bump version to 1.5.7 in pyproject.toml

Allow overriding DATA_DIR via environment variable and fix file descriptor leaks

README.md

@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ For smaller displays you may wish to enable `single_pane_mode`:
 - `CTRL` + `t` or `F4` = With the Node List highlighted, send a traceroute to the selected node
 - `F5` = Display a node's info
 - `CTRL` + `f` = With the Node List highlighted, favorite the selected node
+- `CTRL` + `b` = Enable/Disable Autoresponder Bot (ping / pong)
 - `CTRL` + `g` = With the Node List highlighted, ignore the selected node 
 - `CTRL` + `d` = With the Channel List hightlighted, archive a chat to reduce UI clutter. Messages will be saved in the db and repopulate if you send or receive a DM from this user.
 - `CTRL` + `d` = With the Note List highlghted, remove a node from your nodedb.

contact/__main__.py

@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ logging.basicConfig(
 
 app_state.lock = threading.Lock()
 
+DEFAULT_CLOSE_TIMEOUT_SECONDS = 5.0
+
 
 # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Main Program Logic
@@ -72,11 +74,36 @@ def prompt_region_if_unset(args: object, stdscr: Optional[curses.window] = None)
         interface_state.interface = reconnect_interface(args)
 
 
-def close_interface(interface: object) -> None:
+def close_interface(interface: object, timeout_seconds: float = DEFAULT_CLOSE_TIMEOUT_SECONDS) -> bool:
     if interface is None:
-        return
-    with contextlib.suppress(Exception):
-        interface.close()
+        return True
+
+    close_errors = []
+
+    def _close_target() -> None:
+        try:
+            interface.close()
+        except BaseException as error:  # Keep shutdown resilient even for KeyboardInterrupt/SystemExit from libraries.
+            close_errors.append(error)
+
+    close_thread = threading.Thread(target=_close_target, name="meshtastic-interface-close", daemon=True)
+    close_thread.start()
+    close_thread.join(timeout_seconds)
+
+    if close_thread.is_alive():
+        logging.warning("Timed out closing interface after %.1fs; continuing shutdown", timeout_seconds)
+        return False
+
+    if not close_errors:
+        return True
+
+    error = close_errors[0]
+    if isinstance(error, KeyboardInterrupt):
+        logging.info("Interrupted while closing interface; continuing shutdown")
+        return True
+
+    logging.warning("Ignoring error while closing interface: %r", error)
+    return True
 
 
 def interface_is_ready(interface: object) -> bool:
@@ -205,23 +232,32 @@ def start() -> None:
         setup_parser().print_help()
         sys.exit(0)
 
+    interrupted = False
+    fatal_error = None
+
     try:
         curses.wrapper(main)
-        close_interface(interface_state.interface)
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        interrupted = True
         logging.info("User exited with Ctrl+C")
-        close_interface(interface_state.interface)
-        sys.exit(0)
     except Exception as e:
+        fatal_error = e
         logging.critical("Fatal error", exc_info=True)
         try:
             curses.endwin()
         except Exception:
             pass
-        print("Fatal error:", e)
+    finally:
+        close_interface(interface_state.interface)
+
+    if fatal_error is not None:
+        print("Fatal error:", fatal_error)
         traceback.print_exc()
         sys.exit(1)
 
+    if interrupted:
+        sys.exit(0)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     start()

contact/localisations/en.ini

@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ help.traceroute, "Ctrl+T or F4 = Traceroute", ""
 help.node_info, "F5 = Full node info", ""
 help.archive_chat, "Ctrl+D = Archive chat / remove node", ""
 help.favorite, "Ctrl+F = Favorite", ""
+help.bot_responder, "Ctrl+B = Toggle Bot Responder", ""
 help.ignore, "Ctrl+G = Ignore", ""
 help.search, "Ctrl+/ or / = Search", ""
 help.help, "Ctrl+K = Help", ""
@@ -90,6 +91,11 @@ confirm.remove_ignored, "Remove {name} from Ignored?", ""
 confirm.region_unset, "Your region is UNSET.  Set it now?", ""
 dialog.resize_title, "Resize Terminal", ""
 dialog.resize_body, "Please resize the terminal to at least {rows} rows.", ""
+bot.status.enabled, "Enabled", ""
+bot.status.disabled, "Disabled", ""
+bot.dialog.title, "Bot Responder", ""
+bot.dialog.body, "Bot responder is now {status}.", ""
+bot.status.message, "Bot responder is now {status}.", ""
 
 [User Settings]
 user, "User"
@@ -116,10 +122,16 @@ nak_str, "NAK", ""
 ack_unknown_str, "ACK (unknown)", ""
 node_sort, "Node sort", ""
 theme, "Theme", ""
+ping_bot, "Ping Bot", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_DARK, "Theme colors (dark)", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_LIGHT, "Theme colors (light)", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_GREEN, "Theme colors (green)", ""
 
