Merge branch 'main' into fix-settings-redraw

* add node config path to settings

* try reload config but failed

README.md

@@ -67,3 +67,11 @@ To quickly connect to localhost, use:
 ```sh
 contact -t
 ```
+## Install in development (editable) mode:
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/pdxlocations/contact.git
+cd contact
+python3 -m venv .venv
+source .venv/bin/activate
+pip install -e .
+```

contact/__main__.py

@@ -53,22 +53,21 @@ logging.basicConfig(
 
 app_state.lock = threading.Lock()
 
+
 # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Main Program Logic
 # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+def prompt_region_if_unset(args: object) -> None:
+    """Prompt user to set region if it is unset."""
+    confirmation = get_list_input("Your region is UNSET. Set it now?", "Yes", ["Yes", "No"])
+    if confirmation == "Yes":
+        set_region(interface_state.interface)
+        interface_state.interface.close()
+        interface_state.interface = initialize_interface(args)
 
 
-def initialize_globals(args) -> None:
+def initialize_globals() -> None:
     """Initializes interface and shared globals."""
-    interface_state.interface = initialize_interface(args)
-
-    # Prompt for region if unset
-    if interface_state.interface.localNode.localConfig.lora.region == 0:
-        confirmation = get_list_input("Your region is UNSET. Set it now?", "Yes", ["Yes", "No"])
-        if confirmation == "Yes":
-            set_region(interface_state.interface)
-            interface_state.interface.close()
-            interface_state.interface = initialize_interface(args)
 
     interface_state.myNodeNum = get_nodeNum()
     ui_state.channel_list = get_channels()
@@ -81,55 +80,63 @@ def initialize_globals(args) -> None:
 
 def main(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     """Main entry point for the curses UI."""
+
     output_capture = io.StringIO()
-
     try:
-        with contextlib.redirect_stdout(output_capture), contextlib.redirect_stderr(output_capture):
-            setup_colors()
-            draw_splash(stdscr)
+        setup_colors()
+        draw_splash(stdscr)
 
-            args = setup_parser().parse_args()
+        args = setup_parser().parse_args()
 
-            if getattr(args, "settings", False):
-                subprocess.run([sys.executable, "-m", "contact.settings"], check=True)
-                return
+        if getattr(args, "settings", False):
+            subprocess.run([sys.executable, "-m", "contact.settings"], check=True)
+            return
 
-            logging.info("Initializing interface...")
-            with app_state.lock:
-                initialize_globals(args)
-                logging.info("Starting main UI")
+        logging.info("Initializing interface...")
+        with app_state.lock:
+            interface_state.interface = initialize_interface(args)
 
-            main_ui(stdscr)
+            if interface_state.interface.localNode.localConfig.lora.region == 0:
+                prompt_region_if_unset(args)
 
-    except Exception as e:
-        console_output = output_capture.getvalue()
-        logging.error("Uncaught exception: %s", e)
-        logging.error("Traceback: %s", traceback.format_exc())
-        logging.error("Console output:\n%s", console_output)
+            initialize_globals()
+            logging.info("Starting main UI")
+
+        try:
+            with contextlib.redirect_stdout(output_capture), contextlib.redirect_stderr(output_capture):
+                main_ui(stdscr)
+        except Exception:
+            console_output = output_capture.getvalue()
+            logging.error("Uncaught exception inside main_ui")
+            logging.error("Traceback:\n%s", traceback.format_exc())
+            logging.error("Console output:\n%s", console_output)
+            return
+
+    except Exception:
         raise
 
 
 def start() -> None:
-    """Launch curses wrapper and redirect logs to file."""
+    """Entry point for the application."""
 
     if "--help" in sys.argv or "-h" in sys.argv:
         setup_parser().print_help()
         sys.exit(0)
 
-    with open(config.log_file_path, "a", buffering=1) as log_f:
-        sys.stdout = log_f
-        sys.stderr = log_f
-
-        with contextlib.redirect_stdout(log_f), contextlib.redirect_stderr(log_f):
-            try:
-                curses.wrapper(main)
-            except KeyboardInterrupt:
-                logging.info("User exited with Ctrl+C")
-                sys.exit(0)
-            except Exception as e:
-                logging.error("Fatal error: %s", e)
-                logging.error("Traceback: %s", traceback.format_exc())
-                sys.exit(1)
+    try:
+        curses.wrapper(main)
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        logging.info("User exited with Ctrl+C")
+        sys.exit(0)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logging.critical("Fatal error", exc_info=True)
+        try:
+            curses.endwin()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        print("Fatal error:", e)
+        traceback.print_exc()
+        sys.exit(1)
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

contact/message_handlers/rx_handler.py

@@ -3,11 +3,12 @@ import os
 import platform
 import shutil
 import subprocess
-import time
-from datetime import datetime
 from typing import Any, Dict
 
-from contact.utilities.utils import refresh_node_list
+from contact.utilities.utils import (
+    refresh_node_list,
+    add_new_message,
+)
 from contact.ui.contact_ui import (
     draw_packetlog_win,
     draw_node_list,
@@ -29,37 +30,42 @@ from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state, app_state
 def play_sound():
     try:
         system = platform.system()
+        sound_path = None
+        executable = None
 
         if system == "Darwin":  # macOS
             sound_path = "/System/Library/Sounds/Ping.aiff"
-            if os.path.exists(sound_path):
-                subprocess.run(["afplay", sound_path], check=True)
-                return
-            else:
-                logging.warning(f"macOS sound file not found: {sound_path}")
+            executable = "afplay"
 
         elif system == "Linux":
-            sound_path = "/usr/share/sounds/freedesktop/stereo/complete.oga"
-            if os.path.exists(sound_path):
-                if shutil.which("paplay"):
-                    subprocess.run(["paplay", sound_path], check=True)
-                    return
-                elif shutil.which("aplay"):
-                    subprocess.run(["aplay", sound_path], check=True)
-                    return
-                else:
-                    logging.warning("No sound player found (paplay/aplay)")
+            ogg_path = "/usr/share/sounds/freedesktop/stereo/complete.oga"
+            wav_path = "/usr/share/sounds/alsa/Front_Center.wav"  # common fallback
+
+            if shutil.which("paplay") and os.path.exists(ogg_path):
+                executable = "paplay"
+                sound_path = ogg_path
+            elif shutil.which("ffplay") and os.path.exists(ogg_path):
+                executable = "ffplay"
+                sound_path = ogg_path
+            elif shutil.which("aplay") and os.path.exists(wav_path):
+                executable = "aplay"
+                sound_path = wav_path
             else:
-                logging.warning(f"Linux sound file not found: {sound_path}")
+                logging.warning("No suitable sound player or sound file found on Linux")
+
+        if executable and sound_path:
+            cmd = [executable, sound_path]
+            if executable == "ffplay":
+                cmd = [executable, "-nodisp", "-autoexit", sound_path]
+
+            subprocess.run(cmd, check=True, stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+            return
 
     except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
         logging.error(f"Sound playback failed: {e}")
     except Exception as e:
         logging.error(f"Unexpected error: {e}")
 
