_SCLK, P_LORA_MISO, P_LORA_MOSI, P_LORA_NSS);
+  loraSpi.begin(P_LORA_SCLK, P_LORA_MISO, P_LORA_MOSI, P_LORA_NSS);
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - SPI initialized, calling radio.std_init()...");
+  bool result = radio.std_init(&loraSpi);
+  if (result) {
+    radio.setPreambleLength(32);
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - preamble set to 32 symbols");
+  }
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - radio.std_init() returned: %s", result ? "SUCCESS" : "FAILED");
+  return result;
+#else
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - calling radio.std_init() without custom SPI...");
+  bool result = radio.std_init();
+  if (result) {
+    radio.setPreambleLength(32);
+    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - preamble set to 32 symbols");
+  }
+  return result;
+#endif
+}
+
+uint32_t radio_get_rng_seed() {
+  return radio.random(0x7FFFFFFF);
+}
+
+void radio_set_params(float freq, float bw, uint8_t sf, uint8_t cr) {
+  radio.setFrequency(freq);
+  radio.setSpreadingFactor(sf);
+  radio.setBandwidth(bw);
+  radio.setCodingRate(cr);
+}
+
+void radio_set_tx_power(uint8_t dbm) {
+  radio.setOutputPower(dbm);
+}
+
+mesh::LocalIdentity radio_new_identity() {
+  RadioNoiseListener rng(radio);
+  return mesh::LocalIdentity(&rng);
+}
+
+void radio_reset_agc() {
+  radio.setRxBoostedGainMode(true);
+}

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/target.h

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+#pragma once
+
+// Include variant.h first to ensure all board-specific defines are available
+#include "variant.h"
+
+#define RADIOLIB_STATIC_ONLY 1
+#include <RadioLib.h>
+#include <helpers/radiolib/RadioLibWrappers.h>
+#include <helpers/radiolib/CustomSX1262Wrapper.h>
+#include <T5S3Board.h>
+#include "PCF85063Clock.h"
+
+// Display support — FastEPDDisplay for parallel e-ink (not GxEPD2)
+#ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
+  #include <helpers/ui/FastEPDDisplay.h>
+  #include <helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.h>
+#endif
+
+// No GPS on H752-B (non-GPS variant)
+// If porting to H752-01/H752-02 with GPS, enable this:
+#if HAS_GPS
+  #include "helpers/sensors/EnvironmentSensorManager.h"
+  #include "helpers/sensors/MicroNMEALocationProvider.h"
+  #include "GPSStreamCounter.h"
+#else
+  #include <helpers/SensorManager.h>
+#endif
+
+extern T5S3Board board;
+extern WRAPPER_CLASS radio_driver;
+extern PCF85063Clock rtc_clock;
+
+#if HAS_GPS
+  extern GPSStreamCounter gpsStream;
+  extern EnvironmentSensorManager sensors;
+#else
+  extern SensorManager sensors;
+#endif
+
+#ifdef DISPLAY_CLASS
+  extern DISPLAY_CLASS display;
+  extern MomentaryButton user_btn;
+#endif
+
+bool radio_init();
+uint32_t radio_get_rng_seed();
+void radio_set_params(float freq, float bw, uint8_t sf, uint8_t cr);
+void radio_set_tx_power(uint8_t dbm);
+mesh::LocalIdentity radio_new_identity();
+void radio_reset_agc();

variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/variant.h

@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+#pragma once
+
+// =============================================================================
+// LilyGo T5 S3 E-Paper Pro V2 (H752-01/H752-B) - Pin Definitions for Meck
+//
+// 4.7" parallel e-ink (ED047TC1, 960x540, 16-grey) — NO SPI display
+// GT911 capacitive touch (no physical keyboard)
+// SX1262 LoRa, BQ27220+BQ25896 battery, PCF85063 RTC, PCA9535 IO expander
+// =============================================================================
+
+// Board identifier
+#define LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro  1
+#define T5_S3_EPAPER_PRO_V2     1
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// I2C Bus — shared by GT911, PCF85063, PCA9535, BQ25896, BQ27220, TPS65185
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define I2C_SDA  39
+#define I2C_SCL  40
+
+// Aliases for ESP32Board base class compatibility
+#define PIN_BOARD_SDA  I2C_SDA
+#define PIN_BOARD_SCL  I2C_SCL
+
+// I2C Device Addresses
+#define I2C_ADDR_GT911       0x5D  // Touch controller
+#define I2C_ADDR_PCF85063    0x51  // RTC
+#define I2C_ADDR_PCA9535     0x20  // IO expander (e-ink power control)
+#define I2C_ADDR_BQ27220     0x55  // Fuel gauge
+#define I2C_ADDR_BQ25896     0x6B  // Battery charger
+#define I2C_ADDR_TPS65185    0x68  // E-ink power driver
+#define CARDKB_I2C_ADDR      0x5F  // M5Stack CardKB (external, via QWIIC)
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// SPI Bus — shared by LoRa and SD card
+// Different from T-Deck Pro! (T-Deck: 33/47/36, T5S3: 13/21/14)
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define BOARD_SPI_SCLK  14
+#define BOARD_SPI_MISO  21
+#define BOARD_SPI_MOSI  13
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// LoRa Radio (SX1262)
+// SPI bus shared with SD card, different chip selects
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define P_LORA_NSS    46
+#define P_LORA_DIO_1  10   // IRQ
+#define P_LORA_RESET   1
+#define P_LORA_BUSY   47
+#define P_LORA_SCLK   BOARD_SPI_SCLK
+#define P_LORA_MISO   BOARD_SPI_MISO
+#define P_LORA_MOSI   BOARD_SPI_MOSI
+// Note: No P_LORA_EN on T5S3 — LoRa is always powered
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// E-Ink Display (ED047TC1 — 8-bit parallel, NOT SPI)
+// Driven by epdiy/FastEPD library via TPS65185 + PCA9535
+// GxEPD2 is NOT used on this board.
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Parallel data bus (directly wired to ESP32-S3 GPIOs)
+#define EP_D0   5
+#define EP_D1   6
+#define EP_D2   7
+#define EP_D3  15
+#define EP_D4  16
+#define EP_D5  17
+#define EP_D6  18
+#define EP_D7   8
+
+// Control signals
+#define EP_CKV  48   // Clock vertical
+#define EP_STH  41   // Start horizontal
+#define EP_LEH  42   // Latch enable horizontal
+#define EP_STV  45   // Start vertical
+#define EP_CKH   4   // Clock horizontal (edge)
+
+// E-ink power is managed by TPS65185 through PCA9535 IO expander:
+//   PCA9535 IO10 -> EP_OE (output enable, source driver)
+//   PCA9535 IO11 -> EP_MODE (output mode, gate driver)
+//   PCA9535 IO13 -> TPS_PWRUP
+//   PCA9535 IO14 -> VCOM_CTRL
+//   PCA9535 IO15 -> TPS_WAKEUP
+//   PCA9535 IO16 -> TPS_PWR_GOOD (input)
+//   PCA9535 IO17 -> TPS_INT (input)
+
+// Display dimensions — native resolution of ED047TC1
+#define EPD_WIDTH   960
+#define EPD_HEIGHT  540
+
+// Backlight (warm-tone front-light — functional on V2!)
+#define BOARD_BL_EN  11
+
+// We do NOT define DISPLAY_CLASS or EINK_DISPLAY_MODEL here.
+// The parallel display uses FastEPD, not GxEPD2.
+// DISPLAY_CLASS will be defined in platformio.ini as FastEPDDisplay
+// for builds that include display support.
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Touch Controller (GT911)
+// No physical keyboard on this board — touch-only input
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define HAS_TOUCHSCREEN  1
+#define GT911_PIN_INT     3
+#define GT911_PIN_RST     9
+#define GT911_PIN_SDA    I2C_SDA
+#define GT911_PIN_SCL    I2C_SCL
+
+// No keyboard
+// #define HAS_PHYSICAL_KEYBOARD 0
+
+// Compatibility: main.cpp references CST328 touch (T-Deck Pro).
+// Map to GT911 equivalents so shared code compiles.
+// The actual touch init for T5S3 will use GT911 in Phase 2.
+#define CST328_PIN_INT  GT911_PIN_INT
+#define CST328_PIN_RST  GT911_PIN_RST
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// SD Card — shares SPI bus with LoRa
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define HAS_SDCARD
+#define SDCARD_USE_SPI1
+#define SDCARD_CS  12
+#define SPI_CS     SDCARD_CS
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// GPS — Not present on H752-B (non-GPS variant)
+// If a GPS model is used (H752-01/H752-02), define HAS_GPS=1
+// and uncomment the GPS pins below.
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// #define HAS_GPS 1
+// #define GPS_BAUDRATE 38400
+// #define GPS_RX_PIN  44
+// #define GPS_TX_PIN  43
+
+// Fallback for code that references GPS_BAUDRATE without HAS_GPS guard
+// (e.g. MyMesh.cpp CLI rescue command)
+#ifndef GPS_BAUDRATE
+#define GPS_BAUDRATE 9600
+#endif
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// RTC — PCF85063 (proper hardware RTC, battery-backed!)
+// This is a significant upgrade over T-Deck Pro which has no RTC.
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define HAS_PCF85063_RTC  1
+#define PCF85063_I2C_ADDR 0x51
+#define PCF85063_INT_PIN   2
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// PCA9535 IO Expander
+// Controls e-ink power sequencing and has a user button
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define HAS_PCA9535       1
+#define PCA9535_I2C_ADDR  0x20
+#define PCA9535_INT_PIN   38
+
+// PCA9535 pin assignments (directly from LilyGo schematic):
+// Port 0 (IO0x): IO00-IO07 — mostly unused/reserved
+// Port 1 (IO1x):
+#define PCA9535_EP_OE       0   // IO10 — EP output enable (source driver)
+#define PCA9535_EP_MODE      1   // IO11 — EP mode (gate driver)
+#define PCA9535_BUTTON       2   // IO12 — User button via IO expander
+#define PCA9535_TPS_PWRUP    3   // IO13 — TPS65185 power up
+#define PCA9535_VCOM_CTRL    4   // IO14 — VCOM control
+#define PCA9535_TPS_WAKEUP   5   // IO15 — TPS65185 wakeup
+#define PCA9535_TPS_PWRGOOD  6   // IO16 — TPS65185 power good (input)
+#define PCA9535_TPS_INT      7   // IO17 — TPS65185 interrupt (input)
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Buttons & Controls
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define BUTTON_PIN   0       // Boot button (GPIO0)
+#define PIN_USER_BTN 0
+
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Power Management
+// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+#define HAS_BQ27220  1
+#define BQ27220_I2C_ADDR  0x55
+
+// T5S3 E-Paper Pro battery (1500 mAh — larger than T-Deck Pro's 1400 mAh)
+#ifndef BQ27220_DESIGN_CAPACITY_MAH
+#define BQ27220_DESIGN_CAPACITY_MAH  1500
+#endif
+
+#define AUTO_SHUTDOWN_MILLIVOLTS  2800
+
+// No explicit peripheral power pin on T5S3 (unlike T-Deck Pro's PIN_PERF_POWERON)
+// Peripherals are always powered when the board is on.