+[app_settings.ping_bot]
+title, "Ping Bot", ""
+catch_words, "Catch words", "Semicolon-separated bot trigger words."
+response_word, "Response word", "Bot response word."
+
 [app_settings.color_config]
 default, "Default", ""
 background, "Background", ""

contact/localisations/fr.ini

@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+##field_name, "Nom du champ lisible avec première lettre en majuscule", "Texte d'aide avec [warning]avertissements[/warning], [note]notes[/note], [underline]soulignements[/underline], \033[31mcodes couleur ANSI\033[0m et \nsauts de ligne."
+Main Menu, "Menu principal", ""
+User Settings, "Paramètres utilisateur", ""
+Channels, "Canaux", ""
+Radio Settings, "Paramètres radio", ""
+Module Settings, "Paramètres des modules", ""
+App Settings, "Paramètres de l'application", ""
+Export Config File, "Exporter le fichier de configuration", ""
+Load Config File, "Charger le fichier de configuration", ""
+Config URL, "URL de configuration", ""
+Reboot, "Redémarrer", ""
+Reset Node DB, "Réinitialiser la base de données des nœuds", ""
+Shutdown, "Éteindre", ""
+Factory Reset, "Réinitialisation d'usine", ""
+factory_reset_config, "Réinitialiser la configuration d'usine", ""
+Exit, "Quitter", ""
+Yes, "Oui", ""
+No, "Non", ""
+Cancel, "Annuler", ""
+
+[ui]
+save_changes, "Enregistrer les modifications", ""
+dialog.invalid_input, "Entrée invalide", ""
+prompt.enter_new_value, "Entrer une nouvelle valeur : ", ""
+error.value_empty, "La valeur ne peut pas être vide.", ""
+error.value_exact_length, "La valeur doit comporter exactement {length} caractères.", ""
+error.value_min_length, "La valeur doit comporter au moins {length} caractères.", ""
+error.value_max_length, "La valeur ne doit pas dépasser {length} caractères.", ""
+error.digits_only, "Seuls les chiffres (0-9) sont autorisés.", ""
+error.number_range, "Entrez un nombre entre {min_value} et {max_value}.", ""
+error.float_invalid, "Doit être un nombre à virgule flottante valide.", ""
+prompt.edit_admin_keys, "Modifier jusqu'à 3 clés administrateur :", ""
+label.admin_key, "Clé administrateur", ""
+error.admin_key_invalid, "Erreur : chaque clé doit être en Base64 valide et faire 32 octets !", ""
+prompt.edit_values, "Modifier jusqu'à 3 valeurs :", ""
+label.value, "Valeur", ""
+prompt.enter_ip, "Entrez une adresse IP (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) :", ""
+label.current, "Actuel", ""
+label.new_value, "Nouvelle valeur", ""
+label.editing, "Modification de {label}", ""
+label.current_value, "Valeur actuelle :", ""
+error.ip_invalid, "Adresse IP invalide. Réessayez.", ""
+prompt.select_foreground_color, "Sélectionner la couleur de premier plan pour {label}", ""
+prompt.select_background_color, "Sélectionner la couleur d'arrière-plan pour {label}", ""
+prompt.select_value, "Sélectionner {label}", ""
+confirm.save_before_exit, "Vous avez des modifications non enregistrées. Enregistrer avant de quitter ?", ""
+prompt.config_filename, "Entrez un nom de fichier pour le fichier de configuration", ""
+confirm.overwrite_file, "{filename} existe déjà. Écraser ?", ""
+dialog.config_saved_title, "Fichier de configuration enregistré :", ""
+dialog.no_config_files, " Aucun fichier de configuration trouvé. Exportez-en un d'abord.", ""
+prompt.choose_config_file, "Choisissez un fichier de configuration", ""
+confirm.load_config_file, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir charger {filename} ?", ""
+prompt.config_url_current, "L'URL de configuration est actuellement : {value}", ""
+confirm.load_config_url, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir charger cette configuration ?", ""
+confirm.reboot, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir redémarrer ?", ""
+confirm.reset_node_db, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir réinitialiser la base de données des nœuds ?", ""
+confirm.shutdown, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir éteindre ?", ""
+confirm.factory_reset, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir effectuer une réinitialisation d'usine ?", ""
+confirm.factory_reset_config, "Êtes-vous sûr de vouloir réinitialiser la configuration d'usine ?", ""
+confirm.save_before_exit_section, "Vous avez des modifications non enregistrées dans {section}. Enregistrer avant de quitter ?", ""
+prompt.select_region, "Sélectionnez votre région :", ""
+dialog.slow_down_title, "Ralentissez", ""
+dialog.slow_down_body, "Veuillez attendre 2 secondes entre les messages.", ""
+dialog.node_details_title, "📡 Détails du nœud : {name}", ""
+dialog.traceroute_not_sent_title, "Traceroute non envoyé", ""
+dialog.traceroute_not_sent_body, "Veuillez attendre {seconds} secondes avant d'envoyer un autre traceroute.", ""
+dialog.traceroute_sent_title, "Traceroute envoyé à : {name}", ""
+dialog.traceroute_sent_body, "Les résultats apparaîtront dans la fenêtre des messages.", ""