-    # Final fallback: terminal beep
-    print("\a")
-
 
 def on_receive(packet: Dict[str, Any], interface: Any) -> None:
     """
@@ -119,7 +125,9 @@ def on_receive(packet: Dict[str, Any], interface: Any) -> None:
 
                     channel_number = ui_state.channel_list.index(packet["from"])
 
-                if ui_state.channel_list[channel_number] != ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]:
+                channel_id = ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]
+
+                if channel_id != ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]:
                     add_notification(channel_number)
                     refresh_channels = True
                 else:
@@ -129,40 +137,14 @@ def on_receive(packet: Dict[str, Any], interface: Any) -> None:
                 message_from_id = packet["from"]
                 message_from_string = get_name_from_database(message_from_id, type="short") + ":"
 
-                if ui_state.channel_list[channel_number] not in ui_state.all_messages:
-                    ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]] = []
-
-                # Timestamp handling
-                current_timestamp = time.time()
-                current_hour = datetime.fromtimestamp(current_timestamp).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:00")
-
-                # Retrieve the last timestamp if available
-                channel_messages = ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]]
-                if channel_messages:
-                    # Check the last entry for a timestamp
-                    for entry in reversed(channel_messages):
-                        if entry[0].startswith("--"):
-                            last_hour = entry[0].strip("- ").strip()
-                            break
-                    else:
-                        last_hour = None
-                else:
-                    last_hour = None
-
-                # Add a new timestamp if it's a new hour
-                if last_hour != current_hour:
-                    ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]].append((f"-- {current_hour} --", ""))
-
-                ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]].append(
-                    (f"{config.message_prefix} {message_from_string} ", message_string)
-                )
+                add_new_message(channel_id, f"{config.message_prefix} {message_from_string} ", message_string)
 
                 if refresh_channels:
                     draw_channel_list()
                 if refresh_messages:
                     draw_messages_window(True)
 
-                save_message_to_db(ui_state.channel_list[channel_number], message_from_id, message_string)
+                save_message_to_db(channel_id, message_from_id, message_string)
 
         except KeyError as e:
             logging.error(f"Error processing packet: {e}")

contact/message_handlers/tx_handler.py

@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-from datetime import datetime
 from typing import Any, Dict
 
 import google.protobuf.json_format
@@ -16,6 +15,8 @@ import contact.ui.default_config as config
 
 from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state
 
+from contact.utilities.utils import add_new_message
+
 ack_naks: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {}  # requestId -> {channel, messageIndex, timestamp}
 
 
@@ -146,8 +147,9 @@ def on_response_traceroute(packet: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
         update_node_info_in_db(packet["from"], chat_archived=False)
 
     channel_number = ui_state.channel_list.index(packet["from"])
+    channel_id = ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]
 
-    if ui_state.channel_list[channel_number] == ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]:
+    if channel_id == ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]:
         refresh_messages = True
     else:
         add_notification(channel_number)
@@ -155,18 +157,14 @@ def on_response_traceroute(packet: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
 
     message_from_string = get_name_from_database(packet["from"], type="short") + ":\n"
 
-    if ui_state.channel_list[channel_number] not in ui_state.all_messages:
-        ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]] = []
-    ui_state.all_messages[ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]].append(
-        (f"{config.message_prefix} {message_from_string}", msg_str)
-    )
+    add_new_message(channel_id, f"{config.message_prefix} {message_from_string}", msg_str)
 
     if refresh_channels:
         draw_channel_list()
     if refresh_messages:
         draw_messages_window(True)
-    save_message_to_db(ui_state.channel_list[channel_number], packet["from"], msg_str)
 
+    save_message_to_db(channel_id, packet["from"], msg_str)
 
 def send_message(message: str, destination: int = BROADCAST_NUM, channel: int = 0) -> None:
     """
@@ -190,32 +188,7 @@ def send_message(message: str, destination: int = BROADCAST_NUM, channel: int =
         channelIndex=send_on_channel,
     )
 
-    # Add sent message to the messages dictionary
-    if channel_id not in ui_state.all_messages:
-        ui_state.all_messages[channel_id] = []
-
-    # Handle timestamp logic
-    current_timestamp = int(datetime.now().timestamp())  # Get current timestamp
-    current_hour = datetime.fromtimestamp(current_timestamp).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:00")
-
-    # Retrieve the last timestamp if available
-    channel_messages = ui_state.all_messages[channel_id]
-    if channel_messages:
-        # Check the last entry for a timestamp
-        for entry in reversed(channel_messages):
-            if entry[0].startswith("--"):
-                last_hour = entry[0].strip("- ").strip()
-                break
-        else:
-            last_hour = None
-    else:
-        last_hour = None
-
-    # Add a new timestamp if it's a new hour
-    if last_hour != current_hour:
-        ui_state.all_messages[channel_id].append((f"-- {current_hour} --", ""))
-
-    ui_state.all_messages[channel_id].append((config.sent_message_prefix + config.ack_unknown_str + ": ", message))
+    add_new_message(channel_id, config.sent_message_prefix + config.ack_unknown_str + ": ", message)
 
     timestamp = save_message_to_db(channel_id, myid, message)
 
@@ -230,10 +203,14 @@ def send_traceroute() -> None:
     """
     Sends a RouteDiscovery protobuf to the selected node.
     """
+
+    channel_id = ui_state.node_list[ui_state.selected_node]
+    add_new_message(channel_id, f"{config.message_prefix} Sent Traceroute", "")
+
     r = mesh_pb2.RouteDiscovery()
     interface_state.interface.sendData(
         r,
-        destinationId=ui_state.node_list[ui_state.selected_node],
+        destinationId=channel_id,
         portNum=portnums_pb2.PortNum.TRACEROUTE_APP,
         wantResponse=True,
         onResponse=on_response_traceroute,

contact/ui/contact_ui.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import curses
 import logging
+import time
 import traceback
 from typing import Union
 