variants/lilygo_tdeck_pro/CPUPowerManager.h

@@ -8,9 +8,10 @@
 //   240 MHz  ~70-80 mA
 //   160 MHz  ~50-60 mA
 //    80 MHz  ~30-40 mA
+//    40 MHz  ~15-20 mA  (low-power / lock screen mode)
 //
 // SPI peripherals and UART use their own clock dividers from the APB clock,
-// so LoRa, e-ink, and GPS serial all work fine at 80MHz.
+// so LoRa, e-ink, and GPS serial all work fine at 80MHz and 40MHz.
 
 #ifdef ESP32
 
@@ -22,23 +23,36 @@
 #define CPU_FREQ_BOOST  240    // MHz — heavy processing
 #endif
 
+#ifndef CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER
+#define CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER  40 // MHz — lock screen / idle standby
+#endif
+
 #ifndef CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS
 #define CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS  10000  // 10 seconds
 #endif
 
 class CPUPowerManager {
 public:
-  CPUPowerManager() : _boosted(false), _boost_started(0) {}
+  CPUPowerManager() : _boosted(false), _lowPower(false), _boost_started(0) {}
 
   void begin() {
     setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
     _boosted = false;
+    _lowPower = false;
     MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
   }
 
   void loop() {
     if (_boosted && (millis() - _boost_started >= CPU_BOOST_TIMEOUT_MS)) {
-      setIdle();
+      // Return to low-power if locked, otherwise normal idle
+      if (_lowPower) {
+        setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+        MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: boost expired, returning to low-power %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+      } else {
+        setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+        MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+      }
+      _boosted = false;
     }
   }
 
@@ -57,13 +71,42 @@ public:
       _boosted = false;
       MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
     }
+    if (_lowPower) {
+      _lowPower = false;
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Low-power mode — drops CPU to 40 MHz for lock screen standby.
+  // If currently boosted, the boost timeout will return to 40 MHz
+  // instead of 80 MHz.
+  void setLowPower() {
+    _lowPower = true;
+    if (!_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: low-power at %d MHz", CPU_FREQ_LOW_POWER);
+    }
+    // If boosted, the loop() timeout will drop to low-power instead of idle
+  }
+
+  // Exit low-power mode — returns to normal idle (80 MHz).
+  // If currently boosted, the boost timeout will return to idle
+  // instead of low-power.
+  void clearLowPower() {
+    _lowPower = false;
+    if (!_boosted) {
+      setCpuFrequencyMhz(CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+      MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("CPU power: idle at %d MHz (low-power cleared)", CPU_FREQ_IDLE);
+    }
+    // If boosted, the loop() timeout will drop to idle as normal
   }
 
   bool isBoosted() const { return _boosted; }
+  bool isLowPower() const { return _lowPower; }
   uint32_t getFrequencyMHz() const { return getCpuFrequencyMhz(); }
 