+dialog.help_title, "Aide - Raccourcis clavier", ""
+help.scroll, "Haut/Bas = Défilement", ""
+help.switch_window, "Gauche/Droite = Changer de fenêtre", ""
+help.jump_windows, "F1/F2/F3 = Aller à Canal/Messages/Nœuds", ""
+help.enter, "ENTRÉE = Envoyer / Sélectionner", ""
+help.settings, "` ou F12 = Paramètres", ""
+help.quit, "ESC = Quitter", ""
+help.packet_log, "Ctrl+P = Activer/désactiver le journal des paquets", ""
+help.traceroute, "Ctrl+T ou F4 = Traceroute", ""
+help.node_info, "F5 = Informations complètes du nœud", ""
+help.archive_chat, "Ctrl+D = Archiver la discussion / supprimer le nœud", ""
+help.favorite, "Ctrl+F = Favori", ""
+help.bot_responder, "Ctrl+B = Activer/désactiver le bot répondeur", ""
+help.ignore, "Ctrl+G = Ignorer", ""
+help.search, "Ctrl+/ ou / = Rechercher", ""
+help.help, "Ctrl+K = Aide", ""
+help.no_help, "Aucune aide disponible.", ""
+bot.status.enabled, "Activé", ""
+bot.status.disabled, "Désactivé", ""
+bot.dialog.title, "Bot répondeur", ""
+bot.dialog.body, "Le bot répondeur est maintenant {status}.", ""
+bot.status.message, "Le bot répondeur est maintenant {status}.", ""
+
+[User Settings]
+user, "Utilisateur", ""
+longName, "Nom long du nœud", "Si vous êtes un opérateur radioamateur agréé et avez activé le mode HAM, cela doit être votre indicatif."
+shortName, "Nom court du nœud", "Doit contenir jusqu'à 4 octets."
+isLicensed, "Activer le mode radioamateur (HAM)", "IMPORTANT : lire la documentation Meshtastic avant d'activer."
+
+[app_settings]
+title, "Paramètres de l'application", ""
+channel_list_16ths, "Largeur de la liste des canaux", ""
+node_list_16ths, "Largeur de la liste des nœuds", ""
+single_pane_mode, "Mode panneau unique", ""
+db_file_path, "Chemin du fichier de base de données", ""
+log_file_path, "Chemin du fichier journal", ""
+node_configs_file_path, "Chemin des configurations des nœuds", ""
+language, "Langue", ""
+message_prefix, "Préfixe des messages", ""
+sent_message_prefix, "Préfixe des messages envoyés", ""
+notification_symbol, "Symbole de notification", ""
+notification_sound, "Son de notification", ""
+ack_implicit_str, "ACK (implicite)", ""
+ack_str, "ACK", ""
+nak_str, "NAK", ""
+ack_unknown_str, "ACK (inconnu)", ""
+node_sort, "Tri des nœuds", ""
+theme, "Thème", ""
+ping_bot, "Bot Ping", ""
+
+[app_settings.ping_bot]
+title, "Bot Ping", ""
+catch_words, "Mots déclencheurs", "Mots déclencheurs du bot séparés par des points-virgules."
+response_word, "Mot de réponse", "Mot de réponse du bot."
+
+[config.device]
+title, "Appareil", ""
+role, "Rôle", ""
+serial_enabled, "Activer la console série", ""
+button_gpio, "GPIO bouton", ""
+buzzer_gpio, "GPIO buzzer", ""
+rebroadcast_mode, "Mode de rediffusion", ""
+node_info_broadcast_secs, "Intervalle diffusion infos nœud", ""
+double_tap_as_button_press, "Double tap = bouton", ""
+is_managed, "Activer mode géré", ""
+disable_triple_click, "Désactiver triple clic", ""
+tzdef, "Fuseau horaire", ""
+led_heartbeat_disabled, "Désactiver LED heartbeat", ""
+buzzer_mode, "Mode buzzer", ""
+
+[config.network]
+title, "Réseau", ""
+wifi_enabled, "Wi-Fi activé", ""
+wifi_ssid, "SSID Wi-Fi", ""
+wifi_psk, "Mot de passe Wi-Fi", ""
+ntp_server, "Serveur NTP", ""
+eth_enabled, "Ethernet activé", ""
+address_mode, "Mode IPv4", ""
+ip, "Adresse IP", ""
+gateway, "Passerelle", ""
+subnet, "Sous-réseau", ""
+dns, "DNS", ""
+
+[config.display]
+title, "Affichage", ""
+screen_on_secs, "Durée écran actif", ""
+gps_format, "Format GPS", ""
+auto_screen_carousel_secs, "Intervalle carrousel", ""
+compass_north_top, "Toujours nord en haut", ""
+flip_screen, "Retourner écran", ""
+units, "Unités préférées", ""
+
+[config.bluetooth]
+title, "Bluetooth", ""
+enabled, "Activé", ""
+mode, "Mode d'appairage", ""
+fixed_pin, "Code PIN fixe", ""
+
+[module.mqtt]
+title, "MQTT", ""
+enabled, "Activé", ""
+address, "Adresse serveur", ""
+username, "Nom d'utilisateur", ""
+password, "Mot de passe", ""
+encryption_enabled, "Chiffrement activé", ""
+json_enabled, "JSON activé", ""
+tls_enabled, "TLS activé", ""
+
+[module.serial]
+title, "Série", ""
+enabled, "Activé", ""
+echo, "Écho", ""
+rxd, "GPIO réception", ""
+txd, "GPIO transmission", ""
+baud, "Débit en bauds", ""
+timeout, "Délai", ""
+
+[module.telemetry]
+title, "Télémétrie", ""
+device_update_interval, "Intervalle métriques appareil", ""
+environment_update_interval, "Intervalle métriques environnement", ""
+environment_measurement_enabled, "Télémétrie environnement activée", ""
+
+[module.audio]
+title, "Audio", ""
+codec2_enabled, "Activé", ""
+ptt_pin, "GPIO PTT", ""
+bitrate, "Débit audio", ""
+
+[module.remote_hardware]
+title, "Matériel distant", ""
+enabled, "Activé", ""
+available_pins, "Broches disponibles", ""
+
+[module.ambient_lighting]
+title, "Éclairage ambiant", ""
+led_state, "État LED", ""
+current, "Courant", ""
+red, "Rouge", ""
+green, "Vert", ""
+blue, "Bleu", ""