@@ -12,7 +13,7 @@ from contact.utilities.input_handlers import get_list_input
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 import contact.ui.dialog
 from contact.ui.nav_utils import move_main_highlight, draw_main_arrows, get_msg_window_lines, wrap_text
-from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state
+from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state, menu_state
 
 
 def handle_resize(stdscr: curses.window, firstrun: bool) -> None:
@@ -108,7 +109,7 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     handle_resize(stdscr, True)
 
     while True:
-        draw_text_field(entry_win, f"Input: {input_text[-(stdscr.getmaxyx()[1] - 10):]}", get_color("input"))
+        draw_text_field(entry_win, f"Input: {(input_text or '')[-(stdscr.getmaxyx()[1] - 10):]}", get_color("input"))
 
         # Get user input from entry window
         char = entry_win.get_wch()
@@ -137,8 +138,7 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
             handle_leftright(char)
 
         elif char in (chr(curses.KEY_ENTER), chr(10), chr(13)):
-            handle_enter(input_text)
-            input_text = ""
+            input_text = handle_enter(input_text)
 
         elif char == chr(20):  # Ctrl + t for Traceroute
             handle_ctrl_t(stdscr)
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ def handle_leftright(char: int) -> None:
         refresh_pad(2)
 
 
-def handle_enter(input_text: str) -> None:
+def handle_enter(input_text: str) -> str:
     """Handle Enter key events to send messages or select channels."""
     if ui_state.current_window == 2:
         node_list = ui_state.node_list
@@ -318,15 +318,22 @@ def handle_enter(input_text: str) -> None:
         draw_node_list()
         draw_channel_list()
         draw_messages_window(True)
+        return input_text
 
     elif len(input_text) > 0:
+        # TODO: This is a hack to prevent sending messages too quickly. Let's get errors from the node.
+        now = time.monotonic()
+        if now - ui_state.last_sent_time < 2.5:
+            contact.ui.dialog.dialog("Slow down", "Please wait 2 seconds between messages.")
+            return input_text
         # Enter key pressed, send user input as message
         send_message(input_text, channel=ui_state.selected_channel)
         draw_messages_window(True)
-
+        ui_state.last_sent_time = now
         # Clear entry window and reset input text
-        input_text = ""
         entry_win.erase()
+        return ""
+    return input_text
 
 
 def handle_ctrl_t(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
@@ -334,15 +341,14 @@ def handle_ctrl_t(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     send_traceroute()
     curses.curs_set(0)  # Hide cursor
     contact.ui.dialog.dialog(
-        stdscr,
-        "Traceroute Sent",
+        f"Traceroute Sent To: {get_name_from_database(ui_state.node_list[ui_state.selected_node])}",
         "Results will appear in messages window.\nNote: Traceroute is limited to once every 30 seconds.",
     )
     curses.curs_set(1)  # Show cursor again
     handle_resize(stdscr, False)
 
 
-def handle_backspace(entry_win: curses.window, input_text: str) -> None:
+def handle_backspace(entry_win: curses.window, input_text: str) -> str:
     """Handle backspace key events to remove the last character from input text."""
     if input_text:
         input_text = input_text[:-1]
@@ -357,7 +363,10 @@ def handle_backspace(entry_win: curses.window, input_text: str) -> None:
 def handle_backtick(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     """Handle backtick key events to open the settings menu."""
     curses.curs_set(0)
+    previous_window = ui_state.current_window
+    ui_state.current_window = 4
     settings_menu(stdscr, interface_state.interface)
+    ui_state.current_window = previous_window
     curses.curs_set(1)
     refresh_node_list()
     handle_resize(stdscr, False)
@@ -592,6 +601,8 @@ def draw_messages_window(scroll_to_bottom: bool = False) -> None:
     refresh_pad(1)
 
     draw_packetlog_win()
+    if ui_state.current_window == 4:
+        menu_state.need_redraw = True
 
 
 def draw_node_list() -> None:

contact/ui/control_ui.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import sys
 from typing import List
 
 from contact.utilities.save_to_radio import save_changes
+import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.utilities.config_io import config_export, config_import
 from contact.utilities.control_utils import parse_ini_file, transform_menu_path
 from contact.utilities.input_handlers import (
@@ -20,9 +21,7 @@ from contact.ui.dialog import dialog
 from contact.ui.menus import generate_menu_from_protobuf
 from contact.ui.nav_utils import move_highlight, draw_arrows, update_help_window
 from contact.ui.user_config import json_editor
-from contact.ui.ui_state import MenuState
-
-menu_state = MenuState()
+from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state
 
 # Constants
 width = 80
@@ -36,16 +35,19 @@ script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
 parent_dir = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(script_dir, os.pardir))
 
 # Paths
-locals_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(sys.argv[0]))  # Current script directory
+# locals_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(sys.argv[0]))  # Current script directory
 translation_file = os.path.join(parent_dir, "localisations", "en.ini")
 
-config_folder = os.path.join(locals_dir, "node-configs")
+# config_folder = os.path.join(locals_dir, "node-configs")
+config_folder = os.path.abspath(config.node_configs_file_path)
 
 # Load translations
 field_mapping, help_text = parse_ini_file(translation_file)
 
 
-def display_menu(menu_state: MenuState) -> tuple[object, object]:  # curses.window or pad types
+
+def display_menu() -> tuple[object, object]:  # curses.window or pad types
+
 
     min_help_window_height = 6
     num_items = len(menu_state.current_menu) + (1 if menu_state.show_save_option else 0)
@@ -106,7 +108,7 @@ def display_menu(menu_state: MenuState) -> tuple[object, object]:  # curses.wind
         )
 
     # Draw help window with dynamically updated max_help_lines
-    draw_help_window(start_y, start_x, menu_height, max_help_lines, transformed_path, menu_state)
+    draw_help_window(start_y, start_x, menu_height, max_help_lines, transformed_path)
 
     menu_win.refresh()
     menu_pad.refresh(
@@ -132,7 +134,6 @@ def draw_help_window(
     menu_height: int,
     max_help_lines: int,
     transformed_path: List[str],
-    menu_state: MenuState,
 ) -> None:
 
     global help_win
@@ -150,6 +151,15 @@ def draw_help_window(
     )
 