 private:
   bool _boosted;
+  bool _lowPower;
   unsigned long _boost_started;
 };
 

variants/lilygo_tdeck_pro/platformio.ini

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 [LilyGo_TDeck_Pro]
 extends = esp32_base
+extra_scripts = post:merge_firmware.py
 board = t-deck_pro
 board_build.flash_mode = qio
 board_build.f_flash = 80000000L
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ build_flags =
   ${sensor_base.build_flags}
   -I variants/LilyGo_TDeck_Pro
   -D LilyGo_TDeck_Pro
+  -D HAS_GPS=1
   -D BOARD_HAS_PSRAM=1
   -D CORE_DEBUG_LEVEL=1
   -D FORMAT_SPIFFS_IF_FAILED=1
@@ -81,6 +83,8 @@ build_flags =
   -D PIN_DISPLAY_MOSI=33
   -D PIN_DISPLAY_BL=45
   -D PIN_USER_BTN=0
+  -D HAS_TOUCHSCREEN=1
+  -D CST328_PIN_INT=12
   -D CST328_PIN_RST=38
   -D ARDUINO_LOOP_STACK_SIZE=32768
 build_src_filter = ${esp32_base.build_src_filter}
@@ -142,7 +146,7 @@ build_flags =
   -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
   -D MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT
   -D MECK_WEB_READER=1
-  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v0.9.8.WiFi"'
+  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v1.2.WiFi"'
 build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_TDeck_Pro.build_src_filter}
   +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
   +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
@@ -165,7 +169,7 @@ build_flags =
   -I examples/companion_radio/ui-new
   -D MAX_CONTACTS=1500
   -D MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS=20
-  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
+  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=1
   -D MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT
 build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_TDeck_Pro.build_src_filter}
   +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
@@ -192,7 +196,7 @@ build_flags =
   -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
   -D HAS_4G_MODEM=1
   -D MECK_WEB_READER=1
-  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v0.9.8.4G"'
+  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v1.2.4G"'
 build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_TDeck_Pro.build_src_filter}
   +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
   +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
@@ -222,7 +226,7 @@ build_flags =
   -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
   -D HAS_4G_MODEM=1
   -D MECK_WEB_READER=1
-  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v0.9.8.4G.WiFi"'
+  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v1.2.4G.WiFi"'
 build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_TDeck_Pro.build_src_filter}
   +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
   +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>
@@ -245,10 +249,10 @@ build_flags =
   -I examples/companion_radio/ui-new
   -D MAX_CONTACTS=1500
   -D MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS=20
-  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=256
+  -D OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE=1
   -D HAS_4G_MODEM=1
   -D MECK_WEB_READER=1
-  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v0.9.8.4G.SA"'
+  -D FIRMWARE_VERSION='"Meck v1.2.4G.SA"'
 build_src_filter = ${LilyGo_TDeck_Pro.build_src_filter}
   +<helpers/esp32/*.cpp>
   +<helpers/ui/MomentaryButton.cpp>

variants/lilygo_tdeck_pro/target.cpp

@@ -49,19 +49,11 @@ bool radio_init() {
   loraSpi.begin(P_LORA_SCLK, P_LORA_MISO, P_LORA_MOSI, P_LORA_NSS);
   MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - SPI initialized, calling radio.std_init()...");
   bool result = radio.std_init(&loraSpi);
-  if (result) {
-    radio.setPreambleLength(32);
-    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - preamble set to 32 symbols");
-  }
   MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - radio.std_init() returned: %s", result ? "SUCCESS" : "FAILED");
   return result;
 #else
   MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - calling radio.std_init() without custom SPI...");
   bool result = radio.std_init();
-  if (result) {
-    radio.setPreambleLength(32);
-    MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_init() - preamble set to 32 symbols");
-  }
   return result;
 #endif
 }
@@ -75,6 +67,14 @@ void radio_set_params(float freq, float bw, uint8_t sf, uint8_t cr) {
   radio.setSpreadingFactor(sf);
   radio.setBandwidth(bw);
   radio.setCodingRate(cr);
+
+  // Longer preamble for low SF improves reliability — each symbol is shorter
+  // at low SF, so more symbols are needed for reliable detection.
+  // SF <= 8 gets 32 symbols (~65ms at SF7/62.5kHz); SF >= 9 keeps 16 (already ~131ms+).
+  // See: https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/pull/1954
+  uint16_t preamble = (sf <= 8) ? 32 : 16;
+  radio.setPreambleLength(preamble);
+  MESH_DEBUG_PRINTLN("radio_set_params() - bw=%.1f sf=%u preamble=%u", bw, sf, preamble);
 }
 
 void radio_set_tx_power(uint8_t dbm) {