contact/localisations/ru.ini

@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ help.traceroute, "Ctrl+T или F4 = Traceroute", ""
 help.node_info, "F5 = Полная информация об узле", ""
 help.archive_chat, "Ctrl+D = Архив чата / удалить узел", ""
 help.favorite, "Ctrl+F = Избранное", ""
+help.bot_responder, "Ctrl+B = Вкл/выкл автоответчик", ""
 help.ignore, "Ctrl+G = Игнорировать", ""
 help.search, "Ctrl+/ или / = Поиск", ""
 help.help, "Ctrl+K = Справка", ""
@@ -90,6 +91,11 @@ confirm.remove_ignored, "Убрать {name} из игнорируемых?", ""
 confirm.region_unset, "Ваш регион НЕ ЗАДАН. Установить сейчас?", ""
 dialog.resize_title, "Увеличьте окно", ""
 dialog.resize_body, "Пожалуйста, увеличьте окно до {rows} строк.", ""
+bot.status.enabled, "Включен", ""
+bot.status.disabled, "Выключен", ""
+bot.dialog.title, "Автоответчик", ""
+bot.dialog.body, "Автоответчик теперь {status}.", ""
+bot.status.message, "Автоответчик теперь {status}.", ""
 
 [User Settings]
 user, "Пользователь"
@@ -116,10 +122,16 @@ nak_str, "NAK", ""
 ack_unknown_str, "ACK (неизвестный)", ""
 node_sort, "Сортировка нод", ""
 theme, "Тема", ""
+ping_bot, "Пинг-бот", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_DARK, "Цвета темы (темная)", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_LIGHT, "Цвета темы (светлая)", ""
 COLOR_CONFIG_GREEN, "Цвета темы (зеленая)", ""
 
+[app_settings.ping_bot]
+title, "Пинг-бот", ""
+catch_words, "Слова-триггеры", "Слова для активации бота, разделенные точкой с запятой."
+response_word, "Ответное слово", "Ответное слово бота."
+
 [app_settings.color_config]
 default, "По умолчанию", ""
 background, "Фон", ""