 
+def get_input_type_for_field(field) -> type:
+    if field.type in (field.TYPE_INT32, field.TYPE_UINT32, field.TYPE_INT64):
+        return int
+    elif field.type in (field.TYPE_FLOAT, field.TYPE_DOUBLE):
+        return float
+    else:
+        return str
+
+
 def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
     curses.update_lines_cols()
 
@@ -159,29 +169,32 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
 
     modified_settings = {}
 
-    need_redraw = True
+    menu_state.need_redraw = True
     menu_state.show_save_option = False
 
     while True:
-        if need_redraw:
+        if menu_state.need_redraw:
+            menu_state.need_redraw = False
             options = list(menu_state.current_menu.keys())
 
+            # Determine if save option should be shown
+            path = menu_state.menu_path
             menu_state.show_save_option = (
-                (
-                    len(menu_state.menu_path) > 2
-                    and ("Radio Settings" in menu_state.menu_path or "Module Settings" in menu_state.menu_path)
-                )
-                or (len(menu_state.menu_path) == 2 and "User Settings" in menu_state.menu_path)
-                or (len(menu_state.menu_path) == 3 and "Channels" in menu_state.menu_path)
+                (len(path) > 2 and ("Radio Settings" in path or "Module Settings" in path))
+                or (len(path) == 2 and "User Settings" in path)
+                or (len(path) == 3 and "Channels" in path)
             )
 
             # Display the menu
-            menu_win, menu_pad = display_menu(menu_state)
+            menu_win, menu_pad = display_menu()
 
-            need_redraw = False
+        if menu_win is None:
+            continue  # Skip if menu_win is not initialized
 
-        # Capture user input
+        menu_win.timeout(200)  # wait up to 200 ms for a keypress (or less if key is pressed)
         key = menu_win.getch()
+        if key == -1:
+            continue
 
         max_index = len(options) + (1 if menu_state.show_save_option else 0) - 1
         # max_help_lines = 4
@@ -215,7 +228,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
             )
 
         elif key == curses.KEY_RESIZE:
-            need_redraw = True
+            menu_state.need_redraw = True
             curses.update_lines_cols()
 
             menu_win.erase()
@@ -239,7 +252,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
             )
 
         elif key == curses.KEY_RIGHT or key == ord("\n"):
-            need_redraw = True
+            menu_state.need_redraw = True
             menu_state.start_index.append(0)
             menu_win.erase()
             help_win.erase()
@@ -268,7 +281,8 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                 break
 
             elif selected_option == "Export Config File":
-                filename = get_text_input("Enter a filename for the config file")
+
+                filename = get_text_input("Enter a filename for the config file", None, None)
                 if not filename:
                     logging.info("Export aborted: No filename provided.")
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
@@ -290,7 +304,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                     with open(yaml_file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:
                         file.write(config_text)
                     logging.info(f"Config file saved to {yaml_file_path}")
-                    dialog(stdscr, "Config File Saved:", yaml_file_path)
+                    dialog("Config File Saved:", yaml_file_path)
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
                     continue
                 except PermissionError:
@@ -306,14 +320,14 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
 
                 # Check if folder exists and is not empty
                 if not os.path.exists(config_folder) or not any(os.listdir(config_folder)):
-                    dialog(stdscr, "", " No config files found. Export a config first.")
+                    dialog("", " No config files found. Export a config first.")
                     continue  # Return to menu
 
                 file_list = [f for f in os.listdir(config_folder) if os.path.isfile(os.path.join(config_folder, f))]
 
                 # Ensure file_list is not empty before proceeding
                 if not file_list:
-                    dialog(stdscr, "", " No config files found. Export a config first.")
+                    dialog("", " No config files found. Export a config first.")
                     continue
 
                 filename = get_list_input("Choose a config file", None, file_list)
@@ -327,7 +341,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
 
             elif selected_option == "Config URL":
                 current_value = interface.localNode.getURL()
-                new_value = get_text_input(f"Config URL is currently: {current_value}")
+                new_value = get_text_input(f"Config URL is currently: {current_value}", None, str)
                 if new_value is not None:
                     current_value = new_value
                     overwrite = get_list_input(f"Are you sure you want to load this config?", None, ["Yes", "No"])
@@ -380,7 +394,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                 menu_state.start_index.pop()
                 menu_state.selected_index = 4
                 continue
-                # need_redraw = True
+                # menu_state.need_redraw = True
 
             field_info = menu_state.current_menu.get(selected_option)
             if isinstance(field_info, tuple):
@@ -395,7 +409,9 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
 
                 if selected_option in ["longName", "shortName", "isLicensed"]:
                     if selected_option in ["longName", "shortName"]:
-                        new_value = get_text_input(f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}")
+                        new_value = get_text_input(
+                            f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}", selected_option, None
+                        )
                         new_value = current_value if new_value is None else new_value
                         menu_state.current_menu[selected_option] = (field, new_value)
 
@@ -414,7 +430,9 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
 
                 elif selected_option in ["latitude", "longitude", "altitude"]:
-                    new_value = get_text_input(f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}")
+                    new_value = get_text_input(
+                        f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}", selected_option, float
+                    )
                     new_value = current_value if new_value is None else new_value
                     menu_state.current_menu[selected_option] = (field, new_value)
 
@@ -453,17 +471,26 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
 
                 elif field.type == 13:  # Field type 13 corresponds to UINT32
-                    new_value = get_text_input(f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}")
+                    input_type = get_input_type_for_field(field)
+                    new_value = get_text_input(
+                        f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}", selected_option, input_type
+                    )
                     new_value = current_value if new_value is None else int(new_value)
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
 
                 elif field.type == 2:  # Field type 13 corresponds to INT64
-                    new_value = get_text_input(f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}")
+                    input_type = get_input_type_for_field(field)
+                    new_value = get_text_input(
+                        f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}", selected_option, input_type
+                    )
                     new_value = current_value if new_value is None else float(new_value)
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
 
                 else:  # Handle other field types
-                    new_value = get_text_input(f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}")
+                    input_type = get_input_type_for_field(field)
+                    new_value = get_text_input(
+                        f"{human_readable_name} is currently: {current_value}", selected_option, input_type
+                    )
                     new_value = current_value if new_value is None else new_value
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
 