contact/message_handlers/bot_handler.py

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+# A basic auto-responder bot that replies to specific messages when bot mode is enabled.
+import logging
+import threading
+import time
+from typing import Any, Dict
+
+import contact.ui.default_config as config
+from contact.utilities.singleton import app_state, interface_state, ui_state
+from contact.message_handlers.tx_handler import send_message
+
+BOT_RESPONSE_DELAY_SECONDS = 2.3
+
+def _get_bot_catch_words() -> set[str]:
+    """Return normalized bot trigger words from app settings."""
+    raw_words = getattr(config, "ping_bot_catch_words", "ping; test")
+    words = {
+        word.strip().casefold()
+        for word in raw_words.replace(";", ",").split(",")
+        if word.strip()
+    }
+    return words or {"ping"}
+
+def is_bot_message(message: str) -> bool:
+    """Return True when the incoming message should trigger an automatic response."""
+    return message.strip().casefold() in _get_bot_catch_words()
+
+def bot_respond(packet: Dict[str, Any], message: str, send_channel: int) -> bool:
+    """Send a basic response when bot mode is enabled."""
+    if not ui_state.bot_mode_enabled:
+        return False
+
+    if not is_bot_message(message):
+        """ Only respond to specific messages. """
+        return False
+
+    from_node = packet.get("from")
+    if from_node is None:
+        return False
+    if from_node == interface_state.myNodeNum:
+        return False
+    snr = packet.get('rxSnr', -128)
+    rssi = packet.get('rxRssi', -128)
+    replyIDset = packet.get('replyId', False)
+    hop_start = packet.get('hopStart', 0)
+    hop_limit = packet.get('hopLimit', 0)
+    transport_type = packet.get('transportMechanism', None)
+    hops = hop_start - hop_limit
+    
+    details = []
+    if snr != -128:
+        details.append(f"SNR: {snr}")
+    if rssi != -128:
+        details.append(f"RSSI: {rssi}")
+    if hops != 0:
+        details.append(f"Hops: {hops}")
+    if replyIDset:
+        details.append(f"Relay: {replyIDset}")
+    transport_text = str(transport_type).upper() if transport_type is not None else ""
+    for transport_name in ("UDP", "MQTT"):
+        if transport_name in transport_text:
+            details.append(f"Via: {transport_name}")
+
+    response_data_string = getattr(config, "ping_bot_response_word", "Pong!")
+    if details:
+        response_data_string += f" {', '.join(details)}"
+
+    def send_response_delayed() -> None:
+        try:
+            time.sleep(BOT_RESPONSE_DELAY_SECONDS)
+
+            with app_state.lock:
+                if not ui_state.bot_mode_enabled:
+                    return
+
+                send_message(response_data_string,channel=send_channel)
+
+            # Import locally to avoid circular import at module import time.
+            from contact.ui.contact_ui import request_ui_redraw
+
+            request_ui_redraw(channels=True, messages=True, scroll_messages_to_bottom=True)
+            logging.info("Bot response sent to %s on channel index %s", from_node, send_channel)
+        except Exception:
+            logging.exception("Bot response send failed for destination %s", from_node)
+
+    threading.Thread(target=send_response_delayed, name="bot-response", daemon=True).start()
+
+    return True

contact/message_handlers/rx_handler.py

@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ from contact.utilities.db_handler import (
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 
 from contact.utilities.singleton import ui_state, interface_state, app_state, menu_state
+from contact.message_handlers.bot_handler import bot_respond
 
 
 def play_sound():
@@ -168,6 +169,8 @@ def on_receive(packet: Dict[str, Any], interface: Any) -> None:
 
                     channel_number = ui_state.channel_list.index(packet["from"])
 
+                bot_respond(packet, message_string, channel_number)
+
                 channel_id = ui_state.channel_list[channel_number]
 
                 if channel_id != ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]:

contact/ui/contact_ui.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import time
 import traceback
 from typing import Union
 
-from contact.utilities.utils import get_channels, get_readable_duration, get_time_ago, refresh_node_list
+from contact.utilities.utils import get_channels, get_readable_duration, get_time_ago, refresh_node_list, add_new_message
 from contact.settings import settings_menu
 from contact.message_handlers.tx_handler import send_message, send_traceroute
 from contact.utilities.utils import parse_protobuf
@@ -445,6 +445,9 @@ def main_ui(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
         elif char == chr(6):  # Ctrl + F to toggle favorite
             handle_ctrl_f(stdscr)
 
+        elif char == chr(2):  # Ctrl + B to toggle bot responder
+            handle_ctrl_b(stdscr)
+
         elif char == chr(7):  # Ctrl + G to toggle ignored
             handle_ctlr_g(stdscr)
 
@@ -919,6 +922,7 @@ def handle_ctrl_k(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
         t("ui.help.node_info", default="F5 = Full node info"),
         t("ui.help.archive_chat", default="Ctrl+D = Archive chat / remove node"),
         t("ui.help.favorite", default="Ctrl+F = Favorite"),
+        t("ui.help.bot_responder", default="Ctrl+B = Toggle Bot Responder"),
         t("ui.help.ignore", default="Ctrl+G = Ignore"),
         t("ui.help.search", default="Ctrl+/ = Search"),
         t("ui.help.help", default="Ctrl+K = Help"),
@@ -930,6 +934,32 @@ def handle_ctrl_k(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
     handle_resize(stdscr, False)
 