@@ -486,7 +513,7 @@ def settings_menu(stdscr: object, interface: object) -> None:
                 menu_state.selected_index = 0
 
         elif key == curses.KEY_LEFT:
-            need_redraw = True
+            menu_state.need_redraw = True
 
             menu_win.erase()
             help_win.erase()

contact/ui/default_config.py

@@ -2,15 +2,69 @@ import json
 import logging
 import os
 from typing import Dict
+from contact.ui.colors import setup_colors
 
 # Get the parent directory of the script
 script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
 parent_dir = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(script_dir, os.pardir))
 
-# Paths
-json_file_path = os.path.join(parent_dir, "config.json")
-log_file_path = os.path.join(parent_dir, "client.log")
-db_file_path = os.path.join(parent_dir, "client.db")
+# To test writting to a non-writable directory, you can uncomment the following lines:
+# mkdir /tmp/test_nonwritable
+# chmod -w /tmp/test_nonwritable
+# parent_dir = "/tmp/test_nonwritable"
+
+
+def reload_config() -> None:
+    loaded_config = initialize_config()
+    assign_config_variables(loaded_config)
+    setup_colors(reinit=True)
+
+
+def _is_writable_dir(path: str) -> bool:
+    """
+    Return True if we can create & delete a temp file in `path`.
+    """
+    if not os.path.isdir(path):
+        return False
+    test_path = os.path.join(path, ".perm_test_tmp")
+    try:
+        with open(test_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as _tmp:
+            _tmp.write("ok")
+        os.remove(test_path)
+        return True
+    except OSError:
+        return False
+
+
+def _get_config_root(preferred_dir: str, fallback_name: str = ".contact_client") -> str:
+    """
+    Choose a writable directory for config artifacts.
+    """
+    if _is_writable_dir(preferred_dir):
+        return preferred_dir
+
+    home = os.path.expanduser("~")
+    fallback_dir = os.path.join(home, fallback_name)
+    # Ensure the fallback exists.
+    os.makedirs(fallback_dir, exist_ok=True)
+
+    # If *that* still isn't writable, last-ditch: use a system temp dir.
+    if not _is_writable_dir(fallback_dir):
+        import tempfile
+
+        fallback_dir = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="contact_client_")
+
+    return fallback_dir
+
+
+# Pick the root now.
+config_root = _get_config_root(parent_dir)
+
+# Paths (derived from the chosen root)
+json_file_path = os.path.join(config_root, "config.json")
+log_file_path = os.path.join(config_root, "client.log")
+db_file_path = os.path.join(config_root, "client.db")
+node_configs_file_path = os.path.join(config_root, "node-configs/")
 
 
 def format_json_single_line_arrays(data: Dict[str, object], indent: int = 4) -> str:
@@ -131,6 +185,7 @@ def initialize_config() -> Dict[str, object]:
         "node_list_16ths": "5",
         "db_file_path": db_file_path,
         "log_file_path": log_file_path,
+        "node_configs_file_path": node_configs_file_path,
         "message_prefix": ">>",
         "sent_message_prefix": ">> Sent",
         "notification_symbol": "*",
@@ -171,7 +226,7 @@ def initialize_config() -> Dict[str, object]:
 def assign_config_variables(loaded_config: Dict[str, object]) -> None:
     # Assign values to local variables
 
-    global db_file_path, log_file_path, message_prefix, sent_message_prefix
+    global db_file_path, log_file_path, node_configs_file_path, message_prefix, sent_message_prefix
     global notification_symbol, ack_implicit_str, ack_str, nak_str, ack_unknown_str
     global node_list_16ths, channel_list_16ths
     global theme, COLOR_CONFIG
@@ -181,6 +236,7 @@ def assign_config_variables(loaded_config: Dict[str, object]) -> None:
     node_list_16ths = loaded_config["node_list_16ths"]
     db_file_path = loaded_config["db_file_path"]
     log_file_path = loaded_config["log_file_path"]
+    node_configs_file_path = loaded_config.get("node_configs_file_path")
     message_prefix = loaded_config["message_prefix"]
     sent_message_prefix = loaded_config["sent_message_prefix"]
     notification_symbol = loaded_config["notification_symbol"]
@@ -212,6 +268,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     print("\nLoaded Configuration:")
     print(f"Database File Path: {db_file_path}")
     print(f"Log File Path: {log_file_path}")
+    print(f"Configs File Path: {node_configs_file_path}")
     print(f"Message Prefix: {message_prefix}")
     print(f"Sent Message Prefix: {sent_message_prefix}")
     print(f"Notification Symbol: {notification_symbol}")

contact/ui/dialog.py

@@ -1,44 +1,63 @@
 import curses
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color
+from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state, ui_state
 
 
-def dialog(stdscr: curses.window, title: str, message: str) -> None:
-    height, width = stdscr.getmaxyx()
+def dialog(title: str, message: str) -> None:
+    """Display a dialog with a title and message."""
 
-    # Calculate dialog dimensions
-    max_line_lengh = 0
+    previous_window = ui_state.current_window
+    ui_state.current_window = 4
+
+    curses.update_lines_cols()
+    height, width = curses.LINES, curses.COLS
+
+    # Parse message into lines and calculate dimensions
     message_lines = message.splitlines()
-    for l in message_lines:
-        max_line_length = max(len(l), max_line_lengh)
+    max_line_length = max(len(l) for l in message_lines)
     dialog_width = max(len(title) + 4, max_line_length + 4)
     dialog_height = len(message_lines) + 4
     x = (width - dialog_width) // 2
     y = (height - dialog_height) // 2
 
-    # Create dialog window
+    def draw_window():
+        win.erase()
+        win.bkgd(get_color("background"))
+        win.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
+        win.border(0)
+
+        win.addstr(0, 2, title, get_color("settings_default"))
+
+        for i, line in enumerate(message_lines):
+            msg_x = (dialog_width - len(line)) // 2
+            win.addstr(2 + i, msg_x, line, get_color("settings_default"))
+
+        ok_text = " Ok "
+        win.addstr(
+            dialog_height - 2,
+            (dialog_width - len(ok_text)) // 2,
+            ok_text,
+            get_color("settings_default", reverse=True),
+        )
+
+        win.refresh()
+
     win = curses.newwin(dialog_height, dialog_width, y, x)
-    win.bkgd(get_color("background"))
-    win.attrset(get_color("window_frame"))
-    win.border(0)
+    draw_window()
 