 
+def handle_ctrl_b(stdscr: curses.window) -> None:
+    """Handle Ctrl + B key events to toggle automatic bot responses."""
+    ui_state.bot_mode_enabled = not ui_state.bot_mode_enabled
+    status = t("ui.bot.status.enabled", default="Enabled") if ui_state.bot_mode_enabled else t(
+        "ui.bot.status.disabled", default="Disabled"
+    )
+
+    curses.curs_set(0)
+    contact.ui.dialog.dialog(
+        t("ui.bot.dialog.title", default="Bot Responder"),
+        t("ui.bot.dialog.body", default="Bot responder is now {status}.", status=status),
+    )
+
+    if ui_state.channel_list:
+        channel_id = ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel]
+        add_new_message(
+            channel_id,
+            f"{config.message_prefix} Info: ",
+            t("ui.bot.status.message", default="Bot responder is now {status}.", status=status.lower()),
+        )
+        draw_messages_window(True)
+
+    curses.curs_set(1)
+    handle_resize(stdscr, False)
+
+
 def handle_ctrl_d() -> None:
     if ui_state.current_window == 0:
         if isinstance(ui_state.channel_list[ui_state.selected_channel], int):

contact/ui/default_config.py

@@ -56,9 +56,13 @@ def _get_config_root(preferred_dir: str, fallback_name: str = ".contact_client")
 
     return fallback_dir
 
-
-# Pick the root now.
-config_root = _get_config_root(parent_dir)
+# Allow overriding config root via environment variable
+config_root = os.getenv("CONTACT_CONFIG_ROOT")
+if config_root:
+    if not _is_writable_dir(config_root):
+        raise RuntimeError(f"CONTACT_CONFIG_ROOT={config_root} is not writable")
+else:
+    config_root = _get_config_root(parent_dir)
 
 # Paths (derived from the chosen root)
 json_file_path = os.path.join(config_root, "config.json")
@@ -238,6 +242,10 @@ def initialize_config() -> Dict[str, object]:
         "ack_unknown_str": "[…]",
         "node_sort": "lastHeard",
         "theme": "dark",
+        "ping_bot": {
+            "catch_words": "ping; test",
+            "response_word": "Pong!",
+        },
         "COLOR_CONFIG_DARK": COLOR_CONFIG_DARK,
         "COLOR_CONFIG_LIGHT": COLOR_CONFIG_LIGHT,
         "COLOR_CONFIG_GREEN": COLOR_CONFIG_GREEN,
@@ -272,7 +280,7 @@ def assign_config_variables(loaded_config: Dict[str, object]) -> None:
     global notification_symbol, ack_implicit_str, ack_str, nak_str, ack_unknown_str
     global node_list_16ths, channel_list_16ths, single_pane_mode
     global theme, COLOR_CONFIG, language
-    global node_sort, notification_sound
+    global node_sort, notification_sound, ping_bot_catch_words, ping_bot_response_word
 
     channel_list_16ths = loaded_config["channel_list_16ths"]
     node_list_16ths = loaded_config["node_list_16ths"]
@@ -291,6 +299,9 @@ def assign_config_variables(loaded_config: Dict[str, object]) -> None:
     ack_unknown_str = loaded_config["ack_unknown_str"]
     node_sort = loaded_config["node_sort"]
     theme = loaded_config["theme"]
+    ping_bot = loaded_config.get("ping_bot", {})
+    ping_bot_catch_words = ping_bot.get("catch_words", "ping; test")
+    ping_bot_response_word = ping_bot.get("response_word", "Pong!")
     if theme == "dark":
         COLOR_CONFIG = loaded_config["COLOR_CONFIG_DARK"]
     elif theme == "light":

contact/ui/dialog.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import curses
 
 from contact.utilities.i18n import t_text
 from contact.ui.colors import get_color
-from contact.ui.nav_utils import draw_main_arrows
+from contact.ui.nav_utils import draw_main_arrows, slice_to_width, text_width
 from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state, ui_state
 
 
@@ -19,10 +19,10 @@ def dialog(title: str, message: str) -> None:
 
     # Parse message into lines and calculate dimensions
     message_lines = message.splitlines() or [""]
-    max_line_length = max(len(l) for l in message_lines)
+    max_line_length = max(text_width(l) for l in message_lines)
 
     # Desired size
-    dialog_width = max(len(title) + 4, max_line_length + 4)
+    dialog_width = max(text_width(title) + 4, max_line_length + 4)
     desired_height = len(message_lines) + 4
 
     # Clamp dialog size to the screen (leave a 1-cell margin if possible)
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ def dialog(title: str, message: str) -> None:
 
         # Title
         try:
-            win.addstr(0, 2, title[: max(0, dialog_width - 4)], get_color("settings_default"))
+            win.addstr(0, 2, slice_to_width(title, max(0, dialog_width - 4)), get_color("settings_default"))
         except curses.error:
             pass
 