-    # Add title
-    win.addstr(0, 2, title, get_color("settings_default"))
-
-    # Add message
-    for i, l in enumerate(message_lines):
-        win.addstr(2 + i, 2, l, get_color("settings_default"))
-
-    # Add button
-    win.addstr(dialog_height - 2, (dialog_width - 4) // 2, " Ok ", get_color("settings_default", reverse=True))
-
-    # Refresh dialog window
-    win.refresh()
-
-    # Get user input
     while True:
+        win.timeout(200)
         char = win.getch()
-        # Close dialog with enter, space, or esc
-        if char in (curses.KEY_ENTER, 10, 13, 32, 27):
+
+        if menu_state.need_redraw:
+            menu_state.need_redraw = False
+            draw_window()
+
+        if char in (curses.KEY_ENTER, 10, 13, 32, 27):  # Enter, space, Esc
             win.erase()
             win.refresh()
+            ui_state.current_window = previous_window
             return
+
+        if char == -1:
+            continue

contact/ui/ui_state.py

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ class MenuState:
     current_menu: Union[Dict[str, Any], List[Any], str, int] = field(default_factory=dict)
     menu_path: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
     show_save_option: bool = False
+    need_redraw: bool = False
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -24,6 +25,7 @@ class ChatUIState:
     selected_message: int = 0
     selected_node: int = 0
     current_window: int = 0
+    last_sent_time: float = 0.0
 
     selected_index: int = 0
     start_index: List[int] = field(default_factory=lambda: [0, 0, 0])

contact/ui/user_config.py

@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@ import curses
 from typing import Any, List, Dict
 
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color, setup_colors, COLOR_MAP
-from contact.ui.default_config import format_json_single_line_arrays, loaded_config
+import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.ui.nav_utils import move_highlight, draw_arrows
 from contact.utilities.input_handlers import get_list_input
+from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state
 
 
 width = 80
@@ -53,7 +54,9 @@ def edit_value(key: str, current_value: str) -> str:
     # Handle theme selection dynamically
     if key == "theme":
         # Load theme names dynamically from the JSON
-        theme_options = [k.split("_", 2)[2].lower() for k in loaded_config.keys() if k.startswith("COLOR_CONFIG")]
+        theme_options = [
+            k.split("_", 2)[2].lower() for k in config.loaded_config.keys() if k.startswith("COLOR_CONFIG")
+        ]
         return get_list_input("Select Theme", current_value, theme_options)
 
     elif key == "node_sort":
@@ -106,7 +109,7 @@ def edit_value(key: str, current_value: str) -> str:
     return user_input if user_input else current_value
 
 
-def display_menu(menu_state: Any) -> tuple[Any, Any, List[str]]:
+def display_menu() -> tuple[Any, Any, List[str]]:
     """
     Render the configuration menu with a Save button directly added to the window.
     """
@@ -211,14 +214,14 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
     menu_state.current_menu = data  # Track the current level of the menu
 
     # Render the menu
-    menu_win, menu_pad, options = display_menu(menu_state)
-    need_redraw = True
+    menu_win, menu_pad, options = display_menu()
+    menu_state.need_redraw = True
 
     while True:
-        if need_redraw:
-            menu_win, menu_pad, options = display_menu(menu_state)
+        if menu_state.need_redraw == True:
+            menu_win, menu_pad, options = display_menu()
             menu_win.refresh()
-            need_redraw = False
+            menu_state.need_redraw = False
 
         max_index = len(options) + (1 if menu_state.show_save_option else 0) - 1
         key = menu_win.getch()
@@ -248,7 +251,7 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
 
         elif key in (curses.KEY_RIGHT, 10, 13):  # 10 = \n, 13 = carriage return
 
-            need_redraw = True
+            menu_state.need_redraw = True
             menu_win.erase()
             menu_win.refresh()
 
@@ -287,17 +290,18 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
                     menu_state.menu_index.pop()
                     menu_state.start_index.pop()
                     menu_state.current_menu[selected_key] = new_value
-                    need_redraw = True
+                    menu_state.need_redraw = True
 
             else:
                 # Save button selected
                 save_json(file_path, data)
                 stdscr.refresh()
+                # config.reload()  # This isn't refreshing the file paths as expected
                 continue
 
         elif key in (27, curses.KEY_LEFT):  # Escape or Left Arrow
 
-            need_redraw = True
+            menu_state.need_redraw = True
             menu_win.erase()
             menu_win.refresh()
 
@@ -325,7 +329,7 @@ def json_editor(stdscr: curses.window, menu_state: Any) -> None:
 
 
 def save_json(file_path: str, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
-    formatted_json = format_json_single_line_arrays(data)
+    formatted_json = config.format_json_single_line_arrays(data)
     with open(file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         f.write(formatted_json)
     setup_colors(reinit=True)

contact/utilities/db_handler.py

@@ -116,7 +116,14 @@ def load_messages_from_db() -> None:
 
                     # Add messages to ui_state.all_messages grouped by hourly timestamp
                     hourly_messages = {}
-                    for user_id, message, timestamp, ack_type in db_messages:
+                    for row in db_messages:
+                        user_id, message, timestamp, ack_type = row
+
+                        # Only ack_type is allowed to be None
+                        if user_id is None or message is None or timestamp is None:
+                            logging.warning(f"Skipping row with NULL required field(s): {row}")
+                            continue
+
                         hour = datetime.fromtimestamp(timestamp).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:00")
                         if hour not in hourly_messages:
                             hourly_messages[hour] = []
@@ -130,11 +137,13 @@ def load_messages_from_db() -> None:
                             ack_str = config.nak_str
 
                         if user_id == str(interface_state.myNodeNum):
-                            formatted_message = (f"{config.sent_message_prefix}{ack_str}: ", message)
+                            sanitized_message = message.replace("\x00", "")
+                            formatted_message = (f"{config.sent_message_prefix}{ack_str}: ", sanitized_message)
                         else:
+                            sanitized_message = message.replace("\x00", "")
                             formatted_message = (
                                 f"{config.message_prefix} {get_name_from_database(int(user_id), 'short')}: ",
-                                message,
+                                sanitized_message,
                             )
 
                         hourly_messages[hour].append(formatted_message)

contact/utilities/input_handlers.py

@@ -6,10 +6,43 @@ from typing import Any, Optional, List
 
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color
 from contact.ui.nav_utils import move_highlight, draw_arrows, wrap_text
+from contact.ui.dialog import dialog
+from contact.utilities.validation_rules import get_validation_for
 