@@ -80,9 +80,8 @@ def dialog(title: str, message: str) -> None:
             if idx >= len(message_lines):
                 break
             line = message_lines[idx]
-            # Hard-trim lines that don't fit
-            trimmed = line[: max(0, dialog_width - 6)]
-            msg_x = max(0, ((dialog_width - 2) - len(trimmed)) // 2)
+            trimmed = slice_to_width(line, max(0, dialog_width - 4))
+            msg_x = max(0, ((dialog_width - 2) - text_width(trimmed)) // 2)
             try:
                 msg_win.addstr(1 + i, msg_x, trimmed, get_color("settings_default"))
             except curses.error:

contact/ui/ui_state.py

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ class ChatUIState:
     current_window: int = 0
     last_sent_time: float = 0.0
     last_traceroute_time: float = 0.0
+    bot_mode_enabled: bool = False
 
     selected_index: int = 0
     start_index: List[int] = field(default_factory=lambda: [0, 0, 0])

contact/ui/user_config.py

@@ -309,7 +309,10 @@ def display_menu() -> tuple[Any, Any, List[str]]:
         else:
             display_key = key
         display_key = f"{display_key}"[: w // 2 - 2]
-        display_value = f"{value}"[: w // 2 - 8]
+        if isinstance(value, dict) or (isinstance(value, list) and len(value) != 2):
+            display_value = ">"
+        else:
+            display_value = f"{value}"[: w // 2 - 8]
 
         color = get_color("settings_default", reverse=(idx == menu_state.selected_index))
         menu_pad.addstr(idx, 0, f"{display_key:<{w // 2 - 2}} {display_value}".ljust(w - 8), color)

contact/utilities/db_handler.py

@@ -31,7 +31,8 @@ def save_message_to_db(channel: str, user_id: str, message_text: str) -> Optiona
         """
         ensure_table_exists(quoted_table_name, schema)
 
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
             timestamp = int(time.time())
 
@@ -53,7 +54,8 @@ def save_message_to_db(channel: str, user_id: str, message_text: str) -> Optiona
 
 def update_ack_nak(channel: str, timestamp: int, message: str, ack: str) -> None:
     try:
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
             update_query = f"""
                 UPDATE {get_table_name(channel)}
@@ -76,7 +78,8 @@ def update_ack_nak(channel: str, timestamp: int, message: str, ack: str) -> None
 def load_messages_from_db() -> None:
     """Load messages from the database for all channels and update ui_state.all_messages and ui_state.channel_list."""
     try:
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
 
             query = "SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table' AND name LIKE ?"
@@ -92,6 +95,7 @@ def load_messages_from_db() -> None:
                 if "ack_type" not in table_columns:
                     update_table_query = f"ALTER TABLE {quoted_table_name} ADD COLUMN ack_type TEXT"
                     db_cursor.execute(update_table_query)
+                    db_connection.commit()
 
                 query = f"SELECT user_id, message_text, timestamp, ack_type FROM {quoted_table_name}"
 
@@ -228,7 +232,8 @@ def update_node_info_in_db(
     try:
         ensure_node_table_exists()  # Ensure the table exists before any operation
 
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
             table_name = f'"{interface_state.myNodeNum}_nodedb"'  # Quote in case of numeric names
 
@@ -236,6 +241,7 @@ def update_node_info_in_db(
             if "chat_archived" not in table_columns:
                 update_table_query = f"ALTER TABLE {table_name} ADD COLUMN chat_archived INTEGER"
                 db_cursor.execute(update_table_query)
+                db_connection.commit()
 
             # Fetch existing values to preserve unchanged fields
             db_cursor.execute(f"SELECT * FROM {table_name} WHERE user_id = ?", (user_id,))
@@ -311,7 +317,8 @@ def ensure_node_table_exists() -> None:
 def ensure_table_exists(table_name: str, schema: str) -> None:
     """Ensure the given table exists in the database."""
     try:
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
             create_table_query = f"CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS {table_name} ({schema})"
             db_cursor.execute(create_table_query)
@@ -331,7 +338,8 @@ def get_name_from_database(user_id: int, type: str = "long") -> str:
     :return: The retrieved name or the hex of the user id
     """
     try:
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
 
             # Construct table name
@@ -359,7 +367,8 @@ def get_name_from_database(user_id: int, type: str = "long") -> str:
 
 def is_chat_archived(user_id: int) -> int:
     try:
-        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+        with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+            db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
             db_cursor = db_connection.cursor()
             table_name = f"{str(interface_state.myNodeNum)}_nodedb"
             nodeinfo_table = f'"{table_name}"'

contact/utilities/demo_data.py

@@ -141,7 +141,8 @@ def seed_demo_messages() -> None:
         ack_type TEXT
     """
 