 
-def get_text_input(prompt: str) -> Optional[str]:
+def invalid_input(window: curses.window, message: str, redraw_func: Optional[callable] = None) -> None:
+    """Displays an invalid input message in the given window and redraws if needed."""
+    cursor_y, cursor_x = window.getyx()
+    curses.curs_set(0)
+    dialog("Invalid Input", message)
+    if redraw_func:
+        redraw_func()  # Redraw the original window content that got obscured
+    else:
+        window.refresh()
+    window.move(cursor_y, cursor_x)
+    curses.curs_set(1)
+
+
+def get_text_input(prompt: str, selected_config: str, input_type: str) -> Optional[str]:
     """Handles user input with wrapped text for long prompts."""
+
+    def redraw_input_win():
+        """Redraw the input window with the current prompt and user input."""
+        input_win.erase()
+        input_win.border()
+        row = 1
+        for line in wrapped_prompt:
+            input_win.addstr(row, margin, line[:input_width], get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
+            row += 1
+            if row >= height - 3:
+                break
+        input_win.addstr(row + 1, margin, prompt_text, get_color("settings_default"))
+        input_win.addstr(row + 1, col_start, user_input[:first_line_width], get_color("settings_default"))
+        for i, line in enumerate(wrap_text(user_input[first_line_width:], wrap_width=input_width)):
+            if row + 2 + i < height - 1:
+                input_win.addstr(row + 2 + i, margin, line[:input_width], get_color("settings_default"))
+        input_win.refresh()
+
     height = 8
     width = 80
     margin = 2  # Left and right margin
@@ -27,6 +60,7 @@ def get_text_input(prompt: str) -> Optional[str]:
     # Wrap the prompt text
     wrapped_prompt = wrap_text(prompt, wrap_width=input_width)
     row = 1
+
     for line in wrapped_prompt:
         input_win.addstr(row, margin, line[:input_width], get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
         row += 1
@@ -39,34 +73,115 @@ def get_text_input(prompt: str) -> Optional[str]:
     input_win.refresh()
     curses.curs_set(1)
 
-    max_length = 4 if "shortName" in prompt else None
-    user_input = ""
+    min_value = 0
+    max_value = 4294967295
+    min_length = 0
+    max_length = None
 
-    # Start user input after the prompt text
+    if selected_config is not None:
+        validation = get_validation_for(selected_config) or {}
+        min_value = validation.get("min_value", 0)
+        max_value = validation.get("max_value", 4294967295)
+        min_length = validation.get("min_length", 0)
+        max_length = validation.get("max_length")
+
+    user_input = ""
     col_start = margin + len(prompt_text)
-    first_line_width = input_width - len(prompt_text)  # Available space for first line
+    first_line_width = input_width - len(prompt_text)
 
     while True:
-        key = input_win.get_wch()  # Waits for user input
+        key = input_win.get_wch()
 
-        if key == chr(27) or key == curses.KEY_LEFT:  # ESC or Left Arrow
+        if key == chr(27) or key == curses.KEY_LEFT:
             input_win.erase()
             input_win.refresh()
             curses.curs_set(0)
-            return None  # Exit without saving
+            return None
 
-        elif key in (chr(curses.KEY_ENTER), chr(10), chr(13)):  # Enter key
-            break
+        elif key in (chr(curses.KEY_ENTER), chr(10), chr(13)):
+            if not user_input.strip():
+                invalid_input(input_win, "Value cannot be empty.", redraw_func=redraw_input_win)
+                continue
+
+            length = len(user_input)
+            if min_length == max_length and max_length is not None:
+                if length != min_length:
+                    invalid_input(
+                        input_win, f"Value must be exactly {min_length} characters long.", redraw_func=redraw_input_win
+                    )
+                    continue
+            else:
+                if length < min_length:
+                    invalid_input(
+                        input_win,
+                        f"Value must be at least {min_length} characters long.",
+                        redraw_func=redraw_input_win,
+                    )
+                    continue
+                if max_length is not None and length > max_length:
+                    invalid_input(
+                        input_win,
+                        f"Value must be no more than {max_length} characters long.",
+                        redraw_func=redraw_input_win,
+                    )
+                    continue
+
+            if input_type is int:
+                if not user_input.isdigit():
+                    invalid_input(input_win, "Only numeric digits (0–9) allowed.", redraw_func=redraw_input_win)
+                    continue
+
+                int_val = int(user_input)
+                if not (min_value <= int_val <= max_value):
+                    invalid_input(
+                        input_win, f"Enter a number between {min_value} and {max_value}.", redraw_func=redraw_input_win
+                    )
+                    continue
+
+                curses.curs_set(0)
+                return int_val
+
+            elif input_type is float:
+                try:
+                    float_val = float(user_input)
+                    if not (min_value <= float_val <= max_value):
+                        invalid_input(
+                            input_win,
+                            f"Enter a number between {min_value} and {max_value}.",
+                            redraw_func=redraw_input_win,
+                        )
+                        continue
+                except ValueError:
+                    invalid_input(input_win, "Must be a valid floating point number.", redraw_func=redraw_input_win)
+                    continue
+                else:
+                    curses.curs_set(0)
+                    return float_val
+
+            else:
+                break
 
         elif key in (curses.KEY_BACKSPACE, chr(127)):  # Handle Backspace
             if user_input:
                 user_input = user_input[:-1]  # Remove last character
 
-        elif max_length is None or len(user_input) < max_length:  # Enforce max length
-            if isinstance(key, str):
-                user_input += key
-            else:
-                user_input += chr(key)
+        elif max_length is None or len(user_input) < max_length:
+            try:
+                char = chr(key) if not isinstance(key, str) else key
+                if input_type is int:
+                    if char.isdigit() or (char == "-" and len(user_input) == 0):
+                        user_input += char
+                elif input_type is float:
+                    if (
+                        char.isdigit()
+                        or (char == "." and "." not in user_input)
+                        or (char == "-" and len(user_input) == 0)
+                    ):
+                        user_input += char
+                else:
+                    user_input += char
+            except ValueError:
+                pass  # Ignore invalid input
 
         # First line must be manually handled before using wrap_text()
         first_line = user_input[:first_line_width]  # Cut to max first line width
@@ -95,10 +210,12 @@ def get_text_input(prompt: str) -> Optional[str]:
     curses.curs_set(0)
     input_win.erase()
     input_win.refresh()
-    return user_input
+    return user_input.strip()
 
 
 def get_admin_key_input(current_value: List[bytes]) -> Optional[List[str]]:
+    """Handles user input for editing up to 3 Admin Keys in Base64 format."""
+
     def to_base64(byte_strings):
         """Convert byte values to Base64-encoded strings."""
         return [base64.b64encode(b).decode() for b in byte_strings]
@@ -130,7 +247,7 @@ def get_admin_key_input(current_value: List[bytes]) -> Optional[List[str]]:
     # Editable list of values (max 3 values)
     user_values = cvalue[:3] + [""] * (3 - len(cvalue))  # Ensure always 3 fields
     cursor_pos = 0  # Track which value is being edited
-    error_message = ""
+    invalid_input = ""
 
     while True:
         repeated_win.erase()
@@ -150,8 +267,8 @@ def get_admin_key_input(current_value: List[bytes]) -> Optional[List[str]]:
         repeated_win.move(3 + cursor_pos, 18 + len(user_values[cursor_pos]))  # Position cursor at end of text
 
         # Show error message if needed
-        if error_message:
-            repeated_win.addstr(7, 2, error_message, get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
+        if invalid_input:
+            repeated_win.addstr(7, 2, invalid_input, get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
 
         repeated_win.refresh()
         key = repeated_win.getch()
@@ -169,7 +286,7 @@ def get_admin_key_input(current_value: List[bytes]) -> Optional[List[str]]:
                 curses.curs_set(0)
                 return user_values  # Return the edited Base64 values
             else:
-                error_message = "Error: Each key must be valid Base64 and 32 bytes long!"
+                invalid_input = "Error: Each key must be valid Base64 and 32 bytes long!"
         elif key == curses.KEY_UP:  # Move cursor up
             cursor_pos = (cursor_pos - 1) % len(user_values)
         elif key == curses.KEY_DOWN:  # Move cursor down
@@ -180,7 +297,7 @@ def get_admin_key_input(current_value: List[bytes]) -> Optional[List[str]]:
         else:
             try:
                 user_values[cursor_pos] += chr(key)  # Append valid character input to the selected field
-                error_message = ""  # Clear error if user starts fixing input
+                invalid_input = ""  # Clear error if user starts fixing input
             except ValueError:
                 pass  # Ignore invalid character inputs
 
@@ -202,7 +319,7 @@ def get_repeated_input(current_value: List[str]) -> Optional[str]:
     # Editable list of values (max 3 values)
     user_values = current_value[:3]
     cursor_pos = 0  # Track which value is being edited
-    error_message = ""
+    invalid_input = ""
 
     while True:
         repeated_win.erase()
@@ -222,8 +339,8 @@ def get_repeated_input(current_value: List[str]) -> Optional[str]:
         repeated_win.move(3 + cursor_pos, 18 + len(user_values[cursor_pos]))  #  Position cursor at end of text
 
         # Show error message if needed
-        if error_message:
-            repeated_win.addstr(7, 2, error_message, get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
+        if invalid_input:
+            repeated_win.addstr(7, 2, invalid_input, get_color("settings_default", bold=True))
 
         repeated_win.refresh()
         key = repeated_win.getch()
@@ -249,7 +366,7 @@ def get_repeated_input(current_value: List[str]) -> Optional[str]:
         else:
             try:
                 user_values[cursor_pos] += chr(key)  # Append valid character input to the selected field
-                error_message = ""  # Clear error if user starts fixing input
+                invalid_input = ""  # Clear error if user starts fixing input
             except ValueError:
                 pass  # Ignore invalid character inputs
 

contact/utilities/singleton.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
-from contact.ui.ui_state import ChatUIState, InterfaceState, AppState
+from contact.ui.ui_state import ChatUIState, InterfaceState, AppState, MenuState
 
 ui_state = ChatUIState()
 interface_state = InterfaceState()
 app_state = AppState()
+menu_state = MenuState()

contact/utilities/utils.py

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import datetime
+import time
 from meshtastic.protobuf import config_pb2
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 
@@ -134,3 +135,31 @@ def get_time_ago(timestamp):
     if unit != "s":
         return f"{value} {unit} ago"
     return "now"
+
+def add_new_message(channel_id, prefix, message):
+    if channel_id not in ui_state.all_messages:
+        ui_state.all_messages[channel_id] = []
+
+    # Timestamp handling
+    current_timestamp = time.time()
+    current_hour = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(current_timestamp).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:00")
+
+    # Retrieve the last timestamp if available
+    channel_messages = ui_state.all_messages[channel_id]
+    if channel_messages:
+        # Check the last entry for a timestamp
+        for entry in reversed(channel_messages):
+            if entry[0].startswith("--"):
+                last_hour = entry[0].strip("- ").strip()
+                break
+        else:
+            last_hour = None
+    else:
+        last_hour = None
+
+    # Add a new timestamp if it's a new hour
+    if last_hour != current_hour:
+        ui_state.all_messages[channel_id].append((f"-- {current_hour} --", ""))
+
+    # Add the message
+    ui_state.all_messages[channel_id].append((prefix,message))

contact/utilities/validation_rules.py

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+validation_rules = {
+    "shortName": {"max_length": 4},
+    "longName": {"max_length": 32},
+    "fixed_pin": {"min_length": 6, "max_length": 6},
+    "position_flags": {"max_length": 3},
+    "enabled_protocols": {"max_value": 2},
+    "hop_limit": {"max_value": 7},
+    "latitude": {"min_value": -90, "max_value": 90},
+    "longitude": {"min_value": -180, "max_value": 180},
+    "altitude": {"min_value": -4294967295, "max_value": 4294967295},
+    "red": {"max_value": 255},
+    "green": {"max_value": 255},
+    "blue": {"max_value": 255},
+    "current": {"max_value": 255},
+    "position_precision": {"max_value": 32},
+}
+
+
+def get_validation_for(key: str) -> dict:
+    for rule_key, config in validation_rules.items():
+        if rule_key in key:
+            return config
+    return {}

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "contact"
-version = "1.3.13"
+version = "1.3.16"
 description = "This Python curses client for Meshtastic is a terminal-based client designed to manage device settings, enable mesh chat communication, and handle configuration backups and restores."
 authors = [
     {name = "Ben Lipsey",email = "ben@pdxlocations.com"}