-    with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path) as db_connection:
+    with sqlite3.connect(config.db_file_path, timeout=10.0) as db_connection:
+        db_connection.execute("PRAGMA busy_timeout=10000")
         cursor = db_connection.cursor()
 
         for channel_name, rows in _demo_messages().items():

pyproject.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [project]
 name = "contact"
-version = "1.5.5"
+version = "1.5.7"
 description = "This Python curses client for Meshtastic is a terminal-based client designed to manage device settings, enable mesh chat communication, and handle configuration backups and restores."
 authors = [
     {name = "Ben Lipsey",email = "ben@pdxlocations.com"}

tests/test_bot_handler.py

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+import unittest
+import importlib
+import sys
+import types
+from unittest import mock
+
+import contact.ui.default_config as config
+
+
+class BotHandlerTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    @classmethod
+    def setUpClass(cls) -> None:
+        sys.modules.setdefault(
+            "contact.message_handlers.tx_handler",
+            types.SimpleNamespace(send_message=mock.Mock()),
+        )
+        cls.bot_handler = importlib.import_module("contact.message_handlers.bot_handler")
+
+    def test_is_bot_message_uses_configured_catch_words(self) -> None:
+        with mock.patch.object(config, "ping_bot_catch_words", "ping; test; pong"):
+            self.assertTrue(self.bot_handler.is_bot_message("PING"))
+            self.assertTrue(self.bot_handler.is_bot_message("test"))
+            self.assertFalse(self.bot_handler.is_bot_message("hello"))
+
+    def test_is_bot_message_ignores_empty_config_values(self) -> None:
+        with mock.patch.object(config, "ping_bot_catch_words", " ;  ; "):
+            self.assertTrue(self.bot_handler.is_bot_message("ping"))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_dialog.py

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+import unittest
+from unittest import mock
+
+from contact.ui import dialog as dialog_module
+from contact.utilities.singleton import menu_state, ui_state
+
+
+class _FakeWindow:
+    def __init__(self, height: int, width: int) -> None:
+        self.height = height
+        self.width = width
+        self.children = []
+        self.added_strings = []
+        self._getch_values = [10]
+
+    def erase(self) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def bkgd(self, *_args) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def attrset(self, *_args) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def border(self, *_args) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def addstr(self, y: int, x: int, text: str, *_args) -> None:
+        self.added_strings.append((y, x, text))
+
+    def derwin(self, height: int, width: int, _y: int, _x: int):
+        child = _FakeWindow(height, width)
+        self.children.append(child)
+        return child
+
+    def noutrefresh(self) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def keypad(self, *_args) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def timeout(self, *_args) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def getch(self) -> int:
+        return self._getch_values.pop(0) if self._getch_values else -1
+
+    def refresh(self) -> None:
+        return None
+
+    def getmaxyx(self):
+        return (self.height, self.width)
+
+
+class DialogTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self.previous_window = ui_state.current_window
+        self.previous_start_index = list(ui_state.start_index)
+        self.previous_need_redraw = menu_state.need_redraw
+
+    def tearDown(self) -> None:
+        ui_state.current_window = self.previous_window
+        ui_state.start_index = self.previous_start_index
+        menu_state.need_redraw = self.previous_need_redraw
+
+    def test_dialog_renders_full_message_when_width_is_sufficient(self) -> None:
+        root = _FakeWindow(5, 33)
+        ui_state.current_window = 0
+        ui_state.start_index = [0, 0, 0]
+        menu_state.need_redraw = False
+
+        with mock.patch.object(dialog_module, "t_text", side_effect=lambda text: text):
+            with mock.patch.object(dialog_module, "get_color", return_value=0):
+                with mock.patch.object(dialog_module, "draw_main_arrows"):
+                    with mock.patch.object(dialog_module.curses, "update_lines_cols"):
+                        with mock.patch.object(dialog_module.curses, "doupdate"):
+                            with mock.patch.object(dialog_module.curses, "LINES", 24, create=True):
+                                with mock.patch.object(dialog_module.curses, "COLS", 80, create=True):
+                                    with mock.patch.object(dialog_module.curses, "newwin", return_value=root):
+                                        dialog_module.dialog("Bot Responder", "Bot responder is now Enabled.")
+
+        self.assertTrue(root.children)
+        message_text = [text for _y, _x, text in root.children[0].added_strings]
+        self.assertIn("Bot responder is now Enabled.", message_text)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_i18n.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from unittest import mock
 
 import contact.ui.default_config as config
 from contact.utilities import i18n
+from contact.utilities.ini_utils import parse_ini_file
 
 from tests.test_support import restore_config, snapshot_config
 
@@ -55,3 +56,20 @@ class I18nTests(unittest.TestCase):
             config.language = "ru"
             self.assertEqual(i18n.t("missing", default="fallback"), "fallback")
             self.assertEqual(parse_ini_file.call_count, 2)
+
+    def test_bot_ui_translation_keys_exist_in_all_locales(self) -> None:
+        required_keys = {
+            "ui.help.bot_responder",
+            "ui.bot.status.enabled",
+            "ui.bot.status.disabled",
+            "ui.bot.dialog.title",
+            "ui.bot.dialog.body",
+            "ui.bot.status.message",
+            "app_settings.ping_bot",
+            "app_settings.ping_bot.catch_words",
+            "app_settings.ping_bot.response_word",
+        }
+
+        for language in config.get_localisation_options():
+            field_mapping, _ = parse_ini_file(config.get_localisation_file(language))
+            self.assertTrue(required_keys.issubset(field_mapping), msg=f"Missing bot translation keys in {language}")